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City Attorney is working on the Windsorwood parcel that the Council directed for sale. <br />However, the Council has not yet identified where those funds will go in the Park system. Parks <br />and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood indicated trails are high in community <br />priority in comparison to other items and if the Council determines land proceeds should go to <br />trails first, he would encourage that. <br />Councilmember McGlone asked whether staff has considered a value of those properties. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated the Council will need to <br />determine the land disbursement process, noting that many properties, since they were dedicated, <br />involve other restrictions so the cost to disburse may be more than the proceeds. He indicated <br />staff can tally the assessed market value of the 36 parcels but that number may not be useful. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted the focus has been on "low <br />hanging fruit" first and then to identify where those revenues are used. <br />Councilmember Tossey asked whether the City is set on the overpass location. He noted the <br />Council has indicated the importance of Armstrong Boulevard and he questions why the skyway <br />cannot be moved to the Armstrong Boulevard overpass instead of having two structures over <br />Highway 10. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that is a germane and <br />prudent point. He used a map to note the proposed location of the skyway and described the <br />distance to points of crossing. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood <br />noted the crossing of Ramsey Boulevard or Sunfish Lake Boulevard involves a huge expanse of <br />pavement and he is unsure how that would be handled from a design standpoint. He stated the <br />proposed skyway crossing has great value for the land on the south side and the apartment will <br />also fill faster with a connection to the regional trail. In addition, there may be reverse <br />commuters and bicyclists using the train for trail access. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated the overpass is a need and if it did not restrict the funding, he <br />would like it not ruled out to move the pedestrian overpass to Armstrong Boulevard. He <br />indicated he wants to assure the City's priorities are straight and thinks that is with Armstrong <br />Boulevard so he does not want it ruled out. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood agreed the City should be mindful <br />to not have the skyway interfere with interchange funding. He explained that Federal highway <br />bills have been such that 10% is routed to transportation enhancements, usually trails and <br />multimodal facilities (skyways) so there may be opportunity to get some federal funding back <br />that does not compete with the interchange. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated years ago he was not a trail fan but admitted he has changed his <br />mind and now finds them to be a high priority. He noted the City constructed Alpine Park and <br />regional parks, such as Central Park, without addressing safe pedestrian connections. <br />Councilmember Elvig commented on the importance of creating connections and indicated he <br />would like to "keep an eye" on connecting Anoka County Regional Park North to Anoka County <br />Regional Park South, which is the last leg to connect the seven county regional linear parkway. <br />City Council Work Session / September 25, 2012 <br />Page 2 of 8 <br />