Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/30/2013 - Joint with Anoka CC

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Development Services Manager Gladhill said they will ensure that there is a local voice and be fully educated on the topic before then. Councilmember Weaver said the minimum standards were more onerous than City standards already in place. Planning Director Braun said these rules will be difficult to enforce and administer so we will end up in litigation. She noted insurance will not cover costs if we bring to litigation and said they are not sure of the consequences. Mayor Strommen said we need more education on the potential impacts. Councilmember Schmidt said Nowthen is an isolated area but we have positive support from Representatives Uglem and Abeler. Councilmember Weaver said bipartisan support is great, adding this is all encompassing and more government needs to be involved. He thanked Development Services Manager Gladhill and Planning Director Braun for their work on this topic. 3.05: Mississippi River Trail Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood shared slides from the joint meeting as well as history on the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). Director of Public Services /City Engineer Lee outlined the proposed schedule and the project on Kings Island, including amenities such as a suspended pedestrian bridge and hunting blinds for handicapped hunters. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood outlined the rest of the trail system and amenities such as restrooms and drinking water at Riverplace Park. Director of Public Services /City Engineer Lee said the project will be under $1.4 million and is a cost sharing outlined through a joint powers agreement. He said we each pay our portion, 45% Ramsey and 55% Anoka, including engineering costs. Director of Public Services /City Engineer Lee said revenue will come from a Federal Transportation Grant of $440,000 as well as County participation at $340,000 from east of Kings Island to Mississippi West Regional Park. Councilmember Weaver said this will be an economic engine and that TC Gateway ads featuring bicycling in this region will be very good. Mayor Strommen said the economic potential has always been a selling point and that she is glad to see TC Gateway and others promoting the trail. Councilmember Freeburg asked if the regional biking industry will promote this trail as well.