Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2014

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The consensus of the Public Works Committee was to recommend that the City Council postpone any action on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment until the Highway 10 Access Planning Study is complete specific to the Village Bank proposal and that those concepts should not impact the PSD site. 5.02: Update on Alpine Drive Trail Connection between Nowthen Boulevard and Krypton Street City Engineer Westby acknowledged the attendance of residents Mark Martensen of 5803 Alpine Drive NW and Jim Hirschman of 5859 Alpine Drive NW. City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and indicated Anoka County moved the project forward with no trail included. He stated at a prior meeting, there was some Council support to create a trail connection between Nowthen Boulevard and Krypton Street. As a result, staff explored options for cost-efficiently constructing a trail connection north of Alpine Drive while minimizing impacts to the three residential properties. He explained this can be achieved by constructing the trail directly behind the curb and narrowing the trail. Since this is a Municipal State Aid (MSA) street, the City must follow its standards while constructing improvements within the right-of-way. It was noted that based on MSA standards, a two-way multi-use bituminous trail should be ten feet wide and a concrete sidewalk constructed to eight feet; however, neither would appreciably reduce impacts to the three residential properties. City Engineer Westby pointed out that if a trail connection north of Alpine Drive is not made at this time, pedestrians and bicyclists can continue to use the bituminous trail on the south side of Alpine Drive by crossing Alpine Drive at the existing mid-block pedestrian crossing. City Engineer Westby displayed an aerial view of Mr. Hirschman property, noting it shows a realigned driveway and nine feet of right-of-way so a ten-foot trail would not fit unless additional right-of-way is acquired. In addition, a retaining wall would be needed to accommodate a sidewalk/trail. He pointed out the location of existing trees and those that would be impacted. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the existing trail/path is located to create better sight lines and if constructed, would probably have to go towards the east. Since an alternate route exists at this time, City Engineer Westby recommended waiting to construct a trail connection north of Alpine Drive until such time that the residential properties to the north are developed. In the mean time, staff can consider whether the trial can be moved to the east and options for crosswalk signalization. Chairperson Backous stated support for striping crosswalks in locations that have better sightlines and signage. Councilmember Kuzma stated support for the alternative of a crosswalk instead of having a path right by their house. Public Works Committee / April 15, 2014 Page 4 of 12