Minutes - Council - 10/25/1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

park dedication. Currently, the Park Commission and Todd and Randy Elofson do not agree on what park dedication should consist of. Based on the ordinance in effect at the time of the subdivision application, the Park Commission recommended acquiring a 46 foot right-of-way along the south side of Front Street for the proposed muti-use trail system; the other option under the ordinance in effect at that time would be to require a cash payment of approxiamtely $3800 which would not begin to cover the cost of right-of-way acquisition for the trail system. The Elofson's were not agreeable and noted that earlier this year they were told the trail system could be accommodated in the road right-of-way. The Park Commission tabled the issue until other options could be researched. The alternative options presented in Merland Otto's letter of September 29 were also unacceptable to the Elofsons. On October 20, the Park Commission met and recommended acquiring a 35 foot wide easement for the trail corridor; findings relating to that recommendation have been drafted. Mr. Otto stated that a 35 foot width is the minimum the City should be considering acquiring if the City is intending to provide a trail experience; if the City desires to provide a sidewalk experience, it could require the developer to provide a sidewalk in the form of a trail. Mr. Todd Elofson stated that road alignments were negotiated during acquisition of right-of-way for Front Street; requiring an additional 35 feet of right-of-way will be a detriment to Riverview Estates lot sizes; if he had been aware of the amount of property that would eventually be required for the trail, he would have-designed Front Street closer to Hwy. #10 in Riverview Estates. Mr. Elofson stated that he was aware there was a trail planned through the area but it was indicated to him in a letter dated July 7, 1988, that the Front Street right-of-way could accommodate the trail and he would be required to make a cash payment to satisfy park dedication requirements. Councilmember Pearson stated that there seems to be a lot of public opposition to the trail and questioned whether the City should pursue acquiring right-of-way for same. Mr. Otto replied that along the Mississippi River, there is no choice other than the type of experience that will be offered; indications from Metro Council and EQB is that they will not sign off on plats until a trail alignment is indicated. Mr. Otto reviewed with Council the reasons why such a wide amount of area width is necessary for developing a trail and that the city would probably have to commit to maintenance of the trail right-of-way until it is developed and the County assumes maintenance of it. Mr. Elofson indicated that he would be agreeable to dedicating an additional 3 feet of right-of-way to be used for the trail system and making a cash payment in accordance with park dedication requirements in effect at the time of his subdivision application. Mr. Otto suggested that the City also require Mr. Elofson to construct an 8 foot wide sidewalk. City Council/October 25, 1988 Page 12 of 18