Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/20/2018

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5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS 5.01: North Commons Neighborhood Trail or Street Link at Zeolite Street Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and stated that the purpose of this case is to assess the Committee's opinion on the development of a short trail segment to link an existing neighborhood to The COR west of North Commons. He displayed a location map and reported the Park & Recreation Commission recommended that the trail concept be pursued. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained this short trail link could advance for Council consideration in terms of a mailer for public notification. While the project scope is not fully developed at this time, it is estimated the cost may be less than $30,000 for the bituminous trail, ADA pedestrian ramps, and trees with naturalized pollinator landscape. He noted this trail would connect neighborhoods, expand across to the playground and community gardens in North Commons, and allow more residents' access to The COR on foot or by bicycle. Councilmember Kuzma asked the funding source. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the park trust fund would be used to fund the project and confirmed that there are sufficient funds available. Councilmember Johns stated that it makes sense to connect that development, and those homes, to The COR. Councilmember Kuzma asked if there would be an expense to the owner to vacate as discussed. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there would be some staff time (City cost) for the ordinance that would be prepared. He noted that the additional space would provide flexibility to the homeowners as it could allow an accessory structure, such as a shed, to be built in an area where it currently could not because of the reduced setback that will be available. He explained that currently the property owners are mowing but cannot do anything inside of that area. He stated that the trail option would also provide an emergency access, should that be needed. Chairperson Riley asked if this would be considered the highest value connection. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that it would not be a high priority but would be more of a low hanging fruit because of the low cost. He stated that the project could be done fairly easy and would provide connectivity, also noting that minimal maintenance would be needed. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to recommend that the City Council notify public via a mailer to gain input on development of a short trail segment to link an existing neighborhood to The COR west of North Commons. Public Works Committee / January 16, 2018 Page 2 of 14