Minutes - Council - 06/27/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

proposed sidewalk between County Road #5 and T.H. #47. City Council voted to proceed with the Sunwood Drive extension project during the Council meeting of August 10, 1999, and a recommendation to move the sidewalk to the south side of Sunwood Drive had been recommended by the Public Works Committee on August 31, 1999. Upon closer review of the action taken by the City Council in 1999, staff did note that the City Council reserved final review authority regarding the project. The issue of the sidewalk along the properties of Sunwood Drive from County Road//5 to T.H.//47 was controversial with arguments having been presented for the placement of the sidewalk on the north or south sides of Sunwood Drive. The final plans submitted to the State showed a five-foot concrete sidewalk located seven feet behind the south curbline of T.H. #47. Clearing for Sunwood Drive has taken place and grading is continuing. If the project were to be constructed as designed, three additional trees would need to be removed fi'om the right-of-way off the northeast comer of the Mark Wilson property. These trees include two mature scotch pines and one four-inch diameter spruce tree. Alternatively, these trees could remain and have a good chance for survival providing the sidewalk was moved seven feet to the north at this critical point which would eliminate the seven foot gutter terrace between the sidewalk and the curb. This is how grading and clearing has been left at this point. Mayor Gamec noted the letter received from Rollie and Kate Greenberg, 14760 Erkium Street NW, Ramsey. Rollie Greenberg, 14760 Erkium Street NW, Ramsey, stated that his purpose for attending the meeting was to voice their position. He explained that he feels the change of the location of the sidewalk was unfairly decided. He was unable to attend the meeting on August 31, 1999, and was not aware that a decision as to which side the sidewalk should go was to be made. After attending the meeting on June 20, 2000, they were told that the option of no sidewalk was not likely because the purpose of the sidewalk was to connect the already existing trails on the north side of Sunwood Drive and 149th Average. The other concern is safety. He does not think that having trails on the opposite sides of the road at a main intersection is safe. Mr. Greenberg stated that when they first moved to the City three years ago they never dreamed that a path would go through on their side of the street since it already existed on the north side. In his opinion there was no logic or fairness in the decision to change the plans and unfortunately has caused some neighbors to have hostile feelings towards each other. If the plans were to have been left alone this would not have happened. Voting no sidewalk on either side would be a "win win" situation but if that is not possible it would make more sense to place the sidewalk on the north side to avoid the crossings. Joyce Kalstabakken, 5571 Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey, stated that the discussions regarding the sidewalk started in September 1998. At that time she contacted Parks/Utilities Supervisor Mark Boos and be had indicated that no final decision had been made regarding the location of the sidewalk and advised her to contact City Engineer Jankowski. She made several attempts to reach Mr. Jankowski but was unable to do so. In March 1999, she received a letter discussing the Sunwood Drive extension, the trail and ACCAP housing. Mr. and Mrs. Kalstabakken have attended several meetings regarding the issue, which were meetings that all of the residents were City Council/June 27, 2000 Page 6 of 26