Minutes - Planning Commission - 12/20/1999 - Special Meeting

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Commissioner Jensen stated that she thinks there is a significant difference between a concrete sidewalk and a bituminous trail. Commissioner Johnson questioned the link to density. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos explained that the density question was included in the case to discuss the possibility of dead-end cul-de-sac which would not appear to need a sidewalk. But if there were plans to extend the cul-de-sac as a through street in the future, then a sidewalk would be necessary and it becomes very difficult to construct a sidewalk once construction is completed. Chairperson Anderson requested a definition of arterial and collector streets. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos reviewed the differences between a collector and arterial street. Commissioner Johnson stated that it is important to make sure the sidewalks line up and also who would be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. He did not think it would be appropriate to impose on homeowners to clean an eight foot sidewalk. Mr. Johnson requested that the Planning Commission be presented with a proposed Ordinance for them to respond to. In his opinion, sidewalks in subdivisions can be important but there are exceptions where they are not needed. He also agreed with the idea of installing the' sidewalk prior to construction and that the developer should incur the cost for the sidewalk and not receive credit towards the trail fee. Commissioner Jensen inquired as to what the current policy is with the developer. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied that there is none. Commissioner Wivoda questioned if a wide paved shoulder would be considered a sidewalk. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos explained that the County discourages bike traffic on paved shoulders, but noted the City does currently have some bike lanes. Commissioner Wivoda inquired if it would be feasible to link sidewalks to traffic density. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied that traffic density would have a direct correlation with residential density. Commissioner Wivoda stated that certain roads in the development would have increased traffic. Chairperson Anderson stated that there should be a distinction between a rural development and an urban development and that the developer should have to incur the costs. Commissioner Dempsey agreed with sidewalks being placed on collector and arterial streets. He noted that he had some difficulty with placing trails within cul-de-sacs unless there were certain Planning Commission/December 20, 1999 Page 8 of 12