Minutes - Council - 03/12/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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from 97% of the people in the area that they did not want this trail connection. He noted that this is a quiet area and the trail connection could create issues. He asked why this is being addressed again as they have already been through this discussion. He shared his frustrations that the residents have to keep their eyes on every step of the process otherwise the City will do what it wants to do and not what the residents want. He asked what they have to do to get rid of this idea of the trail connection. City Administrator Hagen explained that a survey did go out a few years ago on this. He said this survey focused on a road connection, which they did not do due to a lack of interest from the residents. He shared that part of the strategic plan is to connect the City through parks and trails. He stated that since Bowers Drive is having a road project done this year, they will already have a company in the area that can do the asphalt trail. Mr. Johnston reiterated that no one in the area wants this trail. Mayor Kuzma shared that he has already received phone calls in support of this trail. Councilmember Specht shared that they have discussed this connection along with the options available many times. He said they heard from many residents that they do not want this connection due to the uniqueness of Bowsers Drive. He added that he was also shocked when he saw this item come back up. He said he does not think it is right to re-discuss something they already voted on. Councilmember Woestehoff asked if Public Works has any comments as to why this item is being revisited. Councilmember Musgrove shared this came up because the City presented this as being done in conjunction with the road project as there is an opportunity for a trail connection in this area. She added they wanted to get the public's input on this. City Administrator Hagen shared that the Council is scheduled to further discuss this at the next Work Session meeting on March 26, 2024. Councilmember Howell shared that she brought the objections forward to Public Works that the residents have already said they did not want this connection. She also shared concerns with the expense and how many people would actually use this trail. She asked if residents do not respond negatively to the survey if that would count as a `yes' vote in support of the trail connection. City Administrator Hagen said no and that the responses that they received will be provided to Council for consideration. Councilmember Howell said if the residents of Bowers Drive do not want this trail then she will not be supporting it. Councilmember Olson agreed and said this is about what the residents want. He said he was not willing to make a recommendation for this at Public Works without getting any feedback from the residents. City Council/March 12, 2024 Page 3 of 11