Agenda - Council - 10/10/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background: MISSISSIPPI RIVER REGIONAL TRAIL By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor C.I As the Council is aware, many of the existing and proposed trails within Ramsey's Park and Trail plan have regional significance in addition to their importance to the community. Ramsey's trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard for instance, is designated a Regional Trail by Metropolitan Council's Parks and Open Space Commission. This designation can provide funding for these regional resources through an implementing agency such as Anoka County Parks. Anoka County's Rum River Central Park in Ramsey was constructed using these monies. Staff from the City of Anoka and Ramsey for many years has worked to establish trail and sidewalk connections between our communities. One important east/west connection remains however, between the Mississippi River and US Hwy #10 and #169. This is an area of Floodplain Forest directly across the highway from the Anoka Technical College known as, Kings Island. A few years ago, Anoka, Ramsey and Anoka County organized a feasibility study to identify specific routes, costs and opportunities for a trail that would connect the above communities as well as to Sherburne County. This draft study was discussed approximately three years ago at a joint meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission and City Council. The purpose of this case is to request City Council approve the attached Resolution supporting Regional Trail Status for the existing and proposed trail system that parallels the Mississippi River, south of Highways #169 & #10 within Ramsey. At the Park and Recreation Commission's September 14 2006 meeting, this recommendation was made to City Council. The city of Anoka has adopted a similar resolution last month; and Anoka County Park's is expected to make the above request of Metropolitan Council's Parks Commission in late October or November 2006 (should Ramsey's Council support this). This timing will allow for a subsequent request for funding portions of the trail within Metro Park's next 5 -year CIP - most specifically the Ramsey -Anoka connection at Kings Island. Recommendation: City Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution 06 10 - XXX. Council Action: Motion to adopt Resolution 06- 10 -XXX, supporting inclusion of the Mississippi River Trail within Ramsey in the Regional Park and Trail system. Reviewed by: Copies to: Director Public Works/Principal Engineer City Administrator Community Development Director CC: 10/10/06