Agenda - Council - 10/14/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Barten stated that he did a lot of research on this, and there are a lot of additional trails done in this same manner, not just in Ramsey, but throughout the country. He stated that, regardless of the usefulness of the trail, there would be an issue of precedent; removing a trail on an easement would set precedent for others to do the same, and that would be counteractive to the desire for connectivity. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that there has been discussion of developing Traprock Park as a community garden, and the trail connection would then provide a benefit to more residents, including in The Woodlands neighborhood, most of which have tiny yards, many with shade. Commissioner Bennett stated that he has two neighbors who would make a similar request to remove a trail that terminates at their driveway if this request were approved. Mr. Lammert asked why it would be bad to remove something that residents do not like. He stated that he should have looked at a survey before purchasing the property to determine where his property line is, but he has now discovered that ten percent of his property is essentially unusable. Commissioner Bennett commented that Mr. Lammert is asking for consideration for his property, which existed in this manner when he purchased it, and in addition to putting that burden on other Ramsey taxpayers to remove the trail and add other connections to take that place. He stated that the Commission is charged with making the best decision overall. He had empathy for the resident but also understood that he purchased the property in the manner it exists. Mr. Lammert commented that he would be willing to contribute to the cost of removal of the trail. Commissioner Bennett asked about the cost to make a connection to Traprock along Variolite Street to Alpine Drive. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the trail connection would have a cost of about $500,000. Commissioner Bennett commented that the issue is not just the trail on the easement but the broader ramifications. Mr. Lammert stated that it seems like a shortcut the City chose to save money, in having the developer create this trail rather than the City paying for the extension and connection of trails. Commissioner Bennett agreed that this was probably a poorly thought-out choice at the time of development. Commissioner Arts commented that the situation should have been disclosed to the homeowner at the time of purchase, noting that he had a similar situation with an easement on his property. He recognized that it is not an ideal situation, but noted that he has used the trail connection himself. Park and Recreation Commission/ August 14, 2025 Page 3 of 5