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Mayor Gamec suggested requiring an easement to be provided for a future trail. • <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon explained it was ` staff's perception that the <br />connection of trails needs to start at some point. He agrees - at this point this sidewalk would not <br />go anywhere, but the first trails built in the City did not go anywhere either. He stands behind <br />the recommendation, but it is the Council's decision to make. The sidewalk is being proposed <br />along the north side of 156 Avenue and would end at the City of Elk River; the important link is <br />to Alpine Drive. <br />Mr. Walz stated this sidewalk would not - go to any restaurants or amenities, and there are no <br />residential areas to walk from or to. <br />Councilmember Cook explained'this sidewalk would not lead anywhere now, but there would <br />likely be connectivity down Alpine Drive as other properties start to develop. There are places <br />similar to this that now have trail connections or sidewalks going through them, which would <br />never have happened if the first developers had not been required to put in sidewalks. <br />Mr. Walz stated the City is requiring extreme expenses with this project. The extension of 156 <br />Avenue is being required at their expense, as well as the expansion of the City sewer and water <br />system, while the utilities will not likely be in use for 5 to 10 years. <br />Councilmember Cook .indicated at the very least an easement should be retained to allow for a • <br />trail or sidewalk in the future. <br />Councilmember Elvig concurred. <br />Mr. Walz commented the easement would be on City property. <br />Councilmember Strommen expressed her agreement with the statement made that there would <br />not be any trails in the City if they did not start at some point. She expressed concern regarding <br />how to draw the line on this requirement and the effect on future connections. <br />Councilmember Cook stated under most conditions he would likely agree with Councilmember <br />Strommen, but when a trail is required it is usually on the applicant's property or it is a present <br />transportation route where the developer is required to put the trail in beyond their park and trail <br />dedication. In this case the location of the trail is City property and park dedication is being <br />required. If the City wants to put the trail in down the line it could be done with park dedication <br />funds, which this developer is paying. <br />Mr. Walz questioned where the trail would go, as it is adjacent to Northern Burlington Railroad's <br />property and borders the City of Elk River. <br />Councilmember Cook replied the City has put in trails that go to the City's borders and are <br />continued with cooperation from adjoining cities. This trail is likely a regional thought, and the <br />City has discussions with different communities to work things out in a regional way. He agrees • <br />City Council / December 28, 2006 <br />Page 20 of 27 <br />—128— <br />