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I I I Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 1997 Page 4 Council Business. continued Park and Recreation Director Maurie Anderson said the original 1995 proposal involved an extensive trail loop through the marsh area and 800 ft. boardwalk. The proposal was submitted for a Lawcon Grant, but was denied. Modifications were made to decrease the boardwalk to 400 ft., and shredded wood material used for the trail. This modified plan was approved by the DNR. Shredded wood is envirorunentally friendly, cheaper, and handicapped accessible, and reduced project costs by $10,000. Ramsey County Job Training will build most of the floating boardwalk free of charge resulting in a $10,000 savings. The original request totaled $107,000; but modifications reduced that amount to $30,000 for a project which has not changed dramatically. The Park, Recreation, and Envirorunental Commission considered the project on two occasions. Council had several discussions, and the project's merits prevailed to allow for it to proceed. Anderson presented the plan to the New Brighton Sportsman's Club, and has not received correspondence indicating disapproval of the project. Larson asked if the DNR performed an on-site evaluation prior to the grant approval. Anderson confirmed that the DNR did perfonn a site inspection. Benke asked if the reductions in the project cost was discussed at the Sportsman's meeting. When Anderson presented the project a month ago, the grant request was $44,000. However, the City received notice today of further reductions in the project cost. Anderson received no communication from the Sportsman's since that meeting. Letters were sent to petition signees indicating placement on the Council agenda. A response was received from the occupant of 644 -17th Ave. NW who basically objected to the short meeting notification. Another respondent stated she would not have signed the petition if adequate information was available. Larson confirmed that individual was Fran Breslin. Benke supports staff recommendation to schedule an informational meeting on June 4 to further explain the project and answer any questions. Dennis Guldan, 563 17th Ave. NW, requested an environmental impact statement initially when the project was presented to the Parks Commission. This area is more than home to blackbirds, but is a waterfowl nesting area and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should be aware of this. He opposes the path, and only one Sportsman's Club member Club favored the trail. Fulton confirmed the petition was received on May 21. Benke asked the source in which Guldan received the information stated in the petition relating to a 1,200 ft. walkway would break the marsh into parcels too small to support wildlife. Guldan said that information was communicated one year ago. Benke confirmed that in July 1996, Council directed staff to reduce the floating walkway from 800 ft. to 400 ft. Guldan was not informed of these modifications. Benke believes it is imperative that a petition state correct information before it is circulated for signatures. Guldan said it seems the path's length continually changes. Benke reiterated that the floating walkway's length was approved by Council one year ago. Anderson is quite sure he mentioned the 400 ft. walkway length at the Sportsman's meeting. Benke noted a petition statement which relates to a DNR request for increased funding through higher license fees. Benke added that this project has no relation to license fees levied by the DNR, and grant programs are in no way dependent on license fees. Benke asked if Guldan discussed budgetary issues with the DNR. Guldan had spoke to DNR officials. Council Business FSC Walking Path Report 97-123