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I I I Council Meeting Minutes July 9, 1996 Page 5 Council Business. continued The Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Commission approved the project by an 8 to 3 vote. Commissioners supporting the project felt it would be a good addition to the FSC and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Natural habitat will not be affected. The DNR will review the project, and the City has until December 1997 for completion. Benke asked who will be the primary customers, and if there will be maintenance issues. Anderson feels persons using the FSC and school district activities could easily walk into the area, and future construction of a gazebo will attract more people. Anderson said trail upkeep is minimal, and the life of the floating walkway should be about 20 years. Benke suggested shortening the eastJwest floating walkway, but still provide two way traftlc. Anderson noted that the floating walkway is the primary cost source and relates to $40,000 of the total cost. A shorter walkway would reduce the project cost. Samuelson asked if the Commission discussed removing the floating walkway and replacing it with a bituminous trail with lookout area. Anderson feels bringing people into the marsh area is important, and speculated that eliminating the floating walkway may jeopardize the grant money. Larson suggested a pier which would go out into the marsh area in.<;tead of the floating walkway. Anderson feels there would be concern that the construction process for the pier pilings could create environmental damage. Williams likes Benke's suggestion of eliminating the westJeast portion, and retaining the southern section which travels to the observation tower. When he has conducted training seminars at the FSC, many seminar participants stated interest in walking outside during breaks. Also, seniors who attend FSC programs would enjoy taking a walk through this nature area. Anderson would prefer direction from Council in regards to reduction of the floating walkway, design modifications, and construction materials. City Manager Matthew Fulton asked if the $16,000 of in-kind and volunteer services named in the grant was associated with the floating walkway and if this would reflect upon the grant. Anderson said the in-house services relate to the building of the overlook, clearing brush, and there could be some impact to that amount. Dennis Guldan, 563 - 17th Ave., feels the trail will displace wildlife and create habitat loss. He feels this is not a preferred location for a nature trail because of the noise generated from I-35W and 694, and taxpayers should not spend $50,000 to destroy a habitat area which very few people will use. Williams asked Anderson about the noise levels in the project area. Anderson and his staff have been surprised that traftlc noise has not been a factor. Because the area of the future trail is currently weeds and some marsh, staff will need to determine the type of trail material to be used. Councilmember of the Month and FSC architect, Jim O'Brien, explained that the conceptual plan for the FSC was to incorporate a nature trail in this adjacent parcel. During the planning process, he walked this area often and did not feel the noise interfered with the enjoyment of a trail. Motion by Williams, seconded by Larson, to APPROVE A REVISED $54,000 GRANT REQUEST WITH A $26,000 CITY MATCH AND AUTHORIZE UP TO AN $11,000 CASH MATCH FROM POLARI PARKING LOT FUNDS; SUBJECT TO A 50% REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF FLOATING WALKWAY. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Council Business FSC Nature Trail Report 96-148