1994-04-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Meeting Minutes April 12, 1994 Page 6 Council Business. continued Don Youngdahl, 1800 Canyon, commends the people who had the foresight to set aside land for parks and trails. He is an extensive trail user and feels the Silver Lake Road crossing is not more hazardous than other trail crossings he has used. He feels this is not a safety problem, but a "not in my backyard problem" . Cheryl Burg, Shoreview, is very unhappy with a recently County installed trail in her backyard. Any promises that the County made to her has never materialized. She feels her privacy and security has been taken away since the trails' installation. Lyle Bellis, 2977 Co. Rd. H, does not support the trail and feels the County should provide privacy fencing for those living adjacent to the trail. He feels the County has not addressed the concerns regarding the Silver Lake Road crossing. Larry Holmberg, Ramsey County, confirmed the 1993 Silver Lake Road daily traffic count was 10,700. Bellis heard that the 1991 count was 13,000. Williams noted a 1991 map stating the count to be 10,500. Holmberg noted that one year may have had a higher count due to the Long Lake Road reconstruction. Horn said the proposed Silver Lake Road crossing is consistent with other trail crossings near busy roadways with similar traffic volume. Holmberg noted three other trail crossings similar to Silver Lake Road traffic levels. Bellis questioned Silver Lake Road's site distances and feels his property values will be lowered because of the trail. Carol Moen, 899 Patton, is a avid biker and supports the trail. She does not feel trail users would vandalize properties and asked how often the train runs. Benke said there is one scheduled daily round trip and some occasional runs. Benke noted letters supporting the trail from Ron Flanagan and Don Youngdahl; and letters from David Upgard, Lyle Bellis and Dick Gregorich opposing the trail. He also received many verbal comments of support for the trail. Larson confirmed that fencing will be installed between the trail and tracks, and asked if residents could note their preference regarding fencing. Holmberg said a majority of residents preferred landscaping, however, fencing could be further considered. The County suggested installation of a continuous 3 ft. woven wire fence which would designate boundaries, and are willing to work with residents as long as the fencing is a consistent application. Holmberg confirmed that the budget allows for fencing. Mack said the railroad fencing will be installed this year. Lowell Johnson, 135 Stinson, supports the trail. David Carlson, 2021 Longview, lives adjacent to the trail and supports it's installation; but prefers residents be given a choice regarding fencing. Personally, he would not want fencing because he plans to utilize the trail system. Mary Walter, 2055 Longview, requests fencing be installed and asked if police will patrol the trail for unauthorized activity such as snowmobiles. Holmberg said the trail allows for 7 ft. on each side of the property line and the trail would not abut Walter's property line, also motorized vehicles are prohibited. Benke asked if the trails would be groomed for skiing. Holmberg said the trails would be plowed in the winter which would discourage snowmobiles and would not provide a base for skiing. The County will work with the City to determine maintenance needs. Benke confirmed that the police would respond to any concerns. Council Business I Rice Creek Trail Issues Report 94-092 I I