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Council Meeting Minutes March 22, 1994 Page 2 Soecial Order of Business. continued The Metropolitan Council, Ramsey County, and other area counties have worked to develop the metropolitan trail system which connects to Long Lake Park and extends westerly to an existing system which runs to the Anoka County Riverfront. The trail piece under discussion would be the final piece extending to the river and would be constructed this summer. ~. Three alternatives were explored when this trail piece was originally considered. The alternatives were: following the riverfront and tying into Mississippi St.; traveling on Co. Rd. H to Long Lake Road; and utilizing the area along the railroad tracks. The final decision was made to use the railroad right-of-way (ROW) from Stinson Blvd. to Long Lake Road, crossing the railroad ROW following the southern side of the railroad ROW to where it connects to the Mississippi St. ROW and continue on the street and into Long Lake Park. In 1982, the City authorized the project, and the County has secured all the needed railroad ROW. The trail would be located on the northern portion of the ROW. This issue was brought forth by the residents because the County will begin the bidding process with construction proposed this summer. Williams asked the frequency of the trains traveling along this track. Fulton said there is a regularly scheduled round trip each day and occasional trips as needed. Benke read a letter from a resident who supports and encourages the trail development as originally scheduled. Williams indicated to the audience that this is not a formal public hearing, but Council will allow time for public comment. He added that this is a County project which previously received approval from the City 14 years ago. Lyle Bellis, 2977 Co. Rd. H, feels no consideration was given to residents affected by this project. He noted concern of a trail which is located 25 ft. from an operational railroad track and a trail crossing situated on a busy intersection like Silver Lake Road. He noted that the County does not intent to install fencing along the trail, just shrubs. at a: Benke noted that this section is an important link: to the trail system. Bellis does not feels the section is not of great importance, and considers the County and City irresponsible in placing people so close to the track. Benke noted that children regularly are seen playing on that track. Bellis acknowledged that children play on the track, but installing the trail would make this activity legal. Benke questioned whether locating the trail on Mississippi Street would make it safer than the track. Bellis asked why would a project designed to follow natural waterways be located next to a railroad track. David Gregorich, 2429 Gregory, has lived here for 23 years and just recently heard of the project. The railroad is more active now that it was 14 years ago and he feels the project should be reconsidered. He noted the safety issue of the Silver Lake Road. crossing, feels the Mississippi St. option should be explored, and the County should be required to provide a barrier along the adjacent properties. Robert Kirchoff, 2456 Silver Lake Road, agrees with the resident concerns. Soecial Order of Business [ Rice Creek Trail Report 94-066 I I