City Council Meeting Date: April 2, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Discuss Resolution Designating Mill Towns State Trail Location in Northfield
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council discusses Resolution designating the Mill Towns State Trail Location in the City of Northfield.
Summary Report:
As part of the City's Strategic Plan, a Pedestrian, Bike, and Trail System Plan update was completed. A focus area of the plan was to identify the location of Mill Towns State Trail in Northfield.
In 2004, the City Council designated bike routes on Fourth Street, Fifth Street, and Union Street as part of Mill Towns State Trail. These bike routes currently exist, however this route does not meet the MN DNR State Trail Guidelines. To become designated as a state trail, the trail needs to be off the street or protected.
The proposed alignment as shown in Exhibit 1 will follow State Trail Guideline when constructed, and therefore can officially become a state trail.
Staff is recommending approval of the attached resolution designating the trail routing alignment. This will allow the City and DNR to partner and fund the development of the trail.
The Planning Commission and Parks Board were supportive of the route proposed as part of the Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Update review.
Staff requests City Council specifically raise any alternate trail location for consideration at the meeting for preparation of final approval on April 16.
Financial Impacts:
The designation of the route will allow the City to collaborate with the MN DNR to pursue funding for the development of the trail.
Tentative Timelines:
April 2 - final discussion and any alternate routes for consideration raised by City Council.
April 16 meeting - consideration of approval. Staff will then begin working on agreements with the MN DNR to develop the trail. The DNR has $500,000 available i...
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