HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Update on Proposed College Street Trail Extension1
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Brit Fontenot, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed College Street trail extension staff update; no action required
MEETING DATE: June 22, 2009
RECOMMENDATION: Consider the College Street Trail Extension staff update.
BACKGROUND: Staff continues to work with adjacent property owners, GVLT, Wetlands
Review Board and others as directed by the Commission by a 5-0 vote taken on April 27 which
states:
Vote on the Motion to authorize staff to work with Gallatin Valley Land Trust to
construct a trail connection from Black Avenue at College Street to connect east to
the Gallagator Trail System in consultation with the homeowner's association at
College Street Condos.
Those voting Aye being Crs. Bryson, Rupp, Becker, Krauss and Mayor Jacobson.
Those voting No being none.
The motion passed 5-0.
The intention of this update is to inform the Commission of the progress made to date and
identify what issues require resolution prior to future Commission action.
FISCAL EFFECTS: N/A
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission
Respectfully submitted,
Brit Fontenot Chris Kukulski
Assistant to the City Manager City Manager
Attachments: (1) Excerpt from the draft minutes of April 27, 2009 City Commission meeting
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EXCERPT from the Approved minutes of April 27, 2009 City Commission meeting
1:23:47 1. College Street Trail Extension (Dingman)
1:23:52 Public Hearing opened
Mayor Jacobson opened the public hearing.
1:23:56 Ron Dingman, Parks and Recreation Director
Mr. Dingman gave the staff presentation regarding the College Street Trail Extension. Staff is
recommending that the Commission authorize staff to work with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust
(GVLT) to construct a trail connection from Black Avenue at College, to connect east to the
Gallagator trail system. He spoke regarding the construction of the College condominiums and
the sidewalk in the area.
1:27:11 Mr. Dingman
Mr. Dingman spoke regarding GVLT's proposal of the location of the trail.
1:28:07 Mayor Jacobson
Mayor Jacobson spoke regarding the drainage ditch and the possibility of a wetland in the area.
1:29:29 Cr. Rupp
Cr. Rupp wondered if this is in the PROST plan.
1:29:43 Mr. Dingman
Mr. Dingman stated that he did not think so.
1:30:02 Cr. Rupp
Cr. Rupp spoke regarding the approval process for the condominium and the conditions
regarding park improvements.
1:30:30 Mr. Dingman
Mr. Dingman stated this is not a park improvement, but a trail connection improvement.
1:32:08 Cr. Bryson
Cr. Bryson spoke regarding the area being a public right-of-way.
1:32:46 Cr. Bryson
Cr. Bryson spoke regarding moving the trail to the north.
1:35:38 Gary Vodehnal, GVLT Trails Coordinator
Mr. Vodehnal spoke regarding the public right-of-way in the area. He spoke regarding the
proposals of the trail construction. This is an important connection for the community.
1:44:02 Public Comment
Mayor Jacobson opened public comment.
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1:44:19 John Barton, Public Comment
Mr. Barton of 810 South Tracy stated that he supports the trail and GVLT's efforts.
1:45:39 Wendy Stuart, Public Comment
Ms. Stuart stated that she lives on South 3rd. She stated that she didn't know that she couldn't
walk on the sidewalks. She urged the Commission to use public right-of-way and urged the
Commission to keep it.
1:47:20 Kevin Bernard, Public Comment
Mr. Bernard of 114 East College Street stated that he is opposed because he feels it is
unnecessary.
1:50:36 Mary Reece, Public Comment
Ms. Reece of 1757 Highland Boulevard stated that they own one of the condominiums. They
feel public access is important.
1:52:30 Ralph Zimmer, Public Comment
Mr. Zimmer of 2103 South Tracy Avenue stated that he is the Chairman of the Pedestrian Traffic
Safety Committee. The Committee supports the proposal. He spoke regarding mid-block
crossings.
1:54:39 Brian Caldwell, Public Comment
Mr. Caldwell of 601 South Black spoke regarding the public right-of -way.
1:56:04 Randy Bershoni, Public Comment
Ms. Bershoni of 515 North 3rd Street stated that she is a daily user of the trails system. She
wonders where the money will come from to maintain the trail.
1:57:51 Jody Rasker, Public Comment
Ms. Rasker of 811 South Grand stated that the City has some responsibility in the matter to
resolve the conflict. She supports the trail.
2:00:59 Jerry Gossel, Public Comment
Mr. Gossel of 110 East College stated that he represents the majority of the homeowners. We do
not think that it is the best proposal. They haven't heard a request that the homeowners, GVLT
and the City Parks Department come together to work together for a resolution that is agreeable
to all.
2:02:46 Renter at the Condominium (not identified), Public Comment
The renter stated that this is public land. We need to protect some areas of open space.
2:05:57 Yerial Utter, Public Comment
Mr. Utter of 210 Cirgue Drive stated that he is going to move to the condos. He is concerned
regarding the increase of traffic.
2:08:26 Public Comment closed
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Mayor Jacobson closed public comment.
2:09:11 Motion to authorize staff to work with Gallatin Valley Land Trust to construct a
trail connection from Black Avenue at College Street to connect east to the Gallagator Trail
System in consultation with the homeowner's association at College Street Condos.
It was moved by Cr. Bryson, seconded by Cr. Rupp to authorize staff to work with Gallatin
Valley Land Trust to construct a trail connection from Black Avenue at College Street to
connect east to the Gallagator Trail System in consultation with the homeowner's
association at College Street Condos.
2:09:38 Cr. Becker
Cr. Becker stated that the Wetland Review Board should also be included.
2:10:08 Cr. Bryson
Cr. Bryson stated that it seemed that would take place.
2:18:21 Cr. Becker
Cr. Becker stated that he would like to see this come back to the Commission in 30 days.
2:23:23 Cr. Rupp
Cr. Rupp spoke regarding the conditions when the condos were built and the "promise"
regarding the parkland. He wants the files reviewed to see if the City did make a “promise”
regarding the development of the right-of- way area.
2:26:05 Mayor Jacobson
Mayor Jacobson asked that the motion be read back to the Commission.
2:26:10 Stacy Ulmen, City Clerk
Ms. Ulmen read back to motion.
2:26:35 Vote on the Main Motion to authorize staff to work with Gallatin Valley Land
Trust to construct a trail connection from Black Avenue at College Street to connect east to
the Gallagator Trail System in consultation with the homeowner's association at College
Street Condos.
Those voting Aye being Crs. Bryson, Rupp, Becker, Krauss and Mayor Jacobson.
Those voting No being none.
The motion passed 5-0.
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