Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Trail Paving topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves land-use pact with DNR to pave Military Ridge State Trail segment; council to fund bridges and maintenance
Summary
The Common Council approved a land-use agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that lets the city replace three bridges and pave a two-mile segment of the Military Ridge State Trail; the city will maintain the paved surface for 13 years and preliminary bridge estimates approach $300,000 each.
The Verona Common Council voted to approve a land-use agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that allows the city to replace three bridges and pave a two-mile stretch of the Military Ridge State Trail between County PB and Wildcat Way.
Assistant City Administrator Ollick summarized the agreement: under its terms the city would construct and maintain the trail surface for 13 years (with an optional two-year extension) while the DNR would continue to manage vegetation and other nonpaved right-of-way areas. Ollick told the council that the DNR agreed to contribute $49,500 toward bridge work.
Construction engineer Joe (last name variously transcribed as Jersa/Gerson in the record) said preliminary estimates for the three bridge replacements using prefabricated or box culvert structures were roughly $300,000 per structure — "close to $1,000,000 for the 3 bridges in total." He told the council paving was estimated in earlier work at about $400,000 and that a city staff estimate for the combined bridges and paving was approximately $2,125,000.
Council members raised questions about sequencing, maintenance, right-of-way width and whether it is financially prudent for the city to take on bridge replacements that the DNR could schedule in future years. Several alderpersons said they favored acting now to secure the paving and trail improvements while political and grant opportunities are available. Assistant City Administrator Ollick and public works staff noted the DNR's scheduled bridge work could be several years out and that heavy bridge construction equipment would damage a newly paved surface unless bridges are replaced first.
Attorney Kleinmeyer confirmed the agreement allows the city an out if construction costs make the project infeasible and noted the agreement is structured so the city does not have to spend funds until specific steps are taken. City staff reported $1,236,854 currently allocated toward the project from prior pedestrian/bike trail accounts and prior borrowings; council members noted the city could seek grants on top of that balance.
The council also discussed vegetation management under DNR control, liability concerns and a clause that would allow seasonal snowmobile access across school property if local agreements are reached. In debate, Alder Braithwaite urged use of the opportunity to "urbanize" the trail now rather than waiting. Alder Swanson moved to approve the land-use agreement; Alder Weiss seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Council staff said more design and bidding work will be required, that a design consultant must be selected and that staff will return with refined cost estimates and a construction schedule. Several council members urged a clear communications plan for trail detours and construction staging because bridge replacement will require heavy equipment and detours in places where alternate routes are limited.
No specific schedule for bridge replacement was contained in the agreement; staff said preliminary design work and grant outcomes will determine actual construction timing.
