Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Pedestrian Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Paynesville council approves trail easements, cooperative highway agreement and backs Safe Routes grant application
Summary
Council approved temporary and permanent trail easements with a private owner, a cooperative agreement to build within the Highway 55 right-of-way, and passed Resolution 24-39 to pursue Safe Routes to School funding for flashing beacons, sidewalks, and a reduced-speed flashing zone; estimated construction cost under $400,000.
The Paynesville City Council approved multiple actions to advance a pedestrian-trail and school safety project: temporary construction and perpetual pedestrian-trail easements with NK mki Enterprise Inc., a cooperative agreement with MnDOT for a short segment in the Highway 55 right-of-way, and Resolution 24-39 to pursue Safe Routes to School grant funding.
Staff described the easement as necessary for a segment of the proposed trail along County Road 130; the owner has agreed to both a temporary construction easement and a permanent easement that allows construction and future public access. Council moved and approved the easement documents.
A small portion of the same trail lies within the Highway 55 right-of-way, prompting a cooperative agreement with MnDOT. Under the agreement MnDOT would retain ownership while the city/township constructs the trail and the city assumes maintenance responsibility; council approved the cooperative agreement.
Separately, staff and consultant Chuck outlined a Safe Routes to School application that would install two rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) at Bur Street/Highway 55 and at Veterans Drive/Business 23, sidewalks near the elementary school, and a flashing reduced-speed zone on Veterans Drive during school crossings. Staff estimated total construction costs below $400,000; the city's project share was described as about $173,000 with local partner shares noted. Applications are due January 17; council unanimously approved Resolution 24-39 supporting pursuit of the grant.
Councilors noted the school superintendent was aware and supportive; staff said final funding and construction depend on grant award and subsequent bidding.
