The Two Harbors City Council passed a resolution on Monday that confirms the redesign of a portion of the Odegard Trail where it crosses property owned by the Canadian National Railroad. CN has asked that the trail be moved 25 feet further away from the track and is requiring that a six-foot fence be erected between the track and the trail. The city will be responsible for the cost of the fence, which will total $80,000. While building the fence will add to the overall cost of the trail project, it will also lessen safety concerns for hikers and bikers who use the trail. City leaders have been working on the trail expansion plan for two years. Specific issues discussed by Council members included whether or not the trail project is a priority for the city at this time and alternative ways to fund fence construction so that the requirement from CN can be met. As time and money have already been committed to the project, the decision to move forward with the redesign and find funds for the related costs drew a unanimous decision by the Council.
Lake Superior School District Superintendent Jay Belcastro and Minnehaha School Principal Brett Archer spoke with the Council about the possible vacation of the roadway along the 700 block of 5th Avenue. It is clear that Minnehaha has limited playground space. The traffic congestion at student drop-off and pick-up times has led to two accidents where students were struck by cars. There have been several “close calls” as well. The purpose of the vacation is to address safety concerns, relieve traffic congestion, and provide a little extra play space for recess activities and outdoor gym classes. The Council will be referring the district’s proposal to the Safety Committee for further consideration. School District officials will be discussing the situation with property and business owners on 5th Street in the hope of coming up with a workable agreement.
Jolene Brink and Steve Waring presented the results of the Community Waterfront Survey that was conducted by Friends of the Waterfront as part of their ongoing collaboration with the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD). 46 individuals have volunteered their time to address redesign ideas for the city’s waterfront. They have held 25 events, conducted interviews, and done research for waterfront improvement. Over 400 people responded to the survey which included questions about what people enjoy about the waterfront, barriers that exist in the current space and amenities, and features that people would like to see as part of the redesigned waterfront. Restrooms, shade trees, environmentally friendly plantings, an outdoor pavilion, connecting existing trails and paths, and improved vehicle and pedestrian access were frequent survey responses. CIRD will return to Two Harbors in June for a multi-day design workshop with actual design recommendations coming next Fall.
Finally, the Council approved two resolutions that will allow for the posting of bids to replace the rotating beacon at the Two Harbors Airport and provide pavement crack repair for the runway and tarmac areas.
The next Two Harbors City Council meeting will be held on Monday, February 12th, at 6:00 PM.
