Grant Carlton updated the committee on the Schmidt Road parcel that is currently for sale and that the city has interest in purchasing a perpetual public access easement on the parcel that would connect the Milwaukee trail to Mullan road. The cost would be $25,000 ($15,000 easement acquisition and $10,000 transaction costs) and the money would come from the 2006 Open Space Bond. Grant Carlton highlighted areas in the opens space plan and other City and community plans where the language pertains to and prioritizes this type of purchase. Some highlights included using corridors to reach other open space areas and “anchors”.
There was discussion amongst committee members if the Opens Space funds were the right fit for this project or if the City should look at other options to retrieve the funds.
Kristine Akland stated that she will not approve this project. She feels that this is a good idea but expressed that the City transportation should not dictate the open space funds. She stated that she believes the City should look at other pots of money instead of open space funds. She stated that in her opinion the public voted to protect the open space from being over developed and that this project is not in accordance with that vision.
The committee discussed how the project does meet the open space guidelines. Grant Carlton went over the 5 types of open space listed in the 2019 open space plan, which includes corridors. It was also addressed that there are currently 3 or 4 parcels between Schmidt road and the river that the city currently has a relationship with the owners. This trial would provide connectivity for neighborhoods to open space and to downtown.
Eric Anderson asked about the bridge that needs to be built over the river that would connect the Milwaukee trail to the easement. He stated that from an engineering perspective, there could potentially be issues with bridge construction in that location and he asked what if the City decides that the bridge is not proposed in a viable place?
Grant Carlton- To my knowledge, and based on conversations with appropriate City staff, there haven't been any red flags in that designated area.
Eric Anderson- If bridge becomes unviable is there still value that it will give?
Grant Carlton- Yes there is still Open Space and Conservation value in completing the section of the Milwaukee Trail segment as it will connect Mullan area residents with City-owned lands and trails along the river, including the Clark Fork Islands.
There was a public individual who stopped and asked what the group was doing. Grant Carlton informed the citizen that the group was with the City and we were an Open Space Advisory Committee. He asked the committee if the City owned a parcel next to Knife River and Grant responded it was something the City is working on. He said he thought it was a great idea.