City Council Minutes 2003 04 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting April 15, 2003 Page 7 of 14 Lair explained the project is not complete, and the exact amount due to Boulder County has not been determined. It is estimated the City portion would amount to $25,000, but could range between $20,000-$30,000, depending upon the final outcome and potential grant assistance from Urban Drainage. The estimate to relocate the trail and remove the bridge and abutments is about $35,000-$40,000. This would include 400 feet of new trail, 350 feet trail rehab/seeding, concrete and new abutments for the bridge, removing existing abutments in the ditch and rehabilitate ditch cross-section. This cost would solely be incurred by Louisville and would be in addition to the $20,000-$25,0000 already committed for this section. She stated there are further concerns relating to the frequent flooding on Dillon Road during heavy rainstorms and noted to build a trail directly adjacent to Dillon Road would require further berming, which will exacerbate the water collection problem. Additionally, there are ADA concerns if the trail is moved to the alternative route due to the steep grade from the underpass, along Dillon Road. Lair stated the Board expressed concerns to preserve and minimize disturbance to Riparian areas. She explained some temporary disturbance to land and water is unavoidable on any project of this nature. Staff feels the long-term benefit will be realized. Staff recommends allowing the project to proceed as planned and when completed; the Board can conduct a post project assessment for Council review. Scott Robson, Regional Trails Coordinator and Environmental Planner for the Boulder County Transportation Department, addressed the Coal Creek Trail. He explained the planning process for the trail and how the alignment decisions were made. He stated the Coal Creek/Rock Creek regional trail system was a concept developed between 1989 and 1990 by Louisville, Lafayette, Boulder County, and Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. He explained it is a Flood Plain Management program, where a Master Plan was developed along Coal Creek and Rock Creek that would provide access for Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. He noted the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District has paid and continues to pay approximately 50% of the trail. Robson noted since 1999, Boulder County has worked with Louisville's Parks, Planning, and Public Works departments and with the Colorado Fish and Game. He stated in June of 2002 the Louisville Open Space Advisory Board conducted a heating, in which Boulder County made a presentation on the trail project. The general consensus of the Board was in favor of the project. The County then met with the Superior Open Space Board and received consensus on the project. He stated the City and County have worked on this project for several years and are highly concemed with ecological impact and noted the specific alignment avoids riparian and wetland areas and the trails are set outside the canopy of the trees. The aligrwnent was chosen to repair many problems, including an eroding drainage ditch along Dillon Road, where reseeding will stabilize the bank. He noted the historical railroad track is an ideal alignment, and accommodates the flood plain plan as well. He stated it would be a wonderful asset for the City. He explained the City of Louisville pays for 25% of the trail, the County pays 25% and assumes project management, and Urban Drainage pays 50%. He stressed the County does not have the funds to redesign and reroute the trail.