(Spencer)– A decision on whether a trail will be built along East 14th Street in Spencer will have to wait another two weeks.
The city council Monday voted four-to-three to send the issue to the Progress and Development Committee for further discussion.
The council has received a unanimous recommendation from the Park Board to construct six-foot sidewalks on both sides of East 14th Street from Fairview Park to 10th Avenue East. The city secured a 135-thousand dollar grant a couple of years ago to construct the East 14th Street trail, among other trails in town.
The majority of residents living along East 14th Street are strongly opposed to the trail, citing concern over the safety of people using the trail who would be walking behind their vehicles in their driveways. The Park Board approved the plan despite the complaints.
A few of those residents were at Monday’s city council meeting once again voicing opposition. Councilman Steve Bomgaars suggested the issue be tabled and sent to committee for further discussion. Councilman Ed Krebs disagreed, saying it’s already been through the process and that he was ready to vote no on it.
Bomgaars says the issue should be part of a bigger discussion pertaining to residential trails and whether or not they should be in the city.
Krebs reiterated his opposition to a trail in a residential neighborhood. Mayor Reynold Peterson added his support to Krebs’ concerns, but admitted there was more to the issue than just the East 14th Street trail. Having said that, Peterson said he wants to be sure they could atleast put in some sidewalks in that same area going to Fairview School.
The council voted four-to-three to send the issue to June 13th Progress and Development meeting with Krebs, George Kruger and Ron Hanson voting against the delay in action.
The committee will come to the full council with a recommendation at their next meeting June 19th.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KUYY in Spencer.).
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