Trail

agreement

approved

2-mile trail would

connect parks on
Sleepy Eye Lake

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE -- A two-mile, paved walking and biking trail connecting Allison and Sportman Park on the west side of Sleepy Eye Lake got a step closer to reality Tuesday night when the Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved a resolution for a local match and maintenance agreement for a grant application for the five-year project.

The trail would be 10 feet wide with a 5 foot shoulder on both sides. Existing trees would remain in place as much as possible. With funding, 5.3 acres of land would be acquired in 2003 with trail completion set for fall of 2007.

Total cost of the project is $313,239. Federal funding would account for $173,231; The City of Sleepy Eye, $96,700; and matching funds, $43,308.

Councilor Gary Windschitl said the trail is a good opportunity for Sleepy Eye and Brown County to increase revenues.

Sleepy Eye Mayor Jim Broich said a trail would increase the value of property adjoining the trail.

Councilor Harry Windschitl said bed and breakfasts are among the spin-off businesses from trails. He noted that trail regulations will not allow snowmobiles.

According to the Sleepy Eye Master Plan, future designated routes would connect the lake trail with South and Kiefer Parks using First Avenue and other secondary roads.

Broich said the trail application would be screened this Friday and would be ranked in importance by an area trail committee before it would go before the Legislature next month.

Lake property owner Ed Schotzko commended the council for its vision for the future in backing the trail project.

"I think it's great and I'm for you 100 percent for this project," Schotzko said. "I don't feel slighted. Keep up the good work. I'm glad to see somebody is looking out for the future of our community. We have to keep looking out for the community or we'll be a ghost town."

Lake property owner Greg Bartz said he learned about the trail project from newspaper stories.

"I think anybody would be concerned if plans for their property were being made and they didn't know about it first," Bartz said.

Sleepy Eye City Manager Mark Kober said there were no secret meetings and that the project could not be "rammed through."

In other action, the council:

* Approved a fire department committee to consider purchasing a new fire truck. Fire Chief Bob Zinniel said the fire department's 1977 pumper was in need of replacement. Fireman Chuck Moldaschel said the truck's water pump was functioning but was starting to make excessive noise and wearing out. Replacement cost was estimated at $200,000. The department has $100,000 in its truck fund and adds $25,000 each year.

* Approved an ordinance to change dance regulations and licensing so the city manager's office could approve permits without going through the City Council. At least one law officer, employed and paid by the business hosting the dance must be present at dances.

* Approved the Master Plan priorities with entry signage and Tax Increment Financing District 4-1.

* Approved a request for more no-parking designated areas on Highway 4 South, south of Southdale and Highway 4 South near Norwood Promotional Products to increase visibility for turns onto the highway.

* Approved the Emergency Operation Plan after learning from Ambulance Coordinator Shari Hittesdorf that she needed approval of position assignments before input meetings could be held to complete the plan and hold the next emergency drill.