Council favors pavilion side for Shepherd Street sidewalk to limit tree removal and grading

Council members and staff discussed pedestrian access on Shepherd Street and concluded the pavilion/Chevron side is the better alignment for a new sidewalk.

A presenter explained the pavilion side is flatter and would require removing less vegetation and less grading work than the playground side, which would need a crosswalk near City Hall and additional drainage work. "There's already an existing sidewalk to tie into, for that one extension on the side of Shepherd Street," the chair noted in support of the pavilion side.

Staff said drainage piping and stormwater ditches near the playground will require pipe installation if the sidewalk is routed on the playground side. The contractor said they would schedule subcontracted specialty work (pipe lining and grouting) weather permitting and try to coordinate mobilization to minimize closures.

Next steps: staff will present a finalized schedule at the next meeting and coordinate traffic control plans for Shepherd Street construction.