3.5. SR 02-18-1997ity of
iYer
MEMORANDUM
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor & City Council
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
February 18, 1997
Ski Trail Grooming Equipment
**ITEM 3.5.**
A new piece of equipment, a snowmobile, is needed for the adequate
grooming of the cross country ski trail system in and around the Woodland
Trails Park. The old snowmobile is in need of constant repair and is nearing
the end of its life. The Park and Recreation Commission voted to recommend
this purchase at its December 11, 1996, meeting (see attached minutes). The
up front funding would come from the park equipment reserve as this
purchase is not in the budget. The city and the Nordic Ski Club
representatives are working out the details for the purchase of the
equipment, maintenance of the trail, insurance, etc., so that the city can be
"made whole" with this transaction yet not be responsible for trail
maintenance or actually own the machine. This most likely will require a
trail maintenance agreement with the Nordic Ski Club. Cash contributions
for about half of the purchase price are expected soon and the balance
contributed within 12-18 months.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a
snowmobile through Hennepin County for approximately $6,000 with the
necessary city funds coming out of the parks equipment reserve.
XXelkriver\sysXshrdocXcouncil\skigroom.doc
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
December 11, 1996
Commissioner Rolf Anderson and Commissioner Westrum will attend the January
14, 1997 Youth Initiative Task Force meeting.
5.B. - Update on Skateboard Park
Jeff indicated the Youth Initiative group was supportive of the skatepark
proposal. Discussion followed regarding the skatepark development action
plan presented by staff. Questions were raised regarding supervision and costs.
Jeff explained there would be trained adult staff on site. Jeff indicated the
youth group would like to donate the $100 raised in October to purchase the
plans for a skateboarding park.
Further discussion followed regarding lawsuit and liability issues associated with a
skate park, as well as skateboarding as a hazardous activity.
Commissioner Westrum indicated he would like to obtain feedback from
communities that have operated a similar facility for a couple of years. Phil
noted he spoke with the city's loss control consultants and they will be providing
input fo insure the city's best interests in the project
COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
ACCEPT THE SKATEPARK DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN. COMMISSIONER ROLF
ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
The Commissioners felt more information should be obtained regarding liability,
insurability, ownership/organization issues, and membership before presenting
the plan to the city council.
6.A. Update on Ski Trail/Softball Field Maintenance Machines - Discussion
Commissioner Dave Anderson explained he has been testing various types of
vehicles for grooming of the ski trails, as well as maintenance of the ballfields.
Dave noted he test-drove a John Deere Gator which is identical to the one
used by the street/parks department with the idea that this vehicle could be
used for both types of maintenance. Dave explained he experienced traction
problems on snow, and favored using a snowmobile for trail grooming.
However, he felt the John Deere Gator would work well for the ball field
maintenance. Dave indicated he was in favor of purchasing a Scandic WT
(wide track) liquid-cooled single track snowmobile. Dave explained he could
order the machine through Hennepin County Parks and save $300-$500 off the
retail price of $6,400. Dave indicated he will request the city pay for the
purchase of the snowmobile, but that he could guarantee the Nordic Ski Club
will pay one-half of the purchase price, and, with fundraising, the club may be
able to pay for all of it. Dave noted he felt he could guarantee the price to be
under $6,000.
COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A SCANDIC WT
(WIDE TRACK) LIQUID-COOLED SINGLE TRACK SNOWMOBILE AT A COST OF
APPROXIMATELY $6,000, AS WELL AS THE EXPENDITURE OF $800 FOR REPAIR OF THE
SNOWMOBILE CURRENTLY BEING USED FOR GROOMING OF THE SKI TRAILS.
COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.