INFORMATION #4 07-13-1998Memorandum
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
July 13, 1998
Elk River City Council Members
Sherburne County Fairboard
Parking on west side of Joplin
A series of events has led to the Fairboards use of the 25 acres of land west of the Fairgrounds
for additional parking during the 1998 Sherburne County Fair.
*Complaints from residents about the weed field. Both to Elk River City Hall and the Fairboard.
*Use of the street, Joplin and the new street to the County Courthouse for illegal parking during the 1997
Fair.
*The Elk River Fire Departments concern about the traffic and safety issues surrounding the Fair Parade.
*Change in ownership of the major portion of the property.
What we propose:
After many negotiations, the Fairboard will rent a portable street light used in construction site to
light up the area so residents and Fairgoers can visibly see the area.
We will be responsible for the mowing of the lot for the rest of the summer. The County
Maintenance people have helped with this first cutting and have moved major rocks so there is
no danger to users.
All the property owners have agreed (including the city on the 5 acre parcel owned by the city) to
allow the use for the 1998 fair.
We have a major concern about the foot traffic crossing Joplin. It would be difficult for us
to accept an injury to anyone using the temporary parking. We would like the city to put up
portable stop signs at the crossing, with flags so the general public slows down. We would also
like No Parking signs (temporary) on the short section, both sides of Joplin, so the public does
not stop there to pick up children or to park while they visit the fair.
This we realize is a 1998 request as the property could be developed prior to the 1999 fair,
however if that does not occur we would be willing to maintain the mowing for the use of the lot
for parking. If there is no parade in 1999 that may not be needed. However with over 100
entries in this years parade it continues to be an event that the public and the participants
enjoy .....