2. PRSR AGENDA 08-13-2003 CITY OF ELK RIVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA
MEET AT 5:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL TO DISCUSS GREENWAYS
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Lions Park Center
7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order 7 p.m.
2. Consider August 13, 2003 Agenda
3. Consider June 11, 2003 Minutes
4. Park and Recreation Commissioner to Attend August PC/CC meetings
a. August 18, 2003 City Council- Commissioner Polston-Hork
b. August 26, 2003 Planning Commission—Commissioner Kuester
5. Open Mike
6. Neighborhood Meetings/Discussions: None
7. Park Development Progress Report: Terry Bye
8. City Recreation Update: Michele Bergh
9. Action/Discussion Items:
A. Community Events:
1. Habitat for Humanity Ice Cream Social
2. NDSU Cycling Club; Hillside Park
3. Big Tooth Sweet Tooth Race
B. Land Use Cases:
1. Park Dedication, Case No. P 03-09—Mississippi Highlands
2. Concept—Scott Breuer Homes
C. Park/Trail Development Issues
1. Request from ISD #728 re: Resurfacing of VandenBerg Tennis Courts
10. Information/Update Items (No discussion or presentation unless requested)
A. Land Use Cases: None
B. Park/Trail Developments:
1. Park Dedication Fund Balance
2. Letter from Mayor Klinzing
3. July Recreation Update
4. YMCA Update
5. Lions Park Use Followup
6. Adopt-A-Park Update
11. Update on 6/16/03 City Council Meeting—Commissioner Jackett
12. Update on 6/24/03 Planning Commission Meeting— Commissioner Paige
13. Update on 7/21/03 City Council Meeting—Commissioner Paige
14. Update on 7/22/03 Planning Commission Meeting— Commissioner Polston-Hork
15. Other Business
16. Adjournment
Next Meeting: September 10, 2003
"This agenda is available in alternate formats upon a 72 hour advanced notice. "Auxiliary aids and services are also
available upon a 72 hour advanced notice. Please contact the City Clerk at 441-7420(TDD 441-7420)to make a
request. Examples of alternate formats may include:large print,Braille,audio tape,etc." Examples of auxiliary
aids may include a sign language interpreter,assistive listening device,etc."
S:\PARK&REC\Agendas\8-13 Agenda.doc
City or
E .�.�.
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michele McPhersoh�Director of Planning
DATE: August 13, 2003
SUBJECT: Pre-Meeting Discussion Regarding Greenways
Please meet at Lions Park Center on Wednesday,August 13, 2003 at 5:00 p.m.to hear
presentations on greenways from:
• Bruce Chamberlain,Hoisington Koegler, Inc.
• Hannah Dunnevitz
• Renay Leone
Please bring a dish to share and something to grill for dinner.
Attached is the narrative from the Comprehensive Plan regarding greenway initiatives.
S:\PLANNING\Michele McPherson\PARKNREC\8-13 cover.doc
of Highway 10 and 165th Avenue are unlikely to occur without
provements to this intersection.
• Failure to plan for an interchange in east Elk River (1. in the area
of Jarvis Avenue) could cause the interchange t• ift into Ramsey.
This situation could limit future highway ac- in Elk River.
• The lack of vacant land for new co - -rcial development may create
more impetus for redevelopme lanning for redevelopment along
Highway 169 should consid- ighway access at Main Street and School
Street.
• In the current • tem, 171st Avenue provides the primary access point
to Highw 0 in the eastern half of the City. A long-term plan for
this -rsection is essential to future land use and development plan-
- g.
Greenways
The Comprehensive Plan proposes to establish a greenway system through-
out Elk River. The implementation of this concept is not a single action. It
involves commitment to the concept and incremental steps to build the sys-
tem. Much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, individual pieces are added within
the framework of a broader plan.
Identify key properties. The Comprehensive Plan shows potential greenway
patterns based on existing data. Better information about current natural fea-
tures would help to identify key properties to target for acquisition. Areas of
environmental significance can be preserved and incorporated into the green-
way system. The information about natural feature also enhances the ability
to identify key parcels for linking the system together.
Conduct NRI. One way of gathering this information is through a Natural
Resource Inventory (NRI). This study provides a current, city-wide analysis
of natural features. The,NRI would identify key natural areas in Elk River
including wetlands, prairie, swamps, marshes, forested areas, and habitats. This
information would be a valuable tool in guiding efforts to establish the green-
way system.
Expand subdivision data. A more incremental approach is to collect addi-
tional information during the platting process. Cluster subdivisions are re-
quired to submit a detailed resource inventory. Expanding this requirement
to all plats would produce a better database for the City. It would also pro-
vide a better basis for obtaining greenway elements in individual subdivisions.
Establish a finance plan. Limited financial resources will play a role in under-
taking this initiative. Some potential finance strategies include:
Building the Future -A Comprehensive Plan for Elk River 134.16
River
• A landowner agrees to place a desired preservation area in an easement
that is recorded on the deed and prohibits development of the land. In
return the landowner would receive some property tax relief. As ap-
propriate, these areas should include trail easements to allow public
access and links with other areas.
• Property owners can be encouraged to donate property to the City for
long-term preservation through the greenway system.
• Density bonuses could be used as an incentive for additional land dedi-
cation. The developer offsets the loss of land with the ability to build
additional housing units. The City's Open Space Preservation Plat
regulations provide a model. The City can grant the ability to add
additional lots if certain criteria are met. Allowing additional units or
smaller minimum lots would be options in sewered subdivisions and
zoning districts. This approach requires specific criteria for obtaining
the bonus and the limits on maximum changes in density.
• The greenway initiative promotes a reevaluation of the overall park
dedication regulations. This step enables the City to discuss the role of
park dedication and plans to ensure implementation of overall park
open space needs.
• Shifting park dedication resources to greenways will reduce funds for
other elements of the park system. In new subdivisions, special assess-
ments and housing improvement areas could be used to acquire and
improve neighborhood parks.
• Parks and greenways will compete with other services and facilities for
property taxes. Some communities have sought voter approval to is-
sue bonds to finance park and open space initiatives.
Old Town
The Old Town land use seeks to preserve and enhance the commercial • .-
tricts and residential neighborhoods in this area. The Old Town is essen-
tial part of Elk River's heritage and identity. Designating a l • . e is the first
step. Subsequent actions must work to achieve these •• -ctives.
Focus future planning on a broader area. C -nt redevelopment planning
focuses on the downtown/central busin— district portion of Old Town. The
next phase of planning should in ..e the entire Old Town area. This plan-
ning initiative would provi.- means of identifying needs for preservation,
revitalization, redeye • • ent and public improvement.
. -•u- ..o• A key to the Old Town concept is the ability to build
Conn- •ns within the area and to other parts of the community. Some po-
ial connections include:
Eik3 Building the Future -A Comprehensive Plan for Elk River 13.17
Inver