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6.1. SR 12-21-1998ity of ITEM 6.1. Memorandum River TO: FROM: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING & ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DATE: DECEMBER 21, 1998 SUBJECT: AMEND MASTER PARK PLAN (SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONCEPT)/P.H. Request This request, initiated by the city, is basically to update the plan for snowmobile trails in Elk River. To accomplish the update Maps D-1.1 (Trail and Parkway Plan), D-1.4 (Snowmobile Trail Concept), and E-1.1 (Comprehensive Park System Plan) of the City of Elk River Master Park Plan will need to be amended. The city's Master Park Plan is an addendum to the city's Comprehensive Plan, so amending the Park Plan is an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Attachments Map D-1.4 (Snowmobile Trail Concept) is included with this memo. Maps D-1.1 and E- l. 1 will mirror the snowmobile trails shown on Map D-1.4 so they were not included as attachments. A resolution for the City Council to adopt the proposed changes to the Snowmobile Trail Concept is the last attachment to this memo. Back~round The most recent revision of the Master Park Plan in 1997 was a tremendous amount of detailed work. Most issues in the plan were well thought through and adequately addressed. However, it was understood that some issues would need to be further refined when time and/or specific expertise was available. One such issue is a system of snowmobile trail corridors crossing the city to access regional snowmobile trails. The Park and Recreation Commission took their best shot at coming up with a "Snowmobile Trail Concept" (Map D-1.4, page 116 of the Master Park Plan), but the issue needs further work. River City Snow Riders, a snowmobile club based in the Elk River area, worked with city staff to further refine the Snowmobile Trail Concept. The result of their work is the Snowmobile Trail Concept map attached to this memo. s:\b&z\stever\camascup.doc 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 As snowmobilers, the River City Snow Riders are in the best position to determine where it is physically practical to locate snowmobile trails. They also made contact with property owners and government agencies to ensure the trail system identified on this map can be accomplished. Snowmobiles can be controversial. The design and location of a snowmobile trail system needs to address conflicts between snowmobiling and adjacent property owners and other recreational uses. The Snowmobile Trail Concept map attached will likely not eliminate all conflicts. Some decisions on the locations of trails were based on what was the least intrusive option. Snowmobiles are going to be driven across the city with or without a defined trail system. Having defined routes allows safety issues for snowmobilers and pedestrian to be better addressed. The River City Snow Riders have also vowed to address snowmobile education and self enforcement of rules and restrictions. Recommendation Staff, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Planning Commission are all recommending that the Master Park and Recreation Plan (an addendum to the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan) be amended by replacing the current Snowmobile Trail Concept (Map D-1.4) with the map included with this memo. It is further recommended that the Trail and Parkway Plan (Map D-1.1) and the Comprehensive Park System Plan (Map E-1.1) in the Master Park Plan be revised to reflect the change to the snowmobile trails. s:\b&z\stever\camascup.doc Resolution 98 - A Resolution for the City of Elk River A Resolution Amending the City of Elk River Master Park and Recreation Plan Whereas, the City Council for the City of Elk River identified the need to define safe routes through the city for snowmobiles; and Whereas, the City Council for the City of Elk River recognized the need to further refine the current Snowmobile Trail Concept in the city's Master Park and Recreation Plan; and Whereas, the River City Snow Riders have provided expertise in developing a revised Snowmobile Trail concept; and Whereas, the City of Elk River Park and Recreation Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the proposed revision to the Snowmobile Trail Concept at a public meeting on October 14, 1998; and Whereas, the Elk River Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the Snowmobile Trail Concept on December 8, 1998; and Whereas, the Elk River City Council held a public hearing on said Snowmobile Trail Concept issue on December 21, 1998. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council for the City of Elk of Elk River that Maps D-I.1 (Trails and Parkway Plan), D-1.4 (Snowmobile Trail Concept), and E-I.1 (Comprehensive Park System Plan) of the City of Elk River Master Park and Recreation Plan, dated May, 1997, be amended to reflect the revised snowmobile trail concept. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 21 day of December, 1998. ATTEST: Hank Duitsman, Mayor Sandra Peine, City Clerk s:\b&z\stever\camascup.doc -F I I I !I!! lllll lllll[lll llll! ! SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONCEPT D-1.4 J PROPOSED TRAIL EXISTING 'RRAIL PROPOSED TRAILHEAD EXIS*llNG TR.M LHF..AD Elk j iver ! ! 11111 ! ! I I ! DilAFI' SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1998 Members Present: Chair Mesich, Commissioners Cote, Kuester, Morris, Schuster and Thompson Members Absent: Commissioner Chambers Staff Present: Scott Harlicker, Assistant Planner; Steve Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator Also Present: Mayor Duitsman 1. Call Meetinq To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Chair Mesich. 2.1. Request by City of Elk River for Amendment to Comprehensive Plan Re.qardin.q Snowmobile Trails, Public Hearin.q Case No. GP 98-8 Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, presented the staff report and explained the process involved in deciding the best location for the snowmobile trails. The trails are designed as a set of collectors to move snowmobiles through the city. He explained the concept of trail head. Steve indicated that the Park and Recreation has recommended approval of the trail plan. Commissioner Schuster asked what the time frame is expected to be in establishing the trails. A member of the River City Snow Rider's Club explained the process. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Todd Plaisted, 15781 Andres Street, Ramsey, explained why it is necessary to designate snowmobile trails in the city. He also explained the purpose of the River City Snow Rider's Club. He noted that they are working with the Otsego snowmobile club on this issue. Mayor Duitsman discussed the process of designating trails. Dan Kreuser, 18593 Simonet Drive, indicated their greatest concern is safety. There being no further public comment, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kuester asked which landowners were contacted. Steve Rohlf discussed which landowners had been contacted. He noted that the club has worked with Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals, and Police Chief Tom Zerwas. Special Planning Commission Minutes December 8, 1998 Page 2 Members of the Planning Commission questioned if the County has been contacted regarding the trails. Steve Rohlf indicated that they have not seen the plan yet. Commissioner Kuester asked for clarification on the proposed trails vs. The existing and future trails. She expressed concern that snowmobilers may ride on trails prior to the trails being established. Todd Plaisted explained the process followed in contacting landowners. Commissioner Kuester questioned how the trail will get through Lions Park and if the sledding hill in the park would be impacted by the trail. Commissioner Morris indicated that there may be a potential parking problem with a trail head in Lions Park when the Boys & Girls Club is complete. Commissioner Kuester questioned how the proposed trails will connect with trails located outside the city limits. Todd Plaisted explained the connections and standards. Commissioner Kuester asked if the trail head in Lions Park could be eliminated. Steve Rohlf stated that this trail head is not essential and it may be possible to eliminate it. Todd Plaisted indicated that most people would not use a trail head in Lions Park and would likely park in outlying areas and not have to deal with getting through the city. He noted that the Park & Ride lot may be a possible location for a trail head. Steve Rohlf explained that the proposed trails are identified in green with a star identifying the trail head. Actual trail heads are identify in blue. Chair Mesich asked who would be responsible for any damage to the bituminous trails, especially along Jackson Avenue. Representatives of the River City Snow Riders indicated the trail will be barricaded when snow conditions warrant closing the trail. COMMISSIONER COTE MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE MASTER PARK AND RECREATION PLAN BE AMENDED BY REPLACING THE CURRENT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONCEPT (MAP D-1.4) WITH THE MEMO PRESENTED BY STAFF; AND, THAT THE TRAIL AND PARKWAY PLAN (MAP D-1.1) AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PARK SYSTEM PLAN (MAP E-1.1) IN THE MASTER PARK PLAN BE REVISED TO REFLECT THE CHANGE TO THE SNOWMOBILE TRAILS, WITH THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS: - THE TRAIL SHOWN IN YELLOW BE CHANGED TO GREEN -INCLUDE 2 COLORS FOR TRAIL HEAD LOCATIONS: GREEN-PROPOSED, BLUE EXISTING. -DESIGNATE TRAIL HEADS AS FOLLOWS: -LIONS PARK - PROPOSED -ORONO PARK - CURRENT -HILLSIDE PARK - PROPOSED -ADDITIONAL TRAIL HEAD ALONG HIGHWAY 169 W - GREEN COMMISSIONER MORRIS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Special Planning Commission Minutes December 8, 1998 Page 3 A brief discussion followed regarding the County Road 33 realignment. Steve Rohlf and Mayor Duitsman explained what is proposed and the possible alignment. 4. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER COTE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Scott Harlicker Planning Assistant 12/iB/1998 14:57 2411399 RIVERSIDE COMPANIES PAGE 01 RIVE 'COMPANIES December 18, 1998 .Scott Harlicker City Of Elk River P.O, Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330 RE: Hillside Estates 9th Addition' Dem' Scott: I hereby request that the preliminary plat of Hillside.Estates 9th be postponed indefinitely from the planning commission me~.ings. Thanks for your assistance! Sincerely, Freiberg dv' Phoenix Enterprises, Assistant Manager 19230 Evans Street Elk River, MN 55330 (612)241-1801 Fax (612)241-1399