7.0. PRSR 06-14-1995 ,&( 1� ITEM 7.
of � MEMORANDUM
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lk ,� • TO: Park & Recreation Commission
FROM: Steven B. Ach, City Planner —
DATE: June 14, 1995
SUBJECT: Responsibility for Trail Development
The planning department is in the process of amending the subdivision
ordinance. One of the sections included in the subdivision ordinance relates
to park dedication requirements. Originally, there were not going to be any
changes made to this section until the Park and Recreation Commission had
an opportunity to review this section in a comprehensive manner. However,
after further consideration, the timing seemed appropriate to address some of
the obvious changes that need to be made as well as possibly considering a
couple of amendments.
One issue that may be timely to consider is trail construction and whether
this should be included as a park dedication requirement and the
• responsibility the developer may play in completing this trail construction. A
couple of problems that staff is experiencing at this time include:
• ability to construct trails in a timely manner as new residential
developments are being platted;
• the logistics of installing a trail after homes and initial grading
have been completed by the developer; and,
• the limited resources to complete all of the trails that are being
required throughout the new residential developments.
Given these three issues, the Park and Recreation Commission may wish to
consider amending the park dedication requirements by involving the
developers responsibility in completing various trail segments. A couple of
options for consideration are as follows:
• In addition to the $500 per lot park dedication fee, developers also
be responsible, at their cost, for all trail construction associated
with their particular development; or,
• Developer be responsible to grade and install a Class 5 base on all
trails, and the city be responsible for providing the bituminous
• surface; or,
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
• • Establish some trail fee on a per lot basis whereby those funds
could be dedicated to specifically trail construction. The city would
then install the trail using these funds.
• Continue with the city's current requirements which has the
developer dedicate the land for the trail when necessary, and have
no responsibility toward financing or constructing trails.
Recommendation
It is recommended the Park and Recreation Commission consider the options
mentioned above or other considerations for developer's responsibilities
towards trail construction. These recommendations can then be forwarded to
the Planning Commission and City Council for their consideration to be
incorporated into the subdivision ordinance under park dedication
requirements.
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