8.0. PRSR 05-11-2016 >"(1 ..„
City of Memorandum Item: 8
Elk ........„
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Date: May 11, 2016
Subject: Director's Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaboration, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
William H. Houlton Conservation Area
The William H. Houlton Conservation (WHHCA)Area Sneak Peek and Campfire held on Sunday
May 1, 2016,had over 50 attendees. It was well received with hayrides and walking tours provided.
This was the first time that the WHHCA was open to the public. The WHHCA Planning
Committee will discuss at their next meeting on Monday May 23 the date for the grand opening.
Rivers Edge Commons Park Expansion Project
A preconstruction meeting will be held on Wednesday,May 11 with construction expected to begin
on August 12,2016. The park, except for the street level plaza,will be closed to the public from
August 12 to the end of October. Substantial completion of this project will be November of 2016.
Riverfront Concert Series 2016
Now that the construction has been approved by City Council,the Riverfront Concert Series is
confirmed for nine consecutive concerts with the following dates:
June 16 Rockin'Hollywoods
June 23 Lamont Cranston
June 30 Whitesidewalls
July 7 Arch Allies
July 14 Dee Miller Band
July 21 Song Blast
July 28 Fabulous Armadillos
August 4 Church of Cash
August 11 Ladies of the 80's
The Bank of Elk River agreed to continue sponsoring the Riverfront Concerts Series with an
increased sponsorship amount to $16,000.
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Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park came up as a discussion on the Facebook Elk River MN Bulletin Board. Baldwin Park
is a pocket park surrounded by four apartment complexex located between Kentucky Fried Chicken
and the Salvation Army. A few comments asked why the Baldwin playground was removed and not
rebuilt. Some commented that citizens should attend a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting,
contact a Commissioner or City Council Member. The discussion encouraged residents to re-look
at the situation and bring the playground back. The Commission decided to eliminate smaller parks
with poor access if there was a larger park with the same amenities close by in 2012,in which
Baldwin Park happened to be one of those properties. Baldwin Park is listed in the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan as one of five properties to sell,vacate or partner with neighborhood groups
to remove from the park system.
221"Avenue Trail Easements
A year ago, the Commission and Council reviewed the potential for a bike trail on 221st Ave
connecting Ridges of Rice Lake (RRL) to the Great Northern Trail. Bonnie Schmitz continues to
advocate for the trail and contacted staff at the request of Council Member Westgaard to review
easements along 221st Apparently, the RRL HOA met in late 2015 to discuss trail easements with
the residents along 221st. Citing road right-of-way deficiencies along 221st, dangerous non-
vehicular mobility, and a desired connection from RRL, a few residents indicated interest to work
with the city to facilitate proper easements for potential trail improvements.
We sent letters to the residents on 221St requesteing their interest to provide for an easement that
included the easement description.The Hipsag's replied they would consider easments with two
conditions. The city must provide full documentation stating they will have full access from both
Hipsag properties to 221st Avenue for driveways. Secondly, the RRL HOA must provide an
easement on RRL HOA property for future access to 223rd Avenue. Staff is working with the RRL
HOA to see if they will consider the condition.
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2016\05-11-16 PRC Packet\Director's Report 5-11-16-Cal Approved.docx
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City of _
Elk ...........
River
April 12,2016
Mr.Paul Hipsag
22272 Quinn Street NW
Elk River,MN 55330
Dear Mr. Hipsag:
1
The City of Elk River Park and Recreation Master Plan adopted by City Council in June of 2015 recommends 1
connections from neighborhoods to the Great Northern Trail including the neighborhoods along 2210
Avenue.
It is our understanding you have been contacted by neighboring residents regarding a request for a trail
easement along 2210 Avenue to make a pedestrian trail possible.
The City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan includes plans for trail connections through private properties as
they develop in order to enhance public park and trail systems. Typically,easements for trails,parks,streets,
and other public infrastructure are acquired during the development process.
Citing road right-of-way deficiencies along 221st Avenue,dangerous non-vehicular mobility along 2210
Avenue,and a desire for a trail connection from the Ridges of Rice Lake development,residents have asked
the city to facilitate proper easements for potential trail improvements in this area.
In an effort to facilitate the desires of the residents in your area,attached is a draft description of the
easement as it pertains to your property. Your signature approving or denying the easement will provide the
city with direction whether to proceed with acquisition and planning for trail construction.
Thank you for your timely consideration. Please remit the attached document to me by close of business on
Monday,May 2,2016.
If you have any further questions,please do not hesitate to contact me.
i
Sincerely,
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Michael Hecker
Parks and Recreation Director
763.635.1131
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River,MN 55330
Phone: 763.635.1000
1.... .
P 1 1 E IIE 1 11
NATURE v.
www.E1kRiverMN.gov
Mr.Paul Hipsag Easement:
A 15-foot wide permanent trail easement along north side of 2210 Avenue across the width of parcel 75-104-
4306. Total length of permanent easement would be approximately 338-feet.
A varying width temporary grading easement north of the permanent easement across approximately half of
the referenced parcel (An approximation of this area is depicted in blue on the figure,exact dimensions
would be determined during final design).
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Please carefully read the statements below and return to the City of Elk River,Attention: Michael Hecker,
13065 Orono Parkway,Elk River,MN 55330 by Monday,May 2,2016.
Yes, I wish to provide an easement to the City of Elk River for trail improvements.
Your signature affirms that_you are willing to donate your easement to the for the implied construction of the 22111 Avenue
trail for the proposes of connecting the Ridges of Rice Lake subdivision and future neighboring subdivisions to the Great
Northern Trail. You will not receive any remuneration from the city foryour easement. In return foryour donation, the cid,or
itr
agent(s)will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of a pedestrian trail
Signed Date
No,I do not wish to provide an easement to the City of Elk River for trail improvements.
Your signature affirms thatyouu do NOT wish to donate your easement to the city for the implied construction of the 22111
Avenue trail.
Signed Date
Dear Michael Hecker,
Before we (Doug Hipsag, Paul & Laure Hipsag) sign the letter for
the easements for the path along 221st avenue, we want
documentation stating that we will have full access from both
properties to 221st avenue in the future for driveways and or
roads. And we want easements for future access to 223rd
avenue in the neighborhood and a quick claim deed for the(out
lot ID # 75-6720006) property next to the Hildenbrand's for a
road to connect our property's to the neighborhood in the
future.
Sincerely,
D• g Hip
/
Paul & Laure Hip :g
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