4.5. SR 10-16-2000
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Item # 4.5.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City Council
Michele MCPherso~ctor of Planning
DATE:
October 16, 2000
SUBJECT:
September Park and Recreation Commission Update
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During the month of September, the Park and Recreation Commission started its
exploration of establishing a City park and recreation department. At their
meeting of September 13, 2000, the Commission met with John Gurban,
Executive Director of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Mr.
Gurban met with the Commission for approximately an hour and answered some
of the Commission's questions regarding the establishment of a City park and
recreation department. The next step for the Commission is to meet with cities
that have recently made the transition to a city park and recreation department.
Hand-Held Portable Seed Stripper
Commissioner Dave Anderson presented to the Commission at its September
13th meeting, a request to purchase a hand-held seed stripper (see attached)
which would allow faster harvesting of prairie seeds from the City's various
prairie plantings. The total cost of the seed stripper is $895.00. The Commission
voted 7-1, Chair Kuester opposed, to recommend that the City purchase this
seed stripper. This expenditure does not qualify for purchase from the park
dedication fund and there are no funds available in the park maintenance budget
for the purchase of this piece of equipment. The Council could authorize
purchasing this piece of equipment out of equipment reserves, however, Phil
Hals has provided a memo indicating why the City should not acquire this piece
of equipment.
Permanent Snowmobile Trailhead Signs
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The River City Snow Riders have been working closely with Commissioner Dave
Anderson and the Park and Recreation Commission on the establishment of
clearly delineated snowmobile trails through the City. Part of this work includes
the establishment of permanent trailheads and locations for informational
signage within the City.
13065 Orono Parkway. P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
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Memo to Mayor and City Council/Oct. P&R Update
October 3, 2000
Page 2
In 1995, when the snowmobile trail map was originally approved, a trailhead was
identified in Orono Park. The Snowmobile Club is requesting that the City allow
installation of an 8 ft. tall by 5 ft. wide sign as noted on the attached drawing.
This sign would include city maps and rules for traveling through the City, as well
as a map of the County trail system. It is the intent of the River City Snow Riders
to maintain these permanent signs. An additional sign is being requested by the
River City Snow Riders at the northwest corner of Jackson Street and Highway
169 (Holt and Jackson). As you know, this site is owned by the Economic
Development Authority and is currently being marketed as available for
development. As the site is currently being marketed, staff is uncomfortable
recommending that a permanent sign for the snowmobilers be located on that
site at this time. Staff would recommend, however, that the City Council allow
placement of a permanent trailhead sign at Orono Park. Staff will work with the
Snowmobile Club to ensure that the sign location complies with the City
ordinance.
Playground Ribbon Cutting
On October 2, 2000, the City hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies for the
playgrounds located at Country Crossings 3rd and Lions Tot Lot. In attendance
were Councilmember Dietz and Commissioners Anderson (both), Huberty, and
Reitsma. The City provided refreshments and grab bags for the children. The
ribbon cutting at Country Crossing 3rd was especially well attended.
Attachments
. Seed Stripper Information
. Memo from Phil Hals
. Snowmobile Club Sign Information
S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\CCREPRTS\OCTP&R.DOC
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Seed Strippers
Page 1 of2
Hand Held Portable Seed Strippers
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9/13/00
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Seed Strippers
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Page 2 of2
mixes of seeds.
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9/13/00
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Phil Dais, StreetJPark Superintendent
DATE:
October 2, 2000
SUBJECT: Purchase of Native Prairie Grass Seed
Harvester I
At the September 13, 2000 meeting the Park and Recreation Commission
recommended the purchase of a portable seed stripper for $900.00 as
requested by Dave Anderson.
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Staff does not support this purchase because fIrst, it is unbudgeted and there
are no extra funds in the park operating budget for 2000. Second, the unit
would have to be operated by trained personnel so that the proper seeds are
harvested. Third, the unit has not been tested or demonstrated to our
satisfaction. Fourth, with the purchase price and the labor costs would it not
be more cost effective to purchase the needed seed from a reputable dealer.
.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
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Subject: Permanent trailhead signs
The River City Snow Riders wishes to install Permanent trail head signs at 2 locations within the city of
Elk River. These 2 locations are I. Orono Park, and 2. The Northwest comer of the Jackson and Trunk
Hwy. 169 intersection.
These signs will playa vital role in providing information to snowmobilers. This information will consist
of the city snowmobile ordinance, a map of the urban service area, a detailed map of how to navigate
through the city, and a map of the county trail system. We will also have boxes there to hold the county
maps for snowmobilers to take.
Sheet "A" shows a rough draft of how we would like to build these signs. Dimensions will be
approximately 8 feet tall by 5 feet wide total. There will be a locked Plexiglas cover to protect the postings
from the elements. The club would maintain these signs. t
The location of the Orono sign will be towards the East End of the tree line located near Hwy. 10. The
location of the 1 69/Jackson sign will be in the NorthWest comer of that intersection.
The club will also install a temporary sign at the Otsego bridge crossing. This sign would be similar in
nature to a normal street sign (I IXI7 approx.). Plans for these are to include the detailed city map, and the
city snowmobile ordinance. We would include the two signs on one steel post.
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