01-27-1999 PR MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1999
Members Present:
Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Kuester,
Olson, Peterson, Westrum and Reitsma
Members Absent:
Commissioner Dave Anderson
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent,
Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant; Steve Wensman, Planner;
Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary
Also Present:
Council Members Thompson and Motin
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the special meeting of the Elk River Park
and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Huberty.
2.
Park Issues Discussion
Scott Harlicker distributed maps identifying owners of large parcels east of
Highway 169, and information regarding the park service areas identified on the
Master Park Plan. Chair Huberty indicated the purpose of the meeting was to
review these areas for possible updates to the Master Park Plan. Commissioner
Dana Anderson stated that the Commission needs to look at trail connections,
park needs and how the trail system will be linked to the proposed pedestrian
bridge over Highway 169.
Scott discussed plans for Hillside 8th and 9th Addition, and a town home project
proposed by Rick Foster. The Commissioners expressed strong support for their
recommendation for a 4-5 acre park in the Hillside 8th Addition. The
Commissioners indicated that even if it is not possible to acquire a flat open
space, they would still like a parcel 4-5 acres in size preserved as passive green
space. Commissioner Dana Anderson indicated that the Commission's
recommendation also states the park land should not be located in residents'
backyards and should be easily accessible to everyone. Commissioner Dana
noted that when a park is surrounded by homes, the residents seem to take
ownership of the park and do not want it to be developed, such as in the case of
the Deerfield 2nd Addition park and Hillside 5th park.
Discussion followed regarding the possibility of acquiring a 10 - 20 acre park. The
Burandt and Morrell properties were considered. Pat Klaers, City Administrator,
indicated that Mr. Foster tried unsuccessfully to purchase the Burandt property.
Staff indicated that Mr. Holzem was approached to sell his property and that he
was not interested. Also, a possible partnership with the school district to meet
park needs was discussed, in the event a school is built east of Highway 169.
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Commissioner Reitsma indicated he was aware the school district was looking at
a parcel in Ramsey.
The Trott Brook Farms park and trail system was also discussed. This park is
considered a neighborhood park and will not serve as an area park.
Commissioner Kuester indicated that the important issue is how to develop parks
to meet the needs with no money available. Discussion followed regarding park
dedication fees and how the fees are disproportionate to the sharply rising land
values.
Council Member Thompson indicated he felt it was important that the city discuss
with the School District any plans to build a school on the east side.
A discussion followed regarding the Hillside 8th and 9th Additions. It was the
consensus of the group to take another look at the 9th Addition for possible park
land acquisition.
A portion of the Assembly of God Church property and the Burandt property was
discussed as a possibility for a park.
It was the consensus of the group that a large area free-standing park or a joint
park with the school district would be appropriate for the area east of Highway
169.
A trail along the new Tyler Street was discussed. A trail is proposed on the east
side and sidewalk on the west side up to County Road 13. Commissioner Reitsma
explained a problem with the County Road No. 12 and Tyler Street intersection,
due to the location of the gas substation. The possibility of for a trail on the south
side of County Road No. 12 was discussed. Commissioner Dana Anderson
suggested the city work with the property owner to acquire the necessary right of
way.
The pedestrian bridge connection was discussed further at this time. It was the
consensus of the Commissioners to recommend a sidewalk or trail going north
along Dodge A venue to 193rd and south along Dodge Avenue to Tyler Street.
4. Adiournment
There being no further business, Chair Huberty adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9: 1 0 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary