12-08-1998 PC MIN - SPECIAL
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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 Meetina 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.
Reauest bv Citv of Elk River for Amendment to Comprehensive Plan Reoarding
Snowmobile Trails, Public Hearino 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.
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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.
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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.
Respectfully submitted,
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Scott Harlicker
Planning Assistant