Loading...
03-21-1995 PR MIN - JOINT . . . JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1995 P &R Members Present: Chair Dave Anderson, Commissioners Dana Anderson, Daleiden, Olson and Tuttle P &R Members Absent: Commissioners Rolfe Anderson, Donais and Lipetzky PC Members Present: Chair Kuester, Commissioners Sullivan, Thompson, Minton, Kreger, Dillon, and Tacheny PC Members Absent: None Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent; Steve Ach, City Planner The joint meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by PC Chair Louise Kuester and 7:00 p.m. PR Chair Dave Anderson gave a brief description of the Park and Recreation Commission process involved in choosing between a recommendation for park dedication fees or property. PR Commissioner Dana Anderson explained the updated Park Master Plan and all of the work that was involved in arriving at the recommended need for 114 acres for sports fields. After discussing the issue, there was an understanding by both Commissions, but no formal action was taken. PR Chair Dave Anderson raised the following concerns about the sidewalks/trails issue: · Safety and the need to separate pedestrians and vehicle traffic · The need for sidewalks on both sides of street in sewered developments · The distinction between concrete sidewalks for pedestrians and wider bituminous trails for recreation. After a discussion by members of both Commissions, it was the consensus of the group that sidewalks are a concern for the Planning Commission and would be considered for , future plats in the sewer district, and that trails are a concern for the Park and Recreation Commission and would be considered on all future plats. Joint Planning/Park & Rec Commission Minutes March 21, 1995 Page 2 PR Chair Dave Anderson discussed tree preservation by stating that 10,000 square foot lots in a slightly rolling terrain have little to no chance of preserving existing trees. PC Commissioner Minton stated that there isa need for smaller lots as well as larger lots and by requiring the developer to plant trees for those removed, there is often a net gain in trees throughout a plat. . After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the group that there is no need to call for any action on tree preservation at this time. The Planning Commission members left at this time (approximately 8:55 p.m.) The Park and Recreation Commission reconvened their meeting at 9:00 to discuss further business. Chair Dave Anderson introduced a discussion of a grant application proposed by Mike Niziolek. Mike Niziolek wishes to write a grant for the purchase of a 25 acre tract of land north of the Ridgewood Estates subdivision under the Natural and Scenic grant program that is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It was the consensus of the Commission to encourage Mike Niziolek to continue writing the grant application and that the Park and Recreation Commission would take formal action supporting the application at the 4/12/95 meeting. . Chair Dave Anderson shared information about the proposed east/west road corridor. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Park & Recreation Commission members that they would not support any road alignment that touched Woodland Trails Park. Commission members considered topics for discussion at the upcoming joint City Council/Park and Recreation Commission meeting on 4/10/95. The following subjects were suggested: · Information on updated Park Plan, · Land use versus zoning for capturing park dedication fees, and, · Trail issues, including trails/sidewalks, various trail sections, and widened road shoulders for trail purposes. There being no further business, it was the consensus of the group to adjourn the meeting. Reo~ ~ Phil Hals Street/Park Superintendent .