02-22-2018 Parks & Rec Commission Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP February 22, 2018 displays and carnival rides.” The Commission voiced concern over flattening the park because its hills bring character to the park. Chu asked how the Commission could respond to this comment. Abruzzese stated changing the park in this manner would be inconsistent with the Commission’s vision for Spooner Park. The Community Services Manager explained these mounds were believed to be excess dirt piles from when the Metropolitan Sewer Line was installed and later seeded. The City Administrator suggested asking Canadian Days if there were any trees that could be taken out to make it easier to host the car show. He noted new trees could be planted somewhere else in the park. The Commission agreed. Darling suggested applying for a grant through the DNR to get goats to eat the buckthorn and other invasive species from the wooded area. She explained it would be good publicity and it would also get people interested in the park. The Community Services Manager stated he had looked into this process, and it would be more feasible behind the tennis courts, but it would take much longer than removing it by hand. He explained it would take about two years to clear the invasive species because the goats don’t remove the roots. The Community Services Manager stated the goats also have to be watered and watched, and fencing has to be put in place. Kost explained the public input they had received showed trails and trail connections were very important to residents. Springer explained building a pedestrian bridge over 35E and connecting to the Waterworks Trail would be an important connection. Councilman Fischer stated a pedestrian bridge over 35E and 694 would help make the City more connected. He noted that funding for the pedestrian bridges should not impact their prioritization. Kost explained connecting the pedestrian bridge to a regional trail would make a stronger case for funding. He suggested connecting a pedestrian bridge over 35 E on the Water Works Trail. The City Administrator stated this would be a difficult project because it would require a very wide span and have to account for significant grading differences. Horwath asked if the City could get funding from the state. The City Administrator said the City could get funding from the state or federal government. Kost explained funding could be secured through a bonding bill. Kost stated the City would need to share their story and rally for support. The City Administrator noted Amy Klobuchar had visited the City last year to gain support for a bill she was working on. He explained the Mayor also spoke to her about how the highway cut through Little Canada and disconnected the community. Kost stated public private partnerships were also becoming popular to secure funding for projects. The City Administrator noted other entities like Ramsey County and other cities could also be involved in a pedestrian bridge over 694. Chu was in PRIORITY TRAIL CONNECTIONS