03-01-01 Parks Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission March 1, 2001 • Round off the SE coiner of the corner landscape area. The City Administrator noted that planting areas will not have water readily available. They will also be subject to salt damage. Lastly, he is concerned about long-term appearance, noting our staff is already stretched thin in this area. He said planters may be a better alternative if we can get someone to maintain them. The plant materials also would not be subject to as much salt damage. TRAIL Sanders presented a plan for a trail connection from Jackson Street to the Water Works trail. CONNECTION The trail is eight feet wide and it meanders through the trees due to the grade in this area. Meeting handicapped accessibility requirements is not possible due to the grade. Sanders stated that plantings could be added in the future along this hail. The Parks & Recreation Director stated that snowplowing may be difficult due to meandering of the trail. The existing trees, any future plantings, and the placement of the trail should take that into consideration. The City Administrator suggested having the bobcat plow the trail since it provides easier maneuverability. The Parks & Recreation Director commented that the City was not mandated to make the trail handicapped accessible, especially due to the grade. Work on this project will begin this year. The City Administrator suggested bidding this project with the Little Canada Road/McMenemy parking lot to obtain cost savings. TRAIL Sanders presented a plan for completing a trail under Xcel Energy's power lines which SYSTEM connects to Pioneer Park. The City Administrator stated that he has contacted Xcel and they seem to be cooperative in providing an easement for the trail. However, they need a proposed layout from us that we cannot provide until we know the connection points. The connections involve easements from private property owners who have been opposed to granting easements. The City Administrator felt it is time to approach the property owners once again to see if they were still opposed to such an easement. He stated that the City should offer compensation for the easements due to their critical nature. Danielson recommended exploring the possibility of obtaining a traiC easement on tl:e west side of Payne Avenue to connect to the existing trail arzd future corznecfions to Pioneer Park. Motion seconded by Gray. Motion carried 5 - 0. Sanders stated that he will be applying for the grant in May. A packet of information on the grant will be mailed to City Center and Sanders asked that he be called when the packet is received. Page 3 of 5