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MINUTES <br />PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION <br />SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 <br />of existing playground structures, he would ask for a recommended <br />timeline. This information will be presented to the Commission for their <br />review. <br />WATER The Director reported that he met with the City Engineer to review the <br />WORKS Water Works Trail crossing over the railroad Given the estimated cost <br />TRAIL for an at -grade crossing, the Director had suggested the City Engineer <br />RAILROAD look into the possibility of a tunnel crossing. The City Engineer has <br />CROSSING determined that a tunnel crossing would be more expensive. <br />Sanders indicated that there are some grants available, and indicated that <br />application deadlines are this fall. The Director reported that he would <br />forward the City Engineer information on the various grant programs. <br />EMERALD Fahey indicated that the emerald ash borer has now been found in <br />ASH BORER Shoreview, and noted that the City has a lot of ash trees in its parks. The <br />Director reported that there was some discussion at the workshop meeting <br />with the Council on this issue, and $6,000 will be included in the budget <br />for reforestation and /or treatment. <br />Fahey noted the abundance of ash trees in Pioneer Park, and expressed <br />concern about the use of one species. Sanders indicated that the City has <br />different species in its parks. However, ash trees were used between the <br />Pioneer Park ball fields since they are fast - growing and provide good <br />shade. <br />Sanders indicated that the disease is moving slowly, and his <br />recommendation would be keep on eye on its progress and not move too <br />quickly on tree replacement. Slain asked about treatment options. <br />Sanders pointed out that parks are generally used by children and he <br />would be hesitant about dumping chemicals into the ground. He also <br />noted that it has not been proven that the treatment options available are <br />effective. Sanders also noted that the species in the parks are diversified. <br />The Director again pointed out that money will be set aside in the 2012 <br />Budget for treatment or reforestation, and suggested that over the next few <br />months the Commission come up with a plan for addressing this issue. <br />DEMONT The Director indicated that the recent Community Survey results show <br />RINK that 53% of those surveyed somewhat supported or strongly supported the <br />reopening of the Demont skating rink. 31% somewhat opposed or <br />strongly opposed the reopening. The Director indicated that he would like <br />4 <br />