05-25-1999 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission April 1, 1999 PALMEN George Letendra, representing the Palmens, stated that they are proposing 16 to 18 single OVERLOOK family homes valued in the $300,000 to 8600,000 range on the south side of the wetland area north of Viking Drive at McMenemy. He indicated that the developer does not want to give any solid land to the City for the park charge. The developer would prefer a bog walk on the wetland area. Sanders talked about putting in a paved walkway on the north side of the lots. However, the developer was adamantly against the idea stating that a trail in that area would detract from the value of the homes and would open up the area to theft. The Commission then talked about placing an easement between Lots out to the wetland area for future construction of a bog walk connection out into the wetland. Letendra stated that the cul -de -sac is proposed as a private road and the developer would want the easement private as well with the homeowners' association to decide when or if to put a bog walk connection in. Letendra stated that if a bog walk connection is put in, a locked gate could be installed with keys given to each homeowner in the area so the public could not access the private development from the bog walls in that area. Smith felt that Sanders should check with the DNR on their regulations related to placement of a bog walls through the wetland area. The Commission also decided to wait for Council approval on the private development. The Director recommended tabling this item until the next meeting. ARBOR DAY Anderson stated that the Arbor Day celebration has been scheduled on Friday, April 23, 1999 at 1 p.m. at the lower shelter in Spooner Park. Trees will be planted in the park and the 4th grade students from Little Canada and St. John's Schools will be asked to participate like in past years. ST PAUL Anderson stated that the Commission toured the St. Paul Water Department's property south WATER DEPT of Country Drive before tonight's meeting. Sanders felt that a 25 -foot trail easement in the PROPERTY area would work for the City as long as the developer would not be grading within the 25- foot area. He felt that the City could release 5 feet to the developer without negatively impacting future trail development. The Commission felt that the developer should not be approached to construct a wood -chip trail in the area. Johnson recommended that 5 feet of the City's trail easement be released with the stipulation that no vegetation be cut down or grading occur by the developer within the 25 foot trail easement the City retains. Motion seconded by Sackett Glaser. Motion carried 6 — 0. Page 21