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CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AUGUST 21, 1979 —2— REGIONAL PARK: Johnson stated the west shore would be a better location for a launch. Mr. Muenich felt the South East launch could be eliminated, but if the lake is designated a fishing lake there must be access. Mottaz desires a launch be engineered in such a way that you can launch the type of boats desired, with regulations and and enforcement agent. Mr. Lockyear said he will check on regulations with the Met Council. 2) Through Road — Mr. Muenich indicated the alignment has been changed in many places. The road is curved and has a T—intersection about mid —point in the park. The road is a through —design in order to enable people access to areas within the park rather than have them leave its boundaries and drive around to another point. Pott suggested signal lights for the tracks at the access from 212. Johnson felt increased traffic on 212 may be diverted through the park. Mr. Muenich indicated there will be control points at the access points and a turning lane with center island at 212. The more expensive alignment around the east side of the pond provides a more direct route from the Interpretative Center to Headquarters. Ed Nielsen asked why the center could not be moved. He would rather see the money go towards developing trails than roads. The trails can be done much sooner, also. Pott wanted it noted that many dollars are to,be spent on roads and the City desires to save this money. There will be no golf course in this plan. 3) RV Camping — The County said if this type of camping is desirable the area located on the plan is the only feasible one. The Council indicated it may not be desirable at all; and that if it is planned it should be a full service site with dumping station. It is not a good idea to mix RV and tent camping if electricity is not provided. RV and primitive camping don't mix. Mottaz quoted from a letter from Brauer concerning the intent of the park. Mr. Lockyear indicated he will talk to the Met Council and see what type of restrictions can be imposed. He stated this park is to serve the Metropolitan Region. 4) Horse Trails — The County preceived a demand .for horse activities in the park. The trails shown are for maximum use. From a design perspective they will not be in conflict with other used areas. Cross—country ski trails were not shown to the degree of use they should be shown. Many horse trails can be used for ski trails in the winter. 5) Development Schedule — A development schedule has been proposed to Washington County, but no approval has been given as yet. It will be a phased schedule. Morgan suggested one way to open the park sooner is with a series of trails. This can be done with minimal expense. These trails would be compatable with existing homes the park. Data Sheet — Parking for cross—country skiing was discussed. 50 spaces may not be enough. The Interpretative Center will act as a back—up parking area in the winter. Mottaz questioned truck traffic through the park. This will be handled with azel limits. 7) Swimming Beach — $200,000 is proposed to develop a swimming beach on Lake Elmo. Ed Nielsen suggested a beach such as Square Lake. This would be much less expensive. Existing lakeshore on the west could be used rather than developing a new area. Mr. Muenich said the reason for the proposed location is it would be near the picnic and activities area. A natural beach would need too much fill and sand to make it workable. Mr. Lockyear said he would check and see if it were feasible to make a swimming area on the west side of the lake. DINNER BREAK — BEN°S ELMO INN