8.2. SR 11-21-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER Ma or and Ci Council 8.2. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Administration November 21, 2011 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Approve a Resolution Supporting Mississippi River Trail Cal Portner, Ci Administrator Connection REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the City Council approve a resolution supporting the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION At the November 9, 2011, Park and Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve a resolution supporting the Mississippi River Trail. The concept for the MRT was first discussed by City Council at the August 15, 2011, City Council meeting, when Council approved a letter of support to the City of Ramsey for the Mississippi River Trail project. Since that time, the Mississippi River Trail MnDOT has held community engagement meetings to present and market the importance of the Mississippi River Trail. Staff recently attended a community engagement meeting in St. Cloud on October 26 to find out how the City of Elk River can become a host city. Every city willing to pass a local resolution supporting the MRT and its goals will be provided some benefits if it chooses to become a host city. This includes listing the City of Elk River on the MnDOT website highlighting our local city attractions. One host city in each of the six MRT Destination Areas that wants to position itself as a significant destination for MRT travelers is eligible to receive expert marketing and bicycle planning assistance, which includes: • Developing a marketing action plan. Two consultation meetings with a MN State tourism marketing expert who will assist in developing an MRT Marketing Plan. • Evaluating its bicycle-friendliness. One site visit by the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota to conduct a community assessment and a follow up meeting for marketing purposes. In order to receive the enhanced visibility and highlights of a selected host city, an application with a resolution must be submitted to the MRT MnDOT. The application process includes outlining the existing community bicycling services and how the City of Elk River may convene a meeting of stakeholders to work and develop an MRT marketing plan. vowEeEO /Y N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Counal RCA\Agenda Packet\11-21-2011\Mississippi River Trail requet for acdon.docx ~ ~j~~~~~