Houlton Farm Planning Committee Meeting 2015-12-21

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Houlton Farm Planning Committee Page 2 November 30, 2015 ----------------------------- 4.3 Utilities Mr. Sevcik met with Elk River Municipal Utilities at the property to discuss abandoning all existing service locations except for the Quonset but and burying that power line in conduit along the edge of the driveway — about 702 feet. Municipal Utilities agreed to provide the labor at no cost and estimate a materials cost of $5,000 plus $200 for a new meter. This cost would come out of the Houlton Farm budget. If the group agrees with this plan, the City will proceed. All members were in favor of moving forward with this plan. Mr. Anderson suggested a security light at the Quonset hut. Mr. McGillivray noted there are no written rules, but he hasn't typically seen security lights added. Mr. Hecker will check into the possibility of a security motion light rather than a fixed light at the Quonset hut. 4.4 Fishing Plan Mr. Anderson reported the subcommittee walked the property shoreline and identified several areas of potentially sensitive shoreline along the Mississippi due to erosion and safety issues. They think there might be more sensitive areas visible once the buckthorn is removed along both rivers. They feel these identified areas should be off-limits to fishing, but don't feel these potential restrictions would detract from fishing opportunities. Mr. McGillivray stated he has never heard of fishing restrictions on this type of property, but he doesn't think it should be a problem with the DNR. He suggested that it probably should have been identified in the original hunting plan and fishing restrictions should be included in any future updates to the hunting plan. 4.5 Cedar Creek Conservation Area Tour The Cedar Creek Conservation Area is 550 acres total, 193 acres is grassland, the remainder is forested and wetland area. Of the tour, Councilman Olsen noted the property was expansive - beautiful grassland we don't see anymore. Ms. Seeger said she was impressed with the prominence and clarity of signs. 4.6 Property Rules and Signage Committee Report Mr. Anderson handed out a document listing proposed signage and pictures of signs from Cedar Creek Conservation Area that the subcommittee would like to use as a template for the Houlton property. Items listed in red were added following the tour of Cedar Creek. Potential locations of signs were discussed but nothing was finalized. It was noted that the kiosk should have the Clean Water Land Legacy sign, the Partners sign, the Trust for Public Land sign and perhaps the Friends of the Mississippi River sign. rp1IFAII I1 NATURE