February 9, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes February 9, 1995 Page 3 hopes that the east -west corridor will be routed around this whole area so that it can be preserved intact. He commented that other communities have made a decision to remove roadways that run through park land because it creates a barrier and interferes with usage of the park. Steve Ach provided background information on the proposed east -west corridor to provide a link with Anoka County from Viking Boulevard, through Elk River to Big Lake Township. He stated that Sherburne County is leading the proposal and that the City will participate in the process. Steve noted that it would be most desirable to use existing roads as much as possible, reducing the need for acquiring right-of-way, and that consideration be given to the Park and Rec Commission's concerns. He concluded by saying that no decisions have been made for the corridor at this time and it is still in the planning stage. At this time Dave Anderson displayed two slides which he felt demonstrated the need for park land and preservation of trees in land development. Pictures were taken before and after development of property located east of Highway 169, north of Elk Hills Drive. Barb Miracle, resident, questioned the safety of trails on the shoulders of the county roads. Dave Anderson explained that widened shoulders are the least desirable form of trail, but are better than no trail at all. He stated that a detached, improved trails along a rural roadway is very expensive to put in. Mike O'Brien, Park and Rec Commissioner, commented that he is aware of studies indicating that off -road bicycling trails are more dangerous than shoulder bicycling, because of the fact that automobile traffic does not recognize trail crossings as an intersection. Discussion followed regarding planning for park land property. Dave Anderson stated that 10 - 20 acres are needed for a smaller park complex and approximately 40 acres for a large one. Mary Eberley stated that she felt that special use parks should be named "preserve", so that the intention is clear. Dave stated that a special use park would be used for fishing or other unique uses. Discussion followed regarding the Shiely property. Chair Minton stated that the Steering Committee will be making a recommendation as part of this review process, regarding zoning of the property for future use when the mining is completed. Mike Nizeolik offered the following suggestions for the Steering Committee to consider in updating the Comprehensive Plan: 1. Take advantage of new local grant program entitled, Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program by planning a land acquisition of additional Dry Subtype Oak Forest on the Shiely property or a significant Mississippi River trail corridor. The deadline for all grant applications is May 1, 1995. Mr. Nizeolek is presently preparing this application. The grant involves a 50-50 match of funds by the City for up to $200,000.