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<br />Park & Recreation Commission Minutes <br />September 9. 1998 <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />that there are many drawbacks to mixed use trails and severe erosion can occur. <br />Also. he found that one-way, technical trails are preferred over trails for speed. <br />Technical trails are proposed for Hillside Park which will wind around trees, have a <br />maximum 10 percent grade, with a 7 percent grade on sandy soils, with turns, <br />weaving and swithbacks on the large hills. A 6 foot clear zone of brush is <br />recommended, with very few trees being removed. On slopes, wherever <br />possible, the trail will go above a tree. Steve indicated Mr. Sjoquist is very excited <br />about Elk River's project and has commended the city for "doing it right" by <br />creating trails specifically for mountain biking, rather than multi-use trails which <br />have not been successful. Steve explained methods which can be used to <br />prevent and control erosion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Huberty left the meeting at this time (8:40 p.m.) <br /> <br />Nick Peterson, Eagle Scout. indicated he has received approval from the Boy <br />Scout Council for his bike trail project in Hillside Park. He stated that he needs to <br />know when he can start the project. in order to recruit volunteers. Steve <br />Wensman indicated Gary Sjoquist of Quality Bike Products will be marking the <br />trails the 1 st weekend in October. Commissioner Anderson suggested that Nick <br />come out to the site on Saturday, October lOth to get an idea of what the project <br />will entail. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />After discussion, it was determined the scouts will undertake the brushing portion <br />of the project and other adult volunteers, including the mountain bikers group. <br />will be recruited to undertake the remainder of the project. Steve Wensman <br />indicated that the brush will need to be removed, rather than just cut. or tire <br />punctures will occur. Commissioner Anderson stated he would work with the <br />scouts on a trial segment of the trail on Saturday, October 24th. Commissioner <br />Anderson noted that Gary Sjoquist suggested the mountain bikers work with staff <br />to layout a trail on the Brady property. <br /> <br />Nick Peterson asked if tools would be available. Phil Hals indicated he has a <br />limited amount of hand tools which the scouts may use. Commissioner Anderson <br />suggested the volunteers each bring a tool. <br /> <br />It was the consensus of the Commissioners that signage and some type of gating <br />or ribbon tape will be needed to identify areas where biking is allowed or not <br />allowed, especially where there are hills that could be damaged by erosion. <br /> <br />Steve Wensman indicated he will contact Nick Peterson after final arrangements <br />are set with Gary Sjoquist. <br /> <br />7.c. <br /> <br />Open Space Ordinance Amendment <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Steve Wensman reviewed components of the open space ordinance. He <br />explained that in this type of development, the homeowner's association owns <br />the open space land which would be used as a private park or. they could allow <br />it to be opened up for public purposes. Steve noted that this type of <br />development would likely occur in the A-l (Agricultural) zoning district where <br />there are no regional or neighborhood parks. The same issues regarding park <br />dedication would apply as for any other development. <br />