01-27-1999 PR MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1999 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Kuester, Olson, Peterson, Westrum and Reitsma Members Absent: Commissioner Dave Anderson Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant; Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Also Present: Council Members Thompson and Motin 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the special meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Huberty. 2. Park Issues Discussion Scott Harlicker distributed maps identifying owners of large parcels east of Highway 169, and information regarding the park service areas identified on the Master Park Plan. Chair Huberty indicated the purpose of the meeting was to review these areas for possible updates to the Master Park Plan. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the Commission needs to look at trail connections, park needs and how the trail system will be linked to the proposed pedestrian bridge over Highway 169. Scott discussed plans for Hillside 8th and 9th Addition, and a town home project proposed by Rick Foster. The Commissioners expressed strong support for their recommendation for a 4-5 acre park in the Hillside 8th Addition. The Commissioners indicated that even if it is not possible to acquire a flat open space, they would still like a parcel 4-5 acres in size preserved as passive green space. Commissioner Dana Anderson indicated that the Commission's recommendation also states the park land should not be located in residents' backyards and should be easily accessible to everyone. Commissioner Dana noted that when a park is surrounded by homes, the residents seem to take ownership of the park and do not want it to be developed, such as in the case of the Deerfield 2nd Addition park and Hillside 5th park. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of acquiring a 10 - 20 acre park. The Burandt and Morrell properties were considered. Pat Klaers, City Administrator, indicated that Mr. Foster tried unsuccessfully to purchase the Burandt property. Staff indicated that Mr. Holzem was approached to sell his property and that he was not interested. Also, a possible partnership with the school district to meet park needs was discussed, in the event a school is built east of Highway 169.