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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 3 . since her children use it to walk to school and to the various recreation activities at the ice arena. She indicated that problems with students began when the trail was improved. She indicated that they have a large number of calls to 911 on record regarding problems with the students, especially between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Ms. Williams indicated that they watch the path during these hours, and other property owners have taken the responsibility to watch during the noon hour and also at the end of the school day. She indicated they have witnessed under-age smoking, drinking of alcohol, inappropriate sexual behavior and exchange of drugs. Because they have made complaints, they have experienced vandalism to their property including pulling siding off their house, boards pulled off their fence which they spent $2,000 to install, and items being stolen from their yard. They have found beer hidden on their property and they are constantly picking up garbage left by the students. Ms. Williams indicated that parents are concerned regarding the safety of the elementary children who are walking home from school around the time a number of high school students cut classes. She feels the trail invites more trouble than it is worth. Russ Langer, 11922 190th Circle, reviewed the concerns expressed by himself and his wife, Sandy, in their letter to the Park and Recreation Commission dated June 5, 1999 I attached). His concerns included safety of children, destruction of the wetland area, drainage, privacy, high school smokers, alternative paths available, and the School View residents' objection to paving the trails as proposed. He felt the Park and Recreation Commission should work to enhance the existing natural areas, rather than destroy them. . Patrick Brant, 11908 19()fh Circle, indicated he was very concerned that the cul- de-sacs in School View be kept as free from traffic as possible. He felt the 3 hour parking signs do work, but there are still some offenders. He expressed his concern for the lack of police presence in the neighborhood. He also was concerned that the wetland will be impacted if the east-west pathway is paved. Mr. Brant noted that the school has a wildlife class which utilized the wetland for their studies. He felt the drainage to the adjacent properties will be affected if the path is paved. A resident stated that his children have witnessed high school students burning the noses of dogs which are kenneled, with their cigarettes. Chair Huberty closed the public discussion at this time. Commissioner Kuester stated to the residents that nothing will happen to the trails until further study of the issue is done. He indicated that the residents would be notified if a proposal is brought forward. Commissioner Reitsma indicated that a trail connection from this area to the pedestrian bridge is very important and the Commission need to give the issue further study. One of the residents asked if there was any mosquito control in the city. Phil Hals indicated that the Minnesota Mosquito Control has not been in this area for quite some time, due to budget cuts. .