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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes August 9. 2000 Page 5 . Discussion followed regarding requesting Mr. John Guebar's assistance. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that staff contact Mr. Guebar to see if he would be available to attend the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting, and if a fee would be charged. Ms. McPherson will advise the Chair and Vice Chair of Mr. Guebar's response. Ms. McPherson felt that funding could be found if a fee was required. 9.C.2. Reaional Park Coalition Ms. McPherson explained that the City Council has directed staff to encourage the Park and Recreation Commission to facilitate a meeting with neighboring commissions to discuss a possible partnership to complete a regional park plan for Eastern Sherburne County. The Commissioners discussed a plan of action. The consensus of the Commissioners was to send a letter to the surrounding communities to find out if there was interest in establishing a coalition. Chair Kuester felt the proposal would have a moderately low priority at this time, since the project would require much planning, work and staff time. Staff will place this item on the October or November agenda. 9.C.3. Aporove Woodchip Trail Standard Phil Hals stated that an eight foot wide trail is more economical to construct. He felt that the eight feet width is necessary to allow trail users to pass comfortably. . Commissioner Sladek stated that he is aware of other cities requiring 8 foot wide trails so that they can be used for emergency vehicles. Commissioner Reitsma stated that his idea of a woodchip path is placing woodchips no more than 4 inches deep, directly on the existing soils without any excavating. Discussion followed regarding a six foot trail versus an eight foot trail standard. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt the sides should be restored with prairie grass. He stated that there are two different types of prairie which can be used; 8"-12" woodland prairie or 3"-6" prairie plantings. Phil Hals stated that the vegetation on the sides of any trail will grow toward the sunlight and could end up covering quite a bit of the trail edges. He stated that he would prefer to mow the sides of the trail to keep the edges more defined. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE STANDARDS FOR WOODCHIP TRAILS AS ATTACHED TO THE MEMO DATED AUGUST 9, 2000, WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES: MAXIMUM 6 FOOT WIDE PATH WITH NO EXCAVATION; WOOD CHIPS PLACE ON TOP OF EXISTING SOILS; 2' TRAIL EDGE RESTORED WITH SHORT GRASS PRAIRIE SEED. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 9.CA. Draft lO-Year CIP Budaet . An update will be provided each month on this item.