Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Park & Recreation Commission Minutes <br />October 11. 2000 <br /> <br />Page 5 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />were in agreement that visits to other cities such as Woodbury, Farmington and <br />Hastings would be helpful. <br /> <br />9.C.2. Discuss Placement of Water Tower in Hillside City Park <br /> <br />Michele McPherson reviewed the six possible sites for location of a water tower in <br />eastern Elk River off County Road 12, described in her report to the Commission <br />dated October 6, 2000. Staff recommends approval of site #5, the Trott Brook <br />Park location. Two conditions are included in the recommendation; 1) that the <br />utilities pay $10,000 to the Park Dedication Fund (or whatever amount the <br />Commission feels is appropriate), and 2) the utilities install the trails in this portion <br />of the development as part of the tower construction. Ms. McPherson stated <br />that Bryan Adams, General Manager of Elk River Utilities, recommends site #3, the <br />Hillside City Park location. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Bryan Adams explained that his main concern with the Trott Brook Park location <br />was the potential for graffiti. He explained that graffiti is very costly because the <br />entire lower portion of the tower needs to be repainted if it is damaged, at a cost <br />of $40,000-$50,000. He noted that he has since spoken with Phil Hals, and he does <br />not feel as strongly that graffiti will be a problem. Mr. Adams stated that if grafatti <br />does become a problem, a fence will be constructed around the tower. Mr. <br />Adams stated that since the topography is higher in the Hillside City park location, <br />the tower would be shorter than if it were built in Trott Brook Park (184 ft. high <br />tower). He explained that no antennas will be allowed on the tower and that <br />there would be no problem with keeping park maintenance equipment in the <br />storage area at the base of the tower. <br /> <br />Commissioner Westrum questioned why site #4 (northeast corner of Trott Brook <br />Park)is not being recommended. Ms. McPherson stated that there would be a <br />significant impact on the Park because of the fact that most of the trees on the <br />knoll would need to be taken out. <br /> <br />Commissioner Sladek asked how much area is needed for the staging area. Mr. <br />Adams stated that a little more than 1 acre would be needed. <br /> <br />Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if placing the tower in the wetlands on an <br />"island" was a possibility. Mr. Adams stated that the soils would not support the <br />tower. <br /> <br />Commissioner Huberty asked if it would be possible for the Utilities to purchase 3 <br />residential lots for placement of the tower in order not to impact the park. Ms. <br />McPherson stated that the cost would be too prohibitive (3 times $40,000 per lot = <br />$120,000). <br /> <br />Commissioner Reitsma stated asked why only $10,000 is being recommended for <br />park dedication, if it would have cost the Utilities $120,000 to purchase three lots. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Chair Kuester asked if there was adequate room for a road to get to the well site <br />at Woodland Trails Park for maintenance from the north, when the property <br />develops. Mr. Adams stated that there is adequate space. The Commissioners <br />were in agreement that an alternate access for maintenance vehicles should be <br />