05-09-2001 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9,2001 Page 6 . INCLUDES LOTS 1-4, BLOCK 2, AND LOTS 26-28, BLOCK 3, AND, THAT THE NORTHEAST AREA OF THE PREVIOUS PARK PROPOSAL BE PLATTED INTO LOTS. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.B.2. Road in Hillside Park Director of Planning Michele McPherson explained that Mayor Klinzing asked that the Park and Recreation Commission review a request by the residents located east of Hillside City Park to allow an alternate access to be built through the park to access their properties. Ms. McPherson explained that the City Council granted Sherburne County an easement in the northeast corner of the park to reconstruct the driveway, due to the lowering of County Road 12. She stated that the residents feel the current slope of the driveway is unsafe, and feel that the proposed driveway would also be unsafe. Ms. McPherson provided drawings of the proposed realignment through the park with the easement granted to the County. She also explained impacts of the road proposed by the residents on park and mountain bike trails, as well as cost impacts to the City. . Tom Forsythe, Kaerl Schaap, and Chuck Atkins, residents affected by the proposed driveway realignment, were present to request the alternate realignment through the park. Mr. Schaap displayed a drawing showing the driveway suggested by the residents. Photos of the existing driveway slope were provided. Mr. Schaap stated that County Commissioner Arne Engstrom, Council member Motin and Mayor Klinzing have each visited the site and agree that the alignment needs to be further reviewed. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that the driveway proposed by the residents would have a significant impact on the park by the fact that approximately 2 acres of park land would be isolated and approximately 200-400 trees would be lost. He estimated that approximately 100 feet of clear-cutting would be necessary to get the road to a reasonable grade. Ms. McPherson asked how wide the road the residents are proposing would be. Mr. Schaap stated that the Mayor suggested that the road be made wide enough to also be used as a park access. Mr. Schaap stated that the residents would be willing to maintain the driveway through the park if the City does not see a need for a park access in this location. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated he does not see a need for a parking area to the east and is not in favor of disrupting the mountain biking trails that are already in place. Chair Kuester felt that the road proposed by the residents would have a huge impact on the park. Mr. Schaap stated that they are willing to work with the Park and Recreation Commission to locate the road to impact the park as little as possible. . Tom Forsythe stated that the residents will ask the County to condemn a portion of the park, if necessary, to obtain the access.