04-09-2003 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Apri19,2003 Page 6 . Commissioner Anderson complimented Mr. Dirks on his work. He stated that the north prairie looks very nice. 9.B.1. Land Use Cases: None 9.C.1. Park/Trail Development Issues: Discuss Riverwalk Concepts Planner Chris Leeseberg presented a conceptual design for a downtown park. Mr. Leeseberg stated that there is approximately 35-40 feet of grade separation from Main Street to the Mississippi River and this will be a challenge in trying to incorporate different uses/features within different areas of the park. Mr. Leeseberg's design included a public gathering area level to the parking behind the existing buildings and heavy natural landscaping between the public space and the river to create a noise buffer. The area would require a vast amount of ramping to provide ADA compliance to a fishing pier, if one were to be constructed. It was questioned who the current property owner of the proposed park area is. Ms. McPherson stated that the property was deeded to the City from the Economic Development Authority for park purposes. . A few suggestions were made but overall, the Commission was pleased with Mr. Leeseberg's concept plan. Ms. McPherson stated that staff will continue to work on the plan and come back to the Commission at future meetings with further details. 9.C.2. Landscaping in Parks - Policy Approval Ms. McPherson stated that the southern boundary for Big Tooth Ridge Park (formerly Lafayette Woods) has been surveyed and Commissioner Dave Anderson has organized a group of volunteers to install the park boundary signs. She stated that a number of property owners have encroached into the park area with sod, shrubs, structures, and retaining walls. Prior to informing the neighbors of the encroachment, staff felt is appropriate for the Commission and the City Council to adopt a formal policy regarding landscape encroachments in City parks. Ms. McPherson presented the following policy for the Commission's consideration: . "The City of Elk River will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the landscaping in City parks. Landscaping will be appropriate to the use and type of park. Residents may only landscape City parks upon the approval of the Park and Recreation Commission and only if approval has been granted prior to the landscape installation. For those landscapes that encroach into park areas, residents shall be notified in writing and given one year to restore the park to its original condition. In instances where the landscaping includes items such as retaining walls, the encroachment will be evaluated to determine if there is benefit to the park system if it is allowed to remain. The evaluation of the encroachment shall be made by City staff and a recommendation made to the Park and Recreation Commission."