02-12-2020 PRM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 February 12, 2020 ----------------------------- Mr. Anderson would still recommend that members of the Commission go listen to one. Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt to recommend to City Council to accept the City Council and Elk River Utilities Commission’s recommended site location for a wind turbine at YAC. Motion carried 4- 2. 7.1 GRE Platform Mr. Hecker presented his staff report. Tim Steinbeck, Great River Energy Director and long-time member of Great River Energy City Commission explained that GRE will start taking down the decommissioned plant and the underground utilities in the Spring of 2020. He proposed the option of the City taking over a similar agreement as they have with MNDOT and Babcock Memorial Rest Area regarding leaving the concrete platform that is currently across from the plant and extends out into the Mississippi River for public use. Mr. Steinbeck said MNDOT will be closing the current pull off area to the structure on the highway. Commissioner Niziolek asked what the life expectancy is of the structure. Mr. Steinbeck said he didn’t know. Chair Anderson would like to get more information. It would be nice to have the structural integrity evaluated by the engineers. Mr. Steinbeck said that he believes this property is already owned by MNDOT. He suggested a rock wall or something to block it off from the highway but then do a trail or something to join it to Babcock Memorial Rest Area. Commissioner Soltvedt said that while that spot is used a lot the city would need more information before they acquired the property. Chair Anderson asked about what does acquiring mean if MNDOT already owns it. Mr. Steinbeck said that it would be an agreement similar to the one the city has with Babcock Memorial Rest Area. Chair Anderson said that it is attractive as a fishing spot but close to the highway.