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Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 <br />February 12, 2020 <br />----------------------------- <br /> <br />and bathroom pad. <br /> <br />Council Member Wagner explained that these are concepts and that they didn’t even know <br />about until December. She agrees that she is trying to figure out what would be best for the <br />residents and everyone. Parks and Recreation is looking to see how it affects their park and <br />council is looking at how it affects the residents. Council member Wagner asked Ms. Fabish a <br />clarifying question- MN Dot has say over the speed limit on this road. The county hopes that <br />the medians and lanes will slow traffic down. Johnson St. would be a potential roundabout. <br />The City is reviewing options for a light vs. roundabout. Right now, it is appearing to be a <br />roundabout. Council Member Wagner will continue discussions with the county about this to <br />help alleviate the issue of access to the park and keep the access off Tyler. <br /> <br />Council Member Wagner spoke to the Elk River Chief of Police and he gave a list of all the <br />calls that have happened at the park. The Chief was in favor of keeping the parking lot where <br />it is to keep it visible for police etc. The report showed 145 officer check ins to the park over a <br />three-year period which includes officers entering the parking lot. There are no cameras in the <br />park. At a recent council meeting the council asked for more time on this project. <br /> <br />Right now, a round a bout at Trott Brook Parkway would be the smartest Chair Anderson said <br />but is not considered an option by the County at this time. Hillside Park is currently used quite <br />a bit and is becoming more heavily used. He pointed out that users/patrons become great <br />policemen. Chair Anderson asked to hear from a spokesman in the audience that would like to <br />represent the neighborhood off Tyler Street. <br /> <br />Curt Dahn, residing at 10843 180th Ave NW, Elk River, Minnesota 55330 stated that he was <br />representing 350 homes and about 700 residents. He met with Ms. Fabish, Chair Anderson, <br />and Mr. Hecker previously to discuss the potential access change. The concerns he and the <br />community expressed included: <br /> <br /> The residents believe that Hillside Park is a community park and were not aware of <br />other parks that visitors would have to drive through a residential area to access. He <br />asked why the change for this park? He said that this would inflict traffic on this <br />neighborhood. <br /> He was disappointed when they asked if lights would be installed and he said they were <br />told basically no. He pointed out that a stoplight could never be put in a Tyler Drive, <br />but one could be put in at Trott Brook Parkway if the traffic warranted it. <br /> Mr. Dahn asked if there is a number for how many visitors utilize the park. Mr. Hecker <br />said that MORC is reporting that the parking lot is full on the weekends. Curt Dahn is <br />pointing out the users are not Elk River residents. Mr. Hecker said that is not <br />necessarily true. <br /> He passed out some pictures with trees. He said that at the entrance to their <br />development there is a monument. The cost of moving the monument and acquiring