02-10-2021 PRM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 February 10, 2021 ----------------------------- need to be done. He suggests plowing out an area to the south of the lot to add a few temporary parking spots and we can continue to use the parking lot at the golf course. Commissioner Niziolek thinks the increase in use is driven by the new amenities at the park and thinks the usage will continue to increase dramatically. Commissioner Rathbun also agrees there has been an increase in park usage due to the new features which justify adding more parking spots. Chair Williams also feels like this plan is reactionary. He mentioned he had Mr. Hecker check to see if the cost could be paid out of the Pavement Management Fund but it can’t. It would need to be paid with funds from Park Dedication and he is not supportive of that. Commissioner Soltvedt asked what the approximate fund balance is of the Park Dedication Fund. Chair Williams said there is $511,000 but there will be some funds going towards the Highway 10 trail. Commissioner Niziolek stated that there is not neighborhood parking available and can only park in this parking lot. County Road 1 is too dangerous, and we need to keep everyone in this area to keep it safe. Commissioner Rathbun suggests that if there isn’t support for this proposal that there could be exploration to a second-tier option for expanding parking. Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun to accept staff recommendation of the expansion of the Woodland Trails Regional Park parking lot. Motion fails 4-3. Commissioner Soltvedt asked if we have received any feedback or complaints from the Elk River Golf Course regarding people parking in the overflow area during the winter months. Mr. Hecker and Chair Williams have not heard of any complaints. Commissioners discussed the expansion and where the money will come from. Some supported it and some did not. Some Commissioners want a large parking lot but don’t want to spend the money when there are more important projects.