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<br />Park & Recreation Commission Minutes <br />November 7, 1990 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, indicated that the railroad <br />trail is compacted gravel and is very firm. The railroad trail does <br />not allow motorized vehicles and horses have done no damage to the <br />railroad trail. <br /> <br />Clete Lipetzky and Charlie Blesener left at this time (approx. 8:00). <br /> <br />Doug Ostom indicated that most of the damage in the park areas due to <br />horses is in the sandy areas and that the trails are very new at this <br />time. However, after the trails have "firmed up", then no further <br />damage to other trails would take place when used by horses. <br /> <br />Discussion took place regarding the condition of the trails in the <br />Woodland Trails Park and the railroad bed area. It was indicated that <br />crushed limestone or wood chips is a good surface for horses but that a <br />bi tuminous surface is not good for horses. It was noted that the <br />railroad trail is wide enough for both a bituminous strip for such <br />activities such as bicycling and hiking and also to allow an area for <br />horses. <br /> <br />DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO CHANGE THE CITY POLICY TO ALLOW THE ENTIRE <br />RAILROAD TRAIL TO BE USED BY HORSES. BYRON HOUGHTELIN SECONDED THE <br />MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. Mike Gray, a Board Member of the Nordic Ski Club, indicated his <br />concern that one unsportsman horseperson could destroy the entire ski <br />trail and rights to use private land if they abused the privilege of <br />using the trails in Woodland Trails Park. <br /> <br />The Park and Recreation Commission agreed to further discuss this horse <br />riding issue at a future meeting in 1991. <br /> <br />4.2 Elk River Youth Hockey Association <br /> <br />Mr. Ron Johnson, representing the Elk River Youth Hockey Association <br />was present to discuss the issue that was raised at the October 3, <br />1990, meeting regarding fencing for the outdoor rinks near the hockey <br />arena. The fencing is desired at the southern end of the two rinks in <br />order to protect the spectators and vehicles. Mr. Johnson indicated <br />that there are no funds available from the school for the purchase and <br />installation of the needed fences and that the Youth Hockey Association <br />also has no funds available for this project. <br /> <br />Phil Hals discussed a more economical alternative to the chain link <br />fence proposal. The Commission discussed the appearance of the <br />alternati ve and it was the consensus of the Commission that if funds <br />are spent, then they should be spent on a chain link fence which is <br />more permanent and more aesthetically pleasing. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson indicated that the rink closest to the arena is the number <br />one priority and the rink further east is the second priority. <br /> <br />Discussion took place regarding possible reimbursement to the City in <br />the future for the expenditure of these funds. It is estimated that <br />