04-10-2006 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Councill\.1inutes AprillO, 2006 Page 6 6.2 6.3 Trail Financing and Future Referendum for Parks and Trails . Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz stated that there will be significant opportunity to develop trails in Elk River over the next 10 years as east Elk River becomes developed, and Sherburne County reconstructs and improves county roads. The Park and Recreation Commission have indicated that a comprehensive and citywide trail system is a high priority. Staff believes that Park Dedication fees, at their current levels, will be insufficient to fund a citywide trail system. Options for funding mechanisms for trails are: increase in park dedication fees; Parks and Trails Referendum; grant opportunities; and stipulating trail construction as part of the PUD process. He continued on with item 6.3 stating that the Commission had expressed from the day he came onboard an interest in looking at a park referendum knowing that land values are increasing and the costs of all sort of recreational facilities. He stated that the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for parks is about $4,296,000; trail development estimated at $4 million; the purchase of Pine wood having an impact of over $1 million; land acquisition will be substantial even with matching grants; and athletic associations are advocating for increased field development. Staff recommends looking at revising and updating the 1997 Park System Master Plan; hire a consultant; hold extensive series of neighborhood public meetings; and create a system plan that reflects resident's values. He stated that staff is recommending to include $45,000 in the Park Dedication budget for this process citywide to determine whether there is a need or a desire to have a referendum. Councilmember Dietz expressed concern about future developments in the eastern part of the city since the Trail Master Plan hasn't been updated. He stated that when projects come to the council and they don't have a Master Plan to look at that it's difficult to suggest or state that there's suppose to be a trail located in the development. He feels developers will want to locate the trail anywhere and argue that since it's not in the Master Plan question why the council is making them do it. The Park Commission will say we really want a trail in this area but it's not in the plan. He inquired as to how we could speed up the process. . Mr. Maertz stated that when any development comes in the planners do review it with the existing plan and with a concept of what is needed. He stated that updating the Plan is part of the process needed. He stated that there are trails in the eastside and the county will widen the shoulders. Councilmember Farber agrees and would like some way to speed up the process and for staff to come up with some idea of what we are looking for. He stated that what comes to mind is looking for trails along Trott Brook. He stated that since there wasn't a plan he had a hard time agreeing to this type of project and that council needs to be more aware. He stated that he doesn't want to have to wait if staff has some sort of vision. Mr. Maertz stated that he can have Mr. Leeseberg work on and develop internally at the staff level. Mayor Klinzing stated that she thinks the consultant is something council should consider. Councilmember Farber likes the idea of going to the neighborhoods and if people have ownership into the parks and trails they will probably vote for a referendum. .