5.10. SR 04-14-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to the Mayor and City Council Park and Recreation Update April 14, 2003 Page 2 APprove Policy Regarding Encroachments and Illegal Dumping in City Parks Staff, members of the Park & Recreation Commission, and volunteers continue to mark park boundaries per the City's adopted policy. Our most recent project included defining the boundary at Big Tooth Ridge Park (formerly Lafayette Woods). We have observed a number of encroachments into the park area including landscaping and miscellaneous structures. Prior to notification to the residents requiring the removal of these encroachments, staff and the Commission felt it appropriate to formalize the City's position regarding encroachments and illegal dumping in parks. The policy adopted by the Park and Recreation Commission and unanimously recommended to the council for approval is attached for your review. To summarize, the policy states that the City of Elk River is responsible for installing and maintaining landscaping and structures in all city parks and that residents shall not do the same without prior approval from the City. Residents will be given adequate time to remove the encroachments and restore the park to its original condition. However, there may be some encroachments that the City may deem beneficial to the park and would allow to remain. These encroachments would be reviewed by staff and approved by the Park and Recreation Commission. Relating to illegal dumping of materials such as grass clippings, compost and specifically dog feces, residents would be expected to immediately remove these items from city parks and if necessary, staff will notify residents when such encroachments and dumping have been observed. There is one particularly egregious example of dog feces in city parks along the railroad grade near Meadowvale School. If the Council approves the attached policy, City staff will notify residents of known encroachments regarding the policy and request that they remove them. Sta2f ~ that the City Courldl concur ~ the Park and Recreation ~sion's re~r~ra~4ation and approve the policy regarding ~ and illegal dump~g in City parks. At the April 9, 2003 meeting the Commission also heard updates from the BMX group, Eagle Scout Scott Dirks regarding his project at Camp Cozy Park, and reviewed a preliminary draft plan for the Riverwalk Development and development of the Rivers Edge Common greenspace in downtown. The Commission also continues to work on updating the overall park master plan. S:Planning/Michele/memo/041003