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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes <br />Februarq 11, 2009 <br />Page 4!~ <br />Big Lake resident, Mark Rathbun; 22277 185' St. Big Lake. Shared that he uses the • <br />trail system and participates in volunteer trail maintenance. Supports staff <br />recommendations, from a safety concern trails are technically difficult going up and <br />down, skiers may not expect a walker and would be surprised and it could lead to an <br />accident. <br />Elk River resident, Eileen Stambaugh, 14845 County Road 30, Elk River. Stated that <br />she can appreciate both sides of the issue, glad there is a walking trail. Please keep <br />the trail separate, however adding better signage for the walling trails would help <br />lessen the confusion. <br />Elk River resident, Angela. Austvold, 18211 Hudson St. Elk River. Shared concerns <br />of safety issues such as skiers being on the walking trails or roller bladers and bikers <br />during the other seasons on the walking trails. How will the commission protect the <br />walkers during all seasons. <br />Mr. Maertz stated that the goal is not to eliminate the walkers; the goal is to designate <br />areas for each activity. <br />Mr. Rathbun shared that the trails are used heavily by the Middle School and High <br />School Ski teams who do not always have a lot of control and they need an area to <br />learn. Typically you do not see a walker on the trail until you there on them due to <br />the visibility of being heavily wooded and steep terrain. • <br />Mr. Maertz stated that Woodland Trails has evolved over the years and has become <br />busier each year. This is common practice in the state of MN to have separate trails <br />for skiers and walkers for safety reasons. <br />Commissioner Anderson stated that this is a good compromise to maintain both <br />uses. <br />Commissioner Niziolek stated that there should be very prominent postings as to <br />what the winter trail usage is for, either walking or skiing. <br />MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY <br />COMMISSIONER CARSON TO ACCEPT STAFF <br />RECOMMENDATIONS AS DISCUSSED FOR WOODLAND TRAILS <br />PARK WINTER TRAIL USAGE ALONG WITH THE ADDITION OF <br />POSTING PROPER SIGNAGE FOR BOTH TYPES OF TRAILS. <br />MOTION CARRIED 4-0 <br />7.2. DNR Grant <br />Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz presented information regarding the <br />DNR Local Trail Connection Grant. One part of the upcoming economic stimulus <br />package that appears to be certain is that there will be approximately $20 million fox • <br />transportation enhancements, such as trails, allocated for Minnesota. Staff has <br />