Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 12/12/1996

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Grooming of a trail would be done with a snowmobile pulling a grooming apparatus at a speed of approximately six to eight miles per hour. TidB is a four-foot width grooming model which is comprised ora series of combs which scrape and pack the snow. It can also be equipped with a track setter. The model also uses a retractable blade in the front. For larger amounts of snow fall a roller could be used to compact the snow for grooming completion by the TidB. It was noted the TidB promotes safety and assists in trial preparation during the non-winter season. Cost of grooming equipment is estimated at $1,500 ($500.00 for the TidB and $1,000 for a snowmobile). Positioning of interpretive signs which would provide directions, information, and assist in safety measures is recommended. Education (Tracie Wahlberg) Study of vegetation, wildlife identification, and water studies (stream and water quality analyses) are three different types of studies which could be conducted at the Park. This could assist in conjunction with environmental learning canter, but would not necessarily require construction of a building; simply access to the area. There are schools in the Anoka-Hennepin School District which could potentially use the area. Currently, there are four schools which have expressed interest in utilizing the area. As well, there are other groups (i.e. scouting and cormnunity organizations) which could use the area. Public Opinion (Valerie Malmquist) There were two approaches used to gather public input about development of the proposed area: public questionnaire; and distribution of a survey to Anoka High School students. Questionnaire and survey responses were favorable for non-motorized trail development. It was noted accompanying issues were examined one of which would be an increase in real estate values for those residents located by near the trail. Summary (Valerie Malmquist) Public response indicates residents desire a trail which is located in a east/west direction. Questions Posed to Presenters In response to the City Administrator, the sample size (people surveyed) results show that 389 or 79% favor a trail, 67 or 14% oppose a trail, and 39 or 7% are undecided. Chairperson Cook referred to the heightened phosphorus levels and inquired whether this was due in part to runoff from fertilizers applied to lawns fi-om area residents. Mitch Allen was unable to provide a concrete conclusion. He recommended taking additional water samples at different seasons in the three areas where samples were previously retrieved. Ms. Malmquist expressed her appreciation to everyone present. Park and Recreation Commission/December 12, 1996 Page 4 of 9