Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/13/2003

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Commissioner Olds went on record by reminding the Commission they have had opposition to trails i n t he past b ut once t he t rail i s i n p lace, the opposition goes away and those that were opposing the trail are now in favor of it and using the trails. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos concurred this is unequivocally correct. Commissioner Ostmm asked what the main opposition is to this, is it the idea.of having people walk behind their homes. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied th/s was true, and noted that neighborhoods oflen identify elements of development proposals nearest them and find objections. Commissioner Shryock stated one of the problems people havewith trails is when people started to move out to Ramsey, they saw this as a rural area and are.now afraid the City may look like an urban city. Commissioner Ostrum stated the Commission needs· to be concerned.with the entire City and not .just one area. Chairperson Johns stated' it is a lively development and to have-that connection to-the south is important. Commissioner Olds stated rather than separating the two developments by not having the trail there, the trail will bring the two developments together. Commissioner Ostrum stated they need to look at the broad concept and not isolate it in one area. Commissioner Rolfe stated there is a seven-year turn around in single family home sales, and in the future the owners may want a trail. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated the majority of the homes will be perpetually inhabited by families, and some of the existing residents and their new neighbors are sure to play together on the trail between them. · Commissioner Rolfe stated the homes that do not abut a trail are viewed as a desirable amenity to have. Mr. Kangas stated the developer is not in opposition to the cost if there is the opportunities such as maintenance sharing or participating through trail dedication credit if the 'Commission insists the trail go through, it may make it more palatable. He added that he thought the trail was a good idea, and' that's why he drew it in. However his primary concern is getting the plat approved. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated there is no public land to be dedicated and that Staff is nor recommending land to be dedicated for park. He stated the Staff recommends the Park Dedication be a cash dedication. He stated Park Dedication would be $207,000 and in that there Park and Recreation Commission/February 13, 2003 Page 6 of 9