Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/12/1995 - Public Hearing @ 6:02

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indicated that the City Council has opposed a trail along the County ditch in the past due to the costs involved. He also said that $100K would be lost off the property values of each lot along the river if the proposed trail goes in there. Mary Larson, 6500 162nd Ave. N.W., questioned whether all homeowners affected by the proposed plan had been notified. The Commission indicated that the public hearing notice was placed in the paper, and that the Commission has met with residents in other areas to receive their input prior to developing the parks. Ms. Larson explained that three of her five acres are now under water due to the City putting a road in. Vandalism is currently a big problem and she feels that a trail may lead to further opportunities in this area One of her main concerns is the liability issue should someone get injured on her property. Terry Hendriksen, 15631 Ramsey Blvd. N.W., feels that the Commission needs to explore options other than having a trailhead at Trap Rock Commons (horse arena) with no trails leading to or from the arena. He feels there should be "transportation trails" used to transport individuals from point A to point B, and "nature experience trails" used for recreational purposes. He indicated that the most popular horse trails in the state are "unimproved trails" requiring little or no maintenance. Mr. Hendriksen indicated that the transportation element of the comprehensive plan is a long ways from completion, and he would like to see comments brought back to the public at a later date to ensure understanding. Pat Hicks, 16340 Nowthcn Blvd. N.W., inquired whether Trap Rock Commons would be moved: Chairperson Hefland responded that there were never any plans to move the arena. He explained that thc property around Trap Rock is all privately owned and that it is not the Commission's desire to condemn any property for park/trail purposes. Ms. Hicks also mentioned vandalism at thc horse arena and indicated that even though the arena is considered public property, it is the responsibility of the Ramsey Rangers for the upkeep of the arena. Commissioner Cook explained that a developer is required to either submit land, cash or a combination of both to satisfy park dedication. To defray City costs, the developer usually prepares the land while developing the subdivision. He explained that it takes 2-3 years before tax revenue begins coming in and that roads are a priority leaving parks until later. Chairperson Hetland explained that the current Commission has different views from the past and is striving to look to the future needs of the community. Judy Mare, likes the trail plan and feels that positive interaction can occur through the mils. She is a member of the gardening club and thinks that a volunteer program should be initiated to help keep the parks maintained. Marlin Parry, 16237 Kamacite Street, a member of the Ramsey Snowrarns, supports snowmobiles along Trott Brook Trail. He questioned why the trail would not continue north of Rum River Central Park east of TH g47, north of County 22 which comes out of Andover. He indicated funds from the Grant and Aid Trail are available, but it doesn't appear that the current proposal will meet the requirements as a trail must go from an existing trail to somewhere else. The Commission questioned whether the City of Elk River had ever been approached with a plan. Mr. Parry indicated they were turned down by Elk River five years ago. The Commission suggested Mr. Parry approach them again with the City's proposed plan to see if he could get a positive result. Shawn Warnberg, 7141 156th Ave. N.W., and Tiffany Peacock, 167th and Nowthen Blvd. N.W., both have horses and are concerned there is no place to ride except on the roads. They indicated that horses are not receptive to concrete and easily spook around cars. They cannot ride Park and Recreation Commission/January 12, 1995 Page 3 of 7