Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/10/2008

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Commissioner Shryock asked if that item could be clarified more in the plan. She stated the next item she agreed with and felt they should keep this as a goal. Another item she had an issue with was "Explore the use of pedestrian-activated signals, continuously flashing signage and mid- block crossings to further increase trail safety". She has worked with pedestrian activated signals before and did appreciate those but her concern was mid-block crossings and would like to replace those and to have as few of them as possible. In her opinion she would like to see the mid-block crossing eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Chairperson Johns asked about the asterisk noted on these and if these were more important or a strong recommendation. Interim Assistant Community Development Director Geisler stated those asterisk notes were comments that came directly out of the public meetings. Commissioner Shryock thought in the housing section they should start to use "CPTED-Crime Prevention through Environmental Design" more and indicated maybe this was something they should try to include in everything they do and not just housing. Commissioner LaMere stated under transportation, last bullet point "Explore options for revising the City's sidewalk policy, including different standards for public versus private roads, high- volume versus low-volume roads, and issues related to long-term maintenance as the City grows." He wondered what it is referring to. He hoped it was not the easing of the sidewalk policy. Interim Assistant Community Development Director Geisler stated this was coming from a desire to require sidewalks on both sides ofthe street. She stated they want to expand this. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated the other issue is that presently their current policy only requires sidewalks in the urban area and this would look at sidewalks in lesser developed areas. Commissioner Shryock stated she thought it was extremely important to have sidewalks and have people walk more but they need to look closely at putting sidewalks in at certain areas in Ramsey because a sidewalk may not be necessary in every instance. Commissioner Shryock wondered if they will be seeing this document and if it will be in the more advanced stage. Interim Assistant Community Development Director Geisler reviewed the schedule for reviewing the document in the community. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated they anticipate in February they will bring back the Park and Trails plan for finalization and review by the Commission. Case #2: Volunteering in Ramsey Parks and Master Naturalist Program Park and Recreation Commission/January 10, 2008 Page 3 of9