Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/2008

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Jeff Schoenbauer advised that only two homeowners would be affected and stated that, judging by a letter they wrote to the City Council, they intend to sell their properties as one mass property to a developer. Commissioner Erickson questioned if any property owners would be affected by the other drawing. Jeff Schoenbauer advised that one homeowner would be. affected. He advised that the proposed trail connections are shown on the Ramsey's Park and Trail Plan, but explained that it is just more detailed now that they are trying to make it happen. He explained that when speaking with property owners they do have to describe the trail connections but also have to advise what the ordinances allow them to do. He then displayed three cross sections and advised what the possibilities would be between single or multi-family homes. He advised that in the park they would also plan for a five car parking lot, trail loops, observation areas, interpretive stations, an overlook or fishing dock, gazebo or shelter and picnic tables. He explained that simple does not have to mean not well designed. He advised that they also had the option for a floating boardwalk; and a less intrusive, or none at all as options for parking. Chairperson Johns liked the first concept the best and advised that she liked the floating boardwalk idea but knows that it requires a lot of maintenance. She thought that they should have parking, as she wanted people to be able to be able to get canoes in and their picnic supplies. COnimissioner Barr advised that if there were no parking people would park on the side of the road and explained that there would then be a safety issue with passing motorists. Chairperson Johns also liked the picnic spots and gazebos. Commissioner Shryock questioned if they could combine some of the ideas for parking so that they would have adequate parking with the least amount of pavement. She thought that the notion of no parking was interesting but knew that they would need some parking for safety. ' Jeff Schoenbauer agreed that they do need some parking and advised that they could design it to fit the current desire but also be able to be expanded in the future if need be. Commissioner Barr questioned how the traffic would be affected by cars pulling in and out of the park during peak traffic hours. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that they would need to get County approval for the parking designs and connections to the road. He advised that they could also use an existing drive entrance and parking area that is from the area near where an existing home had been removed. Jeff Schoenbauer stated that from the open house he gathered that there was a bias towards keeping things natural and simple and questioned ifhe was missing anything in his concepts. He questioned if they were leaning towards play structures. Park and Recreation Commission/ April 1 0, 2008 Page 5 of 18