Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/14/2008 - Jt Mtg with Park & Rec

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He stated that the Emerald Pond Park restrooms had been completed, as well as the drinking fountain, and added that a changing station would also be installed at that location. He advised that the irrigation is scheduled for Riverdale Park, along with the installation of shelters. He advised that there are thousands of people in that area south of Hwy #10, and suggested that upgrades are obviously needed there. He advised that Village Bank had partnered with them, and the EPB, to plant the trees and there had been calls that they needed to be watered. He advised that the next project would be the Sunfish Lake Park, for which the Council had approved the master plan and also involved the residents in developing the concept plans. He stated that they would be moving ahead and advised that they had incorporated all of the resident input into the master plan. He advised that in terms of landscape improveinents, one idea is to allot $5,000 each year for seed money that would be used to work with volunteers and neighbors to improve the parks. He stated that he would like to explore developing a community garden near County Road 5. He explained that there are many young families in that area, along with the senior housing apartment in that area and thought it would build a connection between the seniors and the younger people in that community. Board Member Max thought that they should raise the beds so that wheel chair bound seniors would also be able to access the garden and planting beds. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that in terms of trail connections they currently have a placeholder but believed that they would be sitting well for a safe route to school winter grant. He advised that it would go along Sunwood Drive and County Road 5 down to the Lord of Life Church. He advised that it would connect the community garden and explained that the church is also the emergency evacuation site for the elementary school. He advised that the next connection would be from Sunfish Lake Park north to Fox Knoll. Vice Chair Shryock questioned when they would be continuing the trail from Lord of Life to Highway 47, as that is a bad intersection. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that the intersection planning in that area is being discussed with the MnDot and the city of Anoka. He explained that they could not do anything with that until they determine what would happen with Highway 47. He advised that although they do not want to encourage people to cross at unsafe intersections they might need to let that one sort itself out. He advised that once Anoka determines what they are going to do, it would be easier for Ramsey to then make its decisions. He advised that the action items would either get Council approval, or in the case of the building at ElmcrestPark, they would get an understanding of what would be an ideal and realistic expectation for that building. Board Member McDilda commented that it sounded like the Commission had a lot on their plate. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that within the Parks CIP budget are proceeds from the development of the land and explained that with each new lot that is created, funds from that lot Park and Recreation Commission/August 14,2008 Page 6 of8