Agenda - Council - 02/14/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I ! i I I I I I I ! ! I I i I I I indicated that the City Council has opposed a trail along the County ditch in the past due to the costs involved. [-Ie also said that $100K would be lost offthe property values of each lot along the river if the proposed trail goes in there. Mary Larson, ~500 162nd Ave. N.W., questioned whether all homeowners affected by the proposed plan hgd been notified. The Commission indicated that the public hearing notice was placed in the paper, and that the Commission has met with residents in other areas to receive their input prior to d$.veloping the parks. Ms. Larson explained that three of her five acres are now under water duei~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 sortie, one get injured on her property. Terry HendrikSl~n, 15631 Ramsey Blvd. N.W., feels that the Commission needs to explore options other thah having a trailhead at Trap Rock Commons (horse arena) with no walls 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 wails" requiring little or no maintenance. Mr. Hendfiksen Indicated that the transportation element of the comprehensive plan is a long ways from completioa, and he would like to see comments brought back to the public at a later date to ensure understar/~ding. Pat Hicks, 163, moved. Chairp¢ explained that 1 Commission's d~ vandalism at the it is the responsil [0 Nowthen Blvd. N.W., inquired whether Trap Rock Commons would be rson Hetland responded that there were never any plans to move the arena. He he property around Trap Rock is all privately owned and that it is not the sire to condemn any property .for park/trail purposes. Ms. Hicks also mentioned aorse arena and indicated that even though the arena is considered public property, ,ility 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 swiving to look to the furore needs of the community. Judy Mare, likes'~:the trail plan and feels that positive interaction can occur through the trails. She is a member of Be gardening club and thinks that a volunteer program should be initiated to help keep the parks .mk. intained. Marlin Parry, 16~37 Kamacite Street, a member of the Ramsey Snowrams, supports snowmobiles along Trott Bro(ik Trail. He questioned why the trail would not continue north of Rum River Central Park eas~ 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 whe~er 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 C6mmission suggested Mr. Parry approach tliem again with the City's proposed plan to see ff he could get a positive result. Shawn Warnberg, 714I 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 ho~.ses are not receptive t.o concrete and easily spook around cars. They cannot ride i Park and Recreation Commission/January 12, 1995 Page 3 of 7