Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/13/2014

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Vice Chairperson Bennett, Commissioners Barr, Fyten, Chubb, Mobry, and Trappen. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Olsen. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Review and Recommend a Response to the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks Policy Plan Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained the Metropolitan Council is in the process of updating its Regional System Plans including Water Resources, Transportation, Parks, and Housing, and has released its Parks Policy Plan for public comment. He reviewed a PowerPoint presentation and pointed out possible new trail alignments. He noted regional trails should always terminate at regional facilities. He discussed the possibility of a new gatehouse location. He stated the pedestrian bridge, Mississippi Skyway, is a regional facility. The City has received a $490,000 grant from the National Park Service, and now needs help in the Regional Park System to help fund this bridge. He explained the trails and parks in Ramsey are not only used by its own residents. People from other communities use the train to come to the concerts in Ramsey, and then ride their bikes on the Ramsey trails. He also pointed out the Rum River Regional Trail to the Mississippi River Trail is on the map officially as US Bike Route #45. Staff is asking that Trott Brook be considered for Regional status. Vice Chairperson Bennett stated he agreed all three options as presented are a benefit to Ramsey. Motion by Commissioner Fyten, seconded by Commissioner Barr, to recommend the Council approve the language responding to the Metropolitan Council Parks Policy Plan on the following categories: Alternate Alignment Study for Central Anoka County Regional Trail; Alternate Alignment Study for Rum River Regional Trail; and, Feasibility Analysis for Trott Brook Greenway as a Regional System. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Vice Chairperson Bennett, Commissioners Fyten, Barr, Chubb, Mobry, and Trappen. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Olsen. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT 6.01: Commission / Staff Input Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood updated the progress of a development under construction of seven single family homes. There had been discussions of how the park dedication would be satisfied. It was the developer's choice to contribute cash to the trail fund. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood said the open house and Jamboree at Elmcrest Park was a success. The fireplace was very much appreciated as it served thousands of people that day. Park and Recreation Commission/October 9, 2014 Page 2 of 3