Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2015

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Alternative #2. Amend the policy direction to include a City park within the proposed development. This would require the Applicant to revise the proposed development as presented. The addition of a park in this area would reduce resources available for other future improvements already planned and would add to the City's ongoing maintenance costs. (The Park and Recreation Commission previously held that, there are adequate parks, recreation, and open spaces available to the proposed development within reasonable distance.) This alternative would reduce or eliminate the cash contribution to the Park Trust Fund to be utilized to enhance the existing, surrounding parks and trail connections. Over the past years the City has looked at various options for the use of the property. It was decided to have a policy of not constructing pocket parks putting more focus on the community parks and trail connections to existing parks within the City. Staff recommends that the City confirm the existing Parks and Trail Master Plan and not include a new City Park within the proposed development known as Harvest Estates. Park dedication is suggested cash in lieu of land for Harvest Estates. Maintain the policy of not constructing pocket parks. Mr. Riverblood indicated the location of the property on a map. There is a great need for park improvements, as noted in the Park Improvement Plan, which reaffirms not constructing any pocket parks. The trail systems and sidewalks in the surrounding neighborhoods are complete. Solstice Park is disconnected from the trail system. The City does own a small parcel that could be used to connect the two cul -de -sacs to Soltis Park. Chair Bennett stated he does not feel the Commission has changed their mind on the policy of not creating pocket parks and in taking cash in lieu of land to support improvements in other larger parks. Motion by Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Fyten, to recommend that the City Council confirm the existing Parks and Trail Master Plan and not include a new City park within the proposed development known as Harvest Estates and reaffirm the Commission's Policy. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Vice Chair Bennett, Commissioners Barr, Fyten, Chubb, Mobry and Trappen. Voting No: None. Absent: 6. COMMISSION /STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Mark Riverblood reviewed the following: Winter Recreation — Some of the winter recreation activities are less than normal for the year due to the lack of snow. The sledding hill at Alpine Park is open. The ski trails are maintained at Rum River Central. Mississippi River Trail and Tourism — A bike trip is planned for Itasca to Iowa Border and one of the stops they are looking at is the Comfort Inn. Park and Recreation Commission /February 12, 2015 Page 3 of 4