Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/12/2017

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Comprehensive Plan components. He reviewed the goals of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. There has been more use out of the larger community parks rather than the pocket parks. The community has indicated they would prefer the larger community parks. Commissioner Sis referred to the underpass on Alpine Park and asked if there is data available indicating this would be helpful to the wildlife. Mr. Riverblood stated there has not been a large number of wildlife deaths along Alpine Drive. This would not be the primary reason for the underpass. The primary purpose would be safety for young people. A signalized intersection would cost the same amount of money but crossing under the road may be safer. Commissioner Sis was concerned the property would be isolated as far as emergency vehicles. Commissioner Logan noted there are many options for this area and appreciated bringing in the residents to the planning process. The developer would like to receive Park Dedication credits for the open spaces areas but the Commission must balance between past practices, policies and how the whole community would be in the best served. Mr. Riverblood stated the water-centric park features are costed out today in excess of $6M. The splash pad would be a community-wide destination and accessible to families that may live in the project being proposed. Chair Bennett stated the consensus of the Commission is that where staff is looking to with respect to the allocation of Park Dedication proceeds appears in line with where the Commission would like to see, including not investing in pocket parks. Commissioner Sis asked about a diagonal greenway through the City serving a dual purpose to increase bike traffic to the City parks. Mr. Riverblood stated the trail and greenway would not be redundant and would serve residents for different purposes. They would be complimentary and have completely different character. Commissioner Troy asked if an over-pass would be a substitute for the under-pass. Mr. Riverblood stated bridges are much more expensive than box culvert under-pass. Roughly speaking, a bridge would cost ten times more than an under-pass. All the preliminary engineering has not been researched to see if the grade would allow for an under-pass. Mr. Riverblood stated a sketch plan will come back before the Commission. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided the following updates: Update on the Comprehensive Plan Process Chair Bennett reported the City has established an ad-hoc Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee. Once every ten years, the City is required by Minnesota Statute 473 to update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Aside from the demographics, and land use vision. In order systems such as transportation, housing, economic development, natural resources, and parks/open space to name a few, now is an appropriate time to update the Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee has met twice so far on the project to set the stage and agree on a Park and Recreation Commission/January 12, 2017 Page 3 of 5