Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/14/2021

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preservation area, green space, and stormwater retention ponds there will be over 15 acres of area that will provide a buffer between the neighborhoods. He stated that they would prefer to have a connection to the woods as proposed in the greenspace area but noted that they would work with staff to determine if another easement could be provided off Street A. He stated that they will also continue to work with staff related to the trail requirements and trail widths. He noted that they believe that an eight-foot concrete trail connection would be adequate to the Nathe property but could provide a ten-foot bituminous trail if desired. He hoped that they could begin construction on this neighborhood in the spring of 2022 once the Riverstone North development is completely sold out. Chair Bennett thanked Mr. Bakritges for the collaboration with City staff and the Commissions and Council over the past year. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the recommendation in the case is consistent with the staff, developer, and previous Commission discussion. He stated that in regard to the trail width, the City equipment is up to nine feet wide and therefore it would be impossible to clear an eight-foot trail without damage to sod occurring. He stated therefore a ten- foot width would be required for trails. Public Works Superintendent Riemer commented that snowplowing is a large task for public works and a ten-foot width is needed for trails in order to avoid damaging the sod. He noted that the wider trails also allow sufficient space for pedestrians to pass one another. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that whether concrete or bituminous is used would be the choice of the developer. Motion by Commissioner Barten, seconded by Commissioner Leistico, to recommend that the City Council accept the proposal to satisfy Park Dedication through dedication of one acre of land along with $350,000 cash contribution; together with a pedestrian access point to the Tree Preservation area, and the payment of Trail Fees of $1,000 per residential lot platted in 2021. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Barten, Leistico, Loss and Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Guck. 5.03: Consider Land Purchase to Expand Loral I Armstrong Central Park Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the community park system discussion has included a notion to expand Central Park for more than the past decade. He stated that until now an agreement could not be made on a purchase for additional land. He noted that most recently the adjacent property owner has developed a price concept for the land and presented that to the City. He identified the general 11-acre parcel that could be considered with a proposed value of about $517,000 plus closing costs. He asked for input from the Commission on the potential purchase or whether those funds would be better used in creating new athletic fields in another park area. He stated that another option would be to work with the adjacent property owner on a ghost plat to achieve the highest and best land use, to include park space with a potential future subdivision, noting that if the adjacent property were subdivided, land could be required to satisfy Park Dedication for that subdivision. Park and Recreation Commission/January 14, 2020 Page 4 of 7