Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/11/2000 - Joint with Planning Comm

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2) Planning and Park and Recreation Commission joint meeting minutes dated April 18, 2000 COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Joint Park & Recreation Commission and Planning Commission Committee Discussion on Proposed Sidewalk Ordinance Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos advised that the purpose of this joint committee meeting is to address the remaining issues relating to the proposed sidewalk ordinance that were not agreed to at the joint Park and Recreation/Planning Commission meeting of April 18, 2000. He noted the meeting minutes from the previous meeting and memorandum summaries from Planning Commissioner Nixt. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos reported on his research of other communities regarding their written sidewalk maintenance policies. Staff recommends a discussion on maintenance considerations and then a review of the proposed sidewalk ordinance language to confirm it meets the intent of the Commission as it relates to the process. Planning Commissioner Dempsey stated he is involved with development and talked with other developers in regard to this. One comment he believed that should be considered is the statement repeated that the sidewalk should have some purpose and not be constructed just for the sake of having a sidewalk. Rather, the sidewalk should provide movement of pedestrians to a destination. Acting Chairperson Johns asked if a destination is needed for children who use the pathways to recreate with their bicycles or toys. Planning Commissioner Dempsey agreed there are all types of plausible destinations. He noted the Prior Lake regulations which were extensive and commented that the character of Fridley is similar to the character of the City of Minneapolis with defined areas and transportation routes so sidewalks are used as the primary route to get to transportation routes. He noted the comment is made often by residents indicating the streets are used by their children for play. However, their purpose is transportation. Acting Chairperson Johns noted that also addresses a density issue and, perhaps, the MUSA line. Planning Commissioner Dempsey noted this discussion started with higher medium density areas with potential for townhomes and apartments, not 80 to 100 foot lot fronts. He stated he is just making these general comments relative to feedback he received. Acting Chairperson Johns stated she feels the trails and sidewalks should have an identified' destination, which would create the core to connect to the school and parks. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos commented on areas that developed incrementally where sidewalks were not felt to be needed. However, after five to eight years of growth, there was a need for a trail. Park and Recreation Commission/May 11, 2000 Page 2 of 6