Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 12/14/2000

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Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that each year the City Council amends as necessary the various City rates and charges by resolution. On December 12, 2000, the City Council approved an eight percent increase in the Park Dedication fee and Trail fee. The 2000 Park Dedication fee wild be $1,300 and the trail fee will be $325. Case #3: Consider Metro Greenways Program for Funding a Master Trail Plan Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that during 1999 and 2000, the City discussed the merits of a Master Trail Plan. The plan was intended to address all aspects of trails in Ramsey, however the largest opportunity from a comprehensive trail plan may be building momentum for preservation of space or the actual development of the Trott Brook Trail Corridor. The City did not proceed with a Master Trail Plan. The purpose of the case was to introduce the Metro Greenways Program as a potential funding mechanism to achieve the goal. Staff has not had contact with DNR staff to gauge their views on Metro Greenways suitability for a Master Trail Plan, as it seems as though most projects are more site specific than community wide. Chairperson Cook inquired if they could shift the idea specifically to planning the Trott Brook Corridor if the program has to be project specific. He stated that he would prefer to see them go forward with a broader focus, but if that is not acceptable then he would like to focus on the Trott Brook Corridor since it is the most difficult area to determine how to handle the trails as well as protect the area. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted that this grant encourages multi community involvement and there are a number of jurisdictions that could benefit by planning together. Motion by Commissioner Ostrum, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to recommend staff submit a Metro Greenways nomination to fund a Master Trail Plan emphasizing the Trott Brook Corridor, and if necessary to move forward focusing only on the Trott Brook Corridor, contingent upon City Council approval. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Ostrum, Johns, Droegemueller, and Rolfe. Voting No: None. Case #4: Elmcrest Park Concept Plan Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that at the Park and Recreation Commission regular meeting on Thursday, October 12, 2000, it was determined that in December the Commission would invite interested parties to provide comment on Elmcrest Park's Development plan. City Administrator Norman stated that the City Council had a discussion regarding the planning of Elmcrest and that have indicated that they would like to see some changes with the proposed schedule because they are concerned that there may be too much of a rush. The also strongly discouraged working on any concepts until a committee is formed to allow the committee the opportunity to come up with the concept. He stated that the Park Commission should take public comment regarding the park, but should not discuss concepts. Park and Recreation Commission/December 14, 2000 Page 3 of 4