Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/14/1997

Home

Case #3: Park Direction Signage Mr. Boos acknowledged Commission concern about adequate signage to some parks. Currently, there is a park and trail plan map being done which--when completed--will help solve the problem of adequate directions to neighborhood parks. Commissioner Droegemueller noted the Ramsey Youth Athletic Association has a directional map which may benefit the City. Mr. Boos was unclear whether the Commission desired signage at all parks, adding associated costs would be more expensive than what the Operational budget could accommodate. He added that CIP funding is a possibility. In response to Commissioner Droegemueller, park district funds could be used. That amount could be added back into the Capital Improvements Program budget. Commissioner Rolfe suggested choosing a couple of parks as a test for effectiveness. Commissioner Droegemueller cited River's Bend, Central, and Emerald Pond parks as good test sites. Commissioner Johns added establishment of criteria for which parks receive signage would be a good course of action. Commissioner Ostrum inquired about making a decision at a future time when there are actual budget monies available. Mr. Boos stated that the program could be added to 1998's CIP from Trust Fund Interest Earnings. Commissioner Droegemueller inquired if a request could be made the City Council for sprical allocation of$1,000 to address signage needs. Commissioner Rolfe questioned the appropriateness of this type request. Commissioner LaMere cited numerous telephone calls--especially from out of town visitors--about directions to respective parks. Mr. Boos suggested the Commission include costs in the 1998 C~ request (for sign placement in the Spring) as a stand alone item. Motion by Commissioner LaMere and seconded by Commissioner Ostrum to amend the C~ request adding $1,000 for park directional signage to be funded by interest earnings. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Cook, Commissioners LaMere, Ostrum, Droegemueller, Johns, and Rolfe. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Asfahl. Case #4: Discuss/Review Lake Itasca Trail Development On August 12, 1997, City Council awarded trail paving bids which will impact four different project areas. Once the Lake Itasca project is done, there will be a circle of trails which will connect with one another thus making complete access for patrons of the trail. A letter was received from Northfork, Inc. stating the City would be given a twenty-foot easement for newly constructed trails east of the lake. Chairperson Cook noted that Northfork is a good example of developer cooperation with the City in completing the trail system. Mr. Boos talked about completion of the information kiosk and corresponding highlights. He shared a colored map of the trail system. This map should be completed in the near future. Park and Recreation Commission/August 14, 1997 Page 4 of 5