Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/20/1986

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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF RAMSEY ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA A regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, February 20, 1986 at the Ramsey Municipal Center, 15153 Nowthen Blvd., N.W. Ramsey, Minnesota MEMBERS PRESENT: Dennis Donovan, Chairman Marlene Looyen Don Lokker Bill Rustad MEMBERS ABSENT: Ron Hetland Janice Johnson John Litchner OTHERS PRESENT: Claudia S. Dodge, Ramsey Community School, Mr. Del Barber, DNR The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chairman Donovan. A motion was made to change the minutes from the January 16, 1986 meeting to read that Chairman Donovan did not approve making Lake Itasca a private lake. Motion made by Commissioner Lokker to approve as amended, seconded by aommissioner Looyen, ~ /~ motioned carried. ~t~ PARK BOARD BUSINESS Case #1 - Trail System in Ramsey Mr. Del Barber from the DNR was present to discuss ideas for the Ramsey Trail system. Commissioner Lokker questioned Mr. Barber as the DNR's role concerning Lake Itasca. Mr. Barber stated that is is not mandatory to have a pubic access. Can be a private lake if totally surrounded by private property. Private parties can control the lake but they don't own it, the lake is actually state property. A discussion followed. Ke~di~g the trail system in Ramsey. Mr. Barber stated it was best to have an overall system that had various connections which would make the system more useable. Chairman Donovan asked concerning the parking needs. Mr. Barber said lots every 5 or 10 miles is recommended, accomoda~ing approximately 5 cars each. Mr. Barber also discussed maintenance responsibilities. He said crushed limestone is best for base in that it last longer, is much less expensive than blacktop and easier to maintain. He recommended making trails 12-14 feet wide to accomodate car or truck driving on as well as a mower. The trail itself would be 8-10 feet wide with 4 foot wide shoulders. If the trail goes through the woods brush and trees need trimming and grooming. The grooming of Cross Country Ski trails is very critical. Limited temperature range for good grooming. He Also recommended keeping snowmobile and Cross Country Ski trails separate. Horse trails are not compatible with cross country ski trails, recommended keeping these separate. Mr. Barber also suggested not using too many trash barrels as experience indicates too many barrels seem to promote more trash. Grant monies were also discussed. Mr. Barber said monies were available from the state on a somewhat limited basis. Cities must send in expenses to the DNR for reimbursement. DNR will refund 65% for equipment expenses and 90% for grooming expenses. Grant applications are primarily for x-country ski and snowmobile trails.