Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/19/1979

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PARK AND RECREATION JUNE 19, 1979 Members Present: Others Present: Dick Swanson, John Lichter, Sam Walz and Janice Johnson Mayor Tom Gamec, Tom O'Malley~ Darnell and Janet Blume and Mr. Schamburg The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. The May 17 meeting n~nutes were approved as typed. The special meeting minutes for May 29 were not available. Sam Walz discussed the LAWCON grant proposals and %he status of each. The White Pines proposal was dropped after discussions with DNR personnel indi- cated that a higher portion of fvanding would likely be available from the DNR. The DNR representative was impressed with the site potential for canoe access and a primitive campgroumd. They would develop the site at their ex- pense and the City would maintain it. A motion was made by Lichter seconded by Johnson to recommend that the Coumcil authorize the Park and Recreation Commission to seek DNR funding for this development. Passed ~nanimously. At the Council meeting on June 12 the proposed capital improvement plan was presented. The Council questioned the lack of emphasis of acquisition along Trott Brook. They agreed with the development of new facilities at Ramsey School and Titterud Parks. The Council suggested using land in Autumn Heights for the northwest area park. John Lichter was requested to check the Autumn Heights park property for the feasibility of developing an active park. Tem 0'Malley representing a client for the Alpaca Heights Development presented a sketch plan covering the 183 acre site. The owner requested payment of a fee in lieu of dedicating park land. Thirty-nine residential and 39 commercial lots were included. After some discussion about the development size and possibility of obtaining park land with river access a motion was made by Lichter seconded by Johnson requesting a sketch plan with a provision for park land dedication. A slide presentation was shown on existing parks and the proposed Ramsey nature park trail. The Ramsey Nature Park proposal and LAWCON application was discussed with area land owners present. The land owners were concerned with route select- ion for the trail, trail use and land costs. One owner expressed a desire to swap land with the City. It was explained that the proposal was in the pre- liminary stages with the trail route unselected. No motorized vehicle use has been included in plans to date and the trail would be maintained similar to other existing parks. It was decided to send letters to owners not present with a copy of the meeting discussion. Another meeting with land owners will be held 'to discuss trail routes and alternatives, land costs, etc. It was moved by Lichter seconded by Johnson to recommend that Council proceed with submitting the preliminary LAWCON application. Passed unanimously. Mayor Gamec added that one possible method of acquisition would be to have land dedicated as the park fee on future developments in the area.