Loading...
Parks and Recreation - 12/18/1978 1978 DECEMBER 4, 18 Ml-N- UTES - CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE d. AGENDA i EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION C MONDAY, DECEMBER &J,, 1978 7:30 P.M., CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garnes, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell, George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 20, 1978 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners C None B. Reports of Staff. 7:40 a. Diseased Tree Pickup Alternatives 7:50 b. Homeward Hills Park Site Alternatives VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:00 A. Park Dedication Ordinance VII. NEW BUSINESS 8:30 A. 1978 Guide Plan 9:30 B. Community Development Block Grant Projects *- 1 979 9:45 C. January 1, 1979 Meeting 9:50 VIII. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION C MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1978 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: Richard Dahl , Eden Prairie News; Al Dybier, Eden Prairie Sun I. ROLL CALL Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ' II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Addition of: V.1. Sliding {-till at Forest Hills--R. Anderson V.2. Deer and Snowmobiles at Anderson Lakes--R. Anderson VII.D. Fish Houses on Bryant Lake--Lambert VII.E. Snowmobiling and Cross-Country Skiing--Kruell ti MOTION: Tangen moved to approve the agenda with the additions; Fifield seconded, ' Cmotion passed unanimously. III. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 20, 1978 MEETING i Pg. 2, paragraph 2, change "Purgatory Creek" to "Nine-Mile Creek"; delete the final sentence. Pg. 3, paragraph 6, should read. . . "topography of the park suggests we should make an intensive effort at developing passive recreation such as trails--but that first we should determine the type of use the park will receive before we develop it. Delete the last sentence. v' MOTION: Kruell moved to approve the agenda with the changes; Fifield seconded, motion passed with Garens abstaining. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. RECOMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. Sliding Hill at Forest Hills C R. Anderson reported to the commission on a problem which had been brought w to his attention by citizen phone calls; and he followed up on it by visiting the site. At Forest Hills playground area, the children are still using the same sliding hill they have always used, even though a tennis court sits at the bottom, and several trees have been planted on the hillside. Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 4, 1978 Natural Resources Commission -2- i When Dick visited the site of a Sunday afternoon, he counted 32 children and about 4 adults supervising their children. Kruell questioned whether the children could slide in another area of the park. Anderson explained that the area has been used for many years, and as a result, the brush is cleared by the use. He suggested that the trees could possibly be relocated in the park, and straw bales be placed strategically to help prevent accidents. 2. Deer and Snowmobiles at Anderson Lakes Another call to Dick alerted him to the fact that a citizen has been watching a small herd of deer feeding at the same spot every morning. He became concerned when a couple of snowmobiles crossing Anderson Lake scattered the deer. Anderson feels that as a "Natural Resources Commission", it is the job of the commission to protect the wildlife. He suggested that a reminder could be published in the local papers stressing the fact that snowmobiles are prohibited in parks, unless otherwise posted. Bob Johnson asked if signs could be posted at the perimeter of Anderson Lakes Park. Lambert explained that it would be impractical ; however, it might be possible to post signs along Anderson Lakes Parkway. B. Reports of Staff 1. Diseased Tree Removal Alternatives Lambert discussed some of the problems which have been caused by the breakdown of the log-loader truck. He estimated that the truck, a 1953 model , has been in the shop more than on the road during the last year. The staff researched several alternatives, and recommends the purchase of a used self-loading, log hauling truck. Kruell asked Lambert what percentage of the budgeted money is spent on tree-removal , and what percentage on new planting. Also, is the city required to haul and dispose of diseased trees? He was told yes, they are. Lambert then estimated that tree-removal has taken 30-40% of the budgeted money. The council added extra reforestation money to the budget last year, and the surplus will be carried over. Garens asked if there aren't any better vehicles available through the Civil Defense than a 1953 model . Lambert said that the city is on a list constantly, the police and fire departments have received a few vehicles. Most of the vehicles offered are not suitable and are too expensive to convert for use. MOTION: Garens moved to recomend to the council , approval of the purchase a�0 yard log-hauling truck, with $12,500 from the 1978 budget, as per staff recommendation: Fifield seconded. DISCUSSION: Dave Anderson asked if the purchase price of the truck is reasonab e. Lambert reported that another truck had been offered for sale at $44,000.00. This truck is used, but has been inspected by the ( city mechanic. Kruell asked how many of the diseased trees in the city are on public property. He was told between 25-30%. Kruell felt that it seems futile r . . Minutes- Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission approved-3- Dec. 4, 1978 to spend so much to haul dead trees. Lambert stressed that the removal is necessary,and it must be done. C Dave Anderson asked if Lambert could tell him the difference in cost if a homeowner had a tree service take down a tree and haul it away, as opposed to taking it down only. Could tree services be doing the hauling cheaper than the city? We are saving about 50% of the cost by providing the rates for a larger number of trees. hauling, for the homeowner. Tree services charge by the tree, with lower It would be impractical 'to have a tree service do quotes on individual trees all over the citj; the prices would be high that way. Lambert felt at this point it was appropriate to inform the commissioners that citizens who have not taken down diseased trees that were marked by the city, will receive notice of a public hearing to contract for removal of the trees. At this time there are more than 600 tagged trees that haven't been taken down. VOTE: The motion carried unanimously. 2. Homeward Hills Park Site Alternatives Bob reviewed his dealings on Homeward Hills Park site, explaining some new alternatives. Using the original , larger site, (costing less per acre) and combining the grading work with Hustads to get a lower rate, the site could be developed for less than the original estimate. Kruell asked if the proposed plan, with all the grading, would retain the current percentage of water storage on the site. Lambert answered that only six acres are going to be filled, leaving 35-40 acres for water storage. There is only a small area at the north edge of the site that would possibly hold water after a heavy rainfall . MOTION: Dave Anderson moved to recommend to the council approval of the staff recommendation in the memorandum of December 1; 1978; outlining a plan to begin the purchase of Site #1. The motion was seconded by Garens, and passed unanimously. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Park Dedication Ordinance Lambert discussed the need to increase the current Cash Park Fees. The current rate of $275 per single family dwelling and $250 per unit on multiple family dwellings is not enough to buy parkland at current prices, and develop it. Since the price of land varies a great deal within the community, an equitable method would be to adopt an ordinance based on a percentage of the value of the land to be subdivided. The problem with this is in the collection of the fees, with each development owing a different amount. Also, the assessment of the property could be a problem. Lambert recommended raising the fees for single family and multiple family, but not for commercial and industrial , since Eden Prairie is very high on those fees, compared to other communities. Kruell asked why commercial and industrial property fees were not being raised Minutes- Parks, Recreation & .approved Dec. 4, 1978 Natural Resources, Commission -4- at the same time. He felt the high fees were in line with the high value C of land in Eden Prairie. R. Anderson felt it would not seem fair to raise only part of the fees. The commission should consider raising all the fees by the same percentage. MOTION: Tangen moved to recommend to the council increasin_q the current fees :set in Ordinance #332 to $325 per single family unit, and $250 per multiple � family (not changing the $1200 per acre for commercial and industrial ) to take effect January 1, 1979. The motion was seconded by Garens. DISCUSSION: Kruell stated that he would like to increase the commercial and industrial fees also. Richard Anderson agreed, saying the same percentage increase would be logical . t Tangen asked why does, and should Eden Prairie have the highest cash park fee on commercial and industrial property; and if we should, the fee could be increased at the time of the ordinance revision. VOTE: The motion carried, with commissioners Kruell and R. Anderson voting nay. Anderson stated that he was opposed to the motion because the fees for industrial and commercial property were not increased equally. f' A ten minute break was called by chairperson R. Anderson at 8:50 p.m. z 'II. NEW BUSINESS k ` i A. 1978 Guide Plan l 6 Tangen brought up the problem of graphics reproduction in the guide plan; pointing out that some important material is very difficult to see. Lambert suggested that he could pull out park related sections; compare them to the old guide plan, and do new graphics. Then after the commissioners have had time to study and review the material , have a special meeting to discuss it. Kruell thought it might be helpful to see the results of the individual neighborhood studies. ti R. Anderson designated January 8, 1979, to be a special meeting for the study of the 1978 Guide Plan. The meeting replaces the previously scheduled January 1, 1979 meeting, and will be at 7:30 p.m. at city hall . Tangen requested that the materialbe sent out at least two weeks before ( the meeting. ' R. Anderson also asked Lambert to put the proposed joint-meeting with the council on the next council agenda. No action required. B. Community Development Block Grant Projects - 1979 The only project being recommended at this time. is the rehabilitation of the proposed senior citizen center at Staring Lake. Lambert asked for input and r Minutes- Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 4, 1978 Natural Resources Commission -5- recomendations by the commission. R. Anderson asked if it would be possible for the commission to view the property, making it easier to offer recommendations. Lambert encouraged this and described briefly some of the possibilities. MOTION: Kruell moved that the commission recommend the use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for the rehabilitation of the proposed senior citizen center at Staring Lake Park. Motion was seconded by Garens. DISCUSSION: Dave Anderson questioned the status of a previous Community a Development Block Grant received by Eden Prairie to develop parks in the r Preserve and Edenvale. It appeared that the Preserve park was complete, but not Edenvale's. Lambert explained that there is a problem with title to the property at Edenvale, due to delinquent taxes. It will go on the tax delinquent list next r ' May, at which time the city can obtain title. Scheduled for development then are skating rinks, warming house, ballfield, etc. The money is being held until then. Lambert pointed out that these kind of projects are no longer being funded through this program. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. + ' C. January 1, 1979 Meeting ? Meeting rescheduled for January 8, 1979, 7:30 p.m. , City Hall . F �`- D. Fish Houses at Bryant Lake !' Lambert received a call requesting permission to obtain access to Bryant Lake with a fish house through city property. He did not feel he could grant the permission since this property is being rented, and all other access is closed `• to motorized vehicles during the winter months. However, there are already many fishhouses on the lake, and since the city has no ordinance against them, he did not want to discourage this type of recreation. He asked the commission to consider a policy. Tangen suggested that ice-fishing could be done without permanent structures, ; since they are unsightly, and leave debris every spring (wood, beercans, etc.) . Portable structures could be carried by foot or sled to the lake, solving ' the access problem. f Kruell pointed out that the debris left by fish-house bottoms (wood with nails) f could create a liability problem for the city at their beach. ; R. Anderson suggested that if no one else is allowed on Bryant Lake with their fish houses, those out there now may have to be notified to leave. Tangen agreed, pointing out that since the park is closed to vehicle traffic those driving in are in violation. The policy must be changed before fish- houses are legal ;and those out there now are at risk. Lambert suggested that since there is parking available at the stable area, a fish house could be taken by sled to the lake. MOTION: Garens moved that the commission should not discourage fish houses as 7-7 Minutes- Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 4, 1978 Natural Resources Commiss.i.on -g_ long as they do not violate park policy. Citizens can park at the stable Cparking area, and will have to haul a fish house by sled or skids to gain access to the lake. Motion seconded by Kruell ; passed, with Tangen abstaining. R. Anderson suggested that the question be discussed again with the intention of creating an ordinance. Tangen requested that possible restrictions or regulations by the Department of Natural Resources that might prevent the city from making it's own ordinance, be investigated first. E. Snowmobiling and Cross-country Skiing Kruell pointed out that the indiscriminate use of snowmobiles by a few are going to create problems for other snowmobilers. He feels that snowmobilers as well as cross-country skiers have rights within the city. Lambert pointed out that many snowmobilers are not aware of the trails set up by the Snowdrifter's Snowmobile Club. A representative from the club is going to help map the trail , and all ather legal areas. On the same copy, they will print the city's snowmobile ordinance. He reported that some snowmobile clubs in other communities use their own members to enforce local ordinances, and this seems to work well . Kruell asked if the snowmobile group could combine their efforts with the ski club and make a combination map of trails. Also, could we consider the possibility of using the snowmobile club to issue permits for use in the city? In some communities snowmobilers are required to join the local snowmobile club in order to operate a machine in that city. k F Tangen suggested that the local press could be very helpful with this problem. `u They could print both the map and the local ordinance. Fifield sug gested that a representative from the Snowdrifters should come to hear the commissions concerns. They should be aware of the complaints that the commissioners are receiving, and realize that more limits may be imposed on them in the future. Kruell asked if snowmobile trails are any worse than a heavily travelled cross- country ski trail? Lambert said no, but the problem lies in keeping the machines on the trails. Both Round Lake Park and Birch Island Park have received extensive damage to trees and turf. k R. Anderson told the commission they should start thinking about their feelings toward motorized vehicles on trails along the Minnesota River Valley. The Department of Natural Resources will be asking for input as they begin the development of the trails. No action required. VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:07. C_ Respectfully Submitted, Georgia Jessen Recording Secretary AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard 'Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:55 III. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 6, 1978 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff 7:40 1. Development Proposals a. Thriftway Grocery Store VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:00 A. Bryant Lake Park Master Plan 9:30 B. Topics for Communications with Council VII. NEW BUSINESS A. 10:00 VIII. ADJOURNMENT C AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1978 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell, George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 4, 1978 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff I. Development Proposals 7:40 a. Round Lake Estates 8:00 2. Bryant Lake Park Plan 9:00 3. Snowmobile Trails and Regulations VI. OLD BUSINESS 9:20 A. Park Dedication Ordinance 9:40 B. Mitchell Lake Option VII. NEW BUSINESS None 10:00 VIII. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES I EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 18,1978 7s30 P.M., CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENTS Richard Anderson, Chairperson; Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Johnson COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENTS David Anderson, Robert Kruell, George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF PRESENTS Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services; Jim Jensen, City Park Planner OTHERS PRESENT: Arlo Eliason, Jerry and Beverly Rodberg, Jerry Syulman, Janet Gerecke, Hakon Torjesen, Al Dybier, E. P. Sun I. ROLL CALL Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7230 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Garens moved to approve the agenda as published; seconded by Johnson, motion passed unanimously. III. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 4. 1978, MEETING MOTIONS Garens moved to approve the minutes as published; Johnson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff 1. Development Proposals a. Round Lake Estates Lambert introduced Mr. Arlo Eliason who came to present his plan for Round Lake Estates Second Addition. After Mr. Eliason's presentation Lambert reviewed the proposed development in relation to Round Lake Park and the surrounding area. Garens expressed concern about the close proximity of a holding pond ! to the tot-lot area. Lambert pointed out that the holding pond was only 100 feet closer to the tot-lot than Round Lake was. He did not recommend fencing the pond because it may set a precedent. 1\ Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 18, 1978 Natural Resources Commission -2- Garens asked if a thorny vegetation could be planted as a screen between the areas. Lambert said this may be the most desirable alternative, however, it could screen a child who was near the pond from his parents who were trying to watch him, thus creating a new problem. Mr. Eliason reported that his engineering firm told him that there are no communities that fence holding ponds, and that holding ponds are used quite often. R. Anderson was concerned about the holding pond running off' to Round Lake, since this type of runoff is heavily polluted by salt, oil, etc. He asked who would be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the pond. Lambert told him the city would be. He explained that ordinarily the city does not accept this type of park dedication. In this case it is land in excess of park dedication to be used to extend the open space area. MOTION: Garens moved, in view of the fact that there seems to be no alternative to a holding pond, that the commission accept the staff recomerdation for the Round Lake Estates Second Addition according to the memorandum of December 15, 1978, and recommend approval by the council. Fifield seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: Lambert agreed to point out to the council the commission's concern about the holding pond in the park area. VOTES The motion carried unanimously. 2. Bryant Lake Park Plan Lambert reviewed what has been done to date in the planning of Bryant Lake Park. The main concerns at this point are the location of the access and roads, the location of the swimming beach and the boat launch. He introduced Jim Jensen, the City Park Planner, to present the concept plan he had arrived at after reviewing all the data with park planners from Hennepin County and with the city engineers. Basically the plan calls for retaining the present location of the boat launch--by keeping it there no major revisions will be necessary, and it will not interfere with the proposed swimming beach. According to County Planners, the proposed swimming beach is ideal. The topography and water depth are good, and an underwater rock formation at the perimeter defines and protects the area. The proposed ga.mefields are old farm fields. It is the only large flat area suitable for informal ball games, frisbee tossing, etc. There will be picnic areas near the beach and the launch. The stable area Cis separate from the other park areas. The access to the park will come off Rowland Road. The city will maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from any existing driveway. Separate parking areas for each use will be provided. Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 18, 1978 Natural Resources Commission -3- Trails for bikers, hikers, and horseback riders are also provided in the i plan. ( Jerry Rodberg, 6580 Rowland Road, expressed his concern about the access being so close to his drive; he pointed out that people trying to avoid paying a parking fee have created a problem for him in the past. Lambert explained that a fee for parking is generally used in regional parks. He suggested that local. police can be called on to help; and that if a full time park manager could be hired, it may help with the problems of misuse by some people. Mr. Hakon Torjesen, 6605 Rowland Road, pointed out that the boat launch point is the prettiest area in the park. He suggested moving the parking area back from this point so as not to destroy its natural beauty. He did not agree that the proposed access was the best one available, and suggested an alternative. He pointed out that many questions, some of a political nature, should be answered before detailed plans are approved. For example, if snowmobiles are allowed on the lake, as they are now, public access should be provided for them. Also, long term boating use on the lake should be decided before facilities are built to accomodate boats. R. Anderson questioned the possibility of relocating the parking near the boat launch. Jensen and Lambert both agreed that it could be done. Jensen suggested screening the parking areas with plantings to reduce their impact. Garens pointed out that the parking area near the present boat launch gets boggy at times, and that relocating it to higher land would solve that C_ problem also. He felt that people would not object to walking a little farther. R. Anderson then raised the question of snowmobiling in the park. Lambert suggested that snowmobiling should not be allowed on the lake, because many snowmobilers would go through the park from the lakes but before this is decided residents around the lake should be contacted. R. Anderson stated that the main concern seemed to be the access point to the park. He asked if the access had to be considered permanent= could it be changed after it was built if it didn't work there? Garens suggested that the city might consider buying the property adjacent to the proposed access area, to use as an access. i Lambert said that the access had to be considered permanent, and that the adjacent property would not add to the recreational use of the park. Rodberg told the commission that he was in general agreement with most of the planning done to date. He suggested that they try to legislate against possible misuse of the park, rather than use. He asked if part of the informal game field could remain in a natural state, since it presently attracts much wildlife. Lambert stressed that the field area will never be maintained as an intensive C use area, such as the ball fields at Round Lake Park. He said that it would be treated as a meadow area, being mowed occasionally to an intermediate height. He agreed that it may be possible to leave a part of the area natural. Torjesen again spoke to the problem of the access. He pointed out that the planned access and road take people to the wrong part of the park. He I . Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 18, 1978 Natural Resources Commission -4- asked the commissioners to join his neighbors in opposing the proposed Croad and access; and stated that he would like a chance to study the plan further, and comment in writing before a final decision is made. Jensen pointed out that the proposed access point was suggested by, and agreed upon by all the park planners and engineers who had been consulted. Fifield asked how far the city could go from the private driveways; could they maintain a distance of more than 50 feet? Jensen thought that they might be able to go as fax as 75 feet. MOTIONt Bob Johnson moved that the commission accept and recommend the basic plan with the minor changes they had agreed upon,(changing the location of the parking lot at the boat launch area, and switching the foot path and the bike trail) but leaving the access open for review. R. Anderson seconded the motion. DISCUSSIONt Fifield said that he liked the basic plan, with the changes; but that he couldn't agree entirely until the access problem were solved. Garens agreed, suggesting that even though it may be more expensive, a different access should be considered. R. Anderson pointed out that the decision might be easier with the actual cost estimates of the alternatives to study. Lambert explained that the engineers felt that in order to move the access they would have to cut down part of the hill, and/or put up stop signs to allow for proper sight distance. He agreed to bring in cost estimates of the alternatives for the commission to study. V'OTEt Motion carried unanimously. The chairperson called for a break at 9t25. 3. Snowmobile 7.nils and Regulations Jim Jensen reported on his study of snowmobile ordinances from other communities. As part of his research, he used the trail developed by the Snowdrifters Club in Eden Prairie. After going out on the trail, Jensen felt that most of the people using it stay pretty close to the marked areas. He said the most serious problem of misuse is at Round Lake Park. Only part of the park is open to snowmobiles, but they use the entire area. Because they have destroyed much of the turf and many trees, Jensen suggested that the Commission consider prohibiting snowmobiles at Round Lake Park. He also suggested that next year their trail should not follow the bike-way along Scenic Heights Road. He pointed out the D.N.R. has found that compaction of snow by snowmobiles on lakes is actually good for them. Jensen reported that other communities have successfully used members of local snowmobile clubs to enforce their ordinances, giving out warnings, tickets, etc. The patrols can be used in areas with the worst problems, at times of most misuse--usually -Friday and Saturday nights. With proper enforcement, the trails could even be expanded. He warned that if we don't stop the misuse now, the community may insist on prohibiting snowmobiles totaly, as many communities have done. Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Dec. 18,1978 Natural Resources Commision -5- MOTION: Garens moved to recommend to the council approval of the staff recommendation outlined in the December 15, 1978, memorandum on Snowmobile Trails and Regulations. Fifield seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: R. Anderson questioned whether these efforts would really solve the problems. He felt that certain areas should be prohibited completely, and proper signs be posted in these areas. He suggested using the permit system, as they do with hunters. Permit numbers could help identify offenders. If control were successful, the trails could be expanded. Mr. Rodberg stated that he would like the city to put as much effort into snowmobile trails as they do on bike and hike trails. VOTES The motion carried unanimously. Lambert told the commission he would like to see signs at Anderson Lakes, Forest Hills, Prairie View, and Round Lake Park. He also favored issuing free permits,(with rules and trail maps) as a means of distibuting the information to users. He stressed that the snowmobile club would have to help with enforcement. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Park Dedication Ordinance Lambert received direction from the council to update the Park Dedication Ordinance for review at the next meeting. The proposed ordinance is based on the formula he felt was the most equitable. MOTION: Garens moved to recommend to the council that the commission is in general agreement to the principal of the ordinance= however, due to insufficient time to study it thoroughly and the absence of several commissioners, they wish to discuss it again at the next meeting. Fifield seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: Lambert took this opportunity to explain the ordinance, how he arrived at these conclusions, and where he drew his figures from. VOTE: The motion carried unanimously. B. Mitchell Lake Option Lambert recommended the city enter into a five year option to buy the property at Mitchell Lake, since the present option is about to expire. He outlined a purchase plan for the property. R. .Anderson pointed out that it has been a long-range goal of this Commission to squire this property for a park. Lambert noted that the property is well worth the purchase price, and the owners have also been contacted by developers. MOTION: Fifield moved to recommend to the council that they obtain an option according to the terms outlined in the December 15, 1978 memorandum on Mitchell Lake Park Aquisition. Garens seconded the motion. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. Minutes—Parks, Recreation & .approved Dec. 18, 1978 Natural Resources Commission -6- VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1000 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Georgia Jessen Recording Secretary �4