01-23-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 9, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 6. BIG ISLAND CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAIL Edwards stated Rick Carter, director for the Big Island and Back Ski Event held annually on Lake Minnetonka, presented to the Park Commission a proposal for a trial project to see whether the trail would be used and could be maintained properly, he also volunteered to groom the trail on Big Island. The proposal would be at no cost to the City as the group will assume those costs. The event itself will not occur on Big Island but rather around Big Island and this proposal would be to create a trail on Big Island to see whether that amenity will work. The Park Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project. Seals commented she loves the idea since there are very few activities that take place on Big Island during the winter and that in her view the City should embrace it given the fact there would be no cost to the City. Walsh stated he is in agreement and recommended some type of insurance be required since the trail would be located on City property. City Attorney Mattick stated the City can require some type of indemnity or insurance. Mattick stated it was his understanding it would not be on Big Island. Edwards stated the race would not be held on Big Island but that this trail will be created on Big Island and would be separate from the race. Seals stated it is her understanding that Rick Meyers would also be present when the trail is created. Rick Meyers, Park Commission Chair, stated Rick Carter offered to create the trail. Meyers noted due to the covenants on the park, no organized activities are allowed, and that this would be like a demonstration project. Meyers stated there are a few people that do go out and ski on Big Island and that this would be a groomed trail to direct people a certain direction. Meyers stated the more people that the City can get out to the island doing good activities will hopefully help to deter some of the less desirable activities that have occurred on the island. Council Member Printup stated in the letter that was submitted by Mr. Carter, under the outcome that was desired, listed was the City purchasing a groomer to maintain the trail. Printup stated he does not want to set something up where there is a false impression that the City will be purchasing grooming equipment. Edwards stated the Park Commission did discuss that aspect and a more likely way forward would be for the City to enter into an agreement for the organization to groom the trail in the future if it works out and that purchasing grooming equipment by the City would be the last resort. Seals noted the Council would merely be approving the creation of the trail at this point. Printup moved, Seals seconded, to allow the cross-country ski trail grooming as a test concept on Big Island, subject to insurance indemnification being entered into between the City and BIAS. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Page 6 of 17