12-06-1993 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 1993 UPDATE ON BIKE/HIKE TRAIL - CONT. Chair Flint did not think Option #4 would be less expensive because it would require more expense to the City and would not connect to Baker Park. Chair Flint recommended approval of the conceptual proposal from Hennepin Parks in their letter of October 29, 1993 and that it be brought to City CounciL The motion was seconded by White. This proposal is similar to Option #3 in Ron Moorse's letter. White expressed his opinion that there was not enough support for the Old Crystal Bay Road trail even though he favored this route. They may have to look at another option. McMillan reviewed the proposal from Hennepin Parks stating that Hennepin Parks would build the trail from Baker Park to Old Crystal Bay Road and pay 100% of that cost. Then either the City splits the cost with them for the route down Old Crystal Bay Road or Hennepin Parks builds a trail further west at their cost. She felt a recommendation to Council would have to be more specific. White felt this was a step towards getting a trail. Wilson disagreed. She felt this was political and buying time for Hennepin County so they could get what they want. She would be more supportive if she knew the property owners were in agreement. Drainage concerns also exist. She favors staying with the Old Crystal Bay Road trail as previously proposed. Ilse asked if the proposal could be approved with the possibility of alternative routes such as the McCulley corridor. She views the proposal differently than Wilson. She feels Bryant is working towards a proposal that is flexible enough to work with to gain approval with the Council. The Park Commission has already been working on this for 2 1/2 years which shows their commitment to a trail. McMillan expressed her concern over having a five year legal agreement because the Council could change as well as other things. Chair Flint suggested an amendment to his motion if Wilson were in agreement to a change stating the trail would not have to be in the Orchard Park corridor but could be in another corridor. Wilson objected stating there was not enough information on optional corridors. McMillan also expressed concern over publicity without having property owners fully informed. Chair Flint felt the five year time frame was an advantage because it gave the City time to study development. Wilson felt Hennepin County was trying to "tie" the City into an agreement but Chair Flint explained that after the meeting with Hennepin County, the letter could have been written by either poug Bryant or Ron Moorse because there was agreement about the proposed plans. 6