01-02-1996 Park Commission Minutes

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MII�i-LJTES UF THE FtEG�ZAR URUIVC��ARK CUIVIMISSI�N MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 2, 1996 (#5 -Winter Plowing Consideration - Cantinued� White said Hennepin Parks does not plow their trails even though the equipment and manpower is available. He said plowing would encourage the use and cause meltdown and ice formation as well as the need for patroling. White noted that a trail can not be all to everyone and was used by cross country skiers in the wintertime. He alsa noted the need to look at topography and drainage of the trails. Howells was informed that the DNR also did nat plow their trails. It was noted that, in some neighboring cities, grooming has been done on trails, thus allowing for usage by hikers. Flint noted that a trail along the west side of�-Iwy 101 i.n Wayzata was groomed, which doesn't require being taken down to the blacktop, thus eliminating ice buildup. Vi�ilsan noted that the trail has been used by snowmobilers too. Flint said there was controversy with the decision on who should shovel the sidewalk along Hwy l2 on the Long Lake side. Long Lake had asked the local business people to shovel. It was noted that the 4' sidewalk on the north side belongs to Orono, while the 4' sidewalk on the south side belongs to Long Lake. Gerhardson said Orono is not maintaining t�is sidewalk cluring the winter months. Gerhardson said a resident had inquired if the trails were going to be maintained during the winter months. The resident had thought the City was planning on doing so but was informed by Gerhardson that this was nat the case. tlerhardson said he informed the resident that the City did not wish to encourage any motorized traffic. He noted that the trails along a residential area could be considered a sidewalk, which would require maintenance by the residents through a preexisting City ordinance. It was noted that some residents are walking along the roadway where the trails are located creating a safety concern. Commission also discussed dragging a trail to allaw usage or grooming. It was noted that grooming would be required after each snowfall. The solid drifts also present a problem. Flint suggested the trail be groomed away trom the road right-of-way to alleviate any mound buildup. McDermott said it was possible to atternate the routes for the winter months. It was noted that grooming could be leased out to private individuals due to the high cost of the equipment. It was noted that the right-of-way is 12' and could be maintained at a narrower width to gain the space for dragging the trail away from the roadway. White suggested either a snowmabile or a small plow be used to drag the trail. The Brown Road trail was said to be about 3/4 mile long in a residential area and cauld be used as a pilot section. �