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ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING <br /> MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 <br /> (#9) Dakota Rail to Trail <br /> McDermott stated he attended a�t�ork session on Wednesda�����hcre all the partics expressed interest <br /> in proceeding with this project. McDernlott commcnted that Minnetonlca Beach expressed some <br /> reservations concerning this project but overall �vas in favor of proceedi�lg forward. <br /> McDermott remarked that an article regarding the hauling of toxic���aste on this railroad line will <br /> be included in the local paper within the next couple of�ti�eeks, ���hich hopefully will make the general <br /> public more aware of the potential dangers that exist on this railroad line. McDern�ott commented <br /> that 3M may object to this railroad line being abandoned. <br /> McDermott stated that the City of Orono has already sent a letter to State Senators Wellstone <br /> and Grams encouraging them to vote against any fiinding for this railroad. McDern�ott stated that <br /> the railroad is requesting approximatcl}' 6.9 million dollars in federal aid to improve this track If <br /> no buyer for this railroad is located in the near fi�ture, use of the railroad���ill terminate effective <br /> October 1, 1999. The Department of Transportation has afso indicated that they�vill not give up <br /> ultimate control of this railroad line. <br /> Meyers stated that the letter to the state senators ��°as to inform thcm that the City of Orono is <br /> against any funding of this project in that the requested financing ��ill not resolve the safety issues <br /> that currently exist on this railroad line. Meyers commcnted that this railroad has a very <br /> significant number of derailments. <br /> Silber inquired where the toxic chcmicals arc bcing transported to. <br /> White commented that the chemicals arc probably bcing transported to various locations in <br /> Minnesota. White suggested that the City employ a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., to help fight <br /> this financing request by the railroad. _ <br /> Meyers stated that Hennepin Parks has already indicated that they�t�ould be�villing to help fund <br /> this trail. <br /> (#10) SPRING HILL TRAILS - TRAIL SIGNS <br /> Gappa stated that the signs have come in and�vill bc installed at the entrances to the trail indicating <br /> that the trail is not intcnded for motorized vehicles or horses. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> (#12) STUBBS BAY PUBLIC ACCESS DOCK <br /> Gappa stated that this application was approved 6-1 by the Pla►u�ing Commission who recommended <br /> that this item be revie�ved by the Parks Conunission bcfore commencement of any�vork. Gappa <br /> commented that approlimately 190 square fect of the���etland ��ill be filled. <br /> McDermott commented that the Parks Commission at its last meeting���as not all in agreement on <br /> whether the�z�etland should be filled. <br /> Page 5 <br />