Parks Commission Agenda Packet 01-18-1995AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PARKS COMMISSION
Wednesday, January 18, 1995 • 4:50 p.m.
Members: Dick Frie, Fran Fair, Bruce Thielen, Larry Nolan, Roger Carlson
1. Consideration of adopting agenda.
2. Consideration of approval of November 22, 1994, meeting minutes.
3. Consideration of funding a portion of the cost to install new hockey boards
at the 4th Street Park.
4. Discuss potential application to LAWCON grant program. See attached.
5. Review phase 1 and II schedule for construction of Meadow Oak Park,
Outlot A (Roger report).
6. Update on pathway project (Jeff report).
7. Review spotlight on Monticello article. See attached.
8. Other.
- )V pu �� ., ter. Co...i'ol '.
JZ'
1 MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO PARKS COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 22, 1994
Members Present: Dick Frie, Larry Nolan, Bruce Thielen
Members Absent: Roger Carlson, Fran Fair
Consideration of annroval of minutes for the meeting held Sentember 28,
1994.
Minutes were approved by Larry Nolan and seconded by Dick Frie. Motio
carried unanimously.
2. Review of the nroaosal to olace a Veteran's Memorial in a Citv nark.
Continuing the project to have a memorial located in Monticello that is
dedicated to the veterans, Joanne Yaeger presented updates on her research
since the last meeting. Yaeger reported that she called several mounument
companies to presented a variety of designs and prices available for this
project. At the lust meeting a design resembling a small tombstone marker
was discussed. Roger Mack, Park Superindent, stated that the lighter
tombstones in the Hillside cemetery were often vandalized and thought a
larger monument would prevent this. Bruce Theilen also thought a
different style would be more appealing in the park setting that was being
requested. The representatives from the VFW, Rob Hoffman, and the
representative from the American Legion, Lloyd Lund were in agreement
with this idea. Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Lund agreed that a monument of a
larger design would be acceptable to their organizations even if the cost was
higher. The main objective for the VFW and the American Legion was to
have a memorial in Monticello thatwas an asset to the City and an
appropriate dedication to the armed forces.
Joanne Yaeger presented six different designs and costs to the group. It
was a unanimous decision to recommend design 13. Design 13 was made of
jet block granit, the same as the Vetrnns Wall Memorial in Washington,
D.C., with a center tablet that is: 3'0"x0'8"x7'0", nil polished, Chamfered
Front edges. Two Wings: 3'0x0'6"x2'6% all polished, floral carving, five
service emblems; Base: 11'0"x 1'4'x0'8", polished flat top, balance rustic
finish. The memorial could also be made of a Jet Black Granite the same as
was used in the Veterans Wall Memorial in Washington DC. The cost of
this would he $8,100.00. The parks commission did recommend that Joanne
call the Monument Company and check on delivery and installation prices.
Page 1
Parks Commission Minutes - 11122199
There were a mixture of ideas for the site of the memorial. Lloyd Lund was
not particular about a certain place just so it was in a neutral area. Rob
Hoffman stated the VFW had visions of it being in a place that was very
visible and accessible so that it could become part of the celebrations. One
suggestion was East Bridge Park because of the parking lot, river, and
beautiful landscaping. After discussing East Bridge Park, it was agreed
that the sight would be too small to accommodate many people because the
parking lot was small and not designed for large groups. Mack suggested
the east end of Ellison Park. The east end of the park, past the gazebo, is
mowed and kept up but not used for picnic or playground area. The
memorial will be visible from the street yet offer a serene setting for
veterans and their families. The Parks Commission was in agreement that
this would be an ideal setting for the memorial. There is ample space at
Ellison Park for large gatherings yet will still offer a quite place for
individual use.
The park is mowed and kept up by the city parks department but Rob
Hoffman, VFW expressed an interest in helping maintain the area.
Larry Nolan made the motion to have the city parks department to do the
mowing and maintain the permanent shrubs. Bruce Theilen seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Lund and Hoffman both expressed that the wording on the memorial should
be generic to service branch and gender. The words that were agreed on
are: "in honor of the men and women who have served our country in times
of war and pence". The completion and dedication is set for Riverfest 1995.
Joanne Yaeger will attend the December meeting for the VFW and the
American Legion to present the memorial, wording, site, and increased cost.
If both organizations agree to the recommended decision the memorial will
be ordered after the 4anuary parks meeting.
Jeff O'Neill e,ave an undnte on the cont.hwav oroiect.. 9
The project is at a standstill because of a hold up with Burlington Northern.
13N will not grunt a crossing at River Street, EI 18trect, or Prairie Road.
13N is waiting for MNDOT to complete a set of t es governing the design of
grade crossings. MNDOT as been slow to dove! the rules and there is no
telling when the rules will be completed, O'Neill stated that the City
Engineer had been working with BN on the delay. The parks commission
thought this area should be priority and everything possible should he done
Page 2
l
f
f
Parks Commission Minutes - 11122/94 j
to speed up the process, even if that meant getting involved through other !
cities receiving the grant or elected officials that could help.
It was decided that there would not be a meeting in December unless there was
an update on the pathway.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Wanda Kraemer
Developement Services Technician
Page 3
FOURTH STREET PARK
HOCKEY RINK BOARDS REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
I— Problem:
lk
1. Many boards need replacement
2. The rink size is larger than necessary.
3. The general public has no place to play hockey during Hockey Association practice.
4. Hockey players use general skating rink, which conflicts with general use—difficult for attendant to control.
5. Winter recreation facilities reported to be substandard in 1992 survey (pre -Bridge Park improvements).
Facts:
1. Hockey Association practices occupy a large share of available ice time at Fourth Street Park.
2. Hockey Association funded and constructed existing hockey rink, which is available for use by all citizens.
3. Hockey Association funded construction of storage room within warming house.
4. Ice maintenance program is working satisfactorily in 1994.95. Hockey Association floods hockey rink.
City removes most snow.
Proposed Solution:
1. Replace main hockey rink with smaller rink - cost and efficiency o1 use.
2. Develop second seasonal hockey rink at Fourth Street Park.
Proposed Budget:
COST FUNDING
Coal Lobo I Luba TOUT Hockey
Imprwemenl llama rYGIerWB Hours value Coat A8110C.
Heavy Amm ramwas a mang boards from main hockey rink so SIAM 51,600
Good boards aro separated A dammed to Cary for Small 7960 6o $900
amaa,al rink*
Now boards Purchased far bilUm of wasonN rink
City crews build somonal rink m Horns"
(tltai
abd In Nov. 7 rammed In APr, lay CM)
Clly purcrlafm rrlabarblls ra mOk rhlk
Hockey Allied Install 6 paint, main rink
TOTAL COOT
( east gree.
"Coed can be reduced wl0t summer ham
HOCKEYMM: 01/13/95
72,66) m
160 133,200
clry
u.60o
svo�,
0.3.200 4.5a/
$3000
so
33.000
1601
$3200
1111 200
( 1 Saco 1
�•pt
A'�Melt
iTATt Or
IrM
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
4NR INFORMATION
(012) 2484157
500 L AFAYETiE ROAD • ST, PAUL. MINNESOTA • 55155.40
MEMO
TO: Interested Recreation and Conservation Providers
FROM: Local Grants Program Staff
DATE: January, 1995
Enclosed you will find the 1995 Local Grants Application Request Form. The application
request form can be utilized to access the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, Natural and
Scenic Area Grant Program, Cooperative Trail Grant Program and the Conservation Partners
Grant Program. In this packet, you have been provided with a program information sheet for
each of the programs except the Conservation Partners Program. The program information
sheet provides the general information and program requirements for each program.
The specific guidelines and requirements for the Conservation Partners Program are stili being
developed. The intent of the program is to encourage private organizations and local
governments to cost share enhancement of fish, wildlife, and native plant habitats; and research
and surveys of fish and wildlife. and related education activities. Conservation partners grants
may be up to $10.004 each and must be equally matched.
Each of these programs can be accessed by completing the Application Request Form. Once
your request is received in this office, you will be contacted by the Grant Manager assigned
to your area of the state. The Grant Managers and their assignments are located on the
Program Information Sheets enclosed.
If your community or organization has a potential project, we urge you to return the request
form by March 1, 1995 to ensure adequate time for a Grant Manager to discuss the project
with you and provide you with the appropriate grant application. By contacting the Local
Grants Program early, you also allow ample time for your community to meet certain
application requirements, such as holding a public hearing, having the project reviewed for
needed permits, etc. Note that complete applications are due on May 1, 1945 to be eligible
for the 1995 funding cycle. Funding for these programs is contingent on approval during the
1995 legislative session.
The department will be holding a series of public meetings in late January and February to
provide information on the grant programs and the application process. The date and location
of the meetings are listed on the back of this memo. If you have questions regarding this
information, please call your Grant Manager (see phone numbers on the Information Sheets),
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Department of Natural Resources - Local Grants Program
Application Information Meetings
,January 26. 1995: 1:00PM
Department of Natural Resources • St, Paul
6th Floor Conference Room
500 Lafayette Road
February 1. 1995: 7:Ok
Minnesota Riverland Technical College
Room B-117
Highway 14 East. Rochester
February S. 1995; 7:OOPM
New Ulm Public Library
Public Meeting Room
17 Notch BroadwaytHwy 14 (center of downtown)
February 9. 1995: 3:30PM
Fergus Falls Community College
Room L-524
1414 College Way, Hwy 210 East of 1.94
February 15. 1995: I:OOPM
Crow Wing r'ounty Service Building (behind the eourthnuse)
Meeting Room 2
322 Laurel Street, Hwy 371 to Laurel Street West, Brainerd
Echrunry 15.1995: 7:00PM
Northern Town Hall
Community Room
445 Town Hall Road, Hwy 71 North of Bemidji to Irvine Avenue West
February 16. 1995: 1:00PM
r IRRRB Office
l Boardroom
Hwy 53, South of Eveleth
APPLICATION REQUEST FORM
Local Grants Program
Applicant Counry
Contact Person
Title
Address
Phone Number (during normal working hoursb
Project Name
Program (check the appropriate program(s) and provide a estimated total cost pet project):
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Natural and Scenic P.rea Grant Program _
Toni Estimated Cost: S S
Cooperative Trail Grant program Conservation Partners Grant Program
Total Estimated Cost: S S
Districts: Congressional Legislative
Project Description(s):
OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM
r C Information Sheet GLAWCON
aOaaTgR ti
sntnas �
Application:
The Application Request Form must be submitted by March I to ensure adequate time to complete
the grant application. The complete application is due on May I to be eligible for this funding
cycle.
Program purpose:
To increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities.
How it works:
Provides federal (LAWCON) and state grants to local units of government for up to 5091. of the
ucquisition, development and/or redevelopment costs of local parks.
Eligible applicants:
Cities, counties, townships and recognized Indian tubal governments.
Minimum
Project proposals must include at least one eligible outdoor recreation facility and have at a total project
requirements:
cost of at least E10.000. Land proposed for development/redevelopment must be owned by the applicant
or be pan of an acquisition project. Active projects will need to be closed -out before an additional
proposal can be submitted.
Eligible projecu:
Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment; includes, among others, trails, picnic sheltm,
playgrounds, athletic facilities, born accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches, campgrounds, and design
and engineering (maximum of 10% of total project costs). Contact the Grants Manager for your
County with questions about other grant eligible facilities.
Grant amount:
A maximum of 50°/6 of the total eligible project costs. An applicant may not receive more than one state
grant during any two consecutive fiscal years.
Local match:
Applicants should be able to fund at least 50°/. of the total project costs. The local match can consist of
cash; donations of materials, labor, and equipment usage; in-kind contributions: or any combination
thereof.
Project period:
Funded projects will need to begin promptly after an agreement has been completed between the State
and the applicant. Funding for these projects is 2WI available through October 71. 1997. All components
of the project must be completed by this dart.
Grant awards:
The review and making period will be f1rom May I to August I. Grant awards will be announced in
the fall.
Approving authority:
Department of Natural Resources.
Disbursement of funds: Grants are reimbursable. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can take place.
Contact:
Grants Manager (phone e's and auignments listed on beck)
Local Gmnu Program
Department of Natural Resources
Office of Planning, Box 10
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 551554010
FAX: 61:1:96•6047
GRANTS MANAGER ASSIGNMENT LIST
LOCAL GRANTS PROGRAM
Bureau of Planning
Department of Natural Resources
Box 10. 500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul. MN 55155-4010
Joe Hiller Audrey Mularie
f612) 296-4891 (612) 2964705
County
Reaion
County
Anoka
6
Beltrami
Big Stone
4
Cass
Blue Earth
4
Clearwater
Brown
4
Crow Wing
Carver
6
Dodge
Chippewa
4
Fillmore
Cottonwood
4
Freeborn
Faribault
4
Goodhue
Jackson
4
Houston
Kandiyohi
4
Hubbard
Lac Qui Pane
4
Kinson
LeSueur
4
Lake/Woods
Lincoln
4
Mahnomen
Lyon
4
Marshall
Martin
4
Morrison
McLeod
4
Mower
Meeker
4
Norman,
Murmy
4
Olmstead
Nicollet
4
Pennington
Nobles
4
Polk
Pipestone
4
Ramsey
Redwood
4
Red Lake
Renville
4
Rice
Rock
4
Roseau
Scon
6
Steele
Sibley
4
Todd
Swift
4
Wabashn
Waseca
4
Wadena
Watonwan
4
Washington
Yellow Medicine
4
Winona
Program Supervisor: Wayne Sames, (612) 296-1567
Tom Kranz
(612) 397.;168
Retxion County Re¢ion
Aitken
Becker
Benton
Carlton
Chisago
Clay
Cook
Dakota
Douglas
Grant
Hennepin
Isanti
Itasca
Kaaabec
Koochiching
Lake
Mille Lacs
Otter Tail
Pine
Pope
St. Louis
Sherburne
Steams
Stevens
Traverse
Wilkin
Wright
'_ t NATURAL AND SCENIC AREA GRANT PROGRAM
i Information Sheet
aEl411cEat aF
aimaa asatam
Application:
The Application Request Form must be submitted by March I to ensure adequate time to complete
Grant amount:
the grant application. The complete application is due on May I to be eligible for this funding
cycle.
Program purpose:
To increase, protect and enhance natural and scenic areas.
How it works:
Provides state gmnts to local units ofgovemment for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition and betterment
Project period:
of natural and scenic areas.
Eligible applicants:
Cities. counties, townships and school districts.
Minimum
Project proposals must have a total project cost of at least 510.000.
requirements:
The review and tanking period will be from May I to Augury I. Grant owdrds will be announced in
Eligible projects: Eligible projects include fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition. Miminal betterment
activities are eligible as pan of the proposed acquisition project and include interpretive, educational at
r
l
boundary signing and protective fencing.
Grant amount:
A maximum of 50% of the total eligible project casts not to exceed a maximum gtnm of $200.000. An
applicant may not receive more than one Natural and Scenic Arcs grant during any two consecutive fiscal
years.
Local match:
Applicants must be able to Ruud at least W16 of the tout project costs.
Project period:
Funded projects must begin promptly after an agreement has been completed between the State of
Minnesom and the applicant. Funding for these projects it gah available through October 31. 1997. All
components of the project must be completed by this dam.
Grant awards:
The review and tanking period will be from May I to Augury I. Grant owdrds will be announced in
the fall.
Approving authority:
Department of Natural Resources.
Disbursement of funds: Grants me reimbursable. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can take place,
Contact:
Grants Manager (phone a's and assignments listed cm beck)
Local Grants Program
Department of Natural Resources
Office of Planning, Sox 10
300 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN S5I55-4010
FAX: 6121:96.6007
M
GRAMS MANAGER ASSIGNMENT LIST
LOCAL GRAMS PROGRAM
Bureau of Planning
Department of Natural Resources
Box 10,500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4010
Joe Hiller Audrey Mularie
(612)296-4891 (612) 296-4705
County
RSBLM
County
Anoka
6
Beltrami
Big Stone
4
Cass
Blue Earth
4
Clearwater
Brown
4
Crow Wing
Carver
6
Dodge
Chippewa
4
Fillmore
Cottonwood
4
Freeborn
Faribault
4
Goodhue
Jackson
4
Houston
Kandiyohi
4
Hubbard
Lac Qui Parle
4
Kinson
LeSueur
4
Lake/Woods
Lincoln
4
Mahnornen
Lyon
4
Marshall
Martin
4
Morrison
McLeod
4
Mower
Meeker
4
Norman
Murray
4
Olmstead
Nicollet
4
Pennington
Nobles
4
Polk
Pipestone —
4
Ramsey
Redwood
4
Red Lake
Renville
4
Rice
Reck
4
Roseau
Scutt
6
Steele
Sibley
4
Todd
Swift
4
Wubasha
Waseca
4
Wadena
Watonwan
4
Washington
Yellow Medicine
4
Winona
Program Supervisor: Wayne Sames, (612) 296.1567
Tom Kranz
(612) 297-3168
Region County R48jon
Aitken
Becker
Benton
Carlton
Chisago
Clay
Cook
Dakota
Douglas
Grant
Hennepin
lsand
Itasca
Kanabec
Koochiching
Lake
Mille Lacs
Otter Tail
Pine
Pope
St. Louis
Sherburne
Stearns
Stevens
Traverse
Wilkin
Wright
COOPERATIVE TRAIL GRANT PROGRAM
Information Sbeet
Applimillon:
The appliation is due on May I to be eligible for this funding cycle.
Program Purpose:
77te emphasis of this program is promote access betrvem purple and desirable desdrrarmmu. nor to develop
significant ern Maeaborr facilities. Its primary purpose is to complete trail connections between .where
people live (e.g., residential areas within cities, and communities) and significant public recreation
facilities (e.g, parka and other trails). Priority will be given to residential connections to state and
regional faclitics A secondarily purpose is to link ex a big trail sci mems.
How It worsts:
Provides reimbursement grants to local units of government. No less than 40% of all funds will be made
available to either the Twin Cities Meacpofitan Area, or greater 'outstate' Minnesota.
Eligible applicants:
Cities, counties, townships and recognized Indian tubal governments.
Minimum
Project must result in a trail linkage that is immediately available for use by the general public, Projea
Requirements:
proposals must result in at least $5.000 of eligible reimbursable charges. There must be demonstrated
compatibility of the uses provided by the project proposal with uses provided by the recreation facility.
Local/ares support must be demonstrated.
Eligible projects:
land acquisition and trail development. However, acquisition of trail right-of-way will only be eligible
when it is proposed in conjunction with trail development.
Reimbursement
A maumure of fifty percent of the total eligible project costs.
(- Gram Amount;
Ina1 match:
50%*hard much' for eligible elements of the project proposal, Neither this funding source nor the 'bard
match' an be used for labor services and/or to meet eriuing payroll (i.e., only contract service,,
materials and supplies are reimbursable). Match must not be state funds or Metropolitan Council
Grants.
Project period
Funded projects will need to begin promptly after an agreement as been completed between the State
and the applicant. Funding for these projects is only available through October 31, 1447. All
components of the project must be completed by this due.
Grant awards:
The review and ranking period will be from May I to August 1. Reimbursement gram awards will be
announced in the fail.
Approving authority.
Department of Natural Resources.
Disbursement of Nods: Grants are reimbursable, Costa must be tocuned and paid for before reimbursement can take place.
Cmtaci:
Dan Collins, Supervisor PHONE: 612/246.6048
Recreation Services Section FAX: 612/247.5473
Trails and Waterways Unit See reverse side for regional
Department of Natural Resources contacts,
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 351554052
l
Regional Contacts for the
Cooperative Trail Grant Program
Nonhrvesrcrn Minnesota
Ardon Belcher, Rcgioual Supcniror
DNR (Traits and Waterways Unit
2115 Birchmout
Beach Road N.E
BemidiL MN 56601
(218) 7552265
Northeastern Minnesota
Les 011ila, Regional Supervisor
DNR/'Trails and Waterways Unit
111 East Hwy. 2
Grand Rapids. NM 55744
(218) 3274263
Central Minnesota
Tim Browning Regional Supervisor
DNR/'Trails and Waterways Unit
1601 Minnesota Drive
Brainerd. MN 56401
(218) 828.2693
Southwestern Minnesota
Dave Wolff, Regional Supervisor
DNR/Traits and Waterways Unit
Bos 756
Hwy. 13 South
CNew Ulm, MN SUM
(507) 3596068
Southeastern Minnesota
Craig Mitchell. Regional Supervisor
DNR JTraih and Waterways Unit
230D Sim Creek Rd. N.E.
Rochester, MN 55906
(507) 2857176
Twin Chits Metropolitan Area
Delos Barber, Regional Supervisor
DNR/'Trails and Waterways Unit
120D Warner Road
St. Paul MN 55106
(612) 772.7936
Pate 4
7-7 _-_
�f
Spotlight On
Monticello
Catch a Wave
�P
Like a surfer staying with a big
breaker, the City of Monticello is
facing the difficult task of providing
adequate park and recreation
opportunities to handle the wave of
people moving into the community.
Monticello is an urban fringe city
located on the 1.94 commuter pipeline
between the Metro area and St. Cloud
location is a big reason why the
p , ulation of the City and adjoining
townships has risen 35% in the past
five years to a total population of over
12.500 Metro telephone service and
the availability of relatively
incapensive land are contributing
toward a further increase in the pace
of development This growth has
challenged the City in its efforts to
maintain an adequate park system
Monticello is fortunate to have a
good base from which to grow its park
system City fathers had fantastic
foresight years ago when three river
parks were established to take
advantage of the scenic beauty of the
Mississippi River Today, these parks
are in constant use by families
enjoying an outing, for group get-
togethers, and as a focal point for
community festivals The quaint mer
backdrop is often enjoycd as a
romantic setting for scenic strolls and
weddings
addition to providing river
p, ., the City and School District
combine to provide ruche ballHelds,
two tennis courts, four outdoor
basketball courts, indoor swimming
Keeping Up January 1995
EllisonRiser Park —The Mississippi Riser provides a peaceful backdrop to this
popular city park which is the focal point for Monticello's Riverfest Celebration.
The Ellison Riser Park Gaeeho is a prime spot for summertime concerts and Is often
reserved for wedding%.
and racquetball, cicscn playgrounds, a
sliding hill, and two outdoor skating
facilities Highlighting recent park
development was construction of the
"Magic Kingdom" playground by a
large group of soluniecrs The Robert
Leathers organisation proudcd the
framework for the community effort
Area grade schoolers contributed
toward design ideas, solunicers
provided the labor, and local
organitations contributed funds that
resulted in this wonderful attraction
for youngsters Plans hast rccentis
been approscd fat dcsclopmcnt of the
Cie)'$ first soacr football icnc.ition
area
Recreation programming hat been
piouded through cooperative efforts
between Monticello Community
Education. Cop of Monticello, and
local athletic clubs and organizations
Summer recreation it provided by
Momicello Community Education
with partial funding from the City of
Monticello This programming
features 60 different activities that
atlracl 1,100 participants each
summer Organizations such as the
Monuccllo Bascball Association,
Youth Hockcy Association, and the
newly -farmed Monticello Soccer Club
Monticello
continued on page S
Keeping Up January 1995
Monticello
continued from page 4
If been working in cooperation
with the School District and the City
to provide quality programs for area
youth.
Rapid growth in the community
has placed stress on existing parks
and could threaten the ability of the
City to maintain an adequate level of
park resources to area residents. In
1991, the City Council recognized the
problem and established a Parks
Commission charged with the task of
guiding park development through
this period of growth. As part of their
mission, the Parks Commission
tackled the daunting task of
determining recreation development
priorities. It was soon discovered that
needs of the community were poorly
understood when a proposal by the
commission to develop an aquatic
center was drowned by requests from
ice arena enthusiasts to build a
community arena. In response to the
dilemma, the Parks Commission
cs ishcd a dialogue with the School
D :t, Monticello Township, and
the City of Monticello, which resulted
in joint funding of a recreation needs
survey. The results of the survey
proved instrumental in establishing
direction for the Parks Commission,
Page
East Bridge Park features a view of a pristine river island, walking path and
aboretum.
As it turned out, the survcv said that
both the aquatic center and ice arena
proposals were popular, but given the
cost, were not popular enough to
result in a successful referendum.
Interestingly, the survey indicated
strong support for development of
pathways and winter recreation
facilities. This revelation led to the
completion of a pathway plan for the
Magic Kingom Playgounds —at rest.
city and a successful application for
ISTEA funds needed to finance the
spine of the pathway network. City
residents are looking forward to
completion of the ISTEA pathway
Project in 1995, which will provide
off-road pathways linking important
points of destination along the full
length of the community (5 miles).
Parks located on or near the pathway
include three river parks, the Magic
Kingdom Playground, and a baseball/
softball complex. The pathway plan
calls for linking new subdivisions
with the ISTEA pathway and to other
designated pathways which will
uhimately result in convenient and
safe pedestrian and bike access to
most areas within the community. The
City also followed up on the survey by
constructing a new warming house
and by making ice skating rink
maintenance a higher priority for the
public works department.
Survey results in hand, the Parks
Commission began work on a
comprehensive plan for park
development, which included an
inventory of pail, resources.
Monticello
continued on pate 6
iii
Ramsey County
continued from page I
{
if One of the specific powers granted
to the Ramses County Board of
Commissioners through the charter
was "power to sell, lease or otherwise
dispose of park property upon such
terms as it considers best in the public
interest...." The charter further
described a process of notification and
hearings for any proposed disposal of
parkland. Prior to the enactment of
the charter, disposal of parkland
required legislative approval.
In February 1993, newspapers
repotted that an area school district
had identified Ramsey County's
Goodrich Golf Course as its preferred
Monticello
continued from page 5
Sins of the past were discovered when
it was found that 174E of the parks in
.Monticello were affected by power
.sand another 17% were located in
and areas. Some parks were even
allowed to be imbedded in neighbor-
hoods without adequate street access
for the general public. These discov-
encs led to policies now in use that
prevent acceptance of undcvelopnble
land for park use and esinblish
standards for park access to street
frontage.
The Parks Commission has been
instrumental in developing a plan
guiding future city park development
in the face of residential growth.
Howcvcr, timely development of park
facilities may be difficult to achieve.
Important regional park funding
issues remain unresolved that could
affect the variety and quality of
recreation offerings to area citizens,
Historically, the Monticello
"community of interest" has matched
the school district boundaries, which
include large township areas outside
the Monticello city limits. Indirectly.
a{
t •ship residents have been paying
rst a portion of the cost of
providing recreation programming
rind facilities via ta.x payments to the
School District. Unformnnicly. School
site for relocation of one of the
district's high schools. Goodrich Golf
Course is an 18 -hole course consisting
of over 110 acres. This proposal
raised a fundamental policy issue
regarding conversion of park and
open space land for other purposes.
Responding swiftly. the Ramsey
County Parks Recreation Commission
took up this matter on March 9. 1993.
and recommended that the Ramsey
County Board of Commissioners adopt
a clear policy opposing conversion of
park and open space land for non -
park uses. Two weeks later, the
Ramsey County Board of
Commissioners unanimously passed a
resolution that included the following
Policy
District priorities have shifted, which
could result in reduced support and
maintenance of quasi public park
facilities. This will have the result of
placing more of the financial burden
of providing "community" parks on
city taxpayers. To complicate this
issue, rapid city development will
result in c�pcnsivc expansions to
wastcwater and water system
facilities. Historically, when limited
tax dollars are available, park funding
hns taken a second seat to funding
expansion of basic city utility
$) Stems,
In summary, the prospects for
maintenance of adcquate park and
recreation opportunities for area
residents is mixed. On the positive
side, ordinances are in place that will
assure acquisition of land to handle
demands created by growth, and the
Parks Commission has developed a
plan that will guide actual park
improvements where they are needed
the most. On rhe other hand,
competition for tax dollars with other
City departments will be strong
during this period of growth. Pro•
active and creative approaches to
funding new parks will need to be
developed if the city is to turn the tide
that threatens the levet of service that
the residents have conic to enjoy,
Keeping Up I—ary 1995
"Land acquired for park and open
space purposes shalt be used solely
for that purpose. Conversion of
park and open space land to other
public or private uses will not be
considered unless no other
reasonable alternative exists, or said
property was determined to be
surplus at the time of acquisition.
Where in the interest of the public
and no other reasonable alternative
exists, park and open space may be
converted to another use provided
such land and recreational facilities
are replaced in an equivalent
amount, in a comparable location
and or a similar quality."
Adoption of this policy made it
clear that the current Ramsey County
Board of Commissioners would not
dispose of park and open space land
without replacement. The Friends of
St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks
and Traits, a nonprofit citizen
advocacy group. applauded the County
Board's action but wanted the policy
to become part of Ramsey County's
Charter. They recognized that County
Board policy could be changed at
anytime by a simple majority of four
votes. A proposed amendment to the
charter was presented to the Ramsey
County Charter Commission on May
10. 1993. After some modification
(agreed to by the Friends) the Charter
Commission approved and endorsed
the charter amendment proposal
referred to as the "no net loss park
and open space amendment."
Pursuant to the charter,
substantive amendment, such as the
no net lass park and open space
amendment, require voter approval at
a general election. The amendment
question was placed on the 1994
general election ballot. The Charter
Commission, Friends of St. Paul.
Ramsey County Parks and Trails and
others encouraged a "yes" vole on the
amendment through news articles,
pamphlets, editorials and personal
contacts. The result was
overwhelming public support for
protection of parks and open space.
For additional information
regarding the charter amendment,
contact Greg Muck, Director, Ramsey
County Parks and Recreation
Department. at 612.777.1707,