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PARK COMMISIG2� G-
t INUTES AS S r 71 1976
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The April 5th meeting was called to order by ,Chairman Bill Wyatt with
Breckheimer, on, McCuskey, Gray, Heiland, Raby, Drews, Keeler,
and Paulsen i�` ;tendance. Jane Cole from the Planning Commission
was also Ares
Shirley Rice presented a most interesting slide show entitled "The
Cost of Spraw sembled by the League of Women Voters. She ques-
tioned what a reof government should be responsible for land use
planning. Pr ,,y owners no longer have "sacred rights" to do with
their land as please. Our history of doing just that has caused
our present d' a. Urban sprawl doesn't respect municipal lines, but
spreads acros them. Perhaps a higher level of government, such as
the Metro Cou is needed to oversee the total picture.
Cities began losing population in the 50 Problems of density and
pollution overwwhelmed the citizens and those who could (i.e. the
more affluent) moved to the suburbs leaving behind the older and
the poor. Suburban life, however, was not a Garden of Eden. Costs
rise as population spread. Sewer, water, solid waste removal,. police,
fire insurance, schools - all of these necessary items co when
homes are further art. The presentation also emphasizes that
valuable farmland is lost to suburban development. It suggests that
cluster housing development is' most ' economical, conserving land and
reducing costs.
Bill Keeler remarked that people came to our area before zoning.
Councils had to plan around existing residents. fie ,expressed concern
that another level of government removed from our community would
not respond effectively; to local interests.
Shirley told us that the Minnesota Planning Agency has informational
programs on land use planning, zoning functions, etc., that could be
useful to our citizens and the Park Commission. It would provide a
suitable basis for another Town Meeting.
OLD <BUSINESS
Gloria Congdo orted that the Community Design Center turned down
Jim Heiland, U. aulsen, and Bill Keeler will coordinate Shorewood's
participation he "Everything Goes" fund raiser.
Allen Gray re ed that he spoke to Cliff French, head of the Henne-
pin County Park B'ard, concerning the Chicago- Northwestern railroad.
Bill Wyatt has P en investigating the possibility of using part of
the easement f horewood trails. Mr. French said that Shorewood
must initiate he action in the affair but that the board could
advise us in o+j dealings. Bill Wyatt will tell the council of our
intent.
our request fo -.:p anning help, noting that we do not have enough
low income ho u to qualify.
wool
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PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 4/5/76 - 2
Bill Keeler said that proceedings on the McKinley property ate at a`'
stalemate.. Win Drews moved that we approach the Council on this
matter and encourage them to act. Motion carried. Bill Wyatt will
attend the next council meeting
NEW BUSINESS
John Breckheimer told us that the County is planning to construct -a
bike trail from Excelsior to Navarre along County Road 19 -- comple-
tion time 1977.
He also suggested that we propose an ordinance for park usage. We
need rules signs for our tennis courts and park signs posted that
give the hours the parks are open. Parking problems have arisen
in the parks because there are no signs to show where parking is
available. We will look into using stamped signs for tennis rules.
Bill Keeler reported that parks were ranked lowest on the priority
list at the Council budget meeting. Our group expressed the need to
submit a specific budget again to the council. We have a good
start on our parks and hope to continue that progress
Allen Gray told us that he will be moving out of Shorewood and that
we should begin looking for a replacement. He will serve until a
replacement is found.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy McCuskey, Secretary