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102296 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1996 7:30 P.M. MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Wilson, Puzak, Trettel and Bensman; Administrator Hurm. Later Arrival: Council Liaison McCarty Absent: Chair Martin, Vice -Chair Colopoulos; Commissioner Dallman. 3. REVIEW AGENDA There were no corrections or additions to the agenda. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Puzak moved, Bensman seconded to approve the Minutes of the September 24, 1996 meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 5. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR Resident David Cooley of 24725 Smithtown Rd. was in attendance having an interest in the subject of trails. He expressed disappointment in the scheduling conflict with the candidates meeting being held the same evening. His comments on trails are recorded in agenda item #6. 6. PETITIONS FOR AND AGAINST OFF STREET TRAILS - DISCUSSION ON OPTIONS & FURTHER INFORMATION NEEDED Administrator Hurm explained that the petitions both for and against trails were presented to the City Council on October 14. He added that there are still right of way issues, adding that a description of the actual trail would be helpful. He suggested that this could be accomplished with computer imaging of 2 or 3 options. Mr. Cooley said that there is still a perception out there of a large boulevard (8 ft. wide) and grand multi -use trail (9 ft. wide) and that some of the controversy is about size and placement. As a citizen he feels there should be many options and he would like to see actual designs of SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1996 PAGE 2 of 3 alternatives or even see the placement of a trail marked out with chalk or flags. He added that he is aware of the heavy traffic along Smithtown and is open to a moderate trail, but would fight a plan for a larger trail as has been perceived. Commissioner Bensman thanked Mr. Cooley saying that it helps to clarify some of the questions out there. Hurm commented that the need for people to visualize a trail could be done with the computer imaging and he suggested that perhaps a 6 ft wide path or on- street shoulder would be two good options. Bensman asked if computer imaging is expensive. Hurm said that it has to be checked into, but with the level of concern it would be worthwhile. Commissioner Puzak added his thanks for Mr. Cooley's input stating that the Commission is looking for data. He asked for clarification of the role assigned by City Council before the Commission proceeds, wondering whether it is to determine its possibility or its design. Hurm stated that the Council is asking for help with working out a concept that is reasonable. The next step is to take the lead by presenting some options. There was further discussion of ideas, problems and solutions. It was agreed that a physical image of possible plans would help to remove misconceptions and enable people to make a better judgment. Trettel moved that the Park Commission recommend that Council authorize staff to look into doing some type of computer imaging design of different options for a trail. Puzak seconded and the motion carried unanimously. At this time, resident Tom Richter (25340 Smithtown Rd.) was invited to speak from the floor. He explained that he is recently aware and interested in the proposed trail. He initially had heard that he would be forced to give up 35% of his front yard and has many questions. (He also had the impression that there would be curb, gutter, 9 ft. boulevard and 6 ft trail.) He would like to be involved with the process and is not completely turned off, nor enthusiastic about the idea. He gave the example of improvements on Lake Street Ext. in Minnetonka and the faster traffic that has resulted, noting that this is what he wants to avoid for Smithtown. He prefers a widening of the road with a trail on the road itself. Hurm pointed out that Old Market Road is an example of an on- street trail. Commissioner Wilson thanked Mr. Richter for coming to the meeting, adding that as a resident on Yellowstone Trail, he understands the reaction to having a possible trail added in front of his home. Bensman noted that the Park Commission makes every attempt to listen to the people and find a workable compromise. She agreed that seeing lines on a map is not the same as walking the trail or having some other visual tool. Commissioner Trettel sighted the example of opposition to a trail along Vine Hill Road turning into an appreciation for the safety it provides. 7. PROJECT UPDATES SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1996 PAGE 3 of 3 Hurm reported that posts have been added to the parking lot at Freeman for lining up cars. The shelter will be added to the park in 1997. It was suggested to repair grass on 1/4 of the soccer fields each year for the next 4 years. The Park Foundation agreed that August is the best time of year to do so. The work at Baer is almost complete and Cathcart is all done except for part of the backstop which is to be finished by the fence company. 8. UPDATE ON FREEMAN CONCESSION TRAILER FOR 1997 - DISCUSSION ON SELECTION CRITERIA A draft of Request for Proposal has been created based on the recommendations of the committee (Bensman, Wilson and Puzak). There was discussion about some of the details and it was decided that it just needs to be reviewed by the City attorney. Bensman moved to give preliminary approval to the draft of the RFP as presented and defer to Administration and legal staff for wording and detail for provisions. Trettel seconded and the motion carried unanimously 9. REPORT ON PARK FOUNDATION DISCUSSION ON TOURNAMENT POLICY Hurm reported that policy was discussed and they are working with the sports organizations on questions of division of fields, end of season playoffs vs. regional or invitational tournaments, etc. 10. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING DATE The next regular meeting of the Park Commission will be on Tuesday, November 26, 1996 at 7:30 p.m.. 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Trettel moved and Bensman seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,