Laserfiche WebLink
February 4, 2015 Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission Page 2 <br /> <br /> Rustic fishing area with bench. <br /> Open house, 60 in attendance, most support the trail. <br /> <br />Commission members inquired about having a rest stop for canoes and kayaks <br />near the fishing area. Mr. Yonke stated the two do not mix well, but he would look <br />into the possibility. <br /> <br /> This project design started in October and November of last year, next was <br />involvement of community such as this Commission. Next will go to Council <br />and then April 1 submit final drawings to the State. Once they are reviewed <br />and approve it, the project will be bid out. Hoping to start construction mid to <br />late summer 2015. Rain could extend construction. Most will be completed <br />this year with follow up early 2016. Would like to have it open for use by the <br />summer of 2016. <br /> <br />MOTION BY COMMISSIONER EISCHEN, SECONDED BY <br />COMMISSIONER FIELDS, TO SHOW SUPPORT OF THE RICE CREEK <br />NORTH REGIONAL TRAIL EXTENSION PRESENTED BY SCOTT YONKE <br />OF RAMSEY COUNTY. MOTION CARRIED. <br /> <br /> <br />VII. Trails, Bike and Walk-ways <br />At the March 4, 2015 meeting, there will be more information regarding street <br />improvements for 2015. <br /> <br />VIII. Announcements <br />A. Council Report – Council Member Strub <br />Council Member Strub stated that at the January 27th Council work session, the <br />Jones Lake property opportunity was discussed. There was some persistence <br />and resistance in pursuing this property. There was some concern about whether <br />the City could and should be taking on the responsibility of another park. In the <br />end the Council felt that it would be good to engage the property owners and find <br />out what opportunity may be out there and bring back to Council and PREC. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman was also present at the work session and stated it was good to <br />see how well New Brighton residents are being represented. Lots of conversation <br />related to the financial risk and maintenance issues. It is not a black and white <br />issue. It is good to see the City Council be good representatives of the City in <br />their decision making process. There is not a concrete answer at this time. Staff <br />was given direction to look at different options and opportunities. <br /> <br />Council Member Strub stated that some discussion was that it may be more <br />beneficial to provide more opportunities in our current parks, than securing a new <br />one. Which then has to be balanced with the decision of how often do you have <br />the opportunity to secure a new park. Also, decisions about what kind of park it <br />would be needs to be discussed; passive or active, or just a natural area. <br />Opportunities don’t come by like this very often. He thinks it is good that the City <br />really consider this opportunity. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman gave an update at the Council meeting on the year in review <br />(2014) and what is planned in 2015. <br /> <br /> <br />