03-18-13 Jt City Council, PTRC, and PC

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 6 • Off Leash Dog Area. PTRC Member Kramlinger stated part of the mission of the PTRC is to review, advise and promote trail development. A proposed trail segment map was then discussed. A trail on the County Road E Bridge over Snelling Avenue is a top priority. He noted the bridge will be replaced in 2015. Another area of concern is Old Highway 10/Snelling Avenue from TH 51 to Highway 96. This area is unsafe and in need of trail connections. The other high priority listed is a much needed trail along Lake Valentine Road near the Mounds View High School. He recommended the City work with Ramsey County and the school district on this issue. PTRC Member Scott discussed the many benefits of the yearly PTRC park tour. He explained the park aesthetics for Freeway Park are a growing concern due to the high visibility of this park. Proposed park enhancements were reviewed in detail. PTRC Member Trites recommended a new picnic shelter be added to Hazelnut Park. He commented this would be an attractive amenity for this park and would increase park revenues. It was noted the park had adequate parking at this time. PTRC Member Michaelson stated off leash dog areas is another item the PTRC would like to pursue. The advantages and disadvantages of a dog park were reviewed with the Council. He noted the park size could be the size of a hockey rink or several acres. The expense to maintain the park will be minimal as the City has several hockey rinks that could be used in this capacity. PTRC Member Straumann indicated he was recently elected to the Ramsey County Friends of the Parks and Trails Board. He noted Ramsey County is currently working on a trail that will run from Highway 96 to downtown St. Paul. He further discussed other trail connections and amenities that Ramsey County will be working on in the coming years, along with a wildlife corridor. He noted the Tony Schmidt trail segment (Elmer Andersen trail extension from Indian Place to Tony Schmidt Park) is scheduled to be completed in 2016-2017 by the County. The trail segment south of the Mounds View High School is scheduled for completion 2018-2019. Councilmember Holden questioned which of the priorities are budgeted in 2013 for the PTRC. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the 2013 budget includes maintenance and forestry funds. She explained that none of the proposed projects are budgeted, but the PTRC was still interested in working on the items for 2014. Councilmember Holden explained the City has spent a great deal on park improvements in the last several years. She does not anticipate that the City will have the same amount of money available each year for park improvements. Mayor Grant asked if the proposed shelter at Hazelnut Park would be similar to Cummings Park. PTRC Member Peck anticipated the shelter would be similar to the picnic shelter at Perry Park. He explained the shelter and restrooms would get greater use now with the soccer field improvements completed.