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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 24, 2019 2 4. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Rice Creek Regional Trail Master Plan Scott Yonke, Director of Planning and Development with the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department, reviewed the Rice Creek Regional Trail Master Plan with the Council. He discussed the project goals, community engagement efforts, equity analysis, concept plan and the proposed approval schedule. He reviewed the new trails that would be created noting there was a focus on looped trail systems, along with enhanced road crossings and wayfinding signs. He explained the preferred concept plan included improved portages and canoe launches, trailhead improvements at County Road I, Lexington Avenue and County Road H. He commented further on the preferred concept plan and asked for comments or questions from the Council. Mayor Grant asked if the public engagement process that was followed was typical for Ramsey County. Mr. Yonke stated the public engagement process that was followed was not typical and explained the County was working to better reach out to its citizens. Mayor Grant questioned if the County had kayak and canoe launch locations currently. Mr. Yonke reported the County had a couple of locations, one at Lexington Avenue and County Road J and another on the west side of 35W. He explained the County would be working to improve launch availability in the central corridor of the creek. Councilmember Holden inquired if the creek would have enough water to canoe. Mr. Yonke stated for the most part, the creek had enough water for a canoe to pass and explained this was a great amenity to offer to Ramsey County residents. Councilmember Holden asked if all land had been transferred from the Army to the County. Mr. Yonke reported there was one easement that the County was still waiting to be transferred from the Army and this should occur in the next month or two. He commented further on how boundary adjustments have to be made within the concept plan to address a pinch point. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the Army easement was for the cross-country ski trails. Mr. Yonke stated this parcel would be used for a vehicle entrance to service the trailhead, access to the AHATS area along with access to natural surface trails. He discussed how the cross- country ski trails would be improved throughout the trial corridor. Councilmember Holmes encouraged Ramsey County to address the traffic concerns at County Road I.