02-25-1988 PTRC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, January 26 • Page 2 secure a west access to Ingerson Park this year, it is included in the budget plans because the access is badly needed, so if the opportunity arises, we must be prepared to take advantage of it. Commmittee suggested adding $1,000 to the 1988 plan for planner services, should they be needed, and $600 for color-coating of play area at Sampson Park (deferred from 1987 plan due to lack of time) . With these additions, it was moved by Montgomery, seconded by Messerly, that the 1988 Park Development Plan (attached) be recommended to Council for approval. Motion carried unanimously. Crepeau Nature Preserve Messerly reported that the prairie area will be burned this year; this is the third year since the initial planting, and he expects the area to be especially beautiful this year. Committee discussed continuing problem of encroachment (debris and vehicles) by the person living at 3390 Dunlap, and requested a letter be sent to him informing him of City ordinance concerning this. Council Report Council-member Hansen discussed recent Council actions of interest to this committee, including Kem Milling odor emission problems, and status of the U. S. Army Reserve Project. • Report on Army Reserve Construction (Twin City Arsenal) Council-member Hansen related Council discussions thus far, and the frustrations encountered in attempting to contact Army officials to discuss the proposed construction. Committee members noted (1) it is difficult to get any dialogue. going with these officials, need a strong argument to get their attention; feels strongly that it is possible to negotiate with the Army after "you get their attention"; (2) would recommend attempting to halt the development as planned using every means possible to the City; (3) any means available to the City to force the Army to discuss the proposed project and consider the City's wishes should be used. Committee concerns included traffic problems, environmental problems, etc. Committee strongly feels the best usage of the entire tract of land would be as park area and open space; suggested working with other governmental entities as well (Ramsey, Metropolitan Council, the State) to attempt to have it converted to some recreational purpose, i.e. regional, county or state park area. It was moved by Messerly, seconded by Sand, that Committee recommend to Council that a strong policy be adopted favoring the preservation, in a natural state, of the easterly portion of the Twin City Arsenal property, in particular that land lying east of the northerly extension of Hamline Avenue. Any development on the easterly portion of the Arsenal could be inconsistent with a sound, long term land use policy. In light of the Army's interest in developing a Reserve Training Center on Arsenal property, the Committee believes the Council must address the long term future use of the undeveloped Arsenal property. Failure to adopt a clear policy at this time may foreclose the City from playing a lead role in the future of this unique public asset. The Committee suggests to the Council that other public officials be advised of our concerns and interests so • that the future of this property may be considered and protected for future