09-23-03 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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~- --- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 5 of II . and reviewed with the Committee. He noted that he recently attended a seminar concerning access to the trail systems stating that Cities are being challenged from an accessibility standpoint. He explained that they are pushing for legislation in the State that would require all trails to be paved based on ADA accessibility standards. He further explained that Cities would be required to develop a comprehensive plan that would bring all non-paved trails up to ADA accessibility standards. He stated that nothing has been decided yet and that this is for their information. He stated that they would continue to monitor the progress and if it comes to that decision that City Council would have to take a vote to recommend letters to the various agencies requesting their support. Committee Member Henry asked if the County is doing anything to address the railroad underpass. Mr. Moore stated that Chair Straumann is a member of the Ramsey County Parks Commission noting that the railroad underpass project has been delayed for another year. He explained that the funds are available but that there have been difficulties with the negotiations with the railroad. He further explained that City Council allocated the funds two years ago and assured the Committee that the dollars have been set aside for this project. Chair Straumann clarified that the railroad wants to design and build the railroad underpass and have the City purchase from the railroad and reviewed with the Committee. . Chair Straumann stated that he is a member of the Ramsey County Parks Commission representing District I. He explained membership requirements with the Committee noting that they toured the eastern half of the County and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that they are considering the possibility of a Parks District that would include Ramsey County, St. Paul Parks and Washington County Recreation and provided an overview to the Committee. He noted that the TCAP Advisory Panel is starting up again noting that 'parks and open spaces' has been changed to 'parks, trails and open spaces'. He reviewed changes within the goals with the Committee. Chair Straumann asked if the Library would be kept open for another year. Council Liaison Grant confirmed that the Library would be kept open for one more year and reviewed with the Committee. Michelle Olson - Recreation Update Ms. Olson provided the Committee with an update on the Recreation activities. She reviewed the following items: . She stated that the soccer season is in full swing. She stated that they have about the same number of teams noting that the age groups have changed a bit. She stated that they were running out of space at Cummings Park and decided to move . the 1 st and 2nd grade groups to Hazelnut Park.