02-24-09 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Given the topography and vegetation of the Ramsey County off-leash dog areas, management and control of the boundary is difficult. Based on national best practices, it is clear that effective boundary control will require fencing of the entire perimeter. The estimated cost of chain link fencing of the four off-leash dog areas is $100,000 to $125,000. In addition, staff is assessing the possibility of expanding the Battle Creek Off-leash Dag Area to the north in order to accommodate the number of users and provide opportunity to rest and re-vegetate other areas in the site. The Commission expressed support for fencing the off-leash dog areas with the first priority being the Battle Creek site. In addition, Commission members inquired whether fees could be charged to offset a portion of the capital and ongoing operations and maintenance costs. Mr. Mack noted that the City of Minneapolis and the Three Rivers Park District both charge fees for use of the off-leash dog areas within their systems. Nationally, there are a number of agencies that charge fees for use of off-leash dog areas. Mr. Mack noted that the four off-leash dog areas within the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department are heavily used, in part because Other jurisdictions surrounding Ramsey County have not taken the initiative to establish an adequate number of off- leash dog areas. It has been reported that a number of regular users at the Battle Creek site come from more than 50 miles away. In order to maintain high-quality areas, it is critical that other agencies establish areas within their jurisdiction in order to take the pressure off Ramsey County areas. Commission members noted that Ramsey County has been very proactive in serving dog owners and recommended that no additional areas be established within the Ramsey County park system. Commission members emphasized that other jurisdictions need to take responsible action in order to serve resident dog owners. DiRECTORTS REPORT Mr_ Mack noted that the Ramse t� County Board of Commissioners has submitted a number of proposals to the 111 Congress for consideration under a proposed economic stimulus program. Included in the request are specific proposals from the Parks and Recreation Department including: Regional Trail Network, Silver Lake Trail, Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery, Battle Creek Snowmaking System, Keller Golf Course Redevelopment, and approximately $3.5 million in deferred capital asset management projects. ADJOURNMENT Upon appropriate motion, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Greg Mack 3