MEETING MINUTES
Re: Rocori Trail Committee Date of Meeting: Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Project Manager: Heidi Peper Time of Meeting: 8:00 A.M.
SEH No.: A-ROCKV 0307 7 Location of Meeting: Rockville City Hall
Attendees: Rena Weber, City of Rockville
Larry Lahr, City of Cold Spring
Dan Coughlin, City of Richmond
Pete Theismann, Stearns County Parks
Joe Chovan, Cold Spring
Bob Murphy, Richmond
Duane Kuss, Cold Spring
Jerry Frieler Wakefield Township
Heidi Peper, SEH
I. Introductions
II. August 29 (5th Monday) Meeting Recap
Went well – there were representatives from the school system, county, all three cities, Wakefield Township, and interested citizens. As far as financing goes, all three cities support the resolutions and the Township cannot financially commit until their Annual Meeting. Next step is to hold the public information meeting. Cost estimate of the e trail needs to be updated before that.
III. Status Report on Resolution Consideration
A. Cold Spring
Will be acting on it at 9/14 meeting.
B. Richmond
Will be talking about it tonight (9/7) and likely acting on it at the 9/15 meeting.
C. Rockville
Will be talking about it tonight (9/7) and likely acting on it at the 9/15 meeting.
D. Rocori School District
Will present to the school board at their next meeting, 9/13
E. Stearns County
Commissioner Vince Schaefer will be taking to the Board. Pet will ask Chuck Wocken to follow up.
F. Wakefield Township
It was talked about at the last meeting. Not much enthusiasm. Jerry will continue to discuss the trail at future board meetings.
IV. Railroad Update
Pete reported that in late July there was a meeting with representatives from BNSF, the short-haul operator, Stearns County HRA and county park staff. Pete stated the railroad was not particularly fond of the “trails by rails” concept but they didn’t say no. BNSF wants to give the short-haul operator one year to see if they’re able to secure additional business. Depending on what happens, they may be willing to sell after that period.
Chuck has talked to Pat Mitchell, Granite Company, and the may be willing to give easements to cross their property. The parks department has maps of who owns what.
V. Public Meeting/Outreach Preparations
A. Meeting Date – Thursday, October 27, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
B. Location – Rocori Middle or High School – Larry to confirm
C. Program
1. Panelists – Dan Collins, DNR; Joan Breddick, Stearns County Park Board (Chuck/Pete will ask); Terry McGowie, involved citizen on Paul Bunyan Trail (Pete will help contact); someone from the school; someone from the snowmobilers association; engineering consultant (Heidi and/or Kate; Randy Thoreson, National Park Service (Heidi to call); Leo Sand, Albany. Need to find an involved/informed citizen to be a moderator.
2. Schedule:
6:30 – 7:00 open house
7:00 – 8:00 panel discussion/question & answer period
8:00 – 9:00 open house
3. Miscellaneous
• Need to warm up the audience – get them to see the vision – short power point, maps showing overall corridor – take photos along corridor (once leaves are turning) showing all the amenities that would be connected by the trail
• Sauk Centre Herald does a bicycle map – Pete will get
• Fundraising needs to be mentioned
• Refreshments – cookies/coffee – Rena volunteered to supply a “trail Mix”
• Should plan on about 50 – 75 people
• Have sign up sheet for attendees to stay connected
• Notifications of meeting via: DigElog, Channel 10, newspapers, radio (WJON CASM), city newsletters, public place postings, city websites, Rocori Community Education newsletter.
D. Website Development
Duane is creating blogs on his website www.digelogrocori.com. He distributed literature on the site.
VI. Grant Application Timeline
Enhancement funding requests are typically due in the middle of January each year. This next round’s date has not yet been identified. Stearns County Highway Department sends out notices when it has been selected.
The DNR’s regional trail grant deadline is February 28.
Heidi has researched the new Safe Routes 2 School grant program. This is a brand new program and the guidance has not yet been written on it yet. Heidi talked to Kennedy’s office and they appeared eager to help once the guidance is done. She also made contact with the contact at MN DOT who will keep her informed as to their progress.
VII. Parks Service Request Update
Randy Thoreson, National Parks Service, called Heidi and stated they’ve received our application but cannot make any decisions until their fiscal year starts, which is October 1, 2005.
VIII. DNR Glacial Lakes Trail Progress - Larry reported for the DNR as he spoke with Scott Schroeder, who was unable to attend today’s meeting.
A. MNDOT working on about a one-mile corridor to get to 178th , which they indicated is strictly a formality.
B. DNR received a grant of $100,000 from the federal government for deck/bridge work. They don’t have a state match for that yet. Their hoping to get that this next year.
C. Allocation received from state to pave from Willmar and will go as far east as the money will take them.
D. Scott indicated he will try to attend our meetings in the future.
Next Meeting – Wednesday, October 5, 8 am, Rockville City Hall
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Cold Spring 20/20 Action Team
Steering Committee Meeting
September 13, 2005
Present: Kay Cook, Mark Grelson, Rita Hennen, Betty Johnson, Duane Kuss, Larry Lahr, David Olson, Nadine Schnettler, Carrie Tripp, Ken Wendinger
Minutes: Kay did not have them available. They will be reviewed at next meeting.
Treasurer Report: Discussed Standard Form implementation. Each committee person should complete the form and turn it in. Check was written to Duane for $50 for internet service from July hosting fee. Ken and Chris from the City will keep records current. Checks need to be approved by check number. All expenses should be approved prior to expenditure. We also need a projected budget.
Future focus:
Rain Garden - planting will be in the spring but plants should be ordered now and down payment made. Duane will do a DIGIlog with Greg Berg of SWCD. We need to make certain we get all invoices.
Lookout Park - It is now a political issue between MNDot and the City. We have $2250 in the grant.
Trails and Paths - ROCORI trail is moving along. We are in the planning stage and Initiative Foundation funds can be used for this. Need to bring Wakefield Township into the process.
There was extended discussion regarding the two-year volunteer commitment since many of us on the Steering Committee will be completing our second year. We need to focus our attention on recruiting more action-oriented people.
Committee Discussion:
Design Standards: Their planning matrix is developed. Their next meeting is a public hearing September 26 (Monday). They will endorse recommendations for standards, keep a positive voice, and look at zoning for future use. At this time they are more of an oversight committee. Recruitment needs to be done for this committee.
Land Use: They are looking to meeting with the City and Township. John F has all the information digitally. There was discussion on grants and how to use IF funding efficiently. Sign ordinance development could benefit from IF funds at end of October.
There was discussion on 2020 making a difference as we take the lead with our committees. It is hoped that with grass roots promotion political entities will be more willing to participate.
Larry reported we need a transportation plan prior to a comprehensive plan. 2020 can take the lead with the transportation plan. The city council is prepared to pay 75% of the plan cost. A budget is needed as well as a timeline to get monies encumbered. Need to keep IF informed.
Nadine moved to contact Dan Frank with the information that political reasons are holding up the Lookout Park project taking it out of our control and request funds be diverted; Ken seconded; motion carried.
Natural Resources: A media blitz is to begin this week on trails. This committee needs to move to the action mode.
Arts & Culture: Mark reported on CAP through the school system, focusing on JAMJB. The mosaic project is now lead by Mike Weber. They are asking for Wakefield Township input; Mark provided a proposed letter to them. Mark had to leave at 9:40.
Social Action: Betty presented a map from Granite Country of Stearns County which she attended. Willmar was touted as the American city because they have pulled all their diverse populations together.
Breamer has grant information. Advertising blitz is on schedule for October. Survey in Community Ed paper and they are starting to get calls and need training to deal with them. Requested help with marketing.
Haven't heard anything on CenterCare grant, they are developing a logo. They have talked to all the churches but Peace and are now starting with the non-profits. Other projects were discussed including diversity and affordable housing. A video for new Hispanics with information on the schools has been started.
Carrie reminded us to check with other funding sources.
Rita provided a 2020 Action Team recap. She asked about fund raising ideas such as brat stand at Super Valu. Chamber will be sponsoring a business showcase around 3rd weekend in March and she asked if the 2020 group would be in favor of providing a "free" breakfast. There would be a need for people to work; perhaps each task force could provide 4-5 people.
Dave reported the city flower waterer needs a new wagon and requested 2020 support. Since there are no funds we are unable to do it.
Kay provided information on River Night which is a fund raiser for the Rivers Council of Minnesota.
Nadine moved adjournment; Dave seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Cook
