5. Staff Report-Quarry Ave ParkingSCANDIA
Staff Repovt
Date of Meeting: November 10, 2015
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: Quarry Ave Parking for Crystal Springs SNA
Background:
In August the Council heard from Bob McGillivray, Trust for Public Lands, Bill Bleckwenn, DNR, about
their proposal to create Crystal Springs SNA on the Gregory Page property just north of Zavoral Mine.
At that meeting the discussion was having visitors access the SNA from an easement off of TH 95. Bill
didn't think they would maintain the easement to the property off of Quarry Ave.
On November 3', I got a call from Bill asking how the City would feel if they kept the easement from
Quarry Ave and had people park along that street. He doesn't think it will be more than a few cars at a
time, similar to the Falls Creek SNA.
Initially I told him we would ask for the DNR to provide some signage about not parking there during a
snow event. When the parking ordinance was updated last year, this was the most significant and
pertinent change. The parking rules are in Ord No. 151. We also discussed posting no parking signs in
the hammerhead so the vehicles would be able to turn around.
Issue:
How does the Council feel about public parking on Quarry Ave to access Crystal Springs SNA? Any
requirements or conditions that should be discussed with the DNR?
Proposal Details:
At a minimum, staff would recommend the Council designate the hammerhead as no parking and require
the DNR to place signs regarding the parking restrictions during snow. This would be the easiest way to
communicate those rules to visitors to the area.
The Council should also discuss if more improvements should be required in order to ensure adequate
access for emergency vehicles and other traffic in the neighborhood. For example, the Council may want
to require the DNR to improve the hammerhead into a standard cul-de-sac. Another option would be to
require the DNR to provide off street parking along Quarry Ave such as a gravel or aggregate section
wide enough and long enough to accommodate a half dozen cars located either to the east and/or west of
Quarry Ave but within the public right of way.
Fiscal Impact:
Cost should be born by the DNR whether it be signage or some other improvement.
Options:
1) Allow SNA visitors to park along Quarry Ave provided DNR provide signage about snow
restrictions and no parking signs (to be placed after Council approval).
2) Ask DNR to provide some off street parking adjacent to the roadway
3) Ask DNR to improve hammerhead to cul-de-sac
4) Limit parking by making one side of the no parking. This also helps keep a lane open for
emergency vehicles and other traffic.
5) Discourage parking along Quarry Ave by making the entire road no parking.
Next Steps:
Provide direction to staff who will follow up with DNR and or prepare future agenda items as necessary
(i.e. no parking areas).