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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-23 PRC MINPARKS AND RECREATION BOARD June 23, 1997 Present: David Junker, chairperson Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Al Liehr, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson, Mike Polehna and Steve Wolff Others: Tim Thomsen, Parks Director Absent: Rob McGarry and Ken Meister Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes Mr. Peterson, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved approval of the minutes of April 28, 1997; motion passed unanimously. Update on purchase of Meadowlark Park (Cowen) property Signe Cowen was present for the discussion. She said there were three areas of concern: the legal description of lot 10; the provision of a landscaped barrier between the park access and the Cowen's property; and the Cowens preference that the access not be blacktopped. Mrs. Cowen also stated they had received a purchase contract agreement from City Attorney David Magnuson two days prior to the meeting; the Cowens had not signed the contract at that time as Mr. Cowen was out of town. Mr. Peterson said the Cowens' concerns regarding the landscaped buffer and the materials to be used on the access could be addressed in an overall plan for the park. Mr. Thomsen said grading of the park was just beginning and plans were to meet with neighbors to see what they want included in the park. Mr. Cummings said he felt the city should proceed with development of a plan for Meadowlark Park and questioned whether funding is available. Mr. Peterson moved to direct staff to develop a plan for Meadowlark Park with input from the neighborhood and to check on the availability of funds. Mr. Polehna seconded the motion; all in favor. Discussion of presentation by Jon Gurban There was considerable discussion regarding Mr. Kriesel's comments summarizing the workshop/presentation by Mr. Gurban. The consensus was that Mr. Kriesel's comments did not reflect the identified need for additional assistance in parks planning and funding. There was discussion about the parks planning resource the city already has available in the person of Sue Fitzgerald. Mr. Thomsen said he thought eventually it might be possible to have Ms. Fitzgerald working with parks on a .75 time basis. It was suggested that if the city is unwilling to pay for an additional staff person, perhaps the planning function would be accomplished on a consultant/contract basis. Mr. Junker raised the issue of who would be coordinating the work with Mary Lou Gorski, School District 834, as was discussed at the meeting, and spoke of the need for constant feedback. Mr. Junker said he felt some type of motion would be appropriate. Mr. Liehr moved to redirect Mr. Cummings' motion from the workshop meeting, directing staff to discuss a comprehensive approach to planning and funding and to report back to the Park and Rec Board, along with a recommendation that special consideration be given to using an existing resource (Sue Fitzgerald) or a consultant/contract arrangement. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; all in favor. Discussion of a skate board facility Jon Cowen and Andy Palmer were present at the meeting. They said they had appeared before the City Council and were told to discuss the matter with the Park and Rec Board. The young men said they just want a place to practice their sport and mentioned Ramsey Park or Lily Lake as a possible site. Mr. Thomsen said Ramsey Park probably wouldn't work because of the proximity of neighbors and the noise consideration. He said he thought the south end of the Lily Lake arena would be a better location. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Polehna, moved to direct Mr. Thomsen to investigate the possibility of developing a skate board facility; motion passed unanimously. Proposed Long Lake surface water use ordinance Mr. Junker said the proposed ordinance developed in the joint meeting with the Planning Commission will be presented to the City Council in July. Ms. Amrein referred to some information that members received after the joint meeting and suggested that the proposed ordinance was not based on correct information. Mr. Peterson said it would not be appropriate to introduce something new at this point; the City Council discussion would be the appropriate place to do that. Mr. Cummings suggested that if the person who submitted the information believes the AUAR is not correct, the information should be given to the engineer. Mr. Wolff said the proposed ordinance is a starting point, and the issue will likely be revisited in the future. Mr. Junker, seconded by Ms. Brown, moved to adopt the proposed ordinance and forward the ordinance to the City Council for the Council's consideration. Motion passed 6-2, with Ms. Amrein and Ms. Peterson voting no. Availability of lot in Oak Glen Mr. Cummings brought up the possibility of acquiring the lot which the Water Department obtained for a future water tower site. The Water Department will not be using the site and is putting the property on the market. Mr. Cummings pointed out the parcel is near the LeCuyer property where neighbors had previously asked the Park and Rec Board to consider placing a "pocket park." The property is heavily wooded and has a pond area, he said. Asking price is $44,000. Mr. Thomsen provided photos of the property and cautioned that due to wetlands and the pond, much of the land is not usable for park purposes. He suggested that members look at the parcel in question. Wayne Roller, 875 Eagle Ridge, who lives next to the property, said he would be in favor of a park for younger children, but would be opposed if the property were developed as a public park with access roads. Mr. Wolff spoke of the need for park space, other than golf courses, in the Oak Glen area. Mr. Junker and Mr. Polehna both suggested the Water Department should be willing to give the parcel for park use, as the Water Department has obtained property from the city at no charge in the past. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to recommend that the city acquire the parcel, at a nominal fee, for open space and potential future park use. Motion passed 7-1, with Mr. Polehna not in favor of leaving the purchase price open. Old business Mr. Polehna and Mr. Cummings provided an update on the Sports Complex. The project is still alive and well, they said, but the City Council meeting of July 1 will be a "do or die" decision. Mr. Peterson asked whether the Park and Rec Board should take on official position. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, voted to go on record strongly supporting the sports complex/community center project; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Cummings encouraged members to attend the July 1 Council meeting. New business Mr. Cummings provided a handout on disc golf and on Woodbury's plans to expand its sports complex. Mr. Thomsen provided members with a copy of the plan for Ramsey Park. Plans include a basketball court, picnic area, play area and new landscaping. He said there is enough money in the budget to do about half of the work this year. Mr. Liehr asked about using park dedication fees to complete the project this year and replacing the park dedication fees in next year's budget. Ms. Brown, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to use park dedication fees to complete the Ramsey Park project this year; all in favor. Mr. Peterson asked about the picnic area/boardwalk at Lily Lake. Mr. Thomsen said there is about $20,000 in available funds for the project; the picnic area will be started this year, he said. Ms. Amrein asked about the park tour. Mr. Junker said the tour will probably be held in August or September; he will inform members. There will be no meting in July. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Brown, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary