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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-28 PRC MINPARKS AND RECREATION BOARD April 28, 1997 Present: David Junker, chairperson Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson, Mike Polehna and Steve Wolff Others: Tim Thomsen, Parks Director; City Coordinator Nile Kriesel Absent: Rich Cummings and Ken Meister Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes of Feb. 24 and March 19. Ms. Amrein pointed out several typos in the minutes of March 19. Motion to adopted the minutes of Feb. 24 and March 19, 1997, as corrected passed unanimously. Discussion of possible purchase of Cowen property Tim and Signe Cowen were present to discuss the city's interest in purchasing all or a portion of a parcel they own adjacent to Meadowlark Park. Mr. Kriesel referred to Mr. Russell's memo regarding the possible purchase of the property. Drainage improvements to the park are scheduled for this summer; $50,000 is available in park dedication fees. Mr. Cowen said the question they have of the Park Board is whether the Board is looking for improved access to the existing park or more park land. Mr. Kriesel said Mr. Russell thought 20-30 feet of access would be desirable. There was discussion regarding existing drainage problems at the park as well as the possible location of the access. Mr. Junker asked about the possible purchase price for the entire parcel. Mr. Cowen said, according to the developer, the preliminary market value of the lot is $50,000. Mr. Cowen said they might be willing to negotiate providing the city with the additional access in exchange for changing the existing lot lines and stubbing in sewer and water service to what would be a developable lot in the future. Mr. Kriesel asked Board members for some direction as to whether the Board desired to acquire access only or additional park land. It was the consensus that, at this point, it is desirable to purchase property for access only. Mr. McGarry, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to acquire property for access only until there is a better idea regarding the usefulness of the park after drainage improvements and to direct staff to negotiate with the Cowens on the acquisition of a portion of their property for the improved access. Motion passed unanimously. Functional update from Mr, Thomsen Mr. Thomsen's update was included in the agenda packet. He did note that vandalism is an increasing problem. Mr. Kriesel noted that the wall at Pioneer Park will have to be replaced as very little of the stonework of the existing wall is salvageable; the replacement will be a poured cement wall that looks like stone. Mr. Polehna asked if there were plans to cut an infield at Washington Park. Mr. Thomsen said the infield will be built up some, but no other improvements are planned at this time; the Washington Park field is not used for scheduled games. Lily Lake Arena update Information was provided in the agenda packet. Mr. Kriesel said he was still trying to contact Troy Pearson of the St. Croix Valley Hockey Association. He said he hoped to have a report for the next meeting. Long Lake surface_ use update Mr. Junker said a tentative meeting has been scheduled with the Planning Commission for May 12. Sports QQmplex update Mr. Polehna read through the revised project timeline which calls for construction to begin in September or October. He said there was some concern the project was losing momentum, but said he felt things were progressing better now. Oak Glen pr p stv acquisition update Mr. Junker noted the redemption for the tax forfeiture parcels in question expires in August; no action can be taken until that time. There was some question as to the cost to the city to acquire the parcels. Mr. Kriesel said the only cost would be the amount of lost assessments on the parcels. New business Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to approve the annual request by Dave Rochlin to sell glow necklaces in Lowell Park on July 4. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Amrein raised a question regarding the May 20 workshop meeting with the City Council to discuss a parks director position. Mr. Junker said members would be receiving a meeting notice regarding the workshop. There was a discussion regarding the possibility of the city becoming a designated Tree City. Mr. Kriesel showed aerial photos of the city and suggested the city does not have a problem with tree cover. Mr. Kriesel also said he had looked into the Tree City program several years ago and found that the cost of the paperwork outweighed the possible benefits. Ms. Peterson disagreed. She said she felt the city needs a tree ordinance and should work toward becoming a Tree City. It was agreed that Mr. Kriesel will work with Ms. Peterson to develop a future recommendation. There was some discussion as to when to conduct the annual park tour. Since the regular May meeting falls on Memorial Day and the Board will be involved in two other meetings in May, it was agreed to hold the park tour at the June meeting. Mr. Wolff also suggesting eliminating the July meeting. A motion to cancel the May and July meetings passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary