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HomeMy Public PortalAbout01.18.2012 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2012 Medina City Hall Page 1 of 4 The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on January 18, 2012 at 7:03 p.m. in the Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair Paul Jaeb presided. 1) Call to Order Commissioners Present: Paul Jaeb, Ben Benson, Madeleine Linck, Ann Thies, Bill Waytas, and Jean Beaupre Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: City Council Liaison Melissa Martinson, Public Works Superintendent Steve Scherer and Assistant to City Administrator Jodi Gallup 2) Appointment of Officers: A motion was made by Thies and seconded by Benson to nominate and appoint Paul Jaeb as Chair, Madeleine Linck as Vice Chair, and Jean Beaupre as Secretary. Motion passed unanimously. 3) Additions to the Agenda: Add discussion of scheduling the nature walk and 2012 goal setting session prior to the staff report. A motion was made by Thies and seconded by Benson to approve the additions to the agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 4) Approval of Minutes: • December 21, 2011 A motion was made by Linck and seconded by Beaupre to approve the minutes with no changes. Motion passed unanimously. 5) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): None. 6) City Council Update: Council Member Martinson updated the Park Commission on recent City Council actions. 7) Great River Greening Grant for Medina Lake Preserve Scherer gave an update to the Park Commission that the City previously submitted a grant proposal to Great River Greening for Tomann Preserve, but after the representative from Great River Greening evaluated Medina's prospective options, he felt that Medina Lake Preserve provided a much better fit for the grant. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2012 Medina City Hall Page 2 of 4 Great River Greening's proposal for Medina Lake Preserve would cost approximately $21,000 for Buckthorn cutting, stump treating, stacking and burning and spot treating seedlings in Area A, which has high to moderate density buckthorn. The proposal included buckthorn basal barking and/or cutting with stump treatment and spot treating seedlings in Area B, which consists of low density buckthorn. Scherer stated that the grant is a one-to-one match, which leaves the city share at approximately $10,500 for the cleanup of Medina Lake Preserve. Scherer suggested that the project be spread out over three years to make it more affordable, since the total annual park maintenance budget is $10,000. The Park Commission discussed the proposal and noted the following: • Questioned if the small buckthorn seedlings needed to be spot treated or just pulled out of the ground. • Stated that the fall would be the best time to remove Buckthorn to make sure they are not disturbing any nests. • Requested that staff get a second quote to see if the price is comparable. • Questioned the timeline on how many times and years they would return to do the ongoing spot treating. 8) Ba11 Field Lights at Hamel Legion Park Scherer shared some background information regarding the ball field lighting project stating that the city did not receive the Hennepin Youth Sports Grant for funding of phase two of this project. The Park Commission was asked to give staff a recommendation on how to proceed. Discussion took place on reducing the project down to one field, instead of the original plan to install lighting on two fields. This would mean the city would have to spend $50,000 of park dedication funds, with a $50,000 match from the Hamel Athletic Club. The city has already received $25,000 in funding from a Twins grant. It was noted that in order to fund the project this way, the Park Commission would have to ignore the City's funding policy which states that the City would contribute up to 25% of the project, because it would be contributing 40% of the funds. Jaeb stated that he opposed that much money from the park dedication funds going towards this project because the city has a number of other parks including a new park in the Pemtom development that could be using this money. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2012 Medina City Hall Page 3 of 4 Benson and Beaupre agreed that the issue of the Hamel Athletic Club wanting ball field lights would never go away, until the lights were installed. There was a general consensus of the Park Commission not to rush into the installation of these lights and wait another year so the City can apply for another grant from the Hennepin Youth Sports program and the Hamel Athletic Club can look into getting additional funding or grant money from the Twins grant program. 9) Park & Trail Master Plan Work Session The Park Commission reviewed the park rating and park assessment report from their December 21st meeting and decided to discuss three parks in further detail at the meeting. Medina Morningside Park — This park does not need any new equipment. Suggestions for park include: burying power lines, re -seeding old ball field to make a more open play area, and look at east border. Hunter Lions Park — Suggestions for park include: enhancing back area with mowed loops for walking and signage, striping parking lot, update building, fix tennis court, re - stripe basketball court and include a 3 point line, add more bleachers for ball field seating, replace outfield fence, and eventually add a restroom and drinking fountain. Maple Park — Suggestions for park include: equipment to enhance ball diamond area, possible future sport court near road, and benches and picnic tables at top of hill. It was noted that a BMX course might be a good fit in the new park in the Pemtom development. The City of Maple Plain has a BMX course and it is very popular. Further discussion on this will take place when reviewing that park at a future meeting. 10) Schedule Nature Walk & Goal Setting Session Linck suggested that the nature walk be held at Tomann Preserve this year from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 19th. Discussion took place on whether to give away prizes such as bird houses or feeds to try to encourage people to attend. Staff was directed to advertise the nature walk in the spring Medina Message newsletter. A motion was made by Linck and seconded by Benson to schedule the Nature Walk at Tomann Preserve from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Motion passed unanimously. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2012 Medina City Hall Page 4 of 4 There was a general consensus to talk about the 2012 Park Commission goals at the February 15th Park Commission meeting. 11) Staff Report a.) General Items — Gallup noted that an updated Park Commission roster for City Council meetings had been created. 12) Adjourn A motion was made by Benson and passed unanimously, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jodi Gallup.