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HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-15-2006 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 15, 2006 Medina City Hall Page 1 of 4 revised Call to order 7:03 A. Commissioners present: Randy Hughes, Galen Bruer, Tom Gregor; Gerry Dykhoff, Ann Thies, Madeleine Linck, Robin Reid B. Absent: None C. Also present: Jim Dillman, Carolyn Smith D. Additions to agenda: There were none. Approval of last meeting's minutes: Minutes of the February 15 meeting we approved as submitted. Public Comments: None NEW BUSINESS: A. Recognition of Jim Dillman 1. All of the Park Commissioners expressed their thanks to Jim Dillman for his long-standing dedication to the best interests of Medina and our parks. His knowledge of virtually every "nook and cranny" of the City was a great help during our discussions of the trail system and potential locations for future parks. His guidance was invaluable, and he will be much missed. B. Proposed Trail for County Road 19 1. Galen Bruer briefed the Commission on Hennepin County's plan for a multi -use (pedestrian/bicycle) paved trail along County Rd 19. They have secured a TE-21 grant from the Federal government to pay for trail construction from Hwy 24 north to Hwy 55. The project will be divided into three sections, with completion scheduled for 2008. The first section to be constructed will be from County Rd 24 to Maple Park (Maple Street). The second section will be Maple Park north to County Rd 11 on the outskirts of Loretto. The final section will be from Loretto to Hwy 55. Galen reported on the discussion regarding the placement of the trail and presented two maps illustrating several of the alternatives under consideration. For several reasons, including safety, terrain and natural Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 15, 2006 Medina City Hall Page 2 of 4 revised features, it may be desirable to have the trail on the east side of the road for part of the way, and then switch to the west side somewhere near Independence Beach. One way to accomplish this would be a box culvert under the road, similar to the underpass in Baker Park (from the Lake Independence side to the Lake Katrina side). There are a number of issue to consider, including the preservation of wildlife habitats, the amount of hardcover surface in Baker Park and the preservation of the existing horse/snowmobile trail. Another alternative under consideration is locating the trail on the east side right-of-way adjacent to Baker Park. However, there is also a need for a trail connecting the Independence Beach neighborhood to Baker Park on the west side. Currently, there is a usable path, but at one point the path is very close to a culvert that runs under the highway and into the lake. The culvert is extensively eroded on the west side, and any further erosion could make the path unsafe. In any case, a paved trail would be more functional. The Park Commissioners agreed to recommend that the trail be built on the east side for its entire length, and that an additional short section be constructed on the west side. The east side trail will likely require improvement of the entire culvert including the eroded section on the west. Once the culvert is improved, adding the short west trail would be more feasible, either as part of this project or in the future. Further, Commissioners recommended that the trail be construction next to the highway so that the horse/snowmobile trail would not be altered. a) A motion was proposed and passed unanimously to appoint Galen Bruer as the Commission's representative at meetings regarding this project. Galen will report on the project's progress. OLD BUSINESS: A. Open Spaces Planning 1. Commissioners reviewed a proposed resolution, prepared by Rose Lorsung, to establish an Open Space Task Force, and a draft of an RFP for a consultant to assist with open space planning. The Park Commission is to have two representatives on the Task Force. Park Commissioners endorsed the concept of hiring a consultant to advise the City on open space planning issues. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 15, 2006 Medina City Hall Page 3 of 4 revised There was a brief discussion about the need to involve all City stakeholders in the planning process, and to dispel misconceptions about the intent and result of Open Space planning. Other cities that have an Open Spaces Plan have found that developers are enthusiastic about the options provided to them, and about the increased property values that almost always result from the preservation of nature features that appeal to potential residents. Extensive community input and informational meetings will be required to promote community understanding of the concepts involved in Open Spaces planning. a) A motion was proposed and passed, unanimously, to recommend that the City Council adopt the draft resolution and proceed with issuing the RFP for an Open Spaces consultant. b) Ann Thies and Robin Reid were designated as the Park Commission's representatives on the Open Spaces Task Force. They will report back to the Commission on the Task Force's progress. B. Hamel Legion Park Community Building Issues 1. There was a discussion about the management issues and problems regarding building reservations, hall set-up and clean up, and the current under -utilization of the facility. Galen Bruer has been working with City staff to develop workable building usage rules and fees. The Hamel Lions have appointed a new person to coordinate building usage, and hope that the new arrangement will work. Commissioners expressed their concerns about relying on volunteers to run the building, because of the heavy workload, and the potential need for City staff involvement, as well as raising fees to cover the cost of a cleaning service. Galen suggested that some of booking problems could be dealt with by posting a reservation schedule on the City website, in a password - protected area, so that City staff and the Lions volunteers could work off of the same calendar when they receive booking inquiries. 2. Commissioners reviewed the alternatives for vending machine installations. Although the Coca-Cola proposal appeared to be acceptable, the exclusivity clause is a concern because it would apply broadly to all City parks. Commissioners do not want Coca-Cola dictating what products could be used at catered events in the Community Building, or sold at the Concession Stand on the ball fields. A City -owned machine stocked with a variety of brands might be an alternative. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 15, 2006 Medina City Hall Page 4 of 4 revised a) A motion was proposed and passed requesting City staff to continue investigating alternatives, and to reject the Coca-Cola contract unless it could be limited to vending machines only, and only in the Hamel Legion Park Community Building. The meeting was adjourned at 9:04. NEXT MEETING: April 19 at City Hall. Minutes prepared by Robin Reid, Secretary, Medina Park Commission