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HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-17-04 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 17, 2004 I. Call to order 7:04 pm A. Commissioners present — Theresa Richey, Brad Kvanbek, Robin Reid, Tom Gregor, Randy Hughes, Galen Bruer B. Absent — Gerry Dykhoff C. Also present — Jim Lane, Jim Dil!man, Chad Adams; Carolyn Smith and Bruce Workman observed part of the meeting II. Additions to agenda — Staff Update III. Approval of last meeting's minutes — Approved as submitted IV. Business A. Open Space Preservation — Jim Lane 1. City Council Member Jim Lane, speaking as a Medina resident who is concerned about preserving the unique character of the City, presented information about two groups that are working to preserve open space, wetlands, wildlife refuges and natural features. a) The City of Independence has an Open Spaces Committee, an independent body of volunteers who have had some success with implementing open space concepts in Independence. They have offered to send a representative to one of our meetings to talk about their mission and activities. b) The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), which encompasses part of Medina, has drafted a proposal to target selected areas of Lake Minnetonka communities as candidates for a new conservation program. Their proposal includes two areas of Medina. The MCWD has funding for protective measures such as wetland buffers, conservation easements, etc. They are willing to send a representative to a Commission meeting to present their proposal and plan. 2. There was a discussion of the many issues that would arise if the MCWD project goes forward. The Commission is concerned that the preservation concept be presented in such a way as to reassure residents that the program is entirely voluntary and will not intrude upon the landowner's private property rights. Previous efforts to involve landowners in conservation activities have met with some resistance. The Commission believes an educational program could inform Medina residents about the advantages and benefits of a conservation program, and over time, develop support in the community. It was Page 1 of 3 Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 17, 2004 mentioned that long-time residents of the City might be receptive to these ideas. 3. It was agreed that the Park Commission's role is to educate and advise the City Council; it would be up to the City Council to recommend the formation of an Open Spaces Committee for Medina, and to seek volunteers. 4. The Commission agreed that a representative of the Independence Open Spaces Committee be invited to the April meeting to share ideas and experiences. 5. The Commission agreed to select a date in June for an Open Meeting to discuss this topic. A representative of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District would be invited to present their plans. Planning Commission and City Council members would be welcome to attend the Open Meeting as individuals but this would not be a formal, joint meeting. B. Twin Cities Monorail Building 1. The property on Cty Rd 116 north of McDonalds, formerly owned by Twin Cities Monorail, has been sold. The new owner would like to donate a trail easement to the City, if the trail can be designed to preserve existing trees. Doing this would require going beyond the right of way where the trails are typically located. The owner would like the City to specify a trail route around the trees, and he will donate that portion of his land. The only cost to the City would be surveying and legal costs. Chad Adams and Jim Dillman estimated the cost to be in the $4,000 to $5,000 range. Jim and Randy will meet at the site to stake out the proposed trail 2. A motion was proposed and passed with no dissent: The Park Commission is in favor of accepting the offer of a trail easement on the Twin Cities Monorail site, and to pay for any required surveying and/or legal costs from Park operating funds. C. Park Survey 1. It was decided to complete the inventories of the various parks as part of the May park tour. D. Park Use Policy 1. Chad will incorporate the Park Commission's input from the February meeting into the draft policy and put this topic on the City Council's agenda for the next meeting. He is also working on an agreement with the Hamel Athletic Page 2 of 3 Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes March 17, 2004 Association regarding activities at Hamel Legion Park. Chad will send a copy of the proposed Policy to Park Commission members. E. Hamel Well House #3 1. Jim Dillman reported that it will be feasible to coordinate the Well House roof and siding with the Community Building specifications, in keeping with the Park Commission's request. F. Charles Crosby Minnesota Land Trust Donation 1. A plaque has been ordered and it was suggested that the Park Commission chairman and the Mayor present the plaque to Mr Crosby at a future City Council Meeting. G. Hamel Legion Park Community Bldg 1. This project has gone out for bids. After the bids are received, the City Council will decide whether or not to go forward with this project. H. Staff Update 1. City Administrator Chad Adams reported on a number of topics: a) Josh Doty, new City Planner starts Monday and will be working closely with the Park Commission b) Capital improvements — Jim Dillman will be getting price estimates on the boat ramp and play structure for Independence Beach Park. Play structure will probably be done by Anderson, who did the Morningside structure. These improvements will be covered in an upcoming newsletter, so the neighbor hood will be notified of the upcoming improvements. c) There are a number of meetings in the next one to two months regarding various developments around the City, including an Open House on April 17 where the various alternative concepts for Uptown Hamel and the Ryan -Target site will be on view. V. Adjourn — Meeting adjourned at 8:30 VI. Next meeting — Wednesday, April 21 Page 3 of 3