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