HomeMy Public PortalAbout04.16.2008 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2008
Medina City Hall
Page 1 of 3
The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on April 16, 2008 at 7:00
p.m. in the Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair Ann Thies presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners present:
Commissioners absent:
Also present:
2) Additions to the Agenda:
a) Website (8f)
Ann Thies, Ben Benson, Brian Kingsley, Galen Bruer, and
Beth Nielsen
Madeleine Linck
Steve Scherer, Jodi Wunsch, and Carolyn Smith
A motion was made by Ben Benson and seconded by Beth Nielsen to approve the
additions/changes to the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
3) Approval of the Minutes from March 19, 2008:
A motion was made by Brian Kingsley and seconded by Ben Benson to approve the
minutes with no changes. Motion passed unanimously.
4) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): Kellan Passow with Long Lake Boy
Scout Troop 206 introduced himself to the Medina Park Commission and explained that
he was looking for an Eagle Scout project. The Eagle Scout project needs to be initiated
by the Eagle Scout and not the City or Park Commission, but he wanted to introduce
himself and look for support. Ann Thies suggested that he attend the City of Medina's
annual Park Tour on May 7th to help him trigger an idea.
5) Trail Study
The Park Commission continued reviewing the trail study document that has the trails
reprioritized according to the discussions that took place throughout the fall and winter of
2007. The Park Commission reviewed and modified the text for all the Moderately -High
priority trails.
Hackamore Road: 116 to 101: No substantial text changes.
Hunter Lions Park/Hamel Legion Park: No substantial text changes.
Medina Road: Remove sentence, "The heaviest use is between Tamarack Drive and
Brockton Lane on the City's eastern border."
Tuckborough Farm: The need section should state, "This trail serves as an off road
connection to Hunter Drive and the parks in Uptown Hamel." Under opportunities &
contingencies, it should read, "A gravel trail would be constructed along the current trail
easement, continue through the Tuckborough Ridge development and then along the
Navajo Road right-of-way until Tamarack Drive."
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2008
Medina City Hall
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Foxtail Trails: The surface type of this trail should be gravel or limestone, and as
population increases, pavement should be considered. These trails are also located close
to an active park study area in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Shawnee Woods Trail: The surface type should be gravel or limestone, and depending on
need consider pavement. Opportunities and contingencies should mention that depending
on development of the Bancor Group townhomes, a second trail could run south along
County Road 116 on the east side of the road to potentially connect to the retail area.
Galen Bruer suggested that the City require the developer to incorporate sidewalk and
access from the development to the retail center in the design.
Brockton Lane: This trail should be paved and on the east side of the road. It will provide
off road access to Uptown Hamel and Hamel Legion Park. This trail will need to be
coordinated through Plymouth because it will be located on their side of the road and used
to serve Plymouth's planned high density neighborhoods just east of Hamel Legion Park.
West Deer Hill Trails: These trails consist of two proposed trails. Trail A is a straight line
that would run along Deer Hill Road from Willow Drive approximately 1 mile west to
Baker Park. Trail B would run northwest through the Seeland property. Both trails should
be constructed with development in the area as the opportunity arises. The trails should be
gravel or turf.
There was also a short discussion and concern on whether the city would allow motorized
vehicles on any of these trails or other city trails. There was a general consensus to look
into establishing a policy or ordinance that prohibits motorized vehicles on city trails.
There was a general consensus to add a future agenda item to discuss sidewalks vs. trails.
The Park Commission requested an updated working document of the Trail Study for the
May meeting.
6) Clean Up Day
The Park Commissioners liked the materials provided in their meeting packet to have
available at Clean Up Day. Carolyn Smith suggested creating a list of topics to give to
residents at Clean Up Day to see what type of materials they would be interested in.
Brian Kingsley suggested adding an optional line for residents to write down contact
information if they are interested in receiving future updates on park events, etc.
7) Spring Park Tour — May 7, 2008
The Spring Park Tour will begin on Wednesday, May 7th at 4:30 p.m. at Hamel Legion
Park. The other stops will include Rainwater Park, Holy Name Park, and Walnut Park.
8) Staff Report
a) Volunteers to Plant Trees — Ben Benson, Ann Thies, and possibly Beth Nielsen
volunteered to help City staff plant trees immediately following Clean Up Day on
April 26th
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2008
Medina City Hall
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b) Park Commission Representation at Council Meetings — Ann Thies reminded the
Park Commission to review the updated Park Commission Representation Roster to
know when to attend the Council meetings. She also mentioned that Park
Commissioners should try to find a replacement if they are unable to attend, but if
they are unsuccessful they should contact Jodi or Steve to notify them of their
absence.
c) Hamel Legion Park Improvements— Steve Scherer gave a brief update on progress of
the basketball court and the well number 7 project. Galen Bruer questioned why there
were so many wells in Hamel Legion Park and why the Park Commission was no
longer consulted on the installation of these wells. Steve Scherer explained the City's
need for water supply and how the City has been trying to catch up with the
development over the last few years. The City also needs to start planning ahead for
all the future development that will happen in the Hamel Water System.
d) Friends of Elm Creek Update — Planning Director Tim Benetti attended the Friends of
Elm Creek meeting on March 27th. The Friends of Elm Creek are looking for support
from the City of Medina to continue a trail through Medina along the Elm Creek
Corridor. There was a general consensus from the Park Commission to have the
Friends of Elm Creek link there trail to an existing trail on the Medina Trail Study
and not to create a new trail.
e) Park & Recreation Subcommittee — Jodi Wunsch requested volunteers from the Park
Commission to participate in a Park & Recreation Subcommittee to help the City
observe the Uptown Hamel area when park activities are in session. No one
volunteered to participate in a subcommittee at this time, but everyone agreed to
observe activities and report back when they visit the parks.
f) Website — Brian Kingsley requested an update on creating a Parks page on the City's
Website. Jodi Wunsch explained that one of the 2008 work plan goals is to re -haul the
City's website and that is why a parks page has not been created at this time.
9) Adjourn
A motion was made by Brian Kingsley, seconded by Ben Benson and passed
unanimously, to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jodi Wunsch.