HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-21-04 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2004 Page 1 of 5
I. Call to order 7:05 pm
A. Commissioners present — Randy Hughes, Brad Kvanbek, Robin Reid, Tom
Gregor, Gerry Dykhoff, Galen Bruer (arr 7:40)
B. Absent — Theresa Richey
C. Also present — Chad Adams, Jim Lane, Josh Doty and Bill Loe
II. Additions to agenda
Topics added included Maple Park landscaping and Lakeshore Park maintenance concerns.
III. Approval of last meeting's minutes
a) A motion was passed to accept the March 17 minutes as submitted.
IV. Business
A. Open Spaces
1. Randy Hughes noted that earlier efforts to enroll Medina landowners in a
Natural Features Registry were unsuccessful because residents were leery of
government involvement, and did not want their properties visited by city
officials or people who just wanted to see the property. The Registry is strictly
voluntary and is simply intended to identify community assets, but there was a
lot of skepticism. Three speakers were invited to tonight's meeting to discuss
how other communities have started programs to protect open spaces.
2. Ann Thies, Director of the Minnesota Land Trust explained that the Trust is
a voluntary program that encourages communities to identify open spaces
and helps owners preserve the natural features of their property. The Trust
does not purchase land, but does encourage landowners to donate
conservation easements for their property. Benefits include a tax deduction,
possible estate tax benefits and in some cases, real estate tax benefits. The
Trust monitors the status of easement areas and educates new property
owners about the importance of the easements.
Greg Smith, a Medina citizen who owns property on Lake Ardmore,
mentioned the problems he has with rising lake levels.
3. Nate Sparks reported on Minnetrista's efforts to preserve open spaces and
create linking greenways. A survey of citizens had shown a high level of
interest in preserving green spaces. The city hired a consultant to prepare an
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April 21, 2004 Page 2 of 5
inventory of the city's natural assets as defined by the Minnesota Land Cover
Classification System (MLCCS). Funds were provided by a Metro Greenway
Corridor Grant from the Dept of Natural Resources (DNR).
A citizens group made recommendations about areas to target. The City
Council hired a consultant to plan parks, greenways and trails. The
Minnetrista Parks Commission obtains easements or park dedication fees
when properties are developed. Fees in more desirable areas are higher than
in other areas. It was noted that greenways are not intended for parks or trails
— greenways need to be relatively undisturbed for wildlife to flourish.
4. LuAnn Brenno from the Independence Open Spaces Committee described
the process they've followed. Three years ago they were approached by Tom
Wegner from the U of M Extension Service, who offered to help them get
started on an Open Spaces Plan. Many citizens were interested at first,
including some property owners who were concerned about their land being
taken, even though this was never part of the plan. The committee, which
includes a representative from the City Council and the Parks Commission,
spent about a year developing Mission & Value Statements. In 2002 they
applied for a Metro Greenways Grant to pay for their MLCCS natural
resources inventory. The City Council paid half of the cost.
The Committee has focused on educating citizens about voluntary ways of
preserving and protecting open green spaces. They've had informational
speakers, they've distributed information at City events, and they prepared
several brochures. A grant from the MN League of Conservation Voters
Education Fund paid for a color brochure which was mailed to all citizens last
September. They also have a website.
The Committee has worked on developing an inventory, but landowners have
been reluctant to let the inventory takers on to their land. A post card sent to
all owners asking for voluntary opt -in resulted in only 38% saying they would
cooperate. So the Committee continues to try to educate the community and
build trust. They will be involved in developing the city's Comprehensive Plan,
which is due in 2008.
5. A discussion ensued about property owners' concerns. Brad Kvanbek
stated his opposition to this type of activity because he thinks it can lead to
undesirable government action including condemnations. The speakers all
emphasized that all of their programs are strictly voluntary. Nate pointed out
that they only obtain easements when land is subdivided, and the developers
are aware of the ordinance.
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April 21, 2004 Page 3 of 5
B. Independence Beach Park Questions
1. Independence Beach residents Greg Smith and Dennis Klages attended
this meeting to express their concerns about the poor conditions along the
beach in the Lakeshore Park. There used to be a sand beach along the shore
and the area was maintained, trees trimmed, etc. Greg Smith noted that the
woman who donated the land for Lakeshore Park many years ago never
received any recognition for doing so.
Because they both live close to the Park, Robin Reid asked them if they've
observed any problems with traffic and/or parking at the boat launch. They
have not seen any particular problems.
2. In a related topic discussed before the meeting was called to order,
Independence Beach resident Jim Wilson distributed photos showing how the
portable toilet structure at Maple Park is very noticeable to those people who's
decks face the Park. The Park Commissioners agreed to request that Jim
Dillman look into putting in some evergreens to screen the structure.
3. It was decided that the Independence Beach improvements topic,
scheduled later on the Agenda, would be appropriate for discussion at this
time. Robin Reid and Josh Doty reported that they met on the site with Jim
Dillman and Dave Owen from Earl F. Anderson, the company that built the
play structure at Morningside Park. The group considered the location of the
new play structure and lowering the swings to bring them into compliance.
They recommended that the play area be consolidated around the current
swing location in order that the required soft surface would accommodate all
of the equipment, and so benches could be provided for parents who want to
keep an eye on their children. Dave Owen was asked to present some
concepts at the June meeting, keeping within the $20,000 budgeted.
C. Review of CSAH 29/Hwy 12 Intersection Concept Plan
1. The Commission reviewed concept drawings of this intersection, with a
trail proposed on the Baker Park side of the road, connecting up to the Baker
Park trail system. The owners have agreed to allow the trail to cross their
property if their trees are saved. An alternate route across the business
properties has also been considered.
a) A motion was proposed and passed recommending the trail be
located as proposed, assuming the trees can be protected, but also
requesting that an alternate route across the business properties be
considered.
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April 21, 2004 Page 4 of 5
D. Hunter Drive Trail
1. This trail is related to the Elm Creek Interceptor sewer project. Hennepin
County has offered to provide dirt as a base for the proposed trail down
Hunter Drive. The Commission expressed their desire to go ahead and have
City staff talk to the homeowners, and if agreement can be reached, to go
ahead and finish the trail if possible, either with a gravel base or paving.
Alternatively, the dirt can be put in place, but only if the appearance of the
area can be restored, i.e., black dirt coverage and grass planted so the area
looks groomed.
a) A motion was proposed and passed that if possible, the Hunter Drive
Trail should be completed, taking advantage of the availability of the dirt
fill, but also to include the gravel base or paved surface. Alternatively, the
filled areas are to be restored to their original appearance, grass planted,
etc.
E. Park Use Policy
1. Chad Adams reported that the proposed Park Use Policy had been
reviewed by the City Council. It will be necessary to revise several City
ordinances to radify the Policy. The Council agreed that the fee for picnic
shelter reservations be implemented and they ratified the agreement with
Hamel Athletic Association to provide scheduling and maintenance for Hamel
Legion Park.
It was noted that the Orono Baseball Association has requested use of Legion
Park fields on Friday and Saturday nights until mid -June when their home
fields will be finished. The Council agreed to this arrangement. The Orono
group will rake and clean up the area after use. The fee will go to the Hamel
Athletic Association.
2. Chad reported that a Medina resident has requested use of the the Hunter
Lions Park field for 2 hours on Sundays. Their was discussion about the
Hamel Athletic Association's use of the Hunter Park fields in addition to
Legion Park. Park Commissioners expressed concerns that the baseball fields
were being so heavily booked that at times there are no fields available for
resident's "pick-up" games.
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April 21, 2004 Page 5 of 5
3. Chad also reported that a bid had been accepted for the Hamel Legion
Park Community Building, and that the bid was within the specified budget so
plans can go ahead without requiring any additional funding.
V. Adjourn — 10:10 p.m.
VI. Next meeting — Park Tour on May 19th