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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 Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes 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. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes 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. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes 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. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes 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