HomeMy Public PortalAbout05.16.2009, park tour MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2009
Medina Park Tour
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The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on May 16, 2009 at 10:30
a.m. Park Commission Chair Ann Thies presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners present:
Commissioners absent:
Also present:
2.) Annual Park Tour
Ann Thies, Ben Benson, Madeleine Linck, Paul Jaeb, and
Chris Hilberg
Brian Kingsley and Janet White
City Council Member Carolyn Smith, Planning
Commissioner Robin Reid, Public Works Superintendent
Steve Scherer, and Assistant to Public Works Linda Lane.
Medina Morningside
Screening
Scherer mentioned the large amount of buckthorn that has taken over the screened hedge that
runs along the north side of the park. Discussion concerned what should be planted in its place
when the buckthorn is removed. Neighbors have asked about having the old screening on the east
side of the park cleaned out and putting in shorter bushes. Scherer said he will contact local
resources on what should be done. When the Park Commission moved over towards the well
house, Smith asked if the City could add some screening around the well house similar to what
was done along the tank.
Playground Area
There were comments as to how nice the playground equipment looked, but that there was a
need for more wood chips on the ground around the play area. Scherer said Public Works was
going to be bringing a load of chips to each of the parks that needed them.
Recycle Containers
It was also mentioned that there was no recycle container by the garbage container. Scherer also
said that the wood trash containers inside the park would need to be replaced soon and should be
put on the CIP for 2010.
Park Sign
There was discussion concerning where the sign for Medina Morningside Park would be placed
and the fact that all the entrance signs would need to be back-to-back, so to be seen from traffic
going both directions.
Holy Name Lake / Park
Park Sign
Discussion occurred on where the two-sided park sign would be placed. The consensus was to
place the sign closer to the road along the west side of the driveway so it could be seen by traffic
coming from both directions. There was also discussion concerning the demonstration sign that
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2009
Medina Park Tour
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is being made for the park and where it should be placed. There was a general consensus to place
it on the corner near the permeable pavers.
Grass
It was mentioned to place posts along both sides of the driveway coming into the park to keep
people from cutting the corners and ruining the grass.
Linck mentioned that the netting that was placed on the straw for erosion control could be
harmful to animals, as they can easily get caught in it. Scherer said he would take care of the
netting issue.
Rain Garden and Lakeshore area
Rain garden plants were starting to come in, but Scherer asked Lane to check into what species
were planted, how many, and which ones should be coming in early. Lane will also be calling the
company that planted the rain garden to have them look at it and determine if it is coming along
as it should, or if the City needs to look at replacing some of the plants, and also what kind of a
maintenance contract we have for the gardens. It was suggested to add stepping stones from the
bottom of the trail to the rain garden. There was also some discussion concerning not mowing so
close to the water; Scherer said he would let the new lawn mowing company know about the
appropriate buffer to the lake.
Hamel Legion Park
Park Signs
After some discussion, the consensus of the group was to have a small two-sided sign coming in
off Hamel Road on Mill Drive and then another larger one-sided sign at an angle as the road
takes a left to go into the parking lot. There would also be another two-sided sign at the entrance
to the park off Brockton Lane.
Screening
Park Commission members once again spoke concerning the screening they feel is needed along
the back stop for the baseball field to the left of the community building. Scherer said he would
speak with the Athletic Association concerning what could be done. He also said it should be put
on the CIP for next year so we would have the funds necessary to buy the plantings.
Donated Benches, Tables, Etc.
The Park Commission preferred that the donation signs on donated items such as benches and
tables be more subtle.
Rainwater Nature Area
Park Sign
There was some discussion concerning where the two-sided park sign should be placed, since not
only traffic from both ways would need to be able to read it, but also the traffic off Hunter Road.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2009
Medina Park Tour
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It was decided that the sign should be approximately half way between the trail and Hamel Road,
and half way lengthwise where the trail begins and ends.
Phase II Plantings
Scherer showed the Park Commissioners all the trees and shrubs that were planted for the Phase
II plan for Rainwater Nature Area. He also moved the stakes in several feet that were along the
road for future trees that were to be planted.
Screening and Seeding
There was a request to have the electrical boxes screened and also to get some grass seeding
along the trail.
Walnut Park
Stormwater Project
Scherer showed the Park Commission the stormwater project the Public Works staff has been
working on at Walnut Park.
Skating/Volleyball Area
Since there was grass covering a large portion of the sandy area that has been used in the past as
a sand volleyball court, there was a consensus to let the grass come in and mow that area this
year so kids could play on it. It would still be flooded in the winter for skating, since it is a
popular spot.
Lakeshore Park
Boat Launch
The Park Commission walked down to the boat launch to look at some erosion that was
happening alongside the boat launch and along the lakeshore. Scherer suggested doing some
riprap, which will be filled with dirt, and also plantings to keep the erosion from getting worse.
Picnic Shelter
The picnic table located in the picnic shelter is badly in need of replacement.
Miscellaneous Items
Scherer needs to look into horseshoe pits, the recycling container needs to be labeled as such,
and there needs to be more wood chips placed on the ground around the playground area.
3.) Adjourn at 2:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Linda Lane