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HomeMy Public PortalAbout05.21.2007, special Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2007 Medina City Hall Page 1 of 2 The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on May 21, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair Ann Thies presided. I. Call to Order Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Also present: Madeleine Linck, Bob Pastor, Ann Thies, Brian Kingsley, and Galen Bruer Gerry Dykhoff and Ben Benson Jodi Wunsch, Carolyn Smith, and Steve Scherer II. Additions to the Agenda: None III. Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): Jim Driscoll, 880 Navajo Road, stated that he has been a 40 year resident. He also has been involved with Plymouth's planning and stated how he has seen a number of repercussions with the zoning decisions Plymouth has made in the past. He does not want Medina to make those same mistakes. He was concerned with the increase of population density near his home when the Holasik property develops. He also stated that he would not want all those people using a trail that goes through his and his neighbor's backyards. Michael Fine, 550 Navajo Road, stated that there are already proposed east -west trails along Medina Road and Hamel Road and he did not feel another east -west trail was needed along the old Navajo Road. He then gave the city a signed petition that had signatures from 32 addresses in Tuckborough Farms and surrounding Medina households. This petition stated these people opposed the proposal for a new trail running east -west from Hunter on old Navajo Road. IV. Work Session: 2010 — 2030 Comprehensive Plan A. Open Space Plan An updated high quality areas open space map was printed over an aerial of the city. The Park Commission briefly studied the high quality areas. It was also suggested when planning trail corridors to try to link them with open space. The Park Commission wanted to draw the current trail plan on the high quality areas map to get a better idea of how these two maps overlay. B. Trails — Connections & Corridors The current trail plan and trail study were incorporated into the high quality areas open space map in one color and then the Park Commission began using another color to make additional proposed trail connections. A few of the new connections that were made were from Wolsfeld Woods to Baker Park Preserve, the Tomann property to Baker Park, Tomahawk Trail, Willow Drive South and North, and Chestnut Road to City Hall. Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp will create a map showing the current trail plan and the 2007 proposed additions to the trail plan. The updated map will be brought to the next Park Commission meeting to make final changes and recommendations to the map. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2007 Medina City Hall Page 2 of 2 Galen Bruer commented that he felt there should be more trails in the greenway corridors and less trails running through people's backyards or possible future property owner's backyards. He also felt that there were too many trails on the map. He questioned if all the trails on the map need to be shown in the CIP. Ann Thies commented that she did not want the city to lose any opportunities like they have lost in the past by not having the lines drawn on the map. These trails on the map may not be built for 20 years, but it is good to start planning for them now. Ann Thies asked the public if they had any additional comments after listening to the discussions that took place. Jim Driscoll stated that in his view, the current infrastructure of trails that exist have very low utilization. The Medina residents are already able to enjoy a great system of trails in Baker Park. He does not feel the city should be spending money on more trails that will not get utilized to their potential. He felt the paved trail along Hunter was too wide and it created an invitation to take cars and snowmobiles down it, which could be a potential safety hazard. His recommendations to the Park Commission were to create a trail plan that labels paved trails and turf trails, on road and off road, and connections to destinations. He does not feel like the old Navajo Road is a destination because it does not go anywhere. He then asked the Park Commission what the process was from here on out. Ann Thies replied by mentioning the comprehensive plan open house that will take place later this summer and then the public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. The Park Commission briefly discussed what would be covered at the next meeting and what day would work the best for the majority of the commissioners. A motion was made by Madeleine Linck, seconded by Bob Pastor and passed unanimously to change the regularly scheduled meeting date from June 20th to June 13th at 7: 00 p.m. V. Adjournment A motion was made by Galen Bruer, seconded by Ann Thies and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jodi Wunsch