HomeMy Public PortalAbout05.21.2007, special Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2007
Medina City Hall
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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
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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