HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-19-2006 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2006 Revised
Medina City Hall
Page 1 of 6
Call to order 7:01 p.m.
A. Commissioners present: Galen Bruer, Gerry Dykhoff, Ann Thies, Madeleine
Linck, Robin Reid, Tom Gregor, Randy Hughes
B. Absent: none
C. Also present: Carolyn Smith, Chad Adams, Joe Paumen, and Jodi Wunsch
D. Additions to agenda: Discussion of uniform park signage
Approval of last meeting's minutes:
Corrections to June 21 Minutes:
1. Under Willow Creek Preserve, the motion should say "...and that the developer be
required to provide right-of-way of 45 feet from the center line of Willow Drive."
2. Under Long -Term Capital Improvement Plan & Budget, item 7. should say "... The
owners have expressed their desire..." and item 8. should say "When the City improved
the road..."
Minutes were approved after noting the above corrections
Public comments: There were none.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Trash Receptacles for Hamel Community Building
1. Jodi Wunsch presented alternatives for recycling and trash containers for
inside and outside of the building. Commissioners liked the blue container for
recycling inside the building, because it is easily identified by the familiar
color. For the front of the building, Commissioners preferred the natural color
receptacles that compliment the building color. Carolyn Smith suggested that
a recycling symbol be added to the front recycling receptacle. Tom Gregor
moved that the final selections be made at Staff's discretion:
a) A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously for City Staff
to make the final selections of receptacles similar to the examples in the
photos, at their own discretion.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2006 Revised
Medina City Hall
Page 2 of 6
B. Rainwater Park
1. The City Council would like to proceed with development of the new
Rainwater Park near Uptown Hamel. At a previous Park Commission meeting,
there had been a discussion of making this park a bird -watching area.
However, the specific requirements for a bird sanctuary environment may be
too restrictive. There was a discussion of possible uses of the new park. Tom
Gregor pointed out that this area had originally been designated for storm
water run-off (hence the name "Rainwater Park") and for depositing snow
plowed off the streets in Uptown Hamel. He suggested that Joe Paumen
determine what area of the park will be required for run-off and drainage.
2. Tom Gregor pointed out that currently the parkland is covered with clover
and weeds. Madeleine Linck asked if trees could be used to screen the
railroad tracks. Ann Thies asked if we really need to hire a consultant, or could
staff and volunteers figure out what needs to be done at the park. Chad
Adams said volunteers might be able to put together a plan but we would still
need to issue an RFP listing everything we want to see at Rainwater Park:
1) Drainage for stormwater run-off and snow is required.
Bonestroo probably has the information about the specific
requirements.
2) A trail with a bridge over Elm Creek and a picnic table near the
creek, as proposed in the Trail Study.
3) Native plantings, bird -friendly features, benches for walkers
4) Screening for the railroad tracks
5) Wetlands protection and preservation
6) Possible link -up with the proposed Elm Creek Corridor green
space
3. Galen Bruer questioned whether the $16,000 budget would be sufficient to
do everything we want in the park.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2006 Revised
Medina City Hall
Page 3 of 6
a) Ann Thies made a motion, which was seconded and passed
unanimously, to ask City Staff to prepare an RFP for the Rainwater Park
project, based on our list of requirements. The proposals must detail
what we can do with the existing budget and suggest subsequent phases
to complete the plan.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Capital Improvements Plan
1. Chad Adams presented the revised CIP budget, reflecting the changes
discussed at the June meeting. He noted that a new state law requires a
detailed plan for the use of any park dedication fees; otherwise, the fees
cannot be collected.
2. Galen Bruer asked whether the funds for the basketball court for Hamel
Legion Park would roll over into 2007 if not used this year. Chad said that they
would.
3. Under the item shown in 2008 for Holy Name Lake, Madeleine Linck
questioned whether paving is really necessary, since hardcover interferes with
the watershed. The purpose of paving would be to stop the erosion that now
occurs along the lake bank at the place where cars drive right down to the
shoreline. It might be necessary to put posts up to keep cars off the shoreline
and to keep people from launching motorized boats. Only non -motorized
canoes and rowboats are permitted, both of which could be carried a short
distance down to the water if vehicle access was limited. Galen said that
some 2-inch limestone might be sufficient to stop the erosion until the
shoreline can be stabilized. Ann Thies suggested that a small dock be good
for pedestrians to use as an observation deck and for fishing.
4. Randy Hughes requested that the $250,000 budgeted for land acquisition
in 2006 and 2007 be repeated annually from that point on.
5. Money is budgeted in 2008 and 2010 for ball field lights at Hamel Legion
Park. Gerry Dykhoff said that the Athletic Club had always planned to
eventually add lights when the demand for evening games increased.
6. Carolyn Smith noted nothing is budgeted for the new Lake Medina Park,
and asked what improvements will be required. Currently the park is only
accessible by foot. The plan is for the park to remain undeveloped for the time
being, with just a walking path. The Bridgewater developer is responsible for
the walking path and the bridge across the wetland to the park. However,
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2006 Revised
Medina City Hall
Page 4 of 6
when other land adjacent to the park is developed, it may be possible to
acquire right-of-way for a road into the park. It was suggested that $25,000 be
budgeted in 2008 and 2010 for a parking lot adjacent to the park, if right-of-
way is available.
7. Referring back to the earlier discussion about Rainwater Park, it was
suggested that additional funding be added to the CIP because $16,000
probably is insufficient. The consensus was to add $25,000 in 2008 so that
the improvements started in 2007 can be completed.
8. Madeleine Linck asked how the south section of Hunter Lions Park is
used. Tom Gregor said that Girl Scouts had planted native grasses, and the
Fire Dept burns it occasionally. The neighbors prefer that the area remain
unimproved.
a) Ann Theis made motion, which was seconded and passed
unanimously, that City Staff incorporate all of the revisions to the CIP
discussed.
B. Hunter Lions Park Shelter Roof
1. Joe Paumen asked for input about the color of the new roof for the shelter
in Hunter Lions Park. He suggested a dark green roof, with the rest of the
shelter painted brown.
a) Gerry Dykhoff made a motion, which was seconded and passed
unanimously, for City Staff to use their own discretion when selecting the
roof shingle color.
C. Hamel Community Building Signage
1. The Hamel Lions Club has asked to place two stained glass plaques in the
Community Building Hall and one plaque on a pillar at the front entrance, in
recognition of the Club's considerable contributions toward the cost of the
building. Commissioners were given photos of the stained glass plaques.
a) Gerry Dykhoff make a motion, which was seconded and passed
unanimously, that the Lions be permitted to go ahead and place the
plaques as discussed.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2006 Revised
Medina City Hall
Page 5 of 6
D. Standard Signage for Parks
1. Robin Reid and Jodi Wunsch showed photos of the type of wooden signs
they are suggesting be used for the parks. Jodi has located a potential
supplier of sandblasted wood relief signs. Galen Bruer asked about the
possibility of the City developing a new logo (other than the "M") but Carolyn
Smith and Robin Reid stated that getting a logo designed and accepted by the
City Council and the community would be a major project. It was suggested
that the park signs display a standard design with the words City of Medina on
all signs.
2. Tom Gregor and Randy Hughes pointed out that the budget for the new
signs should be included in the CIP.
a) Tom Gregor made a motion, which was seconded and passed
unanimously, for Robin Reid and City Staff to work with a sign company
to develop a standard sign design, starting with two signs for Hamel
Legion Park, and that money be added to the 2007 and 2008 budgets to
pay for signs for all of the remaining parks.
E. County Road 19 Trail
1. Chad Adams asked about holding the public hearing about the trail design
before the next Park Commission meeting, August 16. There are several
issues to be addressed: the location of the trail, the proposed box culvert
tunnel, the trail from Independence Beach to the park, and safety concerns
about pedestrians trying to cross Cty Rd 19.
2. The format of the meeting will include a short presentation by Hennepin
County engineers about the alternative designs, and then public comments.
Residents of Independence Beach will have be notified by a letter from the
City. Citizens who wish to speak would be asked to come up to the
microphone, and to limit their comments to 2 minutes. The public discussion
will be recorded.
a) A motion was made and passed to ask City Staff to arrange the
public hearing in August, if Hennepin County engineers can attend, or in
September at the latest.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2006 Revised
Medina City Hall
Page 6 of 6
F. Children's Play Area at Hamel Legion Park
1. Gerry Dykhoff said that the Athletic Club would like to start planning for the
new play area and new play structures. Dave Owen of E. F. Anderson, the
supplier of the new play structures at Lakeshore Park and Hunter Lions Park,
has volunteered to do some concept drawings at no cost. Chad Adams said
that because this project will cost over $50,000 City regulations require an
open selection process where all interested firms are invited to submit
proposals, and to have E. F. Anderson do concept sketches before the open
selection process is probably illegal because it would give them a big
advantage over the other equipment suppliers. It was suggested that the
Athletic Club go ahead and prepare a Request for Proposal to get the
selection process started.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: August 16th
Minutes prepared by Robin Reid, Secretary, Park Commission