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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-21-2005 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2005 Page 1 of 4 Call to order 7:04 A. Commissioners present: Randy Hughes, Gerry Dykhoff , Robin Reid, Tom Gregor, Galen Bruer, Brad Kvanbek B. Absent:, Jeff Evanson C. Also present: Jim Dillman, Carolyn Smith D. Additions to agenda: None Approval of last meeting's minutes: Minutes of the July 20 meeting were approved. (Because two members had to leave early, agenda item order was changed) NEW BUSINESS: A. Proposed Development Near School Lake 1. Jim Dillman provided information on the newest development proposal under consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council, near School Lake. Currently there is a makeshift, private trail around the lake. He noted that an easement for a future City trail could be taken in lieu of all or part of the Park Dedication Fee, but because the trail currently has no public access, this would be problematic. Park Commissioners reserved comment until the proposal is more defined. 2. Carolyn Smith noted that the lots are long and narrow, and may not be consistent with the City's intention of maintaining a rural atmosphere in central Medina. The City Council is considering a moratorium on development until the ordinance describing lot requirement has been reviewed by the Council. B. Open Spaces Planning 1. There is a joint meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission and Park Commission on October 25, where Open Space issues will be discussed. After the meeting, the City Council will be asked to name an Open Spaces Committee. The Park Commission will be represented on the Committee. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2005 Page 2 of 4 C. Attendance at Park Commission Meetings 1. There was a discussion of the low attendance at Park Commission meetings, particularly over the summer. The Ordinance governing the Park Commission states in Section 10 that "two consecutive absences or four absences at regular schedule meetings in a calendar year shall be sufficient reason for the Council to find that a vacancy exists in the term of the member involved. The Park Commission shall notify the Council and the member." 2. Chairman Randy Hughes will contact the member in question to ascertain the member's future commitment to attending Park Commission meetings. D. Willow Hill Reserve 1. Jim Dillman provided information on a development that is being proposed for the area on the east side of Willow Drive, north of County Road 24 (not on the corner, but further up the road). This proposal will be going before the Planning Commission. 2. Although the Trail Study does not include a trail for this section of Willow, Commissioners agreed that this was an oversight and that another north - south trail would be desirable. There was a discussion of the width of easement needed, given that the road may be straightened to minimize the curve. Protection of the trees on the property was also discussed. Brad Kvanbek stated that he is opposed to so many restrictions being placed on landowners. He observed that during his tenure on the Park Commission, the focus had changed from taking care of existing parks to acquiring easements over various properties and he disapproves of this trend. Jim Dillman noted that he has visited many landowners who have significant green space acreage, and that most Medina landowners are good stewards of their property even without City intervention. Carolyn Smith agreed, but said that regulations are needed to restrain those landowners who don't comply with the City's vision of a rural community. Robin Reid observed that she thinks the regulations are needed not so much for the current landowners, but rather to restrict the actions of future land buyers who might not be as willing to comply voluntarily. a) A motion was proposed to request an easement of 45 feet from the centerline of Willow Drive for a future trail, and to ask that natural features be preserved wherever possible, particularly any remnants of the Big Woods found on the property. The motion passed with one dissenting vote by Bran Kvanbek. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2005 Page 3 of 4 E. Rainwater Park 1. Jim Dillman said that there will be some storm sewer work done in the proposed park area this fall. Next spring, he would like to plant 50 Eastern Red Cedars to provide a wind break and screen the railroad tracks. At $12 per tree, the cost would be $600. a) A motion was proposed and unanimously passed asking that the City Council allocate $600 in the 2006 Budget for this project. OLD BUSINESS: A. Hamel Legion Park 1. City Council member Liz Weir has asked that the young trees in the Park be protected from damage by deer during the winter. Jim Dillman said this will be done as park maintenance. Also, she is donating two bluebird houses. Commissioners asked Jim Dillman to mount the bird houses in a suitable location. He noted that birdhouses do require periodic cleaning which will have to be done by City employees. 2. Tom Gregor offered to develop a plan for additional landscaping to screen the Well House, using low -maintenance plantings. 3. Jim Dilllman reported that three new park benches (one donated and two budgeted by the City) are to be installed. Tom Gregor will assist in determining locations, based on the locations selected last spring during a Park Commission tour of the park. 4. Jim Dillman said that the parking lot has been paved and the trail will be paved soon. He also noted that there is a need for more signage to direct people to the Community Building, particularly at the Mill Drive entrance. B. Hunter Drive Trail 1. Jim Dilllman has made progress in his ongoing attempt to obtain easements from the patchwork of landowners on Hunter Drive, so that the trail can be completed. He is still working out the details with the remaining owners. One owner is concerned about a black walnut tree on her property which she wants preserved. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2005 Page 4of4 C. Lakeshore Park 1. Work on the play area and the boat ramp has been completed. Brad Kvanbek is soliciting donations from concrete suppliers so that he and his crew can complete the walkway soon. Adjourn — 8:50 PM Next meeting — October 19, at the Community Building