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HomeMy Public PortalAbout11.17.2010 Park Commission MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2010 Medina City Hall Page 1 of 4 The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on November 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair Ben Benson presided. 1) Call to Order Commissioners present: Ben Benson, Janet White, Bill Waytas, Chris Hilberg, Ann Thies, Madeleine Linck, and Paul Jaeb Commissioners absent: None Also present: Public Works Superintendent Steve Scherer, City Council member Carolyn Smith, and Planning Consultant Steve Grittman 2) Additions to the Agenda: Matt Wilson, Eagle Scout Candidate, to discuss proposed project. 3) Approval of the Minutes October 20, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes • Section 6: Discussion took place on the need for parking because this trail would allow for the only public access in Medina to Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Natural Area. A motion was made by White and seconded by Linck to approve the minutes, with the addition noted above. Motion passed unanimously. 4) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): None. 5) City Council Update: Carolyn Smith updated the Park Commission that since the last time the Park Commission met, the City Council: • Appointed two members to a transitional liaison committee for the German Liberal Cemetery; • Discussed the poor performance of prairie grass at Gramercy and the installation of a "low mow" grass; • Reviewed the Lennar development and informed the Park Commission that the council is awaiting a recommendation regarding park dedication funds; • Discussed the Fortuna Farms trail and decided that the small northwest corner would suffice for parking, and approved a wider easement on the west property line. • Canvassed the election returns; • Informed the Commission that the first council meeting in December will center on budget discussions; • Recommended that Commissioners attend a November 22, 2010 meeting hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on the Green Step Program to discuss green/sustainable initiatives. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2010 Medina City Hall Page 2 of 4 Carolyn Smith also reminded the Commission that the City of Medina Holiday Party is December 2, 2010. 6) Matt Wilson, Eagle Scout Candidate, Proposed Project at Holy Name Park Matt Wilson addressed the Park Commission at their September 15, 2010 meeting regarding his desire to construct a pavilion at Holy Name Park. At that time he was advised to develop more detail on costing and building materials. Wilson initially proposed a 27' by 13' structure with six supports that would cost approximately $6,000.00. He is now proposing to the Commission at 26' by 10' structure and provided the following estimates: Material Estimate Lumber (quote from Hamel Building $2150.00 Center) Pavers $550.00 Class 5 $100.00 Sand $100.00 Tool rental $300.00 Miscellaneous $550.00 Total $3750.00 He stated that the bid from Hamel Building Center included cedar shingles. Metal shingles would cost $50.00 less; asphalt shingles would cost $300.00 less. He also suggested that further cost reductions could be recognized if the City were to donate some dirt work. Additional quotes from Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards will be sought. Significant discussion took place regarding funding sources, Park Dedication Funds, and the need for a development of a policy regarding these types of projects. Council Member Carolyn Smith reminded the Commission that future costs for maintenance need to be considered and questioned the size and scope of the project. Commissioner Hilberg objected to Smith's perceived interference with the Park Commission and stated that he felt the Commission's independence was being subverted by her agenda. Smith reminded Hilberg that the Council's feelings on these types of requests have been well documented. Commissioner Thies suggested that Wilson continue with his research and that staff recommend to the Commission some guidelines for a new policy. Steve Scherer asked for a volunteer from the Commission to assist. Commissioner Jaeb stated that he would assist. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2010 Medina City Hall Page 3 of 4 Chairman Benson then queried the Commission for their opinions on the validity of the proposed project. All Commissioners agreed that the prospect of a pavilion at Holy Name is desired, but expressed concerns on the size. Benson then directed Wilson to offer a reduced option (10' by 13") for consideration. He also stated that the Commission would not support full funding and that he will have to seek alternative sources of funding. Jaeb asked Wilson if he had enough direction, to which Wilson agreed. Jaeb asked Scherer if he could aggregate proposed projects on the 2011 Capital Improvement budget for discussion at their upcoming meeting on policy development. 7) Lennar Park Dedication Discussion Steve Grittman, Planning Consultant, provided the Commission with background on how park dedication funds are calculated, pursuant to the staff memo provided to commissioners. A general discussion ensued regarding the proposed trails through the southeast corner of the plat that was dedicated as a conservation area, cost of trail construction, and proposed trails connecting to the existing park system. Commissioner Linck expressed concern over fragmentation of the woods through the development of trails in the southeast area. Superintendent Scherer confirmed that the previous land owner had created trails through the property that are low impact and natural. Carole Toohey, a representative from Lennar Corporation was present and addressed the Commission regarding their desire for credit on the exchange of the conservation area for the land below the MUSA line. According to her figures the conservation area is approximately seven (7) acres and the land provided in exchange is approximately three (3) acres, leaving a net loss of four (4) acres. Much discussion ensued regarding this request. Carole Toohey told the commission that in the event that this concession is not granted they may turn over a portion of the conservation area to a Homeowner Association. Commissioner Thies felt that her statement was a threat. Benson polled the Commission regarding Lennar's request for a credit. Commissioners Benson, Thies, Hilberg, Linck, and White voted to deny the request. Commissioners Waytas and Jaeb thought that additional discussion was warranted. A motion was made by Hilberg to recommend that the applicant dedicate two 20 foot wide Off -road trail corridors to the Hamel Legion Park and one 15 foot wide corridor off of Hunter Drive with the remainder being cash -in -lieu based on the Required Dedication Analysis provided by Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. Motion seconded by Thies and passed unanimously. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2010 Medina City Hall Page 4 of 4 13) Adjourn A motion was made by Jaeb and seconded by White to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Minutes prepared by Paul Jaeb.