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.