HomeMy Public PortalAbout05.19.2021_Park Commission Meeting MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2021
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The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on May 19, 2021 at 7:00
p.m., which was held virtually pursuant Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.021. Park Commission Chair John
Jacob presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners Present: Mary Morrison, John Jacob, Angela Bernhardt, Nila
Norman, Steve Lee, Terry Sharp, Troy Hutchinson
Youth Members Present: Emily Jans and Katya Cavanaugh
Commissioners Absent: None
Also Present: Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Assistant City
Administrator Jodi Gallup, Planning Director Dusty Finke,
Councilmember Joe Cavanaugh
2) Additions to the Agenda: None.
3) Approval of the Minutes from:
March 17, 2021 Meeting: No changes.
A motion was made by Sharp and seconded by Morrison to approve the minutes from
March 17, 2021 as presented.
A roll call vote was taken:
Lee aye
Sharp aye
Bernhardt aye
Norman aye
Hutchinson aye
Morrison aye
Jacob aye
Motion passed unanimously.
4) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): None.
5) City Council Update
Cavanaugh provided an update on recent City Council actions.
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May 19, 2021
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6) Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
Finke stated that tonight the Commission will review a potential route through Medina for
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail (DLRT). He reviewed background information on the
DLRT and the engagement that has occurred over the past year as part of the Master Plan
process. He noted that the Park Commission and City Council did not support the route
proposed through the southern portion of Medina and requested engagement on an alternative
route that would connect the DLRT to Baker Park. He noted that the Council has stated that
they would not support the use of eminent domain and trail corridor acquisition would need
to occur with willing sellers or through park dedication over time. He provided details on the
two options that would connect from the northern city boundary to Hamel Road and noted
that a summary of the reports from the engagement completed was included in the
Commission packet for review. He stated that the intent tonight is to gain a recommendation
from the Commission and present that to the Council at its June 1st meeting. He noted that
Three Rivers Park District intends to move forward on its DLRT planning process, either
with a recommended route through Medina or by working with neighboring communities and
bypassing Medina. He introduced the members of the Three Rivers Park District team
present at the meeting tonight.
Stephen Shurson, Three Rivers Park District Project Manager, displayed a map showing two
trail options coming from Corcoran and through the northern portion of Medina, connecting
to Baker Park, into Orono, continuing through Long Lake, and connecting through Wayzata.
Stewart Crosby, SRF, reviewed the existing condition of Hamel Road and noted that the
preferred trail option would be to have a back of curb trail which would remain within the
right-of-way. He stated that in situations where the ditch is steep, there are wetlands or other
challenges, the trail could be placed on the outside of the ditch. He stated that sometimes in
those instances a permanent easement could be needed. He stated that Hamel Road provides
a lot of opportunities but also has challenges. He provided additional details on the different
route options, challenges, and design elements that would come along with those routes.
Shurson stated that the public engagement process ran a course of about seven weeks and
reviewed the different methods that were utilized in attempt to solicit the most input from the
public. He stated that there were two in person open house sessions at Fields of Medina Park
and Baker Park along with three virtual meetings. He provided details on the input received
through the interactive map option, noting that there was generally more support for the route
north of Highway 55 and more opposition as it moved along Hamel Road. He stated that for
those opposed to the trail, the majority of the concern centered on a concern with a loss of
privacy and perceived loss of security. He stated that for those that supported the trail, the
main theme related to connectivity and the opportunity to have a safe crossing of Highway
55. He noted that engagement support was evenly split between the two routes. He
summarized that the majority of Hamel Road property owners were opposed to the trail while
those that lived further from Hamel Road were very supportive because they desire that
connectivity. He noted that the decision would be of the City as to whether it wants to move
forward with the project. He stated that if Medina does not want to move forward, Three
Rivers Park District will continue to move forward, working with other communities.
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May 19, 2021
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Jacob thanked the members present from Three Rivers Park District, Finke and the members
of the public that have been involved in the engagement throughout this process. He stated
that the Commission has been provided with copies of all the comments received thus far and
therefore those comments do not need to be repeated tonight. He welcomed any additional
comments that residents may have tonight.
Doug Dunlay, 4292 Arrowhead Drive, thanked the City and Park District for engaging the
public and providing the opportunity for input. He stated that currently there are two options
proposed, noting that the eastern route would impact his property along with many of his
neighbors. He stated that the route comes through his yard, clips his garage, and comes
down his driveway which would be a huge impact. He asked that the Commission not
support that route. He stated that if the eastern route is chosen, that should run along
Meander Road rather than crossing private property and impacting wetlands. He stated that
he is not against a bike path but believed the least impactful route to landowners, privacy and
the wetlands should be found at the most economical and feasible manner.
Finke commented that the long-range planning of the project was discussed and in areas of
the city that have been identified for future development, exact routes were not necessarily
identified but rather general location which could be worked into future potential
development. He noted that in those instances the trail would be part of a subdivision request
and received through park dedication.
Chris Blattner, 3085 Hamel Road, commented that he has a huge concern with the posted
graphic related to the number of people that supported and opposed the trail. He stated that
there were probably a lot of votes from individuals that live within a subdivision and do not
have direct impacts. He explained that he, and many of his neighbors, purchased their land
because of their desire for privacy and have concern with a trail running through the area.
Dan Strand, 1985 Hamel Road, stated that he has many concerns. He stated that at the March
17th meeting there was a statement made that the route to the west was slightly different than
the original western route and asked the reason that route was changed. He stated that it was
mentioned that Cavanaugh requested that change and asked which properties were involved.
Shurson commented that he believed the change was made around the Tamarack Drive area
in order to better align with the planned City streets north of Highway 55. He stated that the
lines should be considered conceptual and flexible as there is the potential for future
development which would provide opportunity to obtain trails. He stated that they also
eliminated the route along 116.
Finke stated that early on in the process there were three potential crossings of Highway 55
and as the process moved forward the potential Arrowhead crossing was moved further west
because of the topography of the location.
Strand stated that there has been a lot of work put into this process but there is a horse trail
down Hamel Road for community use. He asked where the drainage from the trail would be
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May 19, 2021
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routed. He referenced the cost for the trail and asked where the funds would come from to
construct the trail. He noted that an overpass is expense as are impacts to wetlands. He
recognized the anticipated schedule to move forward to the Council in June but believed that
is premature. He stated that he does not support a trail that would come through this
property. He asked how many members of the city would use the trail versus those from
outside Medina.
Mark Lamberty, 4250 Arrowhead Drive, stated that the eastern route would directly impact
their property. He stated that there is already a bike path on their property. He asked why
Meander Road to Arrowhead Drive would not be considered as a viable option rather than
crossing private properties and wetlands. He stated that the property owners have expressed
opposition and therefore was unsure how this could be a viable route when there are not
willing sellers.
Tracey Lamberty commented that there are bikers using the roadway/path every day and
evening. She asked why those bikers would not continue to be served with a path that would
provide safety to both the bikers and drivers.
Mr. Blattner commented that he did not believe the bikers would use the trails as they
continue to use the roadways even when there are trails available.
Mr. Lamberty asked and received confirmation that the emails he submitted were included
and distributed to the members of the Commission. He stated that there is a park at the end
of the road that they have allowed the City to access through their property for maintenance,
even though it is a no maintenance park. He stated that he would have no desire to continue
to allow that access if this route is approved.
Lee stated if the City were to approve the trail corridor, could it then find itself in a situation
where the park district decided to move the corridor outside of Medina because of the
challenges that exist on the routes.
Shurson stated that if Medina approves a route, the park district would be committed to it and
would not come back at a future date stating it is not feasible. He stated that they understand
there are challenges, but those challenges are not insurmountable.
Lee stated that he agrees with the concept that existing trails and pathways should be used
where they already exist rather than going through private property. He stated that for a long
time the City has tried to find a way to connect both north and south and east and west
through more than just driving and it has been a struggle. He stated that conceptually
everyone supports the concept but when it comes close to someone’s home their opinion is
changed. He commented that the park district is willing to help the City build a trail and a
safe crossing to get over Highway 55. He stated that if the City chooses not to move
forward, it will miss the opportunity to connect the north and south and east to west and that
would be a terrible missed opportunity. He noted that cost would then fall solely to the
residents of Medina in the future. He commented that the residents in the north have felt
somewhat isolated and therefore he is attempting to best solve that dilemma.
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Sharp stated that one role of the Commission is to make trails and parks accessible to all
residents of Medina. He stated that it is tough to meet the wants and needs of all and he
greatly respects the residents along Hamel Road. He commented that there will be a lost
opportunity for the City and future generations of residents if Three Rivers chooses to bypass
Medina. He stated that people come to Minnesota because of the parks and trails, both
neighborhood and regional, and if those are not accessible that is a lost opportunity.
Bernhardt stated that she has appreciated the openness and number of meetings to allow
public input. She stated that she is ready to make a decision but is not sure it fits with the
comments of the previous two Commission members.
Norman stated that she has found it interesting and fun to see the members of the public
participate throughout the engagement process. She stated that the role of the Commission is
to think about both the present and future residents of the community. She stated that 30
years from now she cannot predict what the landscape will look like but is certain it will
involve people wanting to be outside and enjoying the environment. She stated that she
agrees more with the previous Commission member in the overall sentiment and commented
that she is heavily weighing the disruption that would be caused to those along Hamel Road.
Hutchinson stated that he has lived in Medina for over 12 years on Lake Independence,
therefore he is not unfamiliar with all that comes with having property that abuts public
space. He stated that as a lakeshore property owner, the lake is shared with those from the
public that use the lake in both the summer and winter months. He stated that they have
consistently seen through the different proposals that those that live along the search
corridors provide the feedback and express that they do not want something in their
backyard. He noted that is a common theme with development and other public projects. He
stated that part of the draw in moving to Medina was the proximity of the neighborhood to
the trail system and Baker Park. He stated that is something that should be highly valued and
treasured by the community. He stated that Three Rivers Park District has skilled staff
members with a tremendous amount of past experience and education and are objective in
how they look at this. He explained that the desire is to build public trails that are accessible
to all for the public good. He stated that he places value on the suggestions, studies, and
proposals from the Park District. He stated that he does support the work that has been done
by the Park District and supports the proposal.
Morrison stated that she is strongly opposed to placing the trail down Hamel Road as she
does not see why that route is more suitable than others that were eliminated (Tamarack and
Hunter). She stated that Hamel Road is narrow with bad sightlines and the trail impedes the
rural properties on which it would run adjacent. She stated that she senses that the desire is
for the crossing over Highway 55 and believed there is a solution that can provide that
without impeding Hamel Road. She noted that the timeline has been stated as 20 to 30 years
and did not believe Medina could wait that long to obtain the safe crossing for Highway 55
and therefore this would not provide a solution for the connection issue Medina already has.
She did not believe that it would make sense that Hamel Road would become the sacrificial
neighborhood because everyone else has already objected. She believed that the City is
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May 19, 2021
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chasing the money opportunity without supporting what is ultimately best for Medina and its
residents and therefore would not support this moving forward.
Jans commented that she appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback. She stated that she
agrees that this trail would be an opportunity and asset to future generations and would allow
more people to enjoy the rural character of Medina. She asked how the environmental
concerns would differ between the two routes and how impacts to the environment would be
mitigated.
Shurson commented that he believed there were more wetlands to be crossed on the west
option compared to the east. He explained that they build boardwalks elevated above the
surface of wetlands which still allows for vegetation to grow and animal life to pass under the
boardwalks. He stated that boardwalks are also constructed in the winter in order to
minimize disruption. He noted that they would also work with the local Watershed District
to ensure the proper methods are followed.
Crosby commented that the western route has roughly 1,100 feet of linear wetland while the
eastern route has upwards of 1,600 linear feet, which would place the eastern route as the
route with more wetland area.
Cavanaugh commented that she would support a trail going through that area because it
would be great to share the natural beauty of Medina with residents and others. She stated
that it would also be great to have a safe pedestrian crossing over Highway 55.
Jacob commented that this project and undertaking has exposed a lot of interesting
challenges and the differences in opinion between the residents in the north and south and
whether residents would be directly impacted by the trail. He stated that it is important to
preserve the rural character of Medina as that is the reason most residents moved to Medina.
He thanked Three Rivers Park District and its planning team for the work and effort that has
gone into this. He recognized that there are a lot of details that would be involved in making
the project a success but there does not seem to be a large amount of support for this and
therefore he would not be supporting this trail. He recognized that the ultimate decision
would be of the City Council.
Lee thanked everyone that has provided comments and questions throughout this process,
recognizing the time that everyone has put into this consideration. He asked if Medina were
to move forward, would this be a timeline of 20 to 30 years.
Kelly Grissman, Three Rivers Park District, commented that the trails proposed from Hamel
Road north would fall under a sooner timeframe. She stated that the Park District looks for
any opportunity to coordinate with other projects and willing sellers. She stated that once
property becomes available, they work to secure that. She believed there is more opportunity
to do that in the northern portion of Medina where properties will be developing, and roads
are still be configured. She stated that getting an overpass over Highway 55 would be a
challenge but beginning those conversations sooner would help to make it a more successful
project. She stated that as Medina continues to develop, it would make for a more
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competitive and easily fundable project. She commented that work could happen in the next
seven to 10 years, whereas the Hamel segment would fall under 10 to 30 years and would be
based on opportunities and whether additional right-of-way would be needed. She stated that
the Park District only uses eminent domain when a community requests and supports that and
Medina has stated that it does not support that option therefore the timing would be based on
when opportunities present themselves.
Lee asked if Scherer has any comments related to the overpass.
Scherer stated that he has no comment.
Lee referenced the comment that was made that Hamel Road was chosen by default because
of the opposition expressed by other residents. He stated that Hamel Road provided access to
people north of Highway 55 to Baker Park, which the City currently does not offer and
something the other alignments did not provide. He thanked the youth members for their
input tonight.
Morrison commented that she feels that Medina is committed to its rural character and to
force rural landowners to have a trail near their livestock would not seem appropriate. She
acknowledged the point that this would connect to Baker Park but there would be options
through Corcoran that could provide that connection as well.
Mr. Lane referenced the question that was raised in respect to alternative trail options and
reminded the Commission that there is a paved trail from the north in Corcoran, across
Highway 55, through Loretto and into Baker Park which was paid for and constructed by
Three Rivers Park District. He stated that while it might be fine to have a pedestrian
overpass included in the long-range planning, there is access from the north to Baker Park.
A motion was made by Morrison and seconded by Norman to recommend that the City not
support a Diamond Lake Regional Trail route through Medina at this time.
A roll call vote was taken:
Lee nay
Sharp nay
Bernhardt aye
Norman aye
Hutchinson nay
Morrison aye
Jacob aye
Motion passed 4-3.
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May 19, 2021
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Finke commented that the intent is to present this recommendation to the City Council at the
June 1st meeting.
7) James and Meliss Korin – Pioneer Trail Preserve – 2325 Pioneer Trail – Park
Dedication Review
Finke presented a subdivision request for 2325 Pioneer Trail which would create three rural
lots on the 40-acre site. He stated that there is one house under construction on the property,
which is allowed and noted that home would fall under lot one if the request is ultimately
approved. He stated that the property does not have frontage on Pioneer Trail and would
receive access through an easement on the property to the east. He stated that the City would
have the option to request 10 percent of the buildable land, cash in lieu, or a combination of
the two. He noted that there are no park or trail improvements identified in this area and
therefore staff recommends cash in lieu to satisfy park dedication in the amount of $16,000.
Morrison asked if the cash in lieu would be made available to develop trails or whether it
could only be used for parks.
Finke confirmed that the funds would be available for trail construction, noting that most of
the trails in Medina are constructed using park dedication fees.
The Commissioners all agreed with the recommendation of cash in lieu to satisfy park
dedication.
A motion was made by Lee and seconded by Sharp to recommend cash in lieu of land in
the amount of $16,000 to satisfy park dedication requirements for the Pioneer Trail
Preserve Plat.
A roll call vote was taken:
Lee aye
Sharp aye
Bernhardt aye
Norman aye
Hutchinson absent
Morrison aye
Jacob aye
Motion passed unanimously.
8) Staff Report
General Items – Gallup stated that the City Council has been discussing a return to in person
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meetings and noted that the tentative plan would be to return to in person
meetings in July. She asked for input on whether a park tour would be desired for
July. She noted that typically the Commission completes that in May but
postponed that because of the discussion tonight and concerns with COVID. She
stated that if a park tour is desired, she would suggest an alternate date other than
the regular meeting night. She stated that she will poll the Commission members
to determine the best date.
Jacob noted that if each member of the Commission could visit their assigned
park, an alternative would be for the group to provide updates on the status of
each of the parks.
Cavanaugh asked whether youth members are also assigned a park.
Gallup confirmed that the members of the Commission have been assigned
multiple parks and therefore she will let youth members choose a park which
would lessen the load of the Commission. She stated that she will follow up with
the youth members to determine which parks they would like.
Scherer reported that the ballfield lighting installation contract was awarded by
the Council the previous night and estimated that the lights would be delivered in
about three weeks and perhaps the goal to have the lights up and running before
the end of the season could be reached. He stated that the Public Works crew has
been working on the Arrowhead Drive trail connection near Loram and provided
an update, anticipating that would be completed in the next month.
Jacob asked when the adjacent project in Plymouth at Medina Road and 101
would be completed as that impacted traffic.
Scherer replied that project was only three days and was completed. He
recognized that the road parking is very active during baseball games. He stated
that he encouraged HAC to tell their members to use the overflow parking rather
than the roadway.
Lee asked if there is an update for Hunter Lions Park.
Scherer provided an update on that planning process, noting that they are working
on the grading for the pickleball courts to ensure there would not be drainage
problems for the neighboring properties.
Morrison stated that she has received questions from horseback riders north of 24
related to dedicated horse trails and when trails would be constructed. She asked
that the Commission also review the trails in addition to their assigned parks.
Scherer stated that there is no real update other than that staff needs to walk
through the Deer Hill development to determine where that will be placed. He
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stated that the trailhead for the Marx property has not yet been established. He
also provided an update on a recent tree planting event in coordination with local
Scouts noting that approximately 380 trees were planted.
9) Adjourn
A motion was made by Sharp, seconded by Lee, to adjourn the meeting.
A roll call vote was taken:
Lee aye
Sharp aye
Bernhardt aye
Norman aye
Hutchinson absent
Morrison aye
Jacob aye
Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.