HomeMy Public PortalAbout07.21.2021_Park Commission Meeting MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2021
Page 1 of 4
The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on July 21, 2021 at 7:00
p.m., at Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair John Jacob presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners Present: Mary Morrison, John Jacob, Nila Norman, Steve Lee, Troy
Hutchinson
Youth Member Present: Katya Cavanaugh
Commissioners Absent: Angela Bernhardt, Terry Sharp
Youth Member Absent: Emily Jans
Also Present: Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Assistant City
Administrator Jodi Gallup, Administrative Assistant Lisa
DeMars, Councilmember Joe Cavanaugh
2) Additions to the Agenda: None.
3) Approval of the Minutes from:
May 19, 2021 Meeting
o A motion was made by Lee and seconded by Morrison to approve the
minutes from May 19, 2021 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
June 30, 2021 Meeting
o A motion was made by Hutchinson and seconded by Norman to approve
the minutes from June 30, 2021 as presented. 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.
6) Hamel Athletic Club Request
Ryan Wilson with the Hamel Athletic Club (HAC) Board provided an overview of their
program to the Park Commission and presented their vision to turn the Paul Fortin Memorial
Field into a “Field of Dreams” ballpark that would be an enduring destination for players,
fans, and the community.
Wilson explained that HAC is starting to prepare for their 100-year celebration, which will
take place in 2026 by collecting history of the townball teams and fields. He stated HAC’s
goal would be to fundraise and construct a grandstand prior to the 100-year celebration to be
able to hold a Minnesota townball tournament in their centennial year.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2021
Page 2 of 4
Wilson projected the new multi-use stadium would be able to be used seven days a week,
100 games a season, and attract 15,000 additional park visitors. The vision would be to
attract community members, families, and fans to watch VFW, American Legion, and
townball baseball. The grandstand could also be used for community gatherings for movies,
concerts, and fireworks.
Wilson explained the existing chain link fencing behind the backstop would come down and
a nylon netting would be used to allow for better visibility.
Wilson showed pictures of area grandstands similar in size to what HAC envisions with
seating between 200-250, including the Delano Municipal Park, Anoka Castle Field, Toro
Stadium at Red Haddox Field, and Waconia.
Wilson stated as part of the project additional field improvements at the Paul Fortin Field
would include dugout upgrades, improved bench storage, expanded walking area by pushing
out the fence from dugouts, new scoreboard, infield turf improvements, and upgraded
batters’ and catchers’ box.
Wilson reiterated that the new stadium would be a community gathering place, which would
also increase visibility for the Uptown Hamel businesses. The stadium would bring visitors
from our community and communities around the state.
Wilson explained how this new stadium would serve youth ages 14+, VFW and American
Legion baseball, and will allow more fans to attend our local townball team, the Hamel
Hawks. He explained how townball is a high-level adult amateur baseball program that has
been part of Minnesota for over 100 years.
The Park Commission asked questions regarding the possibility of utilizing the space for
community events, such as how much availability there would be for events other than
baseball and how would a concert work in a field?
Wilson explained that HAC’s program runs primarily Monday through Thursday evenings,
so there would be weekend availability for community events. He stated a temporary stage
would have to be placed on the field for a concert.
The Park Commissioners questioned the projected cost and funding for the project. Wilson
stated it would cost around $550,000 and be funded through donations, corporate sponsors,
fundraising, and pledges.
The Park Commissioners raised the issue of limited parking and questioned where the
additional park visitors would park their vehicles?
Wilson explained their parking areas and stated they also had an agreement with the bank to
allow parking in their lot in the evenings when the bank is closed.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2021
Page 3 of 4
The Park Commissioners questioned the life of a stadium. It was projected to last around 40
years.
The Park Commissioners thanked Wilson for attending the meeting and everything HAC has
done for the community.
7) 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan – Park Funding Discussion
Gallup provided a brief overview on park funding and stated that each year, the Park
Commission reviews the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to plan for future capital
park and trail projects over the next five years. The Park Commissioners reviewed the notes
from the June park tour, the park asset inventory sheet showing asset replacement years, and
the draft CIP to begin planning for future park improvements.
Discussion took place on how to improve Lakeshore Park. It was noted that the residents in
the neighborhood had several ideas, which some contradicted each other. It was suggested to
create a committee involving Park Commissioners and community members. Staff proposed
hiring a landscape architect again to help with design ideas. The Park Commissioners were
hesitant to spend too much money on design but saw value in it if the price was right.
The following changes were incorporated into the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan:
Lakeshore Park redesign – move $100,000 from 2021 to 2022
Medina Morningside redesign – add $100,000 in 2026
Medina Morningside baseball backstop – add $15,000 in 2022
Arrowhead Trail Connection 555 – Meander/Signal – Move from 2021 to 2022
Hackamore Trail – Move from 2021 to 2022
Medina Road Trail – breakup total dollar amount of $200,000 to be spread out over
next several years
Medina Lake Preserve – Add pavilion once City gains access to park
Hamel Legion Park – Add $5,000 in 2022 for new parking lot lights
Hamel Legion Park – Show $500,000 in 2023 for grandstand with the funding source
coming from donations
Shawnee Woods – Add $5,000 for new park entrance sign in 2022
Deerhill Road Preserve Trail – budget money in 2022 for paved trail
A motion was made by Lee and seconded by Hutchinson to recommend to the City Council
the discussed changes to the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan. Motion passed
unanimously.
8) Staff Report
General Items – Scherer provided an updated on trail paving throughout the city.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2021
Page 4 of 4
9) Adjourn
A motion was made by Lee, seconded by Hutchinson, and passed unanimously, to
adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.