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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.