HomeMy Public PortalAbout03.15.2023 Informal Park Commission Meeting MinutesCITY OF MEDINA
PARK COMMISSION
Informal Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2023
Page 1 of 3
The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on March 15, 2023 at 7:00
p.m.
Vice Chairperson Terry Sharp presided.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairperson Terry Sharp called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Park Commissioners Terry Sharp, Nila Norman and Tom Mayer. Youth Park
Commissioners Katya Cavanaugh and June Ney.
Absent: Park Commissioners Mary Morrison, Troy Hutchinson, Steve Webster and Will Gunter.
Also Present: Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Public Works Administrative Assistant Lisa
DeMars, Planning Director Dusty Finke and Park Commission Liaison to City Council
Councilmember Joe Cavanaugh.
Vice Chairperson Terry Sharp determined that a quorum was not present and recommended that
the meeting continue informally. The Commissioners in attendance agreed to continue the
meeting informally.
2. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Sharp stated no additions to the agenda would be considered because a quorum was not present.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sharp noted approval of the January park commission minutes would carry over April, or at the
next meeting where a quorum was present.
4. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE
Joe Cavanaugh provided an update on recent City Council Actions.
5. CATES INDUSTRIAL PARK – Oppidan Investments – Preliminary Plat and Site Plan
Review
CITY OF MEDINA
PARK COMMISSION
Informal Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2023
Page 2 of 3
Finke began the presentation noting that short of a quorum, the Commissioners may ask
questions and make informal comments.
Finke summarized Oppidan Investments has requested land use approvals for development of
approximately 310,000 square feet of warehouse/light industrial/office buildings on
approximately 30 acres east of Willow Drive, north of Chippewa Road.
Finke explained City’s subdivision regulations require up to one of the following amounts to be
dedicated for parks, trails, and open space purposes: 2.8 acres of land to be dedicated – 10% of
the buildable property or $250,000-$315,000 (estimated) in-lieu of land dedication – 8% of the
pre-developed market value or a combination of land and cash.
Finke further explained the City’s Parks and Trails plan do not identify future park or trail
improvements in the vicinity of the subject site, but it is important to reevaluate park and trail
needs when an amendment is proposed to the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan
identifies a search area for a neighborhood park to the east of the site, but the City has purchased
property at 2120 Chippewa Road for this park.
Finke noted the Park Commission did not previously believe an additional park is likely
necessary in the area. Finke reminded the Park Commission that during Comprehensive Plan
Amendment and Concept Plan Review they did not recommend requiring park land. The
Commission did recommend trail improvements.
Sharp made an informal recommendation to require dedication of trail easements as described in
the staff report, and with cash-in lieu of additional land dedication. Norman and Mayer agreed
with the informal recommendation. Youth Park Commissioners did not have any questions.
6. STAFF REPORT
DeMars asked if any Park Commissioner had questions regarding the staff report. There were
none.
DeMars reminded the Park Commission that city wide clean-up day is on Saturday April 29.
Sharp instructed DeMars to prepare visuals for Hunter Park Renovations, the new parkland
property on Chippewa Road, and to have park brochures available to hand out to residents.
Norman commented the tabletop display is a great opportunity to capture input from residents.
Sharp agreed and mentioned placing the park stand next to the butterfly garden stand seemed to
attract the crowds.
CITY OF MEDINA
PARK COMMISSION
Informal Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2023
Page 3 of 3
ADJOURN
A motion was made by Mayer, seconded by Sharp, to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Informal Minutes prepared by Lisa De Mars.