01-05-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION January 5, 2017 CREATING PUBLIC ACCESS ON SAVAGE LAKE The City Administrator explained the City would advertise this position in the Star Tribune. The City Administrator stated the advertisement, pending the City Council decision, would be opened very soon until February 10th. He explained the vetting process would include written questions followed by phone interviews and then in-person interviews. He noted the employee would begin around April 10th. The City Administrator reminded the Commission that the position title was still undecided between Community Services Manager and Parks and Recreation Director. He stated he had come up with Community Services Manager after reviewing a salary survey and titles from the League of Minnesota Cities. The City Administrator explained this would help broaden the applicant pool and ensure a wider array of people would apply and the City could work with the capabilities of that individual. Chair Miller asked if the position would be posted on the Little Canada website, and in the newsletter. The City Administrator said it would be in both places. Chu asked why the description did not list a salary range. The City Administrator explained he thought it could deter applicants, and thought the wording, depending on qualifications, would help broaden the applicant pool. He also noted there is a question on the application about desired salary. Ray asked if the Commission could be involved in the interview process. The City Administrator thought that would be a good idea. Darling made a motion to approve the position advertisement. Schletty seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Chair Miller explained the Commission has been discussing how to involve the public and hear their input on creating public access to west Savage Lake. He explained their next step is to mail a survey to residents in the area. Darling asked if Rocky Waite would like to come and share his thoughts with the Commission. The City Administrator stated Waite had requested public access so that surrounding residents could use the body of water for activities like canoeing. He explained Waite had proposed using the public access on Old County Road C, but noted staff thought Lake Street would be the more feasible public access for parking and the lessor grade down to the lake. The City Administrator recommended the Commission send out a survey to selected residents before having a public input session in order to gauge people’s thoughts on this project. He explained that although the proposed access points are public, there is always concern that residents may feel they are losing their sense of privacy. The City Administrator stated staff could design a survey, but the Commission needed to decide who to send the survey to. He explained when there is a proposed zoning change a notice goes to all residents within 350 feet of the proposed change. He