04-06-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION April 6, 2017 SURVEY UPDATE: PUBLIC ACCESS ON SAVAGE LAKE consulting firms for the consideration of proposals. He noted the update should include a section on the “wow factor park” in Pioneer Park and also a consulting section to explain what the Commission is looking for in a new Parks Consultant. The City Administrator thought a Parks Consultant wouldn’t be necessary for every meeting, but would still be important. He also suggested allowing the firms bidding for the project to include a section on a community engagement process for the wow-park. Chair Miller noted this section was very similar to the 2009 version and seemed to cover all necessary items. Horwath made a motion to approve the draft including a section on consulting services. Schletty seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. The City Administrator reported that the City of Little Canada was now on Facebook and Nextdoor. He explained the Facebook posts had reached 448 people, and this number was expected to increase as a larger following was built. The City Administrator stated that if a message was sent to Little Canada residents on Nextdoor, about 540 residents would be reached. Chair Miller noted it would be helpful if the City could post about road construction updates including the planned County project on Keller Parkway. Chu reminded the Commission to like the Facebook page or join Nextdoor if they haven’t already. Horwath suggested creating a Twitter page for the City as well. The City Administrator reported there had been a total of 38 responses to the survey so far, and more were continuing to come in. He explained there were 20 yes and 17 no in response to creating a public access to Savage Lake. The City Administrator stated staff will review the surveys for more information about which respondents lived on the lake. He clarified that the survey is open until the end of the month. Chair Miller asked the audience if they wanted to speak about the survey for a public access to Savage Lake. Chair Miller indicated the Commission was open to hearing their comments. Tom Wenzel, who lives at 164 Lake Street spoke about the narrow right of way on the Lake Street Access and the shoreline of Savage Lake. He explained the four people with him all lived on the lake and two abut the easement. Wenzel stated that while the Commission had considered the south access point because of its flatter grade and parking, they hadn’t considered the lake itself. He stated he was upset that the Commission had chosen to speak with Waite, but not other residents before sending out the survey. Wenzel felt the survey would not accurately depict the problems of creating a public access to Savage Lake. Wenzel showed photos that depicted the shoreline at the proposed Lake Street access point over the past 10 years. He explained the cattails had taken over the shoreline, from the right of way into the lake at least 120 SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE