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MINUTES <br />PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION <br />October 5, 2017 <br />Little Canada Farmers Market, apartments and mobile home communities, <br />Minnesota Grown/Master Gardener, and church or school involvement. <br />The Community Services Manager stated plot fees and fundraisers would <br />be sources of revenue. <br /> <br />The Community Services Manager stated there were two potential <br />locations in Pioneer Park, two additional locations near the future <br />extension of the powerline trail off Edgerton near County Road D, and one <br />location off Spruce Street and South Owasso Boulevard near the <br />waterworks trail and the mobile home park. He explained Pioneer Park <br />option one is close to Montreal Court Apartments, and option two is close <br />to a fire hydrant. The Community Services Manager stated the Edgerton <br />locations were highly visible, close to apartments, and parking could be <br />added in conjunction with planned street improvements. He noted the land <br />for the Spruce Street and Owasso Boulevard location was not owned by <br />the City, but the area was currently undeveloped and could provide an <br />opportunity. The Community Services Manager explained there was also <br />additional information in the Commission’s packet about community <br />gardens. <br /> <br />Horwath asked if fencing was a necessary expense. The Community <br />Services Manager stated it varies, but fencing help keeps animals out. <br />Sullivan noted she had noticed many residents choose to put up their own <br />fencing for their garden plots. Ray asked how much preparation is <br />necessary in starting a community garden. The Community Services <br />Manager stated some soil testing should be done, and the land should be <br />tilled, staked out by plot, and the rental options would have to be <br />advertised. Darling suggested having people bring their own tools. Ray <br />asked if it would be possible to prepare the land yet this year. The <br />Community Services Manager stated that would depend on the location <br />since the Edgerton options were on public easements, and the Spruce <br />Street Owasso Boulevard option was not owned by the City. Horwath <br />noted parking may be an issue since it is likely people would be coming at <br />the same time of day to care for their plot. The Community Services <br />Manager stated plot sizes would have to be determined, he suggested 15’ <br />by 15’ or 15’ by 20’ and rules would be needed. Chair Miller asked if the <br />plots would be rented and registered with the City. The Community <br />Services Manager explained they would and a waiting list would be <br />created if necessary. Chair Miller indicated his first choice was the Pioneer <br />Park option near Montreal Courts. Horwath agreed option one would be a <br />good location. Councilman Fischer stated he was hesitant to open up the <br />community garden to communities living outside the City. He asked if <br />there was a strong need for a community garden in Little Canada. The <br />Commission agreed it should be open to Little Canada residents only. <br />Chair Miller asked how much a soil sample would cost. Sullivan stated it <br />is approximately $17. Chair Miller cautioned land should not be purchased