07-10-2018 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION July 10, 2018 would help residents moving forward. Darling agreed and mentioned a large map had been provided, but the Xcel representatives still couldn’t tell residents exactly where the easement boundaries were. The Community Services Manager stated the City Engineer was working on a map that provided clear color-coded lines to help residents visualize the different boundaries. He explained there would be a note on the map to say these are approximate measurements taken from an aerial satellite, and a property owner would need a survey of their property to be certain where the boundaries are. The Community Services Manager reported comments had been made about vegetation and trees that still had not been removed, but Xcel said there was a dispute regarding an agreement that needed to be resolved before the trees could be taken down. He explained many residents were also worried about stumps that had been left in the area and would pose a large expense to the resident for removal. The Community Services Manager stated Xcel Energy would not come back to take additional vegetation for about two years, at which point they may return an take down some of the vegetation that was left. He stated the area had also been sprayed with an herbicide, and nothing could be grown until next year. Ray asked if Xcel would come back every four years to remove vegetation that was too tall. The Community Services Managers stated that was correct, and typically the removal is much more minimal. He stated the recent federal law changes prompted Xcel to cut down all the vegetation below the powerlines. The Community Services Managers stated the next step was to have Minnesota Native Landscape come in and talk about possible opportunities for the area. Chu thanked the Community Services Manager and City staff for putting the neighborhood meeting together. The Community Services Manager reported Hunter Huot was looking to build screening for the portable restrooms at Spooner Park and Pioneer Park for his Eagle Scout Project. He explained this was on the Commission’s Priority list for 2018. The Community Services Manager stated staff had reviewed Huot’s plan and believe it to be both structurally sound in compliance with the City code, and the proper size for future maintenance. He explained the structure would be built on buckshot rock, with cedar-tone treated lumber. The Community Services Managers stated it would be secured to the ground with wooden stakes, allowing for movement if needed. Huot introduced himself and explained the cost of the project would be $1500, and he was requesting up to $500 from the City, up to $800 from the Little Canada Recreation Association, and he would fundraise for the rest. Darling asked how the restroom would be cleaned. Huot explained there was enough clearance to move the restroom out from the front opening or the top. The Community Services Manager stated the restrooms are typically cleaned on site, and a truck comes to the restroom to clean it out. He noted the buckshot rock could also be more easily removed as opposed to concrete if it needed to be moved. Chair PORTABLE RESTROOM SCREENING: EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT