06-04-2015 Parks Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION June 4, 2015 30 foot buffer between the townhomes and the pond. He hoped that would be enough space to hide the pond from view. He also included a 75 foot buffer between the parking lot and pond. The City Engineer said this would leave enough room for a parking lot expansion as well as maintaining some of the current wooded area. There will not be a wooded buffer between Centerville Road and the pond. Miller asked if there would be a fence between the pond and the sidewalk. The City Engineer said there would not be, he said it is safer to not have a fence so emergency vehicles could save someone if something were ever to happen. The City Engineer also mentioned that native wetland mixtures like what is around the swale will be placed around the pond. Sanders asked about the shape of the pond. The City Engineer said to keep as many trees as possible, a square is the best shape, but the shape could be changed to a more curved form. The commission agreed this would be more aesthetically pleasing. Maida noted that trees were removed around the swale and never replaced. He said this project should include some kind of tree replacement plan. The City Engineer mentioned all of the items discussed can be added. The dimensions and picture shown are just a rough plan that MNDOT needed in order for the city to continue. Sanders asked if 30 feet was a sufficient buffer for the townhomes. The City Engineer thought it would be. Miller asked if Centerville Road would stay a county road. The City Engineer said it would. The pond would be under city control though. Sanders then inquired about the proposed sidewalk in front of city hall, which would connect Little Canada Road to Gervais Mill Park. The City Engineer explained the sidewalk would run in front of city hall along Noel Drive. The sidewalk would then run up between the two brick walls near the water tower and down towards Gervais Mill Park. He noted the sidewalk would have a five percent grade, but would be wheelchair accessible. Commission members noted the wall seems steep already, and if there was a sidewalk there it wouldn't be used because it would be more accessible to use the road. Fahey pointed out that if the walkway is too steep it would be hard to push strollers or a wheelchair through. Fahey asked if there would be a railing. The City Engineer said there would be a split rail fence along the path. Miller asked about the construction timeline. The City Engineer said that they are looking into getting it done this year, but another option would be to move the wall this year for a cheaper price. Then, next year, build the sidewalk. Sanders commented that he felt the Commission needed a better idea of the proposed plan. He noted that, currently, the commission felt the sidewalk would be very steep and therefore not a good use of space. After the City Engineer left Fahey again mentioned the sidewalk seems like it would be too steep. She wondered how steep a five percent grade would be. Fahey said she thought the commission should make a motion to talk about it at the next meeting and send a recommendation to the city. Other members noted they would like pictures or a better idea about how the sidewalk would lay. Sanders said he thought the Commission's feelings towards the project would be reflected in the minutes, and they should see what the city says before proceeding. Some mentioned just moving the lower wall so the 3