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City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes <br />March 17, 2025 <br /> <br />Members Present: Commissioners Kastler, Barrett, Hoelscher, Sturtz and Esch Absent: Commissioner Elam Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel <br />The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30 PM. <br /> <br />Approval of Agenda Agenda approved by consensus; no discussion. <br /> <br />Approval of Minutes <br />The January 22, 2025 Parks Commission Minutes were approved as presented by <br />consensus, no discussion. <br /> <br />The February 19, 2025 Parks Commission Minutes were approved by consensus with <br />updates to note that Chair Hoelscher called the meeting to order and the first two motions <br />were passed 5-0; no discussion. <br /> Public Comments Susan Dunn, 11018 Upper 33rd St. N., commented on a map received from the Washington Conservation District denoting critical habitat in the area, pickleball courts and additional parking in Pebble Park. Ms. Dunn also noted that Daughters of the American Revolution will be planting a tree again this year for Arbor Day. Chair Hoelscher requested that Ms. Dunn’s written comments be added as an official attachment to the meeting minutes. <br /> Inwood 8th Addition/Towns of Inwood Preliminary Plat and PUD <br /> <br />Senior Planner Jensen presented the proposed plan from M/I Homes for development of roughly <br />19.3 acres into townhomes and apartments. Jensen noted that there are two city parks located less <br />than one mile from the proposed development and it is not in the search area. The trail plan was <br />also presented with staff recommendation to accept cash in lieu of parkland. <br /> <br />Barrett motioned to recommend to the City Council approval of the Inwood 8th <br />Addition/Towns of Inwood preliminary plat with the acceptance of cash in lieu of land based <br />on the findings listed in the staff report. Kastler provided a second. Motion passed 5-0. Brief <br />discussion held regarding using the cash for Ivywood Park improvements. <br /> Park Use Policy <br />Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel reviewed the current park use policy and asked the <br />Commission for input on potential updates to the policy. Commissioner Barrett presented <br />information she gathered from neighboring communities regarding park use and fees charged. <br />Commissioner Kastler proposed including a code of conduct for park users. Commissioner Esch <br />expressed concern that the fees may discourage use of the parks and that groups who reserve park <br />amenities use them as scheduled. Commissioner Kastler stated support for retaining fees for park