HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Park Commission Minutes August 2015 MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Park Commission
August 17th, 2015
Members Present: Weis, Zeno, Frick, Hietpas, Ames, Silvernale
Members Absent: Hartley, Nelson, Steele
Others Present: Mayor Pearson, Councilmember Lundgren, Rolf Larsen, DPW Mike
Bouthilet, DPW Jaime Colemer, Interim Administrator Schroeder, City Clerk Johnson
The meeting was called to order by Chair Weis at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Lake Elmo Park Reserve west side access added under New Business.
Commissioner Hietpas, seconded by Commissioner Ames, moved to approve the
Agenda as amended. Motion passed 5—0.
Approval of June 20, 2015 Minutes
Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Ames, moved to table the minutes. Motion
passed 5—0.
Old Business
a. Dog Park (Councilmember Lundgren/Mayor Pearson request)
Mayor Pearson noted that the City Council would be discussing this issue at the next City
Council meeting and asked the Commissioners for their input and history of the dog park
proposal. Commissioner Hietpas noted that the issue was previously considered in January
2014 and there were people interested in having a dog park in the City.
Councilmember Lundgren reviewed the 2.2 acre area under consideration near Fire Station 2
and the west pedestrian entrance to Sunfish Lake Park. Discussion was held concerning the size
of the proposed dog park and the additional area available at the site. Commissioners felt it
was a good use of the site and suggested the entire fenced area be used for the dog park to
allow additional space for the dogs to run.
Commissioners received questions from a resident who lives near the proposed dog park and
discussed those concerns. Chair Weis stated that the Commission would revisit the issue at the
next Parks Commission meeting in September and would receive additional public comment at
that time. Chair Weis also stated his preference for the Public Works Department to prioritize
approved project before beginning work on new projects.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hietpas, moved to add a second
fence to create a dual entry for the dog park and approve up to $3,000 for the
driveway and parking area and to assess the trial operation after one year.
Commissioner Hietpas offered a friendly amendment to increase the expenditure to
$5,000 and to appoint Commissioner Ames to work on additional planning with
Councilmember Lundgren. Amendment accepted. Motion carried 6—0.
b. City Council Action on Park Commission Recommendations
i. Tablyn Park Concept Plan
Commissioners discussed the improvements previously identified for Tablyn Park and a process
for phasing in the improvements.
Commissioner Hietpas, seconded by Commissioner Zeno, moved to authorize staff to
remove the basketball court, relocate the swings and approve up to $2,500 for rental
equipment to be used by Public Works staff to remove brush on the hill. Motion
carried 6—0.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hietpas, moved to authorize staff to
seek a bid from Xcel Energy to install six lights and an additional power pole on the
sledding hill for the 2015/2016 season. Commissioner Hietpas offered a friendly
amendment to add that the lighting conform to city code and standards and be energy
efficient. Amendment accepted. Motion carried 6—0.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hietpas, moved to authorize staff to
engage the City Engineer to prepare a plan for the lower parking lot and bring the
proposal back for Commission review and approval. Motion carried 6—0.
ii. Pebble Park Picnic Shelter
DPW Bouthilet reviewed quotes received for the picnic shelter and requested direction on the
color and gable end design. Commissioners discussed options for the gable end and agreed to
use earth tone colors.
Chair Weis, seconded by commissioner Ames, moved to request staff purchase the
Icon model picnic shelter in the evergreen roof and brown frame colors from Weber
Recreational Design not to exceed $24,000. Motion carried 6—0.
c. Park Signage Installation Pricing
DPW Bouthilet reported that staff is still working on acquiring information. There are six parks
left to address and the lower quote received so far is $1,000.
d. Reid Park Design
Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Zeno, moved to table Reid Park to the next
meeting due to time. Motion carried 6—0.
e. Sanctuary Park Trail Update
DPW Bouthilet reported he is still waiting on the gas pipeline and has concerns about the cost.
A favorable bid was received from Miller Excavating for paving that would bring that part of the
project in under budget.
f. Village Work Group Update
Chair Weis stated there is not much to update as there is no meeting scheduled. Commissioner
Hietpas volunteered to be a Parks Commission representative to the Village Work Group.
g. Lake Elmo Regional Trail Update
Chair Weis reported that the comprehensive trail plan won't be reviewed until late spring.
Commissioner Hietpas stated that the Lake Elmo portion of the trail should be included because
it could connect Lake Elmo Park Reserve with Big Marine Park. Discussion was held concerning
the criteria for trails to be included and potential for grant money.
h. Lions Park Volleyball Court Addition
Brief discussion held concerning future possible location for an additional volleyball court. City
Council prefers a downtown location.
New Business
a. 2015 Volksmarch
DPW Bouthilet reported on the 2015 Volksmarch scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. The
event this year will be scaled down from the 2014 event. A free event is planned with food
vendors and a walk.
b. Lake Elmo Regional Park West Side Access
Chair Weis reported that Washington County is conducting a study to assess concerns on the
west access to Lake Elmo Regional Park and will give feedback to the City for further discussion.
Mayor Pearson reported on talks with the county for options related to the west access and
safety concerns from residents regarding parking on the shoulder of the road.
Staff Reports & Commission Updates
Interim Administrator Schroeder provided an update on the Tartan Park sale, stating that the
City, County and Trust for Public Land have been working on a plan to purchase the park from
3M. 3M has issued a deadline for closing no later than December 31, 2015 and has indicated
the company will sell to a developer if no public sale can be accomplished prior to the deadline.
Meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Johnson
City Clerk