HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-20 Final Parks Commission Minutes
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes
June 20, 2022
Members Present: Commissioners Ames, Hoelscher, Kastler, Rivera, Hodges, and Barrett
Staff Present: Public Works Director Powers, Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel, and
City Planner Hetzel
The meeting was called to order by Ames at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Barrett motioned to approve the agenda as presented, Kastler provided a second;
unanimously approved 6-0.
Approval of Minutes
Hoelscher motioned to approve the May 16th, 2022 Parks Commission Minutes as
presented, Barrett provided a second; unanimously approved 6-0.
Public Comments
Cindy Varhol presented concerns in regard to paving the Stonegate path.
Friends of Sunfish Lake Park update
George Johnson at 3070 Lake Elmo Ave acknowledged Tony Manzara for all the work he has
done, all of the volunteers, city staff, and local businesses. Mr. Johnson also gave insight on the
park granting and a walker’s story of being able to see the lake now after clearing the buckthorn.
Commission discussion held regarding the buckthorn removal plan and granting. Mr. Manzara
and Mr. Johnson responded to granting questions.
Hoelscher motioned to recommend committing the $15,000 to the Friends of Sunfish Lake
Park for a 2023 Conservation Partner Legacy Grant for buckthorn and other invasive
plant species removal on 140 acres at Sunfish Lake Park to be completed for restoration of
Sunfish Lake Park and all money to be specifically used for invasive plant removal with
any remainder returned to the City, Barrett provided a second; motion passed
unanimously 6-0.
Portable Toilet Policy
City Planner Hetzel presented the draft policy. Discussion was held.
Ames motioned to adopt the Parks Portable Toilet Policy reflecting item #1 and 3,
removing #2, and propose that parks that meet this criteria are directed to city staff to
make a decision whether or not a toilet is justified (by user volume and type) and if there is
any questions/uncertainty city staff will bring it to the committee for final determination;
Hoelscher provided a second. Discussion with clarification on motion. Motion passed 5-1,
Kastler nay.
Survey Results
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel provided the survey results. Discussion held.
Ames motioned to invite members of the public through city publications to discuss
amenity upgrades to Kleis, Demontreville, Pebble, and Tablyn Park at our July meeting
and that the commissioners make visits to each of those four parks and bring our notes to
that July meeting, Rivera provided a second; discussion. Motion passed unanimously 6-0.
Communications
a) Ballfields discussion held regarding a work plan.
b) Update on park maintenance.
Ames adjourned the meeting at 7:58 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Rebecca McGuire, Deputy Clerk