HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-18-2023 Final Parks Commission Minutes
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes
January 18, 2023
Members Present: Commissioners Hoelscher, Kastler, Rivera-Reyes, Bloyer, and Esch
Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel and City Planner Jensen
The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30 PM.
Commission welcomed new member Ellen Esch.
Select a Chair and Vice Chair
Rivera-Reyes moved to nominate Kastler as Parks Commission Chair, Hoelscher provided
a second; discussion. Unanimously approved 5-0.
Hoelscher moved to nominate Rivera-Reyes as Commission Vice-Chair, Kastler provided a
second; discussion. Unanimously approved 5-0.
Approval of Agenda
Hoelscher motioned to approve the agenda as presented, Esch provided a second; no
discussion. Unanimously approved 5-0.
Approval of Minutes
December 2022 meeting cancelled.
Hoelscher motioned to approve the November 21st, 2022 Parks Commission Minutes,
Bloyer provided a second; discussion. Hoelscher friendly amended the motion to approve
the minutes with paragraph starting ‘Ames’ and ending ‘North Park’ be indicated as being
information provided by Mr. Ames as a quote or it needs to be reworded, Kastler provided
a second; motions passed unanimously 5-0.
Public Comments
Jennifer Waters at 4180 Irving Cir N - organizes the Friends of Lake Elmo Pickle Ball. Ms.
Waters provided her opinion regarding the consideration of noise level and light pollution in
residential neighborhood parks and the amount of people pickleball attracts to one location. She
further expressed that each court should be 30x64 feet, have chain-link between the courts and
benches provided in a quote. She suggested that courts be in locations like Lions Park, due to the
shops being nearby instead of houses, and expressed her great love of the sport.
Commissioners Welcome Packet
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel presented the packet and went over communication
requests, CIP, Park Dedication, and the Work Plan. Planned updates are made yearly to the
packet, along with any committee changes, and will be presented at the beginning of each year to
the commission. Hoelscher noted inconsistency regarding when documents are needed prior to
the agenda packet and the day of the week the packet goes out. He asked that it be looked at.
January 9th 2023 City Council Workshop
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel summarized the workshop meeting with the council.
Discussion regarding how the plan gets determined and how priority levels work. The committee
reviewed line items to decide what priority level they should each receive.
Hoelscher motioned to amend the Park Use Plan to Park Strategic Plan and recommend at
least a priority 2, Rivera-Reyes provided a second; discussion. Kastler amended it to
priority one, Hoelscher provided a second; all in favor. Motions passed 5-0.
Kastler moved to amend the first item listed, Central Greenway Trail Master Plan to a
priority 1, Rivera-Reyes provided a second; discussion. All in favor, motion passed 5-0.
Kastler motioned to have updated city trail maps a higher priority at level 2, Hoelscher
provided a second; discussion. Kastler and Hoelscher aye; Rivera-Reyes, Esch, and Bloyer
nay. Motion died 2-3.
Discussion regarding a buckthorn policy for all city parks. Esch motioned to add a line item
under Nature and Conservation, a project addition that is to consider and manage city
natural resources adjacent and within parks and trails inclusive of invasive species and
protection of biodiversity set at priority level 4, Rivera-Reyes provided a second; discussion.
All in favor, motion passed 5-0.
Esch moved to change some of the language under the specific task of Resident Updates to
say Update Parks and Trails on the city website and include information about amenities
and accessibility, Rivera-Reyes provided a second; discussion. All in favor, motion passed 5-
0.
Kastler motioned to approve the 2023 Strategic Work Plan as amended, Hoelscher
provided a second; no discussion. All in favor, motion passed 5-0.
Pebble/Tablyn Park Court Bids
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel provided background information to the
commission. Commission discussed the bids and the bidding process.
Hoelscher motioned to approve the bid presented by Bituminous Roadway, Inc. and
Killmer Electric to complete the Pebble and Tablyn courts project, Bloyer provided a
second; discussion held. All in favor, motion passed 5-0.
Communications
a) Schiltgen Farmstead PUD and Preliminary Plat were approved at the December City
Council Meeting.
b) Royal Golf 5th Final Plat and PUD were approved at the December City Council Meeting.
c) Parks next meeting will be on a Wednesday due to a holiday.
d) Pebble Park’s well is currently being capped.
e) Skating rink is closed due to the warm weather.
A adjourned the meeting at 8:20 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Rebecca McGuire, Deputy Clerk