HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-2023 Final Parks Commission Minutes
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes
February 22, 2023
Members Present: Commissioners Hoelscher, Kastler, Rivera-Reyes, Barrett, and Esch
Absent: Commissioner Bloyer
Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel and City Planner Jensen
The meeting was called to order by Kastler at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Hoelscher motioned to approve the agenda as presented, Esch provided a second; no
discussion. Unanimously approved 5-0.
Approval of Minutes
Barrett motioned to approve the January 18th, 2023 Parks Commission Minutes, Rivera-
Reyes provided a second; Barrett provided a comment. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Public Comments
Chris Zupfer, executive director of the Hill-Murray Foundation, shared an opportunity with the
commission to explore a partnership with Lake Elmo for turf baseball and softball fields.
John Howley at 8190 Lake Jane Trl. N, next to Pebble Park, addressed some concerns regarding
park amenities with the commission.
Todd Bruchu at 3150 Klondike Ave, a representative of the non-profit Lake Elmo Baseball
organization, thanked the commission and expressed immediate need for additional regulation
field use.
Kramer Lake
City Planner Jensen presented the sketch plan and the commission reviewed the park land
dedication requirement. Discussion held.
Dan Willenbring with Tamarack Lake Development thanked staff for the great job on the
presentation and agreed with staff’s recommendation, and answered commission questions.
Hoelscher moved to proceed with the staff recommendation to recommend that the Park
Dedication requirement for the Kramer Lake development be met with the acceptance of
the set fee for the commercial component of the project, park credit for the proposed trail
along Hudson Blvd not to exceed 25%, and the acceptance of cash in lieu of land for the
residential component of the project, Rivera-Reye provided a second; discussion held. Yea:
Hoelscher, Rivera-Reyes, Barrett, and Esch; Nay: Kastler. Motion passed 4-1.
Donation
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel summarized the donation request from Jeff Corajod
and Kalli Shades. Swanepoel also referenced the donation policy for accepting gifts in regard to
the expectation when the gifted item has reached its usable life or has been damaged. Discussion
held.
Barrett moved that we accept the gift from the Corajod and Shades family and consider, if
possible, two benches and one tree placed at Tablyn Park, Kastler provided a second;
discussion. Motion unanimously passed 5-0.
Hoelscher motioned to approve the plaque and place it on the bench, Kastler provided a
second for discussion; discussion held. Motion unanimously passed 5-0.
Kastler motioned to reconsider the previous two motions for park donation, Esch provided
a second, discussion. Motion unanimously passed 5-0.
Barrett moved to recommend to the city council to approve the donation from Jeff Corajod
and Kelly Shades to purchase a bench, a tree, and a placard not to exceed $1000, to be
placed in Tablyn Park, Hoelscher provided a second; no discussion. Motion unanimously
passed 5-0.
ADA Park Compliance
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel provided background. Discussion held.
Rivera-Reyes moved to recommend to make all proposed ADA changes to Pilot, Ivywood,
and Hammes Park to comply with ADA standard and satisfy the League of MN Cities
recommendations to city council, Barrett provided a second; discussion held. All in favor,
motion passed 5-0.
Communications
a) Hockey Rink update.
b) Grooming trails update.
c) Council approved a text amendment for the park dedication table for updated zoning
districts.
d) Schiltgen Farmstead update request.
e) Recognition to John Ames for his decades of service on the Parks Commission.
f) Thanking of extra agenda packets on hand.
g) The old Park and Trail Plan was issued to the parks commission by a Commissioner’s
request and he requested it be updated.
h) Request of an agenda item for the next parks meeting regarding if council should analyze
the parks commission funding model for sustainability.
i) Pickleball court is up for review at the next City Council Meeting. They are going back
out for bid.
j) Question regarding what the procedure is for responding to public comments during the
meeting.
k) Question on how/when to add agenda items for the next meeting.
Kastler adjourned the meeting at 8:08 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Rebecca McGuire, Deputy Clerk