HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2023 Final Parks Commission Minutes
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes
August 21, 2023
Members Present: Commissioners Kastler, Rivera-Reyes, Hoelscher, Elam, Barrett, and Esch
Absent: Commissioner Bloyer
Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel
The meeting was called to order by Kastler at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Barrett motioned to approve the agenda as presented, Hoelscher provided a second; no discussion.
Unanimously approved 6-0.
Approval of Minutes
Esch motioned to approve the June 21, 2023 Parks Commission Minutes, Elam provided a second;
comment. Motion passed unanimously 6-0.
Public Comments
Charley Helfert at 11368 Blazing Star LN, representing the Lake Elmo Pickleball Organization, provided
comments regarding their experiences at Lions Park.
Invasive Species Management
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel presented. Discussion held regarding the adopt-a-park
program, setting a policy, grant options, and work tools.
Hoelscher moved to create a group to see if there is interest, feasibility of developing an Invasive
Species Policy for the City of Lake Elmo’s parks with Commissioner Esch taking the initial lead,
with no timeline and no set expectations other than the fact that we are trying to develop a policy,
Rivera-Reyes provided a second; discussion held in regard to developing a subcommittee vs an informal
group. Motion passed unanimously 6-0.
Neighborhood Trail Connections
Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel presented. Discussion held concerning bike trail connections,
safety issues with wide shoulders where there is no trail and the need for connection in other areas of the
city, off road trails, and possible connection to the Greenway Regional Trail.
Communications
a) Stonegate trails are being redone/revamped.
b) Hamlet on Sunfish and DeMontreville trails are being paved.
c) Pickleball in Tablyn and Pebble are still under construction.
d) Staff has started ADA compliance work in the city parks; such as placing safety mulch.
e) The Master Plan goes in front of Council next month.
f) Dog park update provided.
g) Ballparks were tabled at the Council meeting.
h) The playground is on the agenda for 2024.
i) Buckthorn removal update provided.
j) Update on the donated tree and bench for Tablyn Park.
k) Parking lot at the old Fire Hall is wonderful and portable toilets were a great addition this year.
l) Tree give-a-way and volunteer discussion held.
m) Soccer nets were placed at Pilot Park.
n) Request for Pebble Park hours to be reviewed and start time for rentals to be discussed at a future
date.
o) Sunfish Lake Park volunteers – THANK YOU.
p) It is that time of year again to complete park visits. The schedule will be set at a future meeting to
make sure there is no quorum present during park visits. The goal is to be able to assess the parks
and report back findings.
Kastler adjourned the meeting at 7:44 PM
Respectfully Submitted
Rebecca McGuire, Deputy Clerk