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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission Minutes August 2020MINUTES City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission August 17, 2020 Members Present: Commissioners- Olinger, Weeks, Nightingale, Ames, Schumacher Staff Present: City Planner- Prchal, Public Works Director- Powers The meeting was called to order by Weeks at 6:30 PM. Announcements None Approval of Agenda Ames motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Schumacher. Agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). Approval of Minutes a) Approved July 20, 2020 minutes with amendments. Passed by a 5-0 vote Public Comments None. Trail Source Communication for Sunfish Trails. Tim Wegner, owner of Trail Source provided the Commission with a presentation which highlighted some of the issues that exist with the existing walking trials within Sunfish Lake Park. Tim was able to provide the City with some images of the damaged trails within the park. Tim indicated that the primary user can often dictate the amount of erosion. Ski trails do not necessarily erode, unless hikers, walkers, etc. use them. Tim then stated that it is difficult to shut trails down due to existing user groups. Tim did state that if the City chose to improve the eroding trails there would be methods to do so. The Commissioners provided further input on the mountain bike trails and noted that additional slowing mechanisms need to be installed, such as rocks. Public Comment A resident of the City, Amy Schakel at 9905 Tapestry Rd, provided comments on the park and trail network. Comments were focused on the trail network and how intersections needed to be cleared to allow for safe use. There was also an emphasis on signage, which was echoed by John Ames (Parks Commissioner). Resident Pat Barrett, at 9692 57th St. also spoke about Sunfish Lake Park. Concerns were expressed about the need for signage and ensuring the trail users are using the appropriate trail. She further stated that her main concern is on winter use. Review of Sunfish Lake Park Kiosk Sign Prchal provided a presentation on the proposed kiosk sign, which would replace the existing park kiosk sign as well as a Council directive to consider sponsorship/private business signage in the park. Prchal provided graphics of the signage proposal that was provided by Weeks-End Signs for the kiosk. From there he further explained the changes that would be made to the kiosk sign. The existing sign depicted the trails as being many different colors and the sign would transition from the multi-colored trials to one color with the newly added trails being black, blue, and green. A new “Rules” sign would also be created to provide notice of how bikers, walkers, ect. Should interact while on the trails. A further addition would be a winter use rule set. This would indicate which trails should be used by specific user groups in the winter. Ames motioned to recommend approval of the kiosk signage as amended with a not to exceed amount of $500 in the existing location. Schumacher provided a second. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote with one abstention (weeks). The City Council also asked the Parks Commission to discuss the possibility of allowing private businesses to have signage in the park. The discussion started by allowing businesses to purchase a space to place a sign in the park which would then show or advertise their location in the City. Staff did not identify how exactly the proposal would be implemented into the park. Instead the focus was on the idea of “should private advertising be included in the park.” However, the funds generated from this program would be reinvested back into the park. During the conversation it was stated that the park environment wasn’t intended to be used for advertisement. Ames motioned to “Recommend informational sign as park users depart from the main entrance directing them towards Lake Elmo (Downtown) with verbiage that encourages them to visit the City for all of their needs.” Olinger provided a second. This is recommended by a 4-0 vote. Review of Ivywood Park Touchups Prchal provided a presentation on Ivywood park and explained that there was room in the budget due to a donation that was provided. Prchal explained that the funds should be used for Hydroseeding to encourage faster and more effective growth of grass, Black dirt for finishing, as asphalt path to access the pickleball courts, and shade and evergreen trees to further dress up the park. Weeks motioned to “Recommend the approval of the expenditure of up to $7,000 to apply finishing equipment to the Park.” Olinger provided a second. This was recommended by a 5-0 vote. September 21, 2020 Meeting Agenda 1) Goldridge Group PUD. Communications The Commission had a discussion between themselves about reviewing the equipment and uses within the existing parks to phase in or out equipment and general amenities. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Ben Prchal, City Planner