HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission Minutes June 2018MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission
June 11, 2018
Members Present: Commissioners Frick, Mayek, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Olinger, and Weeks
Members Absent: Commissioners Ames, Steele and Zeno
Staff Present: City Administrator Handt, Public Works Director Weldon, City Planner Prchal
The meeting was called to order by Chair Nelson at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Frick made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Mayek. Motion passed.
Approval of Minutes
Frick made a motion to approve the minutes from April and May as amended, seconded by
Weeks. Motion passed.
Parks Capitol Improvement Plan (CIP)
Prchal presented the numbers of occupied homes in both the Inwood and Wildflower/Village
Preserve neighborhoods.
The Commission discussed the ability to establish a trail to access Stonegate and not have the
same equipment in both Inwood and Stonegate parks.
They discussed the slope and possible usage of the Wildflower/ Village Preserve park.
Discussing the ability for play equipment in one portion and the rest would likely
be open space due to the hills and drainage.
Drew Cavellero, 11336 Blazingstar, reported that he surveyed both the Wildflower and Village
Preserve neighborhoods. He surveyed 78 properties. Of those, 70 had children
or grandchildren under 17. He asked residents if they currently use parks in Lake
Elmo and 39 responded that they do weekly. Respondents said the reason they
do not go to the parks more often is location. Only one household surveyed did
not support a park in their neighborhood. Eight people wanted open grass and
70 wanted a play structure, including swings, slides, and crawling tubes.
George Johnson, 3070 Lake Elmo Ave. On June 30th there is an event to tackle buckthorn in
Sunfish Lake Park. He is worried that mountain biking in Sunfish Lake Park is not
consistent with the mission and the vision of the City. Sunfish Lake Park is the
largest open space within the City. He referenced a survey completed in 2013
that listed mountain biking as a low priority. He is concerned with the City
investing in the trails and changing the park for generations.
Weeks asked if we could split the money between two parks. Handt responded that splitting
the money would not be recommended since it divides the resources. Inwood
Park would require a master plan since it is much larger. Handt said the amount
would be $105,000 and that Game Time has grants available for Play Equipment.
Olinger asked if we could mow a part of the park in Inwood and provide them an open space for
now. Weldon explained that currently the City could not mow since the parcel is
owned by the developer and has not been turned over to the City yet, but could
be done by the HOA if they chose.
Nelson made a motion to start work on the Wildflower/Village Preserve Park in 2019, motion
seconded by Mayek. Motion passed unanimously.
Mayek stated that he is not a fan of asphalt and would not like to see Pebble Park parking lot
paved, due to run-off and maintenance. Weldon explained that class 5 has to be
filled and regraded and it becomes hard packed and an impervious surface over
time. Therefore, there still is maintenance and it does create runoff. It would
save the City the cost of paving the parking lot and two entrances.
Mayek made a motion to remove the $47,000 for paving the parking lot at Pebble Park, motion
seconded by Frick. Motion passed.
Nelson made a motion to recommend the Park items in the 2019-2023 CIP, seconded by
Weeks. Motion passed unanimously.
July Meeting Agenda
45th Parallel
Demontreville Park Bids
Communications
Handt asked if the Commission asked if they should review the Parks Ordinance if they ever
have a light agenda.
Handt reported that City Council approved the zip line for Savonna Park and it has been
ordered.
Weldon reported on the progress of development at Savonna Park.
Nuenfeldt asked about the Adopt-a-Park program.
Weldon reported that two organizations and one family have adopted parks and another group
interested. There will be signs that state who has adopted the park and it will be
changed every two years.
Handt reported the signs in Lions Park were successful this year and the deadline for this year
has been cutoff to allow a reasonable amount of time to display the signs. There
are three more interested in next year.
Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tanya Nuss