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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission Minutes March 2018MINUTES City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission March 19, 2018 Members Present: Commissioners Ames, Frick, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Steele, Weeks, Zeno Members Absent: Commissioners Mayek, Olinger Staff Present: 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 add Public Comment to the agenda after the Approval of Minutes. Ames seconded the motion. Motion passed. Approval of Minutes Motion by Frick to approve the February minutes, seconded by Zeno. Motion passed, Ames abstained. Public Comment Ruth Holler, 11404 Blazing Star Lane, requested that a park is established within the Wildflower and Preserve neighborhood. She stated there are many children within the neighborhoods. She would like to see it on an agenda in the near future since there is land set aside for the park. Select Chair and Vice Chair Handt explained that the vote at the previous meeting was done by secret ballot, which is not an allowed voting mechanism. As a public body, the public has the right to know how the commission members vote. Weeks nominated Nelson as chair, Ames seconded the motion. Nuenfeldt nominated Frick as chair, Ames seconded the motion. Frick nominated Steele, he declined the nomination. Both Frick and Nelson accepted the nomination. Four members voted for Nelson: Ames, Nelson, Weeks, Zeno. Weeks nominated Frick for vice chair Nuenfeldt seconded. Six members voted for Frick: Ames, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Steele, Weeks, Zeno. Presentation - Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center Manzara gave a brief update on the progress made at the Nature Center and what the next steps will be in the near future. Including an update on the sign is being dictated by the County. The goal is to be open on June 2, 2018, with updates coming to the City Administrator. Lions Park – Tennis Court Removal Weldon – Capital Improvement Project - Engineering is having a difficult time with proper drainage for storm water in the area since it is very flat along Layton and 36th St. One feasible option would be to run storm pipe along the northern edge of Lions Park. If that is done, we would be looking at removing and replacing the playground, removal of the tennis court and possible the sand volleyball court. It is advantageous for the City to keep the pipe on City property instead of going to the north any further where the City would need to require easements on private property. This could be an opportunity to convert the court to a combined Pickleball courts and Hockey rink. The cost to convert these is approximately $125,000. The City is looking for direction on if the Commission would prefer installing the Pickleball courts now or reinstalling the existing Tennis courts if they are removed for the pipes. It is contingent on the approval of Phase IV redevelopment by the City Council. Questions and concerns about overall park planning were mentioned. Discussion around use of courts, dual use of lighting, additional ideas for park planning. Pat Barrett, 9692 57th St N. She has contacted the City Administrator and Commission members about installing Pickleball courts or restriping the existing courts in one of the parks. She plays four days a week and wanted the Commission to know it is the fastest growing sport. Steele made a motion to remove the playground equipment to be reinstalled later and to remove the tennis courts and replace them with hockey boards and 3 or 4 Pickleball courts for the installation of the storm sewer pipe along the north portion of Lions Park. Motion seconded by Ames. Motion passed. Tennis Camp Proposal Prchal stated that the City was approached with a public/private partnership concept by Alex Krol, the owner of Minnesota Tennis Camps. Krol is proposing the tennis camp would run Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and last for 12 weeks during the summer. The proposal states that 18% of earnings before expenses would be paid to the City. With the partnership contract the City would have limited involvement, advertising for the camp through Facebook and the Fresh and allow usage of the tennis courts agreed upon. Staff believes this would be a good opportunity for the City to earn funds to reinvest in the parks. There was discussion around using all courts for private not public use. Nuenfeldt’s suggestion was to leave at least one court in each park open for public use. There was discussion about profit sharing numbers with the Tennis camp, regarding percentage and whether it would be profitable compared to the additional wear on the park. Ames added that it could be a positive to increase appropriate use of parks that are known to have inappropriate activity. Steele made a motion to approve staff to continue to work with Alex Krol regarding a tennis camp, seconded by Zeno. Motion passed. Adopt-A-Park Weldon said the Adopt-a-Park program would be a two-year term when a group signs up. There have been three groups that have already approached the City with interest in this program. The group would have to sign a waiver to not hold the City responsible for any injury that may occur during cleanup. George Johnson, 3070 Lake Elmo Ave. He just retired and would like to remove Buckthorn at Sunfish Lake Park. He also said he would be willing to go to organizations after he begins working and discuss his experience. Steele made a motion to approve the Adopt-a-Park program, seconded by Ames. Motion passed. April Meeting Agenda Demontreville Park Design for the 45th Parallel Trail Connectivity Guidelines Lions Park Water Management Update Reid Park Update Staff Reports and Commission Update Communications Prchal gave an update on Central Greenway. The County created a Pop-Up Event to capture Nordic skiers’ opinions. They also had a Community Advisory Panel meeting. SASCA proposal will be going to the April 3 Council Meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Tanya Nuss