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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission Minutes June 2017MINUTES City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission June 19, 2017 Members Present: Chair Weis, Commissioners Frick, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Olinger, Pearce, Zeno Members Absent: Commissioners Ames, and Steele Staff Present: City Administrator Handt, Public Works Director Weldon, City Planner Becker The meeting was called to order by Chair Weis at 6:30 PM. Approval of Agenda Motion by Weis to approve the agenda, seconded by Nuenfeldt. Motion passed. Approval of Minutes Motion by Weis, seconded by Nuenfeldt to approve the minutes for May 30th as submitted. Motion passed. Handt stated that Commissioner Frick made a motion to approve up to $200 for signs. Motion by Weis, seconded by Nelson to approve the minutes for May 15th as amended by Handt. Motion passed. Lions Park Signs Becker stated that Aaron Runk has offered to sell advertisements in the form of signage on the fencing within Lions Park. Kathy Weeks provided a quote for signage, at cost. The options provided are 4 ft. by 8 ft. and 4 ft. by 16 ft. aluminum sign or vinyl banner. The prices range from $45 to $400 depending on size, material, and design. The revenue from the sale of the signs could be dedicated to park maintenance. Ms. Weeks stated that if you are looking for longevity of a sign, then select the aluminum composite sign. The sign could last 5 to 10 years and should not dent significantly since the plastic core is stable, the banners could be guaranteed for no more than 2 years, due to their tendency to rip. Weis made a motion to approve the sale of the 4 ft. by 8 ft. signs at a cost of $500 per year and 4 ft. by 16 ft. signs at a cost of $900 per year with the funds being directed toward the Lions Park ballfield improvements and try to keep a historic feel, seconded by Frick. Motion passed. Sunfish Lake Park Forest Management Plan Becker stated that the Parks Commission is being asked to break down the Sunfish Lake Park Forest Management Plan into measurable goals so that it can be properly implemented. The goal of the plan is to protect and enhance the natural resources of the site and improve native plant communities. Frick informed the Commission on what she knew about the study from 2015. Discussing the damage the park experienced in 2013 and other conditions of the park, including oak wilt and buckthorn. Frick mentioned maybe to focus on leaning trees, oak wilt, and buckthorn. Discussion about dividing the park into sections, getting a forester to come in and assess the current conditions or setting up a plan internally. Handt asked if there would be any Commissioners that would be able to identify the number and location of the trees that need to be removed in order to get a quote. Olinger and Frick volunteered. Hamlet on Sunfish Lake and Tapestry Trail Update Becker presented that this is an update to the discussion from last meeting about Gonyea West proposing to connect to adjacent neighborhood trails. After doing research staff discovered that Hamlet on Sunfish Lake received park dedication credit for their trails. However, the easements were never conveyed to the City. There was discussion in 2007, but due to having to pay for a survey for the legal description of the trails, it was not completed at that time. Becker also reported that Ames has been in contact with the Hamlet on Sunfish Lake HOA about getting the City the easements. Sunfish Ponds trails are private, they did not receive Parkland dedication for their trails. Tapestry received Parkland dedication for some of their trails. The public trails connect the neighborhood trails to Sunfish Lake Park and one of the trails that goes through the center of the development. Tapestry has already conveyed the easements for their public trails to the City. Becker explained that at this point we need buy-in from the Neighborhood Association before we can do anything. July Meeting No agenda was set Staff Reports and Commission Update Weis asked about the final drawings for Lions coming in and when will the bid go out. Handt responded that Tuesday the drawings would be in and Thursday, June 22 the bid requests would go out to the paper. The only structures are the bull pens and the dugouts. Weis asked if there was still going to be special fencing, providing a historic feel. Handt said the plan was for it to be chain link as it is now. Weis expressed concern that the Parks Commission would not be reviewing the plans before the bidding since they have been working on the park plan for a year and a half. Handt expressed concern with delaying the improvements further since the request for bids is set to go out this week. And the bids have to come back through Council for approval. Weis stated he feels he does not know what is going into the park because he has not received elevation drawings, only a site plan. Weis expressed concern about not knowing what will be going into the park that has a historic theme. Handt stated that the dugouts will likely be constructed by the Lions and local volunteers. The major costs are for the project are moving the ballfield to the north for $120,000 and $170,000 for lighting. We will look at the option of metal or wood poles regarding costs. Handt stated that the pollinator garden, the parking lot, the concession stand, the announcer’s booth, pavilion will all be in future phases and would allow for more design options than field grading and the Commission could have additional input into the design. Nelson, Frick, and Zeno agreed that the theming will come in later phases and stated that their goal was to move the project forward to improve the functionality of the ballfield and not continue to delay the construction any further. Handt shared that the Finance Committee met to discuss the CIP. They had some of your same questions and concerns about the use of Park Dedication funds for vehicle and equipment purchases. They are having a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss this, since the auditor said there was no issue, but the attorney said there could be a gray area in the City ordinance that may need to change. Handt recommends that they City not use Park Dedication money for vehicle replacement. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Tanya Nuss