HomeMy WebLinkAbout031615 Park Commission Minutes
MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Park Commission
Monday, March 16, 2015
Members Present: Hartley, Weis, Nelson, Steele, Hietpas
Members Absent: Ames, Silvernale, Frick
Others Present: Taxpayer Relations & Communications Coordinator MacLeod, Planning Commissioner Rolf Larson, Park Maintainer Colemer, PWS Mike Bouthilet, Mayor Mike Pearson
The meeting was called to order by Chair Weis at 6:33 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Motion made to postpone the agenda and discuss how to keep City Administrator Zuleger.
Steele stated that he feels that it is the elephant in the room, and feels that it is hard to move forward doing any business while this issue remains.
Hietpas expressed her gratitude for Zuleger’s service and feels he is an engaged administrator and she supports him 100%.
Nelson expressed concern about moving forward and wanted to hear more about item A under new business (Village Green)
Pearson expressed that he is happy to hear that the park commission is making a statement of support.
Motion amended to include the Reid Park discussion and table all other items.
M/S/P: Hartley/Steele: Approved 6-0
New Business
a. Reid Park vs. Village Green Priority
Weis shared concern that he has not heard from the village green members even though it is a park related item. The commissioners agreed that they are not clear on what the most current
plan is and whether or not it includes the ball fields.
Pearson clarified that it is the Old Village work group. He is not sure at what stage they are in discussion at this point. He said at one point the plan did include moving the ball
fields. He is not sure where it all stands in concern to Easton Park. He suggested that the commission make a statement about their desire to improve ball fields, or to be involved
in the village workgroup.
Steele’s concern is process. He feels that they are being cut out of the process, and not provided the proper information to be able to make informed decisions.
Motion made to ask the council to empower the park commission to play their role in the planning process regarding the Village Green.
M/S/P: Steele/Nelson: 6-0
Pearson suggested that they take what was discussed in the past and make it known that they want to play a part in the process.
Steele feels that because it is a fluid plan it is important that they have a seat at the table.
b. Keeping Administrator Zuleger
Nelson stated that he felt Zuleger was trustworthy. He’s concerned with Dean leaving that he feels it will be a hard position to fill.
Steele has seen several administrators come and go, and feels that Zuleger is by far the most effective. He said that they have never been as well informed. He thinks the city has suffered
an unnecessary loss as result of the council’s action on Tuesday, March 10.
Hartley feels that Zuleger’s leadership is outstanding, and felt he always kept them informed despite changing plans. She feels that he always had their and the city’s best interest
in mind. She will personally miss him.
Hietpas expressed that he seemed to know each one of them specifically and felt that under his leadership things dot done that maybe otherwise wouldn’t have.
Motion made: “The Lake Elmo Parks Commission strongly opposes the dismissal of City Administrator Dean Zuleger and the manner in which it was done against the overwhelming opinion of
the citizens of Lake Elmo. The Commission has therefore decided not to conduct city business at this time in protest of the city council’s action in this matter.”
M/S/P: Steele/Hartley: 6-0
Zeno expressed concern that they are talking about wanting a seat at the table and feels that if they walk away from their position, they are essentially giving up their seat at the
table.
Steele clarified that the group is not disbanding or refusing to continue. They would just like to table the rest of the agenda for this evening.
Motion made to urge other (planning) commission members follow suite.
Zeno/Hietpas: 5-1 (Steele)
Steele suggested that their actions would speak loudly and the other commissioners can make their own choice.
Meeting adjourned in protest at 7:08 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Alyssa MacLeod, Recording Secretary