HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Park Commission Minutes August 2015MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Park Commission
August 17th, 2015
Members Present: Weis, Zeno, Frick, Hietpas, Ames, Silvernale
Members Absent: Hartley, Nelson, Steele
Others Present: Mayor Pearson, Councilmember Lundgren, Rolf Larsen, DPW Mike Bouthilet, DPW Jaime Colemer, Interim Administrator Schroeder, City Clerk Johnson
The meeting was called to order by Chair Weis at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Lake Elmo Park Reserve west side access added under New Business.
Commissioner Hietpas, seconded by Commissioner Ames, moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Approval of June 20, 2015 Minutes
Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Ames, moved to table the minutes. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Old Business
a. Dog Park (Councilmember Lundgren/Mayor Pearson request)
Mayor Pearson noted that the City Council would be discussing this issue at the next City Council meeting and asked the Commissioners for their input and history of the dog park proposal.
Commissioner Hietpas noted that the issue was previously considered in January 2014 and there were people interested in having a dog park in the City.
Councilmember Lundgren reviewed the 2.2 acre area under consideration near Fire Station 2 and the west pedestrian entrance to Sunfish Lake Park. Discussion was held concerning the size
of the proposed dog park and the additional area available at the site. Commissioners felt it was a good use of the site and suggested the entire fenced area be used for the dog park
to allow additional space for the dogs to run.
Commissioners received questions from a resident who lives near the proposed dog park and discussed those concerns. Chair Weis stated that the Commission would revisit the issue at
the next Parks Commission meeting in September and would receive additional public comment at that time. Chair Weis also stated his preference for the Public Works Department to prioritize
approved project before beginning work on new projects.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hietpas, moved to add a second fence to create a dual entry for the dog park and approve up to $3,000 for the driveway and parking area and
to assess the trial operation after one year. Commissioner Hietpas offered a friendly amendment to increase the expenditure to $5,000 and to appoint Commissioner Ames to work on additional
planning with Councilmember Lundgren. Amendment accepted. Motion carried 6 – 0.
b. City Council Action on Park Commission Recommendations
i. Tablyn Park Concept Plan
Commissioners discussed the improvements previously identified for Tablyn Park and a process for phasing in the improvements.
Commissioner Hietpas, seconded by Commissioner Zeno, moved to authorize staff to remove the basketball court, relocate the swings and approve up to $2,500 for rental equipment to be
used by Public Works staff to remove brush on the hill. Motion carried 6 – 0.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hietpas, moved to authorize staff to seek a bid from Xcel Energy to install six lights and an additional power pole on the sledding hill for
the 2015/2016 season. Commissioner Hietpas offered a friendly amendment to add that the lighting conform to city code and standards and be energy efficient. Amendment accepted. Motion
carried 6 – 0.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hietpas, moved to authorize staff to engage the City Engineer to prepare a plan for the lower parking lot and bring the proposal back for
Commission review and approval. Motion carried 6 – 0.
ii. Pebble Park Picnic Shelter
DPW Bouthilet reviewed quotes received for the picnic shelter and requested direction on the color and gable end design. Commissioners discussed options for the gable end and agreed
to use earth tone colors.
Chair Weis, seconded by commissioner Ames, moved to request staff purchase the Icon model picnic shelter in the evergreen roof and brown frame colors from Weber Recreational Design
not to exceed $24,000. Motion carried 6 – 0.
c. Park Signage Installation Pricing
DPW Bouthilet reported that staff is still working on acquiring information. There are six parks left to address and the lower quote received so far is $1,000.
d. Reid Park Design
Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Zeno, moved to table Reid Park to the next meeting due to time. Motion carried 6 – 0.
e. Sanctuary Park Trail Update
DPW Bouthilet reported he is still waiting on the gas pipeline and has concerns about the cost. A favorable bid was received from Miller Excavating for paving that would bring that
part of the project in under budget.
f. Village Work Group Update
Chair Weis stated there is not much to update as there is no meeting scheduled. Commissioner Hietpas volunteered to be a Parks Commission representative to the Village Work Group.
g. Lake Elmo Regional Trail Update
Chair Weis reported that the comprehensive trail plan won’t be reviewed until late spring. Commissioner Hietpas stated that the Lake Elmo portion of the trail should be included because
it could connect Lake Elmo Park Reserve with Big Marine Park. Discussion was held concerning the criteria for trails to be included and potential for grant money.
h. Lions Park Volleyball Court Addition
Brief discussion held concerning future possible location for an additional volleyball court. City Council prefers a downtown location.
New Business
a. 2015 Volksmarch
DPW Bouthilet reported on the 2015 Volksmarch scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. The event this year will be scaled down from the 2014 event. A free event is planned with food vendors
and a walk.
b. Lake Elmo Regional Park West Side Access
Chair Weis reported that Washington County is conducting a study to assess concerns on the west access to Lake Elmo Regional Park and will give feedback to the City for further discussion.
Mayor Pearson reported on talks with the county for options related to the west access and safety concerns from residents regarding parking on the shoulder of the road.
Staff Reports & Commission Updates
Interim Administrator Schroeder provided an update on the Tartan Park sale, stating that the City, County and Trust for Public Land have been working on a plan to purchase the park from
3M. 3M has issued a deadline for closing no later than December 31, 2015 and has indicated the company will sell to a developer if no public sale can be accomplished prior to the deadline.
Meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Johnson
City Clerk