HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Park Commission Minutes December 2015MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Park Commission
December 21, 2015
Members Present: Weis, Zeno, Hartley, Frick, Ames, Silvernale, Steele
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Mayor Pearson, 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
Chair Weis added item VI – No Parking Signs on 26th Street.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hartley, moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 7 – 0.
Lions Park RFQ
Chair Weis introduced Steve DeLapp, resident and architect donating his services to assist the Commission with rough design plans for the Lions Park ball field to assist bidders with
understanding what is envisioned for the park.
Discussion held concerning possible layout and amenities for the ball park site, number of spectators to be accommodated and types of services to be offered in the building. Surrounding
area and potential future uses were also discussed. Commissioners expressed interest in building a ball park that would bring people downtown to a ball park with one or two baseball
diamonds, a building with restroom, announcer tower and kitchen with serving counter.
Mr. DeLapp agreed to provide plans on paper for the next meeting for the Commissioners to discuss.
VFW Ballpark Cellular Tower
Interim Administrator Schroeder reported on discussions for installation of a cellular antenna at VFW Park. Schroeder stated that the current cell tower will be removed soon and removal
will affect service in downtown Lake Elmo. Options for locations downtown and in other areas of the City were discussed. Schroder also noted that lease proceeds from an antenna on
park property would generate income for the Park Fund.
Discussion was held concerning options for cellular antenna locations that will be needed when the downtown water tower is removed. Chair Weis expressed concern over setting a precedent
for allowing cellular towers in parks. Commissioners requested additional information from the carrier regarding location needs and alternatives, and possibility that the antenna could
be located on the water tower for a longer term.
Easton Village Park
Administrator Schroeder reviewed bids received for proposed components of the Easton Village Park. Chair Weis noted that Commission has been working on a phased design for the park
amenities and asked about establishing thresholds for build out of the development. Public Works Superintendent Bouthilet reviewed the proposed phases and costs for each phase. Discussion
was held concerning the anticipated timing of build out for the development and how to tie that in with installing phases of park improvements. Discussion was also held concerning
appropriate levels of spending for neighborhood park improvements on a per household basis using the number of homes that will be in the development.
Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hartley, moved to authorize the Public Works Superintendent to work with the developer to get curb cuts and a trail put in the Easton Village
Park. Motion passed 6 – 0 – 1. (Steele abstain)
Commissioner Steele stated there is not enough information to put in the curb cuts at this time and added that he is not in favor of building parks to help developers bait homebuyers.
Steele requested an analysis of each area of the city including how many homes there are and the rough estimate of the value of the park improvements, and information from other cities
if available.
No Parking Signs on 26th Street
Chair Weis reported on “no parking” signs that were installed by Washington County on Inwood Avenue to prevent parking on the street for access to Lake Elmo Park Reserve. As a result,
parking on 26th Street has increased and is causing a safety issue for pedestrians crossing Inwood to access the Park Reserve.
Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Silvernale, moved to recommend that the City install “no parking” signs on 26th Street west of Inwood.
Commissioners expressed concern over the issue but questioned if it should be addressed by the Parks Commission. Motion withdrawn.
Staff Reports & Commission Updates
Interim Administrator Schroeder reported that the MS Society has inquired about the possibility of hosting a Muck Fest event in a city park. There was no consensus of support from the
Commission. Schroeder also reported that the Tana Ridge sign will need to be relocated and there could be others that will need to be addressed.
Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Hartley, moved to instruct Public Works to talk with neighbors who have issues with park signs and to address the concerns. Motion passed 7 – 0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Johnson
City Clerk