HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal 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