HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 18 Commission minutes draftDRAFT
Lake Elmo Park Commission
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
May 16, 2011
Chairwoman Hartley called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Ames, Blackford, Steele, Larson, Dobbs, Hartley, Zeno
STAFF PRESENT: Project Assistant Kriegler
Agenda
Agenda was approved as amended. Item concerning the rDiscussion on 5-10-11 MPCA / landfill remediation project update to the City Council regarding grading and landscaping plans for
landfill – “Sunfish Lake Park West” was moved up to item 3.. (M/S, Steele / Ames, 7-0)
.
Minutes
March 21 minutes: The word “in” to be inserted after “very dramatic increase” - - in discussion regarding item 3 concerning amending the CIP.
April 18 minutes: In discussion concerning S.F.L.P. visits grant period to end corrected from June “31” to June “30”. In MPCA landfill update discussion - - the words “reported on”
to be replaced with “an”.
3. Discussion on 5-10-11 MPCA / landfill remediation project update to the City Council regarding grading and landscape plans for landfill – “Sunfish Lake Park West”.
Kriegler provided an overview of the project update given by Peter Tiffany of the MPCA regarding the landfill remediation project to the City Council at their May 10 Council Workshop.
The request for a project update was made by the Parks Commission out of concern over the latest proposed grading plan for the area of the landfill that is to be turned back to the
City as park land. In addition to addressing concerns about the grading and landscape plans for the turn-back area, Peter was also asked to provide an update on the project in general,
including the recent report that landscape screening along the entire length of the project site along Jamaca has been eliminated. Several members of the Parks Commission attended
the council workshop and provided comment at the Council Workshop.
Members of the Parks Commission expressed dissatisfaction and concern over the lack of cooperation by the MPCA in landscaping the site in general, but particularly in the area to be
turned back to the City as park land. Ames expressed that the area turned back must be both safe and functional as park land. Steele expressed that it is critical to first determine
what power and influence the City has on the issue. He expressed the need to have the City Attorney review the “Binding Agreement” with the MPCA in an attempt to determine to what
extent the MPCA is obligated to restore the site and what power the City has in the matter.
Motion: City Attorney to act with haste to complete a review of the “Binding Agreement” between the City and the MPCA in order to determine the City’s options, and to communicate this
report as soon as possible to the Parks Commission.
4. Implementation of 2011 planned park improvements
Kriegler provided a brief update on improvements scheduled for Sunfish Lake Park including the prairie restoration project, parking area grading, parking lot delineation through boulder
placement, signage, and the installation of rain garden / stormwater runoff areas.
The park commission expressed an interest in placing interpretive signage related to the rain gardens- - including plant identification in those gardens. Ideas were also discussed related
to planting the remaining prairie seedlings. In addition to the recruitment of individuals to plant on their own time, the Commission supported organized plantings the next 3 Saturday
mornings from 10:00 to noon. Dobbs agreed to provide leadership on May 21 and 28 and Ames agreed to serve on June 4.
It was requested that Mike Bouthilet prepare an overview and schedule of proposed park improvements to be presented to the Commission.
Motion: Get quotes for costs for upgrading volleyball courts for 1 and 2 courts based on specifications previously presented. (M/S, Zeno, Steele; 7-0)
5. Update on S.F.L.P. prairie restoration project and discussion on seedling planting project.
As discussed in the previous item, the Commission expressed the desire to plant seedlings each of the next three Saturday mornings in an attempt to get the seedlings planted before the
onset of warm dry weather.
6. Discussion on park signage
Item was tabled until June meeting. Commission asked for a presentation of sign concepts along with associated costs.
7. Review and acceptance of Sunfish Lake Park history
Members thanked Blackford for the development of the written S.F.L.P. history. An interest was expressed in making an abbreviated form of the history available in an interpretive panel
to be placed in the park for users to enjoy. Steele suggested that the supporting materials that Blackford compiled be copied and made available with the written record as a means
of reference and support.
Adjourned 8:55
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kriegler,
Project Assistant