HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-20-10 Commission minutes FINALFINAL
Lake Elmo Park Commission
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
January 20, 2010
Chairman Ames called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Zeno, Ames, Blackford, Larson, Dobbs
STAFF PRESENT: Project Assistant Kriegler
Agenda
Agenda was approved as amended (Dobbs / Blackford, 5-0)
Agenda item 9. added - - Discussion of park dedication for Eder’s Century Pines
.
Minutes
December 21, 2009 minutes approved (Larson / Dobbs, 5-0)
Review of 2009 work plan / development of 2010 work plan
The 2009 work plan was reviewed and a new work plan was developed for the coming
year. The 2010 work plan is attached.
Motion: Accept 2010 work plan (Larson / Dobbs, 5-0)
Update on Sunfish Lake Park Ski trail grooming and trail use
At the December meeting, the commission discussed the possible establishment of a
policy related to the grooming of trails at Sunfish Lake Park, specifically the level of
service desired for grooming. There was support for consistent grooming based on
conditions and use with consideration of the unique characteristics of the trails, which
are on relatively rolling terrain sheltered by woodlands.
Kriegler reported that the County’s staff had been directed to increase grooming of the
trails for the coming season. A compliment regarding the condition of the trails / park
was forwarded to members of the commission along with a report of additional positive
feedback.
Zeno, who uses the trails on a regular basis, suggested that additional trails be groomed
including the area leading to the west entrance, though he acknowledged that groomer
might be constrained by limited accessibility in some areas.
Update on the development of the Sunfish Lake Park and Natural Resource
Management Plan
City Forester, Kathy Widin, provided an update on progress to date on the development
of the plan.
The City has received a Metro Greenways Conservation Planning grant to develop a
natural resource management plan for Sunfish Lake Park. Sunfish Lake Park is an area
with significant natural features, wetland, woodland, and grassland plant communities
which have become degraded over time, primarily through colonization by invasive
plants. Water quality, wildlife habitat and enjoyment of the park by users have been
reduced as plant diversity and habitat quality have decreased. These native plant
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communities are still at a point where they can be improved with planned conservation
management. Such management will result in improved wildlife habitat and water
quality with the added benefit of improved aesthetics for park users.
The goal of the project is to assess current status of park natural resources and prepare
a long-term management plan to address ways to improve the plant communities so that
they function to protect water quality and improve wildlife habitat. The goal will be
achieved with the following objectives:
1. Survey the existing plant communities to determine species composition
and degree of disturbance/degradation
2. Survey presence of invasive plants and degree of invasiveness
3. Develop management protocols for invasive plants
4. Develop plans for re-planting and establishing native tree, shrub and ground-layer
plant species
Update on Sunfish Lake Park Area 2 concept plan
Carol Kriegler reported that the concept plan had been forwarded to the Minnesota Land
Trust for their review several weeks ago. She also reported that she would prompt them
for a response so that the City can proceed with planned improvements in the near
future.
Discussion on Sunfish Lake Park Prairie Restoration Proposals
The city has received a DNR Metro Greenways restoration grant for a prairie restoration
in Area 2 of Sunfish Lake Park. The grant provides for $27,425 for prairie restoration
related activities conducted through June 31, 2011.
3 Proposals were received and reviewed. Proposals were received from Minnesota
Native Landscapes, Applied Ecological Services and Prairie Restoration. Kathy Widin
commented that she was confident that all three contractors were very capable of
successfully completing the project, but that she recommended acceptance of the MNL
proposal. Kriegler concurred. Staff and Park Commissioners shared the following
comments regarding the proposals: Installation costs were fairly comparable, with MNL
maintenance costs being lower; MNL offered the highest percentage of native plants in
their project guarantee; MNL proposed more frequent site visits, which was deemed
very important; MNL also proposed the most diverse species mix as well as provided
the most qualified explanation for their proposed seed mix.
Motion: Recommendation to accept the prairie restoration proposal submitted by
Minnesota Native Landscapes (Dobbs / Zeno, 5-0).
Discussion of park dedication for Eder’s Century Pines
The Commission was asked to review and comment on staff’s recommendation for
applicants to pay cash in the amount of $3,600 per lot in lieu of land dedication for the
Eder’s Century Pines Subdivision. The Commission expressed that they desired a
closer look at the dedication to ensure that their were not any potential trail implications.
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Adjourned 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kriegler,
Project Assistant