HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary Minutes FINALFINAL
Lake Elmo Park Commission
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 18, 2009
Chairman Ames called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Dunn, Larson, Ames, Blackford, Booher, Adanene,
Zeno
STAFF PRESENT: Project Assistant Kriegler,
Agenda
Agenda was approved (M/S, Dunn/ Larson)
Minutes
January 21, 2009 minutes approved as amended. (M/S Booher / Dunn)
First sentence in first paragraph in Update on City Trail System / Trail Inventory - - - -
sentence should read - - The city’s Trail Guide Plan provides some guidance for
inventorying and prioritizing trail segments.
Photo review of existing park entrance signs and discussion on possible sign replacement
/ repair, and landscaping. Add to end of third paragraph - - The sign at Sunfish is in
particular need for trimming of the spruce trees. Add the word “sign” to the second to
last sentence in same paragraph to read as - - The Commission expressed the interest in
starting a sign program with the placement of signs in locations currently lacking a sign
and possibly replacing the Sunfish Lake Park sign. Add - - request that the old / outdated
sign currently hanging on the backstop at Stonegate Park be removed by the public works
staff.
Report on potential park and trail grant opportunities
Carol Kriegler provided an overview of grant opportunities that should be available due
to the Legacy Amendment passed last fall, as well as other grant opportunities.
Kriegler explained that the states sales tax going from 6.5% to 6.875% beginning in July
with the funds generated by the increase dedicated as follows:
• 33% To restore, protect and enhance wetlands, prairies, forest and habitat for
game, fish & wildlife. $80 million in 2010, $91 million in 2011.
• 14.25% To newly created Parks and Trails Fund to be spent to support parks and
trails of regional or statewide significance. $35 million in 2010, $39 million in
2011.
• 52.75% to Clean Water Fund and Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
The LOHC is considering very large scale “shovel ready” projects now. Projects in the
$100,000 - $400,000 range are to be considered through the “Conservation Partners
Grant” – possibly in August.
DNR Grants
Local Trail Connections Grant Program – due Feb. 27
Emphasis of this program is to promote access between people and desirable destinations,
not to develop significant new recreation facilities. Its primary purpose is to complete
trail connections between where people live (eg. Residential areas within cities, and
communities) and significant public recreation facilities (eg. Parks and other trails).
Priority will be given to residential connections to state and regional facilities and linking
existing trail segments. Eligible activities: Land acquisition and trail development.
50-50 match, $100,000 limit.
Regional Trail Grant Progam – due Feb. 27
Primary purpose of this program is to promote development of regionally significant
trails. 50-50 match, $250,000 limit.
Kriegler acknowledged that while application is not possible for this year, plans should
be made to apply for these types of grants in future years.
In addition to pursuing grant opportunities, the commission also expressed the value in
conducting trail improvements with other infrastructure improvements whenever
possible. The Demontreville Trail road reconstruction project was also discussed.
Kriegler responded that the city engineer is well aware of the city’s interested in
constructing a trail along this stretch of roadway. He has indicated that the county has
expressed that there simply isn’t adequate right-of-way for a trail. On initial review, the
city engineer concurs with this preliminary assessment, but that he will not make a final
determination until further in the design development process. The commission
expressed that the need / importance of a trail in this area be underscored. There is
particular concern about the potential increase in the volume of traffic on this stretch of
roadway.
Minnesota Cross-Country Ski Trails Assistance Program
2009 Capital Improvement Projects – due Feb. 27
Kriegler explained that this might be an opportunity to gain 100% reimbursement for an
information kiosk at Sunfish Lake Park. There is some question though, as to whether
the city currently has GIA (Grant in Aid) status and is eligible to apply for the grant.
Kriegler explained that the DNR’s GIA program provides reimbursement for trail
maintenance and grooming expenses, and CIP improvements. Indications are that
Sunfish Lake Park was a GIA trail for a number of years, although they haven’t been an
active participant in recent years. Kriegler requested that the commission consider
application for the CIP grant for construction of an information kiosk although there is
question about the city’s eligibility.
The commission requested that staff pursue possible participation in the GIA program.
Pursuit of the CIP grant was desirable provided that the kiosk would be owned by and
controlled by the city and that the agreement would not include any attachment or
entitlement from any outside source.
Metro Greenways Restoration Grants – due March 31
Restoration activities that establish or support native plant or animal communities.
50-50 match – ($90,000 being requested from legislature)
Metro Greenways Conservation Assistance Grants – due April 24
75-25 match.
Motion: Support of application to the Minnesota DNR GIA capital improvement grant
for the construction of an information kiosk at Sunfish Lake Park providing that the City
of Lake Elmo would be owned by and controlled by the city and that the agreement
would not include any attachment or entitlement from any outside source.
. (M/S, Larson / Adanene, 7-0)
Review of Park Commission Application Form
The Park Commission reviewed member recruitment strategies and the current
application form at the January meeting. Upon review of the current application, the
commission expressed that revisions were needed to provide a better opportunity to
express their interest level in parks and trails and their motivation for serving. Rolf
Larson agreed to work on revising the application. The commission expressed their
approval of the revised application and appreciation for Rolf’s efforts. It was also
requested that the commission be provided with a membership roster including term
expirations.
Motion: Approval of revised Parks Commission application. (M/S, Blackford / Booher,
7-0)
Consideration of Proposed 2009 Work Plan
At the January meeting, the Parks Commission reviewed progress and accomplishments
on the 2008 work plan, and developed a work plan for 2009. The commission was asked
to review and approve the 2009 work plan.
In regards to Natural Resource management – the following re-wording was requested.
Development of Pebble Park and Sunfish Lake Parks natural resource management plans.
Picnic shelter construction was confirmed as meaning those planned for Demontreville
and Heights Park locations.
In addition, it was expressed that park visits be prioritized by scheduled projects. It was
noted that a visit to Sunfish Lake Park is particularly important.
Motion: Approval of 2009 work plan. (M/S Booher / Zinne, 7-0)
Review of park entrance sign design
The Park Commission has addressed the issue of park signage at several meetings. At the
January meeting, the Park Commission expressed the interest in starting a sign program
with the placement of signs in locations current lacking a sign and possibly replacing the
Sunfish Lake Park sign. The commission expressed an interest in a sign design that
resembles the DNR / NPS style signs that are currently in place.
Kriegler presented sign designs based on the commissions request for a DNR / NPS style
sign. The commission expressed a liking for the designs and selected a continuation of
the dark brown / yellow color scheme. It was noted that these colors are considered very
identifiable with natural resources and parks. It was suggested that sign sizes be
determined at the time of a future park visit, so there is the opportunity to evaluate
consider the setting of the sign.
Discussion on Sunfish Lake Park Area 2 concept plan
The recently approved Sunfish Lake Park Conservation Easement to the Minnesota Land
Trust states that Area 2 of the park, a 20 acre portion, may have limited development for
education, outdoor recreation and nature observation purposes, in accordance with a city
approved park concept plan. The city is to provide the Land Trust with a concept plan by
late 2009.
The commission requested that “footprints” of Area 2 be made available for the next
meeting. They also discussed the need to visit the site as a part of the planning process.
In addition, it was requested that copies of the narrative describing the desired use of
Area 2 as drafted by David Steele (dated 8-08) and supported by the commission - - be
available for review at the next meeting.
Discussion on Heights Park concept plan development
The Parks Commission conducted a Heights Park Neighborhood meeting in May of
2008. The meeting was attended by 12 neighbors and 4 commission members. The 2009
CIP includes $25,000 for improvements in the park.
The commission expressed the interest in meeting on site as a part of the planning
process. Considerable discussion took place as to whether to invite any neighborhood
residents, a couple of neighborhood representatives, or all interested neighbors to also
participate in the site visit. Commission members ultimately decided that it would be
best to inform / invite all interested neighbors to attend the site visit.
Information Items:
The meeting was adjourned 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kriegler
Project Assistant