HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 18 Commission minutes finalAPPROVED
Lake Elmo Park Commission
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
August 18, 2008
Chairman Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Steele, Ames, Blackford, Bruchu, Adanene, Dunn and
Wagner.
STAFF PRESENT: Project Assistant Kriegler, Public Works Superintendent
Agenda
Agenda was approved, (M/S Dunn / Wagner)
Kevin Schwarz Eagle Scout Project Proposal
Kevin Schwartz presented the Commission with an overview of a veterans memorial
project he is proposing for VFW Park as his eagle scout project. Kevin explained that he
has developed two design options. Option 1 would entail a central flag pole protruding
from small rocks with engraved bricks and a surrounding garden consisting of perennial
natural wild flowers and grasses. There would be two benches placed directly across
from each other, centering on the flag pole. The second design option would entail two
additional flags, the POW and Minnesota State flags. The flag(s) would be illuminated at
night with electrical run from a nearby source. The proposed site for the project is near
the southwest corner of the park near the batting cages. Kevin and Mike Bouthilet have
met on site and feel that VFW Park is most appropriate for such a memorial and feel that
the southwest corner provides the best location within the park.
Kevin further explained that the project is still in the formative stages with financing of
the project yet to be determined. Funding is being requested from the Lake Elmo JC’s,
the Rotary Club and the Lake Elmo Lions.
Discussion took place regarding the proposed location for the project. Concern was
expressed about locating such a memorial in close proximity to the batting cages. Bruchu
/ Steele: expressed a strong desire for such a memorial but would hope that it would be
placed in a solemn and respectful location. Concern was expressed about the high level
of batting cage activity and pre-game congregating in such close proximity to the
memorial. Bouthilet: Pointed out benefits of the location include good access to
electrical and that the memorial would also be visible and easily accessed by Lions Park
visitors. Steele: suggested that the VFW be consulted for their input on placement, and
to determine if there are any national standards or guidelines for design and placement of
such memorials.
The commission offered much support and encouragement for the project and expressed
that such a memorial in the area was probably overdue. Steele: requested that Kevin
continue to work with Mike to determine the best possible location. Dunn: requested that
lighting options also be thoroughly researched.
M/S/P (Dunn /Ames) Support placement of a veterans memorial in VFW Park, with the
location to be determined after further exploration and assessment as to the best possible
location.
Sunfish Lake Park Land Trust Easement
Project assistant Kriegler reviewed that the current draft of the Proposed Rights and
Restrictions includes a provision for the allowance of interpretive center and other low
impact recreational improvements according to a Park Plan approved by the Land Trust
in area 2 of the park. Use of a park plan was suggested by Sarah Strommen of the Land
Trust so as to provide the city with some flexibility in managing and improving area 2 of
the park in the future.
A small working group had corresponded by email over a couple of weeks in an effort to
produce a definition of “low impact” recreational improvements that would be utililized
in determining what types of future structures and improvements would be considered
acceptable. The definition was accompanied by a list of examples of types of
improvements that could be considered by future park commissions / councils for
placement in area 2. These examples were only sited as possible improvements to be
considered in a future plan for the park and did not in anyway obligate the city to such
improvements.
Blackford: expressed appreciation to Rolf Larson for taking a leadership role in, and
working on crafting the definition.
The commission expressed that the definition allowed for more structures and
improvements than they would prefer. They expressed that they just want the area
preserved. Suggested that all other city parks are available for the placement of the types
of activities / improvements listed. Would like to see improvements in area 2 limited to a
pleasure skating rink, warming shelter, interpretive center, trails, signage and prairie
restoration.
Steele: Offered to draft a paragraph expressing that area 2 be limited to the above
mentioned improvements.
M/S/P Iimprovements and structures in area 2 of Sunfish Lake Park be limited to those
that are consistent with the spirit of the paragraph drafted by David expressing the
commissions desire to focus on preservation of area 2.
Lowes Partnership Program Update / Carriage Station Project Update
Project Assistant Kriegler provided a brief history of the Lowes Partnership Program and
Carriage Station picnic shelter project. Originally the city was told that it was eligible to
receive $7,000 in building materials from Lowes for the construction of a picnic shelter.
Confirmation has since been received that the city will be receiving materials and
supplies for the project valued at approximately $11,000.
At the July commission meeting, a motion was made and passed limiting the project
resources and budget to the Lowes donation and the $4,000 gift from the Lake Elmo
Jaycees.
Carol Kriegler provided an overview of a couple of different picnic shelter budgets, one
at approximately 400 s.f. in size, and another at about 650 s.f. The budgets identified
essential budget items such as site preparation, concrete pad / footings, materials /
supplies, time and labor. Kriegler explained that the purpose of the exercise was to
provide the commission with information essential to establishing an appropriate budget
for this type of project. Kriegler expressed concern that the budget established for the
project at last month’s commission meeting was not adequate. Specifically, she
expressed concern that $4,000 would not be an adequate budget for placement of a
concrete slab and time and labor to erect the structure.
Concern was expressed about the size of the proposed shelter for Carriage Station Park.
Several members expressed that a smaller shelter would be more in scale with the size
and nature of the park. Lack of parking at the park was identified as a potential problem
in that a larger shelter could draw from outside the immediate neighborhood creating on
street parking problems. Wagner: expressed that her interest in limiting the Carriage
Station picnic shelter project was based out of concern for spreading the city’s financial
resources evenly throughout the park system.. Several members expressed concern over
the extensive improvements and high level of resources committed to Carriage Station
Park in recent years and expressed an interest in a more modestly sized shelter limited to
meeting the basic needs of the immediate neighborhood..
Inquiries were made about scaling back the Carriage Station shelter. Staff responded that
this would be possible, though there would then be substantial material resources from
Lowes that would go unused. Discussion then turned to identifying a location for larger
shelter. Demontreville Park was raised as being a potential location for the shelter sized
to accommodate 4 tables, due to the scale of the park and the fact that a comparable
picnic shelter is scheduled for that location in 2009.
M/S/P Support moving forward in the design process for the construction of two picnic
shelters of the appropriate size and scale for Carriage Station and Demontreville Parks.
Discussion of City Trail System Improvements / Trail Segment Inventory
Project assistant Kriegler reported that the matrix structure and associated maps for the
comprehensive trail segments inventory was nearly complete and would soon be
available for the compilation of information and data.
A memo drafted by the city’s consulting engineer, providing an update on the
reconstruction of Demontreville Trail. The update reveals that the project is scheduled
for 2010, will be funded by the county and that there are issues that make widening the
road or adding a trail very difficult. Steele: Expressed the high level of bikers and
pedestrians on the road in this area and the need for including a trail as a part of the
project to reduce hazards.
Fall Pebble Park Buckthorn Removal Project:
Carol Kriegler reported that she was working with the city forester in organizing a fall
buckthorn removal project for Pebble Park that could possibly involve Washington
County’s Sentence to Serve Program.. Ames encouraged the use of community
volunteers, scouts and the Tri Lakes organization as well, which participated in a removal
event earlier this year.
Information Items
Wagner reminded the commission of the upcoming Fall Festival to be held September 5
and 6.
Dunn expressed concern for the plantings done early this spring and the need for watering
through the first growing cycles.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kriegler
Project Assistant