HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-17-07 Park Minutes FinalLake Elmo Park Commission and Planning Commission
Minutes of the Joint Park Commission and Planning Commission Meeting
September 17, 2007
Chairman Steele called to order the meeting of the joint Lake Elmo Parks Commission and Planning Commission meeting at 7:01 P.M.
PARK COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Steele, Booher, Larson, Dunn, Blackford, T. Bouthilet, and Adanene (7:12). PLANNING COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Van Zandt, Lyzenga, and Pelletier. STAFF PRESENT:
Public Works Superintendent M. Bouthilet, Planner Matzek and Finance Director T. Bouthilet.
Agenda
M/S/P, motion to approve the agenda. Vote: 6:0 Park 3:0 Planning
Presentation by PCA about Superfund clean up activities at Hagberg Market site
Kurt Schroeder, MPCA
Mr. Schroeder provided background on the Hagberg site and the water pollution. The TCE plume flows east from the Hagberg site into Baytown Township, West Lakeland Township, and the
City of Bayport.
Dan Card, MPCA
Mr. Card stated that the MPCA would like to do some permanent remedies on this site with objectives to prevent future migration of pollution off the site. He said they are proposing
a two pronged remedy - to air strip the TCE and to inject chemical oxidents.
Brett Staeden, Terracon
Mr. Staeden said the three options being considered to utilize the treated water are to irrigate the neighboring ball field, pipe it under the ball field into horizontal wells at 20
to 30 feet below the surface and to add a pressurized hydrant for the city to tap into for a nonpotable water supply. Mr. Staeden said three monitor wells and sensors attached to the
ends of the pipe would ensure the system worked properly.
Planning Commissioner Van Zandt asked what happens to the pollutants when it is sprayed in the air.
Mr. Card said the TCE breaks down in UV rays in a matter of hours.
Planning Commissioner Lyzenga asked if there were any contaminants left in the dirt.
Mr. Card said a study has shown there is not much contaminant, if any left in the dirt.
Jim Blackford, 9765 45 St. N.
Mr. Blackford said this process was used unsuccessfully two miles away. He asked if there were any other chemicals being tested for at the site.
Mr. Schroeder said at the landfill location, a barrier type system was used which was successful in reducing concentrations. The air stripper in Bayport is similar to what is being
proposed. He said dozens of volatile organics were tested for, but TCE is the main contaminant. Mr. Schroeder said he will check back with MPCA management to see about testing the
area for additional contaminants.
Mr. Blackford asked if a filtering system could be used that would guarantee clean water.
Mr. Card said there are nine factors looked at for treatment. He said that based on the fact that the water is not being used for drinking purposes, an air stripper is appropriate.
Adjourned joint meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Lake Elmo Park Commission
Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting
September 17, 2007
Chairman Steele called the regular meeting to order at 8:17 p.m.
Agenda
Commissioner T. Bouthilet asked for the postponement of the Sunfish Lake Park report discussion to the October meeting.
Commissioner Booher asked to add the petition from Stonegate regarding the trails.
M/S/P, Dunn/Bouthilet to approve the agenda as amended. Vote: 7:0.
Minutes
August 20, 2007
Commissioner Blackford asked that future packets include past approved meeting minutes. She had the following changes:
Pg 1, 3rd paragraph; the wording “four were for and four were against” is taken out regarding her corrections of the minutes;
Pg 5, 2/3 down page; add that she “does not trust the County” as they get heavy-handed with the Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve;
Pg 6; add under Sunfish Lake Park Report “see attached document” and add her handout to the minutes.
Commissioner Larson asked to have his comments regarding graffiti removed.
Commissioner Dunn had the following changes:
Pg 1, under approval of minutes; would like it stated that Public Works Superintendent M. Bouthilet was “glad to be made aware” of the water not working at the park.
Pg 2; would like it clarified that she thought the house and land at the Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center was conceptually to be part of Lions Park.
M/S/P, T. Bouthilet/Blackford to approve the minutes as amended. Vote: 7:0.
Presentation on the Lucy Winton Ball Fields
Steve Hobbs, Executive Director at Lucy Winton Bell Ball fields
Mr. Hobbs gave a background on the 1,500 acres in Afton and the focus on environmental education. He is asking communities in the areas for donations of $8.00 per child of school age
within the community and a five year commitment. The plan is to add an environmentally sensitive building for concessions and meeting room and possibly lights for the fields.
Chairman Steele asked if Mr. Hobbs had a sense of how many children from Lake Elmo participate at their facility.
Mr. Hobbs said the facility offers an opportunity for the entire area and he does not have that number.
Public Works Superintendent M. Bouthilet said Lake Elmo falls within three school districts, the bulk of which is 834 - the only school district being asked to contribute.
Commissioner Larson asked if they were financially supported by grants or Washington County.
Mr. Hobbs stated that the operational expenses were largely from two organizations.
Chairman Steele said they are requesting roughly twenty percent of the general fund budget for parks. He asked them to return with the number of Lake Elmo children utilizing the facility.
Sunfish Lake Park Uses – Draft Report - Postponed
Stonegate Petition
Commissioner Booher said the Stonegate neighborhood submitted a petition to bring the trails up to public standards.
Chairman Steele suggested looking at this in conjunction with the CIP process at a future meeting.
Updates
a. Heights Park Process
Chairman Steele said he is meeting with City Administrator Hoyt and Project Assistant Carol Kriegler later in the week to discuss her future role with the Park Commission. He believes
she will play a role in this park item.
b. Comprehensive Parks P lan
Planner Matzek said she spoke with the City Administrator about the timing of the public hearing as it is a part of the Comprehensive Plan. She said the public hearing could be at the
end of October, but will let the commission know.
c. Park Partners Report
Commissioner Booher said a grill was installed and the fields were being maintained at Stonegate.
Commissioner T. Bouthilet suggested discussing the trailoring of horses to Sunfish Lake Park. He said it has become difficult to hike on the trails due to manure.
Chairman Steele suggested looking into the naming of parks as well as signage.
M/S/P, Dunn/Blackford to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Vote: 7:0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelli Matzek
City Planner