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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 3 I Wolff stated the Commission has not received a Construction Review in over a month, or a 2 timeline as requested at a recent meeting. She added that residents are not being kept informed. 3 Jindra stated, with regard to the City's pocket parks on St. Anthony Boulevard, the City has 4 acquired 2 lots and potentially 3 more lots could be acquired. She added the Commission should 5 discuss possible uses for those lots. She noted a meeting with the Council regarding this subject 6 would be held July 13, 1999, which Wagner and possibly Koehntop would be attending, and she 7 encouraged the other Commissioners to attend the meeting. 8 Mr. Kennedy stated a neighborhood meeting was held which Todd Hubmer attended with the 9 landscape architect retained by WSB to assist with the design of these pocket parks. He added 10 the residents expressed concern that the parks not be made into "destination" parks, with play 11 equipment, benches and trails. He stressed the residents wished to have some open space for 12 neighborhood gatherings and picnics to be used by the residents in homes immediately adjacent 13 to the parks. 14 Mr. Kennedy noted the landscape drawings depict overstory trees along the edges of the lots with 15 a central open space for impromptu games or gatherings. He stated the plans include the addition 16 of several trees along St. Anthony Boulevard to retain the tree -lined character of the boulevard. . I Mr. Kennedy noted a resident along the northernmost ponding area is concerned that his garage 18 and garbage will be visible from the boulevard through the pocket park. He added the plan 19 shows conifers and evergreens to provide some screen for that problem. 20 Mr. Kennedy stated that these were the main points arising from the neighborhood meeting, and 21 requested the Commission's comments and reactions. He encouraged the Commissioners to 22 attend the July 13 meeting. 23 Jindra asked for clarification with regard to the nature of the meeting. Mr. Kennedy stated he 24 suspects the purpose of the meeting is to collect input from residents and determine the ideal uses 25 for these areas, and hopefully arrive at a consensus. 26 Koehntop stated he would support fulfilling the neighborhood's wishes as much as possible, 27 noting the landscape plan gives the area functionality. He added this is a volatile issue, and there 28 would be nothing to gain by opposing the residents. 29 Wolff stated the double lot on Pahl Avenue would be an ideal parks space, and the Commission 30 should reserve the right to do something there. She added the City should work with the 31 residents but noted the areas are public property and the community in general must be 32 considered. Koehntop asked what kind of use would be appropriate for a larger pocket park. Mr. Kennedy 34 stated a small soccer field could conceivably fit there. Jensen stated something appropriate for 35 small children should be considered.