2011.06.20 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for June 20, 2011 Page 5 of 7 Irish Meadows Multi -Purpose Cross Country Running Proposal from Gary Wilson and Dave Percival At its April 13, 2011 meeting, the Hugo Parks and Recreation Commission listened to a presentation from the University of Minnesota Women's Track and Field Head Coach Gary Wilson and White Bear Lake High School Boys Track Head Coach Dave Percival with a proposal for a multi -use cross country running facility at the Irish Avenue Park. Irish Avenue Park is 125 acres, which is a sufficient size to allow for cross country running events with distances of 4k, 5k, 8k, and l Ok, which could be used by university teams, high school teams, and residents. With the working name "Irish Meadows", Gary Wilson had shared with the Commissioners the potential of a multi- use off road cross country running and skiing facility while still allowing for the construction of the pinwheel ball field complex and other park facilities. After discussion, Parks and Recreation Chair Jim Taylor moved to make a recommendation to Council to form a sub -committee to discuss a master planning process for Irish Avenue Park. The motion passed unanimously. Gary Wilson and Dave Percival presented the City Council with their vision for Irish Meadows, which is to create a facility that can host large collegiate cross country invitationals as well as high school and community cross country races. Gary and Dave said they have received a great response from Hugo and are extremely excited to move forward with the plan. Gary stated he would be willing to spend $20,000, to be recouped with fundraising, in order to begin improvements to the site. Other revenue sources for operating costs could be parking fees, user fees for cross country skiers, concession sales, meet entry fees and community races. Council Members noted events held in the park would support businesses in the community, but there were issues regarding parking and restroom facilities that would have to be resolved. Gary Wilson responded that it was not uncommon to have people shuttled to the fields by bus. Council Member Haas remarked that this would be an opportunity to partnership with other organizations and he noted the importance of keeping the neighbors involved. Mayor Miron questioned whether gravel tax collected by Washington County could be used for improvement to Irish Avenue for site access and parking. Council Member Weidt stated the land was bought with taxpayer money and it needed to benefit the City; the City needed to take some time and plan for the park in a way that would most benefit the residents. Council member Petryk said she felt it was important that the City has control and complete ownership of the land. She also noted that noise, traffic, and lighting were a concern of the residents. Klein agreed with the other Council members in that there should be a subcommittee to work on the planning for the park. Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to form a subcommittee to work with Gary Wilson and Dave Percival in master planning Irish Avenue Park. All Ayes. Motion carried. Council discussed the formation of the subcommittee and the importance of including a neighborhood representative, City Council member, Planning Commissioner, Parks Commissioner, Lions Club member, American Legion member, and possibility a representative from the County. It was a concern that the committee would be too large, and a suggestion was made to keep it between 7-9 members.