Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.10.18 Park MinutesMinutes �Iarks, Recreation, and OpenSpace Meeting of October 18, 2017 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Call to Order Present: Roger Clarke, Mat Rauschendorfer, Dave Strub, Ranell Tennyson Absent: Cathy Moore-Arcand, John Pontrelli, Nicole Schmid Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant Sarah Rumppe, Community Development Intern Debi Close, Parks Secretary Strub called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. I... Approval Of MkUtes from September Meeting Tennyson made a motion, Clarke seconded to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2017 Parks Commission meeting as presented. All Aye. Motion carried. 2. Creekside Heights Sketch Plan Parks Planner Shayla Denaway presented a sketch plan application for Creekside Heights that had been received from the Lincoln Group. The proposed development is on 132 acres of vacant land east of Highway 61 and west of Oneka Lake. The development would consist of a combination of single family, villa, and townhomes totaling 251 residential units. The proposal also included constructing a fishing pier on Oneka Lake and trails and sidewalks throughout the development. Rich Wilburn from Kaskaskia Engineering Group was available to answer questions. Wilburn indicated they would be dedicating a combination of land and fee but are still reviewing it to determine what parts of the property are upland and would qualify. Page 1 of 3 Parks Commission Minutes October 18, 2017 The Parks Commission was generally supportive of a fishing pier on Oneka Lake but would like consideration of how it could be accessed and used by the public. This includes looking at off-street and on -street parking, and trying to find adjacent upland to add amenities like a picnic shelter or table, etc. It was envisioned that people may want to drive to the access and put in a kayak/etc. One idea was to locate the fishing pier at the south end of the property so that it could possibly be accessed off of the park property. The Wilburn expressed interest in that idea. When asked about preserving the trees at the south end of the property, Wilburn indicated that there will be trees lost in order to make the necessary roadway connections but that they are looking at other ways to minimize the impact on the trees. Commissioner Strub asked for consideration of an additional pedestrian access to the cluster of townhouses, such as a trail crossing of the ditch towards the south. It was noted that the townhouse cluster is quite separate from the rest of the neighborhood and that a tot lot may be needed to serve the area. The Commission was generally very supportive of the trails in the development which would provide access to other trails and Oneka Lake Park. A trail connection to the properties to the north was requested in order to connect possible future development. It was also discussed that the roundabout or Hwy 61 crossing should evaluated to make the pedestrian crossings trails are safe. The Commission was generally supportive of the park dedication proposal and were interested in accepting the trail area and any other buildable, useable, and attached parcels. S. Existing Warks Survey Denaway provided the Commission with a survey of existing parks, intended to start a discussion on park improvements and upgrades. The survey included playground age/vendor, needed maintenance, and possible projects. Community Development Intern, Sarah Rumppe gave insight of how small changes could improve users' experiences at Arbre and other parks. This included defining pedestrian movement with visual esthetics, gateways, and defined spaces. She presented sketches showing the proposed changes and suggestions for park improvements. Arbre Park was highlighted because of anticipated tree loss. Proposed improvements include creating a more welcoming entrance, developing gateways to connect the two park halves, and adding shade. Discussion on improvements at Oneka Lake Park included serving more residents in the future, providing access to the lake, and offering new programming to utilize the space including kayaking, fishing, ice skating and swimming. The Parks Commissioners were appreciative of the insight and Rumppe's perspective and were excited to see additional sketches and ideas in the future. 4. Meeting Schedule Update Denaway provided an update on the comprehensive plan meeting schedule. Page 2 of 3 Parks Commission Minutes October 18, 2017 S. Other Tennyson gave and update on the Forest Lake YMCA including that their annual fundraising campaign will be starting soon. 6. Adjournment Tennyson made a motion, Clarke seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 pm. All Ayes. Motion carried. Page 3of3 Parks Commission Minutes October 18, 2017