HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.15.21 Park Minutes Minutes
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of September 15, 2021
Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm
Present: Roger Clarke, Emily McGinnity,Cathy Moore-Arcand, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid,
Meredith St. Pierre, Ranell Tennyson.
Staff Present: Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner
Debi Close, Parks Secretary
Chair Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 21, 2021 Meeting
Moore-Arcand made a motion, Rauschendorfer seconded to approve the minutes of the July 21, 2021
Parks Commission meeting.
All ayes. Motion carried.
2. Park Dedication Policy
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner reviewed the Park Dedication Policy and MN Statues 462.358.
Schmid shared concern for the current fee at$2,400 per unit not reflecting property valuation increase
in 11 years. All commission members agreed the ordinance and policy is meeting needs but that the fee
should be evaluated.
Schmid made a motion, Moore-Arcand seconded,to request authorization from the City Council to
evaluate the park dedication fee.
All ayes. Motion carried.
3. Park to School -Grail Study
Denaway updated that the feasibility study of the area between Lions Park and the new White Bear Lake
Area Elementary School is still in process. Engagement with property owners and other stakeholders
Page 1 of 3
Parks Commission Minutes
September 15,2021
will happen soon. Once the school district has completed the online survey tool evaluations and a
concept plan has been made they will contact City Staff and make it available to the public.
Moore-Arcand requested that this information be made available to the Parks Commission members
when it has been determined.
4. Winter Recreation Program Update
Denaway updated on the winter recreation programs. Movie nights and Washington County Library
programs are on hold due to covid concerns.A neighboring resident to City Hall, proposed a Holiday tree
lighting ceremony in the new Lions park this winter.
Open floor discussion included:tree, lighting, advertisement for donations, refreshments,toys for tots,
Santa, all-inclusive for diversity and activities.
Tennyson asked if a Sledding Party could also be planned at the new hill that was created at Irish Avenue
Park. Scott Anderson, Public Works Director informed that the parking lot will be paved by then and has
40+parking spots.
Clarke requested City Staff to look into hosting the tree lighting ceremony and the sledding party and
detailing specifics at the next Parks Commission meeting.
S. Val Jean Perk Ice Rink
Kris Birch, a Victor Gardens resident,addressed the parks commission on a portable EZ ice skate rink
that he installed at Val Jean Park for public use last winter. It was purchased, installed and maintained
by residents in the Victor Garden development. The rink was used by a hockey(Mites)team,adults and
other kids in the area.
Birch requesting the City help with funding for to regrade the park. He provided rough estimates from
Frattalones for grading at$20,000 and irrigation and seeding repairs to be done by Birch Landscaping at
$4,000. Resident contributions for the rink materials and lighting totaled over$10,000.
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director informed that the Hugo Elementary School rink was attempted to
be utilized last season. Residents attempted to flood the rink but were not able to achieve a good
surface. The rink had some small repairs done by public works to help with the (non-liner) permanent
rink drainage issues.
Open floor discussion included: using different neighborhood parks, utilizing ponds in the area (safety
and surface issues),tennis court multi use limitations with water weight, public works doing earthwork
to help but limited with equipment, public input policy and contacting residents for a public
neighborhood meeting, grant funding, other future ice rinks proposed in parks.
Schmid made a motion,Tennyson second to move the next Parks Commission meeting to October 13,
2021.
Page 2 of 3
Parks Commission Minutes
September 15,2021
All ayes. Motion carried.
City Staff was directed to contact neighbors in Victor Gardens Association to be part of the parks
commission meeting held October 13, 2021 to discuss the request of the grading and irrigation changes
needed for the temporary rink and gather more information.
5. Adjournment
Moore-Arcand made a motion, St. Pierre seconded to adjourn at 9:06 PM.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Page 3 of 3
Parks Commission Minutes
September 15,2021