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Home My WebLink AboutParks Packet 12.15.21Agenda Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of December 15, 2021 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 1. Approve Minutes from November 17, 2021 Meeting 7:03 pm 2. Oneka Trail Feasibility Study 7:30 pm 3. Sunset Lake Property Review 7:50 pm 4. 2021 Annual Report 8:15 pm 5. Adjournment Page 1 of 3 Parks Commission Agenda December 15, 2021 Background Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of December 15, 2021 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from November 17, 2021 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of November 17, 2021. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MINUTES. Oneka Trail Feasibility Study Lions Park and a new WBLAS Elementary School are under construction. A pedestrian connection between Lions Park, the school, and the existing trail along Oneka Parkway is desirable. The natural open space owned by the City and School District is substantial, but the majority of it is wetlands. At the meeting of April 21, 2021, a proposal from WSB was approved to study the feasibility of trails in this area for $16,000. It included mapping the approved wetland delineations of the various parcels, delineating remaining wetlands, as well as preparation and evaluation of conceptual trail alignments and a concluding report. Candace Amberg from WSB will present the concept plans. THE CONCEPTS AND WETLAND MAP ARE ATTACHED. Sunset Lake Property Review At the meeting of October 18, 2018, the Parks Commission approved park dedication of .93 acres with the Preserve on Sunset Lake adjacent to the city's .7 acre property on Sunset Lake. The Parks Plan states that "providing access to and protect Hugo's water resources including wetlands, lakes, and streams is encouraged to build a connected, multi -function parks system". At the time of the development approvals, there was neighborhood interest in those parcels being developed into a park. Both the Parks Commission and the City Council included planning the future park in their 2019 goals and a proposal was approved from WSB to plan the park. Concepts were revised by the Commission in August, and a neighborhood meeting was held at the September 18, 2019 meeting. At the neighborhood meeting, residents commented about over fishing, what people would use the property, preventing on -road parking, trash problems, reducing the number of parking spots available, preventing winter access, and other concerns. There were conflicting opinions shared about what road the property should be accessed from and the type of amenities to be offered in the park. The Parks Commission continued discussions at additional meetings and staff was directed to prepare traffic counts and fishing info. At the meeting of February 19, 2020, the Parks Commission reviewed traffic estimates prepared by WSB and information provided by the DNR. The Commission unanimously directed staff to scale down plans and look into cost estimates for a reduced parking lot. The March 2020 meeting was cancelled due to COVID 19. In 2021, a letter was received from a resident requesting use of the property. Staff provided a re -cap of previous discussions at the Commission meeting of March 17, 2021. The Commission directed staff to Page 2 of 3 Parks Commission Agenda December 15, 2021 remove brush and small trees to create visibility and walk-in access to the lake. The Commission also discussed the concepts. Candace Amberg will review the concepts with the Commission. THE CONCEPTS, TRAFFIC COUNTS, AND DNR INFO, AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING MINUTES ARE ATTACHED AS WELL AS A LETTER FROM A RESIDENT. 2021 Annual Report Staff will present the 2021 Annual Report of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT. THE PARKS PLAN CAN BE FOUND AT: https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/2040compplan Page 3 of 3 Parks Commission Agenda December 15, 2021 Minutes Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of November 17, 2021 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Present: Roger Clarke, Cathy Moore-Arcand, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Meredith St. Pierre, Ranell Tennyson. Absent: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director, Emily McGinnity Staff Present: Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner Debi Close, Secretary Chair Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 1. Approval of Minutes from the October 13, 2021 Meeting St. Pierre made a motion, Tennyson seconded to approve the minutes of the October 13, 2021 Parks Commission meeting. All ayes. Motion carried. 2. Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Feasibility Study Conner Schaefer, Washington County Public Works Planner, presented the preliminary concept plans for the extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail. The City of Hugo did a feasibility study in 2019 with partnership from Washington County and Wilson Tool to determine how the trail could be connected to reginal trails, parks and other trail systems. Washington County reviewed this study to determine further research was need and hired Aliant to do a more comprehensive feasibility study to continue with the planning process. Hardwood Creek Regional Trail from 1301" St to 120t" Street. Preliminary concept plans were drafted with the regional standard of a 10 foot wide trail. Further planning will combine public input and meetings will be held with residents, Home Owners Association, Wilson Tool International, the City of Hugo and Washington County to finalize concept plans. Once planning has moved forward details and drafted sketches will be posted on the web site below. https://www.co.washington.mn.us/2807/Master-Plan-Documents Page 1 of 3 Parks Commission Minutes November 17, 2021 Concept plans for Segment of 120th St to 125th St. 1A = shrink width of trail from 10ft standard to 8ft. 1B = shrink Falcon Ave N road size from 12ft to 10 ft. Concept plans for Segment 1251h St to Wilson Tool International 2A = 13.5 road and trail on east side to Falcon Court 2B = 11ft road with reduction to a small portion of Falcon Court cul-de-sac width. Concept plans for Segment of Wilson Tool International to 1301h St. 3 = Trail easement through Wilson tool's property utilizing design and screening to flow with future expansion of their business. Rauschendorfer asked about 3ft clear zones and space for maintenance be lessened to 2ft to eliminate changing street or trail sizes. Connor Shaefer, Washington County Public Works Planner informed the BNR railway has requested a 3ft minimum clearance to their active tracks on their property. Open floor discussion included: safety of street being narrowed, safer pedestrian usage, cost to remove roadway and reconstruction, vegetation removal, snowmobile use, smaller trail width concepts are preferred and residents maintaining and use of land beyond property lines adjacent to the proposed trail system. Shayla Denaway, Parks planner informed construction estimates will be refined with additional planning. Funding could be considered including the Parks Capital Improvement Plan, road improvement project and researching grant opportunities. 3. Park Dedication Fee Update Denaway updated on the requested increase on the park dedication fees that have been the same since 2005. With high development demand the fee is currently $2,400 per residential unit, the Parks Commission submitted a request to increase the fee to $3,400 per residential unit. The City Council approved the increase at their meeting of November 15, 2021 to be in effective on January 1, 2022. Tennyson asked if developments already applied for would be subject to this increase. Denaway informed that those with approved development agreements are not subject to the increased fees but all developments approved in and beyond 2022 will be charged the new rates. Page 2 of 3 Parks Commission Minutes November 17, 2021 4. Recreation Programs Update Denaway informed that Santa is coming to City Hall on December 1, 2021. There will be a party including photo opportunities, toy drive for local families and City Hell lighting with refreshments. Washington County is holding La Musica y la Familia event on January 4, 2022 at Hugo City Hall. Macphail Center will interact with participants encouraging them to sing, rhyme, read move and create play in Spanish. Recommended for ages 0-5. 5. Adjournment Moore—Arcand made a motion, Tennyson seconded to adjourn at 8:15 PM. All ayes. Motion carried. Page 3 of 3 Parks Commission Minutes November 17, 2021 ... . ..... 40 MUM I .. ..... . ......... i. 7a1 mffWqq . . 1 ......... .. ..... .... .... E:.. ....... ... .... ..... ..... .... .. .... ... . ..... ... :Jrl/,, '�'- \>�{ -�:• ... .``•1/,. .1 -_ 9 C.15a r. ® .... . . ...... . ..... ..... ... .... A, ... .. ..... .. .......... e :-:: .... ... ... ..... .. .... ... ..... ..... ... .... ...... . .... .... ......... mb -711111 \1" . ...... ... A, L W L or A, A. .. ....... D /,, .1, t 1111®II�j� ,,. `N W gigolo 11� �. .........:: ... ...... ... ..... . .. .... ..... .......... . .... ..... to .... ... ...... .... .. ... .o .. ..... ... N .......... ... 7 .. ....... .. i: .. .... ..... ... ...... 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EXISTING TRAIL ,A ;, EDUCATIONAL ` NODES / GATHERING AREAS (TYP) TRAILALONG JUDICIAL DITCH #3 MAINTENANCE ROUTE POTENTIALLY EXTEND BERM & CROSS DITCH 1 �•F, ' W O CONNECT TO EXISTING TRAIL a LEGEND BOUNDARY LINE EXISTING TRAILS PREFERRED TRAIL ROUTE F OPTIONAL TRAIL ROUTE WETLAND BERM TRAIL ROUTE ® WETLAND BANKING BERM TRAIL CONNECTION IN EASEMENT CONNECT TO NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRAILS (SCHOOL TRAILS CONNECT TO HCRT) 4 BOARDWALK ACROSS WETLAND WITH LOOKOUT NODES OPTIONAL NATURAL TRAIL LOOP WETLAND AREA ISD PROPERTY EDUCATIONAL NODES / GATHERING AREAS (TYP) POTENTIAL BERM TO DEVELOP WETLAND BANK (-20 ACRES OF WETLAND CREDIT) OPEN SPACE USED BY COMMUNITY WETLAND AREA 5 BOARDWALK WITH ' LOOKOUT NODES CONNECT TO EXISTING TRAIL =� 1 - HUGO LIONS PARK s t' r r � FREIVCH41AIV � Eu Oneka Trail Feasibility Project k NEW HUGO ELEMENTARY " Iy I � z I I CONNECT TO HCRT (CONNECTS TO SCHOOL) OPTION: MOWED OR NATURAL TRAILS CITY PROPERTY (TYP) I HARDWOOD CREEK 1 REGIONAL TRAIL -/ (HCRT) j HUGO CITY HALL Hugo, Minnesota November 8, 2021 WSB Project number: 018197-000 0' 500' 1000' ws Scale in Feet Sunset Lake Summary of data found February 2020 at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=82015300 ID:82015300 County: Washington Near: White Bear Lake Border Water: No Sentinel Lake: No (Intensive, long-term lake ecosystem monitoring program) Size and Depth Area: 133.14 acres Littoral Area: 124 acres (area less than 15 feet deep) Shore Length: 2.51 miles Maximum Depth: 17 feet Fish Species black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, golden shiner Status of the Fishery Surveys August 23, 1979 BLB & Crappies were found in num. per set sign. ab both the statewide and local med. BRB and BG were caught in sign. Iwr numbers than both medians. A test netting in 1974 indicated that both Bluegill and BLB were present in high numbers. In 1976 bth LMB fry (20,000) and fgls (357) were stckd since both netting and electrofishing had failed to reveal the presence of any predator species. August 6, 1984 GOLDEN SHINER, BLACK BULLHEAD, BROWN BULLHEAD, LARGEMOUTH BASS, PUMPKINSEED, BLUEGILL, BLACK CRAPPIE AND HYBRID SUNFISH WERE FOUND AT ABOVE LOCAL MEDIAN LEVELS. NORTHERN PIKE AND GREEN SUN- FISH WERE SAMPLED AT LOW LEVELS. THE FISH POPULA- TION IS DOMINATED BY NUMEROUS SMALL BULLHEADS. BLUEGILLS AND CRAPPIES ARE MOSTLY VERY SMALL INDI- VIDUALS. THE WINTERKILL OF 1978-79 SEVERELY REDUC- ED THE NUMBERS OF MOST SPECIES EXCEPT BULLHEADS AND BLACK CRAPPIES. August 7, 1995 Panfish were the most abundant fish present. Bluegill were high in number with a tenth of acceptable size to anglers. Black crappie were common with many near 9 inches in length. Pumpkinseed, hybrid, and green sunfish were present with few fish over 6 inches.Black bullhead were sampled in low numbers with many over 10 inches. Three brown bullhead were sampled.Largemouth bass were captured in good numbers with sizes up to 20 inches. No electrofishing was done to assess the population. Northern pike were present in average numbers with over a third 25 inches long or better. Five walleye were sampled, from the 1993 stocking. August 9, 1999 Sunset Lake offers shore and boat angling for a variety of species. Shore angling is available from the city property on the north end and off of Co. Rd. 10 on the south end. Boat access is available in the city property, but the access is in poor condition with no legal parking. Bluegill is the most abundant species. Bluegills up to 8.5 inches were sampled, but most are less than 6 inches, with an average of 4.5 inches. Black crappie are moderately abundant. There were two size groups of black crappie - 3 to 4.5 inches and 5.5 to 8 inches, with some up to 9 inches. Northern pike are abundant, with lengths ranging from 14 to 27 inches and a 19.5 inch average. Largemouth bass also appear to be abundant, but were not adequately sampled with the gears used during this survey. Walleye were sampled in low to moderate numbers as the result of a private stocking in 1993. Lengths ranged from 17 to 21 inches. Moderate numbers of pumkinseed and hybrid sunfish were sampled - both species had average lengths of about 5.5 inches. Yellow perch were sampled in low numbers with an average length of 7.5 inches. Neascus (black spot) was prevalent in bluegill, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. Recorded Water Levels 2010-2-10 t4 2020-2-10 967.0 > 965.0 965.0 964.0 _ Sunset 62015300 p Z4 � Z4 h' Z4 Zp�y Z4�6 Zp �p �0 �Q•L� Water Quality Recreational suitability measures The Trophic State Index (TSI). is a number that summarizes a Jake's overall nutrient richness. Nutrient richness ranges from clear lakes, low in nutrients (oligotrophic), to green lakes, with very high nutrient levels (hypereutrophlc). The chart below shows the overall TSI rating forthis lake (top bar), followed by TSI ratings for the individual parameters that contribute to nutrient richness. The TSI calculations are based on data collected between June and September 2008 to 2017. Clear Moderately Clear Green Very Green [Oligotrophir]. .(Mesotrophir). .(Eutrophlr}. .(Hypereutrophir}. Trophic State Index (TSI); 20 30 40 so 60 70 eo Transparency; 20 30 40 50 60 70 30 Chlorophyll -a: The Chlorophyll -a value for this parameter falls o, side the grachable rage. See the table below instead. Total Phosphorus: 20 30 4n 50 60 70 80 Overall Trophic State Index for This Lake: 45 16-Year average Expected TSI range for Parameter Parameter TSI Number of samples of all summer samples lakes in same ecoregion Transparency (meters) 3 44 43 - 54 60 Chloraphyll-a (parts perhillion) — — 46-61 N/A Total Phosphorus (parts per billion) 19 47 49 - 61 42 '** Insuffaent data available Water transparency is an excellent indicator of water quality, and the majority of these data are ccI[[ected by volunteers. Join the MPCNS Citizen Lake Monitoring Program and help collect this important information for your lake. Clarity values from 2015 are compared against the values for other lakes throughout the state, as well as county, ecoregion, and watershed (HUC4 and HUC8). Higher percentile values indicate that a lake has greater clarity than other lakes in the region, e.g. a lake in the 95th percentile in its county has better clarity than 95% of the lakes in the county. Note that some lakes may appear as being in the 100th percentile due to rounding. Statewide 88 County Washington 89 Ecoregion North Central Hardwood Forests 96 HUC4 Watershed Mississippi Headwaters (0701) 87 HUC8 Watershed Mississippi River -Twin Cities 93 (07010206) Land Cover Land cover is calculated for an area within 1000' of the basin (this is considered shoreland) that includes the selected lake feature. Note that the Minnesota LakeBrowser splits some lakes into components. Values are determined using the National Land Cover Database (2016) (NLCD). Additionally, open water within 1000' of the basin is excluded as shorelines change over time. Note that unclassified land cover is common for lakes near the Canadian border as the NLCD does not extend into Canada. In the image below the lake appears as solid blue and dark lines indicate the shoreland buffer. Land Cover (NLCD 2016) Open water Developed. Open Space Developed, Low Intensity Developed, Medium Intensity Developed, High Intensity Barren Land Forest Shrub/Scrub Herbaceous Planted/Cultivated Wetlands Developed Barren Land Forest ShrubtSaub Herbaceous Planted+Culivated Wellands _ Uflda551fICd Developed 12.6 Developed, Open Space 8.6 Developed, Low Intensity 3.7 Developed, Medium Intensity 0.3 Developed, High Intensity 0 Barren 0 Barren Land (Rock/Sand/Clay) 0 Forest 30.2 Deciduous Forest 12.1 Evergreen Forest 3 Mixed Forest 15 Shrubland 0 Shrub/Scrub 0 Herbaceous 1.5 Grassland/Herbaceous 1.5 Planted/Cultivated 45.5 Pasture/Hay 45.5 Cultivated Crops 0 Wetlands 10.2 Woody Wetlands 0.2 Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands 10.1 Unclassified 0 Unclassified 0 300 750 12511 St 640 A.r t 3 (9) rn � 29 (23) tA (10) 3 (22) 29 —� Assumed Existing Peak Hour Movements' At Homestead Dr wsb LEGEND N XX(XX) AM(PM) Estimated Peak Hour Movements XXX Existing ADT Volume (2018 MnDOT) XXX Assumed Existing Daily Traffic Volume (30 houses at 10 trips per day per house) Future Park Location y by �F tiCb�O 4t z' � Sunset Lake Hugo, MN Figure 1. Existina Traffic Volumes LEGEND N XX(XX) AM(PM) Estimated Peak Hour Movements 1 L or 1 (3) XXX Forecast 2021 ADT Volume t F y (1.3% annual growth plus park trips) o� co N� Future Park (9 stalls) Sunset Lake Park — Concept 1 AM Peak Hour Trips: 2 JI, . PM Peak Hour Trips: 7 Assumed Peak Hour _ W, Daily Trips: 30 f � _ to Movements at Park Access / ' 795 125th S 680 4 -P '''`� 3(11) o ~ 29 (23)00 a% 'A (12) 4 (22) 29 • Ty +' ,� »ram E. Assumed Peak Hour x_, s Movements at Homestead Dr .shr Sunset Lake Hugo, MN Ws b Fiaure 2. Forecast 2021 Traffic Volumes with Park- Conceat 1 � Op F tr. • '.: ` i -nee 795 a 125'" St 680 A 3 (9) ~ 30 (25) tA (10) 3 (26) 30 —� Assumed Peak Hour Movements at Homestead Dr wsb 0 (2) ~ 32 (32) o tA (2)1 (29) 37 —' Assumed Peak Hour Movements at Main Park Access Future Park (10 stalls) AM Peak Hour Trips: 2 PM Peak Hour Trips: 7 Daily Trips: 30 LEGEND N XX(XX) AM(PM) Estimated Peak Hour Movements FxXX Forecast 2021 ADT Volume (1.3% annual growth plus park trips) Sunset Lake Park — Concept 2 Iry d 1 . ^ 11L 11 F r a Sunset Lake Hugo, MN Fiaure 3. Forecast 2021 Traffic Volumes with Park- Conceat 2 APPROX. LOCATI OF EXISTING WATER O TF FUTURE TRAIL \` \ SrN CONCEPT 1: • Drop off zone for people unloading unmotorized watercraft • Vehicular access point off of Homstead Dr • Internal park trails could connect to future 125th St N trail l FISHING PLATFORM CANOE / KAYAK STORAGE RACK ,,J Sunset Lake Park - Concept 1 Hugo, Minnesota September 9, 2019 1 WSB Project number: 013980-000 EXI&INQ VMETATIV BUFFER 4 N, (jJfj�l I' \ OCTAGON FISHING PLATFORM PORTABLE RESTROOM DROP OFF AREA WINTER ACCESS CANOE STORAGE RACK DOCK STORMWATER TREATMENT TURF PARKING SUNSET LAKE (9 STALLS) FUTURE SHELTER n FUTURE FISHING PLATFORM (TYP.) FUTURE TRAIL FUTURE FISHING PLATFORM 0' 15' 30' 60' V V Scale in Feet sb APPROX. L CAI OF EXISTINGWERO F STORMWATER - TREATMENT p ,ggg \FUTURE IL S � rN PORTABLE RESTRb(x CONCEPT 2: • Drop off and unloading area • Vehicular access point off of Homestead Dr and 125th St • A looped internal trail could connect to a future trail along 125th St N 4{d"N �ro Oki - FISHING BOULDER, CANOE /KAYAK STORAGE RACK OUTCROPPING,., gut Sunset Lake Park - Concept 2 Hugo, Minnesota September 9, 2019 1 WSB Project number: 013980-000 C31 >, 2-- EXISTING VEGETATIVE BUFFER 3 PARKING (10 STALLS) SUNSET LAKE FUTURE SHELTER TURF PHASED PICNIC AREA FISHING PIER WINTER ACCESS DROP OFF AREA CANOE STORAGE RACK NATIVE GRASS p MOWED TRAIL ,X. FISHING BOULDER OUTCROPPING (TYP.) TURN LANE \\�`` FUTURE TRAIL y � � (D 0' 15' 30' 60' V V Scale in Feet sb Minutes Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of September 18, 2019 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Present: Roger Clarke, Shawn Haag, Cathy Moore — Arcand, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub, Ranell Tennyson Absent: Mat Rauschendorfer Staff Present: Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant Chair Strub called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. 1. Approval of Minutes from the August 21, 2019 Meeting Tennyson made a motion, Clarke seconded to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2019 Parks Commission meeting. Ayes - Roger Clarke, Shawn Haag, Cathy Moore —Arcand, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub, Ranell Tennyson Abstained — None. Motion carried. 2. Sunset Lake Neighborhood Meeting Denaway introduced the Sunset Lake Park project and provided a brief background on the City owned property along Sunset Lake. The City has a total of 1.63 acres along Sunset Lake that has been set aside as park dedication from two developments: The Preserve on Sunset Lake and Royal Haven Estates. The City recently did a 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, which had a large focus on park and trails. During the process, the City heard from residents that they would like more access to the City's natural resources as well as a broader connection to all parks and trails throughout Hugo. The potential Sunset Lake Park would provide public recreational access to Sunset Lake. The site would not be a launch site for motorized boats. The Parks Commission reviewed two concept plans for the Sunset Lake Park on August 21, 2019 and provided comments to staff. Staff made changes to the concept plans based on the feedback from the Commissioners. Denaway introduced Candance Amberg, the Landscape Architect from WSB working on the project. Amberg provided an overview of the two concept plans to the residents present at the meeting. Concept One shows a loop parking lot with access off of Homestead Avenue North, drop off zone for people unloading unmotorized water craft, and internal park trails. Concept Two shows a drop off and unloading area, vehicular access off of Homestead Drive and 125th Street, and internal trails. Amberg stated that there has not been a traffic study done and the plans are still conceptual. Concept Two also shows a fishing pier and boulder outcroppings along the shoreline. Chair Strub stated that the Parks Commission would like to take comments from the residents on the potential park's design and emphasized that the funding and economics of the park is something that will be discussed at a later date. Strub invited residents to come forward. Many residents addressed the Parks Commission and provided thoughts and feedback on the general design of the park. Popular topics that came up were the maintenance of the park, the potential park users, the ecology of Sunset Lake, and the number of parking spaces shown on the concept plans. Residents were generally worried about increased traffic in their neighborhood and on the lake. Comments included: • There are too many parking spaces shown in the park and the number of spaces should be reduced to two to five. • Where would residents be able to put their lake weeds? • There was a concern that property values would decrease with the park. • One resident asked the City to pay association fees and to be responsible for restocking the lake. • There was concern with how many trucks would drive on the lake during winter. • Residents were concerned with the hours of the park and it was mentioned that the park should not be open past daylight hours. • How would the City manage loitering in the park? • A few residents stated that they did not want access from Homestead Avenue North. • One resident stated that access from 125th Street North is dangerous. • Some residents want a toilet on site, some did not. • Some residents were okay with a picnic table, but not a shelter. Others did not want either on site. • One resident stated that the plans looked really nice, but is worried the park would be too manicured. • Some residents would prefer that there be no lights or electricity on site. • Could there be access to other lakes like Oneka Lake or Egg Lake? The Commissioners and staff answered the residents and their concerns and provided additional details on how parks are developed in the City of Hugo. Commissioner Clarke made a statement that one of the Parks Commission's role is to respond the needs of the community as a whole. Of the 30+ residents in attendance at the meeting, 13 residents came forward to voice their opinions. The Parks Commission understood that many residents were not in support of the concept plans presented. The Parks Commission directed staff to tone down the concept plans. 3. Adjournment Schmid made a motion, Clarke seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. All Ayes. Motion carried. Good Afternoon Parks Commission, I have been trying to gain information about public access to Sunset Lake. There are a group of about 5 boys who attend Mahtomedi Schools and love to fish Sunset Lake. Up until about 8 months ago, the bovs would fish from the road and always release their catch. ._ Pq of One evening I dropped my son and his friend off on the side of 125t" street to fish. I picked them up right at dusk and pulled off to the side of the road while they gathered their gear and got in the car, I had my flashers on for safety. A white, jacked up Chevy truck with an Asian driver drove past us while the boys were getting in the car and he honked his horn at us for about 30 seconds and sped up the road and pulled over. I got nervous and called my husband on the phone — I told him what had just happened and said the guy was turning his truck around and coming back toward us. I set the phone on the hood of my car so my husband would be able to hear if there was trouble. The truck approached us and stopped. I asked the man if he was mad about something and he said the following to me: "Ya you bE cE m= = a_ you are trespassing and your M kids can't be here". I told him I was just picking the kids up and wasn't aware that this was private property as they had been fishing by the side of the road for almost 2 years now without incident. He proceeded to unleash on me and told me he lived up the street now and if the kids come back to fish, he was going to 0 them up. Then he called me a n= mother M. By this time I realize the man is unstable and have instructed my kids to get in the car. My son was able to record some of the confrontation. I had them call 911 while we drove away because he started chasing us with his vehicle. It was quite frightening to say the least. The police came to our house about 10 minutes later and we told the officer what had happened. He said there wasn't much they could do because it was only a threat and he didn't act on it. I guess the guy had been speeding past my son and his friend a couple times before I had gotten there to pick them up and they didn't know why he was doing that. Needless to say — I have not allowed my kids back to the area since that happened. I also heard that this same guy pulled over and yelled at a father of one of the other boys that fishes that area. He no longer goes there either. I have seen young Asian boys fishing that same area since this happened. I can only assume that perhaps he is somehow related to someone who moved into the "new development" somewhere and he is very unstable. Why I contacted the city of Hugo: I wanted to know if the area on the road is private property now and if so, where could my kids safely access the lake? When I asked the question, I found Shayla who is very sweet and helped me to locate the city owned property. When I drove by the property, I could see that it wasn't very accessible or easy for the boys to walk down to the water and throw in a couple lines. So, started asking questions like: Could there be a trail and a clearing to the lake, can my boys just walk down there, is it safe, will the psycho guy try to kill my kids there, etc. I heard the city wanted to make an area for the public to be able to get to the lake and I am thrilled to hear this news. Hugo has very few areas for these responsible young men to fish from shore. I understand that neighborhoods don't want to attract a ton of people to their shore, but if an area is public it should be made available to the public. These kids do not drink, they don't do drugs, they will not litter and they catch and release the fish. They all belong to the Mahtomedi fishing club and that is what they like to do —fish. I as a mom want them to be able to fish somewhere safe and not have their lives threatened for doing it. I don't think the neighborhood should be able to stop a decision for a public area. Most people can't afford to live on a lake or have that luxury and a public area offers a sliver of the lake to responsible people. Perhaps as a compromise, the public access closes at 8pm and that way there won't be problems. I am very much in favor of creating safe spots for the youth in our area. Fishing keeps kids out of trouble and provides a great recreational opportunity for other kids in the years to come. I am hoping someone knows of this guy in the white jacked up chevy truck and can get him under control. He cannot be allowed to threaten and bully people from enjoying the lake just because he doesn't want them there and neither should the neighborhood be able to stop a public access. I wish I lived there — I would let all the kids fish from my property and have fun. I would be willing to volunteer and help make this area clean and safe if the city decides to move forward in developing a plan. Sincerely, CITTY OF J Es 0 PARKS RE ORT Lions Park Construction Started The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission hit the ground running in 2021. At the first meeting of the year, the schematic design for Lions Park was approved following extensive public engagement in 2020. Development of the design and cost estimates were approved. Over the first few months of the year, the design of the pavilion and the park site was finalized. A workshop was held by the City Council in February to review the overall vision of the pavilion. The building car- ries the outside in with expansive windows and opening doors, a sloping roof, and continuity of grey brick and sandstone throughout the park. WSB and HCM Architects continued to refine the plans including lighting, landscaping, and the final construction details. Community Workshop Held On April 14, a workshop was held with the Parks Commission and City Council to share the final construction plans with the neighborhood and overall community. Resident questions were addressed and there was overall support of the designs. Beaver Ponds Park Playground is Replaced With the 20+ year old playground equipment in Beaver Ponds in need of replacement, and the 3 year old equipment in Lions Park being no longer needed, a re -installation was a favorable option. St. Croix Recreation was hired to re -install the equip- ment. A short 4 week construction timeline was followed for the removals, installation of new curb and drainage, equipment installation, and replacement of surfacing. The picnic tables, benches, sidewalks, and landscaping were also replaced and repaired as needed. Beaver Pond residents expressed gratitude and a positive response to their improved park. Park Dedication Fee Increased One of the implementation steps of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan was to review the Park Dedication Policy. The Commission reviewed the policy at their Septem- ber 15 meeting. The Commission agreed that the policy continued to provide for expansion of the parks system with development and that the policy was in keep- ing with state statues. However, the Commission asked the Council for authoriza- tion to evaluate the fee charged with residential development. The fee had not been changed since 2005 and had not been evaluated since 2010. At the October 13 meeting, the Commission reviewed research on the expense of the planned park system growth, fee comparisons to cities of a similar population and similar growth rates, as well as the park dedications received in recent years. The Commission recommended a fee increase of $1,000. The City Council approved the recommended fee increase by resolution at their November 15 meeting. The new fee of $3,400 per unit will be effective in 2022, but not applied to developments approved in 2021 or earlier. The Council asked for the fee to be reviewed again in 2022. Santa Party The City of Hugo has held very few programs since spring 2020. Programs held in partnership with the Washington County Library and YMCA shifted to be held primarily outdoors but continued to offer activity options to Hugo families. A resident offered the idea that the City hold a holiday lighting party with Santa. The Commission discussed this and brainstormed other programming ideas at their September 15 meeting. A Santa Party was held in City Hall on Wednesday, December 1. The Hugo Fire Department volunteered to assist and collected food and toys for their drive bene- fiting the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. City Hall was lit. Goodie bags were distributed to the 20 kids who attended. Santa looks forward to visiting the new pavilion in Lions Park in 2022. Sunset Lake Property The Commission discussed concepts for the city -owned property on Sunset Lake in 2019 through early 2020. A contentious neighborhood meeting was held. Staff continued to receive complaints about fishing from the adjacent roads and lack of access to the property. At the meeting of March 17, the Com- mission requested to review the concepts and authorized 'opening up of the property". In the spring, staff removed brush and small tree growth which provided physical access and a views of Sunset Lake. Lions Park Construction The final Lions Park plans were approved and bids were authorized in May. Bid openings were held in June for the three separate projects. Contracts were awarded at the Council meeting of June 21 to Peterson Companies for the storm - water project and park site/street improvement projects. All of the alternates were approved including the northwest parking lot and pedestrian lighting. Schreiber Mullaney was awarded the contract for construction of the pavilion. Council also asked for quote for the planned future phase of the playground which was initially postponed due to cost. Phase 2 was a challenge course for teens. At their meet- ing of July 19, Council approved the quote, but asked that the Parks Commission select the surfacing. The Commission selected artificial turf for phase 2 at their July 21 meeting. A ground breaking was held on July 6 and construction started the following week. Peterson Companies handled removals and began grading on the park. The grading work within the park had a dramatic appearance because material was sourced within the park for the base of the new 147th Street extension and swap- ping of materials provided substantial cost savings and improved both projects. The City Hall parking lot, downtown streets, sport courts, and more were finished in the fall. The pavilion started taking shape in November. Electrical work includ- ing street lights and bollards will continue, but construction of the rest of the park will pause over the winter. The pavilion will be under construction with a comple- tion date of April 1, 2022 after which site work will resume in the park. Development Projects 121 st Street Subdivision At the meeting of February 17, a sketch plan was reviewed from Drengson May Enterprises for 7 new residential lots and improvement of 121 st Street. Park dedi- cation fees were proposed to be paid. Oneka Lake Reserve At the April 21 meeting, which was the first Commission meeting held in -person in over a year, the Commission reviewed the Oneka Lake Reserve PUD application. The Commission approved dedication of .45 acres and fees for the 40 unit town - home development north of Oneka Lake Boulevard. The Meadows of Hugo The Commission approved a park dedication proposal for Hugo Meadows at the February 17 meeting. The development included 87 single family lots and trail connections to the future passive park to the west. Golden Valley Land Company proposed to pay fees to satisfy park dedication. _ i ;a43W r f I # ---- -- - I