HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Packet 03.17.21Agenda
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of March 17, 2021
Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm
This meeting will be held remotely pursuant to MN Statute Sec. 13D.021.
Anyone who wishes to speak at the meeting is strongly encouraged to make arrangements by 4:30 pm on the
meeting day by contacting Parks Planner Shayla Denaway at 651-762-6342.
For more information on the remote meeting and participation, go to
https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/participate.
Meeting ID: 8417918 5771
7:00 pm 1. Approve Minutes from February 17, 2021 Meeting
7:02 pm 2. Lions Park Update
7:15 pm 3. Sunset Lake City Owned Property Update
7:30 pm 4. Beaver Ponds Playground Replacement
7:45 pm 5. 2021 Recreation Programs
8:00 pm 6. Upcoming Meetings
8:15 pm 7. Adjournment
Page 1 of 3
Parks Commission Agenda
March 17, 2021
Background
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of March 17, 2021
Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm
Approve Minutes from February 17, 2021 Meeting
Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of February 17, 2021.
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MINUTES.
Lions Park Updates
The developed design of Lions Park was approved at the Parks Commission meeting of January 20, 2021 and
City Council meeting of February 1, 2021. Preparation of construction documents was authorized. The City
Council desired addition discussion on the pavilion design and a workshop was held on February 23, 2021.
The plans for the park continue to be revised. Staff will provide an update on the current plans and seek
input on lighting and landscaping.
Sunset Lake City -Owned Property Update
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.
The Parks Commission discussed the Sunset Lake city -owned property during their 2021 goal setting and
capital improvement planning. A letter was received from a resident requesting use of the property. Staff
will provide a re -cap of previous discussions and review the concept plans. Staff is looking for direction on
next steps.
THE CONCEPTS, TRAFFIC COUNTS, AND DNR INFO, AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING MINUTES ARE ATTACHED AS WELL AS A LETTER
FROM A RESIDENT.
Page 2 of 3
Parks Commission Agenda
March 17, 2021
Beaver Ponds Playground Replacement
The Parks Commission included funding their CIP for 2021 to replace the playground in Beaver Ponds Park
with the equipment currently located in Lions Park. Improvements will also be made to the hardscapes and
landscaping in the park. An estimate will be provided from St. Croix recreation for the installation and staff
will review other estimates. Staff is recommending approval of improvements to Beaver Ponds Park.
AN AERIAL OF BEAVER PONDS PARK IS ATTACHED.
2021 Recreation Programs
Staff has received a request from the Forest Lake YMCA to hold Park Play Days at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park.
Washington County Library is planning on holding Story Hours in multiple Hugo parks this summer. Staff
recommends approval of a $2,500 contribution to the YMCA for Park Play Days and discussion on future
programming.
PROGRAM INFORMATION IS ATTACHED.
Upcoming Meetings
At the City Council meeting of March 1, 2021, the City Council discussed holding their meetings in person at
City Hall starting in April. An update will be provided on the Lions Park timelines. Staff recommends
discussion on future meetings and that holding an additional Parks Commission meeting in April.
THE PARKS PLAN CAN BE FOUND AT: https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/2040compplan
Page 3 of 3
Parks Commission Agenda
March 17, 2021
Minutes
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of February 17, 2021
Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm
Meeting held remotely pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.021
Present: Cathy Moore-Arcand, Roger Clarke, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub, Ranell
Tennyson.
Staff Present: Scott Anderson Public Works Director
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant
Chair Strub called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
1. Approval of Minutes from the January 12, 2021 Meeting
Moore-Arcand made a motion, Raushendorfer seconded to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2021
Parks Commission meeting.
Ayes: Clarke, Moore-Arcand, Rauschendorfer, Schmid, Strub, Tennyson.
Motion approved.
2. Oath of Office
The Parks Commission has a new Commissioner, Emily McGinnity, and a new Alternate Commissioner,
Meredith St. Pierre. McGinnity and St. Pierre gave the Oath of Office and introduced themselves to the
rest of the Commissioners.
I Hugo Meadows Park Dedication
Staff provided a background on The Meadows of Hugo application submitted by the Golden Valley Land
Company. The property is located north of 159t" Street North and west of Highway 61. The Parks
Commission previously saw the sketch plan submitted by the applicant in 2019 and discussed that they
would prefer park dedication fees in lieu of land due to the proximity of adjacent park property and Frog
Hollow Park.
The applicant is proposing a preliminary plat and planned unit development for 87 single family lots on
approximately 32 acres. Currently, the property is zoned Future Urban Service and is guided Medium
Page 1 of 3
Parks Commission Minutes
February 17, 2021
Density Residential. The applicant is proposing 3.22 units per acre. The site layout features multiple trail
connections, landscaping, and preservation of natural features. The applicant is not proposing a
Homeowners Association or stormwater reuse irrigation. Staff provided additional background on the
City's Greenway Corridor. The proposed development shows a trail connection on the north side of
Farnham Avenue North and north through the development. There is a trail connection to the park
property to the west of the development. The applicant has also stated that there will be a passive,
mowed trail along Judicial Ditch 3 on the east side of the site.
Park dedication can be satisfied by land or per unit fee. Currently, the fee is $2,400 per unit. The
developer is proposing to pay fees, totaling $208,800. Staff recommended that the Parks Commission
discuss the proposed trail and recommended approval of the park dedication fee as proposed by the
applicant.
The Commissioners discussed the proposal and generally liked the trails that are shown on the plan.
They had some questions on the maintenance of the passive trail, which will likely be maintained by the
RCWD.
Ryan Allshouse, 5310 159t" Street North, addressed the Planning Commission. Allshouse requested that
the Commission recommend that the applicant remove the four lots in the southwest corner of the
property to create more open space. He stated that the open space would be a benefit to the
neighborhood and allow for a transition between developments.
The Commissioners continued their discussion and staff provided additional clarification on what the
applicant is proposing. Staff allowed further details on potential open space opportunities in the
adjacent park property to help satisfy the request of the public. The Commissioners generally agreed
that there is sufficient open space in the area to satisfy the development.
Commissioner Rauschendorfer made a motion to approve the proposed park dedication fee for the
Meadows at Hugo, seconded by Commissioner Moore-Arcand.
Ayes: Clarke, Moore-Arcand, McGinnity Rauschendorfer, Schmid, Strub, Tennyson.
Motion carried.
4. Drengson Sketch Plan
Staff provided background on the sketch plan request for a development on 1215Y Street North.
Currently there are three lots on 15 acres and the sketch plan shows 10 proposed lots, seven of which
will be subdivided. The applicant will be required to pave 1215Y Street North and provide utilities to the
seven lots. That area is served by Oak Shore Park and Tower Park.
Staff gave the park dedication calculations. With land dedication, the applicant would be required to
dedicate 1.5 acres of land or pay $16,800 in fees due to the seven new lots created.
The Commissioners discussed the parks within that service area. Commissioner Moore-Arcand brought
up safety concerns with kids accessing the parks within that service area. Chair Strub made the
recommendation to accept park dedication fee for this development should the applicant move
forward. The Commissioners generally agreed with this recommendation.
Page 2 of 3
Parks Commission Minutes
February 17, 2021
5. Lions Park Update
Staff provided an update on Lions Park. The City Council reviewed the proposed park pavilion at their
last meeting and voted to begin construction documents. However, there were some reservations on
the design of pavilion. Staff stated that there was a workshop to work with the architects to make minor
design changes to the pavilion and will continue to discuss the design of the park pavilion. Construction
is expected to begin in June 2021.
6. Capital Improvement Planning
Staff provided an update on the Capital Improvement Plan. The CIP is a five year plan that is used to
communicate priorities to Council so they can make decisions. It also guides the use of the Special Park
Fund. The 2020 CIP included Arcand Park, Neighborhood Park Improvements, and Trail Studies. In 202C
there was $284,526 dedicated with development fees.
Projects for 2021 include: Beaver Ponds Park playground equipment, trail study near the new proposed
WBL Elementary School, the remaining improvements in Arcand Park, begin planning Irish Avenue Park,
and updating Clearwater Creek Preserve Master Plan.
The Commissioners discussed the future projects and potential additions to the CIP. Staff will make
changes to the draft CIP based on suggestions from the Parks Commission. Suggestions included adding
miscellaneous water -access improvements.
Commissioner Moore-Arcand made a motion to approve the 2021-2025 CIP with the additions
discussed, seconded by Tennyson.
Ayes: Clarke, Moore-Arcand, McGinnity Rauschendorfer, Schmid, Strub, Tennyson
Motion carried.
7. Adjournment
Commissioner Tennyson made a motion to adjourn at 8:57pm, seconded by Rauschendorfer.
Ayes: Clarke, Moore-Arcand, McGinnity Rauschendorfer, Schmid, Strub, Tennyson
Motion carried.
Page 3 of 3
Parks Commission Minutes
February 17, 2021
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,
CITYTY OF
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March 11, 2021
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From: Derek Otto
To: Shayla Denaway
Subject: 2021 Park Play Days
Date: Monday, February 22, 2021 2:29:45 PM
Attachments: YSPC 2020 Forest Lake Park Play Days.pdf
Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution.
Hi Shayla-
I hope you are well! This past year has been such a whirlwind. I miss seeing you and some of our
other community leaders I'd become accustom to seeing at least a couple times a year. I am curious
how COVID has been impacting your work and some of the exciting projects you told me about
when we met early last year.
Last summer we had a terrific program at Hanifl for Park Play Days. The opportunity for kids to get
outside, be together safely, and have some structured fun was such a hit and filled a clear need for
families.
This summer we'd like to continue partnering with you on the program, but like last year, we are
navigating ever -changing time. As such, I am not certain which of our Y leaders will be coordinating
the effort. I am hoping finalize that plan next month. I'm hopeful that Eva who did such a great job
last year can return, but do not know yet for certain whether that will be possible.
In the meantime, I am reaching out to confirm a few things with you.
• Could you please confirm that you are indeed interested in hosting the program again this
year? If yes, could we count on you to spread the word when we are ready to begin
promoting?
• We would follow the same program calendar as last year (I attached the 2020 flier for
reference). Could you please confirm we would have access to the park and bathrooms for
each of the program dates noted?
o Summer 2021 session start dates would be June 14 and July 19.
• We have some increased costs and capacity limits due to covid safety needs and group sizes
with COVID. Could the city increase your contribution from $2,000 to be $2,500 help us
cover these expenses? We also plan to increase our participant fee modestly from $80 to
$90 for the session (which is 4 days / week for 5 weeks). Given the challenges presented by
COVID, we need to take some steps to break even on the program.
Let me know thoughts on the above and any questions you might have. Thanks again!
Derek
Derek Otto (He, Him, His)
Executive Director I YMCA Forest Lake I Shoreview YMCA
763-717-1836 1 ymcanorth.org
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PARK PLAY DAYS
YMCA and the cities of Forest Lake, Circle Pines and
Hugo are offering children ages 4 — 12 the opportunity
to come, play and learn at the parks. There will be a
variety of crafts, games and activities.
Participating children will split into two age groups;
ages 4 — 7 and ages 8 — 12.
Cost per child per session $80
Full payment due at registration.
Session One: June 8 —July 9 4d
No program July 3
Session Two: July 13 —August 13 do