HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Minutes 06.15.22 Minutes
Meeting of June l5' 2022
Hugo City Hall, 7:OOpm
Present: Roger Clarke, Cathy Moore-Arcand, Mat Rauschenclorfer, Nicole Schmid, Meredith St. Pierre,
RaneUTennyson.
Absent: Emi|yMc6innity
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
Shay|aDenavvay' Parks Planner
Debi Close, Parks Secretary
Clarke called the meeting tu order at7:O0pm.
Moore`4oandmadeamotion' RauschendodersecondedtoapprovetheminutesoftheAph| Z0, 2OZ2
Parks Commission meeting.
All ayes.
Motion approved.
Members of the Rupnow Family shared concerns of unleashed dogs at Irish Avenue Park, which they live
adjacent to. They reported that dogs have killed the chickens they keep on their property and
aggressively approached them at the park. The attacks happen when owners are not present and at
times are not aware that their animals have left park property. Several emai|s have been sent tuthe
City Hall informing of the chickens being killed and other concerns.
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director informed new park rules signage was installed, fence was
repaired and installed on the shared property line and that the park trail has been rerouted to guide
park users away from the property line. Park rules includes that dogs must be under control at all times.
The Ruppnows have a chicken coop that is not fenced and would like to continue to let their chickens
free roam the lO acres of their land.
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June 15, 2022
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner provided a summary of police reports of the Irish Avenue Park area
showing many animal incidents with deer, bears, and dogs. Poultry has opportunity to be in danger with
any predator when free range is done without any enclosures.
Roger Clarke informed when he used to volunteer at a dog park there were many incidents that would
occur and curtesy reminders were needed often to keep animals in closer proximity to owners and have
control.
St. Pierre informed some dog breeds need more exercise than a leash can provide and Irish Avenue is an
important resource for this type of dog.
Tennyson informed agreement of concern for dogs charging,jumping or attacking unwanted while just
being in the park and this issue would keep her from using the space.
Schmid apologized to the Rupnow family that this has happened to them with one or two dog owners
not following the rules of the park and agreed that dogs should be leashed.
Rauschendorfer didn't feel that any issues should happen with dogs that don't belong on your property.
Discussion was brought up on can you shoot a dog on your property if it is attacking or killing poultry.
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director looked up the rules on this and said yes if attacking poultry.
Clarke asked if all Parks Commission members could take some time to reflect on the discussion and
have additional discussion in July regarding potential solutions.
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner gave a presentation on the Capital Improvement Plan and neighborhood
park improvements. Following requests from residents, a fence will be installed the pickleball courts at
Arcand Park. Two adaptable swings were purchased and one was installed at Arbre Park prompted by a
resident request. A grant was awarded for$36,000 to install water saving irrigation controllers at the
parks and city properties that do not already have them.
Denaway updated on the Bernin property. Currently the dwelling is vacant but personal items are still
being cleared. The lease was extended to August to help with this process of removal. Parks
Commissioners previously requested to walk the site with consideration of future planning of the
property.
Anderson informed that the roof of the home has leaks and they helped with a squirrel infestation issue
last fall. It is not likely that the property is viable for continued rental.
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June 15,2022
Clarke remined asbestos or lead issues could also be involved now that the original owners are vacated
this will also need to be evaluated.
Discussion determined approximate date for Bernin Property tour on August 17 at 6:00 before the
regularly scheduled meeting.
Public Works: Landscaping will begin June 25, 2022 and irrigation will follow. Security cameras are
installed and will go live on June 21St, 2022.
Lions Park: Playground is almost complete and landscaping is starting in 2 weeks.
North Star Wetland Banking: The Council approved the proposal from WSB and is working with the
School District.
Schmid made a motion, Moore-Arcand seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 pm.
All ayes.
Motion approved.
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Parks Commission Minutes
June 15,2022