HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.15.23 Park Minutes Minutes
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of February 15, 2023
Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm
Present:Valerie Boyd,Jim Compton Sr., Emily McGinnity, Meredith St. Pierre, Ranell Tennyson.
Absent: Cathy Moore-Arcand, Mat Rauschendorfer
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner
Debi Close, Parks Secretary
St. Pierre called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
1. Approval of Minutes from the January 18, 2023 Meeting
Tennyson made a motion, Compton seconded to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2023 Parks
Commission Minutes.
All aye.
Motion approved.
2. Update on North Star Wetland Bank
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner updated on the North Star wetland bank. Assessments were conducted
through October 2022,with hydrology monitoring wells indicating that the wetlands are partially or fully
drained. The vegetation assessment indicated was low quality vegetation with mostly nonnative
invasive species. Blocking ditches and preventing drainage could restore the wetland hydrology. A draft
prospectus is being prepared to be submitted to the Technical Evaluation Panel. Permits and approvals
could take up to two years. The wetland banking project is estimated at$970,000.Trail construction
cost are estimated at$1,700,000.—$2,000,000. City Council directed staff at the February 6, 2023
meeting to start discussions with White Bear Lake Area Schools on drafting an agreement regarding the
land.
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Parks Commission Minutes
February 15,2023
3. Bernin Property Master Flan
Denaway presented the master plan approved by the Parks Commission in 2004 for the Bernin property at
6540 Green Avenue North. The purchase agreement stipulates the land shall be used for passive park
purposes only.
The master plan included: picnic shelter,walking/biking trails,fishing pier, benches, car parking lot,
evergreen stand, restoring the Oak Savannah trees,fishing dock, preservation of the ice ridge and wetlands.
The master plan also included the playground and active improvements that were constructed (Onkea Lake
Park).
The DNR grant funding for the purchase of the property had requirements:
Protect the natural/scenic resources, keep it safe for public use, manage vegetation, make it available to the
public following standard park hours, and seek state approval on any improvements to the property.
City Staff was directed to contact Washington Conservation District and also start discussion with the DNR on
the long term vision for their boat launch. Staff also anticipated engaging neighbors to start planning and a
community workshop.
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director updated on the property that ground work is needed at the former
home site and that there are wells that need to be sealed.
4. Other
Tennyson reminded that the YMCA Forest Lake branch is kicking off their 2023 donation campaign.
8. Adjournment
McGinnity made a motion, Boyd seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:02pm.
All ayes.
Motion approved.
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Parks Commission Minutes
February 15,2023