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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.16.23 Park Minutes Minutes Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of August 16, 2023 Present: Meredith St. Pierre, Mat Rauschendorfer, Ranell Tennyson,James Compton, Sr. Absent: Cathy Moore-Arcand, Valerie Boyd, Emily McGinnity Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner Amber Lozier, Accounting Clerk Chair St. Pierre called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. L Approval of Minutes from the June 21, 2023 Meeting Tennyson made a motion, Rauschendorfer seconded to approve the minutes of the June 21, 2023 Parks Commission meeting. All ayes. Motion approved. 2. North Star Wetland Bank Update Denaway provided an update on the project. Staff are waiting for completed topographic survey, vegetation survey report, and Level 2 wetland delineation approval. Data loggers have been installed, and the monitoring report should be received in October or November. Comments from the Army Corps of Engineers on draft prospectus have been received. USACE would like invasive species included in the vegetative analysis, and require that the City own the property or have an agreement with the school district. USACE would prefer the use of onsite materials for site fill, if possible, and have specified that paved trails cannot be constructed in areas where wetland bank credits are assigned, but boardwalks are permissible.The Federal Aviation Administration requires review of the project if it is within five miles of an airport. Due to the project's proximity to Benson and Forest Lake airports, WSB will coordinate with the FAA to complete the review process. Denaway explained next steps for the project, which include an on-site meeting with USACE, coordination with the school district and TEP review of the prospectus in October. 3. Bernin Park Master Plan Denaway presented community feedback from the recent neighborhood meeting. Residents had concerns about the location of the southern trail and the use of ATVs on the property. Residents would also like to have warnings about ticks and Lyme's Disease for park users, and are interested in paved or gravel trails over mowed trails. The Bernin family would like the City to incorporate the Silver Maple at the homesite and Joshua's Tree into the final park design. Residents also expressed interest in archery hunting, kayak access and a fishing pier. Denaway confirmed that the southern trail location has been shifted. Commissioners discussed advantages and disadvantages of mowed, gravel and paved trails. Anderson noted that gravel trails are easiest to maintain. Staff recommended that trail types be finalized as the design evolves. Denaway asked commissioners to expect continued discussion on passive uses in the park, including ATV use, archery hunting, and off-leash dogs, as residents become more aware of the park and use it more. St. Pierre and Tennyson questioned the rules for archery and hunting in City parks. Denaway clarified current shooting and archery rules within City parks. St. Pierre made a recommendation to post passive park rules at Bernin Park as soon as possible. Staff recommends approval of 2023 Bernin Park Master Plan. Rauschendorfer made motion, Tennyson seconded to approve 2023 Bernin Park Master Plan. All ayes. Motion approved. Denaway presented WSB's proposal for final design and construction plans for Bernin Park, and the timeline for the proposed services, which has bidding of the project planned for March 2024. This timeline makes this project a candidate for the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant, which has an application deadline of March 2024 for construction in Fall 2024 through Fall 2026. Rauschendorfer asked about budgeted park projects and the CIP. Denaway clarified that the CIP outlined construction of Clearwater Creek Preserve in 2024 and construction of Bernin Park in 2025. Denaway asked commissioners to consider priorities between Clearwater Creek Preserve or Bernin Park. Rauschendorfer questioned whether the Clearwater Creek Preserve project had any other agencies or development projects tied in; Denaway confirmed there are not.Tennyson mentioned the amount of time Clearwater Creek has been waiting for updates.Anderson mentioned that Clearwater Creek already has some amenities. St. Pierre asked if City staff preferred one project over the other.Tennyson questioned whether both parks could be constructed by 2025. Commissioners discussed interest in applying for grants.St. Pierre noted the grant would delay completion of Bernin Park until 2025. St. Pierre questioned whether Clearwater Creek Preserve could be completed while waiting for grant funding for Bernin Park. Rauschendorfer noted that he would prefer to see Bernin Park prioritized over Clearwater Creek Preserve. St. Pierre made a recommendation to get a proposal for construction of Clearwater Creek Preserve. Staff recommends approval of proposal for final design and construction administration for Bernin Park. Tennyson made motion, Rauschendorfer seconded to approve proposal for final design and construction administration for Bernin Park. All ayes. Motion approved. 4. Project Updates Improvements at Victor Square were completed by the Homeowner's Association. Exterior painting and staining of the shelter at Hanifl Fields were completed in June. Denaway gave an update on the Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan.The Project is being led by Washington County. City staff will serve on the Technical Advisory Committee.The trail is a 13-mile West-East arterial trail that will be eligible for state funding as a regional trail. Right of Way needs, trail development and operations/maintenance needs are being evaluated. Annual City Bus Tour is scheduled for October 7. Denaway gave an update on the Rice Lake Reserve Trail construction. The developer paid park dedication fees, after the City declined to accept a .5-acre park space as park dedication. Currently, the trail goes through neighborhood and could be connected by trail to Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. If the commission chooses to extend the trail, it would be constructed alongside the turn lanes for CR 8. The City would reimburse M/I Homes for construction of the trail along CR 8, with a current cost estimate for construction totaling $30,000-$35,000. Motion made by Rauschendorfer, seconded by Compton, Sr. to extend the trail from Greystone Avenue on the north side of CR 8 to entrance to Hanifl Fields. All ayes. Motion approved. The Jolly Pops Concert took place on August 11.There were approximately 120 concert goers. The event was advertised by City staff at Lions Volunteer Park and on the City Facebook page. The event was also promoted by the Washington County Library, who sponsored the event, and the Citizen. 5. Adjournment St. Pierre made a motion, Tennyson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 pm. All ayes. Motion approved.