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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.02.12 PC MinutesMinutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of February 12, 2015 Chair Gwynn called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Gwynn, Kleissler, Knauss, Lessard, McRoberts, Rosenquist ABSENT: None STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, City Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Intern Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of January 22, 2015 Commissioner Knauss made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rosenquist, to approve minutes for the meeting of January 22, 2015. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Lions Park Parks Planner, Syverson, gave an update on Lions Park. Syverson showed the Planning Commission three different concept plans and requested feedback on certain aspects of the plans including, traffic flow and access, pedestrian connections and circulation, parking layout and amount, locations of active vs. passive activities, and locations of parking next to certain park features. Commissioner McRoberts asked if on street parking is feasible. He said that he believes each piece in the park is its own destination and would want parking close to each destination. He also stated that a baseball field would be nice in order to have a Hugo home field. Park Planner, Syverson, said that more on street parking options have been popular amongst the groups who have reviewed the concepts and that they are looking into putting more spots in. She also said that Staff definitely wants a place for youth to play baseball and t -ball in Hugo. She asked the Commission to keep in mind that an idea for Irish Avenue Park is to build a large baseball facility so Staff doesn't want to make the baseball field a main focus in Lions Park. Commissioner Arcand asked about a stormwater pond on site at Lions Park. Planner Juba explained that the developer of LaValle Fields has one outlot for a large stormwater pond that can hold enough water to compensate for both the senior housing development and the park. She also added that Staff will be exploring options for irrigating the park through water reuse. Commissioner Knauss thought the open skating should be next to the pavilion or near a parking lot because people will need a designated spot to change into their skates. She also said that small pavilions would be nice next to the playground for parents to have a place to sit and watch their children play. Lastly, Commissioner Knauss voiced a concern for the number of parking spots for Good Neighbor Days. Park planner, Syverson, said that these plans allow for much more parking then there is now and these plans all include around 160 parking spots, not including on street parking. She described the planning that goes into Good Neighbor Days and that surrounding neighborhoods would be used and possibly a portion of the open field for more parking during this large event. Commissioner Arcand asked what the thoughts were behind the design of Fitzgerald Ave., especially in concept plan #3. Parks planner, Syverson, answered that providing an area where people have to slow down have been preferred by all groups and this layout would make it safer for crossing pedestrians. Overall, the Planning Commission favored concept plan #1. They preferred a through street for Fitzgerald Ave., the central location of the pavilion, the layout of active amenities, and the drop- off area for events. They also liked that the more active amenities are away from the senior housing and that the senior housing residents could look out over an open field. Commissioner Arcand asked about the fundraising process for Lions Park. Parks Planner, Syverson, said that the City Council wants to know what the budget will be for the park, and therefore, hasn't allocated any funds for this project, yet. She said that Staff is looking to partner with many different groups including Lions Club, businesses, and individual donors to help fund the project. Adjournment Commissioner Arcand motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner McRoberts. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted. Rachel Leitz