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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002.08.14 Parks MinutesParks Commission Meeting 8-14-02 Minutes Page 1 of 3 Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Meeting August 14, 2002 6:30 p.m. Oneka Room — City Hall Meeting Chair: Robyn LaCasse Minutes By: Laurie McRostie Present: Kitty Cheesebrow, Robyn LaCasse, Jennifer May, Bunny Peterson, David Strub, Tom Weidt, Bronwen Kleissler, Chuck Haas, John Rask, Laurie McRostie. Absent: Pete Pedersen Copies To: Commission Members, Michele Lindau- Community Development Assistant, John Rask - Community Development Director, Mike Ericson - City Administrator Bruce Bernin A. Mr. Bernin spoke to the Commission about aerating Oneka Lake. He built a very sound case for continuing to support a fish population in Oneka Lake. 1. A large fish kill the winter of 1999-2000 eliminated most of the fish in the lake. He shared pictures of the beach covered with large northems and other fish. 2. The eagles no longer fish in Oneka Lake because the fish supply died. 3. Minnows have been observed in the lake and so have some sunfish, and this indicates that a fish population would thrive if the lake were not allowed to freeze all the way to the bottom. 4. The loons returned and bred on the lake. They need fish to survive. B. Another success story has been the eradication of purple loosestrife. The DNR released beetles, a biological control, in the area and they have almost eliminated the plant. C. The DNR has not been responsive to requests to aerate the lake. The City did not receive funding for an aerator last year. The grant application was denied by a 3-2 vote. This is a political issue at the DNR and the various interests feel that either Oneka Lake is a fishing lake or it is a natural resource lake that supports waterfowl habitat and hunting. D. There are three options for the City to consider 1. Stock the lake with fish. 2. Aerate the lake and let the population return on its own. 3. Stock the fish and aerate the lake. E. The Commission agrees that research should be done on the cost to restock the fish and finding a supplier for the fish. The DNR is a contact for this kind of information. They will also tell the City what kind of fish should be stocked. A permit to aerate the lake will also be applied for. F. Since this is such a political issue at the DNR it was also recommended that our local legislators, and those running for office, be asked what their opinion is on Oneka Lake and whether they support a fishing or hunting lake on Oneka Lake. We want to know what their positions will be after election. G. Kitty Cheesebrow will do research on the aerator application and stocking fish in the lake. II. Trees on the Bernin Property A. Mr. Bernin is letting some of the evergreens he has pruned as Christmas trees go to a natural form. http://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/Parks_Recreation/minutes/8142002.htm 9/19/2007 Parks Commission Meeting 8-14-02 Page 2 of 3 These trees are ones that could fit into a future park layout. B. He is also letting pines grow along the fence line so that a separation between public and private land will be evident. C. The Bernin property, now a City park, may be a good site for a City Tree Nursery. Rice Lake Park may also be another good site. III. White Bear Lake Soccer Association A. Tony Kolnik, a resident of Hugo and a member of the Soccer Association attended the meeting. He is in charge of field maintenance and the development of fields. B. The White Bear Lake Soccer Association is the largest in the state with over 2000 players, with 300 or more playing from Hugo. C. The Association is very excited about the field the City has built at Beaver Ponds and they would like to help the City get this field in shape for playing next spring. D. Tim said that the field at Beaver Ponds as actually in pretty good shape. His recommendation is that the field be fertilized with a 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound per square yard on monthly basis for August, September and October. E. The existing grasses are strong and they just need to be fed, watered and cut a lot to promote good growth. F. Mowing should occur when the grass is 2 to 3 inches long and should be mowed to 2 inches. G. Watering should occur at a rate of 1" of water per week either through natural rain or irrigation. H. Tony will take care of hiring Comstock and Sons a turf/field maintenance company that has taken care of other White Bear Lake Soccer Association fields. It will cost about $500 for the City to tend this field by a professional. I. The Soccer Association will donate two galvanized or steel goal posts and nests to the City. J. They will also line the soccer field and keep it in playing condition K. The Association asks only that the City keep the field watered and mowed. They however may even be willing to help mow the field. L. This is an incredibly generous offer and the City of Hugo and Parks Commission is extremely grateful to Tony and the Association. M. The City will also provide Tony with a plan for Rice Lake Park and the new high school so that he will be aware of the other soccer fields the City is hoping to build in the future. IV. Historical Report A. Kitty reported that the Hugo Historical Society continues to do research on the old school house. B. There are rehabilitation plans, which they have on paper, that were prepared in 1995 but no records, financial or otherwise can be found. V. CIP Report A. The Council continues to develop the CIP plan for next year B. Items that should be included are park maintenance staff and equipment, trail improvements, and the underpass. VI. Updates A. The Council will appoint a committee at the next meeting to serve on the Committee for Transfer of Development Rights. B. The Audubon Society may have grant money available for birding trails. This could be an opportunity for trail development in Clearwater Creek Preserve. VII. Reminder A. An agenda item for next time is to authorize the purchase of little trees from the DNR for planting in a City nursery. VIII. Next Meeting A. The next Park Commission meeting may meet at the Bernin Park property. This has not been finalized and members will be notified and public notice will be posted. This is an interpretation of the events that happened at the meeting. If there are any additions or corrections please call Laurie McRostie at 612.758.6743 or email her at lmcrostie(ksehinc.com within ten days of http://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/Parks_Recreation/minutes/8142002.htm 9/19/2007 Parks Commission Meeting 8-14-02 receiving the minutes. NEXT MEETING: September 11, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. LOCATION — CITY HALL???? \\sehmpls\landarch\projects\f-j\hugo\parks\meetingminutes\12122001 doc Page 3 of 3 http://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/Parks_Recreation/minutes/8142002.htm 9/19/2007