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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.10.10 Parks MinutesMinutes City of Hugo Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 10, 2007 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Copies to: Commission Members Meeting Chair: Roger Clarke Minutes By: Eileen Ottney Present: Parks Commission: Roger Clarke, Pete Pedersen, Rachel Berger, Jim Taylor, Noel Schmidt, Dan Gabrielli, Russell Schmidt City Staff: Chris Petree — Public Works Director, Bryan Bear — Community Development Director, Kendra Lindahl — City Planner, Eileen Ottney — Parks Commission Secretary Absent: Melissa Parker, Dave Strub Approve Minutes From September 12, 2007 Meeting Clarke made motion, Berger seconded, to approve the minutes from the September 12, 2007 Parks Commission meeting. All Aye. Motion Carried. II. Dog Ordinance Discussion Discussion was made on revising the current Dog Ordinance. Residents that attended the meeting were Tony and Maggie Samec - 4322 Victor Path, Mark Viker - 4545 Garden Way, and John Bixby - 4429 Cosette Lane. All residents that stated their cases at the meeting or via e-mail were in agreement that dogs should be wearing a leash at all times, not an electronic collar, at all City Parks, on trails and sidewalks in the City. After the Residents spoke, the Parks Commission had discussion and the following was decided to bring before the City Council, at their October 15th meeting: a. Gabrielli made motion, Berger seconded that an electronic training collar could not be substituted for a leash. Voting Aye: Pete Pedersen, Rachel Berger, Jim Taylor, Noel Schmidt, Dan Gabrielli, Russell Schmidt. Voting Nay: Roger Clarke. Motion Carried. Page 1 Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Minutes October 10, 2007 Page 2 b. Berger made motion, Clarke seconded, that dogs should remain on leashes at all times, even when others are not present, at City Parks, as it is unpredictable when others will arrive at the parks. All Aye. Motion Carried. C. Pedersen made motion, Schmidt (Noel) seconded that dogs should be wearing leashes when on City trails and sidewalks. All Aye. Motion Carried. The Commission brought out the concerns of dog owners need of a "dog park" in the City, and will continue looking at options. Berger stated for the present time, Otter Lake Park is within 5 miles of the City of Hugo, and could be utilized, until some type of "dog park" is created in Hugo. The links for the closest dog parks will be added to the City's website. The need for a "dog park" will be brought up in the revised Park Plan. Draft Park, Trails and Open Space Plan — Kendra Lindahl and Bryan Bear The Draft Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan and maps were reviewed. Kendra stated that the Parks Plan is based on the Land Use Plan. It is estimated that Hugo will grow to a population of 40,000 Residents by the year 2030. The Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan needs to meet the needs of the current Residents as well as the needs of future Residents. The Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan will include the Greenway Corridors. The Parks Commission discussed these priorities and recommended expanded Greenway Corridors. The Greenway Corridors are intended to identify priority areas for Natural Resource Preservation. Greenway Corridors were developed as part of the Everton Avenue Plan and have been expanded based on resource priorities identified by Washington County, Rice Creek Watershed, and the MNDNR. In open discussion, the Commission would like to have a dog park included in the Needs Assessment. Also, where the Soccer Complex and Community Park Facility are listed, the Commission members would like that to be opened up to other activities, such as baseball, LaCrosse, etc.; flexible use as needs arise for new sports. When discussing a larger Community Park, the options are currently to expand Lions Park to the West, focus on the Northwest corner, or look at Rural Areas. They will be taking a look at the Northwestern area, due to the large amount of space available, and also where the growth of the City will most likely be, as that is usually where the Community Parks are placed. The Community Parks are normally at a 40-80 Acre site. Pedersen stated concerns of competing with Developers on expensive land. Lindahl stated the time to attempt acquiring land for Parks is better attempted before Sewer and Water is available in the area. Schmidt (Noel) asked if something can still be looked at if it is not in "the Plan". City Planner Kendra Lindahl said that the Plan is flexible. Community Development Director Bryan Bear stated that the Parks Commission needs to put what they want into the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan, to get the "ball rolling." That would be the first step of action. After further discussion, the commission agreed to include options for the Sunset Lake Park area and a statement that the City would continue to examine all alternatives for this existing park land. Commissioner Pedersen asked if the City has asked for rights to go within the Met Council Interceptor Easement for trails. Community Development Director Bryan Bear said it hadn't been asked, and when Commissioner Clarke asked if it was feasible, Bear stated that it hadn't been thought about yet. Public Works Director Chris Petree said they have had to stay outside the easement for sidewalks, but may be able to create a trail of woodchips instead of the standard Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Minutes October 10, 2007 Page 3 bituminous trail. This would have to go before the Met Council, and also would need to buy easements from Property owners as well. A copy of the Draft Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan will go before the City Council at their October 15th meeting. There will be an Open House in November, and City Planner Kendra Lindahl is encouraging all Parks Commissioners to attend. All comments or typos found in Draft Plan should go to Kendra Lindahl, Bryan Bear or Chris Petree. IV. Naming of 100 Acre Park Property There were a total of 14 Names that were submitted to choose from. The Parks Commission rated each name. The name with the highest rating was Clearwater Creek Preserve. Coming in 2nd place was Clearwater Creek Trails, and Td was Clearwater Creek Park. Pedersen made motion, Schmidt (Russell) seconded that Clearwater Creek Preserve be chosen as the name of the new park. All Aye. Motion Carried. V. Tot Time Equipment Commissioner Rachel Berger and Public Works Director Chris Petree had met previously to discuss the Tot Time equipment at Oneka Elementary School. Public Works Director Chris Petree and Parks Commissioner Rachel Berger recommended the purchase of the 5 -in -1 Jump Combo from Sam's Club and other small miscellaneous equipment, not to exceed $4,000. Clarke made motion, Schmidt (Noel) seconded, to purchase the 5 -in -1 Jump Combo and other equipment, not to exceed $4,000. All Aye. Motion Carried. Public Works Director Chris Petree encouraged others to bring their children to Tot Time. It is open on Wednesdays: 4:00-6:45 p.m., Fridays: 4:00-8:00 p.m., and Sundays: 1:00-4:00 p.m. VI. Discussion of Vice Chair Position The Parks Commission had a brief discussion on the Vice Chair Position opening. Parks Commissioner Rachel Berger had submitted interest via e-mail. There were no other letters of interest from any other Commissioners. Pedersen made motion, Schmidt (Russell) seconded to recommend Parks Commissioner Rachel Berger be appointed as Vice Chair of the Parks Commission. All Aye. Motion Carried. VII. Schedule Tour of North East Metro YMCA The Parks Commission discussed having the December 12th Parks Commission Meeting at the NE Metro YMCA, to take a look at the facility, and get ideas for the City. Clarke made motion, Schmidt (Noel) seconded to have the December 12th meeting at the NE Metro YMCA. All Aye. Motion carried. Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Minutes October 10, 2007 Page 4 VIII. Added to Agenda: Safe Routes to School Grant & 2008 Street Reconstruction Project. Public Works Director Chris Petree explained the Project Map, and where the City would like to place the sidewalks. Pedersen made motion, Taylor seconded recommending the approval of all of the sidewalks be done on the Project. White Bear Advisory Committee: Commissioner Dan Gabrielli brought a handout of the minutes from the WBL Area School District Advisory Committee of September 18th,. Danis a part of the Advisory team. He wanted all Commissioners to know that the meeting is open to anyone, and it is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the White Bear District Offices, in Room 201. Adjournment Clarke made a motion, Schmidt seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. All Aye. Motion Carried. Next Meeting — November 14, 2007