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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.11.14 Parks MinutesMinutes City of Hugo Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting November 14, 2007 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Chair Roger Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Roger Clarke, Rachel Berger, Pete Pedersen, Jim Taylor, Russell Schmidt, Dave Strub, Melissa Parker Absent: Noel Schmidt, Dan Gabrielli Also Present: Chris Petree, Public Works Director Eileen Ottney, Secretary I. Approval of Minutes of October 10, 2007 Chair Roger Clarke asked if there were any disagreements in the Parks Commission minutes of October 10, 2007. All nay, minutes approved. II. Appointment of Rachel Berger as Parks Commission Vice Chair Public Works Director Chris Petree and the Commission welcomed Rachel Berger as the new Vice -Chair of the Parks Commission. Rachel had shown interest and was recommended for approval at the October meeting. Pete Pedersen had stated he wanted to step down and give someone else the chance to be Vice -Chair of the Parks Commission. III. Review and Approval of Plans for Rice Lake Park Public Works Director Chris Petree went through the Proposed Rice Lake Park Improvements, stating that the City Council was in full support of moving forward with the project. Council Members Mike Granger and Chuck Haas are on a special Implementation Committee for the Rice Lake Park improvements. Phase I is approximately $800,000 and Phase II approximately $500,000. Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Minutes November 14, 2007 Page 2 These phases include grading, demo of buildings and trap houses, minimal restoration of ponds, new planted vegetation, utility improvements, drainage, and irrigation. The phases do not include playground equipment & shelter, lift station, permanent restrooms, field house/concession stand, field fixtures for equipment. These would fall under the future improvements area. Public Works Director Chris Petree has met with White Bear Soccer Club President Dave Scheer regarding the Rice Lake Park and their participation in the project. Parks Chair Roger Clark noted concern of park being available for LaCrosse, etc. Petree stated that it was discussed that Hugo has 4 School Districts, and the park would not primarily be White Bear Soccer Club using the park, and the options would be open for LaCrosse and other sports as the need arises. Vice -Chair Rachel Berger asked when the project would begin, Petree stated the Hosanna Lutheran Church that is presently using the Rice Lake Park Building for services and the Hugo Food Shelf needed to be given notice. They had asked for an extension from the first deadline of December 31, 2007, and given a new date of March 31, 2008. Estimate for demo is April, grading approximately May, seeding in August, and approximately Summer of 2009 to have the field playable. Berger asked if some trees and/or bushes could be left around parameter for shade during games, etc. Petree stated that there weren't many quality trees but would preserve whatever they could. He also noted that before purchasing trees, etc., they look at all City property and see if something can be used at one, that is not necessarily needed at another. Berger had suggested that there may be residents or others that would like to donate a tree to the park. Petree said they would definitely consider that as an option. Commissioner Pete Pedersen made a motion, Commissioner Dave Strub seconded to adopt the plan as proposed. All Aye. Motion Carried. IV. Updates Public Works Director Chris Petree did a PowerPoint presentation on Oak Shore Park, Clearwater Creek Preserve and Heritage Ponds Park. a. Oak Shore Park — The grading on the site is complete, parking lots are installed, and the utility infrastructure is complete. The park is ready for further development during the next construction season. b. Clearwater Creek Preserve — The park sign is installed and the trail is now being used. Chair Roger Clark would like to discuss this park on a future agenda to talk about Earth Day Projects, i.e. buck thorn removal, additional trails, etc. c. Heritage Ponds Park — Both park signs are now installed and the seeding that occurred in August has now filled in nicely. V. Invite to YMCA — The next Parks Commission meeting, held on December 12th, will be at the YMCA in White Bear Lake at 7:00 p.m. There will be discussion on the facility and Hugo's need for a Community Center. Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Minutes November 14, 2007 Page 3 VI. Holiday Party — All Commissioners and their spouses are invited to the Holiday Party on December 6 at the Hugo American Legion. Please reply back to Nate no later than Wednesday, November 28. Nate's contact information is 651-762-6329, or nehalt(ED-6.1hugo.mn.us Chris Petree informed everyone present of the Paul Hugo Farm Wildlife Management Plan Packet available to look at, which was being talked about at the November 19th City Council meeting. This is 357 acres around Rice Lake. Chair Roger Clark asked if any further business. All nays Clark ask if any new business? All nays Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m Next Parks meeting on December 12, at the YMCA in White Bear Lake