HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009.11.18 Parks MinutesMinutes
City of Hugo
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
November 18th, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roger Clarke Called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Roger Clarke, Rachel Berger, Melissa Parker, Noel Schmidt, Dave Strub.
Absent: Dan Gabrielli, Derek Larsen, Jim Taylor
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
Shayla Syverson, Economic Development/Parks Intern
Debi Close, Parks Secretary
I. Approval of Minutes of October 14th, 2009
Parker made a motion, Berger seconded to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2009
Parks Commission meeting.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
II. Continued Discussion on Interim Uses for the Hansen Property
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director, informed that on December 13, the Hugo Fire
Department will burn the structures on the Hansen property. The Hansen's will remove
the foundation after the burn has taken place. Anderson recapped previous discussions
on interim use of the property. When the City closes on the property, interim uses could
include:
• Trails/Public Use — new recreational activity provided to the public, low cost,
ensures land access and supervision, low impact use and allows time for future
park development. Trails would be mowed and minimally maintained.
• Lease Land (farming) — generates revenue, ensures supervision of the land,
limits public access, allows time for future planning.
• Do Nothing — no cost, allows time for future development planning, limits activity
on the property, no revenue and limited supervision.
The meeting was opened up to the public for discussion.
Beth Minor addressed the commission with interest of excitement but some
anxiousness. Feels strongly on minimal baseball fields but would like to see tennis
courts and trails with possible fitness activities incorporated.
Sandy Malaski addressed the commission with interest in trails for horses and planting
trees early to allow for future shade trees. If trail system is put in, she volunteered to help
in any way and is confident that other community members would also be willing to
assist in the process.
Jared and Michelle Opal addressed the commission with interest of trails to best serve
the surrounding neighbors. They were in favor of allowing horses and dogs.
The public discussion was closed with no other residents interested in speaking. The
commission continued discussion with the feedback provided.
Strub made a motion, Berger seconded to set up minimum maintenance trails and a
small parking area, post hours upon acquisition and work with property owners to mark
boundaries.
All Aye, Motion carried.
Uadate on Huntin
Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant, updated the commission on the
status of the Shooting Regulations Ordinance. The City Council revised the ordinance
on October 8, 2009 and during the meeting they added language to the Shooting
Regulations Ordinance that prohibits the discharge of firearms on Bald Eagle Lake within
the ordinary water mark. A public hearing was held on October 19, 2009 and comments
were heard from the public on the revisions but no changes to the ordinance were made.
The Council tabled the item and directed staff to make additional revisions to the
ordinance. Staff will be presenting the proposed revisions to the Shooting Regulations
Ordinance at the December 7th, 2009 meeting. Roger Clarke requested City Staff revise
the definition of fire arms/ weapons. Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant
informed that this is currently being reviewed.
IV. Rice Lake Park/Hanifl Fields Boundary Identification Discussion
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director provided a map of a possible boundary between
Rice Lake Park (passive), Hanifl Fields Athletic Park (active) and the Public Works
Building.
Roger Clarke made a motion, Strub seconded to extend boundaries 100 feet north of the
mowed paths and fields.
All Aye. Motion Carried
V. Update on Parks and Recreation Open House
Shayla Syverson, Economic Development/Parks Intern, informed of the Parks Open
House held on November 10, 2009. Meeting turnout went well and volunteers signed up
for the focus groups. Input was gathered from residents regarding their satisfaction with
the current parks and recreation options, as well as ideas for future park options.
VI. Budget Discussion and Homework!
Scott Anderson, Public Works Director, provided copies of the 2009 Capital
Improvements Plan and Goals that was approved at the November 12, 2008 Parks
Commission Meeting. He asked that all commissioners review it for discussion at the
next commission meeting.
VII. Acknowledgement of Parks Commission Service
Roger Clarke thanked Melissa Parker for her service and acknowledged Dan Gabrielli as
both terms expire and neither is able to continue service on the commission. Vacancies
will be posted.
Adjournment
Strub made a motion, Berger seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
All Aye. Motion carried.
Next Meeting: December 9, 2009