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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.09.08 Parks MinutesMinutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo September 8, 2010 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present: Roger Clarke, Dave Strub, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch, Kris Birch, Noel Schmidt Absent: Rachel Berger, Derek Larsen, Mat Rauschendorfer Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner I. Approval of Minutes of August 11, 2010 Taylor made a motion, Clarke seconded to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2010 Parks Commission meeting. All ayes. Motion Carried. II. Update on Hansen Property and Minnesota Off -Road Cyclists Parks Planner Shayla Syverson presented MORC's proposed off road bike trail site plan. MORC determined that the trail surface options include doing a bench cut or mowing to help with erosion from use and drainage. Parks Commission members discussed and agreed that a combination of these options would be best to preserve the trails and remain economical in building the trails. Strub suggested stepping back to determine the master plan on this property before allocating finances on an interim use. Parks Commission members discussed this and agreed that the discussion should continue with MORC, but to do concept planning before allocating additional funds to building trails. -1- Parks Commission September 8, 2010 Scott Anderson, Public Works Director, updated that to mark the park boundary, private property signs were installed up to 500 feet from the property boundary. Visually, the foliage and berm's made it difficult to stay true to the property lines and owners will be notified of this. On the north side of Irish Avenue, grading and gravel work was done to make a parking lot with large natural stones bordering the area. III. Continued Discussion on the Park Dedication Policy Syverson reviewed the Park Dedication Policy changes that were requested at the last meeting. Drafted changes were made and the policy was reviewed by City Attorney for editing. Staff is recommending approval. Changes include: • Matrix formula developed for defining density and percentage of land to be dedicated. • Appeal process to pay a percentage of land by fair market value. Taylor reminded commission members to evaluate policy changes with the interest of what's best for the parks. Clarke also stated that it's the Parks Commission standing to promote parks. Commission members gave the following reasons were given for how commercial and industrial development creates a greater need for parks because: ■ Linear parks and trails make industrial parks and commercial districts more attractive to businesses. ■ Parks provide services to employees on their breaks. ■ Trails provide access to business areas. ■ Companies are moving towards keeping health care costs down and need facilities and park amenities to encourage employees to be active. ■ Landscaped and natural areas make the community a more attractive place to do business and draws businesses in. ■ Park assets help keep property values high. The following examples of use of park areas by businesses were given: ■ Wilson Tool employees use Water Tower Park for lunch breaks and have requested additional park amenities be built. ■ The cafes and restaurants in Victor Gardens promote eating out in Victor Square. ■ KinderGardens Day Care frequently takes their children on the trails and uses the playground equipment in the Victor Garden area. Taylor made a motion, Schmidt seconded to add the matrix, add the appeal process and keep the language on industrial and commercial dedication with no changes. All Aye. Motion carried. -2- Parks Commission September 8, 2010 IV. Continued Discussion on the Park Rules Ordinance Item tabled until the next meeting. V. Discussion on Movie Night Syverson discussed the successful turnout of the movie nights last winter. Last meeting, it was requested to look into additional outdoor movies. Syverson gave information on the costs of an outdoor movie including a performance license and rental or purchase of the equipment. Staff is also working to coordinate sponsorships and will follow up once more details are available. VI. Discussion on Bus Tour Anderson informed that the City Council scheduled bus tour will be on October 30th, 2010 from 10 am -2pm. Parks Commission members can sign up if interested in participating. VII. Other Anderson updated on the Lions Park progress. Concrete and painting are to start shortly and basketball nets will be put up. The skate park equipment will be installed on September 24, 2010 and the Grand Opening is planed for Friday, October 1, 2010. The Hugo Lions Club is holding a Golden Glove Boxing Match on September 25, 2010 in the Lions Park on the north side of the tennis courts. VIII. Adjournment Clarke made a motion, Strub seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 pm. -3- Parks Commission September 8, 2010