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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011.12.14 Parks MinutesMinutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo December 14, 2011 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Rachel Berger, Roger Clarke, Mat Rauschendorfer, Dave Strub, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Absent: Kris Birch, Noel Schmidt Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Anna Wobse, Accounting Clerk Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from November Meeting The minutes of the November 9, 2011 Parks Commission meeting were reviewed and no changes required. Guest Presentations The agenda was amended to include a presentation from Bunnie Peterson, a 45 year resident of the City of Hugo and a former Parks Commission member. Bunnie presented her concerns for the development of the Egg Lake property directly across from City Hall. She is concerned that the property will be developed and all the trees will be removed and the view of the lake blocked. Bunnie would like the parcel to stay a passive park for all the citizens of Hugo to enjoy. She also expressed her concern for the lack of trails on the east side of Highway 61, and the dangers that this imposes for bikers and walkers. The Parks Commission reassured Bunnie that the Downtown Development Plan calls for green area and public spaces; they also shared with her that trail development is included in their goals for the upcoming years. The Commission thanked Bunnie for coming forward with her concerns and ideas. -1— Parks Commission December 14, 2011 II. Land Donation from the Molitor Family Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson presented on the proposed Excel Energy Training Center to be built on the Molitor property and the donation of Outlot B from the Molitor family to the City of Hugo. Excel Energy is requesting approval to construct a training center at 13676 Fenway Boulevard North. The property is currently owned by the Molitor family. Under the Park Dedication Policy, commercial and industrial development is exempt from paying park dedication fees. The Molitor family is proposing to donate Outlot B, an 8.3 acre woodland and wetland parcel to the City of Hugo. The east side of Outlot B is adjacent to Fenway Boulevard and the west side of Outlot B is adjacent to Clearwater Creek Preserve Park. The Parks Commission discussed the very valuable trail connections that could be made with the donation of this property. Commission members thanked the Molitor family for this very generous offer. Berger made a motion, Windisch seconded to recommend that the City of Hugo accept the donation of Outlot B from the Molitor family. All Aye. Motion Carried. Health UD and GO Wellness Challenae 2012 Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson discussed the 2011 Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge and asked Council for feedback on what should be continued for the 2012 Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge. Syverson stated that the Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Grant made a lot of things possible in 2011, but the program is not dependent on the grant for 2012. Ideas discussed by the Parks Commission included; concluding the walking club at Festival Foods and having a presenter show citizens healthy options, yoga classes, kettle ball classes, silver sneakers and self- defense classes for women and children. The Parks Commission directed staff to work with the Health Sub -Committee to expand the Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge and to explore new class opportunities for 2012. IV. Recreation Program Planning 2012 Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson presented on the 2011 and 2012 recreation programs and budgets; including the ideas that were brainstormed at the November 9, 2011 meeting. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission has been actively expanding recreation programs and building relationships with the citizens and local businesses over the past three years. The sponsorships from these local organizations help make the recreation programs possible, by helping to offset the incurred expenses. Most of the programs offered in 2011 will continue to be offered in 2012, along with the possibility of adding Geocaching and a Roving Recreation Program. The Parks Commission wants to add activities that get citizens out into their neighborhood parks and both Geocaching and Roving Recreation are perfect examples. -2— Parks Commission December 14, 2011 The Parks Commission directed staff to continue exploring programming ideas and to report to the City Council the programs that are continuing. V. Goal Settina Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson presented an updated list of the 2012 goals that were discussed at the November 9, 2011 meeting and also asked the Parks Commission to discuss the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). 2012 goals include park, trail and open space development; continuing current recreation programs and implementing new ones; using the current athletic facilities to their fullest capabilities; and marketing the parks and the City of Hugo. The Parks Commission discussed the five-year CIP and agreed to focus on paying the current bond payments and saving money for future development. They discussed various project expenditures that may arise in the upcoming years budget including; park planning, park landscaping and trail development. Windisch made a motion, Berger seconded to approve the 2012 goals and five-year Capital Improvement Plan as discussed. All Aye. Motion Carried. VI. Set the Date for the 2012 Sledding Party Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson asked the Parks Commission to set a date for the City of Hugo's annual sledding party held in Oak Shore Park. The Parks Commission directed staff to schedule the 2012 Sledding Party for Saturday, February 11th from 1:OOpm until 4:OOpm. VII. Adiournment Windisch made a motion, Clarke seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 pm. All Aye. -3— Parks Commission December 14, 2011