HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.02.08 Parks MinutesMinutes
Parks Commission, City of Hugo
February 8, 2012
7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Call to Order
Present: Joan Benner, Rachel Berger, Kris Birch, Chris Boland, Roger Clarke, Mat
Rauschendorfer, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch
Absent: Dave Strub
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner
Debi Close, Parks Secretary
Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from January Meeting
Windisch made a motion, Clarke seconded to approve the minutes of the January 11,
2012 Parks Commission meeting.
All Aye. Motion carried.
II. Update on City Identity Workshop
Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson updated on the January 11, 2012 City Identity
Workshop. Tom Windish represented the Parks Commission at the Workshop and
provided an update on discussion. At the workshop, discussions had included what
Hugo has to be proud of. The Parks Commission agreed that they have been actively
building community identity for several years with forward thinking in developing quality
parks which give residents a great place to live and play. Hugo has a huge youth
population and the services (schools, programs, etc) to support families. Hugo has
partnered with the school districts and sports organizations to build community-based
programs and has been transitioning to offering recreation programs for several years.
A sense of community will build from within- people want to be here and are proud and
happy with what Hugo has to offer.
III. Irish Avenue Park Sub -Committee
Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson updated on the meeting that was held with the
stakeholders requesting direction of how to proceed in planning Irish Avenue Park. At
the last sub -committee meeting, it was determined that long term goals needed to be
assessed including maintenance planning and keeping the surrounding residents
informed. Scott Anderson Public Works Director informed of grants available that can be
applied for to assist in tree growth or maintenance.
The Parks Commission discussed moving forward with planning of Irish Avenue Park as
a commission using the feedback from the sub -committee and the Parks Plan.
Clarke made a motion, Taylor seconded to work as a Commission on identifying the
short term/long term goals for Irish Avenue Park.
All Aye. Motion carried.
IV. Community Forest Grant Application
Michael Marier addressed the Parks commission with a new proposal for his Eagle
Scout project with intent of planting trees at Arbre Park. Scott Anderson, Public Works
Director, suggested application be sent in to the Department of Natural Resources for a
Community Forest Bonding Grant that could be applied to this project with a small
match.
City Staff will submit the application for a Community Forest Bonding Grant.
V. CIP and Grant Plan
Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner, presented an updated Capital Improvement Plan to
determine prioritizing and budgeting, continuing the Parks Commission discussion from
their December meeting.
Taylor reminded that the CIP is a guideline of how the funds could be used if additional
funding became available through grants, donations, etc. The importance projects are
determined and reviewed annually and budgeted.
Discussions included looking at using City properties
VI. Other
Mayor Fran Miron was in the audience and provided an update on recent discussions of
the City Council. An update on the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail was given. Clarke
made a motion, Berger seconded to direct staff to work with Washington County in
planning the extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail from 145th to 140th and to look at the
grade and ensue that the trail is accessible and easy to maintain.
All Aye. Motion carried.
VI. Update on Recreation Programs
Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner gave an update on the Snow Jam that was held on
January 21s'2012. Approximately 200 kids turned out with lots of fun to be had with
inflatables, snacks and the live DJ. The February 3rd, 2012 Movie night was another
success with Kung Fu Panda. Postal Credit Union stated they will sponsor the remaining
movie nights for the season. The next movie will be Puss and Boots on March 23rd,
2012. The sledding Party is still on for February 11 tt', 2012. With lack of snow and none
in the forecast the itinerary has changed to encompass a scavenger hunt, cocoa/snacks
and to continue the bonfire if enough participants show up.
VII. Adjournment
Berger made a motion, Windisch seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 pm.
All Aye.