Parks Commission Minutes 04-16-1998
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AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, April 16, 1998 - 4:30 p.m.
Members:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Larry Nolan, Fran Fair, Rick Traver, Jennifer Fearing
Earl Smith
Jeff O'Neill, Steve Grittman, Roger Mack, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call meeting to order.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Nolan.
2. Consideration of approving the minutes for the meeting on March 19. 1998.
Fran Fair requested Item 13B be changed from West and East Bridge Park to just East
Bridge Park.
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED
FOR THE MARCH 19, 1998 MEETING. SECONDED BY RICK TRAVER. Motion
passed unanimously.
3.
Add items.
There were no items added.
4. Discussion on park plan for Prairie West Park - Jean Emmonds
Jean Emmonds, intern with the DNR, gave a presentation to the Commission on ideas for
the park that is being developed next to Prairie Acres Development. Emmonds provided
pictures, maps, and background information regarding the prairie area. Emmonds
strongly recommended the park be burned to restore the prairie areas. She stated that the
prairie grass areas in Monticello were the last ofthis type in Minnesota and there should
be measures to preserve it. The park is a small part of an area that extends through
Montissippi Park and the NSP property. The Commission did inform Emmonds that
meetings had been held with Wright County and NSP regarding this subject. Wright
County and NSP were in favor of restoring the prairie remanent on their sites.
Jon Komarek, Developer for Prairie West, stated he would be very willing to work with
city staff. Komarek would provide labor to help with the burn and suggested the area of
his project around the park also be included in the burn.
Jean Emmonds added there are many opportunities for this park to be a part of the
educational system for the schools also. A few of the ideas were to have the students
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Parks Commission Minutes - 4/16/98
assist in the prairie restoration by gathering of seeds and to provide environmental
education with the water and prairie areas.
Emmonds suggested the budget for this park be used this year for maintenance items that
needs to be completed such as: burning, removal of concrete, furniture, and misc. debris
from the creek and ponds, removal of stumps and damaged trees. Then next year the
plantings and equipment could be added.
Roger Mack, Parks superintendent, would contact Shulander for estimates on clearing of
stumps and trees.
After further discussion on the value of restoring the prairie grass areas, FRAN FAIR
MADE A MOTION FOR STAFF TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE FROM THE
MONTICELLO FIRE DEPARTMENT TO BURN THE PRAIRIE CREEK
DEVELOPMENT PARK AND AREA SURROUNDING THE PARK. SECONDED BY
JENEFER FEARING. Motion passed unanimously. (Earl Smith absent)
5.
Discussion on trees down along river and islands - Larry Krampka. DNR
tabled until next meeting
Larry Krampka was not able to attend the meeting.
6.
Review of MCP request to adopt Bridge Park.
The Commissioners discussed the request from MCP, Monticello Community Partners, to
adopt East Bridge Park.
After discussion, FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE REQUEST
FROM THE MONTICELLO COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO ADOPT EAST BRIDGE
PARK. SECONDED BY RICK TREVOR. Motion passed unanimously. (Earl Smith
absent)
Fran Fair requested the parks maintenance department add a large shade tree in the area
of the hastate plants because the hasta area needs more shade.
It was suggested that pictures be taken to show the progress and an ad be placed in the
paper stating the park was adopted by MCP.
7.
Discussion and review of Comprehensive Park Plan.
Steve Grittman, City Planner, reviewed the Comprehensive Park Plan with the
Commission. Grittman had provided a final "draft" copy to each member before the
meeting. Grittman answered questions and discussed comments. The main topic of
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discussion was an increase in park fees. It was decided to return any further comments
and/or changes to Wanda Kraemer by April 24, 1998 and she would send them to
Grittman.
8. Discussion on the cost estimates for Bridge Park Improvements.
Jeff O'Neill reviewed the cost estimates for Bridge Park with the Commission. The cost
estimates were over the amount in the budget for the park however, the plan had
expanded to include infrastructure items not originally considered. O'Neill stated there
was money allocated in past years and this should be researched. It was decided to meet
with the Public Works Director, City Engineer and City Administrator to discuss the
budget for this year, what infrastructure improvements need to be made in the park area,
and to develop a time schedule for the improvements.
Fran Fair requested the temporary irrigation system be installed because she would be
planting the middle of May. Roger Mack agreed to provide this.
There was also a subcommittee of the Public Works Director, City
Administrator, Park Maintenance Superintended, two Parks Commissioners (Earl Smith
and Fran Fair, and a member ofMCP and Wanda Kraemer. Kraemer would schedule
meeting after city staff research budget amounts and timelines for completion.
9.
Discussion on tree planting proiect for April 25. 1998.
Wanda Kraemer, Administrative Assistant, reported the tree planting project was going
welL Kraemer requested the Commissioners assist by registering volunteers at City Hall
the day of the planting. Larry Nolan and Fran Fair volunteered for the morning and Rick
Traver and Jennifer Fearing the afternoon.
10. Discussion on Walk and Ro1l3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Wanda Kraemer, Administrative Assistant, reported that Community Education was going to
partner with the Parks Commission on sponsoring a three-on-three basketball tournament for
Walk & RolL
11. Added items.
There were no added items.
12.
Adiourn.
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY JENNIFER FEARING.
Motion passed unanimously.
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Wanda Kraemer
Adminstrative Assistant
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Parks Commission Minutes - 4/16/98