Planning Commission Minutes 03-04-2014 (Special Meeting)MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 - 4:30 PM - Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Brad Fyle, Sam Burvee, Grant Sala, Alan Heidemann
Absent: Charlotte Gabler
Others: Angela Schumann, Tom Pawelk, Larry Nolan, Tim Stolpes
1. Call to Order
Brad Fyle called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. (Although noticed as a joint meeting of
the Planning and Parks Commissions, there was not a quorum of the Parks Commission
in attendance. The ;meeting was conducted as a special Planning Commission meeting.)
2. Purpose
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss options for the Monte Club Hill park use
planning.
3. Consideration of Monte Club Hill Park Use Planning
Community Development Director Angela Schumann summarized that the City Council
had directed the Parks and Planning Commissions to consider potential uses for the 24
acre Monte Club Hill property as follow up to the site tour in August of 2013. The
consensus of the Council was that any redevelopment other than recreation or parkland
be focused within the footprint of the old Monte Club building, access and parking areas,
and that redevelopment complement recreational uses.
Parks Superintendent Tom Pawelk indicated that trail systems and biking had been cited
as top recreational priorities in park survey findings. He emphasized that any plans for
use would focus on minimally impacting the natural topography.
Schumann noted that the pathway proposed along Fenning Avenue would address
recreational use and pedestrian safety on a major collector route. The path that winds
through the site between the Spirit Hills and Wildwood developments would be
formalized and connected to the trail system. The path through Spirit Hills into Hillside
Farms, ( "Safe Routes to School "), is also a priority connection in that it provides a
regional link to the county trail system.
Special Planning Commission Minutes: 03/04/14
There was general discussion about creating a trailhead at the footprint of the Monte Club
Hill site which will provide connection points to additional amenities such as an
information kiosk, an interpretive center (and associated signage), picnic facilities, a
scenic overlook (including a view shed of Pelican Lake), and parking to accommodate
large groups and events on site.
Pawelk pointed out that Minnesota Off -Road Cyclists (MORC) had recently constructed
a single -track mountain bike course, in cooperation with Wright County at Bertram Chain
of Lakes Regional Park. The varied terrain of the Monte Club Hill site could
accommodate a single -track mountain bike course and a competition level challenge
course. This could potentially establish Monticello as an off -road cycling destination and
tournament host and boost the local economy.
Pawelk indicated that the Parks budget currently includes $17,000 for planning costs
related to Monte Club Hill. Staff will continue to research grant opportunities and ask for
volunteer assistance within the cycling community in an effort to lower project cost.
Pawelk indicated that the Parks Commission would establish a Monte Club Hill park use
subcommittee and appoint a representative at its next meeting. The subcommittee would
include representation from the Parks and Planning Commissions, the two local bike
shops and two at -large community members and work with MORC to outline plans and a
budget to present for City Council consideration this fall.
ALAN HEIDEMANN MOVED TO APPOINT GRANT SALA TO REPRESENT THE
PLANNING COMMISSION ON A SUBCOMMITTEE TO BE ESTABLISHED BY
THE PARKS COMMISSION WHICH WILL PROVIDE FOR CONTINUITY IN SITE
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND FINAL LAND USE ACTIONS RELATED TO
MONTE CLUB HILL. SAM BURVEE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED 4 -0.
4. Adjournment
SAM BURVEE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING AT 5:29 P.M.
ALAN HEIDEMANN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
Recorder: Kerry Burri
Approved: May A Attest: / h
Community Development Director