Parks Commission Minutes 01-16-1997
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING ~ PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, January 16, 1997 ~ 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Larry Nolan, Fran Fair, Earl Smith, Robbie Smith
Council Liaison: Bruce Thielen
Staff Present: Jeff O'Neill, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call meetin~ to order.
Chairman Nolan called the meeting to order.
2. Consideration of approving the minutes for the re~ar meeting
November 21/1996. There was no December meeting.
COMMISSIONER FAIR MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER E. SMITH TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE
NOVEMBER 21, 1996 MEETING.
3.
Add agenda items.
The following items were added for discussion: Prioritization of the work
schedule, Ellison Park, Lion's Park, Tree Ordinance, Klein Farms Third
Addition park area, and date for the 1997 park meetings.
4.
City Council liaison to Parks Commission /Bruce Thielen
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, reported that Mayor Fair requested
each commission have a liaison from the City Council, to help the Council
stay current with commission actions. Bruce Thielen was appointed to the
Parks Commission.
5. Discussion on advertisin~ for vacancy on commission.
The Commission members requested the vacancy be advertised in the City
paper and interview applicants at the February meeting.
6. Update on Prairie Restoration Project - update Larry and Jeff
Representatives from NSP, Wright County, and the City met at the NSP
training center to discuss a joint prairie grass restoration project. Bob
Grabinski, NSP, is putting together a proposal for the site manager to
review. Mr. Grabinski will contact the committee after the NSP Site
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Parks Commission Minutes - 01-16-97
Manager has made comments.
The Commissioners discussed the alternatives for the area from Otter Creek
to West River Street. If the prairie grass is going to be restored in this area a
plan will need to be established. The City could employ a university student
to develop a plan or contract a prairie restoration company for this project.
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, explained that there is only $2,000
budgeted for park improvements in this area. The Commissioners estimated
a study costing almost the entire amount. O'Neill volunteered to develop a
budget and a time table for when to take out the trees, clear brush, burn,
mow, buy seed, and plant from Otter Creek to West River Street.
COMMISSIONER SMITH MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FAIR TO HAVE CITY STAFF DEVELOP A PRAIRIE
RESTORATION PLAN, TIME-TABLE, AND BUDGET FROM OTTER
CREEK TO WEST RIVER STREET.
7.
Discussion of Comprehensive Park Plan for 1997.
The Commissioners discussed requesting a Comprehensive Park Plan to the
City Council. It was an item in the budget for this year. It was suggested to
review the budget at each meeting so a timely schedule can be kept. Also to
review each park's playground equipment and trees in the park.
8.
Amendment to the snowmobile ordinance.
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, reported the City Council had directed
staff to research the current snowmobile ordinance and bring back a
recommendation to Council on the findings.
9. Added items.
A.
Prioritization Worksheet
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, informed the Commissioners
that the Council had requested a list of staff and commission projects.
The Council will then prioritize the projects as to urgency and staff
time available.
B.
The Commissioners discussed the request from a resident to plow
Ellison Park. The Commissioners agreed that the parks should be
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Parks Commission Minutes - 01-16-97
accessible in the winter also. COMMISSIONER FAIR MADE A
MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SMITH TO KEEP THE
ROADS IN ELLISON PARK PLOWED.
Commissioner E. Smith inquired as to the next step the Lions
organization should take in their request for parkland. The
Commissioners comments were to have a member of the Lions
organization attend a Park meeting with a sketch plan and budget of
what they are looking for. The Parks Commission would then have a
recommendation that could be referred to Council.
D.
Liaison Thielen requested the Tree Ordinance be completed. Jeff
O'Neill stated with the addition of the new Chief Building Official the
tree ordinance will be reviewed in the near future.
E.
Park for Klein Farms Third - Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator,
reviewed the Klein Farms preliminary plat with the Commission. He
explained that the trunk sanitary sewer line will be an added expense
to the park. The Commissioners still thought the park should be the
entire area and not split because of the unique character of the pond
and oak tree area being developed as public space. After discussion
the Commission did requested the following:
COMMISSION FAIR MADE A RECOMMENDATION SECONDED
BY COMMISSIONER R. SMITH TO :
1. TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS TO THE PARK FROM
FARMSTEAD DRIVE AT THE STREET INTERSECTIONS.
2. ALL PATHWAYS NEED TO BE SHOWN ON THE PLAT.
3. REDUCE STREET WIDTHS TO 32' IF NOT A MAIN
COLLECTOR STREET. THIS WILL PROVIDE MORE GREEN
SPACE, LESS STREET MAINTENANCE, AND A MORE
AESTHETIC NEIGHBORHOOD.
Motion passed unanimously.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 01-16-97
10. Monticello Community Partner, MCP, Updates
A. Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, reported the new MCP project
manger, Rita Ulrich, was hired and has started working. Her office is
currently in the Chamber of Commerce building.
B. Wanda Kraemer, Development Services Technician, reported that
every Thursday night this summer the MCP will be scheduling a
community event in Bridge Park. Kraemer inquired if a deposit would
be needed each week or if the Parks Commission could reserve the
park?
COMMISSIONER R. SMITH MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FAIR TO RESERVE WEST BRIDGE PARK EVERY
THURSDAY, JUNE THROUGH AUGUST, FOR THE COMMUNITY
NIGHT AND WAIVE THE DAMAGE DEPOSIT.
C. Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, recommended the Parks
Commission work with the MCP on the improvements in Bridge Park.
11. 4th Street Park Warming House
Roger Mack, Parks Superintendent requested this item. Mack was unable to
attend so this will be added to the next agenda.
12. Adjourn meeting.
COMMISSIONER FAIR MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER R. SMITH TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
0J uudu r AM//1?l
Wanda Kraemer
Development Services Technician
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