Parks Commission Minutes 06-12-2003 Special
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, .June 12,2003 - 3:30 p.m.
"To enhance community pride throu~h developing and
maintaining city parks with a high standard of quality."
Members Present:
Fran Fair, Ben Hitter, Nancy MeCafIrey, Larry Nolan, Rick Traver and Council
Liaison, Robbie Smith.
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Public Works Director, John Simola; Park Superintendent, Adam Hawkinson
1. Call to Order:
Chair Larry Nolan called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
2.
Review of Wild Mcadow Develooment:
John Simola indicated that the developer contacted him this morning stating they wished to withdraw
their request to have the Parks Commission review their development at this meeting. They stated
they don't have the llnal configuration of the ponding for County review nor do they have permission
from the gas company to fill the easement area. John Simola reviewed the latest drawing with the
Parks Commission. There are two areas described as proposed park; one is 4.63 acres, which
includes the gas line easement and the other park is 1.94 acres. The developer indicated he wanted
credit for the park land under the utility easement. The gas company will be reviewing the revised
plan to determine whether they would allow the developer to Jill in the gas line easement area. John
Simola noted the developer is picking up the storm water in a series of basins in the park area along
95tl1 Street. John Simola and Adam Hawkinson would like to see the basins moved further way
from the park ifpossible. The basins would be l' deep and 50'-75'in diameter. Staff noted that
the basins would making mowing diilicult. The drainage plan will be going back to the County for
their approval. There is some question whether the ponding proposed is adequate. Parking area for
the park would likely have to access onto an internal street rather than on 95[11 Street and there will
need to be screening between the park and the Tyler East development. John Simola stated that the
Bauer property was given credit for park dedication ffild storm sewer trunk fees because they had
provided land for the storm sewer outlet that drained the Meadow Oaks area. Larry Nolan asked
about the trail system and who would be maintaining it.
The Park Board reiterated that it wants 5 acres of good usable park land and added that they would
consider park credit for any land in excess of the 5 usable acres. The Parks Commission was not
enthused about the proposed 1.49 park tract and would prefer to see that area owned by the
developer. John Simola stated that the gas company docs not own the land but only has an
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Special Parks Commission Minutes - 6/12/03
easement over it so the gas company may be amenable to the developer's proposal to fill in the
easement area. NffilCY McCaffrey felt there were still too many unanswered questions about what
is being proposed. Larry Nolan asked if there were any comments the Parks Commission felt
should be relayed to the developer. The Parks Commission noted the following:
I. The drainagc basins should be moved further from the park area.
2. Park land must be at least 5 acres of good usable land not including gas line area.
3. The peninsula of park land (1.49 acres) should be retained by the development association.
John Simola stated that the amount of park land credit is something that the Parks Commission
should consider. Larry Nolan asked about the width of the pathway and whether the pathway
would be public or private. John Simola indicated the width would be 8'-10'. Rick Traver asked
about the elevation of the area. John Simola replied that with filling, it would be 938-940.
3.
East Bridge Park Trail:
John Simola has been trying to contact Tom Link about Mr. Link's concern with the proposed trail
in East Bridge Parle Mr. Link felt the proposed trail would be too close to his driveway. John
Simola felt, after inspecting the site, that there is enough room to provide some screening between
the pathway and the driveway. Fran Fair stated that the MCP (Monticello Community Partners)
had some concerns about the proposed improvements to East Bridge Park but did donate $2,500
for tree and shrub replacement. Fran Fair felt thcrc was no consensus in the community that this
project should be done. Rick Traver indicated that he was approached by an individual who also
had concerns about the project. The Parks Commission discussed the concerns and stated there
needs to be a better explanation of the project to the publ ic. John Simola suggested getting a cost
estimate to replace the existing steps as that way there is a comparison between the cost of putting in
the trail or replacing the steps. Parks Commission noted that even if they did not get the grant they
applied for the condition of the steps is such that the steps needed to be removed. There is $25,000
in the 2003 budget f(x this project. The primary reason for renlOving the steps is safety.
Other:
John Simola presented a request from a property own to allow building ofa berm along the City's bike path.
The berm would be on park land that lies under the power line easement. John Simola submitted a sketch
ol'the lot in question and its proximity to the trail. John Simola suggested the Parks Commission look at
the site and then make a determination on what they would allow. Because this would be in the arca of the
power line easement, approval would also be needed from the power company. Robbie Smith informed
the Parks Commission that vehicles sometimes use the bike path and asked that the Park staff look into
doing something to correct that. John Simola left for another meeting at this time.
On Monday, June 16, 2003 the Parks Commi ssion wi II conduct a tour of the parks, looking specifically at
Pioneer Park, the driving range as a possible ballfield site and the trail on Eastwood Circle. There was some
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Special Parks Commission Minutes - 6/12/03
discussion on the driving range as a ballticld site. It is a 26 acre parcel with about 20 acres of usable land.
Although the Parks Commission is looking for a 40 acre site, this parcel plus the park land from the Gold
Nugget property would give them close to 30 acres. Adam Hawkinson noted that if the driving range site
was acquired, they would have to do grading to the site, replace the turf and also replace the irrigation
system.
The Parks Commission discussed preparing a list of the pros and cons for the trail developmcnt in East
Bridge Park as they felt there were some misconceptions about what is being proposed and why it is being
proposed. Some items to consider in the list include: 1) Bridge Park is an cntrance park to the
community; 2) The trail will provide a connection between East and West Bridge Park; 3) The improvcment
would allow f()r more arboretum space; 4) The steps necd to bc replaced regardless; 5) The trail would
allow for easier aeeess, even though it would not mcet ADA requirements and 6) The improvements would
make thc park better aesthetically. Adam Hawkinson will get costs for replacing the steps and a copy of
the grant application to Larry Nolan. Larry Nolan will mect with Mayor Thielen regarding the
improvements.
Adam Hawkinson submitted amap of the Wright County trails which was briefly discussed.
3.
Adiourn:
FRAN FAIR MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 5:00 P.M. RICK TRAVER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y.
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Recording Secretary
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