BCOL Advisory Council Minutes 03-04-2011BCOL Regional Park Advisory Council Minutes: 03/04/11
BERTRAM CHAIN OF LAKES (BCOL)
REGIONAL PARK ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Friday, March 4th, 20118:00 a.m.
Bridge Room, Monticello Community Center
Advisory Council Members Present: Chair Martyn Dibben, Jim Lindberg, Lyle Trunnel, Pat
Sawatzke, Glen Posusta, Clint Herbst, Rose Thelen, Gene Emanuel, Wes Olson, Janice
Bergstrom
Advisory Council Members Absent: Pete Stupar, Larry Hance
Staff Present: Marc Mattice, Graham Sones, Stacy Marquardt, Jeff O'Neill, Angela Schumann,
Kitty Baltos, Tom Pawelk
1) Call to order
Marlyn Dibben called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
2) Approval of February 4, 2011 Meeting Minutes
ROSE THELEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 4, 2011 MEETING
MINUTES. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY GLEN POSUSTA. MOTION CARRIED
10 -0.
3) Consideration of adding to and approving agenda
a) Revisit meeting time
b) MYSA Update
4) Draft Concept Review, North Side
Marc Mattice indicated that the Park Use and the Athletic Fields Subcommittees had
provided input which was incorporated into the current plan.
Graham Sones gave an overview of the current design for the conceptual plan for the
Park. He summarized the Park Use, Lake Use and Trail Head Development layouts.
He noted the entrance, road alignment, access to amenities and the amount and
locations of parking. There were questions and suggestions about the beach,
pathways, trails, camping, shelters, boat launch, fishing pier and parking.
There was considerable discussion about the YMCA's request to utilize space for day
camp at both the north and south ends of the park. This would change the agreement
BCOL Regional Park Advisory Council Minutes: 03/04/11
previously established. There was concern that sharing space with the Y would cause
congestion, conflict with public access, and result in maintenance issues. All are
invited to the March 22nd meeting with the Y to clarify expectations and consider
options.
ROSE THELEN MOVED TO TABLE THIS DISCUSSION UNTIL AFTER THE MARCH
22, 2011 MEETING WITH THE YMCA. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY GENE
EMANUEL. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0.
5) Grant Application Update
Angela Schumann discussed grants for the upcoming cycle. The DNR suggested that the
Outdoor Recreation Grant would be the most appropriate and most likely to be funded
grant for these particular parcels. This grant requires a very detailed application and public
hearing. The City and County would need to have a clear understanding of acquisition
costs as well as long term operations. Staff determined it best to delay submitting the
Outdoor Recreation Grant until enough information had been prepared to ensure a
successful application. The County Board recently adopted resolutions to submit both
Non -Metro and Park Legacy Grant applications for other parcels. There was discussion
about how limited grant funding is available for parks outside the metro area.
6) Approve process for concept plan approval and adoption by City Council and
County Board
There was discussion about the importance of determining a process for bringing the
concept plan forward for public input. It was suggested that the plan be available in
time for the June 1 lth Family Fun Day at the Park. The Advisory Council would then
bring forward a recommended concept plan to both the County Parks Board and the
City Parks Commission to obtain further input about phasing and funding
acquisitions.
7) Updates
a. Family Fun Day
Kitty Baltos gave a brief update on the Bertram Family Fun Day scheduled for June
11th. She encouraged volunteers to contact her so that she could coordinate staffing for
the event. Cargill, Xcel and FiberNet had been asked to donate funds.
b. Legislative
ative
Marc Mattice spoke about how the Greater MN Regional Parks and Trails Coalition
had been established to support more balanced funding allocations throughout the state.
The current allocation is 42% of funds to Metro Parks, 42% to DNR Parks & Trails,
and 16% (about $12 million) allocated to competitive statewide grant programs. He'd
testified at the House Legacy Committee to keep the focus on regional needs. A recent
partnership with CentraCare's Better Living Exercise Nutrition Daily (BLEND)
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BCOL Regional Park Advisory Council Minutes: 03/04/11
program should help to reach out and rally additional support. There were a number of
questions about the potential for the legislature to zero out the 16% funding option.
There was some discussion about the need for active grassroots lobbying for funds.
Martyn Dibben suggested that future emails requesting action include ready -made
letters to legislators.
c. Friends of Bertram
Rose Thelen reported that the Have a Heart for Bertram Snow Sculpture Contest
went well. She also noted that there is a Friends fundraiser pancake breakfast
scheduled for April 9th at 8 -10 am at Applebee's in Monticello. She asked that
folks continue to sell tickets to the event and to bring the funds raised through
ticket sales to the breakfast. Twelve people are needed to volunteer at the
restaurant that morning.
8) Consideration of items added to the agenda
a) Revisit Meeting Time
There was brief discussion about potentially changing the meeting time of the Advisory
Council to accommodate varied schedules. No action was taken.
b) MYSA Update
Jeff O'Neill reported that he'd received an email from MYSA representative
Candice Daley about the potential soccer complex project. The MYSA is currently
focused on doing their "due diligence" as they determine how to proceed with
their project. They are considering drafting a letter of intent to work on joint
planning by mid - April.
The Advisory Council had a number of questions, clarifications and suggestions
about local field needs. There was discussion about the importance of further
defining the plan prior to submitting grant applications. The current plan would
continue to move forward and any MYSA involvement could be considered and
referenced in grant applications as a decision was made. The amount of local
investment would need be determined by mid -July for budgeting and grant
application purposes.
9) Ad,,,ourIln
The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 am.
Recorder: Kerry T. Burri
Approved: lApril 1, 29,11
Attest:
Bertram A— v-isory Council
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