Parks Commission Minutes 08-16-1995MINUTE$
REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Wednesday, August 16, 1986, - 4:50 p.m.
Call to order,
Acting Chairman Larry Nolan called the meeting to order
EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS
AMENDED FOR THE JULY 19TH REGULAR MEETING. SECONDED BY
FRAN FAIR. Motion passed unanimously.
STEVE ANDREWS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR
THE SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 9TH. SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR.
Motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of adding agenda item,
1. Earl Smith added discussion with the Monticello Lions and the
American Legion.
4. Discussion an the tour of parks.
The Commission discussed the recent city tour of parks with the Council,
Planning Commission, and Parks Commission and agreed that is was
productive and should be looked at repeating on an annual basis.
Boulevard trees were a target area that should be reviewed. School
Boulevard was used as an example of a boulevard area that could be
improved. Along with the boulevard trees a city-wide shade tree program
should be considered. This could possibly be an internship project. The
Commission then briefly reviewed the present city ordinance on tree planting
for new homes and commented that the Parks Commission should
recommend that the current tree ordinance be updated along with the
comprehensive plan study. The following is the list to be reviewed:
A shade tree and planting program should be a major point in
the goals and objectives for the Comprehensive Plan,
The Zoning Ordinance should he updated on the tree and shrub
ordinance.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 8/16/95
C3. There should be a plan for reforestation.
Tree preservation.
Provide an internship program/full time public works person.
There was also suggestions of more community involvement in planting of
trees. In the last twenty years the road widths have increased also trees on
the boulevards have been eliminated through Dutch Elm Disease and
construction. The, Parks Commission would like to see this changed by
allowing boulevard trees and even reducing street width requirements in
neighborhood areas. It was recommended that staff draft a resolution from
the Parks Department to the Planning Commission requesting strong
attention to restoration in the Comprehensive Plan quidelines and policy
implementation steps.
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO BE
PRESENTED TD THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THE IMPORTANCE
OF TREES. SECONDED BY STEVE ANDREWS. Motion passed
unanimously.
L5. Compmhenigive Planning - Steve .ri► an.
The Commission discussed the report given by Steve Grittman and thought it
would be beneficial for the City to add a more detailed sections to the
comprehensive plan for the following reasons:
1. Before new development has gone too far
2. There is no plan in process
3. There is a need to budget for the future
4. To plan in an orderly fashion
5. Help link park design with park demand
6. Help substantiate our park dedication fees
7. Commercial and Industrial land development is not being required to
give park land.
8. Be proactive instead of putting Band-Aids on past problems
9. Proactive using a methodical approach.
10. Select areas in the community to preserve (example river area).
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH THE PARK AND
TRAIL PLAN PROPOSAL AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
SECONDED BY EARL SMITH. Motion passed unanimously.
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6. Discussion on 199R Budg€t. Parke Commission Minutes - 8/16/95
C
The Commission was in agreement to leave the budget as was decided at the
previous meeting.
Fran Fair suggested a future project of planting trees in the Meadows park
area which is just a drainage area now. This might be done as a Connect 4
or community project.
Jeff ONeill, Assistant Administrator, reported that the signs along the
pathway are not up but will be soon, there was a use with caution notice in
the Monticello Times, and the bridge is still scheduled for installation by
November lat. There have been many positive comments on the appearance
and use of the pathway. The safety issues will need to be watched because of
the diversity of groups using the pathway.
The Connect 4 Students at the Monticello High School are interest helping
with a city project. They could help by designing brochures, safety
pamphlets, tours, and education on use. ONeill reported that he would
meeting with the instructor and get more information on this program.
The Grand Opening is tentatively set for October 7th. There will be more
information at the next meeting on this event.
The Commission discussed ideas for skateboards and in-line skaters. This
sport does not have a designated park area for and does cause problems in
the business district. Easy Stride Skate School in Edina expressed an
interest in talking with the Park's Commission on ideas that have worked in
other cities through their company. This will be scheduled for the November
meeting.
e ,•
Earl Smith had been contacted by the Lion's member Harvey Kendall
because the Lions are interested in a project with the city. The Commission
discussed the possibility of the Lions "adopting' a city park. There could be
many levels of involvement depending on the Lions intentions. There will be
new park areas developing in the City or expansion of equipment and
shelters in existing lwrkA. The Commission was in favor of the Lion's
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Parke Commission Minutes - 8/16/95
Cinvolvement in one of the city parka but will need more information on their
request. Smith will continue to work on this project.
Smith was also approached by the American Legion on the Citi developing
the two empty lots across from the Legion into a park area. The Commission
agreed that this was too close to the Magic Kingdom and school playground
area to be a worthwhile project.
10. Adipym
EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR.
Re ctfully submitted,
Ik Kn&►I&I
Wanda Kraemer
Development Services Technician
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