120820 Park Packet
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 7:00 PM
Due to the Centers for Disease Control's recommendation limiting the number of people
present at a meeting, and pursuant to MN Statute §13D.02, the Shorewood Parks
Commission meetings will be held by electronic means. For those wishing to listen live
to the meeting, please go to ci.shorewood.mn.us/current meeting for the meeting link.
Contact the city at 952.960.7900 during regular business hours with questions. For link
issues at meeting time, call 952.960.7906.
AGENDA
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
A. Roll Call
Mangold____
Hirner____
Gallivan(Dec 28)____
Schmid____
Garske____
Council Liaison Johnson(July-Dec)____
B. Review Agenda
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2020 – (Att.-#2A)
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
(This portion of the meeting allows members of the public the opportunity to bring up items that
are not on the agenda. Each speaker has a maximum of five minutes to present their topic.
Multiple speakers may not bring up the same points. No decisions would be made on the topic
at the meeting except that the item may be deferred to staff or the City Council for more
information.)
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Determine Liaisons for January and February City Council Meetings- (Att.-#4A)
B. Silverwood Park Playground Rehab – (Att.-#4B)
C. 2021 Work Program and Meeting Schedule – (Att.-#4C)
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Property located North of Highway 7 Between Eureka Road and Seamans Drive – (Att.-#5A)
6. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS/UPDATES
A. City Council
B. Staff
a. Update on Freeman Park Drainage Correction Project
b. Fire Lanes Joint Meeting Scheduling
c. Update on Buckthorn in Parks
7. ADJOURN
Liaison for City Council Meeting on December 14 is Commissioner Gallivan
2A
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Vice-Chair Hirner convened the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Schmid, Hirner, Gallivan, and Garske; Planning
Director Darling and Park and Recreation Director Grout
Absent: Commissioner Mangold
B. Review Agenda
Gallivan moved to approve the agenda as written. Garske seconded the motion. Roll Call
Vote: Ayes all. Motion carried 4-0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2020
Garske moved to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2020 meeting as written. Schmid
seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 4-0.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approve Donation of Park Bench from Resident Lynette Trygstad
Commissioners discussed bench details, placement, and positioning.
Garske moved to recommend approval of the donation of a park bench from resident
Lynette Trygstad. Gallivan seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes all. Motion carried
4-0.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Badger Park – Discussion on Grand Opening
Commissioners discussed the best time to hold a Grand Opening where there would be the most
opportunity for people to attend and concluded that they would like to try for a Wednesday evening
in mid-June. They noted that they would like to have multiple food trucks, exhibitions of lacrosse,
tennis, and pickle ball. They recommended that individually packaged ice cream treats be
available for attendees.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 2 OF 5
Twila Grout, Park and Recreation Director, noted that to advertise for this event the City can use
social media, such as Facebook, the newsletter, the electronic sign, and the City website.
Commissioner Gallivan suggested that it might be a good idea to get the local small businesses
involved if possible.
Planning Director Darling stated that staff has some direction and can work on some of these
details and bring item back for the January agenda to finalized the plans for a Grand Opening
celebration.
B. Equipment and Facilities for Seniors – Survey and Cost Information for
Various Equipment for Parks
Commissioner Gallivan stated that he likes the survey that staff has put together and feels it will
be very helpful in terms of garnering feedback to narrow the field down in terms of what types of
things seniors would like to see.
Commissioner Garske stated that he likes the idea of having something like the Little Free Library
that could house some of the necessary equipment.
The Commission discussed pricing for different pieces of equipment and the option of having
various stations throughout the trail system, but noted that the individual stations throughout the
park would have a higher cost.
Commissioner Gallivan stated that he would like to move forward with the survey and get the
feedback from the residents to help shape the direction for the Parks Commission.
Planning Director Darling suggested that it may be helpful if there were photographs of the
equipment included in the survey.
There was a consensus of the Parks Commission to have the survey available on-line in
Survey Monkey, but also have some paper copies available to be turned into the City.
Commissioner Garske noted that he understands that the idea is for this equipment to be used
by seniors, but asked if the Commission wanted to get feedback from others. He noted that for
example, he could see his family utilizing bocce ball or the corn hole equipment. He suggested
that perhaps the City collect feedback from others and ask them to include their age range within
the survey.
Park and Recreation Director Grout stated that she agreed that much of this equipment would be
used by more than just the senior population throughout the City.
Schmid moved to direct staff to finalize the survey including pictures and include a
question regarding age range and distribute it to residents through the methods
presented. Garske seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all Motion carried 4-0.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 3 OF 5
C. Freeman Park – Drainage Correction Project near Field 4 at Freeman Park
Planning Director Darling stated that she was not aware of how quickly engineering was moving
on this project. She explained that she found out that Public Works has been maintaining the
gully along the first baseline on this field after every rainfall. She stated that this field is used very
frequently. She stated that this item was taken to Council at last night’s meeting and they made
a motion to approve moving forward with the low bidder to fix the drainage issues, contingent
upon the Parks Commission approval.
Vice-Chair Hirner asked how other CIP projects will be impacted if funds are used for this repair
project.
Planning Director Darling stated that because the tennis courts at Badger Park came in under
budget, there is a little wiggle room in the CIP and this should not greatly affect future CIP projects.
Commissioner Gallivan stated that $70,000 had been earmarked for this in the CIP, but the
projection is that it will cost $80,000 and confirmed that Planning Director Darling was saying that
because of the tennis court project will be lower than expected that will make up the difference,
Planning Director Darling stated that it won’t quite cover all of the difference, but it will be close.
She stated that she hopeful that there will also be some fund reserves left over at the end of the
year which staff would ask the Council to earmark for this project and will also continue to look for
grants.
Hirner moved to concur with the City Council action and recommend approval of the
drainage correction project near Field 4 at Freeman Park as presented. Gallivan seconded
the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 4-0.
D. Fire Lane Discussion – Discuss Information Requested from September 1, 2020
Joint Meeting
Planning Director Darling stated that at the joint work session meeting with the Planning
Commission, the Commissioners had asked for additional information on how vacations are
processed, the cost to provide additional maintenance, and the tax implications if adjacent
property owners receive additional property through a vacation. She reviewed the points from
the meeting that had general consensus by the Commissioners. She gave a brief overview of the
vacation process and noted that it can only be undertaken if it is in the public interest to vacate
the property. She reviewed the notice requirements that are necessary, including the DNR. She
explained the tax implications for the receiving property owners and noted that it depends on the
location and whether the property is on Lake Minnetonka or Lake William. She stated that it would
cost about $25,000 to open up all ten of the fire lanes so there is a walkway down to the lakeshore
or to the top of the bluff. She noted that Public Works staff is very concerned about any changes
to the ditch in Fire Lane 6 because it is important for stormwater purposes. She stated that the
City Attorney has explained that there will not be any increased liability to the City if they open up
the fire lanes and encourage greater public access.
Commissioner Gallivan stated that he felt the conclusion was that more information was needed
for Fire Lanes 3 through 6 and would need a second discussion. He stated that he thinks the
decision can be made about Fire Lanes 8-10 and Fire Lanes 1, 2 and 7. He stated that he would
like to keep the process going so it does not linger on. He stated that he would like to simplify
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
PAGE 4 OF 5
things for staff so the vacation work can happen all at once and not piecemeal. He reiterated that
he believes another joint meeting with the Planning Commission will be necessary to discuss Fire
Lanes 3 through 6.
Commissioner Garske noted that he had just joined the Park Commission so he did not have a
chance to tour the Fire Lanes.
Commissioners discussed vacating Fire Lanes 8, 9, and 10, but to hold off on completing that
process until the process for the remaining Fire Lanes can be determined. The Commission
discussed the pros and cons of vacating the various fire lanes.
Gallivan moved to recommend approval of vacating Fire Lanes 8-10, but delaying the
action until there is resolution on the other Fire Lanes in the City, and holding another joint
meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss the remaining fire lanes. Hirner
seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 4-0.
Hirner moved to recommend Fire Lane 2 be removed as a fire lane, but kept as a utility
access for the lift station maintenance and also remove it from the ordinance and zoning
map. Gallivan seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 4-0.
The Commission discussed potential issues with snowmobile access for the fire lanes and the
possibility of putting up signage to stop people from using the fire lanes during certain hours.
Planning Director Darling noted that last year, the City put in jersey barriers to stop snowmobile
access. She noted that the direction was given from Council to enforce the current ordinance
until the City made a change.
Vice-Chair Hirner asked if there would be jersey barriers put in place for this coming season.
Planning Director Darling stated that it had not been discussed, but is something that could be
brought up at the next Council meeting for direction.
Schmid moved to recommend the City install jersey barriers to stop snowmobile access
on Fire Lane 3. Garske seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried
4-0.
Park and Recreation Director Grout suggested that the specific fire lane should be outlined in the
motion.
Schmid amended the motion to recommend that the Council install jersey barriers to stop
snowmobile access on Fire Lane 3. Gallivan seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes
– all. Motion carried 4-0.
6. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS / UPDATES
A. City Council
Planning Director Darling gave an overview of the November 9, 2020 City Council meeting.
B. Staff
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
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Commissioner Garske asked about the discussion regarding buckthorn at Freeman Park.
Planning Director Darling stated that she has not heard if the City has submitted the grant
application, so she does not have an update yet.
Park and Recreation Director Grout asked if the Park Commission would like to meet in
December.
There was a consensus for the Parks Commission to meet in December.
7. ADJOURN
Gallivan moved to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of November 10, 2020 at 8:36
p.m. Garske seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 4-0.
#4A
CITY OF
SHOREWOOD
5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, Minnesota 55331
952-960-7900 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us
To: Park Commission
From: Twila Grout, Park & Rec Director
Meeting Date: December 8, 2020
Re: Determine Liaison for January and February City Council Meetings
Listed below is a schedule for the Park Commissioners to determine who will be the liaison to
the City Council meetings.
Park Commission Meeting Report at City Council Liaison
Meeting
January 12, 2021 January 25, 2021
February 9, 2021 February 22, 2021
#4C
2021 Work Program
January
Fire Lanes
February
Badger Park Grand Opening Discussion
Determine work program for the remainder of the year
Continue work on Silverwood Park Playground rehab throughout the year.
March
Appoint Chair/Vice Chair
April
May
June
Park Tours - Round I
Badger Park Grand Opening
July
Park Tours - Round II
August
Recap of Park Tours
September – December
2021 Park Commission meeting schedule
January 12
February 9
March 9
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
October 12
November 9
December 14
#5A
CITY OF
SHOREWOOD
5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, Minnesota 55331
952-960-7900 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us
To: Park Commission
From: Marie Darling, Planning Director
Meeting Date: December 8, 2020
Re: Property located north of Highway 7 between Eureka Road and Seamans
Drive
Attach: Minutes from October 8,
2019
At the Commission’s October 8, 2019 meeting, a
resident spoke and requested that the Park
Commission consider and recommend
purchasing the subject property to keep it as
open space. At that time a developer had
proposed developing the property for homes.
At the City Council’s October 28, 2019 meeting,
the Park Commission liaison mentioned the
speaker and indicated that the Park Commission
would have a more thorough discussion of the
topic and would bring the issue back to the Council at a later date.
At the August 18, 2020 meeting, the Park Commission discussed whether cash or land dedication
would be appropriate for the subdivision, and ultimately recommended the City Council choose
land dedication. However, that is not the discussion that the speaker had originally suggested.
Staff is not unaware of that any discussion similar to what was suggested took place. We have
provided the following information should you wish to recommend anything further.
The developer (Stoddard Companies) disclosed to staff that their contact for the property was
submitted on April 18, 2019 for an undisclosed price. Although the developer was not willing to
disclose their agreement amount, the property is currently assessed at $571,000 (according to
Hennepin County) and the developer has indicated that the contract price is substantially higher.
Regarding purchase of additional open space, the City’s Comprehensive Plan includes the
following direction:
Where feasible, control over natural open space areas shall be obtained through
conservation easements, acquisition or development regulations.
Environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and wooded areas are to be acquired or
publicly controlled, when necessary to preserve their integrity as funds are available.
Identify parcels of land with the potential to be set aside as permanent open space and
explore means of obtaining conservation easements of financing the acquisition of such
parcels.
When the opportunity arise, Shorewood shall consider acquisition of parcels adjacent to
the City’s public beach (Crescent Beach) and conversion of such parcels to park land.
Shorewood residents are generally well-served by the existing park system. With the
exception of the islands and a small pocket south of Galpin Lake, most areas of the
community are within a one-half to one-mile radius of neighborhood park facilities. As a
result, the focus of future park planning will be on developing existing parks, as opposed
to acquiring more land, with one possible exception. The City remains open to
considering organization-supported expansion of Freeman Park as well as other existing
sites. Also, as land becomes available through tax forfeiture, vacation of public right-of-
way, donations and/or other means, it will be examined for possible inclusion in the park
system.