022691 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1991
REFERENDUM DISCUSSION
M I N U T E S
CALL TO ORDER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MINNETONKA MIDDLE SCHOOL
7:00 P.M.
Acting Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Y Y16`i ii
Present: Acting Chairman Wilson, Commissioners Lindstrom and
Vogel,Administrative Assistant Niccum; Council Liaison Lewis
and Park Planner Koegler
Absent: Chairman Andrus, Commissioners Laberee, Dzurak, and
Christensen
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
NO ACTION COULD BE TAKEN DUE TO LACK OF A QUORUM. THE COMMISSION
MEMBERS PRESENT, AND THE PARK PLANNER WENT AHEAD WITH THE REFERENDUM
DISCUSSION FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE PRESENT.
REFERENDUM DISCUSSION
The Acting Chairman and Park Planner Koegler followed the same
procedure that were followed at the last two meetings.
Ouestions and comments:
Will the population of Shorewood support a referendum of this size?
What is this about roads in Freeman Park? The City can't maintain the
roads they have now.
With property taxes and the school system increase, this is not the
time for a park referendum.
The problem with Freeman Park is, the City built a beautiful park but
they don't restrict access - I have seen 3- wheelers, snowmobiles, and
motorcycles tearing up the trails in the park (a Shorewood Oaks
resident)
What about maintenance costs?
SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING
REFERENDUM DISCUSSION - WEST END
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1991
Page two
Questions and comments continued:
Koegler said this will not increase the turf much, only a little in
Silverwood when it is developed. The parking lots will be easier to
maintain when they are paved.
Is any revenue produced by the parks at this time? User fees might be
considered. Do other cities charge user fees?
What about volunteer work?
The Tonka Men's Club and the Legion have given generous donations.
What about fund raising projects?
Koegler explained the State Grant situation. They are almost depleted,
and to get one, you have to have lake access.
Does the City have to go for "all or nothings on the referendum?
Freeman Park could use play facilities.
Snowmobiles are ripping up the nature trails.
What about priorities? Wilson said this is basically the way the
Commission has worked.
Can't the referendum be cut down?
Land should be a high priority item.
Will the buildings in Badger be scraped, and is there a hidden cost in
here for replacement? A Commissioner explained that the Commission had
discussed bringing the buildings up to code so they could be used by
the Park Department, but the cost would be so high, it would be cheaper
to build new buildings. There are no hidden costs.
The State cuts are uncertain, and a referendum is risky.
Kent Ottum said volunteers are harder and harder to find, you have to
put money into projects.
SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING
REFERENDUM DISCUSSION - WEST END
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1991
Page three
Ouestions and comments continued:
Why not go for a smaller referendum, then come back in five years with
another one.
At this time I do not want one more dollar in taxes.
People might donate time.
1.94 million dollars will not cost 1.94 million dollars in twenty
years.
The Commission said they are trying to find -out what the people want.
Why not put a small questionnaire in the newspapers that can simply be
checked yes or no and mailed in with the utility bill?
Do you think its just apathy?
The residents present all thanked the Commission for all their work.
They all said they want the parks, but it is a question of money.
Residents Present
Dave Zieman
Mike Petersen
Midge Lockovitch
Tracey English
Kent Ottum
John Arnst
Jennifer McCarty
Jim Thibault
Moonyeen Bongards
5790 Echo Road
5910 Eureka Road
25620 Smithtown Road
6035 Cathcart Drive
30 Lilah Lane
5480 Teal Circle
26340 Shorewood Oaks Drive
4565 Enchanted Point Road
25360 Birch Bluff Road
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
Susan A. Niccum
Park Administrative Assistant
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