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082995 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 1995 7:30 P.M. MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Mary Bensman called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Bensman; Commissioners, Dzurak, Colopoulos, Martin and Trettel; Administrator Hurm; Council Liaison McCarty. Absent: Commissioners Wilson and Puzak. 3. REVIEW AGENDA There were no changes to the Agenda. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Trettel moved, Dzurak seconded to approve the minutes of Tuesday, August 8, 1995 as printed. Motion carried unanimously, with Martin abstaining. 5. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 6. PARK AND TRAILS ISSUES REGARDING THE PROPOSED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT NEAR MINNEWASHTA SCHOOL/LUNDGREN BROTHERS Hurm briefly summarized the issue, with the question being whether to acquire the land along the north side of Smithtown Road, south of the wetland, in lieu of park dedication fees, which would amount to approximately $24,000. Bensman asked whether to wait until Jim Wilson arrives to discuss this item since he feels strongly about the subject. She summarized his opinion that it seems like "an expensive park bench" since the option of a trail along side Smithtown Rd. exists either way. If the City acquires the land, the only other improvement would possibly be a bench. Commissioners Dzurak, Trettel and Colopoulos agreed it would be best to collect the fees instead of accepting the land. Dzurak moved to recommend to Council that the City take the normal park dedication fees in lieu of any land in this subdivision. Bensman seconded. There being no further discussion, a vote was taken and the Motion passed unanimously. 7. DISCUSSION ON BASEBALL FIELDS SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 1995 PAGE 2 of 3 David Walker, who was scheduled for this agenda item was not present. David Steinkamp, President of South Tonka Little League spoke on behalf of the organization. He reported on a successful season and the improvements made this year on ballfields at Freeman. Items scheduled for fall `95 and spring `96 are: two bleachers at Freeman #3, fence work along baselines at Freeman #2, and repositioning of the backstop at Cathcart. He also stated that he is in agreement with the Commission's decision to do the infield at Cathcart in grass. Bases and pitching rubber will be provided and installed by STLL. Hurm explained that David Walker's request for more ballfield space /time was from his role as a coach and resident of Shorewood and asked Mr. Steinkamp what the position of the league is on these issues. He replied that while he would like to see a senior field for Shorewood some day, the league is not ready to commit field #2 to that level. Mr. Walker had stated that if the improvements were made, that the program would develop and be able to support it. Steinkamp also pointed out that Bennett Park is still an option for those players who wish to continue on to Babe Ruth and that, for now, the Shorewood fields are best left as multi -use fields. Hurm then asked Mr. Steinkamp about his understanding that the league's preference is to leave field #2 with no grass infield and to NOT add lights to Freeman #2. Steinkamp said that is true. Bensman asked that STLL keep the Commission posted as to future needs. Hurm asked about status of the telephone. It has been removed until April 1, 1996. Hurm also added that improvements left for this year are: the picnic pavilion and two water fountains, one of which will be attached to the Little League concession building. 8. COMMISSIONER REPORTS A. Vacation of Silverwood Turf Trail - Dzurak reported that Attorney Keane said the decision depends on how title was taken. If deeded as parkland, it would be nearly impossible to resell the trail land. The question is how did the City receive each of the four parcels that are involved. Staff will determine how the land was acquired and report to Keane. B. Cathcart Playground Equipment Update - Hurm said that the project went very well and took the full day to install. The roof portion has been delivered and will be added on in the next week or two. Thank you letters have been sent to Subway and McDonald's for their contribution of food, and notes are being prepared for residents who worked on the project. A photo will be printed in the next newsletter. C. Snowmobile Task Force - Hurm reported that the first meeting date is being established for some time during the next couple of weeks. D. Hockey Task Force - Trettel, who had been at the first meeting, which was held just prior to this Commission meeting, said that all members were present. The Hockey Association is now considering Minnetonka Middle School West in addition to Freeman as possible sites for the ice sheet. Issues to deal with for SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 1995 PAGE 3 of 3 Freeman are: a conditional use process will be required, neighbor concerns, inline skating and other use for the facility, asphalting the parking lot, among other items. The School District may show real interest and there could even be more advantages to that location. However, the possibility of a misunderstanding on the part of taxpayers as to the funding could complicate an upcoming referendum. The contribution of space would offset the advantages for the school, but voters may see it as a luxury when the district is going before them with other needs. It was pointed out that the possibilities of vandalism and noise complaints would be less problematic at the MMW site. A key factor in the choice may be timing because the Hockey Association will be anxious to move ahead soon. Trettel cautioned that although the school site appears to be the stronger option, the Commission should still be prepared for the possibility of being approached to provide the land. E. 1996 Budget Process - Hurm reported that the recommendation of the Park Commission is in the budget that has been presented to the Council. There will be more work sessions on the budget before a decision is final. 9. REVIEW 1995 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Badger - The moving of the hockey rink is still on hold, but a decision will be made by about September 16 so that it can be done yet this year. Manor - The parking lot will be finished in the next few days and will meet with the trail. McCarty reported that she was aware of some neighbors of Manor Park who were unhappy about the improvements because of the cost and the fact that it is a neighborhood park and this may attract too many people. Hurm said that paving the lot is required by code. It did look like a major construction project because large amounts of dirt had to be removed and replaced with sand. Cathcart - The parking lot will be done within a month. The fence will also be moved so the ballfield can be added. Freeman -Water fountains have been ordered and should be installed soon. They are still working on the picnic shelter and will wait until fall to install the trees. Don has not yet worked out a way of marking the parking lot with "Center Here" signs. Silverwood - Fill was just added to the flat area and will now be seeded. Jim Wilson will be planting $2,000 worth of shrubs along the slide area. 18. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting date was scheduled for September 26, 1995 at 7:30 p.m. 19. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Colopoulos moved, Martin seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 1995 PAGE 4 of 3