042900 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2000 10:30 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Co-chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 10:45 A.M.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Arnst, Co-Chair Themig; Commissioners Puzak, Berndt, Bix and Young;
Acting Administrator Brad Nielsen; City Engineer Larry Brown
Absent: Commissioner Dallman
B. Review Agenda
The agenda was accepted as written.
2.DISCUSSION REGARDING SKATE PARK
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Update From Planning Director Nielsen On Dedication of Rest Area as Parkland
Planning Director Nielsen reported that the deed is signed and the property is established as City
of Shorewood parkland.
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Update From Planning Director Nielsen on Legal Determination of “Equipment” vs.
“Structure” relative to CUP
Nielsen explained that the skate park equipment is considered to be similar to the installation of a
play structure in any other Shorewood Park, and does not, therefore require a Conditional Use
Permit. It is nonetheless important to hold informational meetings with neighbors and affected
parties.
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Plan For May 6 Site Visit
There will be an onsite meeting on Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. to meet primarily with the
immediate neighbors. The Waterford Shopping Center manager and Holiday Station manager
have been invited as well. There will be an open house at City Hall on Monday, May 8, which
will also include members of the Excelsior Area Chamber of Commerce, Police Chief Litsey,
Waterford neighbors, Superintendent of Minnetonka Schools and others.
Nielsen said the required setback for parking is 30 feet, which suits the location of potential
parking. He also explained the proposed use of space for the skate park, the landscaping ideas,
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APRIL 29, 2000 - PAGE 2
and 6 or 7 parking spots. He also showed a drawing for possible “phase II” landscaping to buffer
the park and neighborhood from some of the highway noise.
Commissioner Puzak added that there are a few suggestions for preventing numerous trips by
park users to the Holiday Station across the highway. They are:
1)Not make a bituminous trail surface from the skate area to the highway, but rather a
crushed limestone surface.
2)Restore the water fountain that already exists in the park area.
3)Develop a landscape barrier between the park and highway.
Puzak described some of the structures proposed in the skate park design. Nielsen added that the
materials used in ramps at the Chanhassen skate park (which he visited) are such that noise seems
to be minimized. The Commissioners asked about the use and design of the Chanhassen park.
Nielsen described that setup and explained more about the proposed layout for the Highway 7
site.
Commissioner Themig asked how concerns of residents or potential problems would be
addressed. Nielsen said that noise from music is one known issue and it is something the Police
Department will have to address.
Commissioner Young said that one of the chief concerns of residents of the Seasons development
is overflow parking. Nielsen said that St. Alban’s Bay Road would likely be posted “No
Parking.” Puzak added that most of the kids would likely come to the park by foot or bicycle.
There is also potential for additional parking in the wayside rest area on the south side of the
highway.
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Plan For May 8 Open House
Nielsen suggested that the more detailed site plan would be available in color copies as handouts.
Puzak asked if the park area itself could be marked with tape or paint to show parking and
landscape areas. The open house will be from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
Commissioner Young stated that he is disappointed in that the Commission is at a stage of plans
and drawings before soliciting comments or approval from neighbors. He is hearing incredibly
negative comments from phone calls he has received from neighbors. He has two letters from
residents who will not be at the May 6 meeting and he knows of a petition being circulated.
Young said he is very surprised because the Commission has been much more careful with the
trail process in being sensitive to neighborhood response.
Nielsen said it’s kind of a “chicken and egg” situation because it’s hard to talk with people about
what is being considered unless you have something to show them. The current plan is just a
concept, not a final by any means. They expect to modify it based on neighborhood concerns, but
it is important that people have something to look at and respond to.
Commissioner Young reiterated that, regardless of design, the basic idea is a problem because of
noise and safety. Themig agreed that residents would need to see that the park would be well
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APRIL 29, 2000 - PAGE 3
designed and planned around those concerns. Young said he thinks the location is still a poor
choice and the Commission should be prepared for residents to feel the same way.
Puzak explained that the skate park idea has been a public matter for two years and two sites
(Manitou Park and Highway 7), have been on the paperwork every time. He explained the
decision-making process by the Youth Coalition and the Park Commission in the selection of the
Highway 7 site. Puzak added that he thinks the pre-existing highway noise is loud enough to
drown out the skate park noise. Even though we would be adding apparatus, the landscaping will
be an overall improvement for the neighbors and will serve the children as well.
Commissioner Young said they need to be prepared to back off if neighbors all object to the idea
of a skate park in that location. Puzak said he has to hear the arguments and reasons, and weigh
those. Young said some neighbors might not attend the meetings if they think it’s a done deal.
He asked if the Commission is prepared to accept rejection of the idea. Puzak said all of the
City’s park locations are in residential neighborhoods. What must be considered is the overall
good of the City over one particular street in the City.
Nielsen asked if feedback forms should be made available at the open house. All agreed they
should be included.
Young restated the neighborhood concerns and said it will be hard to convince residents that this
will be an asset in their lives.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Puzak moved, Young seconded to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Connie Bastyr, Recording Secretary