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031605 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., welcoming new Commissioner Moonen to the Park Commission. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Young, Westerlund, and Moonen; Meyer, Administrator Dawson; Park Secretary Grout; and City Council liaison Liz é e; Farniok,Wagner, and City Engineer Brown Absent: Commissioners B. Review Agenda rd Item 4E 3 Lair programs and 4F, an update on the proposed Carver Parks Dog Park, were added to the agenda. Westerlund moved, Young seconded, approving the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 5/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2005 Young moved, Westerlund seconded, approving the Minutes of the February 8, 2005 Park Commission Meeting as submitted. Motion passed 4/0/1, Moonen abstaining. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meetings of February 14, 28, and March 14, 2005 Dawson reported that, although recent Council meetings had been brief, the City Council purchased the property immediately south of the City Hall for potential expansion. He indicated that the process to purchase the land had been a rather quick and easy decision. Dawson added that the Council approved the 2005 work program. B. Music in the Park Update Grout explained that the City estimated the cost for the music groups to be approximately $2675, which left $825 for advertising. After having approached the Foundation last month, Chair Davis asked whether the Park Foundation would be willing to help out on the expenses. Dawson stated that, while the Foundation wished to contribute in some way, his impression was that they did not wish to go out and fundraise. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE 2 OF 2 Based on her earlier contact, Davis asked who should go out to solicit sponsorships. She indicated that she had been given the impression that the Foundation preferred one or the other of them perform the fundraising, but not both. Dawson stated that the Foundation does not go out and solicit fundraising on a regular basis. Since the concert series was not their focus, he anticipated them as a conduit for donations rather than the fundraiser. Young urged Dawson to relay his disappointment that the Foundation was not willing to participate in the concert series fundraising effort, since this was not his original impression. Westerlund concurred, stating that at the previous Commission meeting Dawson had given her the impression that the Foundation was excited about contributing to the event. Chair Davis stated that she would be in touch with the Foundation and report back to the Commission. C. Park Signage Chair Davis complimented staff on the proposed placement and color schemes of the park signage, including directional, rules and regulations. Young moved, Meyer seconded, to accept staff’s recommendation regarding park signage. Motion passed 5/0. D. Open Meeting Law The Commission indicated that, having read the open meeting regulations, they were satisfied with the statute. rd E. 3 Lair Skateboard Programs rd Chair Davis explained that the 3 Lair performance team does demonstrations and while it is quite rd an impressive group, it is not cheap. She urged the Commissioners to visit the 3 Lair website. Davis suggested the Commission consider using their demo team for the kick-off event to introduce the new skate park equipment and pavement this summer. rd Lizee stated that the Hennepin County library hosted the 3 Lair demo group a few years back in the City Hall parking lot which was well attended. Chair Davis asked if Grout was aware of the status of the new equipment. Grout indicated that she would touch base with Engineer Brown to determine when the equipment would be purchased. F. Carver Parks Dog Park Update Chair Davis stated that she had attended the recent Carver Parks proposed Dog park public meeting at which the ROMP founder gave a presentation. The park association compiled a wish list of needs for the dog park with public input, which included lighting, paving a small loop, installation of mutt mitts, ballards, bifs, and moderate trail grooming. She explained that the park PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE 3 OF 2 system indicated that they would come back in April with 2-3 choices and ask for additional public input. Davis pointed out that a majority of the people present were from Shorewood. Dawson asked how much each City had committed to the fundraising effort. While several communities had yet to commit to specific funding, Chair Davis stated that Chanhassen had committed $20,000 of the necessary $40,000. She indicated that many decisions were yet to be made before the dog park moves forward. 5. CONCESSION OPERATIONS A. Cost to Operate the Facility Young stated that he was of the impression that, when someone provides too much detail they are trying to cover up the obvious. He stated that he would have preferred to see the totals, and a profit and loss statement only rather than a mass of numbers. Young felt the concessionaire had gone to great lengths to minimize any profits. Having a great deal of experience working with the Lions concessions, Moonen believed the operator had spread himself too thin, carrying too large an inventory. Chair Davis asked how Brown felt about the negotiations. Dawson stated that, though he had not spoken to Brown directly, he felt Brown had made his position clear and respected his opinion in the memo dated 3/13/05. Dawson added that the City Council had indicated on past occasions that providing the service may be more important than it being used as a money maker. While he would be disappointed if the concessionaire walked away, Young stated that he agreed with Brown’s recommendation that the City remain firm in the negotiations. Chair Davis concurred, stating that the operator has a pretty good deal with few expenses, since the City is responsible for maintenance, cleaning, etc. Westerlund stated that she would be concerned, if the operator walked, that no concessions would be offered at Freeman. She stated that once the costs were covered, she did not care about profts, as long as the service was provided. Dawson stated that, over the past few years, the City has been able to accumulate information that would show others that the concessions provides a viable market and is profitable. Meyer asked if anyone had an idea of other operators to contact if the Qualle’s walk away from the concessions. Moonen stated that he had a contact that he would pursue to determine whether another operator might be willing to cover the concessions. Dawson stated that it would not be a good situation if the concessions were not offered this year. Meyer moved, Young seconded, to endorse staff’s recommendation for a flat fee of $2,000. Motion passed 5/0. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE 4 OF 2 6. Water Quality Presentation by Westerlund As the education representative for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Westerlund gave an informative presentation Linking Land Use to Water Quality via project NEMO – Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials. An outline follows: In an overview, Westerlund stated that polluted runoff is the #1 water quality problem in the U.S. She indicated that her presentation would also cover the impacts development has on water quality, pollutants in polluted water, and ways in which to enhance water quality. Westerlund explained that in a natural watershed, 40% of falling rains evaporate, 10% runs off, and 50% is absorbed into the soil. On the other hand, in an urban watershed, 55% of the falling water runs off, 30% evaporates, and a mere 15% is absorbed into the soil. Traditional Water Drainage systems are designed to: Collect, Concentrate, and Convey water which leads to flooding, erosion, sewage overflow. Polluted Runoff is increased quantity/decreased quality: runoff which is polluted with thermal stress, debris, toxic contaminants, pathogens (bacterial/animal waste), sediment, or nutrients. *Canadian Experimental Lake example exhibiting excessive plant growth = Eutrophication (1 lb. of phosphorous added to a lake = 500 lbs of algae growth) Westerlund explained how Impervious Surface inhibits ground water recharge of the water table. In general, impervious surfaces prevent the natural processing of pollutants through our soil or plant materials, and rather, rushes pollutants directly into nearby water sources. In fact, impervious surfaces (roadways) provide for an accumulation of concentrated pollutants, which when it rains, immediately enter the waterway. As communities develop lakeshore properties, runoff volume is increased, as are levels of phosphorous input and sediment. While shoreline habitat is a diverse and important habitat, Westerlund explained that communities need to use a 3-tiered approach to preserving that habitat from development; 1) Planning and zoning, enforcement, and best management practices for lake protection. 2) Site design for low impact development – vegetate bioretention swales which uses soil and plants to help with stormwater management, provide habitat, and alternatives to pavement. 3) Restoration & best management practices – through soil rehabilitation and use of native plants we have an opportunity to preserve our water quality resources. Dawson pointed out that Shorewood was the lead community in the Phosphorous free fertilizer campaign at the legislature. Meyer asked how Shorewood could apply these principals to rehabilitate Manor Park pond. Westerlund stated that many strategies could be applied to the pond. She suggested that the city study the pond over the summer to determine what the problem is and avoid mowing close to the shoreline in order to create a buffer which would deter geese populations. As this project appealed to him as manageable, Young asked whether they could invite a specialist to come and examine the pond and make a recommendation. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE 5 OF 2 Westerlund stated that Shorewood has local experts whom they could call to make a recommendation, as well as, books and cd’s to refer to for lakescaping. While Manor Park would provide a good example for rehabilitation, Dawson stated that an additional premiere lakescaping demo would be that of the Gideon Glen project. Westerlund encouraged City staff to keep the Watershed District in the loop and let them know how they might be of assistance in either project. She asked if the Council or Planning Commission might like to receive a similar presentation. Lizee suggested a presentation be made during a cablecast evening so that it would be broadcast to the public as well. Chair Davis thanked Westerlund for the informative presentation and suggested she compose a small article for the newsletter. Davis suggested a visit to Manor Park pond be a part of the spring park tour. TH rd 7. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR APRIL 25 AND May 23 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS – Chair Davis April 25 – Chair Davis (or Meyer) May 23 - Young 8. NEW BUSINESS Chair Davis suggested that a discussion of the spring park tour be added to the April agenda. 9. ADJOURNMENT Meyer moved, Westerlund seconded, adjourning the March 15, 2005, Park Commission Meeting at 8:38 p.m. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary