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071205 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2005 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Young, Farniok, Westerlund, and Moonen; and City Engineer Brown Absent: Commissioner Wagner and City Council Liaison Turgeon B. Review Agenda Report Item 1A, Park View Subdivision and an update under Item 10 of the Freeman Park Wetland Enhancement and Interpretive Center were added to the agenda. Westerlund moved, Farniok seconded, approving the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 5/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2005 th The 4 page, paragraph 10, ‘grid’ chamber was changed to ‘grit chamber’. The page numbers within the heading were corrected to correspond with the appropriate page numbers. B. Park Commission Park Tours of May 24, 2005 Item 2A, Manor Park Pond, ‘Lorin’ Hatch was the corrected spelling of the limnologist for the ‘Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’, spelled out in the same sentence. On the same page, the second to the last line, the ‘s’ was stricken from the word ‘makes’. Farniok moved, Young seconded, to approve the Park Commission Minutes of May 10 and May 24, 2005, as amended. Motion passed 5/0. C. Park Commission Work Session of June 28, 2005 Item 2, paragraph 4, the word ‘vehemently’ was changed to ‘strongly’. The Commissioners expressed their desire to host morning work sessions on occasion. Brown indicated that, due to open meeting laws, the location must be published and suggested the meetings be held in the Council Chamber. Young moved, Moonen seconded, approving the Park Commission Work Session Minutes of June 28, 2005, as amended. Motion passed 5/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2005 Page 2 of 6 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meetings Brown reported that the past two City Council meetings were brief and that nothing pertaining to parks was discussed. B. Music in the Park Series Commissioner Westerlund reported that she counted approximately 168+ people at the Music in the Park concert featuring Big Walter. She indicated that the turnout was incredible, though the volume might have been a bit too high further away from Eddy Station. Farniok stated that the group was delightful, prompt, and pleasant. She disagreed that the volume was too high, and instead felt the concert was fairly low key and enjoyable. Brown commented that many seniors from the neighboring development complimented the city on the event and many people seemed to stop spur of the moment to join in the festivities. Chair Davis suggested the Commission begin thinking about what to add to the music series next year to continue to enhance this amenity. She indicated that the Parks Foundation would like to set up a funding rd mechanism for future events. The Commission set August 23, 7:00 am, at City Hall as the next work session to specifically discuss the Music in the Park Series for 2006. C. Skate Park Equipment Brown stated that the Skate Park equipment has been received and would be installed after Public Works Staff have caught up with other projects. He hoped this would occur within the next week or so. 5. 2005 FIRST AND SECOND QUARTER REPORT FROM COMMUNITY REC RESOURCES (CRR) CRR Representative Kristi Anderson reviewed the memo provided to the Commission and discussed the new process introduced to the sports organizations this past season. Now electronically reciprocated, the data request forms submitted by the sports organizations in advance of the sports information meeting allow CRR to develop a schedule that can be distributed at the meeting in exchange for fees and required documentation. Anderson continued, noting that use by additional sports organizations, such as Lacrosse and Men’s Adult Baseball have been successfully incorporated into the past schedule. In addition, Tonka United Soccer Association (TUSA) hosted a tournament at Freeman, despite unpredictable weather. Other observations included increased passive use of Freeman trails, little issue with regard to parking, and a good balance struck at Badger and Manor with regard to neighborhood use and organized use. The Commission thanked CRR for their ongoing coordinating services and communication, complimenting them on their effectiveness and ability to manage organized use of park facilities. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2005 Page 3 of 6 6. WATER QUALITY MONITORING AT MANOR PARK POND Westerlund reported that she has begun the process of collecting samples from Manor Park Pond, submitting them to limnologist Hatch, who will have the samples analyzed, and will report back with the results in the fall. Farniok asked if Hatch would be willing to provide the Commission with some recommendations based on the data results. Westerlund stated that she would ask him to do so. Young moved, Farniok seconded, to authorize the expenditure of $176.01 and authorize Commissioner Westerlund to collect samples and data for the Manor Park Pond study. Motion passed 5/0. 7. REQUEST FOR DEDICATION OF SHIRLEY RICE MEMORIAL Farniok explained that the family of Shirley Rice set aside a fund to make enhancements to the memorial garden with the help of the Shorewood Garden Club, of which Farniok is a member. The Club, in conjunction with the family, would like to place a bronze plaque in honor of Shirley Rice with the Commission’s approval. Young stated that he would support accommodating the family’s wishes, as long as it complies with policy. Brown stated that he did not feel this to be a ‘substantial gift’ as defined by the donor policy; therefore, he saw little conflict but wished to obtain Commission approval before proceeding. Chair Davis stated that posting a plaque in her honor sets a good example for the community and encourages others to follow suit. Young suggested that a newsletter article acknowledging her contributions and inviting the public to the dedication might be nice compliment to the plaque. Westerlund suggested that the plaque memorialize the garden and her accomplishments more specifically, in the event the park sign change someday, or knowledge of her contributions are lost. Brown agreed, stating that the dedication builds community involvement and commemorates her efforts. He suggested the garden club come before the Park Commission and City Council to get approval of a concept plan, then the City will publicize the dedication in the newsletter. Farniok stated that she would obtain specifics of Rice’s contributions from a staff file and bring back a concept plan to the next meeting. 8. EXPLORE METHODS TO REDUCE VANDALISM WITHIN THE PARKS Brown stated that he had spoken to a number of agencies regarding vandalism within the parks. Some of the basic tools to reduce vandalism include publicizing incidents of vandalism, publicizing the names of the offenders, adequate lighting and public visibility, and public awareness programs and education. Brown PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2005 Page 4 of 6 noted that the more the City gets the message out about vandalism that has occurred is vital in reminding residents that they are key stakeholders and affected financially by the damage incurred. Moonen commented that high resolution cameras are of great expense and would be a questionable investment. He agreed that education and postings about vandalism continue to be the best deterrents. Chair Davis suggested that the City continue to monitor vandalism and deal with each occurrence on a case by case basis. Brown pointed out that, so far this year, vandalism has been quieter, though the City has an open line of communication with the police and neighboring Freeman Park senior community. 9. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR JULY AND AUGUST CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 25 – Farniok August 22 – Chair Davis 10. NEW BUSINESS A. PARK VIEW SUBDIVISION Brown reported that the proposed 10 lot subdivision at Manor Road and Suburban Drive will impact stormwater management. He explained that, after much discussion, a concept plan which brings stormwater along the back park side of several lots in a neighboring subdivision, will save numerous mature trees along Manor Road. Brown stated that the developer has agreed to grant an easement along the back side of his lots abutting Manor Park, in an effort to keep the aesthetics of the tree lined roadway in tact. The Park Commission acknowledged that the storm sewer pipe from the development of Park View does cross Manor Park and they are okay with that since the alternative of extending the pipe down the edge of Suburban Drive would impact mature trees on Suburban Drive Young questioned what the impacts to the park pond will be. Brown stated that the impacts will need to be evaluated. He noted that he had just received data from WSB that indicated the current outlet is poor and slow to drain; however, it would be positive to construct a sewer along the easement as opposed to losing the aesthetics along Manor Road. Brown stated that the City is negotiating a corner outlet with the developers to improve the conditions. Westerlund suggested it might be appropriate to contact the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) to discuss the appropriation of funds from MCWD to investigate alternatives to curb and gutter. B. FREEMAN WETLAND ENHANCEMENT AND INTERPRETIVE CENTER Brown explained that the report lays out suggested grading plans and wetland plantings of the area based on a hydrology of the area. The cost estimate of $427,000 outlines the steps involved. Brown pointed out that a number of different organizations could contribute to any portion of the project and promote a cooperative partnership together to accomplish this task. While a kiosk has been suggested for the ‘point’, other areas include a meadow and a marsh area. Brown pointed out that a significant amount of grading and clear cutting of buckthorn would be necessary to complete the project. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2005 Page 5 of 6 Chair Davis noted that the buckthorn removal project suggested for Freeman this fall might be a nice preface to the wetland project. Farniok concurred, stating that the buckthorn removal site, adjacent to the proposed wetland site, would be a nice compliment to one another. Westerlund stated that each piece makes up a significant portion of the large scale project, and should be publicized more. Brown stated that this area has been discussed as a stormwater project and treatment facility for quite awhile and asked how the City could make this an amenity to the park, rather than just a place to impound water. Young asked whether the project would be subdivided out in pieces or bid out entirely. Furthermore, he believed the Parks Foundation would really like to get involved in a project of this magnitude. Brown stated that the project could be done in pieces, especially in light of the funding difficulties. He noted that it would take many organizations, could serve many functions, and could be a real ‘jewel’ to the community if the resources are available. Farniok stated that this would be a great project. Young stated that he felt the excitement could drive the project for many. Westerlund pointed out that the project could be a controversial one from a public relations standpoint, if the neighbors around the park are not informed and involved in the process and have a vision of the completed project. Brown agreed, stating that he believed the greatest obstacle would be the tree removal, albeit buckthorn, in the public eye it is still tree removal. Chair Davis asked what the next step might be. Brown asked the Commission if it would wish to study this project further or whether it would like to proceed with what has been presented. Westerlund stated that MnDOT is always looking for opportunities to mitigate development projects and suggested that she take a set of plans to present to them, as well as others. Brown reiterated that it seemed the Commission was comfortable with taking the plans out to various funding agencies and reporting back at the August meeting. Commissioners concurred. Chair Davis stated that the Parks Foundation would likely be interested in the kiosk piece, since overall environmental missions interest them. She indicated that she would present the entire project to them and th get their response on July 20. In addition, the Foundation expressed interest in drinking fountains at Freeman and the Skate Park. Farniok agreed to join Davis at the Foundation meeting on July 20. C. DOG PARK PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2005 Page 6 of 6 Chair Davis stated that the Parks Foundation would be joining the funding effort for the Dog Park. One proposal put forth by the Foundation was a suggestion that the Commission provide a matching grant up to a certain level for the Dog Park. Young suggested the cap for the matching grant be set at $5,000. Chair Davis indicated that the estimate for the project was set at $100,000, as opposed to the original $40,000, for trails, benches, lighting, bathrooms, and water. Brown suggested that the Commission begin to give thought to what they wish to see set forth in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2006. Young moved, Westerlund seconded, recommending to the City Council that Park Funds, not to exceed $5,000, will be used as matching funds for a dog park in conjunction with the Parks Foundation. Motion passed 5/0. Farniok asked if the Commissioners could receive copies of the draft minutes as soon as the recorder has completed them for review. Recorder Anderson stated that the completed draft minutes should not come from the Recorder, but from Staff as they see fit by policy or law. Brown indicated that he would check on the laws for providing draft minutes. Brown suggested that the Commission submit its top 5 projects to the City Council for its CIP planning process. Farniok encouraged the Commissioners to give thought to this for discussion at the next meeting, in order to submit the list to the City Council in September. Westerlund suggested that the completion of the Manor Park Pond clean-up and planting effort be noted in the CIP. Chair Davis stated that she would be putting together an article for the newsletter which would include a prelude to the buckthorn busting date to be set for fall. 11. ADJOURN Young moved, Moonen seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of July 12, 2005, at 9:03 p.m. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary