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080905 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Farniok, Moonen, and late arrival Westerlund; City Engineer Brown; and City Council liaison Turgeon Absent: Commissioners Young and Wagner B. Review Agenda Farniok moved, Moonen seconded, approving the Agenda as submitted. Motion passed 3/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of July 12, 2005 Page 2, Reports Item B, line 1, it was Commissioner Westerlund, and not Chair Davis, who ‘reported that she counted approximately 168+ people…”. Farniok moved, Moonen seconded, approving the Minutes of the July 12, 2005, Park Commission Meeting as amended. Motion passed 3/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meetings Brown stated that there was nothing new to report pertaining to parks. He mentioned that the police and fire budget had been adopted. Turgeon stated that additional proposals for police and fire had been received by both Excelsior and st Greenwood for consideration. If an agreement cannot be reached by the August 31 deadline, Turgeon indicated that the joint powers agreement would be dissolved or reorganized. 5. REVIEW REQUEST FOR SHIRLEY RICE MEMORIAL CONCEPT PLAN Farniok introduced Rebecca Fish, from the Shorewood Garden Club, who indicated that the current estimate for rock and delivery would be approximately $300. Fish asked whether the current wood sign would remain, be replaced, or allowed to waste away. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 Page 2 of 5 Farniok pointed out that the rock used for the plaque must be substantial enough so that it does not disappear and that it should have a flat surface to route out for the plaque. She noted that the estimate of $900-965 was accurate. Brown stated that the City has the option, in the case of gifted items, to restore it, though it is not guaranteed for perpetuity. Chair Davis pointed out that the monument sign would be more durable than the current wood sign. Farniok stated that, while the Garden Club would put together an article about Shirley Rice, they would prefer if the City take on the dedication. She indicated that the City holds the funds donated by the family for the care and maintenance of the garden which would more than cover the price of the monument. Farniok asked how to proceed. Brown stated that, since little construction would be necessary, the Garden Club could simply draw in the placement of the monument and plaque and the Park Commission could move it forward as they see fit. Moonen moved, Chair Davis seconded, to recommend that the Garden Club proceed with the installation of the memorial rock and plaque commemorating Shirley Rice. Chair Davis asked the Club to provide the Commission with a photo or drawing of how it will look. Brown interjected that he was unsure whether the City might want to take on the dedication or not. Chair Davis suggested that the dedication should be led by those who had personal knowledge or contact with Shirley Rice or the family. Fish stated that she would mention it to the Minnesota League of Women Voters. Turgeon applauded the suggestion, as it was the league that granted the Shirley Rice award on an annual basis, and had just bestowed the last of its honors this year. Motion passed 3/0. nd Brown stated that he would present the Garden Club’s memorial rock request at the August 22 City Council meeting. 6. PRESENTATION ON BUCKTHORN Kathe White discussed an itemized buckthorn removal plan for the Freeman Park effort to be held mid November, when most other trees have dropped their leaves. She indicated that, via a public education process, she hoped to advocate for the removal of buckthorn on individual estates, as well as Freeman Park. White suggested that groups be encouraged to register for the event, listen to a ½ hour education or training program, and be sent out into visibly taped off areas within Freeman Park for about an hour of digging or pulling. After the buckthorn has been removed, she noted that the stumps should be sprayed with a solution of Round-up and dye to discourage new growth. Chair Davis stated that she could write a newsletter article about the upcoming event urging middle or high school age classrooms, scouting troops, church groups, and neighborhood associations etc., to use the PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 Page 3 of 5 enclosed registration slip to register their intent. In addition, she suggested that someone be contacted to donate refreshments for the event. Saturday, November 12, 2005 was the chosen date for the fall event from 9am-12pm, cycling groups of 20- 30 through the education piece every half hour. Brown stated that the City would purchase 2 weed wrenches for the event and subsequent residential use. White suggested that individuals be encouraged to bring gloves, shovels, bow saws, etc. She further suggested that tree identification be done in order to educate the public of the numerous varieties of species that should exist in healthy woods. Moonen stated that, as a licensed commercial pesticide applicator, a stronger pathfinder II pesticide with blue dye has proven effective in the elimination of buckthorn. Brown indicated that, if the City wished to use a stronger solution than the round-up suggested by buckthorn busters, the City would have to contract with a licensed commercial applicator. Chair Davis stated that she would assemble the registration form and article for the newsletter, while White put together the education piece of the program. 7. DISCUSS PROJECTS TO SUBMIT TO CITY COUNCIL FOR CIP Brown reviewed a number of items for consideration for the 2006-2010 Park Capital Improvement Program (CIP). In addition to the resurfacing of the Badger or Manor Park tennis courts, he mentioned the Badger field Football and Hockey lighting needs, drinking fountains at both the Skate Park and Freeman Park, the WEIC – Wetland Enhancement and Interpretive Center, new surface for the older Skate Park equipment or a plaza picnic site at the park, and the matching funds proposed for the dog park. Julie Westerlund arrived at 7:58 p.m. Chair Davis asked how the City could enhance its trail system throughout the City. In addition, she asked whether a sidewalk should be constructed between fields 1 and 2 at Freeman Park to aid in the drainage problems. Brown reported that the City has been trying to solve the drainage problems with this less obtrusive approach to drainage, and has received a letter from the neighbors pleased with the results. Chair Davis stated that many items seem relevant to the Commission, including; trails, Manor Park pond, the dog park, drainage around Silverwood Park slide, and fixing the lighting situation at Badger if it appears to be hazardous though pricey. She suggested turning over both fountains to the Foundation to pursue. Westerlund stated that, during the National Night Out celebration, many of her neighbor’s voiced their support of maintaining and repairing the Manor Park tennis courts. Kristi Anderson, of Community Rec Resources, interjected that the sports users in the community have voiced their concern regarding the lighting issues at Badger Park on numerous occasions. Farniok stated that, as a safety measure, the lighting may need to be addressed. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 Page 4 of 5 Though he attempted to estimate the costs, Brown stated that resurfacing of the tennis courts may require an investment that must be further investigated. Brown stated that he would start programming out the items for the 2006-2010 CIP if the Commission was comfortable with the primary items. Chair Davis asked whether the surfaces of the older skate park equipment posed a safety concern. She questioned how much use the equipment was seeing. Brown stated that areas of the older surfaces have been worn through. He noted that he has seen numerous youth on the equipment almost daily. He questioned whether more should be done to the passive space at the Skate Park. Westerlund felt the City would be justified in creating something more comfortable for those coming to use or supervise use at the Skate Park anyway. Farniok suggested that some money be earmarked for the buckthorn removal program. Brown suggested that the funds for the buckthorn removal program come from the operating budget as opposed to the CIP. Chair Davis asked how more could be done with regard to trails. Turgeon stated that there is no trail planning process in place at this time, as the City Council has not stepped up to adopt a standardized process. While he felt it might be appropriate to talk about trails at a later date, Brown suggested that it follow the upcoming Council discussion over roadways. 8. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR SEPTEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 22 – Chair Davis September 26 – October 24 – Westerlund 9. NEW BUSINESS Westerlund reported that she had made contact with her source at MnDOT regarding funding for the WEIC (Wetland Enhancement and Interpretive Center). While MnDOT is always looking for metro projects to receive credits, he felt the $200,000 price tag for grading etc. in the feasibility study was a bit high. If on the other hand, a project which requires credits in this specific part of town comes up he would be interested in getting more information. Westerlund pointed out that, if the City chooses to use MnDOT funds, the City may be ineligible for other grant opportunities, such as those for habitat restoration. 10. ADJOURN Farniok moved, Chair Davis seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of August 9, 2005, at 8:36 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 Page 5 of 5 Recording Secretary