071007 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Roll Call
A.
Present: Chair Davis; Commissioner Young, Norman, Trent, Quinlan, and late
arrival Hensley; Public Works Director Brown; and late arrival City
Council liaison Turgeon
Absent: Commissioner Alegi
B. Review Agenda
Item 3F, Request for Financial Report; Item 3G, Minnewashta Dog Park Update; Item
4A, Potential Joint Meeting with City Council; and Item 4B, Emergency Management,
were added to the Agenda.
Norman moved, Trent seconded approving the Agenda as amended. Motion passed
5/0.
C. Introduction of New Park Commissioner Steve Quinlan
Chair Davis introduced and welcomed new Commissioner Quinlan to the meeting.
Quinlan stated that he looked forward to contributing to the City Park Commission.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of June 12, 2007
Chair Davis complimented Recorder Anderson on her accurate portrayal and overall style
presenting the meetings reflected in each month’s Minutes.
Young moved, Norman seconded, approving the Minutes of the March 13, 2007,
Park Commission Meeting as presented. Motion passed 6/0.
3. REPORTS
A. Report on City Council Meeting
PARK COMMISSION AGENDA
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007
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Brown commented on the July 9 meeting, noting it was a small agenda. He reported that
the City had approved the purchase of a new used tanker truck t improve the conditions of
the cities rinks. In addition, the City will be appointing a new City Engineer at an
upcoming meeting, Mr. Landini.
City Council liaison Turgeon and Commissioner Hensley arrived at 7:10pm.
B. Update on Arctic Fever Meeting of June 19 – (Chair Sue Davis)
Chair Davis reported that representatives of the City of Tonka Bay had attended the most
recent Arctic Fever committee meeting and were enthusiastic to participate. She stated
that it is their intent to have the advertising and event details wrapped up by the end of
September.
Norman added that members of the LMCC have expressed an interest in participating in
an effort to assist with PR and promoting the event.
C.Update on Music in the Park
Chair Davis reported that the Children’s Music series event was successful. She pointed
out that the upcoming Music in the Park event this coming Friday featuring Big Walter
would likely be a hit as well and complimented the City on its advertising placement and
ad size in the paper promoting the event.
Brown noted that other cities have been contacting the City to inquire about the
partnership with Famous Dave’s.
D. Update on Badger Lighting and Tile Options
Brown reported that the contract had been awarded and the materials delivered with
installation slated to begin this next week. The installation process is estimated to take
approximately 4 weeks. In addition, public works staff will be installing about 1100 feet of
tile within the field to improve the drainage conditions. Although this will be paid for out
of the CIP, Brown noted that city staff will be able to complete the installation.
E. Update on Extending Irrigation System at Freeman Park Garden
Brown reported that the irrigation system was extended by the public works staff to cover
the entire Freeman Park Plaza Garden and is watered daily.
F. Quarterly Financial Report Request
Norman requested that the Park Commission be supplied with a quarterly financial report
to review so that it has an accurate reflection of the Park Fund and CIP as planning for
bigger projects can be evaluated.
PARK COMMISSION AGENDA
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007
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Brown stated that he would make the request to the Finance Department.
G. Minnewashta Dog Park Update
Chair Davis stated that she had spoken to park representatives who stated that all of the
trails around the perimeter have now been cut and chipped, as well as, the parking lot
cleared. She pointed out that Eagle Scouts working on their badges have volunteered to
clear and remove debris and that the park hopes to be open, if not completed, by the fall.
Davis mentioned that the parking lot would be aggregate and an annual park sticker would
grant users access to the entire park area.
4. REVIEW LETTER FROM RESIDENT REGARDING PARK SIGN
Brown shared some history as to the advent of the park signs, including the fact that 2
years ago, the Park Commission directed staff to place signage around the city to raise
awareness and give directional signs to its parks. At the intersection in question, there is a
dead end and a private road, Brown stated that the letter attached helps to clarify just
what this resident is looking to illuminate which to date has hit a crossroads. With this
new information, Brown stated that, the signage could be revised or rotated, and asked the
commission for their input.
Quinlan stated that, if the sign is meant to direct users to Manor Park, it should be rotated
180 degrees, if on the other hand it is intended to direct people to the skate park, then an
additional sign should be added on the alternate corner, and perhaps be designated ‘skate’
park.
Hensley stated that, in hindsight, it might have been nice to go to the limited added
expense of designating which ‘city park’ the signs were supposed to be marking. He
suggested two signs be added to differentiate between the two parks at this intersection.
Young suggested the City contact the resident who wrote the letter and let him know
what is proposed to address his concerns, and hopefully resolve his ongoing issues with
staff.
Brown stated that staff would reorient the sign, have a second made, and contact the
complainant.
A. Joint Park Commission and City Council Meeting
August 28, 2007, was chosen for the joint orientation get together meeting with the City
Council.
B.Emergency Management
Brown explained that in times of crises, the City has few options for debris management.
The parks are the largest properties owned by the City and offer a space to handle this
PARK COMMISSION AGENDA
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007
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debris. Many years back, the City was put into this type of position, in which the parks
took a lot of abuse handling major debris. At this time, many commissioners were up in
arms with the choice made by staff to use the parks in this fashion, but staff felt they had
little options. Brown asked the Commissioners for their reaction to this, noting that the
City’s first choice would be to use parking lots throughout the city and park system before
ever placing debris on parkland, as soil testing is required now if there is overflow
Trent stated that he could not fathom not supporting the City if it were put in such a
tenuous position. He believed the Commission had the responsibility to help in a situation
like this.
Young concurred, stating that if city staff could not find better options, how the
Commission could react in opposition.
Chair Davis interjected with a request for more chips and water at the volunteer gardens.
She suggested Public Works staff drop chips for the adopt-a-garden volunteers to spread
at each of the locales.
5. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR JULY 23 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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Norman volunteered to act as liaison for July 23.
6. ADJOURN
Hensley moved, Trent seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of July
10, 2007 at 8:06 p.m. Motion passed 5/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kristi A. Anderson
Recorder