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040808 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING A.Roll Call Present: Acting Chair Norman; Commissioners Young, Hensley, and DeMers; City Engineer Landini; Public Works Director Brown; Building Official Pazandak; City Council liaison Wellens; and Mayor Lizée. Absent: Chair Davis and Commissioners Trent and Quinlan B. Review Agenda Item 3C was omitted from the agenda. Young moved, DeMers seconded, approving the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 4/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2008 Page 3, Item 6, paragraph 2, was revised to read “…Wellens suggested that each group should be allowed…”. Young moved, DeMers seconded, approving the Minutes of March 11, 2008, as amended. Motion passed 4/0. 3. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meeting Brown reported that the only item of pertinence to the Park commission might be the presentation of the draft Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for review. B. Update on Summer Activities Brown reported that thus far the ventriloquist and zoomobile were scheduled for children’s programs this summer. Norman commented that he was pleased with the steps the Commission had taken to fill the parks with additional programming. He stated that the subcommittee may add one to two more children’s programs this summer noting that he would be eager to hear feedback the end of the summer. C. Subcommittee Report on Children’s Summer Programs – omitted PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE 2 OF 7 D. Update on Arctic Fever Meeting on March 26, 2008 Brown stated that the Committee had begun to lay out contracts for the upcoming year incorporating the responsibilities that each participating City will need to fulfill for participation in coming years. Norman explained that the rules and regulations, as well as, responsibilities need to be laid out for participating City as the event continues to grow in coming years so that no one questions who is responsible for what. He noted that the 2009 kick-off meeting would be held April 30, 2008. 4. REVIEW AND DISCUSS PARK SITES FOR PRAIRIE PLANTINGS Pazandak presented a proposal identifying sites for prairie grass planting demonstration projects, the plants themselves, and their costs for the Commissions review and discussion. Pazandak stated that prairies are a hobby of his and have proven less maintenance than caring for a regular lawn over the years. He shared photos of his prairie during the spring and summer months noting that after initial spring mowing and a spray of round up, there is little continued maintenance. Pazandak indicated that, with the aid of Charlie Davis, park lead, they have identified several areas that might work for prairie grass plantings within Shorewood. In Freeman, Pazandak stated that there are areas behind the gravel parking lot near Eddy Station and along the back side of the all fields there, an area near the Eureka Road entrance parking area, as well as, another at the south end of the park near field three that would make good demo sites. He explained that he would not propose any forbs or flowers but merely various native grasses which require little maintenance and go dormant in the winter months. Additional sites to consider included, a small area behind the public works building, a demo site in Manor Park near the tennis courts and new construction homes, areas near the Skate Park by Vine Hill Road, as well as, along Highway 7 near St Alban’s Bay Road or even within the Skate Park itself. After reviewing potential sites, Pazandak shared recommendations of the types of planting he would suggest as well as potential seed costs. Norman asked what area a pound of seed would cover. Pazandak estimated that 8 pounds of seed would roughly cover an acre, noting that it would take more smaller seeds to cover an acre than the larger seeds. He was confident that $160 per acre would cover the cost of both seed and spray, unless a steep incline required hydro-seeding which would cost more. Brown complimented Landini, Pazandak, and Davis for really evaluating viable areas to test and put together a presentation. He pointed out that time was of the essence if this PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE 3 OF 7 was a project the Commission wished to move forward on this year picking 1-3 viable sites for evaluation. Hensley thanked Pazandak and Landini for the presentation, stating that personally he found the information very interesting. He asked whether the prairie would be chemically treated or burned, and what other ongoing maintenance would be necessary. Pazandak stated that the seeds should be planted the end of May or first of June. He pointed out that Davis had already been given permission to borrow the seeder from the Minnetonka School System and that the City already owns mowers and sprayers. After the initial mowing, spraying, and planting, Pazandak stated there was little ongoing maintenance over the summer, as ongoing mowing is unnecessary. He pointed out that after the initial investment the first year, the city recoups its cost in a couple years since mowing and spraying only occur one time each year and overall, staff spends less time and money mowing and landscaping. Pazandak explained that a round up chemical product is all that is required in the spring along with a mowing to provide a fresh flourish each year. He indicated that he preferred the round up and mowing annual treatment as opposed to burning because burning is dirty, smoky, and releases additional hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Hensley asked about mosquitoes or additional insects. Pazandak stated that he did not find mosquitoes to be an issue acknowledging that a prairie area is typically more dry than damp. Overall, Pazandak stated that there are fewer insects because less soil is exposed. Pazandak noted that some slopes would be difficult to seed and could be hydro-seeded instead at an additional cost of roughly $.08 per square foot if a steep bank required it. In some areas, near the Freeman Park entrance for instance, he pointed out that a few trees, like the box elders that are old and failing would likely have to be removed as well. Norman cautioned against removing any sizable trees, noting that he believed there was an Ordinance to this affect. Norman asked whether there would be something to see this summer if they chose to do something immediately or would there be no real show for 2-3 years. Pazandak pointed out that ,while prairies are long term projects, there would be a good show this year which would only get better year after year. If they mowed, and planted this spring, Pazandak was sure that within 2 years the City would have a nicely developed grass prairie as it evolved over time; whereas, if they chose to plant a flower or forbs prairie, it would take up to 5-6 years to truly evolve. Hensley asked what areas Pazandak would really recommend as good test sites. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE 4 OF 7 Pazandak stated that the entrance to Freeman, as well as, the areas behind the gravel lot and ball fields would be good, as would the areas near the Skate Park for visibility. Brown pointed out that the 38,000 sf area on the map deeded to Shorewood has an erosion problem and is a maintenance issue if this would be feasible as a good prairie project area. Norman stated that he would like to have the project site visible, but would not want to obstruct views of the Skate Park for safety reasons. Brown stated that they could plant varying heights accordingly so as not to obstruct views.. Brown did not wish to see trees removed from the Skate Park site either noting that certain varieties could be chosen to work around the trees. Pazandak stated that the slope of the 38,000 s.f. parcel along highway 7 could be hydro- seeded for a bit more and suggested some of the scrap trees be removed from the site anyway. Hensley asked what happens if the sites don’t work out. Pazandak stated that the prairie is almost too easily removed, with a spray of round up. Hensley pointed out that this proposed demo project could be consistent with the stormwater management plan and made good sense. He believed this type of good environmental stewardship was more consistent with what the Commission would like to relay to the community. Norman stated that once they have chosen a site, it would need to be communicated in the Shore report so that the public is made aware of the projects. Pazandak pointed out that the MCWD, the watershed district, was very excited about this, and might even consider contributing to the project. Personally, Pazandak stated that he, too, would be willing to make a donation to see this move forward. He noted that even the DNR is experimenting with roadside prairie planting projects. DeMers stated that he was so new to the Commission and prairie plantings that he would prefer to think about it more before it is done. Young stated that, while he was in favor of the project overall, he was reluctant to jump in so quickly and make a decision so quickly. Hensley stated that although he, too, would have liked to have seen the proposal earlier, he believed that when a good idea crosses his desk and there is the willingness and energy there to support it, it is a good idea and should be acted on. Especially in light of the fact that, if they wish to see a prairie come to fruition this year, they must move quickly due to planting timelines. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE 5 OF 7 Hensley moved, to do prairie demonstration projects of approximately 50,000 s.f at Freeman Park, consisting of both the proposed 20,000 and 30,000 s.f areas at Freeman, and an area of 50,000 s.f within and around the Skate Park. Pazandak stated that he did not mean to spring the proposal on people but when approached to complete put together the presentation, they felt it would be best to capitalize on the season rather than end up waiting a full year to see any results. Young was concerned about arousing any neighborhood animosity until they had some feedback on a smaller scale demo project. DeMers and Norman concurred. Hensley questioned how you get people to see it and obtain feedback if the project is not done in plain site and instead planted in some obscure area. He liked the visibility of Freeman and the Skate Park. Norman questioned whether a smaller strip along Highway 7 near the Skate Park would be less objectionable to others. DeMers suggested the 38,000 s.f. Brown referenced earlier. Young agreed, stating that he would prefer to exclude the grassy area within the Skate Park itself. Hensley withdrew his motion. Hensley moved, Young seconded, to plant demo areas in native prairie grasses within the 20,000 s.f. area of Freeman Park near the Eureka Road entrance and areas near the Skate Park adjacent to Highway 7 of approximately 38,000 s.f., as well as, the approximately 20,000 s.f. strip along Highway 7 from St Alban’s Bay Road to the Skate Park, with the requirement that no significant trees are to be removed, at an expenditure not to exceed $500. Brown stated that, since there is both a monetary and educational value to the motion, he indicated that he would be moving the recommendation on to the City Council for their review and support. As a significant enough move on the Commission’s behalf, Brown stated the item would be on the next Council agenda for their review. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR As a rich resource on planting, Mayor Lizée stated that she was excited to see Pazandak on the agenda sharing his knowledge. She noted that Shorewood was making great strides looking at the environment, educating the community, and handling stormwater management. In fact, Lizée noted that Shorewood developed one of the first Wetland PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE 6 OF 7 Protection Policies in the early 1990’s which has since been adopted elsewhere. She thanked the Park Commission for their efforts to plan for the big picture and its ongoing demonstration of stewardship. Mayor Lizée stated that the City Council would be discussing how to best use the funds from the sale of the liquor store operation of approximately $750,000-900,000. Hopefully viewed as an enterprise fund, she encouraged the Commission to champion a funding program or grant program for neighborhoods who wish to act as stewards of the environment via their own programs such as buckthorn removal, natural shoreline restoration, native plantings, prairie grasses, etc. She noted that if the money were invested, the interest could be used to award mini grants to improve our community. Rather than spending lump sums, she urged the Commission to look at the big picture as a way to invest in the future of the community and spearhead a way in which the parks fit. As the City Council controls the funds, Young asked how the Council viewed the parks fitting into the big picture. Mayor Lizée stated that the City Council views the Park Commission as moving towards involving the larger community, via environmental projects. She suggested the City host a public forum on this at a later date. Young stated that he loved the idea of initiating grants for the community and individual resident projects. Mayor Lizée noted that there are many talented people and resources within the Commission and at its disposal within staff, the DNR, and MCWD to tap into for ways to invest the funds to be used for the greater good which gives back to the community. Hensley stated that he agreed with the concept long term for community rather than spending on one time shots, but questioned how the Commission accomplishes this. He maintained that the funds must be reinvested in a way that helps community long term. Norman suggested staff investigate ways in which other communities and organizations have incorporated or built something like this. 5. APPROVE COMMUNITY REC. RESOURCES AGREEMENT Brown reported that the Community Rec Resources (CRR) agreement was similar to that presented in previous years acknowledging what an outstanding liaison service provider CRR has been to the City. In comparison to the years prior to bringing CRR on board, he stated that he could not speak highly enough of the contributions that CRR has provided to the City as a sports organization liaison and representative. Although staff would recommend approval, Brown asked the Commission to either forward the agreement on to Council or decide whether it should go out for bid. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE 7 OF 7 Norman stated that he had no issues with the services provided by CRR and would forward it on to Council. Hensley stated that he has only ever heard good things about the services provided by CRR from both staff and the sports organizations. Young moved, Hensley seconded, sending the Community Rec Resources agreement on to City Council with overwhelming Park Commission endorsement for approval of the contract. Motion passed 4/0. 6. DETERMINE DATES FOR PARK TOURS The Commission scheduled the 2008 Park tour dates as presented, Tuesday May 13, and th Tuesday June 10. 7. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON APRIL 14 th Hensley volunteered to act as liaison for the April 14 City Council meeting. 8. ADJOURN Young moved, Norman seconded, adjourning the April 8, 2008, Park Commission Meeting at 9:05 p.m. Motion passed 4/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recorder