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040913 PK Mins CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Quinlan convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Quinlan; Commissioners Kjolhaug, Hartmann, Mangold, Dietz, and ; SawtellCity Council Liaison Siatek; City Planner Nielsen Absent: Edmondson B. Review Agenda C. Introduction of New Park Commissioner John Sawtell Commissioner Sawtell was welcomed to the Commission. He gave a background on his interests and why he desires to be a member. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2013 Commissioner Mangold moved to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2013 meeting as amended: Item 7, Quinlan supported allowing consumption of alcohol and not consumption and sales; Kjolhaug requested the motion for garden be changed to recommend putting in the gardens with details worked out at future meetings. Kjolhaug seconded the motion. Motion carried. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. BADGER PARK Quinlan stated an additional sketch has been provided of a possible final concept for the Badger Park design. Nielsen stated the current master plan was reviewed at the last meeting. There were questions at the time of the value of some of the amenities. There was discussion about the hockey rink, and the consensus is to not include a hockey rink in the final design. He reviewed the design plan which would include enhancing the connection from City Hall to the Southshore Center, enhance screening along the north side of the park, provide a perimeter trail around the park, remove the hockey rink, and leave the tennis courts where they currently exist. He reviewed a proposed sketch which would reconfigure the parking lot to straighten out the driveway back to the Center. A focal point would be created, the play field would remain, and play structures would be improved. He reviewed another design which would reconfigure the play field, change the location of the walkway to the Center, locate a picnic area north of the walkway, and add additional parking closer to the Center. Nielsen noted the Council will be discussing PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013 5 PAGE 2 OF the future of the Center, and lack of parking has always been an issue. He stated straightening out the driveway connection to the Center makes a lot of sense and will provide more visibility for the Center. He stated the second design also makes space available for open skating and a shelter area. Quinlan asked if there is an issue with an east/west facing field with the sun. Nielsen stated it doesn’t make any difference with a ball or playfield. He stated by the time the organized games are in session, the sun is at a lower angle. Quinlan noted the second design would involve moving the lights. Nielsen agreed noting it could be costly. Nielsen stated he didn’t think the picnic area needs to be a large area. Quinlan asked if the path would be a green path. Nielsen stated it would need to be some kind of a surface. He stated he pictured something a little bit wider that is landscaped. Hartmann asked where the bathrooms would be located. Nielsen noted the location in both designs. Mangold asked if the restrooms at the Center could be used. Nielsen stated they are used when it is open. He noted it is a bit of a conflict at times. He stated something convenient to the park is preferred. In response to a question from Dietz, Nielsen identified the location of a focal point in the second design. Nielsen stated the most expensive part of the design is adding additional parking. He also discussed moving the lights and creating a drainage plan for the site. Quinlan believed the second design pulls the Center more into the area to make a more unified area. Nielsen stated if the second design is preferred, staff can begin working on more details and pulling it together to present to the City Council. Quinlan stated more information is needed on where open skating would be located and where restrooms would be located. Quinlan asked if anyone preferred the first design. Hartmann asked if input is needed from the football league. Nielsen stated they will be contacted. For the benefit of Commissioner Sawtell, Nielsen gave a background on the history of the Badger Park master plan. Dietz stated if hard surface is added for the parking, could the water feature be expanded? Nielsen stated it will be done as it is a Watershed rule obligation. Dietz stated it would be interesting to have more art features along the walkway as well. Mangold asked if the free skate could be on the pond. Nielsen stated some kind of shelter would be needed which is a possibility. Mangold noted the last two light fixtures could probably hit the pond as well. Quinlan stated additional information should also be provided on how much it would cost to relocate the field, move the lights, and add more parking. Nielsen discussed the size of the field and noted it is about as small as they make a football field. He stated he would start refining the second design. He stated the access to the Center would be straightened, a walkway added to connect, and elements added along the walkway. Quinlan noted Badger would be one of the first parks toured in May. Hartmann asked that the Watershed District be involved so we can get grant money. She discussed her concerns about building on a wetland and resulting issues which result with the ground. Kjolhaug stated we need to continue discussion of where the hockey rink will be moved as part of this discussion. Nielsen discussed the future of joining forces with Tonka Bay. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013 5 PAGE 3 OF Quinlan asked if a public hearing is required for any changes to the park. Nielsen stated it would require a change to an existing conditional use, and a public hearing would be required. Quinlan stated a meeting would be needed with the affected sports groups. Nielsen stated an informal neighborhood meeting would also be recommended. 5. SOLICIT EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS Quinlan stated he would like to revisit the projects that were initiated last year and find out if there are any other scouts interested in volunteering this year. He stated he would also like recommendations for new projects. Nielsen stated there haven’t been any new volunteers this year. Mangold recommended a list be prepared of projects that meet the scouts’ criteria. Commissioners discussed possible projects based on the project list. The rain garden at the city-owned house, buckthorn removal and fire hydrant refurbish/painting were removed from the list. Quinlan suggested scout troops be contacted to seek volunteers. 6. DETERMINE DATES FOR PARK TOURS Quinlan stated park tours would be held prior to the meetings in May and June. Nielsen stated Gideon Glen would be visited in June to allow time for the parking lot sketch to be completed. It was also suggested the recording secretary attend the park tours to take notes of discussions. 7. FREEMAN PARK BALLFIELD NO. 2 FENCE PROPOSAL Quinlan reviewed the proposal for a taller fence at the Freeman Park ball field. Nielsen discussed the need for a taller fence. Quinlan suggested the league be contacted for possible cost sharing opportunities. Sawtell felt a 12’ fence was exceptionally tall. Dietz asked why a portion of the fence was being removed. Nielsen stated it is in disrepair. Quinlan suggested a 10’ fence be suggested. Commissioners discussed the proposal. Nielsen stated more detail is needed showing a plan for what is being taken out. A proposal can be provided to Babe Ruth stating we will pay for up to 6’. Quinlan asked for confirmation of the height and length required and what needs to be done to contact the league for financial help. Nielsen stated he would also like to have a plan showing where the fences are located. 8. SUMMER SOUTHSHORE COMMUNITY CENTER ACTIVITIES Quinlan reviewed the activities planned at the Southshore Center. Nielsen encouraged Commissioners to attend the Hoe Down on May 31. Quinlan asked for posters to promote the event. 9. COMMUNITY GARDEN AT FREEMAN PARK Quinlan discussed plans for a community garden at Freeman Park. We needed additional information on the actual location and relationship to the parking lot. Nielsen noted staff is recommending a 25 x 50 plot adjacent to the parking lot in the sunniest spot. He stated the location is limited due to existing trees and the topography. He stated there is a possible connection to water in the parking lot. He noted the skate park site is completely sold out, and four sites are sold in this site. He noted a couple of them are from Excelsior because the soil is better at the Shorewood site. Sawtell asked where the money goes. Nielsen stated it goes into the Park Fund. Commissioners discussed water availability this season. Nielsen noted rain barrels would be used. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013 5 PAGE 4 OF Commissioner Sawtell moved to recommend approval of the community garden location at Freeman Park. Mangold seconded the motion. Motion carried. 10. DISCUSS SERVING ALCOHOL IN THE PARKS FOR AN EVENT Quinlan stated the Commission discussed allowing the consumption of alcohol at park events and/or allowing the sale of same. Staff was directed to get additional information on liability issues, etc. He noted the City Code would need to be amended to allow alcohol in the parks, dram shop insurance would need to be amended as well. Nielsen stated the first decision is whether there should be alcohol allowed in the parks first of all. Quinlan asked for the Commission’s input. Sawtell asked if there has been any feedback from the community that not having alcohol in the park is a problem. Quinlan stated people do it even though it isn’t allowed. He was unaware if there has been any feedback. Nielsen stated the topic came up because of the Hoe Down and a way of enhancing the event. He agreed there are people who are drinking in the parks already. Sawtell was concerned about allowing it at one event and not another. Dietz was concerned that security was not needed when alcohol is sold at a public event. He was concerned about issues that would arise. Mangold didn’t believe this was the same atmosphere as Excelsior Commons where alcohol sales would be more appropriate. Siakel suggested limiting the sale to just one park or just one event. Quinlan stated he was not in favor of having alcohol sales but did support bringing their own alcohol. Quinlan asked for a roll call of the following choices: Keep it the same – no sale or consumption; allow consumption at specified events/locations; or allow for sale or consumption. Sawtell - leave it the same, Mangold – leave it the same, Hartmann – leave it the same, Quinlan – consumption only, Kjolhaug – sale and consumption; Dietz – only sell it, no consumption. Siakel stated she could see the sale at specific events. This item will be discussed at the May meeting. Staff was directed to get additional information on when security would be needed. Nielsen discussed the ordinance amendment process. 11. DETERMINE LIAISONS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Liaison assignments were made for City Council meetings: April - Steve Dietz May – Linda Hartmann June – Mark Kjolhaug July – John Sawtell August – Steve Quinlan September – Justin Mangold October – Bob Edmondson November – Steve Dietz 12. NEW BUSINESS Hartmann asked if there is any policy on the use of social media by people who are serving on City committees. Nielsen discussed data practices and the use of cell phones or computers for City business. He stated he would get more information on the impact on volunteer commissions. 13. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS/UPDATES A. City Council PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013 5 PAGE 5 OF Nielsen stated the City will donate $1000 for Music in the Park in Excelsior. B. Staff Nielsen stated Shorewood will add a tab for Southshore Center events on their website. A map is being prepared showing all the parks in the area as well. Siakel noted a Council retreat will be held to discuss the future of the Southshore Center. The work program activity was reviewed. Nielsen noted the versa-court will be striped for pickle ball. Kjolhaug suggested the parking lot at Gideon Glen be completed prior to the start of the school year. 14. ADJOURN Hartmann moved, Mangold seconded, to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of April 9, 2013, at 9:19 p.m. Motion carried. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Clare T. Link Recorder