011315 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Mangold convened the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
A. Roll Call
;
Present: Chair Mangold, Commissioners Hartmann, Dietz, Sawtell, and Ische
City Council Liaison Woodruff; City Planner Nielsen
Absent: None
B. Review Agenda
Sawtell moved to approve the agenda as written. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-
0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2014
Ische moved to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2014 meeting as amended: date on
subsequent pages is incorrect. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
4. DISCUSS 2015 WORK PROGRAM
Nielsen stated the property across the street will be developing, and the City Council has hired a consultant
to take the City through this process. The consultant is proposing the establishment of a task force to meet
often to make recommendations on plans for parks. He stated thought should be given to have one member
of each Commission and the Council to be part of this task force. He noted the developer has submitted a
pre-application for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and a formal application will follow. Staff will
have more information after they have met with the consultant.
Hartmann asked how long the process would take. Nielsen stated it would be a 3-4 month process.
Mangold stated a Boy Scout project list should be added to the work program that could be updated as
needed. Nielsen stated that could be plugged into the April schedule.
Mangold stated a meeting with the City of Chanhassen should be held with discussion in April prior to that
meeting. Nielsen asked if the meeting with Chanhassen should be in April or May. He suggested it be on
the March agenda prior to the park tour and meeting with Chanhassen.
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Dietz asked if the Badger Park plan is on hold. Nielsen stated it is until the property across the street
develops.
Dietz asked when the results of the solar consultant would be available. Nielsen discussed the progress that
would begin and continue for a three-month process. There would be alternatives for solar energy in the
parks. He stated the recommendation is to steer away from wind energy in this area.
Hartmann stated there should be an inventory of everything in parks similar to what she distributed this
evening. She stated Kristi Anderson started such an inventory before she left. Nielsen stated this will give
us a structure for the CIP discussion in February.
Dietz asked what the work program will be in February. Nielsen stated it may move to March but at a
minimum, we will get cash out of the development deal. If the Council directed, we may acquire some land
to have a mix of cash and land. Their tennis courts are in much better shape than ours are. The
Commission will make recommendations on any of the options.
Ische stated we need to assume they will not give us the prime land. Nielsen stated that is not always the
case. It hinges on circulation on the site and possibly doing something different with Country Club Road.
Commissioners discussed current use of the tennis courts at the country club location and Badger Park.
Scheduling won’t change all that much. The person who gives lessons does so at both locations.
Dietz asked if we can be sure to have information sooner than a couple days prior to the meeting, what the
expectations are, and what the format of the meeting will be. Nielsen stated the Council will make a
directive, and there will be a lot to consider. He stated that is also why the task force will be a good idea.
Mangold asked if there are any other additions in the next six months or any other input. Nielsen stated
some more details on the Badger Park project will gear up soon. Assuming the project goes through, we
will have cash to work with.
5.UPDATE ON PARK TO-DO LIST
Nielsen stated this is more informational. More detail and dates were added as directed from the
previous meeting.
Mangold noted that everything with an “x” is still an open item. Nielsen stated the rain gardens on the
shelter building at Manor have not been completed as the elevations don’t work at that location. He
stated it would be a next summer project. He also indicated it would be contracted work, and quotes
would be needed.
Commissioners discussed the Freeman Park area trail and concluded the decision would be made what
to do with it following the park tour in the spring.
Hartmann asked if there would be a bid for the drinking fountain at the concession stand. Nielsen
stated Brown was working on it. Ische stated the plumbing had to be enclosed he recalled.
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Mangold asked for input on the tree removal of the ash trees and the volunteers with the spruces. He
asked if it could be done in the winter yet. Nielsen stated now would be a great time to remove the ash
tree in Silverwood. Ische stated it seems the city is progressing at removing the volunteers from the
spruce tree work.
6. SUMMER EVENTS
Mangold asked if any of the summer events are new for this year. Nielsen asked if the story time was done.
Hartmann indicated it was done.
Commissioners discussed the geocaching program cost and noted it was free to attendees. Mangold stated
we try as much as possible to have free events.
Mangold asked what the Kid Power program involved. Nielsen stated he did not know. Hartmann asked if
participation levels were presented last year. Nielsen indicated they were presented. He stated he would
provide additional information and attendance levels.
Mangold asked what programs should move forward. Nielsen stated the music in the park will be moved to
Freeman Park. Movie in the Park will be in September at Badger Park. Bell Museum also has a done an
event that would be worthwhile which is affordable. He believed it was called Star Dome.
Commissioners discussed events proposed for the summer throughout the parks. Nielsen stated he would
provide additional information on the Children’s Music in the Parks and Kid Power events.
Ische stated the assumption is staff will keep within the budget of $4000. Nielsen stated that would be a
good direction to go.
Motion by Sawtell to recommend approval of the events for 2015 provided the $4,000 budget and any
donation amount is not exceeded. Dietz seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Pollinator Party
Nielsen discussed plans for the Bee Safe group to hold a program in a park where booths would be set up
to talk about bee protection, bee friendly plantings, etc. He stated other areas have held such an event in
other cities. They are asking for the City to support such an event and possibly donate towards the event.
The Council also suggested the City have a booth. The group’s first choice is to have it at The Commons
in Excelsior but may come back to Shorewood should that fall through. Council suggested it be
coordinated with kids’ music in the parks. Nielsen indicated they are looking at the end of June or early
July.
Hartmann stated there is a lot of interest for that kind of event.
Commissioners discussed whether another Park Summit meeting should be held. No decision was made.
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8. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS/UPDATES
A. City Council
Nielsen stated the increased park dedication fee was approved which applies to smaller developments
and lot splits. Also discussed were: Smithtown Trail project and the Snow Sculpture event at Badger
Park.
B. Staff
9. ADJOURN
Sawtell moved, Hartmann seconded, to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of January 13, 2015 at
8:15 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Clare T. Link
Recorder