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Home My WebLink About2009-09-16 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLE WOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Fischer indicated seven of nine commissioners were present; there was quorum. Commissioner Brannon arrived late to the meeting. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners Commissioner Craig Brannon, present Commissioner Don Christianson, present Chair Peter Fischer, present Commissioner Dan Maas, present Commissioner Mary Mackey, present Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, present Commissioner Bruce Roman, present Commissioner Therese Sonnek, present Commissioner Kim Schmidt, absent Staff Parks Manager Doug Taubman, present Natural Resources Coordinator Ginny Gaynor, present Environmental Planner Shann Finwall, present 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Fischer requested additions or corrections to the agenda. Commissioner Christianson requested an update on the west side of Legacy Gardens and the Kohlman Preserve storm water management project. Commissioner Christianson made a motion to approve the agenda, as amended, and it was seconded by Commissioner Maas. The agenda was unanimously approved. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-August, 2009 There were corrections to the minutes from the July and August meetings, and Parks Manager Taubman stated he will listen to the audios and make corrections as noted. 1 A motion was made to table the minutes by Commissioner Brannon, seconded by Commissioner Maas. The motion passed by a vote of 8-0. The corrections will be reflected in the October, 2009 meeting minutes. 5. VISITOR PRESENT ATIONS- there were none. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Kohlman Park / Spoon Lake Basin Storm Water Improvements Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor gave an update on Kohlman Park / Spoon Lake Basin storm water improvements. She stated the basin is functioning; it is graded, seeded, and the main structure is in, along with curbing and gardens. The design plan is finalized and installation will take place next spring. A volunteer group from Century College is planting trees in the area, and the basin at Kohlman Park is graded with one area seeded. Discussion and questions ensued from the commissioners. B. Maplewood Community Gardens Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor presented a summary on the Maplewood Community Gardens and stated this is a trial project. She explained the plans and designs for the gardens at Edgerton Park. The principal of Edgerton School was eager to support community efforts, and Ms. Gaynor will meet with her in the near future. Questions and discussion ensued from the commission members. The manager ofthe apartments located on Skillman Avenue near Edgerton Park was present at the meeting and she felt the gardens would work well in this area. A motion was made to go to the next step in the planning ofthe Maplewood Community Gardens by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commission Brannon. Staff will oversee the tilling ofthe gardens this fall in preparation for spring. The motion was passed by a vote of 7 to 1. B. Lights at Goodrich Park Parks Manager Taubman stated the new lights are installed and working at Goodrich Park. C. Park Funding Environmental Planner Finwall, as part of her Master's degree, completed a Capstone project item conducting research on park funding and maintenance. She discussed the Park Access Charge (PAC) as one source, explaining that these funds can only be used in acquisition and development of parks. Because Maplewood is so largely developed, there are currently fewer PAC funds available. She said increased maintenance in Maplewood's aging parks is a factor in finding sufficient funds. She discussed revenue 2 and funding sources. She asked for questions and comments from the commission. Discussion and questions ensued. Ms. Finwall said the parks in Maplewood are a wonderful benefit for the residents, and the solution to this problem should be fair and equitable. She said any ofthe options discussed takes strong leadership, political will, and public support. Chair Fischer said discussion will continue in November, 2009. 7. NEW BUSINESS - there was no new business. 8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS A. Dog Park Subcommittee Commissioner Roman stated the subcommittee met on September 2, 2009. They will give a presentation report at the October Parks and Recreation meeting. Their final meeting will be held on October 2, 2009. 9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS A. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Greenway Subcommittee Environmental Planner Finwall stated one ofthe Environmental and Natural Resources Commission's 2009 goals was to explore the natural greenways and discover protection incentives. She stated the subcommittee met four times, and took a canoe trip traveling the length ofthe greenway from Round Lake to Kohlman Lake and beyond. Although there were barriers along the way, the trip revealed what they are trying to protect. They will have a tour of another greenway in October, 2009. B. Update on Fish Creek Natural Area Ad hoc Commission Environmental Planner Finwall said this commission was appointed by the Council to look at options for protecting natural lands in this greenway. They identified issues and opportunities for passive recreation and developed non-disruptive recommendations for the greenway system. They will report their findings to the Council, and a public forum for citizens will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council chambers. Ms. Finwall said "Friends of Maplewood Nature" are sponsoring a hike through Fish Creek to experience the natural environment, history and ecology, on October 17, 2009, from 1: 15 to 3 :00 p.m. They will meet at Oakwood Church; 1388 South Point Douglas Road. She said to contact the Nature Center for more information. C. Sustainable Maplewood Update Parks Manager Taubman said recycling in the city parks has begun, and Eureka Recycling will have a report in December, 2009. They will start discussing non-mowed areas in the parks, and staffis incorporating sustainable concepts at Lion's Park. Questions and comments ensued from the commissioners D. Legacy Park Tot Lot Update and West Side of Legacy Park Update 3 Parks Manager Taubman said there is a senior high rise being built on the west side of Legacy Park. Questions and discussion ensued. Mr. Taubman said there will be a neighborhood meeting regarding Legacy Tot Lot at the Hazelwood Fire Station at County Road C and Hazelwood Avenue at 6:30 p.m. on September 17, 2009. The two playground concepts will be presented, and questions and comments will be heard from the neighbors. Discussion and questions ensued. E. Lion's Park Update Parks Manager Taubman said the commissioners received the Master Plan for Lion's Park in their packets, and at their next meeting neighbors will be invited and the architects will be present. Questions and discussion ensued. 10. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Sonnek said she challenges the commissioners to buckthorn pulling. She said for every plant that is pulled, she will pull two. She looks forward to next month to report on the results ofthe Dog Park Subcommittee. Commissioner Peterson stated there will be a barn dance at the Bruentrip Farm barn on Saturday evening, September 19,2009, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The live band, Country Snow Birds, and other musicians will perform. Ms. Peterson has received inquiries about the replacement ofthe picnic shelter at Wakefield Park. Mr. Taubman said this is a priority project with shelters planned for Joy Park. Commissioner Mackey said she had met people who work for the city of Maplewood asking what the priorities are for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Mackey encouraged them to come to their meetings because they were concerned their comments and ideas were not being heard. She asked ifthere is a vehicle for people who work for the city to give suggestions and opinions. Discussion ensued regarding this. Commissioner Roman asked about the fishing pier at Wakefield Lake. Mr. Taubman said it is built and will be installed in spring, 2010. Commissioner Maas said he went to Goodrich Park on two different days, and found the parks nearly empty both days. Commissioner Brannon: no comments. Commissioner Christianson commented favorably on the community gardens plan. Chair Fischer adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. 4