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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-21 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, October 21, 2009 7:00 p.rn. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLE WOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Fischer indicated all ofthe commissioners were present; there was quorum. 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, Present Staff Community Development and Parks Director DuWayne Konewko, present Staff Engineer Steve Kummer, present 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Christianson made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Roman Seconded the Motion Ayes: All 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. August 19, 2009 Commissioner Christianson had a correction page 5, 3rd paragraph. Strike the sentence starting with "Commissioner Christianson said that when he started as a commissioner. . . " Commissioner Christianson moved to approve the minutes for August 19, 2009, as amended. Commissioner Roman seconded. Ayes: All b. September 16,2009 1 Chairperson Fischer had changes on page 2. The motion to table the minutes was made by Commissioner Brannon and seconded by Commissioner Christianson. Chairperson Fischer also wanted added under section B that the Commission was discussing site only and that rules and management would be addressed at a future meeting. Commissioner Christianson moved to approve the minutes for September 16,2009, as amended. Commissioner Brannon seconded. Ayes: Brannon, Christianson, Fischer, Maas, Mackey, Peterson, Sonnek, Roman Abstain: Schmidt 5. LIONS PARK PUBLIC HEARING (7:30) This item was reached ahead of schedule. Community Development and Parks Director, Du Wayne Konewko suggested moving on to the Visitor Presentation and coming back to the public hearing at the scheduled time. The public hearing presentations started at 7:30. Mr. Konewko introduced Ted Bearth and Bill Rasmussen from the Oakdale Maplewood Lions Club and are also Park Commission Members in Oakdale, who were available to answer questions. He also introduced Danielle Parque from SEH, who went over the plans for the park and Steve Kummer, Staff Engineer was also available to answer questions. Gerald Paritel, of 617 Century Ave, addressed the commission. Mr. Paritel requested clarification on how the rain gardens will flow into each other. Ms. Parque addressed his question. Commissioners asked questions of staff. Chairperson Fischer opened the hearing to the public. 1. Carol Lynne of 1723 East Burke addressed the commission. Ms. Lynn spoke in favor ofthe park but expressed concern of children being exposed to toxins brought in by the storm water. 2. Ron Cockriel of943 Century Avenue addressed the commission. Mr. Cockriel expressed concern over preserving legacy playground equipment in the park. He also expressed concerns regarding rain gardens in the surrounding community and concerns of children being exposed to toxins brought in by the storm water. 3. Rich Bennett of2963 Beebe Parkway addressed the commission. Mr. Bennett expressed concern putting rain gardens near areas where children play. Chairperson Fischer closed the public hearing. The commission returned to discussion. The Commission came to a consensus and directed staff to proceed with the master plan as proposed with consideration given to citizen concerns and comments. Staff was also directed to present the final design concept to the Commission for approval prior to bringing this before the City Council. 2 Commissioner Christianson motioned to approve the master plan and process schedule as proposed for the redevelopment of Lions Park. Commissioner Schmidt seconded the motion. Ayes: All A five minute recess was called. 6. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS Ron Cockriel of943 Century Avenue addressed the commission. Mr. Cockriel gave an update on the hike through Fish Creek Greenway. After Visitor Presentations concluded, there was still 15 minutes before the public hearing was scheduled to start. Chairperson Fischer suggested moving on to Commissioner Comments. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Dog Park Sub-Committee Final Recommendations (Report to be distributed at meeting.) The commission reconvened after the brief recess. Commissioner Roman requested to table this item to the meeting scheduled for November 18, 2009. Mr. Konewko suggested that ifthe commission tabled this item to the next meeting that the commission should start the meeting 30 minutes early to allow for time for this itern. Rich Bennett of2963 Beebe Parkway addressed the commission and expressed frustration due to the inability to get information on when this sub-committee was meeting. 8. NEW BUSINESS - there was no new business. 9. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS 10. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. Legacy and Mississippi Tot Lot Updates Mr. Konewko went over the report for this itern. The commission discussed the item. Mr. Konewko will bring this item back to the commission. 11. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Maas requested an update on County Rd. D/White Bear Avenue Lake Links Trail that is being installed on County Rd. D and how that will connect with the 3 other portions. Mr. Konewko went over how the trail will connect with the other porti ons. Commissioner Brannon asked ifthe markings to mark the crosswalk for the Sunset trail crossing Walter was on the department's work list. Mr. Konewko stated that it is and will be done next spring. Commissioner Roman thanked the Community Center for that night's tour and for the open house they had a couple weeks ago. He stated he was pleased with the new lights at Goodrich. He also stated that if a committee is created for the Community Gardens, he would like to see that at minimum one Park and Recreation Commissioner and one staff member participate with the committee. Commissioner Schmidt stated that a resident expressed concern about some undesirable activity at Gloster Park. She asked if it would be possible to have some additional patrolling through that park. Mr. Konewko said he would forward this information to the police chief. Commissioner Mackey asked ifthere was anything going on with Gethsemane Park. Mr. Konewko stated he is only aware of a discussion that occurred at the August meeting and at that time, the commission was notified that the city did extend that lease through April 2010. This item is scheduled to be brought back before the commission in January. Commissioner Mackey asked ifthere was any discussion ofthe City purchasing the property. Mr. Konewko stated he is not aware of any recent discussion pertaining to the purchase ofthe property. Commissioner Peterson did not have any comments. Commissioner Sonnek stated that she was invited to teach on geocaching at the Priory Preserve. She asked for an update on the construction ofthe path on McKnight and Lydia. Mr. Konewko stated the project is proceeding and staff hopes that it will be done before winter. Commissioner Sonnek asked ifthere has been any specific remediation with the corner of McKnight and Lydia to prevent flooding and freezing. Mr. Konewko stated the Engineering Department, along with the consultant working on this project, are looking at that issue. At this time, the commission started the public hearing, item 5 on the agenda. 12. ADJOURN Chair Fischer adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.rn. 4