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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-18 PACKET 04.A.iii.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # a 'f t DATE 5/18/11 PREPARED BY Community Development Howard Blin ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR * * W W k * * * * * * * * * * * * W W * W W W W * W W W X * * * * * * * * * W * * * W W W W W W COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission's meetings on May 10, 2010 and April 11, 2011. NVAT , e ffi k j Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission's meeting on May 10, 2010 and April 11, 2011. BUDGET IMPLICATION $N /A $N /A N/A BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION DENIED DATE REVIEWED ❑ PLANNING ❑ ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ ® PARKS AND RECREATION 519/11 ❑ ❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS ❑ ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: APPROVED DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: MOTHER: Approved minutes of Parks Commission meeting on 5/10/10 and 4/11/11 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission May 10, 2010 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 10th day of May, 2010. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m ROLL CALL Members Present: Keith Kleinsasser, Paul Poncin, William Schumal, Derrick Lehrke, Maureen Ventura Members Absent: Ryan Simmers, Krystal McCalvy Others Present: John Burbank, Senior Planner Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager APROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APROVAL OF THE MINUTES A motion was made and seconded to approve the April 12, 2010 minutes. Motion carried. OPEN FORUM None ACTION ITEMS A. Strawberry Festival — Activities Report Dockter updated the Commission on the activities that the Parks Commission has planned for the Strawberry Fest, which will be held June 17 through 20, 2010. B. West Central Trailway Corridor — Plan Review Burbank stated that the city had applied for a DNR grant for the installation of a trailway in the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor that would run from Kingston Park to Jamaica Avenue just north of Hillside Trail. Because the city was not awarded this grant, we are trying to coordinate the in- stallation with other projects in the community. Last year along that corridor, the city started stormwater sewer improvements, dredged a pond, and pipe improvements. City park staff sug- gested making the access road for that work more permanent to use as the trail base. This access road basically follows the route of the planned trailway. Two other components related to Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 2 of 4 this project have come up for which staff needs direction from the Commission. He explained that at 80th Street, there have been negotiations with the Watershed District regarding water that will be coming from the north into Cottage Grove that include the need for passage underneath 80th Street, and joint construction of a pedestrian access is planned for 2014. He asked for ideas from the Commission of what could be incorporated into that project. At Jamaica Avenue just north of Hillside Trail there are plans to put in a small parking trailhead access like the one at the Pinetree Valley Trailhead, which would include a kiosk, bench, and a garbage can. He stated that staff would apply for any grants that may be available for these projects. It was asked if it was possible to have the underpass underneath 80th Street tie in directly with the line going straight to Jamaica and run the northern trail parallel to 80th Street up until the point where it can turn north. Burbank stated he would pass that on to Engineering. Are they going to resurface 80th Street or just install the underground trail through there. Burbank stated that it would go underneath 80th Street as part of the Watershed District stormwater project. Will the Watershed program tunnel underneath 80th Street? Burbank stated yes. Dockter stated there is a staircase on the south side that will remain. Burbank stated that project is scheduled for 2014. C. Ice Arena Locker RoomNiew Area Project Dockter explained that in January the School District had authorized spending $150,000 from their bond referendum fund balance to build a locker room for the East Ridge boys hockey team. The proposal is to redesign current Locker Rooms 1 and 2, which are between the north and south rinks, and taking out a wall to make it the exact same size as what the current Park boys and girls varsity locker rooms are. This allows for two locker rooms just outside the south rink side (the studio rink). On top of those locker rooms a viewing mezzanine for the studio rink could be installed. The current staircases, which were installed in 1974 are rusting and need to be re- placed, which would cost $25,000 to $40,000. We would also like to improve handicap accessibik ity. The two booster clubs are negotiating which team gets which locker room. The City Council has approved hiring an architect and structural engineer to design it. The School District is contri- buting $150,000 and the project will cost from $175,000 to $200,000, including replacement of the stated, which the city had anticipated at a cost of $25,000 to $40,000. It was asked when the project would start. Dockter responded the design phase should be done in the next couple weeks and construction would start at the end of June or in early July, with completion by September. D. Cottage Grove WAG Farm Dog Park - Update Burbank updated the Parks Commission on the off -leash dog park. The City has a signed lease with the property owners for a 14 -acre off -leash dog park located north of the compost site on Glendenning Road. The City will have a five -year lease with rights to extend that should the prop- erty owners concur, and the City will pick up the taxes prorated for that share of that parcel of land. A local citizens grassroots group, the Woof Pack, was formed several years ago, and they will take care of the clean -up, operation, and maintenance of the dog park. The Woof Pack group will be fencing along the tracks and Glendenning Road down to where the wetlands are. There will also be one or two additional play areas within the park for smaller dogs. The City will be in- volved with the initial set up of the park and provide signage and possibly benches and tables. It was asked if there is still a main power line next to the small dog side. Burbank responded there is a power pole down there. Is there a plan to fence the south side, south of the wetland? Burbank responded because of wetland impacts, staff is not recommending that at this time. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 3 of 4 Fencing would eliminate the water access, which is the whole purpose of having a site next to a pond. The class 5 gravel parking lot would have about 20 stalls. Who is paying for the parking area? Burbank responded that the city has access to excess gravel. He noted that there would be a portable bathroom facility available. He stated that the property owners were acceptable to naming it the Cottage Grove WAG Farm Dog Park. He explained that WAG is the initials of the trust that owns the property. The official acceptance of the lease is going to the City Council this week. A. Prescribed Burning Recap Burbank stated that Minnesota Native Landscapes performed prescribed burns in certain areas in the community. He displayed some photographs of the prescribed burning along Hardwood Ave- nue and described the process and reasons for this burning. It was asked if the science depart- ment at the high school could be notified the next time there is a prescribed burn so they could possibly do an educational program. Dockter responded yes. It was suggested that signs be put up along the roads notifying the public about the prescribed burns. B. Pine Tree Valley Park Shelter Project Burbank explained that the Pine Tree Valley Park building was a donated building that was moved to the park in 1977. It was a former sales office for Orrin Thompson Homes and has served as a warming house since that time. He stated that there were mold issues and rotting floor boards. The City went through the review process established for the building replacement fund anticipating the need to replace this building. He showed photographs of the existing facility. He stated the city contracted with an architect to a design a replacement building. The cost would have been $175,000; the City had initially programmed $100,000 for that building. The Council opted to wait. When the issue was brought back to them, they decided to renovate the existing building. Staff came up with a sketch that plays off of the proposed design, looking at architectural materials currently being used in the community. He displayed photos of the renovation project and the finished building. The building has a new roof, siding, windows, landscaping, flooring, and interior walls. He stated that the renovation cost about $45,000. There was a request to paint or otherwise upgrade the concrete porch by the north door of the building. Dockter stated that a handicap accessible ramp will be installed there. REPORTS Burbank reported that included with the packet was a list of activities that have been occurring at River Oaks Golf Course. He stated that the City is working on new signage for the golf course and the ice arena. PARK PLANNING /MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIAL None COMMISSION COMMENTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS None Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 4 of 4 STAFF COMMENTS A. June Tour Options Burbank asked for suggestions from the Commission for possible areas to visit. It was the con- sensus that the Commission would go to the dog park. Burbank reported that there are two appointments going to the Council to fill the vacant seat and vacant youth seat. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission April 11, 2011 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 11th day of April, 2011. MiRMI[exela7:1 7 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Douglas Butler, Keith Kleinsasser, Mark Nelson, Paul Poncin, William Schumal. Maureen Ventura Members Absent: Chelsea Butler, Krystal McCalvy, Ryan Simmers Others Present: John Burbank, Senior Planner Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager APROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APROVAL OF THE MINUTES None OPEN FORUM None ACTION ITEMS A. Public Trail Access — Jocelyn Avenue South Dockter reported that there is a proposal to pave the trailway access between 7799 and 7781 Jocelyn Avenue South. This was initially discussed at the Parks Commission meeting in October 2010 and was continued until the Commissioners could take a site visit. He explained that this section was not part of the original project when the trail from Joliet Avenue to Kingston Park was installed due to budget constraints and topography issues. Some residents in the area have re- quested that this link be completed. Invitations to tonight's meeting were mailed to all neighbor- hood residents. Engineering staff evaluated the site and stated that it is possible to pave it but there would be an increase in costs to include a culvert and additional trail length. Handicap ac- cessibility is not likely but there are other alternatives in the area. Staff will complete the design process after receiving direction from the Parks Commission. In November the adjoining neigh- bors spoke to the Commission expressing concerns for privacy, safety, drainage in their back- Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 2 of 8 yards, potential for property damage due to increased traffic between their homes, and devalua- tion of their properties, and they believe it is an unnecessary project. Staff is looking for direction from the Commission on paving the public trail access between 7799 and 7781 Jocelyn Avenue. Poncin opened the public forum and asked anyone who wished to speak to state their name and address. Barb Franssen, 7781 Jocelyn Avenue South, stated that she lives adjacent to the proposed site of the path. She passed out a map of the neighborhood noting that it is a small pocket of 79 homes. She pointed out her home and the path to Kingston Park. The trailway plans that were drawn up 20 years ago need revision. It is time to focus on necessities balanced by fiscal responsibility. This would be an expensive path to a trailway, which is not needed because there is already an access at the end of the street. There are drainage issues and steep slopes that would need en- gineering to design the path. A costly culvert or bridge would need to be constructed. She dis- played photos of the drainage issues. She suggested, if the funding is earmarked for trails, the money should be spent on trash cans, benches, and dog waste bags along the trail corridor. Joni Jenkins, 7799 Jocelyn Avenue South, stated that her house is also adjacent to the site of the proposed path, noting that the side of her house is only eight feet from that property line and there are windows on that side. She stated that if the path was installed 20 years ago before the houses were constructed, it would probably not be a problem. She agreed with Franssen about the drainage issues and the steep slope. The cost for this path would be too high. Vickie Mann, 7852 Jocelyn Avenue South, stated that this proposed path is unnecessary. There is already a trail access to Kingston Park in the area, which is sufficient. Nelson asked about what prompted the discussion about this path. Dockter responded that three residents in the neighborhood over the past two years asked if that access would be paved. Nelson noted that he just joined the Parks Commission and stated that he drove by there to look at it. He asked if people cut through that access not. Franssen responded that kids have on occa- sion cut through numerous yards in the area. She reiterated that there is already access to the trail in the neighborhood. It was asked if there is a trail access sign there. Dockter responded no. Is there a school bus stop in this neighborhood? Jenkins said there is one right next to the proposed access. Kleinsasser asked if the standard trail width is nine feet. Dockter responded the standard is eight feet. Kleinsasser asked if the width could be reduced. Dockter responded that would affect plow- ing capabilities so that access would probably not be open in the winter. Poncin asked if the corridor is paved. Dockter responded yes. Poncin asked if this proposal is part of a pavement management project or is it just an additional extension. Dockter stated that it is an additional extension. Ventura asked if there are any comments in favor of this trail extension. Dockter responded just the ones that have called him and the majority want the connection so kids can access the trail to go to school or the Kingston Park. Ventura noted that demographics change as time goes on and asked what the average age of the neighborhood residents are. Franssen stated most are empty nesters who are still working. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 3 of 8 It was asked what kind of lighting is in the proposed trail access. Jenkins responded there is no lighting, except for a street light across the street. Are there a lot of trees in that area? Franssen stated that there are two trees adjacent to the access, one trunk is along the lot line and the other is just branches. She showed photographs of the area. What is the proposal for getting across the drainage ditch? Dockter responded that material would need to be brought in and a culvert with a pipe installed underneath. Kleinsasser stated that he is sympathetic with the neighborhood, but Commission needs to look at the entire city and the trail system. Accessibility is part of our overall scheme. A lot of people have a trail where people can look into houses. He stated that landscaping could be added that would provide privacy by those windows. There may not be a lot of traffic through that access but there are people in the community who would like to walk through there. Poncin stated that his neighborhood went through this several years ago, but there were the trail signs put up years in advance of paving. He would like to bridge the gap and give advanced warning to the neighborhood. He is willing to listen to city proposals on how the trail would get down to the culvert. He suggested putting up a couple trail access signs now to alert peoples that there could be a paved trail there. The City could see what kind of usage it gets. Franssen asked if the city would be maintaining that area if it is used as a trail access. Poncin stated that he is of- fering a compromise, so an asphalt trail would not be installed in the near future but would give notice that the trail can be accessed through that corridor. He explained that the culvert would be put in and there would be a mowed trail that the city would take care of. Dockter stated that the City maintains all public access routes. The City probably would not maintain it to the extent that the homeowners have been, but there would be weekly mowing. Franssen expressed concern about how often the trail access would be mowed. A Commission noted that area is a public access and believes Poncin has come up with a rea- sonable solution to the issue that would allow access to a public area but minimize the impact to the residents adjacent to it. Poncin stated that he would like to see trail access signs installed at a minimum; plans for either a culvert or bridge could be discussed in the future. Schumal stated that unless the trail access is regularly maintained and mowed, he would like to see a paved trail going through there so people would not have to walk through tall grass. He does not believe it would be used as much without paving. Poncin made a motion to put up a trail access sign on Jocelyn Avenue and another one where it intersects with the existing trail and at the next meeting look at plans for to come down the hill and how it will cross the water. Ventura seconded. It was asked if the trail would be used after the signs go up. Poncin stated that it would but prob- ably not a lot because it is not paved. It was asked if the tree would be trimmed after the signs go up. Poncin responded that he does not think it needs to be done yet; he just wants to give notice that there is a trail access in that location. Kleinsasser commented that if there is no set path, people could wander into the yards, but they tend to stay on a paved trail. It was his proposal to go ahead with the plan, get the engineering report, and put in some strategic landscaping to help with privacy for the neighboring homeowners. Poncin stated that he would poll the Commission- ers to see which option they prefer. Nelson stated he agrees that a sign should be posted on either end of the property and continue to review the situation. Butler stated that until there is a Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 4 of 8 plan to cross the drainage, there should just be signs on either side. Kleinsasser wants the paved path. Schumal wants to put a sign on both sides, trim the tree, and line the corridor with arborvi- taes so that once the city decides to pave it, there will be some privacy. Ventura agrees with the signage and further review after we get an engineering report as to how to get across the culvert. Poncin stated that there is a motion and a second on the table to put up a sign on either end of the trail access. Motion passed on a 5 -to -1 vote ( Kleinsasser). Poncin stated that he would like to put into next month's proposal the planting of arborvitae along the corridor, including the costs and a visual of what it might look like. Ventura commented that if the city is going to put some sort of plantings through there, there should be a plan to maintain them. Franssen asked if the arborvitae screen would run along the entire property line. Poncin responded that would be determined after more information is received. Burbank stated that there could be strategic landscaping such as in front of windows. He suggested bringing this proposal to the City Council to receive formal direction from them based on the recommendation from the Commission and the comments received. B. Minnesota Land Trust Easement Burbank summarized the staff memo regarding the creation of a conservation easement on pub- licly owned property on an 11 -acre tract of land the city purchased from the Gonyea Company to gain additional access to Camel's Hump Park. He explained the history of this proposal and the development in the area. The request before the Commission is to put additional protections on there so as the area around it develops, people will know that not only is it parkland, but it has a conservation easement over it. The easement document will be presented to the City Council on April 20. He believes this is a positive for the community and would benefit the City. He asked the Commission to recommend to the City Council that this conservation easement be approved. Poncin asked if the Everwood easement area is already the easement. Burbank responded that it is currently in the new conservation easement that was amended in 2007. Poncin asked if the five acres of the removed easement area are being replaced. Burbank pointed out on the map the areas that are being replaced noting that the total acreage being added is greater than the five acres that were removed. This just adds to the area that is in the private conservation easement. Poncin asked if there would be a trail going through there in the future. Burbank replied that lan- guage is in the document. He stated that there would be a trail out of the neighborhood into Camel's Hump and there are existing trails that will link to that connection as well as one through the commercial district. It was asked what the city got for taking that area out of the easement. Burbank responded that the conservation easement was in existence was with the Minnesota Land Trust so the city did not get anything for the negotiations that took place there other than to help foster creation of this tract of permanently protected open space. It is a private conservation easement that is held by the Minnesota Land Trust. He explained that the previous designation of the area was rural residential, which has a minimum three -acre lot size. Under the current land use and zoning, the area that was not part of the private open space has public frontage along Hardwood Avenue so there was the potential for lots off of Hardwood Avenue. There are a variety of benefits through the negotiation process to best protect this property. It was asked if there might be a better way to protect this property if the Gonyea property was re- zoned to its original low density residential instead of medium. Burbank responded that the land use right now is low density residential, prior to that it was rural residential. There are certain Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 5 of 8 areas in the community that fit that type of land use but public utilities are available and additional infrastructure is in place so he does not think going to a rural residential land use would be ap- propriate in that location. The city had the opportunity to purchase that property several months ago but the price was too high based on the current funds in the park dedication trust fund. Thiede noted that the Planning Commission approved a development in that area about three years ago and asked if they pulled out. Burbank responded that they have requested several ex- tensions to the plat because right after the preliminary plat was approved, the housing market tanked. Nelson stated that the conservation easement has a value and essentially we are leaving that value on the table and at some point if the city ever wanted to do anything else with that property, it would cost the city to amend or modify that easement. Based on this discussion, a suggestion would be to put a recitation in the background explaining why the City entered into the agree- ment. Burbank responded that he would take that to the City Council. C. Granada Park Master Planning D. Recreational Fire Informational Report Dockter asked to move the Granada Park and Belden Park Master Plan and Recreational Fire Report to a workshop session. Ventura made a motion to move the Granada Park /Belden Park Master Plan and Recreational Fire Informational Report to a workshop at the end of tonight's meeting. Kleinsasser seconded. Motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATIONS A. 2011 Summer Recreation Programming Molly Pietruszewski, Tammy Anderson, and Mark Schneider from the Recreation Department provided a budget review for 2010; and their 2011 goals which include initiating new preschool sports camps in the spring and fall, working with the Parks Commission to adopt ordinances for tobacco free parks, and formalizing the sponsorship program to provide program opportunities for residents who cannot afford our standard fees for programs. They are focusing on new marketing trends. She presented the summer brochure, and noted that the Recreation Department has a Facebook page and those postings get transferred to the city's web site. They have a monthly cable show, Rec Connection, that airs about 30 times per week and is on the web. She played an excerpt from one of the shows. They will also post information on the new ice arena sign. The recreation department coordinates the Woodlands Recreation Center and she described some of the programs they offer. She explained some of the summer programs the Recreation Division will offer, including the supervised playground programs. Schneider talked about the adult sport leagues offered through the City. Pietruszewski stated that the Recreation Department sponsors several activities at the Strawberry Fest, including a 5K race and a kid's one -mile run, men's and coed softball tournaments at Lamar Field, and a men's home run derby. It was reported that facil- ity use fees increased in 2011. The Recreation department also schedules all the fields for the athletic associations and other groups and organizations. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 6 of 8 It was asked if there had been a recommendation for discounts for soldiers abroad. Pietruszewski responded that the Department worked with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon committee on that, and staff is still waiting on a response from the Governor. Dockter stated that at the last meeting the City got official notice that we qualify as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon City. PLAN UPDATES A. Pinecliff Park Burbank presented the draft concept plan for Pinecliff Park, which is part of the Pinecliff neigh- borhood north of 65th Street and east of Hinton Avenue. He explained the history of the platting of that area. He stated that the City worked with our engineering firm, Bonestroo, to come up with a plan to be phased with Ideal Avenue. He stated there would be a bocce ball court, a picnic shelter, small sport court, playground, trail connections, landscaped screening, a well house, and stormwater retention features. The boundary may shift as the area adjacent is developed but this is a starting point as to how that area could look and a grading plan can be proposed. In terms of the scheduling the installation of the park, the City would install the physical structures in 2012. He asked for comments from the Commission. He stated that there is no official name for this park and also asked for suggestions for the park's name. Poncin asked what the cross street is on the south edge of the park. Burbank responded 62nd Street. Poncin asked if that road already goes through to Ideal Avenue. Burbank responded that there is an access on Ideal. Poncin asked if this was part of phase two of that development. Burbank answered yes. A commissioner asked what the size of the park would be. Burbank re- sponded eight to ten acres. It was asked what a sport court is. Dockter responded a basketball court with one basketball standard. There was a question about whether there would be a park in the neighborhood on the west side of Hinton Avenue. Burbank responded that was presented to the City Council, who decided not to put the park in. Thiede stated that he thought the park was in the process of being graded and that it was further up toward Hinton, in the northwest corner of that development. Burbank responded this was the location that was platted. He explained that this would be an active park area for the existing residents, while having a plan that will work in the future so equipment would not need to be relocated. The Commission had no comments on the proposed park plan, and Burbank stated that staff would keep the Commission updated on the progress of the project. B. Community Center Task Force Report Burbank gave a summary of the Community Center Task Force Report and provided a history of the community center process. He stated that the recommendation that the Task Force was sending to the City Council is that a community center should be built in Cottage Grove; that the City should partner with the YMCA; that the community center should be built at the civic campus on Ravine Parkway by the South Washington County Service Center and the proposed public safety /city hall facility east of Keats Avenue; and the recommended facility elements include a multi- aquatic facilities, a teen /senior center, a fitness center, an indoor playground, multi- function space, a gymnasium with a walking track, a smaller gymnasium, and a splash pad outside, and a trail connection. The results of a phone survey conducted by the YMCA showed there is about 85 percent support for a community center. The financing options include bonding, but those details will be discussed upon further action by the City Council. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 7 of 8 C. Public Safety /City Hall Burbank reported that on April 6, the City Council had the architects for the Public Safety /City Hall project present their design development submittal. Citizens spoke both for and against the project, and with a vote of 4 -to -1, the City Council opted to accept the design report and have the architect start preparing construction documents for the new Public Safety /City Hall facility. He stated that the plans are available to be viewed on the City's web page. Burbank is coordinating the establishment of a memorial for veterans, police, and fire personnel. A subcommittee for that memorial will be formed and he asked Commissioners to contact him if they have any comments. En r.. Burbank updated the Parks Commission on the dog park. He stated that the Woof Pack dog park group held a fundraiser to secure the additional funding for the fencing, which was successful and they were able to get the funding needed. The fencing will be installed this spring. A gravel park- ing lot was installed last year. There was discussion on having an open house on the first Friday in June. This will be one of the few dog parks in southeast metro. PARK PLANNING /MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIAL Burbank stated that he had passed out a copy of a survey that a city staff member participated in related to women bicycling, and he thought it was interesting based on previous discussions about improving bikability within the community. None COUNCIL COMMENTS Thiede reported that the City Council decided to go forward with the construction documents for the new public safety /city hall, approved the final payment to Becker Arena Products for the ice arena, and officially approved Poncin as Chair of the Parks Commission. STAFF COMMENTS A. Electronic Packets Burbank stated that at the All Commission Meeting there was a discussion on providing commis- sion packets in a more timely fashion. The City Council has been working towards the goal of having electronic packets and based on the comments, commission packets will also be provided electronically in the near future. The details have not yet been worked out yet. This was sug- gested to save paper and save staff time, and to be more efficient. Poncin stated that one of the suggestions was to post the agenda and add items as they become known so it is like a living document. Thiede stated that since he started on the Council in January he has been receiving the Council packets electronically. Dockter stated that he provided the splash pad planning study to the Commission, which will be forwarded to the City Council for approval. The report includes a site recommendation of High- Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2011 Page 8 of 8 lands Park, a budget, approval to move forward with planning designs and specifications, and approval to hire architectural services to remodel the building for mechanical services. Thiede stated that there has been discussion about including the splash pads in the community center planning and he asked for input from the Parks Commission. Poncin stated that this should be provided to all residents, not just those who are members of the YMCA. Burbank responded that a splash pad at the future community center would not be impacted by splash pads proposed at the different community parks within Cottage Grove. Thiede stated that he would like the financ- ing for the splash pads to be combined with the community center and asked if all these splash pads should be included in the referendum for the community center. Ventura stated that she sees these as two completely separate issues because the community pool is closing and the splash pads would be the replacement for the pool. Poncin agreed. It was suggested that a splash pad could be part of the community center but as a separate entity that would not have any fees. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.