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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-14 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission August 14, 2006 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission was duly held at Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 — 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on the 14th day of August, 2006. Chair Bob Davy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Davy, Keith Kleinsasser, Paul Poncin, Ryan Simmers, Sheri Yaritz MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Haluzak OTHERS PRESENT: John M. Burbank, Senior Planner Zac Dockter, Ice Arena /Park & Recreation Manager Karla Bigham, City Council Liaison APPROVAL OF AGENDA Davy noted that the Council Comments will be moved to right after New Business. Agenda ap- proved as presented, with the change noted by Davy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Poncin to approve the June 12, 2006 minutes as mailed, seconded by Simmers. Motion carried. OPEN FORUM Gary Gauer, 8758 Indian Boulevard, expressed concerns about the progress of the prairie restora- tion along the trailway corridor that runs behind his property, including lack of connections, main- tenance of the area, failure of some of the plantings to survive, and proliferation of gophers. He displayed some photos he took of the area. Davy stated that the Commission and staff will look into the situation. OLD BUSINESS /PRESENTATIONS A. 2007 Budget Burbank reported that the City Council will be discussing budget items related to parks and recreation on August 16. Bigham asked if the Commission had preferences on the budget additions. It was noted that a new ice arena, tree mitigation, park improvements, mainte- nance, and surveys of the City's parks and open space areas were part of the budget pro- posal and the Commission agreed with those items. Parks, Recreation & Natural Resource Commission Minutes August 14, 2006 Page 2 of 3 NEW BUSINESS A. Oak Cove and Everwood Preliminary Plats Burbank summarized the Oak Cove and Everwood plats, noting that there was another pro- posed development, South Point Ridge, just to the south of these plats. These develop- ments will provide opportunities to preserve some highly visible open space and trees within the city. He explained details on the proposed trails in response to questions from Commis- sion members. Burbank stated that grading would probably begin in spring of 2007. Money to develop the park area is in the Capital Improvement Program, but was put on hold wait- ing for development plans for the area. There was a question on plans for a parking area for Camel's Hump at the end of the Oak Cove development. Burbank responded that the pro- posal is for 10 to 14 parking spaces off a loop road with green space in the center. There was concern expressed about tree removal and the steepness of the grades for bicycle riders. It was the consensus of the Commission to treat these developments the same as others in regard to park dedication. B. Grey Cloud Island Land Acquisition Burbank reported that Howard Reese, who owns property on Grey Cloud Island, offered to sell to the City some property he owns along the river, near the Hazen P. Mooers Park. He displayed a map of the area that shows the location of the land and explained that the prop- erty consists of 12 acres, with some of it underwater, and an island. Purchasing the property would address access to the river. He noted that the area is prone to flooding. Burbank stated that the City offered to purchase the property for $7,500 and the property owner agreed. Davy asked if this property could be developed as a boat launch. Burbank re- sponded that under the current conditions, this property would not be able to be developed that way. He explained that the purchase was to improve pedestrian access to the river. The Commission agreed that the City should purchase this property Motion by Poncin, seconded by Kleinsasser, to recommend to the City Council that the City purchase this property for $7,500. Motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL COMMENTS Bigham stated that the Council has been working on finalizing the budget. They have looked at public safety and administration and will begin discussing the budgets for public works and parks. Davy asked if the code enforcement interns worked on encroachment issues. Bigham responded that they addressed issues such as vehicle parking, trash containers, and yard waste. PLANS AND AMENDMENTS 0 Burbank stated that copies of the current Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Master Plan, which was done in 1992, was distributed to the Commission. He reported that Washington County is looking to update this plan and issued an RFP for the project. He also distributed the RFP response from the applicant, Brower & Associates, who is being recommended to the County Board to complete this master plan update. The County anticipates that the plan update will be completed by May 2007. Burbank will be sitting on the Technical Advisory Committee representing the city. They are also looking for a Councilmember to serve on the committee. If a Councilmember cannot serve, a Parks Commission member will be asked to Parks, Recreation & Natural Resource Commission Minutes August 14, 2006 Page 3 of 3 participate. Simmers asked if a dog park would be included. Burbank responded that would be one of the components of the discussion. I :a=11:Zi7 :icy A. Golf Division No comments. B. Ice Arena Division No comments. C. Parks Division No comments. D. Recreation Programming Division No comments. E. Planning Commission No comments. F. Historic Preservation No comments. G. Council Agendas No comments. H. Monday News No comments. 1. CGAA No comments. PARK PLAN NING(MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIALS No comments. COMMISSION COMMENTS None STAFF COMMENTS Burbank stated that the City has finalized the 2004 grant for $7,500 from the Minnesota DNR for tree mitigation. The City will also seek out further grant opportunities for more tree mitigation pro- jects. Motion by Kleinsasser, seconded by Poncin to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.