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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-12 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission February 12, 2007 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 12th day of February 2007. CALL TO ORDER Chair Davy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Davy, Bill Haluzak, Keith Kleinsasser, Paul Poncin, Bill Schumal, Ryan Simmers MEMBERS ABSENT: Sheri Yaritz OTHERS PRESENT: Zac Dockter, Ice Arena /Parks & Recreation Manager John M. Burbank, Senior Planner A. New Member Introduction Burbank introduced Bill Schumal as the newest member of the Parks Commission. B. Member Term Review Burbank updated that Commission on their term limits and renewals. 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 minutes of the February 12, 2007, meeting. Motion carried. OPEN FORUM None. PRESENTATIONS A. Ravine Park Master Plan Burbank introduced John Elholm, Washington County, and Jeff Schoenbauer, Brauer & Associates. They gave a presentation on the Ravine Park Master Plan and asked for comments from the Commission. There was a question as to why the South Service Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Center was built on parkland from Ravine Park. Burbank explained that the property where the building is located had been agricultural fields and would be replaced with land that would be more conducive to parkland. Davy stated that he likes the trail plan that would hook up with other trail systems in the area and the proposed dog park location. There was a question if the trails through the greenway system would be accessible from nearby residential areas. Schoenbauer responded yes. Burbank explained that trail con- nections to local and regional trailways are looked at during the subdivision process. Schoenbauer asked if the off -leash dog park was something they should continue to carry forward to the County Board. It was the consensus of the Commission that there should be a dog park in the city and the proposed location was acceptable. It was asked if the proposed park improvements would affect skiing in the park. Schoenbauer re- sponded that they are looking at expanding the ski trail system in the park. Burbank stated that access to the lake will also be improved. Schumal expressed concern about the proximity of the firing range at 3M to the proposed dog park. Schoenbauer stated that they would look into that. Schoenbauer asked if the Commission had a consensus on the progress to date, noting that the plan would be presented to the Commission as more details are worked out. The Commission was of the consensus that the County was on the right track with the proposal so far. B. Ice Arena Expansion Dockter updated that Commission on the plans to date for the ice arena expansion. Davy asked how limited the arena is for tournaments with only one sheet of ice. Dockter ex- plained that the arena is capable of handling a 16 -team tournament over three days. Davy asked if changes would be made to the access to the arena. Dockter responded that has not been looked at yet. It was asked if the tennis courts and the JV baseball field would be affected. Dockter responded no. There was a question if the new arena could access the parking lot at Crestview. Dockter responded that currently there are only a few times a year when the entire parking lot is full. The city will try to eliminate that through scheduling. He also stated that a trail link to the Crestview parking lot may be created. Dockter then explained that the new rink would have ice only eight months of the year; the rest of the time it would be available for conventions, car shows, and other events that need to have a large open space. It was asked if there would be bleachers or seating for the new rink. Dockter responded there would be about 350 to 500 seats, which is about half of what is available at the existing rink. There was a question if figure skating would be involved in the new sheet. Dockter responded that there are plans to expand that program. OLD BUSINESS A. Hamlet Park Pond Improvements Burbank gave background on the Hamlet Park pond improvement project. Dockter gave a presentation on the various components of the project, including the proposed location of trails. It was the consensus of the Commission that they supported retaining the looped trailway option for residents as part of the project. B. Recreational Facility Needs Study Review Dockter provided the Commission with a review of the projects to date that were based on the recommendations from the Recreational Facility Needs Study. Dockter asked for Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 3 of 4 feedback from the Commission as to whether the city is moving in the right track based on the study. There a comment that Arbor Meadows Park has about five acres of flat open space that could accommodate one or two baseball /softball fields or soccer fields. The only issue is lack of parking. It was asked if the soccer fields at West Draw Park would be lit. Dockter responded no. NEW BUSINESS A. Pine Tree Valley Trailhead Design Burbank stated that he would like to postpone this discussion to next month. Item continued. B. Archery Range Improvements Burbank stated that the city is beginning the process to update the archery range in Pine Tree Valley Park off 81st Street. He asked for comments from the Commission on the improvements. Davy suggested adding a platform that is 10 to 12 feet high. C. Annual Meeting Documents Burbank explained that the annual meeting and election of officers will be held next month. The Commission needs to review the rules at the meeting prior to the annual meeting. Comments or changes will be discussed next month. PLANS AND AMENDMENTS A. Camels Hump — Background Information Burbank explained that the information he passed out at the meeting came from the June 2000 Parks Commission packet, which was when the acquisition of the Camels Hump area was first discussed. The reason he passed that out to the Commission is that there is interesting background information on park including its history and the formation and geologic portions of the park. REPORTS No comments. PARK PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIALS Davy asked about the groundwater information. Burbank explained that there was an open house this evening at All Saints Church, which was well attended. He passed out a brochure about this issue. Burbank then asked the Commission to fill out and mail back a survey that will be used to help with the update to the city's comprehensive plan. COMMISSION COMMENTS None. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 4 of 4 COUNCIL COMMENTS I4.TiC! STAFF COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.