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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Packet 12.11.23 COTTAGE GROVE PARKS, RECREATION AND December 11, 2023 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order & Reading of Mission 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes A November 13, 2023 5. Open Forum 6. Presentations A Winter Programs and Events 7. Action Items A Mississippi Dunes Park Naming B Kingston Park Building Concept Design C E-Recreational Equipment Education Messaging 8. Presentation of Information 9. Action Updates A Community Garden 10. Donation Acknowledgements 11. Staff Reports and Educational Material A Reports and Educational Material 12. Commission Comments 13. Council Comments A City Council Agendas 14. Adjournment 15. Workshop 1 Minutes City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting November 13th, 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting was held on November 13th, 2023. I.Optional Workshop a.Kingston Park Building Conceptual Design Stakeholder Review: 6pm in Council Chambers (Commissioner Attendance Optional) II.CALL TO ORDER & READING OF MISSION Meeting called to order at 7:00pm at City Hall III.Roll Call Members Present: Susannah Brown, Adam Larson, Kelly Glasford, Debra Gustafson, Samanthia Crabtree, Breck Miller, Justin Waterman Members Absent: Shane Waterman & David Olson Others Present: Zac Dockter Parks & Recreation IV.Approval of Agenda A Motion to approve agenda made by Commissioner J. Waterman. Seconded by Commissioner Crabtree. Agenda approved. V.Approval of Minutes th A Motion to approve minutes from August 14 & September 11th 2023 meeting made by Commissioner Gustafson. Seconded by Commissioner Glasford. Minutes approved. VI.Open Forum-None - None VII.Presentations a.Community Gardens i.The last community garden in Cottage Grove was removed back in 2001. In 2021 the Commission expressed a desire to reestablish a community garden. ii.Ignatius Kadoma and Daryl Verhoeven introduced themselves as the Committee of Hope Gardens & acknowledged community members who attended this evening. The effort of this committee is to “Bringing a Diverse Group of People Together in Harmony with Nature.” This group is extremely passionate about gardening/farming, people in need of space to grow a family sized garden, & willing to do work needed to be successful gardeners. They are asking for permission to establish one or more community gardens within the city and obtain agreement with the city to plow/till the area in the spring and fall as well as an agreement by the city to provide a water supply at the location. After discussions with Zac about possible locations and visiting those parcels, the Committee would like to utilize the area at Meadowgrass Park. It provides a large amount of space approximately 200ft x 50ft. The gardening season typically begins in early May which the Committee would have the city plow slightly before the season begins as well as end of season in October. Daryl explained the spirit of the garden and what it means for those who are involved. 1.Commissioner Brown asked if the community garden is only for the core group, or would it be open to additional community members? Daryl stated that the initial outline would be that this group would be helping to decided who will be in or not. At this point the group has not decided or had further discussions as they wanted to hear the Commissions’ thoughts on their presentation. Commissioner Brown inquired about storage for tools and managing waste removal. The Committee invited their Master Gardner Ed M. who represents the Washington County Master Gardeners stated that the recent budget meeting allotted for $2,000 for storage, tools, fertilizer etc. Daryl stated that the committee is hoping to be able to obtain spickets and tap into the water tower. However, Zac had suggested a water tank be on site. Commissioner Larson asked for the definition of a “family sized garden”. Ed said it is approximately a 9x14 plot and averages 120lbs of vegetables are produced and harvested. Commissioner Glasford asked if families want to become involved but have no experience in gardening, will there be an opportunity to learn? Daryl stated the gardeners are extremely collaborative and are willing to help and share their knowledge. The Committee invited the representative from the Washington County Emerging Farmers Division to advise the commission of what they offer and resources they have to those community members that have no experience. Commissioner Crabtree inquired about the possibility of a fee charge for the plots. She wanted to know what that money would be used for. Ignatius said that for the most part it would be used for the cost of water, but with all the resources and grants available there may not even be a need to collect fees. Commissioner Larson asked about fence requirements. Ed stated that most gardens need a 6ft fence (to keep out deer) as well as chicken wire fence at the bottom. It would cost about $3,000 to build, however there are grants available to cover this cost and many other costs as well. Next, Alyssa Wolf, from the Washington County Public Health Department, discussed her involvement in the grant that Ed referred to. The grant Alyssa has been working on for 7 years is “The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership” or (SHIP). This is funded through MDH, and there has been money earmarked for this coming season for Cottage Grove. Commissioner Crabtree mentioned that Cottage Grove does have the matching fund grant that could be put towards this as well. Zac looking for the commission to give direction on continued conversation and then dive in deeper into details and logistics, and perhaps be able to start the garden in the spring 2024. The commission agreed to move forward and expressed gratitude towards the committee for their presentation this evening. VIII.Action Items a.Mississippi Dune Park Naming i.Mississippi Dunes Reserve is the current name for the new open space park located at the old Mississippi Dunes golf course Looking for an additional/permanent name for the park. Looking for a recommendation to present at the November council meeting. Commissioner Olson (who was not in attendance) submitted a letter to Zac with his thoughts and concerns on the naming process that Zac read aloud to the commission. Dave’s main objective was that this is an incredibly significant naming process that has a lot of community involvement. He believes that the commission should spend more time on thoughtfully naming the park. The commission agreed with Dave’s suggestion. Commissioner Brown motioned to table this topic until the December meeting. Commissioner Glassford seconded. Motioned carried. Commissioner Crabtree suggested that we provide an online survey for the community for input. Zac will discuss with the communications team to take care of that. b.2024 Playground Replacements- There will be three replacements for 2024. A community survey was sent out to surrounding neighborhoods for the following parks: Nina’s Granada & West Draw. Each survey contained 4 different designs and color options. 1. Nina’s Park a.Top Choice- Design 2 b.Top Color Choice - Ocean The survey had a lot of feedback regarding accessibility options. Design 2 does not have those features, however. Zac explained each design does have different variations of accessibility options such as a transfer station, and we can upgrade/change the design with reserved funds to better reflect the commission’s vision. Commissioner Crabtree expressed the importance of adding accessibility to design 2. Zac stated that he can bring back to the vendor the modifications the commission has requested. A motion to explore design 2 with additional accessibility modifications in the color “ocean” was made by Commissioner Crabtree. Commissioner Larson seconded. Motion carried. 2.Granada Park a.Top Choice: Design 2 Zac noted that we made modifications to this park in 2015 and added some components that will remain. b.Top Color Choice: Electric Blue The commission had many comments about different aspects of each design, between climbing structures, flow, separate “tot” structures, platforms & stairs. Zac also noted that all playground proposals are required to have swings (even if not pictured). Commissioner Brown had each Commissioner state their two favorite choices. After much discussion about different variations the commission decided to look into Design 4 with the addition of a climby rope thingy. The commission discussed which colors would fade quicker as well as a recommendation from Zac to keep a similar color scheme matching the existing equipment (balance beam, maypole, etc.). Commissioner Glasford motioned for design 4, with modifications discussed and the color “forest”. Commissioner Gustafson seconded. Motion passed. 3.West Draw Park a.Top Choice: Design 4 b.Top Color Choice: Electric Blue c.Commissioner Crabtree requested a shade option to be added to design 4. All commissioners were excited about design 4 that brings different equipment then we have seen before. Commissioner Crabtree motioned for design 4 in electric blue with additional shade. Commissioner Larson seconded. Motioned passed. c.E-Recreational Equipment i.The commission previously voted to allow E-Bikes on trails but would like to be able to educate the public on usage and safety. Zac presented information from the State’s interpretation of E-bike laws as well as various signage examples to educate the public about speed, trail etiquette etc. Commissioner Brown would like to implement a pilot program in a high traffic area to get the opinion of the public. Zac will take the commission’s choices for signage back for design and return with options at the next meeting. IX.Presentation of Information X.Action Updates a.Cannibas/Tabacco Use in Public Spaces i.Zac presented a summary of the joint commission meeting for the Commission to review, stating that these ordinances are currently in effect. XI.Donation and Acknowledgements-None XII.Staff Reports & Educational Materials a.The following were submitted for the commission’s review: i.Recreation Update ii.Parks Update iii.Ice Arena Update iv.River Oaks Update v.Dave Olson Washington County Park Minutes XIII.Commission Comments-None XIV.Council Comments-None XV.Adjournment- Motioned by Commissioner Larson & seconded by Commissioner Crabtree. Meeting Adjourned at 8:10pm