Park Commission

Approved as presented MAHTOMEDI PARKS COMMISSION November 17, 2021 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 Chair Lindberg convened the Park Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Present were Commissioners: Vice Chair Costello, Commissioner Fischer, Commissioner Thompson, and Commissioner Strehlow Also present were: PW Director, Bob Goebel; Council Liaison Charlesworth and Mahtomedi Community Ed Director, Kate Anderson, Quinn Hawkinson Absent: Commissioner Metz; PW Office Assistant, Jeannie Novak AGENDA Upon motion by Commissioner Thompson; seconded by Commissioner Fischer, all members voting in favor, the agenda was approved as presented. MINUTES Upon motion by Vice Chair Costello; seconded by Commissioner Strehlow, all members voting in favor, the June 16, 2021 Park Commission meeting minutes were approved as presented. STAFF REPORTS Director Goebel gave a brief update on current public works activities. Phase 4 East Project - the base course of blacktop is done and the project should be complete by the end of October. Trees – We are dealing with a lot Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease, several trees in Wedgewood Park will be removed. Flower Baskets – are looking great but are very time consuming, we are looking into self-watering baskets for next Spring. Chair Lindberg asked about the speed trail and Director Goebel stated that we are moving it around to different locations in the city where the speed limits were reduced to monitor what the general speed is now on those roads. Director Goebel also stated that there have been very few complaints at the beach this summer, there were more at the beginning regarding beach hours. Chair Lindberg asked about Gosiwin Trail. Director Goebel stated that project is a go next year between Gosiwin and Dahlia. He also, stated that someone has been feeding the deer in Gosiwin Park and that code enforcement is involved OPEN FORUM Mahtomedi Community Ed Director, Kate Anderson stated that a meeting was held regarding Safe Routes to School and are applying for a new grant to look at changing the plans. The fields and school are very busy, staff is struggling as they are short staffed. Hockey rink – quotes are being request to rebuild rink 3. The food trucks were a huge success and will be brought back again next year. They are looking at new before and after school programs. Council Liaison Charlesworth updated the commission on things that are going on at City Hall. He gave a brief update on the controlled deer hunt scheduled for Oct., Nov., and Dec. The CSAH 12 project is scheduled for next year and will be safer for pedestrians, bikers, rollers and walkers. Commissioner Fisher asked when and where the deer hunt is taking place. Director Goebel stated that there are three zones within the city and the hunts are scheduled for Oct., Nov., and Dec. He also updated the commission on the proposed affordable housing going in next to Dairy Queen. He also stated that he is running for City Council against two other opponents. He thought the beach was much better this summer and that the parking needs to be addressed on Park Ave. for the Lake Links Trail. MAHTOMEDI PARK COMMISSION MINUTES -2- SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 NEW BUSINESS a. 5 Year Parks CIP – Director Goebel held a brief discussion regarding the 5 Year Parks CIP. b. Mountain Bike Trails in KA Park- Quinn Hawkinson, 7th Grade Hill Murray Student and Mahtomedi Resident gave a power point presentation regarding constructing mountain bike trails in Katherine Abbott Park. Council Liaison Charlesworth stated that he used to be a racer and there is an art to constructing trails. He advised Quinn to stick to his guns, as residents are very protective of the park. He believes it is a good idea, for the right reasons. He questioned Quinn about features vs. trails and pointed out the Elm Creek Trail. Quinn stated that he would like this to be constructed on the west side of the park and be a combination of some features and trails. Commissioner Thompson stated that there is currently a mountain biking team at Mahtomedi High School and he should seek support from that team. Also stated that it would be good to bike from school to the trail. Commissioner Fischer asked if there was another location in the city, possibly the Dwinnell Nature Area. Quinn stated mountain bike trails are best in a forest with hills. Commission Strehlow stated that he is strong supporter and knows of three residents on Arbor Ave. that would help. Chair Lindberg stated that change is difficult for some people. Director Goebel advised Quinn to make sure he has a good plan. Mahtomedi Community Ed Director, Kate Anderson stated that there is a community ed. club and there is lots of interest in the community. Council Liaison Charlesworth added to build it right to last. Vice-Chair Costello asked about insurance and the City’s liability. Director Goebel stated that the City is indemnified. Commissioner Thompson asked about volunteers and equipment to help construct. Director Goebel suggested to look for grant opportunities, put a plan together and come back to the commission. Quinn stated that he can be reached at quinn.hawkinson UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Wedgewood Park Redevelopment – Director Goebel stated that the playground is complete and the court will be resurfaced soon along with the installation of the nets and backboards. Commissioner Strehlow asked about the Ash trees and Director Goebel stated that they will be removed soon. b. Discuss Dwinnell Nature Area Walk – The Commission members will walk the Dwinnell Nature Area on Wednesday, Oct., 13th at 5:30 PM. Director Goebel will email a map of the area ahead of the meeting date. Vice Chair Costello suggested low cost and soft trails. Commissioner Fischer asked if mountain bike trails would work in this area. c. Deer Hunt – Director Goebel gave a brief update on the dates and locations of the controlled deer hunt. Vice Chair Costello stated that the deer are only passing through and Chair Lindberg stated that there are lots of coyotes around. MAHTOMEDI PARK COMMISSION MINUTES -3- SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 NEXT PARK COMMISSION MEETING The next Park Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at Public Works Facility. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by, Commissioner Fischer; seconded by, Commissioner Thompson, all members voting in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by: Jeannie Novak Jeannie Novak, PW Office Assistant 15Sep21Minutes