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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 05/06/2019 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION,AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION and HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019 6:00 P.M. PRNR ONLY 6:30 P.M. BUS TOUR 7:30 P.M. JOINT MEETING Heritage Rooms, 8080 Mitchell Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Patrice Erickson, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Kim Harris, Andy McGlasson, Leonard Pesheck, John Rahman, Ken Ross, Kirk Spresser HERITAGE PRESERVATION Steve Olson, Chair; Tara Kalar, Vice Chair; Cheryl COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kessler, Valerie Ross, Shanti Shah, Pamela Spera, Paul Thorp CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Lori Creamer, Planning Technician PRNR STUDENT REPS: Carson Guettler, Tatum Gunderson, John Hilton, Nile Timmerman, Ananya Vegesna HPC STUDENT REPS: Joe Pesheck, Sydney Lewis, Neha Bhupatiraju RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske I. INTRODUCTIONS Chair Link called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. PRNR Commission Members Cervantes and Harris were absent. All HPC Commission Members were present. All PRNR Student Representatives were present. HPC Student Representatives Lewis and Bhupatiraju were absent. II. BUS TOUR Staff, Student Representatives, and Members from both Commissions participated in a bus tour of two sites prior to the meeting being called to order. A. MINNESOTA RIVER VISTA PARKS, RECREATION,AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MINUTES May 6, 2019 Page 2 Construction was recently completed on a wayside viewing area overlooking the Minnesota River Valley, located at the end of Charlson Road. Bourne noted this wayside honors the history of Lookout Park Wayside, which is located just to the east of this project and is currently owned by the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC). The new area includes information about the old wayside park with interpretive signs that center around the history, the environment, and the location. Some of the stones from the old wayside park were incorporated into the new site. B. RILEY LAKE PARK INTERPRETIVE SIGNS The second stop on the bus tour was Riley Lake Park to view the new interpretive signs identifying three major themes: the Lake, the Land and the People. Lotthammer noted this project has taken several years and much of the work was made possible by grants obtained through Planning Technician Lori Creamer's efforts. Bourne stated the signs are laid out in such a manner to move patrons throughout the park. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Kalar moved, seconded by Rahman, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 14-0. IV. JOINT MEETING DISCUSSION ITEMS A. FLYING RED HORSE SIGN Lotthammer provided a brief history of the sign for PRNR Commission members since HPC Commission members discussed the sign and viewed its current state at their April meeting. He displayed a PowerPoint presentation with photographs of the sign which was on top of the Flying Red Horse Mobil station from 1936 to 2008. The Schwartz family, who owned the Mobil station, donated the sign to the City in 2013. The City Council at the time accepted the donation but decided to preserve it in storage until such time a decision could be made where to place it and funds raised to display it properly. Council decided tax dollars would not be used but funds may be obtained through donations, grants, or other means. Lotthammer's presentation showed photographs of the sign through the years, as well as its current condition. There are two versions of the sign, the original and a version with a metal overlay and neon lighting. Consultants will help determine the condition of both versions. He explained the role of the PRNR and HPC Commissions will be to make a recommendation in the future to the City Council after discussing the different levels of restoration and possible locations and reviewing the consultants' recommendations. He stated Staff will engage with both Commissions and the consultants, identify funding, and also present a recommendation to the Council. Lotthammer stated the level of restoration and PARKS, RECREATION,AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MINUTES May 6, 2019 Page 3 location possibilities will be presented to the Commissions in a few months, after expert analysis. Spera inquired and Lotthammer responded the Schwartz family's only expectations were to publicly display the sign. Pesheck raised concern about maintenance time and costs, including lighting. Lotthammer responded those issues will all be part of considerations in determining how to proceed. McGlasson inquired about placing the topic for public input. Lotthammer stated he prefers discussion start at the Commission level and if several options remained prudent, then possibly public input could be sought. McGlasson inquired about possible locations. Lotthammer explained it would be ideal to find a location where the sign could be seen by more, rather than fewer residents. Possible locations previously discussed by the HPC included inside the Riley Barn or Eden Prairie Center mall. Another possible location is at the Southwest light rail Town Center Station where a plaza will be built. This spot would be close to where the original sign was located at the Mobil station. Park locations are possible, specifically the Round Lake Baseball Field. Thorp spoke on the current condition of the sign. The historic version from 1935 was later covered with a skin using rivets so there are holes in the original sign. Wiring for neon was eventually added resulting in additional holes in the newer version. He estimates there is not much quality left in the original sign. B. YORKVILLE/BLOOMINGTON TRAIL UPDATE Thorp provided PowerPoint slides describing the length and location of the trail which still exists. The trail was originally the location of the Ox Cart Trail but a road was ordered to be built over it by the State in 1863. The road was abandoned fourteen years later due to erosion. Thorp stated the importance of knowing the location of the trail and ensuring it is preserved. Part of the property is owned by the City and other parts are owned by private property owners. The HPC is seeking nomination of a local designation of the City-owned portion. Creamer inquired and Lotthammer stated there are no development plans since the City portion of the trail is located in a conservation area. C. ADDITIONAL DORENKEMPER HOUSE TOURS Both Commissions discussed additional opportunities to bring people through the Dorenkemper House. Options included offering children tours during summer camps at Riley Lake Park,possibly lead by Historical Society volunteers sharing stories. Other than during the Fall Harvest Celebration, there are no other scheduled open times. Ginny Dorenkemper offers tours upon request. Olson inquired and Lotthammer responded there are no plans to create community gardens in front of the House. Creamer will discuss summer camp options with Nicole Weedman, Senior Recreation Supervisor, who leads the summer camp PARKS, RECREATION,AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MINUTES May 6, 2019 Page 4 curriculum and scheduling. Brink added the Outdoor Center hosts a pioneer life camp and possibly bussing could be provided to those participants to tour the Dorenkemper House. McGlasson inquired if field trips could be coordinated with the schools. Kalar responded she and Creamer researched the idea and determined a curriculum would need to be developed prior to the school considering it. Creamer added the schools are only allowed a limited number of field trips. Other ideas included a teacher development program being held at the House and a 3D tour of the House being provided to the schools. D. PEOPLEFEST Shah provided an update on the event which will run from Sunday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 14, 2019. The Peoplefest! Party will be held on Sunday, August 11 with booths, food trucks, entertainment, and other activities. The focus is to engage as many different communities as possible within the City. Bus service to India Fest being held at the State Capitol is being planned. E. FALL HARVEST CELEBRATION Creamer stated there is interest within the HPC to partner with the Parks Department and participating in the Fall Harvest Celebration. Staff is working on the collaboration with the hope of adding games on the lawn near the Dorenkemper House, as well as other historical activities to enhance the celebration and draw attention to the House. COMMISSIONS SEPARATED FOR ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS—HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION ITEMS TO FOLLOW V. APPROVAL OF APRIL 15, 2019 MINUTES MOTION: Kalar moved, seconded by Ross, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried 7-0. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. HERITAGE PRESERVATION AWARD SELECTION Creamer reported there were two nominations submitted for the same person. The commission had a brief discussion and agreed the candidate nominated was very well deserving of the award. The award will be presented at the June 18 city council meeting. MOTION: Shah moved, seconded by Ross, to approve the nomination for the 2019 Heritage Preservation Award. Motion carried 7-0. PARKS, RECREATION,AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MINUTES May 6, 2019 Page 5 B. LION'S DEN COA UPDATE Creamer reported she has been working with Conor McGrath from True Friends on the remaining incomplete items for the Lion's Den COA project. Waiting for final comments from the SHPO before a public hearing will be scheduled. C. LOCAL DESIGNATION OF YORKVILLE/BLOOMINGTON ROAD Creamer stated the City gave approval of moving forward with the local designation for the portion of the Yorkville/Bloomington Road located on City property. The HPC consultant will begin working on those documents and present a draft for the commission review prior to the public hearing process later in 2019. VII. NEXT MEETING Creamer reminded members the City's Board and Commission Banquet will be held on Thursday, May 16, at 6 p.m. in the Garden Room The next HPC meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18 following the HPC award presentation and reception at the City Council meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Shah moved, seconded by Thorp, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7- 0. Chair Olson adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.