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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-18 Parks and Trails MinutesCITE' OF CORCORA.N Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes February 18, 2021 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on February 18, 2021, in Corcoran, MN. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.02 Trails Commission meeting was held remotely conferencing platform Zoom. Present via telephonic or other elect Meister, and Nybo. 1 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parks and through electronic means using the audio and video ronic means were Commissioners —Anderson, Christenson, Commissioner Strehler was present with no access to video or audio response. Also present electronically were City Administrator Martens Public Works Director Mattson and Director of Public Safety Gottschalk. Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck was present at City Hall. Chairperson Meister called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Chairperson Meister invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Christenson, to approve the agenda as presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Anderson, Christenson, Meister, and Nybo. (Motion carried 4:0) City Administrator Martens provided an overview of virtual meetings for those in attendance. 4. Minutes a. Minutes —January 21, 2021 Meeting Minutes Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Nybo, to approve the minutes a Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Anderson, Christenson, Meister, and Nybo. (Motion carried 4:0) 5. open Forum —None s presented Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck informed the Commissioners that while there are people on the call, nobody showed interest in speaking. 6. Presentations a. Corcoran Police Department Director of Public Safety Gottschalk provided an overview of a variety of topics such as the City Hall remodel, canine program, and hiring of a Police Technician, Community Service Officers, a Sergeant, and three Police Officers. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk covered the City's pandemic response, civil unrest throughout the state, and partnering with the Parks and Trails, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Public Works Department. Commissioner Anderson requested more information regarding the Community Service Officers regarding the difference between that position and general Police Officers. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk informed the Commission of some of the tasks the Community Service Officers complete. Commissioner Christenson inquired about emergency vehicle access to which Director of Public Safety Gottschalk informed the Commission of the requirements that the Public Safety Department looks for with developments. b. Corcoran Public Works Public Works Director Mattson provided an overview of the updates to the warming house roof replacement in City Park, added aglime on the balifields, and adjusted buffer mowing expectations CITY OF CORCORAN and implementation. Other topics of discussion covered by Public Works Director Mattson included future projects such as the hockey rink boards, tennis court updates, and pavilion roof replacement. Public Works Director Mattson updated the Commissioners on the tree removals, mowing adjustments, and a potential, future rain garden at City Hall. Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commissioners of the staffing changes that have occurred with new Maintenance Operators and the addition of a Construction Service Coordinator. Commissioner Anderson requested information on road salt environmental adjustments to which Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that they use minimal salt amounts, utilize grit on the gravel roads, and there have been updates to municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit. 7. Unfinished Business — Public Comment Opportunity a. 2021 — 2022 Winter Trail Maintenance Expectations Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck informed the Commissioners that while there are people on the call, nobody showed interest in speaking. Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck refreshed the Commission on the history of winter trail maintenance discussions. Public Works Director Mattson provided discussion points for the Commissioners to talk about. Commissioner Christenson requested information on current trail maintenance equipment and costs associated with purchasing additional equipment to which Public Works Director Mattson informed Commissioners that there is some equipment, but acquiring more equipment is a goal of the department. Commissioner Christenson inquired about staffing requirements to which Public Works Director informed the Commission that seasonal employees would be utilized, but it would likely take a couple days as more trails are onboarded. Commissioners discussed demand for trail maintenance during the winter and decided that due to the lesser number of trails, contracting the maintenance out is preferred. Commissioners discussed the idea of asking the residents what they would like to see while being mindful of the benefit versus cost of trail maintenance. Public Works Director Mattson requested the Commissioners visions on summer maintenance to which Commissioners wanted to see a small buffer strip next to the trails. New Business — Public Comment Opportunity Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there were individuals on the call. Commissioners requested an overview before moving forward with the public comment opportunity. a. Cook Lake Highlands City Administrator Martens provided an overview of the proposed project including the cul-de-sac that would be built where the current off -road trail is. City Administrator Martens informed the Commissioners that in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan this section of.trail was labeled as an off -road trail. Sue Zappa, 7482 Fir Lane, discussed her concern of removing the trail and stated that it is less than two years old, utilized by residents of Bass Lake Crossing, and wanted the trail to remain where it is. Ron Zappa, 7482 Fir Lane, inquired about the possibility of keeping the existing trail while still developing the property. City Administrator Martens addressed questions and concerns presented during public comment stating that the trail would still be public, maintenance on the trail had been done by the homeowner's association, and the option to keep the trail and developing the property would be determined by the applicant. Beth Hustad, the applicant of Cook Lake Highlands, provided the Commissioners with the history of the lot and trail. Hustad also informed the Commission of the additional fire lane that would serve a dual purpose as a trail. Commissioners discussed that the experience could change while utilizing the trail if it were moved from off -road to on -road. Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Christenson, recommend Council denial of removing the existing off -road trail. CITY OF CORCORAN Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Christenson, Meister, and Nybo. (Motion carried 3:1) 9. Reports/Information a. Active Planning Applications — Informational only Commissioners had no discussion regarding active planning applications. b. Recreation Coordinator Update Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck informed the Commission of projects that she has been working on including Emergency Operations Center tasks, creating Parks and Trails Commission materials, submitting a DNR grant for the Bellwether boardwalk project, social media content, updating the field and pavilion reservation form, and referee recruitment for the 2021 summer soccer season. 10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports City Council Report City Administrator Martens provided an update on Pulte's concept for Van Blaricom to finish up the Bellwether development and finalize the dedication to the City, the City of Medina reinitiating plans with the City of Corcoran to plan Hackamore Road, and a feasibility study for City Center Drive. Commissioner Anderson asked what the finance staff planning item was to which City Administrator Martens informed the Commission that there is a need for in-house accounting support. Commissioner Nybo asked about the process for the new City Planner to which City Administrator Martens informed the Commission that she was hired, started, and would be an addition to the staff and not replacing anyone. b. Garden Club Report Tom Anderson informed the Commission that the annual tree giveaway had started and orders were being placed. c. Park Dedication Fund Recreation Coordinator Christensen Buck informed the Commission that the Grove Nursery charge was a typo and would be moved under the Memorial Garden Fund. 11. Other Business/Announcements - None 12. Commissioner Liaison Calendar 2/25/2021 3/11 /2021 3/25/2021 4/8/2021 4/22/2021 5/13/2021 5/27/2021 Nybo Christenson Anderson Meister Strehler Dugan Nybo 13. Adjournment Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Nybo, to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 pm. Voting Aye by Roll Call (Motion carried 4:0) Vote: Anderson, Christenson, Meister, and Nybo. Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Coordinator