HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-16 Parks and Trails Minutes
Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2024 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on May 16, 2024, at City Hall in Corcoran, MN.
Present were Commissioners Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
Absent was Commissioner Erzberger.
Present at City Hall were Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck and Program Coordinator Shipley.
Present virtually was Councilor Nichols.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Chairperson Christenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Christenson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Nybo, to move item 8c. after “6. Presentations”.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
(Motion carried 6:0)
4. Minutes
a. Minutes – April 18, 2024, Work Session
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Strehler, to approve the minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
(Motion carried 6:0)
b. Minutes – April 18, 2024, Meeting
Motion: Made by Friedrich, seconded by Christenson, to approve the minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
(Motion carried 6:0)
5. Open Forum
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck stated nobody was interested in speaking at that time.
6. Presentations – None
7a. Upward Acres Preliminary Plat
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided an overview of the preliminary plat, noting that it
is a 6-residential lot subdivision on 61.55 acres of land and only a proposed on-road trail was shown
on County Road 10. Commissioner Anderson asked if the on-road trail was considered an
easement, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that it would
be a 50’ half right-of-way. Commissioners discussed if there were nearby parks, or potential areas
for parks, with further discussion on the history behind locations, noting that with the purchase of the
Rockford School District park property, there is likely not a further need for athletic search areas.
Phil Kothrade, Skies Limit LLC, was asked about tree preservations and wetland impact, to which
Mr. Kothrade informed the Commission that the wetland impact does not allow for much tree
removal. Commissioners informed Mr. Kothrade that they were appreciative that the plans showed
trees being preserved.
Motion: Made by Christenson, seconded by Nybo, to recommend accepting cash-in-lieu of land.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
(Motion carried 6:0)
7. Unfinished Business
a. Park Enhancement Program
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided background on previous discussions regarding
the Memorial Garden and benches, noting that the Commission was in consensus previously that
there were sufficient benches at the Memorial Garden. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck
noted that previous direction was to explore putting benches in other parks as well, as part of a
memorial program. As part of the proposed Park Enhancement Program, Recreation Supervisor
Christensen Buck noted that this would expand beyond memorials, benches, and bricks to
encompass other enhancements such as bike racks, waste receptacles, drinking fountains, etc.
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted areas of the policy including authorization,
maintenance, and process. Commissioners discussed adding safety options for enhancements,
such as fencing or bollards, and inquired about if the enhancement options would be predetermined.
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that pre-determining enhancements would allow for
better consistency in the park system and would be easier to maintain the program pricing if the
options were pre-determined. Commissioners came to a consensus to include the installation costs
and items as part of the donation but could be re-evaluated later if there is not an interest in the
program due to cost. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted that locations would also
be pre-determined as options for the park enhancement program. Commissioners recommended
adding suggested language options, a timeline for installation of up to 1 year, and allowing donors to
note preferred spots if they do not match the pre-determined locations. Commissioners discussed
the option to allow enhancement options to be renewed, following the useful life of the item, to which
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that there was a section under maintenance and
responsibility of the policy that has staff contacting the donor about renewal. Recreation Supervisor
Christensen Buck highlighted the updates to include an updated plan for waste receptacle
enhancements, timeline for installation to be up to 1 year, including suggested language for plaques,
30 days for previous donor to respond following useful life of the item, allowing donors to choose a
non-predetermined location, and including the cost of installation/supplies in the donation.
b. Park Standards
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted the updates to the park standards since the
Commission had previously seen including a purpose statement, directional signage to the parks,
buffering along park boarders, parking, and policy development. Recreation Supervisor noted some
minor adjustments to relay the information more clearly. Commissioners directed Recreation
Supervisor Christensen Buck to bring forward the policy to the City Council for review and potential
approval.
8. New Business
a. Park Naming Policy
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided information on the proposed park naming policy,
highlighting that while similar to the Park Enhancement Program, this would be more applicable
towards more expensive items that have a longer lifespan. Commissioner Strehler inquired about
renaming the ballfields at City Park as the park develops and changes to continue utilizing the
current field names, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission
that they would have authority to recommend naming to Council for the fields. Commissioners
Strehler and Nybo informed the Commission that they were planning to meet with someone that had
the historical background on the naming of both Meister and Snyder Fields. Commissioners
discussed language in the policy to allow that allows flexibility. Commissioners discussed if there is a
determined amount of time that something would be named, prior to renaming, to which Recreation
Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there was not anything in the policy
determining an amount of time. Commissioners discussed the possibility of allowing commercial
organizations to request naming an amenity after them, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen
Buck said she would add another section specific to commercial or other entities. Chairperson
Christenson noted that the policy should potentially be reviewed by the City Attorney to ensure that
the City is protected.
b. Bark in the Park Event
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission of the request from staff to host
a Bark in the Park event at City Park. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the
Commission that this event would be utilized to educate the public of the park rules and better
understand the needs of the community, while they enjoy a fun event.
Motion: Made by Friedrich, seconded by Schmidt, to recommend staff proceed in organizing and
facilitating a Bark in the Park, or similar event.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
(Motion carried 6:0)
9. Reports/Information
a. Project Planning Update – Information Only
No discussion occurred.
b. Program Coordinator Update
Program Coordinator Shipley highlighted the things he has been working on including youth
baseball, youth soccer, Night to Unite preparations, and Clean Up Day participation.
c. Recreation Supervisor Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided an update on items she had been working on
including Night to Unite preparations, park planning tasks, policy development, and Parks and Trails
packet materials.
10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports
a. City Council Report
Councilor Nichols highlighted some items from previous City Council meetings since the last Parks
and Trails Commission meeting including Councilor Schultz resignation, City reorganization, City
Park schematic design phase approval, canine program, and hiring of 3 new police officers.
b. Garden Club Report
Tom Anderson informed the Commission that the garden was growing.
c. Park Dedication Fund
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that the City did not have the
Finance Manager position filled yet.
11. Other Business/Announcements
12. Commissioner Liaison Calendar
Commissioner Nybo noted that she may not be able to attend the May 21, 2024, City Council
meeting, to which Commissioner Anderson offered to switch dates.
13. Adjournment
Motion: Made by Christenson, seconded by Nybo, to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 pm.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Schmidt, and Strehler.
(Motion carried 6:0)
Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor
05/21/2024* 06/13/2024 06/27/2024 07/11/2024 07/25/2024 08/08/2024 08/22/2024
Nybo
Anderson
Strehler Anderson
Nybo
Erzberger Schmidt Friedrich Christenson