HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-20 Parks and Trails Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN
Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes
April 20, 2023 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on April 20, 2023, in Corcoran, MN.
Present were Chairperson Anderson and Commissioners Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
Absent was Vice-Chairperson Christenson.
Present virtually was Councilmember Nichols.
Also present was Public Works Director Mattson, Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck, and
Program Coordinator Shipley.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Anderson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Wyffels, to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
(Motion carried 5:0)
4. Minutes
a. Minutes – February 16, 2023, Meeting
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Strehler, to approve the minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
(Motion carried 5:0)
5. Open Forum
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there were no individuals
interested in speaking.
6. Presentations
a. Public Works Presentation
Public Works Director Mattson updated the Commission on items including the water tower and
treatment plant projects, the City Park remaster project, boardwalk and open space park in
Bellwether, and upcoming trail maintenance discussion. Chairperson Anderson asked for additional
information regarding the boardwalk in the Bellwether development, to which Public Works Director
Mattson updated the Commission that the paving of the trail and the boardwalk are intended to be
completed within the next year. Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that staff
was working with the developer to determine the level of input from the developer and the City staff,
Commissions, and City Council. Commissioner Friedrich requested additional information regarding
the maintenance of the trails, to which Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that
staff is anticipating the acceptance of trails in the near future which will also require a discussion
regarding the expectations for the maintenance. Katherine Drivas, 6747 Old Sturbridge Road,
inquired about if the open space park are being monitored for things such as oak wilt to avoid the
loss of trees during the planning process, to which Public Works Director Mattson stated that there is
not active monitoring, but something to be considered regarding invasive species and park
maintenance. Commissioner Friedrich inquired about GPS monitoring of trees, to which Public
Works Director Mattson said a soft step would be to ask for a tree inventory, but currently he did not
believe there is an ordinance in place to require that. Chairperson Anderson complimented the
Public Works Department on winter road maintenance during the previous year. Public Works
CITY OF CORCORAN
Director Mattson highlighted the upcoming staffing additions including an Administrative Assistant,
Engineering Development Superintendent, and Maintenance Worker.
Chairperson Anderson introduced Program Coordinator Shipley. Program Coordinator Shipley
provided his background including working at the University of Minnesota and stated that he has
been working part-time for the City for the last month, but would be starting full-time hours in May
through the summer. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted that he had been doing a
great job with the tasks he has been working on.
7. Unfinished Business
a. OSP/Boardwalk in Bellwether Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided an update regarding the steps for the open space
park and boardwalk in the Bellwether development, where staff had met with the developer and the
developer was putting together a 30% design for the City to review, with a future meeting discussion
at a Parks and Trails Commission meeting.
b. Hennepin County Youth Sports Facility Grant Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that the City was approved for a
$300,000 grant for the City Park remaster project with funds to be used prior to December 31, 2026.
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted that during the April 27, 2023 City Council
meeting there would be a discussion to get a park consultant to help develop framework for future
requests for proposals on park projects.
8. New Business – None
9. Reports/Information
a. Active Planning Applications – Informational Only
Commissioner Wyffels inquired about potentially acquiring the meat locker property, to which
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there had been a discussion
regarding if it would be a park dedication purchase or other funds. Councilmember Nichols informed
the Commission that the current owner was looking for feedback if it would be something the City is
interested of using it for park land. Chairperson Anderson requested a discussion regarding the
meat locker land be added to the May 18, 2023, Parks and Trails Commission meeting.
b. Recreation Supervisor Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission of items that she had been
working on including Night to Unite, tree giveaway, starting of Program Coordinator Shipley, spring
baseball, and summer soccer.
c. Program Coordinator Update
Program Coordinator provided an overview of the items he has been working on since starting with
the City, including training and becoming familiar with software, files, and the programs run by the
Parks and Recreation department.
10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports
a. City Council Report
Councilmember Nichols highlighted City Council discussions including Cook Lake Highlands,
Kariniemi development, Amira village, a potential rental ordinance, and a potential PUD ordinance
update.
b. Garden Club Report
Tom Anderson updated the Commission on the tree giveaway, highlighting the distribution taking
place on April 29 at the City Park pavilion.
c. Park Dedication Fund
CITY OF CORCORAN
Commission Nybo inquired about the grant money not appearing on the spreadsheet, to which
Recreation Supervisor Christensen informed the Commission that the grant is a reimbursement
process upon completion of paperwork between the City and the grant administrators.
11. Other Business/Announcements – None
12. Commissioner Liaison Calendar
04/27/2023 05/11/2023 05/25/2023 06/08/2023 06/22/2023 07/13/2023 07/27/2023
TBD Strehler Friedrich Nybo Wyffels Christenson Anderson
Commissioners discussed the liaison calendar, at which point Recreation Supervisor Christensen
Buck informed the Commission that Vice-Chairperson Christenson said he would attend the April 27
City Council meeting as the Parks and Trails Commission liaison.
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that two applications were
received for the opening on the Commission with an appointment included during the April 27 City
Council meeting.
13. Adjournment
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Strehler, to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 pm.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
(Motion carried 5:0)
Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor