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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-17 Parks and Trails Agenda PacketCorcoran Parks and Trails Commission Agenda July 17, 2025 7:00 pm *Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Council Chambers Agenda Packet book located by the entrance. The complete Parks and Trails Commission Agenda Packet is available electronically on the City website at www.corcoranmn.gov. OIGINAL 1.Call to Order / Roll Call 2.Pledge of Allegiance 3.Agenda Approval 4.Minutes a.Minutes – June 17, 2025, Regular Meeting* 5.Open Forum – Public Comment Opportunity 6.Presentations – None 7.Unfinished Business a.Park Naming Policy* 8.New Business 9.Reports/Information a.Planning Project Update – Information Only* b.Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update* c.Program Coordinator Update* 10.Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports a.Garden Club Report b.Park Dedication Fund* 11.Other Business/Announcements 12.Adjournment HYBRID MEETING OPTION AVAILABLE The public is invited to attend the regular Parks and Trails Commission meetings at City Hall. Meeting Via Telephone/Other Electronic Means Call-in Instructions: +1 312 626 6799 US Enter Meeting ID: 815 9742 6469 Video Link and Instructions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81597426469 visit http://www.zoom.us and enter Meeting ID: 815 9742 6469 *Please note in-person comments will be taken at the scheduled meeting where noted. Comments received via email to Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@corcoranmn.gov or via public comment cards will also be accepted. All email and public comment cards must be received by the Wednesday prior to scheduled Parks and Trails meeting. For more information on options to provide public comment visit: www.corcoranmn.gov 1 Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission Minutes June 17, 2025 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on June 17, 2025, at City Hall in Corcoran, MN. Present were Commissioners Erzberger, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh. Absent: Christenson Present at City Hall was Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck, Program Coordinator Tabor, and Mayor McKee. 1. Call to Order / Roll Call Vice-Chair Erzberger called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Vice-Chair Erzberger invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Walsh, to approve the agenda as amended for the June 17th, 2025 Parks and Trails Commission Meeting. Voting Aye: Anderson, Erzberger, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh (Motion carried 5:0) 4. Minutes Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Walsh, to approve the minutes as presented. Voting Aye: Anderson, Erzberger, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh (Motion carried 5:0) 5. Open Forum – Public Comment Opportunity (None). 6. Presentations – None 7. Unfinished Business a. City Park Playground Vice-Chair Erzberger said there was not a lot of seating around the playground for adults. Parks and Recreation Manager said she will investigate and ensure that there are adequate seating options. The Commission had some general conversations regarding some of the general features on the playground. Commissioner Nybo had concerns with the gaps in the elevated playground fencing. 2 Katherine Drivas, 6747 Olde Sturbridge Drive, asked whether children would be able to climb higher in the silo over where the entrance to the silo is. She said adults would have a hard time seeing the activities within the silo. She also had some general concerns about children climbing higher than what might be safe on other parts of the playground. Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck summarized the issues the Commission had such as the bridge netting, the gaps in fencing between the bridges, and possible windows in the silo. The Commission had general discussion regarding various colors of the playground and concluded they would like yellow slides versus the brown color. The Commission had general discussion regarding other play features of the playground. 8. New Business a. City Park Renaming Commissioner Schmidt suggested renaming City Park to Harvest Park. Vice-Chair Erzberger said with the Diamond Lake Trail going through the park that the name should be distinctive and identifiable. Mayor McKee said Heritage Park was brought up due to some of the historical items the city may include within the new park building. Commissioner Anderson said Heritage Park was too vague and did not describe what type of heritage and that it could be exclusive and not welcoming to new groups. Commissioner Walsh said the name was broad and potentially bland. Commissioner Anderson said the name of the building could be Heritage Hall as an alternative to naming the park Heritage Park. Katherine Drivas, 6747 Olde Sturbridge Drive, suggested Farm and Fields Park. The Commission had a consensus that Heritage Park was not the preferred name and that Heritage Hall for the park building was more suitable. b. Garden Club Request Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Walsh, to approve the Garden Club Request as presented. Voting Aye: Anderson, Erzberger, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh (Motion carried 5:0) 9. Reports/Information a. Planning Project Update – Information Only b. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck presented the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update. c. Program Coordinator Update 3 Program Coordinator Tabor presented the Program Coordinator Update. 10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports a. Garden Club Report Commissioner Anderson and Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck gave a brief update. b. Park Dedication Fund Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck supplied the most recent Park Dedication Fund numbers. 11. Other Business/Announcements 12. Adjournment Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 pm. Voting Aye: Anderson, Erzberger, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh (Motion carried 5:0) Submitted by Seth Gellman, Community Development Administrative Assistant STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 7a. Commission Meeting July 17, 2025 Prepared By Jessica Christensen Buck Topic Park Naming Policy Action Required Direction Summary Attached is the updated Park Naming Policy, with updates that were requested by the Parks and Trails Commission during discussions at previous meetings. Staff is now seeking final feedback before bringing the policy to City Council for review and potential approval. The policy outlines a framework for naming and renaming parks, recreation areas, and facilities. It aims to ensure that names are unique, inclusive, and reflective of community values. Public involvement is encouraged throughout the process, and names are expected to be concise, distinct, and avoid confusion with nearby locations. When naming parks, consideration may be given to individuals (primarily those deceased for six months or more), organizations, or donors who have made significant contributions. Flexibility is built into the process to allow various forms of public engagement, such as community-submitted names or public voting. As the policy is finalized, staff is specifically seeking input on: • Pre-defined name bank or categories Would the Commission prefer to identify a bank of potential names or categories (e.g., vegetation, historical figures, natural features) for future use? • Consistency in process The current draft allows flexibility depending on the park and circumstances. Would the Commission prefer a more standardized process for naming and renaming (e.g., always require public submissions or voting)? Financial/Budget No financial impacts are anticipated at this time. Recommendation Staff recommends that the Parks and Trails Commission review the draft Park Naming Policy, provide any final feedback or requested changes, and, if no substantial revisions are needed, provide a recommendation to City Council for approval. Attachments 1. DRAFT Park Naming Policy Updated 7/8/2025 Park Naming Policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to create a consistent and systematic approach, for the naming and renaming of parks, recreation areas, and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Corcoran. Names are intended to be unique, meaningful, and inclusive. This policy is applicable to all existing and future City of Corcoran properties, facilities, and other amenities, within the scope of Parks and Recreation, that have been or will be named. Objectives • Easily identifies and locates parks, recreation areas, and facilities. • Names designated for parks, recreation areas, and facilities should be consistent with the values and character of the area, neighborhood, and City of Corcoran. • Encourages public participation in the naming and dedication of parks, recreation areas, and facilities. • Encourages the dedication of lands, facilities, donations, or sponsorship by individuals and/or groups. Definition Parks, recreation areas, and facilities include all property assets under the City’s ownership and under the Parks and Recreation Division oversight. This includes buildings, structures, open spaces, public parks, trails, natural areas, wetlands, environmental habitat, and land. Small park amenities such as benches, bricks, etc. will be considered for naming through the Park Enhancement Program. Authorization The Parks and Trails Commission shall be responsible for recommending facility names to the City Council for final approval. The City Council may accept, reject, or replace recommended facility names. Guidelines The following guidelines will be used when naming a park, recreation area, or facility within a park. The City Council and/or Parks and Trails Commission have discretion when evaluating proposals, thus proposals that meet the below guidelines do not guarantee naming. Proposals must meet criteria in this policy, however, meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. General Naming Guidelines • Should not duplicate or be easily confused with existing public or private places in or near Corcoran. Caution should be used when duplicating park names of adjacent cities to minimize confusion amongst the public and emergency response teams. • Should avoid adjectives such as east, west, big, long, etc., and numbers when possible unless an adjacent feature name uses the same descriptor. • Should use the fewest words possible. • Should include an appropriate designator of the type of park (i.e., Community Park, Neighborhood Park, Open Space Park, etc.). • A name may be assigned, if deemed appropriate by the City Council (following recommendation from the Parks and Trails Commission) to a park or recreation facility, any time after land acquisition Updated 7/8/2025 or park/facility development. Such recreation facilities may include trails/greenways, recreation buildings, athletic complexes, picnic shelters, playgrounds, splashpads, or other facilities. If possible, names shall be adopted before dedication or acceptance of a facility, or before development begins on a new facility. • Naming approved for an item that has a lifespan, such as structures, equipment, etc., shall expire when the lifespan of the item is met. At the time of replacing such an item, the original donor/naming recipient shall have the opportunity to donate funds to continue the naming of the replacement item. If the original donor/naming recipient is not interested in continuing the naming of the item or is unable to be reached within a reasonable timeframe for replacement, the City may seek other donations for naming consideration. Naming in Honor of a Person • Consideration shall only be given to individuals who have been deceased for a minimum of six months and one or more of the following criteria has been met: o The individual, individuals or family has contributed significant long-term support to the development or operation of the park or facility, or to the overall recreation and parks system. The suggested name must be accompanied by evidence of contributions to the park, facility, and/or service, or to any of the Parks and Recreation Division’s companion organizations that function in cooperation with and on behalf of the department. o An outstanding community individual who has made significant and long-term civic contributions to the community of Corcoran, as determined by either the Parks and Trails Commission or the Corcoran City Council. o A substantial donation (typically not less than 50% of the value of the property or improvements), as determined by either the Parks and Trails Commission or the Corcoran City Council, has been made to the Parks and Recreation Division, by or in memory of an individual, group, or family. • Consideration to name parks, recreation areas, and facilities after those who are still living, must meet one, or more, of the following: o A land donation in which a naming provision has been made on the deed and accepted by the Corcoran City Council. o A substantial donation of money (typically not less than 50% of the value of the property or improvements) has been made to the Corcoran Parks and Recreation Division wherein the donor stipulated a naming provision as a condition of the donation and this condition has been accepted by the Corcoran City Council. Commercial/Organization Naming • Consideration shall only be given to organizations that have met one or more of the following criteria: o The organization has contributed significant long-term support to the development or operation of the park or facility, or to the overall recreation and parks system. The suggested name must be accompanied by evidence of contributions to the park, facility, and/or service, or to any of the Parks and Recreation Division’s companion organizations that function in cooperation with and on behalf of the department. Updated 7/8/2025 o An outstanding community organization that has made significant and long-term civic contributions to the community of Corcoran, as determined by either the Parks and Trails Commission or the Corcoran City Council. o A substantial donation (typically not less than 50% of the value of the property or improvements), as determined by either the Parks and Trails Commission or the Corcoran City Council, has been made to the Parks and Recreation Division, by the organization. o The organization contributed significantly to the preservation of the City’s history or culture. Process Naming of New/Un-Named Parks, Recreation Areas, and Facilities 1. Process Initiation a. Request to Staff A request for the naming of a park, recreation area, or facilities can be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Division. The submission shall show how the proposed name meets the criteria stated within this policy. When naming after person(s), the application will describe their contributions to the City of Corcoran. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. b. Park Acceptance/Development Staff will bring forward park areas that have been accepted or are beginning the development process to the Parks and Trails Commission for recommendation on the public engagement process to the City Council for final decision. Commissioners will determine what the appropriate process is for naming the park: i. Parks and Trails Commission provides suggested names  Parks and Trails review and allow public comment at meeting  City Council decision (approximately 2- month process) ii. Public engagement for naming submissions  Parks and Trails review  City Council decision (approximately 2-month process) iii. Parks and Trails Commission provides suggested names  Public engagement to vote on name options  Parks and Trails review  City Council decision (approximately 2-month process) iv. Public engagement for naming submissions  Public engagement to vote on name options  Parks and Trails review  City Council decision (approximately 3-month process) Following decision on public engagement, an announcement will be made within local papers, the City’s website/social media, and/or in conjunction with neighborhood design process. 2. Engagement a. Request to Staff Staff will review naming requests for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relating to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding it to the Parks and Trails Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. b. Park Acceptance/Development Updated 7/8/2025 Following a decision on public engagement, an announcement will be made within the local paper, the City’s website/social media, and/or in conjunction with neighborhood design processes. 3. Public Input Opportunity & Parks and Trails Commission Review The Parks and Trails Commission will offer the opportunity for further public input on the proposed naming during a regularly scheduled Commission meeting. During this meeting, the Parks and Trails Commission will make a recommendation to City Council for the park name. 4. City Council Review Once the Parks and Trails Commission has reviewed the proposed name, Corcoran City Council will make the final decision using input and recommendation from staff, the public, and the Parks and Trails Commission. Re-naming of Existing Parks, Recreation Areas, and Facilities • Renaming of parks, recreation areas, and facilities carries a greater burden of process compared to initial naming. Tradition and continuity of name and community identification are important community values. • Deed restrictions need to be accounted for when considering the renaming of parks. • Parks, facilities, and geographic features named after individuals shall not be changed unless it is found by the Parks and Trails Commission or the Corcoran City Council that the individual’s personal character was such that the continued use of the name for a City park, recreation area, or facility would not be in the best interest of the City. • Parks, recreation areas, and facilities named for a location or geographic feature of a community/neighborhood may be considered for renaming. However, the existing name of a park, recreation area, or facility which is of local or national importance, or which identifies an outstanding geographic or physical feature shall not be changed unless the Parks and Trails Commission or Corcoran City Council determines there are extraordinary circumstances of local, state, or national interest to justify the name change. • When considering the renaming of a park, recreation area, or facility, the proposed name must meet the same guidelines and follow the naming process defined above. Naming of Amenities within Parks, Recreation Areas, and Facilities • Amenities and equipment with an expected lifespan of at least 15 years, such as a playground, splashpad, field, etc., may be eligible for naming. • When considering the naming of amenities within parks, recreation areas, or facilities, the proposed name must meet the same guidelines and follow the naming process defined above. Page 1 of 3 Agenda Item MEMO Meeting Date: July 17, 2025 To: Parks & Trails Commission From: Dwight Klingbeil Re: Planning Project Update Projects/comments in blue italics are new. The following is a status summary of active planning projects: 1. Commercial and Industrial Development Standards (Citywide) (City File 23-023) The purpose of this zoning ordinance amendment is to address and evaluate the allowed uses and use specific standards within commercial and industrial developments. The Council adopted a work plan at the November 20, 2023, regular meeting, and requested the Planning Commission to provide their initial feedback. The Planning Commission discussed this item at the December 5, 2023, meeting and expressed their desire Commercial and Industrial Development Standards address a number of items such as: specific architectural standards, infrastructure investment incentives, encouragement toward sustainable development practices, proper transitions of intensities and height, the permitted and conditional uses of each zoning type, verbiage, and lighting standards. City Staff prepared a survey for current landowners and lessees to express their opinions on items addressed with this update. Staff mailed the online survey invitation to property owners and tenants whose property is either currently zoned, or guided for Commercial, Industrial, or Mixed-Use. The comment period for this survey closed on January 31, 2024. During the February 8, 2024, City Council meeting, Council directed staff to prioritize Rural Commercial (CR) and Transitional Rural Commercial (TCR) district updates for approval by the end of quarter 2. Staff presented feedback from the Planning Commission and results from the Business Community Survey to the City Council at the April 25, 2024, regular Council meeting for further direction. The City Council and Planning Commission discussed the Commercial and Industrial standards during the May 21, 2024, Joint Work Session. Page 2 of 3 A survey invitation for feedback on Rural Commercial Subdivisions was posted to the City’s media pages and mailed out to properties within 500 feet of CR & TCR parcels. Council discussed the results of this survey during the June 27, 2024, meeting. A public hearing for an ordinance amendment removing self-storage/mini-storage from the CR and I-1 districts was held at the July 2, 2024, Planning Commission meeting. After some discussion, the Planning Commission motioned to recommend approval of this ordinance amendment. Council approved the zoning ordinance amendment, removing self-storage/mini-storage from the CR & I-1 districts at the July 25, 2024, meeting. A public hearing to clarify the use of development rights for subdivision in the UR, RR, CR, and TCR districts was held at the August 1, 2024, Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission motioned unanimously to recommend approval of the draft ordinance. Council approved the Zoning Ordinance Amendment at the August 22, 2024, meeting. 2. Camp Solberg (PID 08-119-23-31-0004) (City File 24-021). Aaron and Melissa Solberg submitted an application for a preliminary and final plat to create two single-family residential lots on Outlot B of Weinand Woods located at PID 08-119-23-31-0004. Council approved this item during the June 23, 2025, meeting. 3. Arens Norling OS&P Preliminary Plat (PID 31-119-23-12-0007) (City File 25-012). Robb and Seth Norling request approval of an Open Space & Preservation plat for their property at 6700 Pioneer Trail. The application consists of 3 single-family lots, and three outlots. One outlot is 6.9-acres in size, and will be used for a future phase of subdivision, and the other outlot is 21.42 acres, which will be preserved as open space unit municipal sewer and water are available to the site. The Public Hearing for this item was held during the June 5, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. After some discussion, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the application. Council approved this item during the June 23, 2025, meeting. 4. City Park Remaster (PID 23-119-23-43-0007 & 23-119-23-34-0001) (City File 25- 015). The City of Corcoran has initiated the planning for the City Park Remaster project, which requires approval of a Site Plan and Variance. The public hearing for this item was held during the May 1, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. After some discussion, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request. The Site Plan and Variance for the City Park Remaster was approved during the May 22, 2025, Council meeting. Staff noted that the western parcel of the City Park is located in Stage 4 of the 2040 staging plan. To allow construction of the City Park Remaster project, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to designate this parcel as Stage 1 is required. The public hearing for this item is scheduled for the July 8, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Agribusiness Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Citywide) (City File 25-017). John and Maragret Fernandez have requested approval of a zoning ordinance amendment to establish Agribusiness as an allowed use within the Rural Residential zoning district. The Public Hearing for this item was held during the June 5, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. After some discussion, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the application with amendments to the minimum size requirement, further distance from major roadways, and lower illumination at the property line. Council approved this item during the June 23, 2025, meeting, with an amendment to require Council review for all music events, and to allow gravel parking lots subject to City Engineer approval. Page 3 of 3 6. Larkin Road Subdivision Concept Plan (PID 26-119-23-13-0006) (City File 25- 018). Maplewood Development LLC have submitted a concept plan for a 189-unit subdivision at 20130 Larkin Road. The applicant received informal feedback from the City Council during the June 12, 2025, Council meeting. This item is not scheduled for any additional meetings. 7. Cook Lake Highlands Amira PUD Amendment (PID 25-119-23-14-0026) (City File 25-021). Amira Investment LLC have submitted a PUD Amendment to increase the allowed impervious surface of 4.65-acre lot from 39.8% to 40.2% and reduce the number of units in the age-restricted apartment building from 145 units to 143 units. This item is scheduled for Council review at the July 10, 2025, Council meeting. 8. Upward Acres Lot Line Adjustment and Easement Vacation (PIDs 17-119-23-13- 0002 & 17-119-23-12-0004) (City File 25-022). Skies Limit LLC requests approval of a Lot Line Adjustment and Easement Vacation to realign the shared property line and Drainage & Utility Easement between 9155 & 9205 Underhill Lane. This item is incomplete for City review and is not currently scheduled for any upcoming meetings. 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 763-420-2288 www.corcoranmn.gov MEMO Meeting Date: July 17, 2025 To: Parks and Trails Commission From: Jessica Christensen Buck, Parks and Recreation Manager Re: Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update ______________________________________________________________________ Summary Garden Club: The request for the items that were brought to the Parks and Trails Commission during June 17, 2025, meeting has been purchased and provided to the Garden Club. The Garden Club is having continued gatherings and is working to put additional mulch into the Memorial Garden beds. Park Planning: Staff prepared information for the June 23, 2025, City Council meeting in coordination with the consultants, regarding the Heritage (City) Park Remaster, which was approved during the meeting. Following approval, staff and consultants have been working with the contractors to host a pre-construction meeting, site walk through, and weekly project meetings. Staff received notice that the City was not awarded the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant, which allowed staff to start the process for installation scheduling with the playground vendor. Diamond Lake Regional Trail: City and Three Rivers Park District staff have been collaborating on reimbursement for sections of the trail that have been built. Additionally, City staff are working with the Three Rivers staff on the reimbursement process for the segment of the trail through City Park. Special Events: Volunteer spots for Night to Unite continue to fill, with few remaining currently. Work continues to be done to prepare for the event on August 5, both at the Public Works Building and for the neighborhood parties throughout the City. 9b. 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 763-420-2288 www.corcoranmn.gov Bark in the Park materials have been created and are being posted to the website, social media, and other communications forms. Vendors for the event have been contacted, and a few have signed up via the interest form. City Park: Reservations for the 2025 season are completed due to the park project. City Meeting Items: More information on the items below can be found in the respective agenda packets at www.corcoranmn.gov. June 23, 2025, City Council Meeting 6g. City Park Bid Award • City Council approved Resolution 2025-71, approving Fehn Companies, Inc. as the sitework contract, Valint Construction Services for the building construction contract, construction administration by HKGi, Stantec, and Oertel Architects, and proceeding with the playground purchase. June 23, 2025, City Council Meeting 9b. City Park Renaming • City Council approved Resolution 2025-64 to rename City Park to Heritage Park. July 8, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting 6a. “City Park Remaster” Comprehensive Plan Amendment • Planning Commission recommended approval of the draft resolution amendment to the Staging Plan of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to reclassify the western parcel of Heritage Park from Phase 3 to Phase 1. Attachments None 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 763-420-2288 www.corcoranmn.gov MEMO Meeting Date: July 17, 2025 To: Parks and Trails Commission From: Parker Tabor, Program Coordinator Re: Program Coordinator Update ______________________________________________________________________ Summary The following is a summary of items Program Coordinator Tabor has been working on since the last meeting: • Biodiversity Dash: Created flyer, downloaded and started to become familiar with iNaturalist, put together alternative activities together in case of rain, and coordinated with our Communications Specialist on creating a post to spread the word about the event. • Night to Unite: Initiated collection of donations from local businesses and updated the Excel tracking spreadsheet to reflect contributions. Conducted inventory and organized supplies for the upcoming Night to Unite event. Collaborated with the planning team to continue finalizing event logistics and details. • Other: Continued planning for the upcoming Bark in the Park event, including researching potential lawn game rental options to enhance visitor engagement. Began compiling a list of potential partner organizations for future events and continued brainstorming ideas for signature events following the park renovation. Additionally, updated event flyers and community information on the park's bulletin board. Attachments None 9c.