HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-20 Parks and Trails Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN
Parks and Trails Commission Meeting Minutes
June 20, 2017 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on June 20, 2017, at City Hall in Corcoran, MN.
Present were, Commissioners - Anderson, Krueger, Meister, Nybo, Regan, and Strehler. Commissioner
Robran arrived at 7:05 pm.
Also present were Councilmember Dejewski, City Planner Lindahl, and City Administrator Martens.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Anderson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
a. Agenda
Motion: Made by Meister, seconded by Nybo, to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Krueger, Meister, Nybo, Regan, and Strehler
(Motion carried 6:0)
4. Minutes
a. Minutes – May 16, 2017
Motion: Made by Krueger, seconded by Meister, to approve the minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Krueger, Meister, Nybo, Regan, and Strehler
(Motion carried 6:0)
5. Open Forum - None
6. Presentations
a. Annual Public Works Report – Pat Meister, Public Works Superintendent
Public Works Superintendent Meister provided an update related to park facilities including ball
fields, tennis courts, skating rinks, shelters, and playgrounds. The Commission discussed the need
for various improvements and the need to plan for future improvements to City Park and the
Memorial Garden. Commissioners directed staff to schedule a park tour for an upcoming meeting.
7. Unfinished Business
a. Ravinia Neighborhood Park – Proposed Landscaping Plan
City Administrator Martens presented the proposed plan developed by Chair Anderson with
assistance from Wenck Associates. Commissioners reviewed the plan and thanked Chair Anderson
for his efforts. Commissioner Krueger questioned potential toxicity issues related to seeds from the
proposed Kentucky Coffeetree. Commissioners by consensus directed staff to proceed with the
landscape plan as presented.
b. Bass Lake Crossings – Proposed Trail Location
City Administrator Martens presented a trail exhibit showing a new proposed location for the off-
road trail related to the Bass Lake Crossings development application. Commissioners discussed
topography of the trail, requirements of land to the east, and timing of construction. Councilmember
Dejewski discussed the need for trail improvements along County Road 10 sooner rather than later.
Motion: Made by Regan, seconded by Nybo, to recommend the new proposed location for the off-
road trail as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Krueger, Meister, Nybo, Regan, Robran, and Strehler
(Motion carried 7:0)
8. New Business
a. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
CITY OF CORCORAN
City Planner Lindahl provided an overview of the Comprehensive Plan Update process and the
requested guidance from the Parks and Trails Commission related to proposed parks and trails for
the 2040 plan. Commissioners discussed the need and location of an athletic complex, locations of
neighborhood parks and open space parks, possible need for an additional neighborhood park in
the area of the extended MUSA in southwest Corcoran, and the need for updates to the proposed
horse trail. Commissioners provided staff direction to show trails along all collector roads, look into
horse trail standards, add an athletic search area along Old Settlers Road, and to provide
information on trail options along the natural gas pipeline easement.
b. Role of Student Commissioner
City Administrator Martens stated that Commissioners requested an opportunity to discuss the role
of the Student Commissioner in advance of recruiting new members. Commissioners discussed
various opinions on the role, difficulty in finding qualified members, need to involve youth in decision
making, and lack of agenda items that may interest a student member. Commissioners were
informed that staff would advertise the opening and increase vetting of future members in order to
ensure they know their expectations and find a way for them to be more active.
9. Reports/Information
a. Active Planning Applications – Informational only, no action taken
10. Subcommittee and Miscellaneous Reports
a. City Council Report
Councilmember Dejewski provided an updated on Council activities including the proposed
community solar garden. Councilmember Dejewski answered questions from Commissioners.
b. Garden Club Report
Chair Anderson updated the Commission on a recent plant exchange and shared that the Garden
Club will be joining the Bee Club for a meeting in July.
c. Elm Creek Watershed Commission Report – Sharon Meister
Commissioner Meister provided an update on a recent review of the proposed community solar
garden and provided an update on water sampling on Jubert Lake related to the sub-watershed
assessment project.
d. Park Dedication Fund
City Administrator Martens informed the commission that the fund is approximately $500,000.
11. Other Business/Announcements
City Administrator Martens shared that Seasonal Recreation Coordinator Nicole Bauer has resigned
to take a full-time opportunity elsewhere. Commissioners were asked if the July meeting should be
cancelled as there were no pressing agenda items at this time.
Motion: Made by Regan, seconded by Krueger, to cancel the July meeting.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Krueger, Meister, Nybo, Regan, Robran, and Strehler
(Motion carried 7:0)
Commissioner Nybo updated the Commission on the upcoming blood drive at City Hall on June
27th.
12. Commissioner Liaison Calendar
Commissioners reviewed the calendar. Commissioner Strehler and Robran switched liaison dates.
13. Adjournment
Motion: Made by Meister, seconded by Krueger, to adjourn the meeting at 10:02 pm.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Krueger, Meister, Nybo, Regan, Robran, and Strehler
(Motion carried 7:0)
CITY OF CORCORAN
Submitted by
Brad Martens City Administrator