2007-03-08JOINT PARKS, OPENS SPACE AND DOCK ADVISORY COMMISSION AND
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 8, 2007
Present: Chair Mike Mason, Commissioners Sue Pilling, Teri Turner,
Don Heywood, Mayor Mark Hanus, Council Members David
Osmek, Greg Skinner, Mike Specht, John Beise
Others Present: Park Superintendent Jim Fackler, City Manager Kandis
Hanson, Administrative Assistant Vicki Weber, Bruce
Chamberlain
Chair Mason called meeting called to order 6:32 p.m.
Discuss Park Planning
Introductions were made and Chair Mason thanked everyone for coming. Mason
stated managing parks and park planning is valuable for long range planning.
Bruce Chamberlain from HGKi discussed park planning and comprehensive park
system planning. He explained the benefits and components of park master
planning. Park master planning involves a number of components. Critical to
planning is to have neighborhood and community involvement.
Mason asked how many communities in the greater-metro area utilize park
planning. Chamberlain stated the majority of communities in the area do park
master planning. Hanus asked if cities of similar size that are not growing utilize
planning. Bruce commented Shorewood falls into that category and they do park
planning. Planning is not only for new parks, but also for aging parks with aging
facilities. Fackler stated recreation changes over time and referred to the Skate
Park that has very high use. Pilling stated we should have parks we're proud of
that have up-to-date, attractive, and safe equipment.
Pilling stated we're behind schedule in our equipment replacement. Mason
stated we don't need to do everything right away, but would like to come up with
a plan for years to come. Osmek stated it's wise to have a plan, but what is that
plan and what resources should we use towards a plan, or can we do it
ourselves. Beise stated the parks budget has grown the most, because we have
added additional parks and greenways that need to be maintained. Osmek said
we have to look our parks and what amenities are at each park, and is not sure if
we need a consultant for park planning. Mason asked if the Commission is
qualified to say what should be at each park. The Commission meets 10-12
times a year, for a total of about 20 hours annually. Is this enough time for park
planning. We're aware that limited things can be done at our parks, but what are
those limited things.
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Fackler stated parks have a lot of liability and there are rules and regulations that
need to be followed such as ADA. Aging equipment is a liability. Planning is
important for these issues.
Turner stated the Commission and Council need to find a shared vision. The
jewels of our community are the water, parks and docks, that's what brings
people here. It's our responsibility to find people healthy places to spend their
time in the community. Turner commented for liability issues the first thing you're
asked for a plan. Mason said there's concern about proper use of City
resources, but we'd be foolish to not spend resources on planning. Maybe we
look at one park and do a small step and reconvene again to see what return we
got on an investment.
Specht stated park planning and system planning needs to be looked at. The
skate park is the most popular park and the Lakeshore parks carry a lot of value.
We need to evaluate what we have and what the community wants in parks.
Chamberlain commented if Mound wants great parks, you need to make small
investments over time.
The Council and Commission have scheduled another joint meeting at 6:30 pm
on May 10th to further discuss park planning.
Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Chair Mike Mason
Mayor Mark Hanus
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