Park & Planning Commission Minutes
January 16, 2007 - 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
1. Call to Order and Flag Pledge.
Park Commission Chair Craig Fourre called the meeting to order.
2. Roll Call.
Planning Commission Chair Vince Johnson and Commissioners Randy Dahlheimer, Steve Fowler, Kevin Faulds and Bob O’Brien were present as was City Council Liaison Scott Hoke.
Park Commission Chair Craig Fourre and Commissioners Dennis Fisher, Diane Dennstedt and Ron Hoffman were present as was City Council Liaison Tim McNeil.
City Planner Erin Stwora, City Clerk Sandy Borders and Public Works Superintendent Rick Haas were present as well as Paul Paige, Jeff Miller and Lil Leatham with HKGI.
3. Approval of the Agenda.
The agenda was approved by consensus.
4. Presentation and Public Hearing – Park, Trail and Open Space Plan
Planner Stwora explained the evening process. Consultant planners and landscape architects from HKGI, including Lil Leatham, Jeff Miller and Paul Paige, prepared a power point presentation to give an overview of the plan.
Park Chair Fourre opened the public hearing.
Bernie Kemp, 15281 Brockton Lane, wanted clarification that the pedestrian bridge along CSAH 81 is shown on the overall map. Consultant Leatham explained that it is on the map, but is located within the Maple Grove city limits. Kemp also questioned the omission of the bird watching pier on Lake Laura from the document. Planner Stwora stated that at the time of park development, the Park Commission would make the decision what type of facilities would be available at the park.
Dody Zaccardi, 18661 Dayton Street, wanted to know why the trails are to be ten (10) feet in width. Planner Stwora and Consultant Paige explained that it is a standard width, comfortable for travel, as well as a standard for receiving grant dollars. Zaccardi also wanted to know the purpose of the 22 foot to 100 foot buffer along trails would be. Consultant Paige noted that it provides a trail experience and creates protection for lakes, rivers, waters, etc. in addition to allowing for space between trails and residences and/or businesses and institutions.
Park Chair Fourre continued the public hearing to the January 23, 2007 City Council meeting.
Park Commissioner Dennstedt explained that she was really impressed with the plan. Park Chair Fourre seconded that comment.
Park Commissioner Fisher questioned the discussion of steep slopes in the Plan. Consultant Paige explained that it is important to address the issues of steep slopes as it is important to the watershed, water quality, protects areas from erosion and lessens development impacts, and is very similar to and works in conjunction with a woodlot or tree preservation system.
Councilmember McNeil questioned the need for “best in class” ordinances and is looking for guidance on updating our ordinances. He also commented on the ability to bond for the Plan cost asked if the plan could incorporate “specialty” parks for horses, etc. He also asked the consultants to provide a grant list for the types of projects mentioned in the Plan. Consultant Miller stated he would provide that. He also asked if the Plan would be on the web. Planner Stwora stated that the Plan would be placed on the City’s website.
Planning Chair Johnson had questions regarding the steep slope issue as well. He stated that the City has already adopted a Shoreland Ordinance that incorporates steep slopes, and to his knowledge, all the steep slopes were accounted for within the overlay for that ordinance. Consultants Paige and Miller were going to look into the issue.
Planning Commissioner Fowler questioned the summary cost of implementation handout and why it only showed cash values for developable land. Consultant Paige responded that it was the best was to show a nexus for the cost of the plan vs. what can be collected in fee and/or land as development progresses.
Councilmember McNeil explained that he feels it would make sense to bond for a portion of the project and buy today at a lower cost.
Planning Commissioner Fowler questioned the corridor that crosses Xanthus south of Diamond Lake Road into the park and why the greenway does not go into the park. Consultant Paige stated that it was a mistake and would be fixed.
Planning Commissioner Faulds stated that he would be interested in seeing guidelines for infrastructure development for the trail system including implementation objectives and qualities for best practices. He would also like to see the plan align with transportation goals with a context sensitive design approach.
Councilmember McNeil stated he would like to see eco-sensitive ways of dealing with the Plan that are respectful.
Planning Commissioner Faulds questioned the City’s need for intensive ordinance review and adoption based on the plan. He stated that would like to see a set of recommendations of where the City should go from here. Planner Stwora and Consultant Paige stated that some of the changes would happen more rapidly than others, with some happening this year and others after the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 2008.
Motion to approve the Draft City of Dayton Park, Trail and Open Space Plan to be forwarded on to the City Council for action, with addendums as discussed during the meeting.
Parks - Motion made by Dennstedt, seconded by Fisher. Ayes: All
Planning – Motion made by Fowler, seconded by Faulds. Ayes: All
5. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn was made by the group. Ayes: All.