Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/13/2008

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COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Initiate Sunfish Lake Park Planning - Resident Input Parks Supervisor Riverblood explained that the purpose of this case was to begin the concept planning of the municipal owned property west of Sunfish Lake. He advised that many residents to the east have expected the development of the park. He stated that earlier this year the Commission recommended that Brauer and Associates, Ltd. be allowed to assist the city in this process, and he advised that the Council also gave their approval. He stated that they were going to look at a few slides and take comments from the residents as to what they would like done with the space. He advised that they would fully evaluate the comments before planning of the park begins. He stated that concept plans would be done in April and that months meeting may be held at the lake so that explanations are better understood. Jason _, of Brauer and Associates, Ltd., stated that this meeting is the first of four and is the night for the residents to have their comments heard. He advised for residents to sign in on the sheet in the back of the room with their contact information. The first slide contained a map with zoning images. He advised that the first map showed that the park is surrounded by residential and public land. He stated that the second map on the slide showed both existing and future planned trails and how they would connect with the property. He stated that the third map on the slide showed that the soil is mostly composed of sandy soils that are good for drainage but somewhat prone to erode. He stated that they would need to keep that in mind when the development takes place. He stated that the second slide showed both topography and vegetation. He stated that there is mature vegetation in the area with the steepest slopes and that the southern edge of the property has some areas of lower quality vegetation that could be used as buffers. He advised that the next map showed that the developable areas are mostly open, much more level, and do not have heavy tree population. He advised that there are some nice views of the lake and some monitoring wells in the area that they are hoping to move or cap. He stated that the third slide had some photos of the property and that the fourth slide contained a birds eye view of the park site and how the property fits in with the surroundings. Jeff _, of Brauer and Associates, Ltd., stated that earlier in the afternoon they had met with some surrounding landowners and generally speaking they understood that the City was looking to develop a master plan for the area. He stated that the property owners were not against the idea of having a trail around the lake but advised that the manor in which they address the issue will affect those properties. He had assured them that he would keep in mind their property rights and financial concerns. He advised that the preference was to not have the trail behind their property. He advised that the property owners are keeping an open mind and wanted to see what the residents wanted to do with the property. He stated that the long-term goal of the City in relation to the property is to make sure that everyone is satisfied both the public and the adjacent landowners. A male resident stated that there are a lot of deer and pheasants on the property and questioned what effect the park would have on them. Park and Recreation CommissionlMarch 13, 2008 Page 2 of 11