Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/14/2023

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Commissioner Arts referenced the Lake Itasca area, which is a natural and scenic area. He asked if there have been thoughts to placing natural plantings in the area that was previously tilled up. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that the City created the 7-acre Monarch Trail, noting the goal to establish milkweed in that area. He stated that they have been unsuccessful in establishing that plant and they continue to work on it. He stated that they will be seeding and placing plugs again in the Spring of 2024. Councilmember Musgrove provided context from recent resident input and discussion at the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization related to the low water level at Lake Itasca. 5.03: Proposed Haviland Fields Housing Project Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the City Council was asked to consider funding assistance for this project, which he believed was not approved. He believed the developer is continuing in the funding process to bring this forward for development. He stated that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was sent to the Commission and is posted on the City website noting that it is currently open for comments. He noted that they are very early in this process. He commented that staff will be talking about the interface between the project and Solstice Park. He noted that the park is lacking pickleball and perhaps there could be a modest park expansion to accommodate courts that would be shared between the general public and development's residents. Chair Barten commented that his biggest concern would be the impact to the park as that type of development could create a larger amount of traffic for the park and liked the idea of exploring pickleball as an expansion. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that they will be moving forward with trail maintenance in the coming weeks. He provided an update on recent events including the giant waterslide that coincided with the summer concert event. He noted that the second to last concert will be held tonight. He provided flyers for Happy Days and announced that former Recreation Specialist Abigail Proulx is coming back the following week as the Recreation Coordinator for the City. Commissioner Bennett referenced the legalization of cannabis, noting that there has been a lot of discussion about use within public parks. He asked if the City Council has talked about that concept. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood confirmed that the City is talking about that. Councilmember Musgrove commented that the City Council tabled discussion on a proposed ordinance to ensure they are doing things right. She stated that it seemed there was consensus that cannabis use should be prohibited in parks but there was additional discussion needed related to Park and Recreation Commission/August 10, 2023 Page 6 of 7