2007-06-26 P & R - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes June 6, 2007 Administrator and Public Works. Mr. Slettery felt lilac bushes were not enough of a division between the properties. Mr. Slettery asked if park hours were going to be posted, what they would be and would they be strictly enforced. He also suggested a gate be put at both Hidden Spring and Laurie LaMotte Memorial Parks that could be closed when the park was closed as he felt there are misuses of both parks. Mr. Jack McDonald, 6901 LaMotte Drive, was concerned about the lake quality and requested the committee contact Anoka County, Rice Creek Watershed District and the DNR regarding getting help to clean up the weeds and algae in the lake. Vice-Chairperson Amundsen assured the residents in attendance that the committee was in contact with all of the above agencies and was doing everything possible to make this park an environmentally friendly park. He reiterated this will be an adult park. There will not be a dock, pier or boat launch at this park and after the lake shore restoration is completed it is the committee's desire to have it posted as no fishing or swimming. The residents were in favor of the no fishing or swimming as they felt that would eliminate some of the potential problems. Mrs. Dorothy Mastro, 1553 LaMotte Drive, added her concern for the speed of traffic going down LaMotte Drive, particularly during ball games and suggested signage reflecting Children at Play or something similar. Chairperson Seeley stated there will not be parking at Hidden Spring Park, but a crosswalk going to the parking lot at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. This may cause some traffic concerns in the beginning. Chairperson Seeley repeated the concerns of the residents and stated, as a Park Board, we try and balance the needs of the community with the needs of property owners abutting parks. Chairperson Seeley stated if we close the park up with too much fencing we will not be able to get the policing we need and that is why the fence and lilacs were removed from the front of the property. The lilacs were available and while the cost to relocate them was too expensive, the committee still favors a hedge of lilacs along the south property line. Concerning whom do residents contact regarding problems at the park, Chairperson Seeley said the best option is the police. There is nothing the committee or the City can do if there are problems in the evening, the police will monitor it on a regular basis and any possible problems hopefully will be headed off right away. Mr. Slettery asked if the committee was in favor of boundary on the property line, such as a fence. Chairperson Seeley said the committee would have to discuss it. The committee was not in favor of a berm or privacy fence, though Mr. Slettery was certainly within his rights to put up a fence if he so desired. Chairperson Seeley did say the committee would look at posting private property signage. Mr. Mastro said he had talked to Mr. Bill Tschida, St. Paul Water Utility, regarding people fishing from their property in front of the pump house. Mr. Tschida stated they would consider adding on to the existing fence extending it to the water's edge to discourage people fishing from this property. Council Member Lee said it may not be possible, as it would also involve the City, RCWD and the DNR. Chairperson Seeley thanked the group for coming and their valuable input. 30f7