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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16CITY OF LAKEVILLE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES July 16, 2025 Committee Chair Weberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake Marion Conference Room. Members Present: Holly Weberg, Steve Henneberry, Pat Sauer, Mark Engler, Saima Ali, Shahid Nadeem, Dan Volkosh Members Absent: Vicki Schwartz, Renee Brekken Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director Joe Masiarchin, Community Development Director Tina Goodroad, City Forester Zach Jorgenson, Forestry Technician Grace Benson 1. Approval of June 4, 2025 minutes A motion was made by Henneberry, seconded by Engler to approve June 4, 2025 minutes as written. Ayes: unanimous 2. Citizen comments No citizens were present. 3. Updated Tree Preservation Ordinance Goodroad provided background on the process of updating the Tree Preservation Ordinance and the benefits of doing so. The revised ordinance will require a comprehensive tree inventory that encompasses both landscaping and zoning codes, providing clarity on the developer’s responsibilities. Once the City Council approves the ordinance, it will take immediate effect. Committee Discussion • When a tree preservation plan/replacement plan is presented, recommended consistency between replacement tree species and connectivity to existing woodlands. Consider the species’ significance, size, tree health and any notable historical significance when determining preservation/preservation. Staff will include these comments in the materials that will go to the Planning Commission and City Council. • Why are deciduous trees included explicitly in the tree replacement language? This is due to canopy replacement rather than just being ornamental. A combination of both is acceptable. • Where is the native tree list that is mentioned in the ordinance located? This will be provided as an attachment to the ordinance. • Is there anything very different from what comparable communities are currently enforcing? The additional allowances for woodland credits are not as common but the ordinance is similar to many surrounding communities that staff reviewed when writing the new ordinance. A motion was made by Henneberry, seconded by Sauer, to approve the updated tree preservation ordinance as presented by City staff, with the recommendations mentioned above being taken into consideration. Ayes: unanimous Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources committee Meeting Minutes, July 16, 2025 Page | 2 4. 2026-2036 Parks System Master Plan Update A consultant has been selected for the 2026-2036 Parks System Master Plan, HKGi will be overseeing the project. Masiarchin requested that 2-3 representatives from this committee participate in upcoming meetings and act as liaisons to the committee on future updates as well as committee participation needs. Staff will request a timeline from the consultant on forthcoming meetings so committee members can plan ahead of time. 5. Staff Report Several public engagement campaigns are underway for the development of East Community Park Phase II. This is the final project that was approved as part of the 2021 Park Bond Referendum and includes improvements/additions to the north side of the park. A community survey was publicized via yard signs, social media posts and direct mailers. A pop-up open house was also held at the Art on the Lawn Event on July 11, where residents could review the proposed master plan concepts and provide feedback. Staff will plan to have the consultant attend a future meeting to give an overview of the survey results. A preferred master plan concept will be developed based on the survey feedback; construction is anticipated to begin in 2026. Staff provided the details of the 2025 Park Tour that is scheduled for August 20. The stops include a mix of new construction, future construction, special use facilities, greenways, and lesser-known existing parks. The tour bus will depart from City Hall at 6 p.m. The Grand Prairie Park pickleball courts were utilized for the Pan-O-Prog Pickleball Tournament, and the feedback was overall positive. The park is closed again until the restroom building is complete and other park areas can be safely accessed while some areas of the park remain under construction. The construction of the splash pad has been significantly delayed due to new interpretations from the Minnesota Department of Health regarding water recirculation systems. They have determined that a bathhouse with showers and controlled entrances/exits is required for the splash pad to be completed. Staff has applied for two variances that will be reviewed on August 12. Options to be compliant are to either expand the existing restroom building to include three showers in each, which is already 80% completed, or construct a freestanding structure. Staff has consulted with surrounding communities with similar splash pad amenities. The completion of the splash pad has been significantly delayed due to this issue and will likely not open this year. Staff will provide an update on the status of the variances in the coming weeks. Motion was made by Sauer, seconded by Ali to adjourn the July 16, 2025 meeting. Ayes: unanimous 6. Adjourn Meeting 7:27 p.m.