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November 21, 2005

A regular meeting of the Hopkins Park Board was held on November 21, 2005.

  1. Call To Order
    Chairperson Joshua Montgomery called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm.
  2. Roll Call
    Present were Park Board members: Kari Kyllo, Richard Niemann and Joshua Montgomery.  Absent were Park Board members Robert Edmonds and Ron Helgeson. Also present was Hopkins staff liaison Steve Stadler.
  3. Approval of Minutes for September 21, 2005
    R. Niemann moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion to approve the minutes for the September 21, 2005 meeting.  On the vote, the minutes were approved 3-0.
  4. Business
    1. Resident Request for Dog Park
      The Board agreed that prior to conducting the business items on the agenda they would hear the requests of two residents that were in attendance. Judy Carter, 1208 Trailwood South and Clare Lundquist requested the Board consider establishing a dog park within the city. The Board discussed the request. R. Niemann stated that a dog park was considered about 2 years ago but was not approved for construction.  He stated the dog park would require a capital investment for fencing. K. Kyllo stated that Minneapolis dog park/s require a pass with an annual fee. She stated that the police provide periodic monitoring of the park. J. Montgomery stated that he supports establishing a dog park for Hopkins. There was discussion on ways to gauge public interest in a dog park, such as use of the Hopkins Highlights publication and the City web site. S. Stadler said he’d bring a cost estimate for fencing to the next meeting.
    2. Report on Privately Owned Natural Green Spaces
      The Park Board continued this item to the January 2006 meeting      .
    3. Park Board Mission Statement
      R. Niemann provided a written memo on the mission statement including his recommended revision to the current bylaws – see attached.  S. Stadler said that his recollection from the Joint Meeting with City Council is that the Park Board’s role in recreational programs at the various city facilities was to be familiar with the programs and make recommendations through Steve Stadler, Park Board liaison for proposed additions, improvements, etc. to existing programs.  Steve would then discuss the Park Board recommendations for consideration by the City Facilities Director and/or Facility Manager.  S. Stadler said he will start bringing information back to the Park Board on current recreational programming at city facilities.  After discussion, it was agreed to consider approving a mission statement at the January or March meeting.
    4. 2006 Valley Park Improvements
       S. Stadler presented two options for expanding parking at Valley Park.  One option was a lot at the northeast corner of the park just east of the sanitary sewer lift station.  The second option was a lot at the west end of the park between the volleyball and basketball courts and 8th Street South.  After some discussion, the Board preferred the lot at the west side of the park.  The proposed west side parking lot is 10’ from the courts and the Board requested that the lot be modified such that it is further from the courts.  S. Stadler said he’d bring in a revised parking lot plan to the next meeting. R. Niemann moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion to approve proceeding with design of the west parking lot plan.  On the vote, the motion was approved 3-0.
    5. Three Rivers Park District - Proposed Depot Site Improvements
      Staff liaison S. Stadler gave a brief presentation of these proposed plans.  The plans may have to be revised due to the siting of the future light rail transit and bridge over Excelsior Boulevard.  The plans are for information only and S. Stadler will give an update at the January meeting      .
    6. Park Area Assignment Report
      K. Kyllo reported that the digger at Burnes Park is broken.  It was agreed that Kari Kyllo would be assigned Burnes Park and Joshua Montgomery would get Maetzold Field. There were no other reports. The park assignments are as follows:    
      Ron Helgeson: Valley Park, Central Park and Oakes Park
      Dick Niemann: Cottageville Park, Harley Hopkins Park and Elmo Park
      Robert Edmonds: Park Valley Playground, Shady Oak Nature Area, Downtown Park and Hiawatha Oaks
      Joshua Montgomery: Maetzold Field, Interlachen Park and Shady Oak Beach
      Kari Kyllo:  Hilltop Park, Buffer Park and Burnes Park.         
  5. Next Scheduled Meeting
    January 23 , 2006, 6:30 pm
    City Council Chambers
  6. Adjournment
    R. Niemann moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried on a 3-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.