MINUTES

City of Lake Elmo Park Commission October 19, 2015

Members Present: Weis, Frick, Ames, Silvernale, Steele Members Absent: Frick, Hietpas, Nelson, Zeno Others Present: Mayor Pearson, DPW Mike Bouthilet, DPW Jaime Colemer, Interim Administrator Schroeder, City Clerk Johnson

The meeting was called to order by Chair Weis at 6:30 PM.

Approval of Agenda

Chair Weis, seconded by Commissioner Hartley, moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion passed 8 – 0.

Approval of August 2015 Minutes

Commissioner Hartley, seconded by Commissioner Ames, moved to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed 7 – 1. (Hartley – abstain)

Old Business a. Dog Park Commissioner Weis explained the process for review of the proposal and stressed that the dog park has not been approved. Commissioner Ames thanked the residents in attendance for their involvement and stated that he has heard concerns from residents on traffic, access and parking, nonresident use and dog health. Ames asked for residents in attendance for concerns relate specifically to a dog park versus a regular park at that location. Commissioner Frick provided historical information on the property and vision for the area as a member of the Sunfish Lake Park subcommittee.

Bryce Wickstrom, 4275 Ivy Court N. stated that his dogs got sick following a trip to the St. Paul dog park and expressed concern over sanitation and closure of the west access to Sunfish Lake Park. Chair Weis clarified that no access to Sunfish Lake Park would be changed.

Scott Richie, 8720 42nd Street N., expressed concern that traffic would increase on his street and suggested the dog park should be located elsewhere in the city so businesses could benefit.

Jennifer Watters stated that the site location and design is a big concern to residents and is concerned that the west access to Sunfish Lake Park may be lost. Nadine Obermueller, 8696 42nd Street N., spoke in opposition to the dog park, stating it should be located in a nonresidential area.

b. City Council Action on Park Commission Recommendations

New Business

Staff Reports & Commission Updates Interim Administrator Schroeder reported on the City Council resolution against conservation of Tartan Park, presented the pollinator award received by the City, and reported on research conducted on parkland dedication fees.

Meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Julie Johnson City Clerk