All right. I'd like to call to order the September 18th Parks and Trails Commission meeting. And we'll start with roll call. Christensen here. >> Anderson here. >> Walsh here. >> Schmidt here. >> NBO here. >> Trailer here. >> Great. And I invite everyone to stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Now we're on agenda approval according to this thing. >> Which one do you want? >> No, you don't. It's just suggesting it here down here where there's >> where there's a paper. >> Okay. Would someone like to make a motion to approve the agenda? >> What's the main This is the agenda. >> Do you have an agenda? >> Okay, I figured out this is the agenda. You don't have to click into it. >> Oh, sorry. >> It's right here. >> This whole thing. >> It's a learning curve. >> Okay. So, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> Great. I will second. Excellent. All those in favor? >> I Okay, that passes meeting. >> It's a learning curve. I get it. >> Okay. Meeting minutes. So, if everyone would click into work session minutes, you can click on the PDF >> and any thoughts, corrections, or things there. >> I'm glad to see I was named this month. Thank you. >> You made it. >> You did. >> We'll frame it for you. >> I move to approve the uh work session minutes. >> All right. Uh I'll second that. All those in favor? Okay, then everyone can move on to the last meeting minutes. >> Look at you guys with your iPad. >> Are we good? Do we look like we know what we're doing? >> Honestly, yes. And I wouldn't lie to you. Make a motion to approve the minutes. A second. >> Excellent. All those in favor. Minutes approved. Okay. Open forum. I see we have nothing that presentations also. None. None. Emerald. >> There it is. Okay. Emerald dashboard policy. You have a presentation for us? >> I do. >> Excellent. >> It's not very long. Um most of it is just kind of a overview of the policy. Basically, this is stemming from some public concern that we had received when removing some of the trees at Heritage Park. Uh I want to be very clear, ash trees, dying ash trees. That is really what we took out. um they were either in the process of dying or fully dead and so it gets to a point where it is more expensive and this is listed in the policy as well but it does get more expensive as they are actually dead to remove them. So we did get a very good price from the bid and they respected that when we wanted to expand further. Um so we got a good deal on the tree removal but now it's kind of addressing that public concern and just need to have a clear consistent approach. It ensures safety, it manages the cost, it helps educate the community and really protect that long-term canopy health because as we are taking out these trees, we do need to be mindful. Okay, they're gone now. What are what are we going to replace them with? So, for those that are unaware, EAB, emerald ashbor, is a highly invasive beetle with a high ashtree mortality. What I found is pretty much once it infects the tree, the tree is gonna die. It It's really sad. Um so the treatment is more of a proactive measure if it's a nice tree. Um so leading into that, there are some key policy components. So we've got treatment, removal, replacement, and prevention. So four kind of approaches. Treatment. This would be an option for high quality trees. This is a chem chemical injection. And this is as it's feasible, as it's practical, both financially, if it's a good tree to keep, keeping in mind that eventually it will likely die. I mean, even with the treatment, long term, it is more than likely going to die. Um, go ahead. >> We all do. >> Yeah, that's true. That's true. Um, removal. So ongoing proactive removal like I said of those declining trees, those infested trees preferably during the dormant season which I found to be like October to March. Um this helps with the transmission and the spread of it. And then replacement. So replacing those trees that get taken out with diverse species, not focusing on one tree like an ash tree that then we plant everywhere because they grow fast, but then we run into this same problem. So making we're keeping that diversity in the tree population. The other thing is prevention. So again, no new ash tree plantings on public public property. Now, we also want to focus on again those diverse trees like we want a few different varieties, not just planting all of one because that's how we ended up here. Uh finally, just implementation and benefits of it, education and outreach. Uh providing some of those informative links, the newsletters, the social media posts, things to keep people kind of educated on the matter because to be fair, I didn't know a lot about EAB. Like, I know it's not good for the trees and I know it can kill the trees, but I didn't know there's a quarantine and you can't move trees outside of a certain quarantine range. I mean, there's a lot more that goes into it and I think educating is the first step to really getting people to understand and on the same page. Secondly, the financial impacts of this. Like I said, we got a really good deal on tree removal and so that was the best opportunity for us to remove the ash trees that were dying. However, the impact of removing trees is expensive. So being proactive with it, kind of having this game plan really helps set us up for success a little bit better. And the other main thing is grant opportunities. I think you all know I love a good grant opportunity and this sets us up better to receive those grants. And I would argue that with a lot of the grants, we could go into it and say, "Hey, we have this, but we would like to make it more robust and kind of beef it up and we can use some of those funds sometimes to make these policies better." So, this for all intents and purposes, I think, is a really good starting point to set the stage and then if we need to beef it up a little in the future, we certainly can. Honestly, that's all I have for a presentation on it. I have more slides later for more fun stuff, but I'm happy to hear any thoughts, any adjustments, any changes, questions, life advice. >> There are many ash trees in the corner. >> There are many ashes. >> There are many. I mean, it's a it was a native tree. So, so >> I believe from because I got an astronaut. There are some species that are resistant to emerald ashbor. >> So when if if there's a policy in place that says no more or no new ash trees on public property, is that all types of ash? >> I can clarify it more. >> Okay, >> that's preference. >> Not that it's the biggest deal, but >> I'm not an arborist, so I gave this my best shot. I took a whole bunch of other policies. I did some research, but that's why I'm bringing it here first because I know that some people on the commission have much more of a passion for things of this nature. I can hardly grow a tomato plant. >> I I think it's a good policy. The one question I had was like is there like enforcement involved or are we is it not that type of level? >> Not really that type of level. So there is a private private tree management portion in here. If it's on your property, we really aren't going to touch it is kind of the gist that we're getting at. Uh we do have a a portion in there that talks about a nuisance tree ordinance. We don't have that in place currently. It was a topic of discussion as we were making the policy. Um but that would be more so like if it's infested and it's posing a risk to people and there's a chance for danger, something of that nature would be more pressing to get it removed on private property realistically. what Commissioner Walsh has in his yard. I really more care about Heritage Park and what's there. So, it's not trying to limit what people can do on their own personal property. >> I think that would be the only concern like, oh go force me to remove a tree and then I'll have to pay for it kind of a thing, right? So, doesn't sound like that. But I can update the part about um not planting any ash trees and fix it to maybe not planting ash trees that are prone to eav. Yeah, susceptible. Thank you. That was the word I was looking for. Do we have a policy already that addresses dangerous trees or down trees or >> The conversation I had with our code enforcement guy was no. >> So, well, no nuisance tree ordinance. So, that's what I think it would fall under. >> I have a question. Um, you know, when they coming down up and down the roads and that you know the the you know maintenance. >> Yeah. I mean is this like can you carry it from you can't go from one tree to the next tree to the next tree as they're doing all their their trimming >> or are they carrying the infection in like in their equipment and such? >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know, as they're trimming down the as they're going down the road, trimming all these these and there's we've got ash everywhere, like you say, >> up and down the roads. Is is that a potential >> to be spreading it while they're turning? >> Yeah. Is that >> because there was some concern with that with Dutch elm? >> Was there? >> Yeah. Dutch almost there's a the insect is the vector but it carries an infection bacterial infection from one tree to the next. That's not the case here. >> Okay. >> The beetles actually do the chewing. It kills the tree. Okay. >> And the beetles are at this point are everywhere. >> So, >> okay. >> That's what it looks like when they infect. >> Yeah. >> What's that D exit look? or it says D-shaped exit holes and we got a picture of that. >> You would expect like if you have a a worm in your apple, it's a round hole where they went in >> with with these for some reason it makes looks like the letter capital letter D >> right in the bark. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And shoots will also start to grow out of kind of the lower part of the trunk. I mean, you you can really I've learned a lot and you can tell when a tree is infected >> really. >> Uh I think it starts from the top down. >> So, you'll start to see that the limbs start to lose their tree or lose their leaves at the top and it just slowly works its way down and then you start getting shoots. >> Tom, correct me if I'm wrong. >> I I think that's I'm not an expert by >> on this particular issue. this committee is >> I think that's right. Yeah. >> Do we have a list of good ash trees? What are we thinking? >> I mean, if you want when I update the nonsusceptible trees can be planted. I I would hesitate listing any just in case like >> No, that's okay. I was just curious how many you would have already identified or probably not. This was >> I have identified one >> showy mountain ash. >> A mountain ash. >> Okay. Yeah. A really different tree. >> Yeah, ash is different too. Yeah. >> Yeah, those are good trees. >> Um, this is pretty open-ended, too. So, like we won't be on the hook for treating all these ash trees. >> That is the idea. >> Okay. >> So, the idea is if it's a really nice tree >> in a very particular place >> in a very good spot and it looks very healthy. >> Yeah, >> you have the option to treat it. I I don't want to limit the commission or the council in any way, but I do think we need some sort of process moving forward because >> we did get some questions about the tree removal and it's a lot easier to address when we can point to something. >> How much did it cost per tree? Curious. >> I would have to come back with that. They have overall cost. I think >> yeah, the oak that fell in our lot was eight grand to get it removed. >> And I think I mean I think the tree removal at the park was like $13,800. So >> six of them. >> No, no, it was >> per tree. >> No, no, no, no, no. Total. >> Okay. So for $8,000 for one, I mean just for $100 a week, we got a full discount. And to be fair, keep in mind they're working in a large space with like a lot of work and they're already mobilized and everything. So, it's a lot easier, >> right? >> I don't want to downplay what they did. Very helpful. Very grateful houses. >> Yep. >> Good thing. >> So, there's no downside having this in place. We're basically have it there. So, when people ask questions, we can say, "Yeah, see, we have this policy >> that and grants. I really want it for grants." >> Nice. Especially as we're moving forward trying to plant new trees, >> it kind of gives us another legacy. >> And it's a nice piece of information just to residents if they haven't watch some of their trees dying. >> Okay. So, are you looking for feedback or a move motion? >> So, what I've heard is looks good with the exception of just addressing not susceptible ash trees. >> Yeah. I mean I think um in the or with the goal of you know keeping as diverse a population of trees as possible I think if there are some that that can stay or be planted you know it would be a good thing adjustment >> uh beyond that I do want the city attorney to review he has not yet I don't foresee a lot of issue It's not like we're really tying ourselves to a lot. It's not like we're tying residents to a lot. Um, and then after that, I would like to bring it through council. I was thinking the 8th, otherwise it would have to be put into the packet tomorrow and that's just not going to happen. >> So, would you like a motion in support of the >> I mean, if you feel that you would recommend this to council, >> that is the motion you could make. Or if you feel you don't recommend it, you could also make that motion. before the motion went super quick tiny typo. It's literally one letter. First page, third line from the bottom on the right says ash until after is has died. I believe you meant to say it has died. So in order to get this passed, I think that's >> Wait, tell me one more time. >> Third line from the bottom. >> First page. >> First page. Yep. >> It has died. >> Yeah. says after is has died. >> Oh yes. See I still read it as it. >> Funny how that >> I looked at it for too long. My eyes went crossing. >> Okay. Would someone like to make a motion to not approve but >> recommend? >> Recommend as edited. >> I will make the motion. >> Excellent. Can I get a second? Second. >> All right. All those in favor? >> Okay. What you need there? >> Planning project update. the whole city one, right? >> Yep. Same same thing that Dwight normally puts together. >> Oh, my brain was telling me it was something that update on the park over there. >> No, but that will be coming as part of my parks trail parks recreation trails update. >> I got photos for you. That's why I said more fun stuff >> for number five. minor subdivision. Do we collect park fees for that? Looks like they're just splitting their lots. Split up 5 acres of land surrounding the existing home. >> It's not a development. >> I don't know. That's a good question. I I don't think we've ever it would be if there is like you know a trail that's on that property that might be an opportunity. They're not paying any park >> they wouldn't be paying >> paying any park card fees >> because they're not building anything. >> I don't think I think that's the way that works. >> That's you know that's a really good question. >> Yeah. I was just curious. >> We can look and then Seth wants to know an email to know or just bring it to the next meeting. It's not a high priority, but I'm curious by minor stuff. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Is there like a a threshold of how much development >> is to has to be done in order to collect? >> I think it's any development. >> Well, if you if you build on a lot of wonder here, too, >> just for future reference. >> We will get that answer for you. >> Looks like they want to grow some pot. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, indoor cannabis cultivation. Didn't we have a ordinance or something a city ordinance about that a while back? >> We do have an ordinance for cannabis. >> Yeah. >> Thought we said we weren't going to do it until >> So, I think there's a difference between growing it and selling it. >> Commercial. >> So, this is a growing >> interest. As long as this >> where is there a map? I'm just curious where that it's on kind of road 10 but >> yes >> straight up >> it's north of the park. >> Okay. >> On the east side of the road. >> Is it a residential point? >> Yes. >> Is it interesting? High point. Cool. >> Feel like that might have been >> I just got it. High point. >> Yeah, >> I'm guessing. >> Oh boy, >> I'm getting too old. >> I didn't catch it. >> It was fun to watch you guys all that revelation. >> Any other questions on Do you know what the Amberly trail easement vacation number six pulpy homes requests approval of trail easement vacation to vacate portion of trail? You know what's going on there? >> So it sounds like we are looking into number five, number seven. And you want us to look into 10 more? >> No, we're fine. >> We don't need to look into 10, right? >> It'll be a surprise next week. Maybe is >> I would assume they're vacating plans to build a trail. >> Okay. Oh, that must >> that had previously existed. >> Okay. No other questions for me. >> So, you're going to check out six with the deal. >> Oh, I'm sorry. That's cool. Okay, no other questions. We can move on. All right. Parks, uh, recreation trails update. >> Yay. >> All right. So, we have not met since July. Some things have happened. Business goes on. Um, so during the July 24th city council meeting, we had Lauren Evan appointed to the watershed. I'm sure Commissioner Anderson is a little bit relieved to take a step back or two. >> Uh we had the Heritage Park remaster comprehensive amendment. So this was just a couple of adjustments that we had to make to the and the um where the park is kind of located, how the parcels are laid out. We just had to kind of fast track. We're developing this area, here's why. And so we have to make that update. Uh we did geotech testing as well during the July 24th meeting. And then we get into August 14th. So CO change order number one. And I did make sure that I had this all written down, but I could walk through each one in case there were questions. Uh CO number one was for that tree removal. So we did increase the number of trees being removed when we saw that the price was so good. Uh then 6H is a pay request. So that payment to fame for the work that they had done thus far. Uh change order number two was for preparing the courts the pickle ball area. We're not installing the pickle ball courts, but this sets the stage so that when we do install it, it should be cheaper in the long run. Savings of approximately 10 to 20,000. I would argue that's probably in today's dollars. Who's to say when it gets built? Um it helps the ground settle too, so it should help with longterm viability of the courts. Uh then we get into building special inspection quotes. So testing the soils, making sure that the building is on the right spot and it's all going to work, everything is kosher. We get into August 28th where we recognize night to unite that took place on I want to say the 5th of August. Uh we also had the first building change order. So we have site work and we have building. So they're kind of two different contracts. Um so the building change order was for bigger piping. So it increased from 3 in to 4 in for the outlet areas. And then the actual electric outlets, we only had two outlets per I don't know the technical terms per port. >> And so we upped it to four in each spot. Um, I did hear from our utility superintendent. He is in charge of the water treatment plant. He goes, "My biggest gripe is that I don't have enough outlets." So, especially in that gathering room, I wanted to make sure that we have the right amount of outlets. Um, then moving on to the last meeting on September 11th, the park naming renaming policy went and passed. uh the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Agreement amendment number one. So that addresses uh the reimbursement for the trail portion through Heritage Park. We also clarified within that amendment that the future connection um as you know it it'll be connecting to the large parking lot on the west parcel. Eventually the plan is to have the trail go over to the warming house parking lot or what is currently the warming house parking lot. That would become the trail head. So longterm we wanted to make sure we're not counting oursel out for future reimbursement for future work. So this covers what we have now while calling out for future work. Um we also had the first pay request for the building contract to Veilent Construction Services and then change order number three for the site work which included a covert on county road 10 to address the Diamond Lake Regional Trail crossing. So, that is also reimbursible, which is nice. And then it addressed um electrical conduit, making sure that we can get the transformer that's down near the pin wheels to have electricity again. So, just making kind of getting all of our ducks in a row, just things that we have to address as the time goes by. Any questions on any of that? Otherwise, I'll get into more of the park updates. >> Um Yes. >> Yes. >> The trees. The tree removal. >> Is that a specific question? >> Yes. >> Uh >> the trees they accidentally removed on someone else's property. >> Yep. Yep. That happened too. >> Um so we do have a property to the it's the southwestern property touching the park. Uh what happened to my understanding is that it was cloudy day. Unfortunately, GIS does not work as well when it's a cloudy day. And so, it got kind of walked off and it was slightly off and then the tree people came in and then they were slightly off. So, we are working with the property owner to address it um to replace some of the trees that were in the area. It is unfortunate and we are very sorry. So, we do want to get that fixed up. So, I got the plan back I want to say yesterday. I've been working with our landscape architect and our consultants and I want to meet with property owner next week if possible. I have to reach out to them and see if they're available. But we are addressing it. We're very sorry. >> And whose pockets are that going to come out? >> Likely the city, but I'm >> because >> I'm we hired it out. >> That's that's where I'm going to kind of have that conversation to see where we go from there. >> Um >> I mean it be if our city boys did it. >> Yes, that would be pretty clear. >> Yeah, but and I'm not and the property owner has been super cooperative. It's not >> there's a trying to remember her name. She was on parks and trails for a while. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, she was. >> Yeah. >> She doesn't live there anymore. >> No, but her husband is. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, but he's been super nice about it. >> Very amable. Very good. I even know if there was any a whole lot of quality to the trees, but >> it's still some things >> still wasn't to do that. >> Yeah. >> It's it's the fact that it's a buffer from a park. It keeps your property >> kind of out of sight. >> I mean, ideally, this park will get a lot of use. So, I I would want the buffer, too. >> So, >> it is something we're addressing. >> I would like to get it addressed within the next I think it's on someone else's dime. >> Well, that'd be best, >> you know. >> That's my hope as well. Um, so other than that, Dime Lake Regional Trail Special events, that's supposed to say pol policy development, not police development. I am not developing our officers. Let me be very clear, no one wants that. Um, and then park planning. So, Tim, our detective, and I, he has his drone license. I do not, nor am I going to get it, but he has been kind enough to go out to the park with me every few weeks and take some drone photos. So, I wanted to share some of those with you before we put them on the website. So, this is early stages, just kind of a general overview. You can see that they start kind of removing the trees kind of in this area. You can see the trail for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail is starting to come in. Again, very early stages. The um playground is still intact. The tennis courts are still intact for all intents and purposes. >> Intact is really relative word. >> Um, so this is I think about a month later. Uh, you can see that they're really getting down and dirty into like the parking lot area. The building's going over here. This is where the playground is going to go kind of along here. So, really getting into it, starting to grade things out, prepping it, and then we start to really get into the grading. And you can see the container for the playground starting to form. >> So exciting. >> Uh, again, just kind of a different angle. You can also see a certain neighborhood over here. >> You can see my house. >> Kind of cool, right? right there. >> And if you guys would like to see a later photo, I do have one of Minneapolis from the drone, which is kind of cool, but I did not include it in here. Um, so you can see even more so that playground container getting >> really defined, which is exciting. And honestly, it's at a point where you can >> I mean, please do not walk the trail, but you can see where the trail is going. It's not paved yet. Um, that intention is to pave it this fall. boardwalk would be happening over the winter months, but again, we likely won't be having people on site until the work is more complete. And then since I'm most excited about the playground, I really wanted to hone in on that. >> So, really exciting things. It's coming together. They're making progress. Um, pipes have been going in. They're hoping to start footings on the building soon. Three removals done. You can see that the playground and the tennis court are now just this. This is the tennis court. >> It's beautiful. >> Just about as functional as it was. >> Your words, not mine. >> Uh, but all things considered, it's >> Is it >> what? >> The pond looks so blue. >> Looks nicer from above. >> A dent in it. >> I did not edit this photo. But >> it was always so more swampy. >> Still, >> I wouldn't take a kayak in there that much. >> Um, >> honestly, if anyone wanted to meander out there from the commission, I would be happy to find some time to walk out there. I have some extra high vest. We would just have to be mindful of a quorum. But I would I would absolutely adore bringing people out there if you want to yet because this is the hard work that you have put in. And I don't know if anyone else is as excited as me, but every time I go out there, I get a bigger smile on my face. And the people we're working with have been phenomenal. Like, they want to make this happen just as much as we do. It's so fulfilling. I just can't stop smiling. So, uh, I do have more photos and Seth and I are looking to update the Heritage Park page within the next week, ideally. But, you know, with the events and everything, it's been a little busy. We had bark in the park last Friday as well. Um, approximately 35 40 people, I think 25, 30 dogs. Keeping in mind park is under construction. It was raining. We had some vendors that were not able to attend. So, like all things considered, a really good turnout and people seem to enjoy it. So, >> good. >> Good. >> That's my update. >> Good. >> Good. Thank you. It's great. Wow. >> I love my job. Thank you, Brad. >> That's nice to hear. >> We have a garden club report. >> We We Yeah, it continues. >> They want help. >> They want Yeah, they're always We're always looking for some help. Yeah, >> Susan brought me flowers today from her garden as a thank you from the garden club. I really think they belong to you guys. I don't approve the purchases, so But they're at my desk anyway. >> Just for when we meet. You should brought them. >> I should have. She brought them in today. >> Oh, okay. Plenty of time to get over here. >> So sorry. >> All right. Uh park dedication fund. We got $52.60 in donations towards Heritage Park. I can share with you. I am one of those donations. >> What did that What did that get you? >> A sticker. >> Sticker. Nice. >> Oh, cool. >> $25 donation. >> Did you have that over at Park? >> Uh, it was during 199. We had one other person purchase and I'm not going to share with you who it was, but wouldn't be surprising if you >> What are we What are we offering? So, as part of the See My Legacy program, we have The idea was we have two different kinds of stickers. One is a more low-key sticker. It's just a circle, but I did design both of them, so I think they both turned out great. Uh the circle one, it was if you could if you donated like $5, you would get at least something in return. >> Sure. >> And then there is a more intensive sticker that is diecut and kind of includes more. If you make a $25 more donation on the city park or on the heritage park remaster page on my legacy. You would get that sent to you. >> So >> cool. Okay, >> Tom. >> Yes, >> stickers are in >> stickers. Just so you know. >> Yeah, I need one for my >> five bucks gets you a sticker. >> The circle sticker >> for sure. >> It reminds probably a better job truthfully of getting it out there. It's a little challenging because we can't technically fund raise and so it's a platform that is facilitating that for us and so we can't really like go out so much. >> It's sticky. >> But it's a way good. Thank you uh for your donation on behalf of the >> wanted that sticker. >> Yeah, I expect to see $175 next >> with stickers on all their iPads. >> I don't have any questions. Anybody else? >> I had a question about the actually a member um some in-laws live at the bell weather and they were asking about the boardwalk when that would go in. I looked in count city council documents and it said this year. >> Yes. Uh last I heard they had to finalize a couple more things. Six to eight weeks was the timeline that I heard. >> Oh. From >> for starting. >> Okay. >> So it should be done this winter. >> November spring. >> That's great. They like to work on boardwalks in the winter time is what I found. So that's why they'll be working on that one in the Bellweather neighborhood and then the um one within Heritage Park would also be done kind of in those fall winter months as well. >> That's great. >> I will. >> Okay. >> One of those never ending projects that may actually end. Yeah, tell that one too. The port lock. >> Wow, that's great. That's good news. >> Okay, so that's everything I think is on my list that has PF attached to it. So, no other questions or anything. I would like to make a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> I will second that. All those in favor? I >> we adjourned.