All right. >> All right. Like like to call the October 16th, 2025 meeting of the parks and trails commission to order. We'll take the roll call. Anderson >> Walsh Schmidt >> NOT Straer. >> Welcome. Welcome staff. Nice to see you all here. I'll be filling in tonight. The chair and the vice chair are >> filling >> indisposed and so you may remember how to do this. >> You got it. >> All right. Invite the uh the staff and members to stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge 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. questions, changes for the agenda. >> Chair entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> Motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Thank you. CL comments. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. All right. Minutes. Seth's minutes from last. >> Did everyone get included? So >> you'll never live it down. >> Questions, comments, corrections. >> All right, chair will entertain a motion to approve the minutes as written. >> A motion to approve the minutes. >> Is there a second? >> I second. >> All right. Discussion. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. All right. Open forum. No one is present. Presentations. There unfinished business. No unfinished business. New business. Item 8. >> Hello. So last week at council, this was brought before them as an option. It was brought to our attention that Lenar is looking to um switch out instead of irrigating two culde-sacs, they would like to provide us with a shade structure at Wildflower Park. And since that's a very often requested amenity and feature there, we figured it made sense and council said, "Yep, let's move forward with it." except can they pay for the pavilion and the install and two benches or two um picnic tables. So tonight before you um we are looking for a location for the shelter and if it's the proposed location great. If you have alternative suggestions I'd love to hear them. And then um also we will be looking at benches and picnic tables. So, uh, we'll start with the location of the shade structure. Right now, we have it just kind of in the concave portion, >> convex portion. >> Concave. >> Okay. Concave portion. Um, it's shown it's about 20 by 20. So, this 80 square foot box. >> Thoughts on the location? Is there a real passion for that spot? Is there a passion to move it elsewhere? Other areas of discussion were here. Uh and then it was discussed that line of sight for traffic might be kind of tough. Uh there was also the discussion of here uh here which this one also these two brought up similar points of discussion for this intersection. While not as used as Gleon, still pretty frequent. Um, part of the reason it was brought up to move it maybe closer to the parking is in case people brought in coolers or something heavy that they needed to kind of haul out there. Um, I would say I don't see that being a super frequent need just because it is only a 20 by 20 shelter. It's probably not something we're going to rent out and it it's anticipated to currently have two tables. I mean, you could bring a cooler, but I just don't think it'll happen as often as people would at like Heritage Park. >> Um, so thoughts on location? >> Yeah, I so I actually drive by this one pretty frequently. Um, and notice a lot of the play that goes on there. So like it a lot of times they're playing soccer in that lower right >> open space. >> And so while I definitely understand the reason to keep it maybe central to like distance from all the play equipment, I think the very top Right there at the Yeah, right there might be a nice compromise. You're closer to the road for the cooler issue farther away from the main road and then it gives that full space for soccer field like you know that I do see them playing you know they're pretty frequently and then getting them that farther away from the road actual like soccer space is probably better too. >> They also play volleyball frequently in that area. >> Yeah, that's right. was there recently. They had the net set up right over there. >> And if they are listening, please make sure you remove the net afterwards. >> We have one of your nets here at city hall and you're more than welcome to come pick it up. >> Love it. You're listening. >> Um, okay. So, >> are folks good with this general area? >> I think the only hesitation was over here is a resident, >> so trying to keep it away from that area. But there is kind of a buffer area right here that is still parkland. >> So, >> but this is all parkland. So, the city will continue to maintain it. >> And the islands in the culdeacs will be maintaining those that if they don't get the irrigation and all that. >> Want to hold your question. Let's stick with do. >> Oh, I apologize. >> Yes, that's fine. Apologize >> because I have some questions. >> Oh, you too. Okay. >> Um I, you know, initially I I like the location that was presented here, but I think um the points made it it would make sense to leave that field area or space a little more open. Um additionally, you know, looking to put it at the other end of the uh park there. Um that's where the smaller kids are playing. Um, and so there might not be quite as much need to have the the structure right there. I mean, I could see the use being maybe small birthday parties or or something like that or just get togethers with neighbors in the park, right? And so more likely than not if people are congregating there it's probably at least in my opinion probably be with the older kids. Um so yeah I mean obviously it's not a huge space. It's not like it's a a big change. Um, but no, I I I think that the what is it? The north what? East. >> Um, I think that's a a good spot for it. So, I would agree there. >> I think so. Yeah, that makes good sense to me. >> You can see there's cars parked there, too. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I think with the with the path, too, you know, you have all the alternative routes for people to get there who might otherwise or who might use it as well. It's not blocking the intersection at all. >> So, do we need a motion on this or do we go with consensus? >> Um, let's do consensus for Well, no. We should probably It's just a re Let's get a motion just in case. You know, I like to do that. Sorry. Thinking out loud. would make a motion that the Can I make a motion to cons make a motion that the parks and trails commission supports supports the shade structure and would prefer the location be in the northeast corner of the park. a second. >> Then under discussion >> if they are giving, you know, in exchange for the culdeac part, who's taking care of those culde-sacs? >> I'm pretty sure it's the HOA. Okay. >> But ultimately council approved it last week. Okay. >> To move forward with this option. >> Okay. I just didn't want the culde-sac now to become a problem for us for the city to be going in because there's no irrigation and it's dying and we have to seed it. We have to I don't know whatever goes on in that circle. >> We can double check and come back to you either way. >> Is the idea then to um I guess keeping on the culde-sac piece. >> Well, let me just hold the vote. All in favor of the motion >> of the movement. I >> I >> I I'll say I but to me it has to do with the culde-sac before I say yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah, that's why I brought it up in the discussion part. But go ahead. >> I will say within how do I put this with council having kind of already approved that part. I don't know how much wiggle room we have at this point to kind of change that. So I would try and get what you want out of the situation that is here. >> Yeah. I just wanted to verify it become an obstacle for us because or for the city because we >> traded. >> We'll check with >> probably public works and engineering and shoot out an email after. >> Sure. >> That work? >> Perfect. >> I wish I had more answers for you. I'm in favor of that. >> Moving on to bench options. >> Now I since we're talking about the plantings in the cold stack, the sizing those two cold stacks, the garden space is about 572 square ft. So it's a sizable garden. And there are only three grasses listed. And one of them is regarded as as a as a not a native grass and as invasive. Not in a really terribly serious way, but there's if you see some patches of this white headed grass, every year it gets a little bigger. That's what they're >> like that pompus grass type stuff. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so I, you know, my preference if the homeowners association is in charge of that, then it's their in charge of it, >> right? >> If if it were in my I were on that culdeac, I would certainly want something more interesting than three species >> of grass and it would include probably some of the boulders that we've got behind city hall. Do something something more interesting with different question and I would I would prefer that Indian grass be used instead or some other native and that we'd be concerned about the first couple years especially with no with no sprinkler system that if you give it regular water so that doesn't just turn into a field small field of pistons. Mhm. >> What I >> what I do like about the change is that it's uh taken out the sod and replaced it with more I guess hardier grasses and that would require less maintenance. Um, but I to your point I think a little more diversity could be >> could be more interesting than that. Pretty >> pretty plain. >> And then I just was also noticing that they've got a tree right in the middle of it and and then trees around the culdeac in each of the lots. So over the next 30 years, it's going to go from bright full sun all the time to sort of semi-shape. >> So they'll need to we do get but that's true anyway >> I'm writing this all down so I can pass it up the chain >> and it's you know the reason that most important is that the homeowners association is responsible for the maintenance that if it's the city then then it's different but I can't imagine the city >> agreed nor with the homeowners association other concerns about the effects. >> You guys all look so good with those computers? Just >> Okay. So, if you don't get this just contact >> Yeah, that's true. >> All righty. >> All right. So, on to uh picnic tables currently on site. Um these were picked out by the commission years ago at this point. Um these two are actual pictures from Google Maps. Not true on site me there. Um cedar planks, black legs. So, looking for feedback on either the benches or the picnic tables. Is there an interest in having any benches in place of picnic tables? Is there an interest in including a wheelchair accessible option? And should they match the ones on site? So, for reference, this is an example of a composite um wheelchair accessible 8 foot recycled plastic table that would match the benches that are on site. Option one. These are some other options as well. Uh 8 foot recycled plastic table composite panels on table and seat. Again, this one would likely match. This one is also composite. Doesn't match as well. And then just for reference, this is what we have out at the pavilion at Heritage Park. So, I wanted to provide that as an alternative as well. Um, and if the preference is to go with benches, I actually didn't pull a lot of benches because I kind of figured you get more seating out of the >> picnic table and I kind of thought that would be more of the >> thought of the commission, but I wasn't sure. >> That third option, um, middle down at the bottom there. Um, is that an accurate depiction of of what it looks like or would the coloring be a little closer to what the others >> This was the only color that I found on this one. >> Okay. >> And I I asked why I included because we can get something similar to Oops. I'm not even on your screen. Similar to this >> without the ADA portion. I just didn't want to include two of kind of the same. >> Sure. >> Right. I only asked because I think that one is already I think more tailored to uh being ADA accessible. >> Yeah. >> Being that the longer overhang at both ends. >> Um so I mean if I guess if the finish could be similar to the others, you know, I think that's something to consider. >> So would you opt for not having the ADA one and just two regular ones then >> I think in in that style I I think that that is accessible you know in my mind I think my dad is in a wheelchair is MS right so you know when I think of our like going into public spaces like that looks accessible to me right that's something that you can get versus the top one you can see it not as much One thing on the ADA on the pad placement, will there be cement to this to the sidewalk, too? I don't And does that change? >> I was going to make that recommendation when I talk to them and pass along information because >> that would make sense. >> Yeah, that's the most important part, I think. >> Yeah. People need to still be able to get there if nothing else. >> Um, so it sounds kind of like I mean That's not really the same style kind of comparatively like this one. This one it sounds like we're looking for galvanized steel legs. Is that true? Kind of like how these are metal versus the composite legs. >> The composite will last longer. >> Go back one if you wouldn't mind. Isn't that what that is? Except it's painted. Power coated. >> Uhhuh. >> And could it be green? >> Like the bench? What? What color was the benches? >> Benches are black and cedar. >> Oh, they are black. Okay. It looks green to me. So, sorry. >> That's part of why I pulled the composite leg one because it kind of matches. >> Yeah. So, does that one come non back when 98? So ultimately, we haven't picked out like a specific vendor or anything of that nature. What I'm really looking for is what color planks is the ADA important, what kind of legs, is there a certain style you're looking for? And then we'll try and kind of source out what the best option is. >> Is that fair? >> Yeah, I think matching the existing colors is probably would be preferable. So cedar >> and composite for the top planks >> or black powder coated for oh I guess for the frame but yeah for the for the top planks the >> composite >> and we want pretty much this black powder coated. >> Mhm. So basically the next one correct is that what you think? >> That one like the gray one but with cedar planks and black legs. >> You got it. >> Yeah, I think that would be ideal. And keeping in mind too, do we still not want an ADA one? >> I think we should just state public policy. >> Do one. >> They don't be used all that often, but >> well, and to be fair, I mean, you can still use pretty much the entire table. And if we if we if it means that we instead we have a 10 foot 88 compliant table then we can still seat three on each side and and work with just the extra cost of slightly bigger table. Just looks like a diving board to me. >> I kind of wonder >> the kids all the kids I've seen playing there. They're already climbing up onto the roof of the structures. I would envision it's going to be mounted >> permanent. >> Yeah, >> because Yeah. in the next picture though, like you said, the overhang >> and compromise >> if there's enough overhang >> to get a wheelchair there. >> I can look too. I don't think that one was ADA compliant. >> Okay. >> But I can look. I don't think the overhang is quite long enough because the underside of it, the legs going into that. >> Whereas this one kind of has that longer >> support. Gotcha. >> I don't know. >> So, I can look into it. Sounds like preference is this one, but black legs, cedar planks, >> and yes or no to an ADA. try and keep it not looking like a diving board. >> Yeah. I mean, I think if we could find something that's >> tasteful. >> Yeah. >> ADA compliant and tasteful. >> So, ADA that's tasteful. >> Yeah. >> Google that. Right. >> One standard. No benches. >> Are there are there any benches that parks? >> Yes. >> Those ones? those specific ones >> and and are they used? >> Yeah, >> these would be benches under the under the cover >> in place of the table. >> I think existing benches are are fine. >> The table's just like two benches where you have to face it first, >> right? >> Yeah. before you face it >> with useful space >> act we would not each other >> right >> promoting community trying to >> um can I get a motion on that as well >> is there a motion >> for the tables versus the benches >> thing package >> yes cedar composite planks black legs uh ADA table that doesn't have a super extended top and one standard table. >> I will motion that. >> Is there a second? >> I will second. >> Further discussion. >> All right. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Nice presentation. Thank you for having pictures. That was very helpful. >> All right. Item 9, planning project update. >> White was kind and put that together again. >> Good questions, comments. any new updates on I guess timing of uh park installation like playground >> playground installation. >> Uh we're hoping for next week for the first half of equipment. >> Awesome. >> They have they're actually anticipating being done. Well, I'll say >> yeah. It looks pretty. >> Mhm. Trails going in. Looks nice. >> All right. It be parks recreation and trails. >> All right. So, I'm going to go through pretty much the council stuff. Uh there was a site work change order, a pay request, and I don't recall if I shared this with you guys yet, but we heard back from the DNR again, and they shared with us that they found or they were allocated additional funds, and we were the next project in line. >> So, we were told that we could go through with this grant. The only issue being that uh we already have some of the playground equipment on site. Some of the dirt work has been done. So some of the things that we originally had put in the grant are no longer eligible because they have been done already and it's a reimbursement and you have to be in the agreement before you can qualify for any reimbursement. That said, we have spent a lot of time trying to find the pieces that fit and it looks like we are eligible for up to $325,000 >> of the original $350,000 ask and approval. >> So, all things considered, we're halfway done with the playground, but we're still able to get most of the money. So, hopefully >> I'm still working with her. We're going back and forth, but it's looking good. Um, other things, we got about $52, $53 from See My Legacy. Spoiler alert, it was me and the mayor who donated. Um, we also got another one and that'll come in the December or January quarterly acceptance resolution. Um, heritage park improvements. We also had another building pay request. But the main thing I wanted to show you is look at that. We have a parking lot. >> Zoom. >> Zoom in again. >> It's all good. >> You're good. >> Um Oh gosh. Now I just >> So you can see this is going to be where the playground is. You can kind of see the container coming to life. Um, over here will be a future splash pad. >> Where are you? >> Oh, I'm not even on your screen. Okay, let's try this again. >> Playground right in here. >> Um, building. You can start to see the footings going in. >> Uh, this will be the future splash pad. >> This will round out to make the baseball field hole. The trail through the pin wheel is paved. >> The Diamond Lake Regional Trail going around the park also paved. >> The whole thing, >> the whole thing is paved. The boardwalk is planned for the fall or winter months. Apparently, it's easier to do boardwalks in those months. Um, let's see what else. They should start installing playground next week. Sounds like uh concrete flat work is also getting done next week or completed. They're working on it right now. So, very exciting stuff. >> Yeah. Wow. >> It is. >> However, we are still asking that people do not go on site because it is still an active construction zone right now. >> Wow. >> I know. While it looks like everything is so close to being ready, keep in mind we have to like reestablish a lot of the ground that was messed up. >> Well, if my dog runs over there, >> I have to go get them. >> My biggest ask. >> Don't have him here. >> Where is it? >> Oh, so >> Oh, sure. >> All planted. >> That's That's trying That's grass trying to grow. >> Cool. Is it hydroed? >> It's coming up already, though. It looks nice. >> They did it along uh 50 as well. >> It's true. >> It looks really good. >> It does, doesn't it? >> I've been so impressed. >> I know. Every time I go by every day, it was kind of aggravating while we were building it because there was always, you know, you couldn't get to work on time because there was always somebody stopping you. But it sure is going quick now. Mhm. So, sounds like site work is going to wrap up pretty soon for the season and then they'll finish up whatever they have left in the spring like landscaping and things of that nature. >> Crazy. >> Lamp poles too. All those lamp poles. When do they go in? >> Don't we have lamps going in? >> The pedestrian lighting >> in the >> Don't we have them in the parking lot? >> In the in the parking lot? >> Yes, I can ask. I So the parking lot isn't totally done. >> Yeah, >> it's just got like that base layer. It still needs what is it? The layer course. >> So I would imagine probably after they complete that just that there's not a hazard, but I can ask to double check. >> I'm sure they'll >> Yeah, I have no doubt they're going to put in lights. >> I hope so. >> Cool. That's great. And if you want more photos, we are working on updating that Heritage Park page more regularly. And so whenever we get drone photos, we try and throw them out there. >> Okay. >> Oh, it's beautiful. >> Yeah. Super cool. >> It's just beautiful. >> You made this happen. >> Years of work. >> All right. Uh item 10, garden club report. which you all have sitting in. >> Is that what this is? We didn't look at it yet. It's paper. >> It is. >> I like it. >> We did add it to the packet, but it got added today and so we figured it was probably good practice to print it off so that you just had it. >> Well, Tom can tell us. Well, I've I've been pretty awol from the garden club this year, >> but Susan Nelson has been doing she's much better knows a lot more about plants and cultivation than I do. So, it's a it's a it is it is a struggle out there. The the layer of landscape fabric proves to be difficult to deal with. You would need to get a D9 bulldozer in there to pull it out. >> Um, and uh Getting rid of thistles is always hard. And and some of this a lot of those shrubs now are when did we put the when did we put the garden in, you know, long time ago. >> Yeah. And so those shrubs have grown significantly. So it's it's not quite the neat pristine thing as it was, but there's some some really nice plants, some really nice blooms, some nice some nice stuff going on. And we've had a couple of new people in the garden club who seem to be pretty enthusiastic. So So that helps. >> We could use we could use a few more. >> Yeah. >> Excellent. >> And park education fun. We're going to I'm I'm going to warn you the next one is going to probably hurt a lot more. Um, we've got a pay request going to council for next week to pay fame for the big chunk of work that they just did, like the uh parking lot and such. >> It was about a million dollar invoice. So, >> we're going to start to see the project costs really coming out. I just don't want you guys to get sticker shock when you see. >> So, is that why is that why I didn't get it? >> It should be in there. >> No. Mine just says cover sheet. >> Huh? >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Did you click the new link that Seth sent out today >> in your email? >> New. >> That's why you got the old packet. >> That's okay. >> Sorry. >> Well, that money's there to be spent. >> Yeah, that's been saving for so long. >> You don't know how long we've been saving, >> right, guys? >> Oh, man. I will say in an effort to offset it, I'm trying to get some of our reimbursements moving through so that we can kind of >> backfill. >> So, uh, we should be completed with the federal funds by the end of the year. We have gotten 250 back and I would anticipate getting the other 250 before 2026. I've been speaking with Pennington County about the youth sports grant. Sounds like that one's going to be a little closer to like completion of the project, but we can get our 350 there. Working with the DNR, other people's money >> because we have more things to do. >> How um official are I guess is the federal funding portion just thinking about you know government being shut down and >> we haven't any issues. >> Absolutely. Okay. >> And that's also part of the reason that we wanted to get this Yeah, >> before we have the potential to run into any issues. >> So, I would envision very soon within the next couple months. >> Good job. >> Nice. >> Teamwork makes the dream work. >> Good. Other business. >> Do you ever do you guys either of you have special reports? Is that what's on the agenda? >> I have a parks, recreation, and trails up. >> Well, yeah. Okay. What else are you working on? >> What have you been doing, Gertie? >> The grants. >> That's how we know what's really happening in the city. Hey, Jessica. What's what you've been doing? >> Let's see. What have I done? Let me go into my calendar. That's usually easier. Um, I've been working to get my IT stuff squared away because I have an iPad and an iPhone and as we go into winter season, I want to make sure I can update the weather line. So, when the program coordinator leaves, it becomes my agenda. Um, let's see. I had site meetings. I have been taking drone footage with our detectives. >> That's awesome. >> Checking in on the project. Uh they're kicking off the Weaver Lake Regional Trail discussion. So, we had that meeting. >> East West Trail. >> Yep. And it will intersect with the Diamond Lake Regional Trail. >> Any idea where? um >> approximately >> kind of I think along north of 116 I want to say >> am I wrong here >> it runs north >> runs north >> just kidding I don't listen to me okay not expecting some of these questions I wasn't expecting to be asked what I was >> now you're on the spot >> I I think I included it in the packet. I just didn't include it on the slideshow. I figured you guys sitting >> weren't that passionate about >> what have you been up to? >> They keep giving me lots of administrative projects, more than I have time for, >> but uh planning's been very busy. They're going to have a quite a busy uh November meeting with all kinds of different uh projects going forward. Um just helping Jess with the other regular kind of tasks. Not nothing too much to uh nothing too much that's noteworthy. >> Kind of my job >> unless unless it didn't get done then then it would be noteworthy. Things are falling apart because >> we're keeping things afloat pretty well >> and this all matches up with your career goals. Well, >> yes. >> Just for the record, one of the things that people should be able to do is say that I'm doing things that are important not only for the city but for myself. >> Yeah, it's been great. I mean, I haven't had experience in community development specifically, but um when I was at the legislature, I worked on a lot of different areas as well as working in the courts and elections. So, it's been nice to broaden my horizons and expand my skill set. So, it's been great working fulltime for a city. >> Good. You >> It's a good show. >> He was on it. >> Other business or announcements? >> We'll have to tell Sheriff Christensson to up his game and keep drilling them every time for what they've been doing. >> Normally I on the PowerPoint, but I did it this time and clearly it's >> I will make sure I have it on there next time. >> Hey, we see you running around. We know. I mean, it's not like we don't live in this town, too. >> Keeping an eye on you. >> I am getting an upgrade for the parks and w team. Uh, we are no longer using the golf cart. >> Oh, no. What are you getting? >> Pey gave us their side by side. >> What did they get? >> I don't want to know. I got I got side by side. >> Cool. I was at a an event the other day. >> I got to wear my cork line flannel line wind jacket. >> Yeah, >> I have not had a chance to wear that yet. >> Well, it's been so nice out. >> Yeah, it's been beautiful out. >> Very nice to have that. No, nobody asked me about it though. It's just >> you you were proud wearing it. >> I was. I absolutely was. Good. >> Other comments will entertain a motion to adjourn. >> I make a motion we adjourn. Is there a second? I'll second that. >> Questions? All in favor? I thank you.