Okay. Sorry, I cut everybody off. >> Can I have one? >> No. >> Nope. There's Rachel. >> And there's Rachel. >> Okay. We're going to call the meeting to order. Um, before I do that, Sarah, could you please pass me an agenda so I can go off of that? Sorry. >> Thank you. Um, all right. Before we get started, I just wanted to say that today was a horrific day in Minnesota and um, there's not really anything that can be said, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't say something. And so I just it's it's terrible and um we should be able to be in our community in spaces together and feel safe. So I just want to acknowledge that and it's probably weighing on a lot of us as we do this meeting. So um putting that out there. Uh Sarah, can we please have a roll call? >> Yes. Laura Greenley Karp >> here. >> Sarah Zaraka here. Dave Andrin and Lloyd are absent today. Ben Hansen >> here. >> Ingred Kohler >> here. >> Rachel Lucas >> here. >> Cassidy Schwar >> here. >> Awesome. Okay. So, now we'll take a motion to adopt the agenda. >> I make a motion. >> I'll second that. >> Uh any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? >> Okay. Uh the next motion is for the approval of the minutes. I make a motion. >> I second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? >> Great. Uh the meeting is open to the public, but we don't have any members of the public here this evening. So, we're going to move right on to uh commission business and talk about the Southwood Nature Preserve Maintenance Plan. >> Yes. So, we have the pleasure of having our public works director, Ron Richie, here >> today to talk about the plan that our city's horiculturalist uh developed for Southwood. >> Hello. Uh thanks for having me. Um, yeah, like Sarah said, um, or like we talked about the last time I was here about Southwood Plan, I didn't have a plan because I I didn't know what weeds and things were invasive. So, we were lucky enough to have a horiculturist that's a summer help for us that is really great and she put this whole thing together. I can't take any credit for it other than sitting down and kind of the in what we have here. I I I think it was 16 pages and we're like, "Hey, we got to dial this back a little bit because she put a ton of effort into it." Um, and you know, the the the big part of it is, you know, we we used to have that task force and they'd kind of dictate what happened or point out what needed to be sprayed. Um, we dug through our archives or just what we had of anything from Southwood and Josh Bond, our city forester, had some, he just had a couple small maps which are in the packet, but they're modified a little bit by Ada, our horiculturist. But there was some areas of uh different prairie grasses and different sections in the Southwood area that um Kathy Trendle that who used to kind of oversee this whole area. Um she kind of had it was not like a detailed plan like said it was just a map with just kind of certain areas in it and what she kind of wanted to see out there. Um so we had a horiculturist walk through the park. U she went through it multiple times. We took the maps. Um, I did some digging on who sprayed weeds in there before and what what they did. I reached I talked to them. Um, it was Minnesota native landscapes that that did that work. And basically talking to them, um, there would just be areas like staked out or ribboned out and saying, "Hey, we want you to spray this chemical for this weed to to, you know, take care of whatever it need needed to be taken care of." Um, so basically, um, what Ada did is we walked out there, we took the maps, kind of went off of those. Um, and then the the biggest the first thing that we're going to have to address out there is the buckthornne. She said the buckthorn has taken over most of the park. Um, so that is kind of the biggest um that's the first place we're going to we're going to start with that. So, if you look in your packet, um she just kind of put some project goals. Um you know, the fire hazard reduction. Um she looked at doing some community engagement thing like having some days if we had uh um some people come out to help if we were going to pull buckthornne or if we're going to have that done. Um this is just kind of uh something that we can look you guys can look at talk about um add to you know ask questions of me. Like I said I'm not going to act like I'm in what what my plan is is I'm going to take this um and I'm going to sit down I'm going to talk to Prairie Restorations. They they maintain a lot of our rain gardens. And then I'm going to talk to Minnesota Native Landscapes. Kind of show them what we're looking at here. I'm going to sit down with Ada with them and just kind of get an idea, kind of come up with, you know, a plan for this. Um, as you know or may not know, there's like 6,000 or I think it's $7,000 that's slated out in the budget. And basically, it's just a line item that got moved out of the park maintenance budget. And I don't I can't remember what my exact maintenance budget is, but let's call it $40,000 for talking sakes. um they just took so my budget got reduced to 33,000 and this just got line item as Southwood Park. That's how it's been. But technically it's a maintenance budget for that. Um, so that is kind of, you know, what we'll be looking at, you know, as far as coming up with, like I said, I think the first thing we're going to focus on is taking trying to take care of the buckthorn in certain areas and if there's some invasive weeds or what whatever it might be, you know, we'll we'll sit down with these two companies, get some pricing and get their ideas on what they think is best to um treat this um you know, and you know, maintaining the pass uh m making sure the trails and the overhanging trees and brush and all that stuff, you know, is safe. Kind of our normal maintenance that we do out there mowing. So, um, you know, I don't know if you've read through this and you got questions about it. You know, I'm more than happy to answer, but that's kind of the big, you know, high high level view of kind of what I'm looking at doing at Southwood Park at this time. I think she had some uh you know the the prescribed burns you know the invasive species removal uh dead tree removal prescribed burns that the burns are kind of a tricky thing to do because they got to be done in the spring and depending on if the spring is really wet or if it's dry. Um there's just a small window of time when you can do it. It's super good to do that it sounds like but um if you wait too long then birds are nesting and stuff and you don't want to do it then. So that prescribed burn thing, you know, that's not a solid. I know over the years of myself being on the fire department, when I was on the fire department, we would do it some years, some years we wouldn't. So um that's just kind of the overall the overall plans. And then she has um future improvements in here. Um she talked about making some maybe some type of uh natural learning center out there, you know, stumps and or you know something that you could have host some classes and educate people and you know out there. So >> um she had called it a what she call it a a uh auditorium and I'm like well that might be a little little much what your definition of an auditorium is but um but it just kind of a learning center. I know the uh cowin school has one had one back in the woods that they use. So um yeah, that's kind of the the overall uh the start of the plan here. So >> great. Yeah, >> it's really awesome, Ron. It's >> Thank you. I know this is a lot of work to do this, but I think it feels really good moving forward to have a plan for this park. Um really does >> and it looks looks good. >> Okay, great. Yeah, thanks. And like I said, for me, I like I said, I just kind of tell you how it is. Like I I don't know enough about it. Um I'm learning some some more here. And I said, we're just fortunate to have this a day has put a a lot of work into it. And um she's super excited to sit down with these companies and talk. And like I said, at least I'll know more what we're talking about and what we're paying for. And you know, I can definitely relay that on to all you guys. And um again, if you guys have questions, I might not be able to answer them, but I'm I'm definitely open for feedback and and >> so she'll be around uh when the conversations are happening with the two. >> Yes, I'm going to set it up here. She was actually going to come here tonight, but she was on vacation. She was going to >> uh you know, come and talk too. But um she's on vacation this week. So when she gets back next week, I'm going to try to get set up. I've already talked to both uh Minnesota Native Landscapes and Prairie Restorations so we can uh you know sit down and talk with them and kind of tell them what we're thinking. >> Um and they can tell us a little bit about what they've done and kind of focus and where they've done and then she can confirm that this stuff is, you know, what we need to do. So >> yeah, I just want to second Sarah and just say thank you because this is a huge thing and we've been on those of us who've been around for a while. Southwood has been talked about quite a bit and there have been so many dedicated volunteers. So, it feels really good to see that all of their work is not going to be uh you know uh taken over by Buckthornne um and that there's a plan. So, that's great. >> Thank you. >> Um >> I do have a couple questions from Dave Andrew who couldn't be here tonight, but I just want to get some answers from you. Um so, two things he asked about. One was the dead trees that are along the paths that she identified, is there a timeline to remove those? And then the other one was when we do prescribe burns, is it possible to send notifications to nearby residents? Because recently they have not been getting that. So, >> uh, yes, we can definitely send out notifications for that when we're doing that. Um, and the the dead trees, depending on where they are, we said a lot of times, uh, we try to do that remove like they'll cut them down, put them off to the side of the trails. um just because getting bigger pieces of equipment back there to pick the stuff up. We don't want to damage the trails or and we do it when the ground is frozen and um yeah, and I've talked to Dave, you know, multiple times, you know, about this and when we do it. Um but yeah, I mean, we if there's enough people there that have that walk through that Southwood Park area that have my number when there's something dangerous or something, we get on it right away. So, um, >> perfect. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. This is awesome. And I'm really excited about the potential of the auditorium or the the little classroom piece. I think that's really exciting. >> Um, I think there would be a lot of great usage out of that. And I feel like we could get some new users in that park and become and have it uh I mean it just have a little like uh rejuvenation moment happening. So, I'm excited about that. And um I didn't even think about it, but uh it feels like uh we should have little path signs like in there so so if you don't know where the park is or you don't sorry if you're not familiar with the park, you know which way to go. So, I love that she thought about that, too. >> Yeah. >> Or that you >> or even things in the park. >> Yeah. >> An oak tree. What kind of oaks? How many different oaks are there? >> Yeah, that would be helpful to me. Tell me which one this is. >> We'll just make signs that say Ron, this is Buckthorn. I just like with an arrow. >> That's I'm perfectly fine with that. I know Buckthorn and Okay, that's >> I don't This is a good one. So I I do have a question in regards to this because this is a fantastic timeline that she put together for us um moving forward and this has been a big hot topic just in city council in some of the meetings as community comes in. Is this something that all right we're going to move forward? Do do they does this need to be brought to council's attention to say yep this is we're going to rock this timeline. Um is this what does that look like? because you have the budget that what$7,000 is that what you said? >> Yeah, I think it's Yeah, I believe it's 7,000. 6,500 or 7,000. I heard it got moved up, but I I I believe it's 7,000. >> So that we can chip away at every year that we go. So this really doesn't need to go through council at all. This can just say, "All right, parks and wreck, we have this communication here. This is the timeline. We're going to keep it." And then >> yes, I I I don't see any reason why this would have to go to council. This is a budgeted number. It's in there. It's maintenance. And it's basically, hey, this is kind of, you know, I I've been told, hey, it's up to you to figure out how you want to spend the maintenance money or do the maintenance on it. And like I said, I for me, I I'm going to sit down with these two companies, get a couple prices just to make sure that we're in check with that stuff, and then I would, you know, proceed forward with this with this stuff. when we start getting into the, you know, if we start getting into bigger things or looking at doing this auditorium auditorium or a dome over it or whatever we're going to do. Um, you know, obviously then then we talk about that, >> right? >> Yeah, that's >> excellent. >> So, I said my my thoughts are is that I'm going to we're going to meet with these people, >> come up with a plan, and then, you know, they'll I mean, I don't know if you can if it's better to spray in the spring or in the fall or if you how that so I'll learn that and >> and find out so we can keep you updated on what that is if it's like hey we got a plan it's not going to happen till spring we'll relay that to you so you know >> excellent >> yeah thank you >> I just looked up what Virginia creeper is and I literally just spent two days ripping it out of my yard so I can't imagine doing it I can't imagine doing it uh at Southwood so >> I was told two bushes in my yard are buckthornne that I've been trimming So there's that. >> I'm like, "Oh, okay. >> That's Buckorns. This is Buckthorn. >> We all need that." >> All right. >> Okay. >> Do we feel we feel okay moving on uh to our next topic? >> Um if if you guys uh Yeah, if you guys I I'll real quick give you a quick update on um Casey in the ball fields. Um we're working on that. uh as we speak. Yay. >> Um we had dirt lined up from Cowin to fill in the holes and then the timelines didn't work out on or they end up using the dirt, they thought they're going to have a bunch of excessive dirt. So then with the road project that's going on up behind Casey, we we worked with the contractor with them to get some dirt. Well, the amount of dirt that they need to get rid of only did a small portion of it. So, the fields are taken out. The uh shelters are taken down. >> The uh concrete pads are still in. They're going to be removed here in the next week, but I'm working on trying to line up some dirt so we don't have to pay for it. We're going to pay for black dirt top soil on the top. Um but I'm just trying to There's like dirt sites on marketplace where they're we can uh get dirt and exchange and sometimes we have excessive dirt that we're looking to get rid of. So, that's a work in progress right now. We got the irrigation in that we need um for that to water that. So, when we get it seated um that'll be taken care of. Um uh yeah, we removed some cottonwood trees back that were back there. Um there one of them had a big split in it. We took a lot of heat over that for people that walk that path a lot. Um you know, why we remove these beautiful trees and we're removing all the ash trees. We are very sensitive to what trees Josh our forester uh he don't want to cut a tree down unless it absolutely have to. So he makes kind of between him and myself we make the decisions on what trees are going to be removed. Um there were some people that were not happy about that. But we got them in a good place. So like I said that's what's kind of going on with Casey. It's work in progress. But like the big stuff, the irrigation stuff is in installed. And then uh like I said, we're just kind of working on dirt right now for trying to, you know, keep at it kind of a lower cost. So, we'll see what happens. Um the windscreens for Howy uh Park pickle ball courts were ordered uh I think about two weeks ago. So, they're four to six weeks out for that. So, they'll be coming. We'll see what time of the year they come. Um, you know, if we get them in November, I don't know if I'll put them up, but they're ordered. They should be here. I think it was four to six weeks for delivery. >> Um, playground at Polar Park, um, has been ordered. >> Um, that is 10 to 12 weeks out for it. Um, but I ended up ordering the the playground that you guys specked out for everyone. I reached out to the other vendors that we use for the playgrounds and to try to what I was afraid of is I'm like here's where it's got to fit but a lot of them were totally different than what you guys had picked out and I didn't want you know you guys to think oh I just got this it you know I figured you guys put some time and effort into it. I just the company I we've never used them. I just wanted to make sure that they were a reputable company so it checked out they were all good. Um, but that is order. We had to pay like 55% down on it. So that actually just got paid at I think this last council meeting that got okayed. So that's 10 to 12 weeks out. More than likely that won't be put in this um this year, but we'll get it. It'll we'll get it scheduled. I'm sure it'll be something that's done in the spring. So that's ordered. Um, >> if for some reason you have a warm fall and you guys decide to put it in early, would you just send the commission an email just so we we know? >> Yep. >> Sometimes those things are a fun surprise, but it'd be nice to know so we could, you know, engage the community to let them know like >> I I I will definitely let you know. >> Although it would make sense that it goes in the spring, but just in case >> saying that that's worst case scenario the opportunity and it's a decent fall, you know, I'd rather get it done and have it ready to go, but we'll see what happens. um urban ecology center. We put a picnic table up at the just up at that observation deck. I know we talked about that and where you know DNR DNR and whatever. So there's a picnic table up there and then I actually got all the they came in last week all the parts for the Gaga ball pit that will be put up at Northwood. So, I bought uh they're they're metal frames and plastic top coats that go over or uh safety things that go over the top of a green treated board, but it's something that we can bolt together and take apart since we're going to put it in the Northwood hockey rink for now and we'll see how it goes. So, that is in the shop and I got it kind of got it set aside right now for uh rain days. We lost all of our summer help. The last ones were done last week. >> So, now we're back to just our normal crew. So >> yeah, >> um we should be able to get that out there. We'll we'll get that out there this fall for sure. Um but like I said, those parts came in last week for it. So just kind of an update on some of the things that we've talked about and >> those are really exciting updates. Actually, I wasn't expecting to hear any of those. You've been busy, Ron. My gosh. >> Yay. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Any questions for me before I go? >> Feels like you got, you know, time on your hands now. You could do, you know, we need to do a few more projects for you. Let's let's get going. >> Start at my house. >> Yeah. >> If we get any leads on dirt, we'll send it to you. >> If you do, >> if we get any dirt on dirt, >> like 25 dump truck loads. >> Oh gosh. >> That's a lot. I mean, I know people. They probably just have it laying around. >> Yeah. Five gallon bucket won't do as much. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, any other questions? >> That's awesome, Ron. >> No. Yay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Ron. >> Okay. Uh is the next one the Mcnite? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. So, let's talk about the Mcnite survey. >> Perfect. So, um we have talked about this last couple meetings. We finally got a a estimate um from EG Root and Suns, which is a company that the city has used previously to get surveys on properties. Um and I have included the estimate in your packet um totaling $27,700. That would be for the entire lot of Mcnite, including like a um establishing boundaries, highlighting utilities. It would have soil tests, pretty much everything that we would need in order to even consider having designs done like engineered designs for that place. Um, and so what I have I presented the or I put the quote in the packet for you to review. And then what I need tonight is if you all agree to um recommend this go to city council, which it'll um tentatively go uh next week uh to get formal approval from council um on the funding for this. Basically, we would be moving funding that we already requested >> from council. Um it would be taking money. We asked for $100,000 for the Casey Lake reutilization this year. Um we're not nearly using that because we're doing it in house. Um so it would be reallocating those funds. So just need a if there's any questions or concerns and ultimately a vote on that. >> Can I just ask one question since I don't see land surveys and their costs very much. Does that feel like a reasonable like that's kind of what the the going rate is? Okay. >> Everyone that we got like high level estimates for were around that $30,000 range. >> Okay. >> And and you you've you've used this company before. Yes. Many times. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Y >> what do we think? >> Great. Let's >> I think that's the next step is >> Yeah. Let's keep moving on it. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Uh so we need a recommendation or a motion? >> A motion. >> Yeah. Okay. >> A motion to recommend it go to council. >> Okay. Would anyone like to make a recommendation that we Sure. Okay. Go for it. >> I make a recommendation that we move forward with the EG Red and Suns estimate um of 27,400 or $700 to provide a land survey for Mcnite Fields. >> I second the motion to recommend. >> Okay. Great. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> All those opposed. >> Heck yeah. >> Awesome. >> Wow. >> Council just needs to >> Thank you for doing that, sir. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> You and Ron are just moving all this stuff along. Look at you guys go. >> We're trying. Um, okay. So, the next thing is the staff report. Um, >> is that about this ebike? >> Yes. >> What? >> So, um, my boss, the community development director, Ken Roberts, has been tasked with creating a new ordinance for the city of North St. Paul regarding ebikes and motorized foot scooters. What I have attached in the packet is something that Ken wanted your feedback on. They're just snippets that are related to parks or other public property. um to get your feedback if you think any language should be taken out, added. Essentially, what this is is just to make sure that there's um safe riding of these um of the bikes and the scooters, making sure there's no damage of our facilities. Um that's ultimately the goal. But if there's different language you want to see in here or you're happy with it, just kind of getting feedback. I think it looks good. I feel like I knew this was coming and I assume it's coming on a broader scale within the city as well because it's needed. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, what do people think? >> I think it covers all the bases. >> I have a question that maybe since it's not necessarily on here. Um, so I know there's an ordinance that bicycles can't use sidewalks. I assume that applies to ebikes. Does that have to be written somewhere? I'm just thinking about like as we talk a lot about ADA accessibility that bikes like that going very fast competing with people who need the sidewalk for walking or wheelchairs or something like that if that's implied within this or like as we think about our trails like obviously a bike on a trail makes a lot of sense but I'm if sidewalk that's maybe for the city but >> yeah there's going to be um some language in there about the sidewalks I think they're primarily in all honesty focusing on downtown because there's been some issues down there Um, but there will be some general language as well. >> Yeah, I would never have thought to do this, but yeah, it's if we're getting 25 trucks of dirt, we don't want someone tearing that up. >> All right. Well, if there's no other feedback, I'll certainly pass that along. And then I would encourage to just keep an eye out. I don't think it'll be at the next meeting, but one of these next coming council meetings will be the larger ordinance. So, if there's any feedback or anything there, too, certainly let me know. >> Okay. Um, how are they going to enforce that? It's just like if it's seen >> essentially. Yeah, >> I know that's tricky. >> And honestly, state statute already is in place here. Um, so there are already big regulations. Um, like you can't I did not know this, but you can't be under 16 and ride an ebike. >> Really? You can't be under 12 and ride a motorized foot scooter. >> Oh, those are already technically rules. >> Um, >> don't they make those for kids? >> Yeah. It's a I think it's more of a let's get just get this on the books and and if it's needed, >> it's there. So, >> great. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um Okay. I just have a couple other things that weren't on here, but I'll just go through them quickly. So, um the park passport program is now running up and running. Rachel was one of the participants. So far, we have three people that have completed it all and submitted everything and it's been great. So, thank you. >> Yeah. Um, we'll continue to push that and if you know people too that you think would be interested in doing it, it's really cool. So, >> do you have the passport with you up here? >> It's just it's not an actual passport. We just ask for the photos of fun of the 10 parks >> and then um you come in and we have a sticker that Ava created and a zipper pull charm that she created as well. So, you get those then you're entered into a grand prize drawing at the end of the year. >> Cool. >> Yeah. I think a great way to advertise for that would be if we could get like a flyer and put it up in the parks and like entrance areas. >> Yes. >> I think that'll get the people who are already there and then >> they'll just take pictures. >> Maybe at the Autumn Arts Fest, too. Do we have a booth at that? Maybe putting some brochures at that. >> Yes, >> we'll put that at the city tent >> or if if it's on our >> Are we doing a handout at the parade this year? I know we used to do like a bookmark, but we'll be past our events kind of at that point. But >> yeah, um there isn't one. I mean, I can certainly propose that that is something we have this year. Um, but we don't have one. >> I don't Maybe you guys talk about it. I don't want to create more work for you guys, but um if there's other things because I know before we passed out candy and like a bookmark and I do think that really helped >> the um autumn art festival get people at it, but I know this year the parades after that. So, >> QR code for the um >> for the program. Oh, >> yeah. >> You know, so that it doesn't have to describe the whole thing. >> Yeah. >> Uh a bookmark with a QR code might be really handy. and leave them on. >> Is there a piece on the site website that has it? Just >> Yeah, it's simple. I think that's great. >> Yeah, >> that's a really good idea. We'll we'll do that for sure. >> If you all do a flyer, can you send us the digital version? um the school district has a digital flyer uh system for each individual school that if you if you go to that school it anytime anyone of that activity gets uploaded you get an email advertising the program with the flyer so we can put uh we can ask if we can put that digital flyer in the school district too. >> That'd be great. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um okay. And then I just have an update. Um, I have a written statement from, um, our city manager, uh, Brian Frannle about the new student build, um, and kind of confirming its new location, which is where a potential park would be, um, that we talked about with HDA. So, I just want to read his statement just to make sure that it's all clear. Um, he said, "We just finished up our last student build house at 20 or 2076 Street with our open house scheduled for Thursday, September 4th from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This program has been great for our community. It pro improves housing stock and adds value to the surrounding neighborhood. The city has done about 15 student build projects with district 916. And as we move into the planning stage for the next student build home for the 2025 2026 school year, we still had not secured the property for the project. The only buildable property that the city owns um was the property located at 2357th Avenue. In speaking individually with the city council, most of the members wanted to move forward with this property for a student build home. I understood had been brought up a time or two at the parks commission that this was a possibility, but I wanted to shed some light on how we came to this decision. I know one of the renderings for this lot that HDA had put together had a plan showing a community garden. Though the garden could do well there, I think that the student build house could spark the neighboring homeowners into doing home improvements that they may be thinking of as well. Thank you for the work you do for our parks and city. And he wanted to note that if you have any questions or comments, please contact me or himself directly. So >> is that So that's like right on the corner. >> It's at the five corner. So it's that where that community garden was. >> They already cut down the trees. >> That's already staked out for the house. >> Saw that. I just saw >> I saw that on the way here. >> I saw that too. >> Yes. Um I am just going to say this on record that I think that's um I'm about as good with words as Laura. I think that giving up parkland for a house that we're going to make revenue on one time, and I understand that the city and the school district get an opportunity to build houses, but I think them taking parkland without the consent of the park board is really wrong. Um, and we had paid money to do plans for that. I don't think the homeowners around that area personally are going to benefit more from another home versus a community thing that they could all use. um and that this was a decision to benefit a one-time um one-time benefit for something that could have spent hundreds of years benefiting our community. And I just I feel like it's a little um crappy that they would not have gotten approval from the park board before they take our parkland. And I know there's a huge lawsuit going on within Minnetonka about the same thing. Um, and I'm just going to say that out loud so people know how I feel about the matter. Um, they probably wouldn't be surprised, but I did notice those trees cut down. I was driving and I that was my first thought is I know that they had mentioned it. We weren't surprised. They had mentioned that they wanted that. We had spoken it out against it that we felt not to give up parkland that we can never get back. Um, and so that's my piece. >> So, is there just a plan to have one house on that area? Is the rest still park land? Are there plans to turn the rest of the parkland into housing? >> So, no. Um, not at this time. So, um, it will be either one single family home or a duplex there. Um, the rest of it behind it that we had talked about making a park, clearing all the trees and everything is not going to be developed. Not to my knowledge. He's not talking about that. Um, so that would still be available park land >> until 2027 when they don't have land for another house. Conceptually, that just seems weird to have a park or to have a house surrounded by park. No other houses by it. And it makes me nervous that they're going to plan on >> There are other houses. It would be on the end of the block. >> Okay. Y there are >> Okay. >> The park would be behind it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. But theoretically, right, and I'm not saying that I'm I'm just trying to find the silver lining in something that we don't have a choice in. Um, since we just moved forward with the land Oh, the land survey is only for Mcnite. >> Yep, >> it is. >> But if we wanted to, we could possibly ask for a land survey of that park as an option as well, staking claim on it as like we are going to move forward with this. >> We Yeah, we'd have to plan that. It's more of like a CIP ask, but yes, we could certainly do that. >> Okay. Because if we have that land survey already, then we can start the design process of that park, which would essentially possibly take it off of the table. I and I know that you you maybe don't know that answer, and I also want to acknowledge that you're the messenger, and I imagine that was not fun to read. So, thank you for telling us. Mhm. >> Um, our frustration obviously is not with you uh in that, but my f my follow-up question would be if we were to move forward in also adding like a land survey or some way to like stake claim on the remaining thing in the next year, is that something we could do? >> Okay. I also want to encourage each and every one of you guys to talk to Brian Frannle about this and to also um bring to his attention your frustrations about it as well because um as a council member I'm frustrated the decision was made and it wasn't talked about. It wasn't brought to your attention. You're being told this right now and I am not afraid to say that on YouTube and whatever this is on because I'm frustrated about it. So that said, I encourage you guys to do that kind of communication to him because it was not okay for you guys to do this park study to have this even as an option that looked beautiful than to be told that there is going to be a student house built there. Now, honestly, a little bit greater. My second thought that came to mind when I um heard that was one of the things the HDA had told us in the survey of that park and their concerns and the reason for putting the community garden at that corner versus the park was the rate of accidents and people going over that corner because of how dangerous that intersection is. And now we're putting students there building homes and potentially someone's life in danger. That's why we had the community garden because it would do less damage if someone hit it versus a playground. So that's this. But had they come to us and asked us that, had they been in those meetings where they had heard that feedback, because every time I drive past it, I think of HGA who spent all that time surveying that land saying the rate of incidents here is really high and the danger of a car coming into this lot is significant compared to other homes in the area because of the danger of that intersection. And I can't unsee it every time I go there thinking, "Oh yeah, I could see someone in the dark accident." Um, so I would have advocated for no home in general because I don't think anyone who would own that home would be in a safe spot either. So, >> aren't they putting a roundabout there? >> That's been on that's been a discussion for many years of putting one there, but it's never been a solid plan. >> We were told they couldn't because the fire trucks couldn't get around it >> as part of the HDA because that was another part of when we were talking about that. It's cool. We didn't spend any time talking about that lot. >> I'd like to also say that I think the student housing program is super cool. Awesome opportunity. It's great. I'm really proud that the city does that, but yeah, I'm not pleased with uh the location and us kind of being blindsided by it. Agree. >> Thank you for letting us know. >> Thanks, Sarah. >> Thank you, Sarah. Thank you Sarah. >> Okay. Um so the next one is reports from commissioners and park leaison. Uh people requested at the last meeting that we combine the two line items that were uh previously separated because we all just kind of defaulted to doing both at the same time. So um I appreciate you all advocating for what you need and asking for what you need. So um and Sarah, I'm sorry I didn't respond to my email for a month. Uh so thank you for just doing that. So let's do uh reports from commissioners. Is there anyone who wants to go first instead of me just calling on people? >> Sure. I'll go first because I I actually have two things to talk about. Um I met with Ron and Thea uh the horiculturist that he was referring to earlier. She is great and um we walked the shoreline along you've heard me kind of complain about these invasive trees along uh Silver Lake. um on the I'm thinking of the south and east side mostly, but we kind of went all the way from the beach to that park if you can picture that. Um and talked a lot about uh what is growing up in there. She identified a lot of things that really are invasive. Um and the the idea is to trim back, you know, there were a lot of willows. That's what the the very fast growing trees are. I thought it was buckthornne or something, but they're willows. And um so some of them will grow up to be beautiful trees um even though they're volunteer uh plants, but um but she advocated um she recommended trimming back. Um and so uh I was very satisfied with what what she recommended. Ron's going to take that plan and they're not going to do anything until the winter. You know, you don't trim at this time apparently. So, um, they'll wait until it sounds like they'll be getting going on that in the winter. So, I was very pleased with that, um, that plan. And they have been working on the the stuff by the beach, um, to the to the left as you're facing the water. They've been removing a lot of that and will continue to work on that, I think. So, there's that. And then I just want to um bring to to our attention something. It's not in my uh it's not my jurisdiction. It's not my park, but um my I know someone who's very concerned about the safety of um the intersection of the Gateway Trail and South Avenue. Um if you can picture where we're coming from the um the what's the park called? >> So it's uh the urban ecology center. >> Urban Ecology Center and you cross the street >> and you cross the street. That is a really >> really um >> nobody stops busy intersection and there are and very people yeah um >> whether they've grown accustom there are I just walked it today just so I could be clear on this but there are a couple stop signs um or you know a tiny little prepare to stop >> and then a you know a uh something printed on the road but I know if I'm on a bike I'm not really looking down at it's it does say stop ahead you know there are um precautions and then there's a stop sign. But maybe it's the fact that it's on this curve. Um >> you can't see any cars approaching, right? I was biking that just a week ago and I was like I can't see if there are any cars approaching. >> Yeah. >> And um it is another one of these things like the lake stuff um where it's there are several entities that are involved. So the DNR who controls the trail or or you know um has jurisdiction over the trail and signage on the trail and then the county I was just talking to Ron um the county is the one that is really responsible for any signage or any mowing even of that area. Ron said he had to work really hard to um but finally was able to mow down a lot of that so that at least it's more visible. Yeah, >> I thought I felt a little bit better about it after just checking it out today and seeing that you c you can, but you can see it now, but if if those grow up again, if those if that grass grows up again um and visibility is not great, it she's my friend is just really concerned that some tragedy is going to happen that could be prevented. And um there is some good signage and they did add I think the county added a um a reflective pole um so that at night you can see or dusk maybe you can your headlights would see um on each side of the road >> right where that uh yield it's not a stop sign for the traffic um nor am I advocating that it should be a stop sign but what my friend would love to see, and I agree, would be some um there's just a flashing >> just something to call attention. Um there's bold yellow arrows pointing to it and everything um for cars, but I have a feeling people just kind of stop seeing that after a while. But something flashing there that could be triggered by an oncoming mo um biker or runner or somebody uh or >> can you put that on your um to talk to Brian about? The only concern I have is that it's because you're talking county and we're talking DNR. Yeah. >> Um, but we did the same thing downtown North St. Paul with the post office because there there was so many concerns about the crossing over the street that we ended up putting in the flashing lights at >> Is there a flashing light now? >> It's been there for a while. >> Okay. >> Oh, there's >> great. Okay. >> So, that's why I think just check with Brian. I'm not sure if we can, but see if there's an opportunity for something. >> Okay. Even the signs that you attach, I find that these are even more effective is the ones that say state law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalk. My parents are from Oklahoma and it's not a law there to stop for pedestrians in a in a non-marked crosswalk. Um so like unless it's a stop sign with a crosswalk, a crosswalk like that in Oklahoma is you yield to the cars. So like they don't stop because they don't and every time I'm with them I yell. I'm like you have to yield. like we do like and when they see the signs that say state law stop like it's a little yellow sign that goes under the yield sign um I think that can do wonders too but I think those little I was just in little Canada yesterday they have the solar ones with stop lightss that it with dusk at flash or something like that but >> the other and I brought this to council before um the other issue with that is that there's no sidewalk and there's a really narrow border and so many people going from holiday or school buses I've petitioned for a sidewalk walk on south because I think there is no less than like 50 kids that are on that road constantly and there's no sidewalk or barrier from the cars. >> So, I think that whole >> thing probably needs a redo, but was told that until that road gets that's not a consideration until the road gets done, but a sign would be an easier way to like at least temporarily give some notice. >> And to your point, you're you're talking about uh the sign about yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Um that's great. However, this is such a unique intersection where the angle is such that I don't even know if somebody would see it's it's as if I think the concern is more uh bikers and runners and stuff not really recognizing the the the busyiness of that street until they're right on it. >> Yeah. Because you can't see cars approaching and then you're angled wrong to see that there was a stop sign either. So, I hadn't been there in a while. So, I was like, "Oh, cars have to stop for me." And then I saw the stop sign when I was like on it. I was like, >> "Break." >> Yeah. So, >> I live right down Yeah. My My house is like two roads down, so I'm on that all the time. >> My friend and and my friend drives it all the time. And she said she stopped. >> It's also hard cuz people coming from You're coming down the hill from here and when you get the green light that that's not that far away from. So, people have already sped. It's not like necessarily the driver's fault, but I it's happened to me where I I've been sitting at the light. I get a green and I rev up and I go and all of a sudden there's a biker and I slam my brakes like so it's it's a bad distance to bike ratio too because it's happened to me too where I know to stop for people but I'm like I just got going and I'm like oh crap you know >> and sometimes you're focusing on the light you're you're actually your focus now is beyond >> but I think asking for what we could do and then maybe there's a way to notify like bikers as well like uh blind approach or something like a little sign. Maybe that's something we could reach out to the DNR >> and there are Yeah. blind approach maybe because there are some stop signs but I'm guessing if you bike the trailer >> training the bikers maybe instead of car trip but yeah >> we can do both. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um those are my two things. >> Okay. Who would like to go next? >> Okay. Um, I went to Great Addition because I wouldn't have thought to think about that. But I remember as I I literally biked it last Wednesday. I was, it was a touch point because I was like, "Car's coming. Do I have enough time to make it? Are they going to see me?" And yeah, >> because I didn't see there was a stop for me. >> Um, I went to the uh yoga in the parks last Wednesday, which was the third uh exercise in the parks. It was a great turnout. I think there were like about 20 people there. >> That's great. >> Um, it was a lovely time. I think everyone enjoyed it. Um, and then like Sarah said, I did complete the passport program. >> Y >> celebrity. >> That was really cool and fun. Um, would recommend. Uh, I finally got to all the parks, so now I've seen them all. >> Good. >> Um, other than that, uh, I've noticed the work at KC that's been great to see stuff's happening. Even just the like road work tubing situation. Um, that is it. >> Thanks. Why don't we just swing over to you? >> Yeah, I don't have anything aside from noting the progression, too. And I have had a lot of people ask me about the black fencing at Casey, and I they think it's like not connected to the road work, but I think it is. the stuff you talked about last time. >> Um, >> is it temporary fencing? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And it runs like the whole north side of the park and there's a lot of people. >> Yeah, it is part of that road construction. So, hopefully wrapped up here early October. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, that'd be good. Okay. >> Nothing to report for my parks except um there has been a group using that Colby shelter like every other night cuz the lights go on and they're like doing a dance. I don't know what they're doing either. I don't know if it's Tik Tok. I don't know what it is, but it's really fun to see them using it. It's probably a group of young adults. Um I think they're like learning some kind of dance or something, but they're using that. They push the tables out of the way and use the space. So, it's just exciting to see use in the park for something I wouldn't have expected, but um yeah, and then the weeds did get cut down at Urban Ecology, so it looks much nicer. Um I didn't know that was DNR that had to do that, but that's all I got. Um, two two things. The first one, I know that this also is kind of city business and not necessarily parks. Um, we I was at the cow uh building Renault uh meeting because they're redoing that building starting in 2026 uh or in the spring. Um, and there was a ton of talk about uh the intersection of South and Margaret Street and um how a lot of people roll through the stop signs regularly. Um the speed it speeding is excessive. It's just a very unsafe intersection. And so I wanted to bring it here um to just like get that on the record and see if there's anything that we could do. I know and acknowledge that it's like an emergency vehicle road, so we maybe can't like put speed bumps or stuff, but anyone who lives in that area, you can talk to them. And they are like, we literally would pay ourselves for to have like speed bumps of some sort. Um, so I just wanted to put that out there, see if there's anything we can do um for that because there's a lot of kid traffic and it's not safe. Would a flashing light at the intersection help? >> No. Well, sorry. I just poo pooed your idea right away. Um, we've had we've had police come and see. It doesn't stop. It doesn't stop. Um, it's the main road too for the motorcycles coming off of uh the the high the freeway. Um, and they all just roll through it and or you know, roll blast through it because they're Helen, Margaret, and Charles are the only ones who don't have stop signs at every single block, >> right? >> And so people choose those roads because they can just speed through. Um, and they definitely take advantage of it. >> First Avenue is another one. >> Yeah. >> Lie. >> Yes. Exactly. So that whole section is just really, really like dangerous. And I just wanted to openly say it here that we need to talk about doing something about it. So maybe a flashing sign maybe, but um nothing that we've tried >> has stopped it. >> Rumble strips, >> you know how you get notified uh on a on a highway? >> I don't know. >> Before a big intersection, I don't know. >> Yep. Just wanted to use my platform to advocate for that. Um, the second thing is the city council, and please correct me if I get this wrong, the city council chose to reallocate the dollars that were dedicated for the community center um into other projects within the city because they did the feasibility study and it said it was going to cost like three million more. >> So, I'm going to correct you. >> Yeah, please. Yeah, >> we've declined the dollars in moving forward. We have not, excuse me, we have declined moving forward with the community center. So, we are not moving forward with the community center. >> It was brought to our attention by Brian at the last meeting that we have the ability >> to discuss these dollars and if we want to reallocate them because they potentially could be reallocated. and we have a um Congress woman man that would advocate for us to reallocate these dollars. They still need to go through um approval process. So, um >> we have not um both state and federal. >> Yep. >> I No, wait. Federal we have state we'd have to federal we're granted it. Um the state is where we have a really it's in the agreement that it's pretty extensive like you have to use it for this purpose or this purpose or this purpose and now it's we can potentially reuse those dollars to something else but we don't know what we can do or what want to. So um we have not turned down any money. We have not accepted any money. We have been granted um but once we turn it down we don't get those dollars back. >> Right? >> So we've been granted. We have not said yes and we have not said no. But what we have said no to and what was agreed upon um voted on. I'm not going to say agreed upon. What was voted on um was that we as in the city of North St. Paul was not going to move forward with the uh community center. >> Thank you. And so, um, the city manager has said that there's going to be an extensive process to talk about >> other potential projects that the money could be used towards. >> That we have the ability to discuss that. >> We have the ability to discuss it >> and that that would be revisited. When is that going to be revisited? I don't know. I haven't talked with Brian yet. Um, I typically talk with him actually tomorrow. So, >> yeah. about what that what the council looks like. So those will be on my that'll be on my agenda to talk about. But >> perfect. Okay. So with that being said, there was or I brought up the idea of um could it be reallocated or could we look at potentially using it for some of the Mcnite project? um specifically because I I'm not well verssed in the language, but like we have a big build like a building project that we're putting on Mcnite. Um and it would be similar to some of what was talked about with the community center. And so, um I just want to let you all know that I put that idea out there. Cassidy was has is aware and is going to have conversations possibly on our behalf, um about if that if there's potential to do that. So, I just wanted to let you all know that >> I am a huge proponent of it. I will help advocate for it. I think it's a brilliant idea and um I would personally like to see something done with that area and I think the improvement right there would be fantastic. Now, everybody else will say, well, why can't we put it to the roads or why can't we put it to this or this or this? We can where can we reallocate it? Um roads are going to be a constant. We're gonna constantly, we can go down this rabbit hole, right? We're going to constantly have to work on roads. Um, we're gonna have to constantly improve buildings. Um, these dollars were >> supposed to go to a community center to revamp our building. Yeah. >> It's been turned down. >> Um, >> that said, when Laura sent an email, >> I was huge advocate for let's turn around to support Mcnite. Now, this this is going to be a discussion how long it's going to be. I'm not sure how long this how drawn out this could be. This could be beyond my year of serving that we have left. Um, but keep an eye out on packet. Uh, watch council, watch for discussion, take a look at workshop. Um, but I am here for your guys' support and I will tell you I'm a huge advocate for that right now. >> Yeah, >> great idea. I will say that it wasn't just my idea. Um, I have to I have to give credit to the community member who reached out to me. So, um, they don't want to be named, but >> shout out to them for >> caring, paying attention, >> showing up, advocating. We appreciate you. >> Um, okay. >> Any last minute things that popped up as we were talking? >> Uh, yeah. Okay. So when I uh went to the uh exercise in the parks Wednesday and then I biked to all the southern parks, there were a bunch of people at all the parks and it was so lovely to see everyone using facilities in different ways. There was a party at one. Um there was playground usage at another. There were people walking through Southwood. It was lovely. It was great. I was like, "Oh, this is why we do this." >> That's great to hear. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. And speaking of events in the park, tomorrow night is the reschedule of the adult movie in the park at Howy. So, I was originally supposed to volunteer for that event, but it got rained out. I'm unable to volunteer tomorrow, so I don't know if Oh, did you step in? Okay, awesome. Yeah, thank you. >> Yeah, sorry. Kids back to school night, but um I just wanted in case anyone has free time. Looks like a beautiful evening tomorrow. So, go see them. >> I can't back to I'm a teacher. Back to school night. But, um yeah. Uh, I can't, but it's good that you're going to be there. Where was yoga on Wednesday? >> Howy. >> Cool. That's a big turnout. >> I love it. It was about 20 people. >> It was about 20 to two dozen people for each event. >> That's >> It was I was really impressed with the turnout. That's really good. >> Yeah. Good variety of >> all sorts of people. >> I love that. >> All right. Any other last minute things that people want to check? >> No, I'm good. Okay, >> thank you. >> Are you good? Good. >> Okay, >> so Oh, we need a motion. I make a motion to adjourn the parks and recck meeting today. >> I'll second that motion. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? Ajourned.