It was Don't worry about Our first year is a fantastic babysitter. That's all good. Okay. All right. Let's get started. Um Sarah, can you do the um roll call, please. Yes. >> [laughter] >> Laura Greenley Karp I'm here. Sarah Zurak is here. Here. Lloyd Grajewski is excused. Uh Ingrid Kohler Here. Rachel Lucas Uh William Keely Here. >> [cough] >> Jessica Schweir Here. Perfect. Wonderful. Um can I please have a motion to adopt the agenda? I make a motion. Seconded. Um any discussion? All those in favor say "Aye." Aye. All those opposed? Wonderful. Uh now can we also have a motion to approve the minutes? I'll do that. I make a motion to approve the minutes. Seconded. Any discussion? Nope. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. All those opposed? Didn't need my nope. Okay. Now we can hear from our public. Does it look like anyone's here tonight? So, we'll close that session out. Um and let's get right into commission business. Ron, are you going to start us off? Or Sarah, do you what do you want to do? Do you want me to lead it in? Yeah, why don't you lead Okay, I can do that. Hi everybody. Um so tonight we have Ron Richie here. For those of you that haven't met him or don't remember, he's our public works director. Um he is going to be talking about um kind of some updates to the McKnight Athletic Complex in regards to um having storage there for public works and electric and what that means for um the Parks Commission and the redevelopment there. Um I have provided each of you um in your regular packets, it has the HUD documents, the original HUD documents that first said we had land restrictions. Um and then the final follow-up document that says that's no longer uh true. So, you have that. Um and then the bigger documents you have in front of you um are the McKnight aerial shot as it looks today. Um the HGA plans that were done in regards to McKnight. Ron is handing out the uh storage that will be needed for public works and electric. So, um he'll be talking about that today as well as kind of the process moving forward. Um yeah yeah, hello everyone. Uh I'm Ron. Uh public works. I think I've met everyone. I don't know if I've met you, William. Not yet, no. Well, anyway, I'm the public works director. Uh if you got any issues, you can give me a call on whatever it is. I >> [laughter] >> Um so uh So, anyway, um so as this public uh works study or I excuse me, the McKnight McKnight study has been going on um and I was informed, you know, Sarah kind of brought up the the HUD land that was down there. Um when we've talked about McKnight um I don't know when we started this a year or so ago. Um I I think I've I've mentioned um we you know, we McKnight fields we we store store snow in the back parts of the field in the back parts of where the softball fields are. It's really the only place we have left in town that we have um where we could have snow storage and the bulk of that snow comes from our downtown area. Um and just to um remind everyone or let it people know that haven't heard it before, um we take all the snow out of downtown and how we do that um is we [clears throat] we have two spots in downtown where we can push the snow off to each end of town and we do that we rent an extra uh front end loader and we have big 16-ft snow pushers. We only basically have about 4 or 5 hours to get the snow out of downtown and it's really the only way we can do what we do down there in that in that time um by getting the snow out of in these two piles and then what that allows us to do is to haul that snow at a later date after we get through um with the the snowstorm. Um we would never have enough resources, people, or machines to like haul the snow as we went or at during the during the storm. Um and then we end up hauling the snow down to McKnight fields. Now, in the back in between the baseball fields and the softball fields um is where we store the snow and we've had it down there where we've that has been full and we've rented a bulldozer and we have them start pushing it up on the years where we've had really heavy snow. Um So, with that being said, um it's really the only piece of property left in North Saint Paul um that we have any type of uh you know, resource like that to to put this snow. So, um I was asked or we we were asked at when they found out that the um the HGA did their study and they had their different renderings of what you know, what could be down there. Um we were asked um myself and electric was asked um if we what we would need for like outdoor storage or what something would look like for outdoor storage if we needed something down there. Um this like I said, this was brought up to HGA when we um when they were putting stuff together, you know, it didn't make it into uh the drawings and I believe it didn't because I think at that time um they were basically we we thought we were told that we couldn't use that property. Um it had to be used for park stuff, but we later found out now that that's not the case. So, we were just asked uh myself and electric got together and we kind of So, this is just a kind of a rough outline of what we would be looking at and this is kind of like a I don't want to say it like a a wish list or just something to throw out there to talk to you guys about. You know, to show you what how how we would utilize that space and basically it's um So, for uh getting rid of our snow, we'd have a a spot down there for snow and then a spot down there for tree overflow. Um we used to have we used to be able to bring our all of our trees to and get rid of it for free out at Ramsey County Work House and then at Pig's Eye, but they don't take trees anymore. Uh they'd only take wood chips and actually we we basically lost both those resources for that. We now pay to get rid of our trees up up in Hugo at a place, but sometimes they get shut down up there. I don't know if some of you remember down at McKnight fields in the old tennis courts, we stored a whole bunch of trees down there for a whole year. It's not ideal, but it was the only place that we could no one was taking trees. Everyone's getting overwhelmed with all the emerald ash borer and all the trees that are being removed. Um so, it's just this is just kind of put in there for something where if we had to do something like that again, um that that is what like the tree and snow storage uh the square box in there looks like. Um Also, um you see uh main break recycle. Um So, with Shifsky's being sold, Martin Marietta bought that asphalt plant. The city or us as public works had it Shifsky's would let us go into their yard after hours and get recycled base and we'd weigh ourselves out and just report the next morning to get that. Um which is was really great. Now, since they are sold and Martin Marietta was there, I talked with them. I made a deal with them. They allowed us to do that this last year over the winter. You know, we they gave us a training course. They're really big on safety. They were very gracious to let us, you know, into their yard. They gave us a key to their yard to do that. Um but if we ever lose that, I think that's going to be year to year, I think or or we'll be okay, but again, I'm planning for future. We do fix our own water main breaks in town. Uh they don't usually happen at ideal times uh when we deal with them. So, for us to be able to, you know, if we dig into the into the road, we have to fill that hole back up um with recycle base and we really don't we would we need a big enough pile to store where it won't freeze solid. And because they have such a big pile over there, we can usually dig into it somewhere and get to a spot where it's, you know, soft where we can get it. But that's what that water main break uh pile would be. We need a big enough pile, so if we lose that resource, we can get recycle base after hours so we can get that road, you know, patched back up or opened back up. Um So, uh the the pole piles for the electric, the electric um I I don't know how many poles they need to keep on hand. Right now, we have them stored down in our yard. Um but them are for uh power poles if they get snapped off. I think they keep again, don't quote me on the number, but I think they have to keep like 75 or 100 poles on hand. Something like that. Um again, our yard our yard down at public works is pretty much, you know, full right now. So, this is just um I said, we were just asked like, "Hey, kind of make a rough outline of what you think you might need um because this would probably be the only time we'd be able to, you know, look at doing something like this." So, that's kind of a brief overview of of what this is and you know, what this would look like for our you know, what we would need. So, um I can open it up for discussion, questions that that you you guys have. Uh can you tell me why you chose this location on the site map of all the places within McKnight? I'm a curiosity, just didn't know if there was a logistical reason. Um a couple reasons we we chose this spot is there's a drainage ditch that's off to the east of east of uh that you know, this the long part of the our area. So, with the snow storage in the in the corner next to the fence, it will naturally drain off into there. And the snow pile is over there because it's further away from the apartments for like if we were hauling down there, our tailgates banging at night, it would it would be the least or it'd be the furthest away from there. I have Oh, yeah, sorry. I have a list of questions. field not been used then for a couple years? No, the the ball fields down there um each year um that So, I I've worked here for 18 years uh 19 years. Um when I used to do the ball fields when I first started here, we used to do like 15, 16 fields. We used to do all the school fields, and now we really don't do any. Um the high school we did a lot for the high school girl softball. Um now the girl softball is combined with Tartan, so they're using Tartan's field. That just happened this year. Um and without us having the NSPAA for this these this field really does not get used. It's the the baseball field that's down to uh the south of that area, and then the pinwheel area um for softball and that is basically gets used for um different organizations rent that out. Um and again, the the girl softball for the high school mainly use that. That was their home field, but now they use the Tartan field, and they kind of use that for just kind of overflowing now. So, Yeah, I just remember like youth uh softball used to be down there. >> Yes, there Yep, the T-ball used to be there, and they used to use Cowen and Richardson and uh you know, those schools, but we don't do we don't we don't have any requests for any of those fields anymore. So, and we haven't for years. Do you guys um have an estimate of how much this is going to cost? No, we don't. All All All we do All we did for here was kind of hey, bring to the Parks Commission kind of what you might need for this. So, there hasn't been any, you know, thing we haven't dug into anything for cost or anything like that. >> Also, to note that anything that's regarding the storage won't come out of your budget. I just want to make sure you guys are aware that that won't come out of the parks. And then when we do get engineered plans, which is something we'll talk about here shortly, that cost is going to be split as well. So, >> Okay, I was get Yeah, that was my next question cuz I'm like I don't think it's fair that we take park budget to pay for them getting a road. Um one thought I had because I first saw this, and then my mind blew up, and then I was having a hard time listening to you cuz then my I was like angry a little bit. Not your fault. Um I understand you guys don't have another place to put stuff. But knowing that we paid, you know, almost $70,000 for plans that involve mostly this corner of the park, my question would be is there a way, and I'm just looking at the map and I I that's why I was asking you is there a particular reason where this drainage pond is over by the track. We have no set plans in the next 10 years for the four softball fields, but we did plan to get rid of two of them because they just aren't being heavily utilized, and maybe just making that a practice field. I would almost feel like I'd rather sacrifice that area. And what I'm looking at and I you have to look at this and tell me, but there's a drainage pond over here, and I'm just thinking like if you guys took that same square footage, can come off this road by the high school where it's not necessarily near the apartments, and it could drain that way maybe, then maybe we could keep this whole area cuz I think what's important is if you guys are in this corner, it takes away from our ability to get a playground, a skate park, the open pavilion area, and a parking lot. And so, I'm not opposed to you guys having your space there. I completely understand that. I just want to make sure it's in the most efficient spot so that we don't lose, you know, we don't have to redo plans again. And if it works over there, and we know we're not going to use these, you know, if we were going to get rid of two of the softball fields, initially in the plans it was these two closer to the apartments, but I'm just thinking like, okay, well what if it was this direction? And I don't know, I'm looking at a pond, so I'm like that's a good place for water to drain off, right? But I I don't know. I just I don't know if there's a chance to look at that. I am not by any means an engineer with this stuff, but it does break my heart a little bit to lose this space because I think if we clear the brush, you'll be able to see the park the park and all the work we've done from McKnight Road, um which would be nice. And then if we were going to do a walking path, which was considered, we could keep that a little tighter, a little closer together um versus the space out here. We could do the park and playground in, but it's going to be harder for people to get to um probably from like McKnight if you're coming or biking from that direction. Um those were just my thoughts. Nope, and and that is fine. For me, I am not opposed to anything like that or looking at something like that. Um just like I said, for us we were asked to kind of sit down and look at this. And if you look at this page this page here, I think that's the second or or plans, yeah. in here. When we looked at it, we looked at the skate So, number six is a skate park, and number five is a playground. So, what we did is we looked at that where we'd say, okay, we could take those two, replace those um with move six and five over to where four and three is. And then we would work on depending on how our self laid out in in whatever that that's a kind of a parking lot or a What is that for uh events? It's kind of like It's for like arts arts in the park and food trucks and stuff like that. >> combined, you know, if if we move these two things over and tried to work some parking lot stuff, you know, in that in that or some other green space, you know, in there. You So, you didn't lose up the skate park or the um playground. I just think And again, I guess like I said, for me, wherever something like this would fit that would make the most sense or that we you know, that everyone could agree upon, that that would be fine, you know? Like I said, I'm not you know, I'm just here given given our you know, thoughts of The space you need, yeah. >> Yeah, space we might need. It's not in Like I said, the the um I I understand where HGA we spent all this money to do that. And like I said, I believe this wasn't put in there because at the time >> Yeah. I it was believed that we couldn't do do something like this. So, Sarah, are you suggesting relocating it to the I don't know, Kunkel field baseball or the one of the softball fields? >> No, it's these two. So, what would you call that the north and south Well, Yeah, right here. What page is that? So, if you look at where North High School parking lot is, you could come right off second second and make a road like almost where it looks like there's a virtual road there right now. It seems like yes, there is one apartment there's the sides of two apartment buildings, but you'd have to pass two apartment buildings on third as well. You could come that way where at least the high school maybe make a deal with the high school they could plow the snow right into your thing. But then I I just saw the pond. That's why I'm like, well if we're looking for natural places for runoff, that makes a lot of sense. >> And that that you know, again, I'm not an engineer, you know, I'm I'm maybe something like that could work over there. Like I said, I'm not opposed to looking at, you know, any of that kind of stuff. Um like I said, if you look at page whatever it's labeled 38 on here, I think it's the um third, fourth page on here. When we were looking at it, John Wick and myself and uh Randy and Easton, um you know, we're like this is a multi-use field where those two fields are getting replaced. Where you know, the two fields the two softball fields are getting replaced. And again, our our in looking at it, that's kind of a smaller soccer field that's back in the corner where, you know, we have our area right now. Um we thought, okay, you know, you'd still have this big multi-use field, you know, for that too. So, again, I just don't want to you know, we just did said, all right, well what what do we think makes the most sense here No, I'm I'm glad it's a discussion and it didn't just happen without talking cuz I think part of it for me is like we know realistically with how expensive this project is going to be, we're not going to be able to do it all at once. And our first thing that we had prepared to fund was that little field right in the middle of where you have this thing, and I'm like I just can see us if we have to go get new plans and spend $70,000 it's going to take five more years. And I'm just thinking the easiest way would be is if we're negotiable on where that location could be, then we can keep the plans as is and still, you know, I'll clarify this too. We still have to get plans redone because we have to do engineering plans. So, now we'll do the step of what does drainage look like? What um is there stuff with the watershed or or the >> can't move. Okay. It will be reworked anyway, and part of the cost that actually we have budgeted in our CIP this year as well to get those done. Um so, it wouldn't be that. And we've talked to her we met with our city engineer. Was that last week or two weeks ago? Um to talk through this, so he's very aware and will be coming here soon, hopefully in the next month or two to talk over um the proposal, but um yeah, so it will be reworked, but it doesn't, you know, if we go with this, it'll be reworked further than Yeah, what we had with HGA. >> I mean, if it's just me, you guys can tell me I'm crazy, but I uh that's just my my thought and opinion, but No, I I it I I think it's from my understanding it sounds like this is a suggested location and I think Sarah to your point it would be better off put elsewhere. I would agree with that. Yeah. Well, just knowing that we didn't really have a real tangible plan for the softball fields cuz it was like phase two. It's like we could jump into phase two now. That saves us actually a lot of money having to plan out as bad as that sounds it we if you guys take that spot then we don't need to plan for that and the budget gets a lot smaller for this whole park project. So it kind of is like you helping us us helping you, you know, um and it could be a good use of that space depending on where you guys decide to put that or whether it's the back two fields but that pond is what I saw so I was like, well It also gives us a really clear ability to present the park as a park. If we move it off like where you Sarah is suggesting because if we have it here that's what you're first encountering when you're coming into this space which is not the aesthetic we're going for at all. Yep. And so and you're going to be able to see that from every aspect of the park. But if we tuck you guys over here we can still present this as a park and we can present this as a storage space and we can present this as the high school and logistically that makes so much more sense for how we're trying to present the space. I like you said I am totally cool >> [laughter] >> You're always cool, Ron. I was chosen, you know, to come here and talk about this and and like I said for me you know, I I like to do stuff where we talk about the stuff where we can work together on it um and again this isn't like set in stone. This is just something if you know, if it's something where we're like, no, we don't want nothing to do with this, you know, I I can only give you the facts of where we're at, you know, and you know, if this wasn't a thing that we could do, you know, I'd have to look at um we have to look at other you know, ways to handle the stuff that that that are that you know, that we have to handle it um and you know, it it's have an open conversation about it. I can tell you my thoughts and I hear your thoughts and we can go from there. And Sarah made a great point, you know, um where we're at kind of the the what HGA did it kind of gave us all an idea of what we're kind of looking at, what we kind of want and then once we get into the like the real engineering of the plans of looking at certain to build this stuff, that's when all the drainage and all this and all that comes in and making stuff work and hey, this would work better over here and this might work better over there. So you know, it's going to be a work in progress and you know, if you guys can you know, you see this now and if if you guys are on board with working with us to make something work if it works out, if it's got to be a little bit smaller, if it's got you know, whatever it might be I think it's all open it should be all open for discussion in my opinion. So Yeah, it's a partnership. I mean it's continued to be a partnership not only through here but through all of our parks and so it I agree with you. This is a unique opportunity to do something new and instead of having to just throw some stuff together randomly across three spaces, if we can be strategic for you and for us, of course, we want to work with you. And and trust me, I want that to look nice down there. I don't like what it looks like down there right now. I mean something needs to be done in the parking lot, the tennis courts um and I would love to be able to maintain something that we have these renderings and drawings in the in this photo and not have an eyesore of a pile of dirt or snow or or whatever that might be. So Okay. Sounds awesome. So what do you need anything from us other than just like feedback? Sarah, unless you know something that I don't all I was you know, wanted to do is get this out to you guys because like I said it was talked about way at the beginning but it was kind of you know, out of the picture because we didn't feel that we could ever ever do it. And then now with the new information that we have this is just kind of kick off to start it so you guys have it in front of you and again this isn't set in stone. It was just kind of this is about a chunk of space that we need and that space can be moved. We had all different sizes and boxes and different things. So this was just something to get started on and then when we take the next step to work with you know, the engineer to start figuring this stuff out to take that next step they can incorporate this in there wherever that might be. Take your feedback. They can take that and say, hey, this works, this doesn't and and go from there. Sounds great. Transparency is key in this project. I mean we've done some stuff on a park's end with the study that it was a surprise. We sold the the piece of land for housing. So transparency is key on this park. Sure. I I agree. I I you know, as much as I can give you I'm more than happy to. I mean I'm with that with everything. So it's Yeah. And I'm sorry we didn't sell the land. We built a house on the land. So Um I do just to like be super super safe with this. Let's say let's say you and I go back to Morgan our engineer and propose exactly what you've said it'd be better in the ball fields and for some reason he comes back and says that's not going to work. I don't foresee that but let's say for some reason he says it's not. Right. And this is and what you drew up here is what we can go with. What features does the park commission feel like you would prioritize then if we could only work with what's here? Just playing like the worst case scenario. Would you It seems like we can only fit two features in there. So would you still want the playground and the skate park? Would you want green space instead of one of those? Like what are your thoughts just so we can have worst case scenario on record in case that happens. I want playground. Hold on. Yeah. Yes. I've I do I don't feel super comfortable giving you that answer okay because I'm concerned that that decision will be made and then we'll find out about it at the next park meeting. Okay. I would also say that if that came out I would fight to say either public works has to give up half their space so we can share that or I think we need to discuss where else that could be because I'm not opposed to giving up other space maybe in those softball fields but I think I would fight for that other area a little bit harder only because we don't get park land back. The city seems to be okay giving away our land that's supposed to be meant for parks and we don't get that back ever again. And so I do feel pretty strong about protecting this tiny little chunk of land for this project that the city really deserves and the kids and families of this city deserve. And so I'm with Laura where I like I I think they might strike more resistance from the park board if you know, we're we're all happy and jolly if we can figure out something that works for everybody but if if it becomes that that project takes over our ability to really make this park happen then that doesn't feel fair to the citizens of the city and the taxes they pay. So I'd say let's come back to us and maybe what I would say to Morgan is if he comes back and says that area won't work I'd say what areas can. Actually I would invite Morgan to come to the meeting to describe why Yeah. He's going to what the next step was is we were going to bring our the feedback from you guys back to Morgan and he's going to start working on a proposal. An official proposal of things that will work for everybody. Perfect. Bring that back to the parks. So that's why I came at you with that question was just in case there was something um to kind of head that off but if we do come across that then we'll deal with that. Hope hopefully not. I hope not. But I think the delay the delay in us not giving you that answer is going to give you all less resistance from us if we can have the conversation in real time. Morgan was Morgan offered to come tonight and I said I no, I don't want you to come here tonight. I think this should just be, hey, I just want to put this in front of them. This is kind of the first time they're going to see this and we can go from we can go from there. And he wouldn't have any answers really to give them. He's great and he would just come up Yeah. I don't know if he I know anything but So yeah and he would say, hey, I'll do what you know, you guys want to do. We'll see what works and we'll see what doesn't. So the first step to in my eyes bring put this in front of you. We can go move forward and say, all right, hey, if we can fit this somewhere per your suggestions, if something like that works. I mean he might look at it one way or the other. He might say it doesn't work where we have it. He might say, hey, it works great over there or hey, we can make that work over there. So um yeah, I I feel it's super important that you guys are involved every step of the way of this and like I said I realize that what the main goal is here what the end goal is here. I want it to be a nice super nice park down there, too. This is just like I said it's a last piece of property we have in town for something like this. If it works, great. If you know, if if it doesn't whatever we go from there. I do think with what Sarah said um this Sarah uh if he cuz I know so drainage is a part that we need to pay attention to. So like if we're thinking about the things that you all want to put in this space and there's limiting factors like we have to consider drainage or something else that you haven't already shared with us if Morgan can identify where the drainage areas are on this map that would allow that would be able to accommodate that space. So as we have that conversation we know what those options are. I think that would be helpful. Are there any other um special requirements I guess for the other spaces that you have in here? The other like storage needs and Special requirements is is So like drainage is what? You can't we have to make sure that the snow can drain. Yeah. What about the other stuff? >> No, I mean the whole project is going to require special drainage. Anytime we do a project anytime we do any type of road project right now um the watershed gets involved with it. If you and I'm not I shouldn't speak on this cuz Morgan knows all the details in the square footage and whatever. But if we tear so many feet of road out just and reconstruct a road, there's a calculation that the watershed does like we have to enlarge the Casey pond by twice as much. Cuz [clears throat] the road project that we did, we actually made the roads a little narrower up there. There's less pavement, but we still had to make the ponds bigger. We are probably going to have have to I shouldn't say. There's a chance that depending on how all the calculations work out, regardless of what we do down here, we might have to add a pond or enlarge a pond or add something in here. So, Could be pretty. >> again, there's a whole lot of design work that needs to go in here and when they start when he starts doing his thing and making the calculations, they might say, "Hey, we need to put a pond where this field is or we need to take a chunk of that or we need to take a half foot of where your public works area is and and put a pond in there." Mhm. So, there's a whole bunch of variables that are going to go into this. Um so, I don't think we're at a point yet where we can get into the nitty-gritty of, you know, "Hey, this is going to be here and this is going to be this size." I think he's got to start his work on it. Uh with consideration of this and just see how everything works out. I don't I don't think I was I I think maybe I wasn't clear about what I was asking. So, like I understand we'll have to modify for drainage. Take drainage out of the equation. Like you are taking trees out and storing them here. Do you need like specific buffers from other areas of other trees? No. Okay. And so, like none of these not the pole pile, whatever factor is, and the open storage area, like those can kind of go wherever. They don't require specific special things. No. So, what what we basically put in here is like this is the space we would need to do with what we have. >> Okay. Perfect. >> Yes. Well, question. Um are we are we unwilling to uh are we protecting this field? Yeah, that's it. There's an agreement. Oh, got it. Okay. That's why we're not >> untouchable. Okay. Okay. Laura, were you asking for if uh it it sounded like you were asking for what all the possible areas this setup could go. Is that correct? Oh. Um Like special considerations, right? Yeah, I feel like I'm not doing a good job of iterating it. I know what you're trying to say. Like The example is snow is going to need more drainage because of the runoff from the snow. Yes. Do any of these other features require anything >> Okay. So, what what the limitations are? That's [laughter] what I was trying to say. That's I was like, huh, okay. Thank you. Yes. That's all I was wondering. >> And there's no science in this snow pile being where it is. We could go out to engineering and they could say, "You can't have your snow pile there because it's I totally get that. I was just asking like do you have to have some sort of crazy radioactive barrier for something in like that I don't know about. It sounds like we don't. No. And anything within this confines or design or whatever that has nothing to do or nothing to do with the budget that's for the parks or anything like that. I we don't have a budget for this. So, I this is just, you know, talking, getting out there and moving moving from here. It's great. And I think that's another reason to maybe push if there's another location is that we do have budget set aside for this assuming it gets approved by council. So, like if you guys did that side, it could hold up our project. So, I'm not going to belabor the point, but um thanks for working with us, Ron. I So, okay. Is Is engineering going to be the one to say where this public works section can go? Is or is that >> No, no. They're they're not going to decide that. We're going to say, "Hey, we can look at this. There there's a maybe an opportunity for this to happen down here somewhere. Take your the take your comments and back and say, "Hey, can we make something work over here? What does this look like?" Um Again, that would be the next step in my eyes. >> Okay. I think proceeding with that, I think it could be a good idea for us to see what all the possible options for where this could be located. So, we could see what all the logistical options that feature the drainage needed or whatever requirements. Um so, that we could see what all the options are and figure out which one's best. I don't know who's going to do that. I don't know if that's engineering or another step, but That'll be Morgan. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Sounds great. Okay. Thank you, Ron. Does everyone feel like they were able to share their thoughts and concerns? William, do you have anything that you want to say? Yeah, I just had one observation. Um you know, let's say, you know, assume that we go forward with the plan as is. Um I noticed that the, you know, the overflow in the recycling areas right next to the softball field. If people hit foul balls or they might be tempted to go into that area to get them. So, I'm just assuming that you probably would need to keep uh the people out if, you know, if balls are hit over. Just wanted to point that out. It's a good point of no matter where it is since there's a lot of softball fields over there, probably a good point. >> Yeah, yes, so keeping people out if Special fencing or something maybe. >> You know what? And again, without just rough talking with us, you know, it would be uh whatever 6 8-ft high privacy fence, you know, that was screened off. So, you know, it was blocked off as much as we could, a locked gated area, um you know, for it. But again, that's the extent that we talked about it. So. Thank you. Yep. Okay. Are we okay moving on to our next topic? Yes. Thank you. Thanks, Ron. Thank you, guys. Thank you. Equally as exciting, Sarah, we're going to talk about the CIP. Yes. Okay. But briefly because Okay. um this is not meant for a full on discussion tonight. What this was meant for is for you guys to take a look at this over the course of the next months before the next meeting or even the next two meetings and see if there's any changes that you'd be interested in. There are a couple variables that we can't foresee right now. We don't know what's going on with the Casey Lake hockey rink because we don't find out if we got the grant or not or if we want to move forward until at least June. Okay. And with these changes to the McKnight potential changes to the McKnight plans, we probably shouldn't move any funding around quite yet because we don't know exactly what the proposed phasing will be or what that's going to look like. So, essentially what I'm asking is for the next meeting, if you guys want to review this um and come back with any suggestions, if you want to see things added, removed, anything like that like we normally do with the CIP, um for the next 10 years, I would love that feedback and then I can start to get that planned. I meant to say what a CIP was. Is that what you're going to ask me? No, no. Okay, good. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Um so, with that, I just want to see if there is any initial questions or comments on that, um but that's kind of as far as I wanted to go with it tonight. I can wait for the next month. So. Yeah. My only observation is the McKnight expenses, which we wouldn't be spending this year, but if we're asking for 2027, might feel right to push out if we're going to build a potentially a public works building over there, we may not want to fund $120,000 towards Maybe that's something we could talk about next time and maybe potentially just shift out a year or two till we know what what's going on with both the public cuz I now think that the public works buildings are going to throw a question mark into some of these projects that are at McKnight. Yeah, we'll definitely have to kind of wait and see on those, but if there's other things too that you know, like like we did last year, um you guys foresee one another Gaga ball pit somewhere next year or something. Even smaller projects like that, we can certainly talk about that um and getting that added to the CIP. I did include in your packet and I will email out tomorrow the template um that we use for adding anything to the CIP. So, if you guys want to come next meeting and you have something you think is great, if you can come with that filled out, that's awesome. Otherwise, I can fill it out for you. Um but it's just asking essentially what I would ask of you is what is the description, what's the justification, what would the budget look like and when would you propose to spend it. We will be starting those talks in June. Yes, just so you're aware. William, are you familiar with this process? No. Okay. So, just like high level, um the capital improvement plan, it's basically like our budget over 10 years of what not what we've spent, but what we're proposing to spend so that we have an idea of like what we need to save, make in revenue, um and other things. And this is just like one part of the whole city capital improvement plan. And so, this is a this is a long process of like getting these things put in here and they're not set in stone, but it's more so so that the the projected numbers make sense. And so, there's some flexibility within here, but this has become a much more formalized process over the last couple of years. So, if we want to add stuff or tweak stuff, there this template that Sarah's talking about is it just helps us walk through the parts that finance needs in order to plug into this like super spreadsheet that predicts out super far out. And so, It's a it's fluid. So, I mean, it can be moved around. It can be And so, that's how we plan to as city council and say, "All right. Yep. Well, this is Dan is our director of finance and he can come to us and say, "Well, parks and rec have roughly a 2% levy right now based on the parks that they want." So, where where are we going to work with when it comes to roads or depending on the finances as what does it look like for city hall in replacing air conditioning units or heating units? It's just things pop up. Fire truck goes down, we need money for a fire truck next year. Well, what does that look like? This is just a little piece of This is a bite of the pie. And so, you all are starting to talk in June about 2027? Yeah, we start the conversations. I mean, it's 6 months long, but yeah. Yep, so just so you know, that's the conversations that we will start then talking about too is planning for 2027. Did I miss anything? I think it'd be helpful for William to get an idea of not at this meeting, but explanation of why we're planning these what it looks like for the 10 months. Sure. Mhm. >> Are that 10 months 10 years? Yeah, really goes my words to me. Yeah, that's all good. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, we can do that. And then what I do and this might be clarity to you is I submit kind of the preliminary what the parks commission has decided upon. I submit that by the end of June to Dan so he can submit that to council and kind of review that and then we can make changes after that which we will need to this year with McKnight and Casey. So, that's completely fine. But we try to get something submitted that early so the discussions can begin. So. And just so you know, everything that we put in here is a proposal. It is not set in stone guidance for city council. So, council can be like, "You can do that. We're not doing that." So, this we really try our best to be like to shoot our shot with this and like this is for sure what we would love to do. So, that city council knows that's where we're focused because it's really important that council knows and hears that we are focused and strategic about how we're planning spending our dollars. So. Yeah. So, do we have to fill out the proposal form if it's already a project on here, but we're thinking about changing it to a different year? >> Nope, you can just tell me that and I'll submit this. >> ideas. Correct. Okay. Yep. It's a good question. And you said we're not discussing that now. We're >> have to. You certainly can, but mine was more I'm going to put this in front of you so you have time to digest what you've already made decisions on previously and can mindfully put together thoughts for next meeting if that works, but if you have something else you want to talk about, certainly. That's very much appreciated. Thank you. If the group is okay, are we good to move on? Yeah. Ingrid discuss. Okay. Okay. All right. Shall we talk about parks representatives? Yes. Finally, it's April and we can finally talk about it. >> [laughter] >> So, you see in your packet lovely map that Rachel made for park representatives and this is where each commissioner is assigned or takes a few parks to kind of have quote unquote ownership of. So, take you know, look at the park, go there a few times within the month. If there's any feedback, questions or anything, bring it back to the commission or me anytime. You can always reach out to me if there's concerns about the park. Rachel does a wonderful job with that and it's actually really helpful. Thank you. Yay. So, you can always shoot me an email if there's a concern in between meetings, but um so, obviously we have all of our parks have been assigned to folks, but we do like some of our bigger parks to have multiple people or if anybody's interested in trading parks, but we would love to have Bill assigned to a park or two. So, if we want to talk about that, that would be great. Laura. I am interested in bequeathing Northwood to William if that is something you are also interested in. I love that. We should have trading cards. That could be really fun. Oh my god. >> [laughter] >> What park are you near? What is the park that's I'm near Silver Lake Park. Okay. Well, that's a big park. Yeah. We used to always have two on Casey and two on Silver. >> I mean, we had more commissioners, but um Yeah. Yeah. What park speaks to you? You're new. You you feel like you get to get first choice, you know? Well, I mean, I was thinking of Silver Lake Park because it's close and it's big. Okay. And then I was just wondering about what you guys thought it would be maybe another park that I haven't been to as often in Northwood. That that would uh check that box for me. So, Yeah. Works for me. How would you feel about a co-representative? Yeah, co is great. Yeah, I don't want to be I don't want to leave the Tower Tower would be another good one for you because I'd love that. That would be wonderful. It's kind of near the area you're talking about and not as big. So, it might be good to have a big and a small. I can share Tower. I'm good with that. Do you prefer Bill, William? What do you prefer? Bill. Bill, I'm sorry I've been first naming you. That's terrible. >> [laughter] >> Sorry, Bill. Chill, Laura. >> formal around here. Yeah, we are. Bill, okay, got it, Bill. Got it. Okay, so that was a lot of confusing in my mind. So, can we Yes. [laughter] Let's Let's have Bill be on Silver and Northwood. Northwood. Yeah. >> Do you want to joint on Tower? >> Yeah. Does that sound okay? You get three parks? Yeah, that's Okay. Okay, so are is anybody else staying on Northwood or is it just Bill? I will be on Northwood. >> You will. Okay, perfect. Awesome. And then Tower, Rachel, you're going to still be on that as well, correct? Perfect. I would like to throw my hat in the ring to co-McKnight. Okay. It is the hill I'm going to die on, I think. Yes. That makes sense. Champion for that one. Maybe more than I should. Laura's like, "Please shut up." I never said that. I never said that. I do [snorts] think >> get my I get my vibe on. I try to shut it down. >> we have made our point about the plot of land that has a house on it and I don't know if continuing to talk about it is beneficial for our cost. >> is. So, I just would like to say that our point has been made and it has been heard. So. Has it? Yes, it has because they can't unbuild a house. So. Our point has been made. If we could respectfully do our best to future forward think. I did not bring it up. Did you say future forward think? >> I did and actually you did in our conversation about um this. No, I thought >> No, she did. You did and then she did. Mhm. Oh, you alluded to it and then she directly yeah. Yes. Yes. So. Points need to be made to not get land from us anymore. >> Yep, I think the point's been made. So. I don't know. Is Do we are we okay with Rachel being the only representative for Casey Lake? It seems like a big park and a big responsibility. >> Only if she proposes some sort of grand statue. >> at it. >> [laughter] >> All right. If someone wants to join you, I'm cool with it. >> I'm 100% cool with it. That is the one I go to the most. All If someone would like to join me, they are welcome to, but I feel fully confident. >> Yeah. I do know that. I'm like three blocks away. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. I'm always here for like moral support if you're out of town or something and you need someone to step in. I don't think that'll ever happen, you know? Not you going out of town, but like you really needing moral support. [laughter] She never I got my binoculars pointed at Casey Lake the entire day. Okay, I'll think about it. Okay, Sarah, all jokes aside, do you Do you know what parks we have assigned? >> Yes, I was able to follow that that time. Thank [laughter] you. Good. Perfect. Okay. All right, shall we talk about upcoming events? Yes. So, at the requests from last meeting, I've included the upcoming events for 2026. This is every event that is happening. It's not just upcoming, I guess it's every event that has happened, too. And it was in our mail in our thing this month. I put it on my fridge. It was great. So, this just lists everything that's coming up. You'll notice on the right hand side that if parks is assigned to it, that is something that Ava would love volunteer help for. So, if you are able to help and haven't reached out to her yet, I would encourage you to do so. Which ones are the ones that need help? Any of them that say parks. Oh, okay. I would focus on those. >> I was curious about like the exercise ones. Do those need I don't think she's mentioned those yet. She hasn't had like a call for volunteers yet, I don't think. I don't think so. She She possibly will be if she personally can't attend those, she might need somebody to Okay. for her. I'll have her I'll ask her to send out another email with like the upcoming ones she needs help at. But in particular, what I wanted to talk about today was the May 16th parks clean up day. So, we have that all scheduled. I have worked with the Silver Lake Improvement Association. They are on board. So, they're going to be focusing on Silver Lake. Yeah. I have not heard back from the Rotary Club. So, >> [cough] >> right now that's [clears throat] not included in our clean up, but what we decided at last meeting is to focus on the Urban Ecology Center, Postal Credit Union Pond and McKnight Fields. Um So, what I need today because this is our last meeting before that is for at least one commissioner to be like the quote unquote lead for those because I need somebody to come and pick up the supplies the day before. Are you um I can Are you requesting a lead for each location? >> Yes. Okay. >> Yes. I was three that you just listed. Yes. Yep, those three lead for the Silver Lake I'll be a lead for I can do the Eco Center cuz I live right next to that. >> And I'll do the Postmates or whatever it is. >> [laughter] >> That's closest to you. Postmates. That's the one. Postal something. Okay. Might look like the Postmates dumping ground when you're Can I ask a weird question? Does the city have like pokey sticks? We don't. >> Got it. Okay. >> Um but we do have really nice gloves. They're like gardener gloves this year. They're like nicer. And what's on some pokey sticks? I think that would be nice. I was I was thinking like maybe I'll buy my own and then I'm just like that's silly Sarah. Or is it? I think maybe we could Uh I don't know. Bulk order? Highly recommend. I can ask. I feel like especially for that for the Postmates pond, like you're going to get in that like area and >> [laughter] >> That's like Silver Lake as well. We we do spend a lot of time right at the shoreline. Uh reaching in for the >> a good use of our budget. >> It's also accessibility. Will ADA clean up? >> Okay. With pokey sticks. >> be pretty inexpensive, too. I saw some at Menards for like four bucks a week or two ago or something. Look at you. So random. I was wondering where you would buy those. I was like should I [laughter] get a second one? Of course I already have one. Proud of you, Rachel. >> [laughter] >> Okay, if it were to come out of the park's budget how what how much would you authorize me to spend? >> Rachel? I think we should do at least 12. I'd say more than that. Let's go like 30 or Let's go. I think 30 would be too many cuz I mean how many people do we have I'm speaking dollars. I'm I'm talking units as well. I'm talking units. In approvals we have to give like budget. Well, I think I think we should do units and then transfer that to dollars. >> Up to, yeah. Okay. I think maybe I I think 30 would be too much. >> Yeah, I think maybe it seems a like a dozen to 20. Okay. How about two dozen? Let's do a dozen. Sure. All right in the middle at 24. They probably sell them in 12 packs. >> Say if you could get them for like what is it? Five bucks each? So that's a hundred twenty-five dollars or something. Let's Up to 250. Okay. You might have to buy them from somewhere. Can Can we We're going to need to vote on that. I'd like to make a motion to purchase two dozen pokey sticks >> [laughter] >> with a budget up to $250 from the park fund. I would like to second this motion. Mhm. Of the pokey sticks. Excellent. Um oh, yeah, that's my part. Uh discussion. Discussion. All those in favor. I. All those opposed. The pokey sticks has passed. >> [laughter] >> I really was thinking about that the other day cuz I'm like I'm getting old enough that bending over and picking stuff up does not sound appealing. >> got to be old for that to be honest. Okay, well. [laughter] Kids don't seem to be bothered by it. So is there anybody here want to be the lead for McKnight or should I reach out to Lloyd? I think Lloyd was going to do it so maybe that Well, he was going to do Southwood. I think he was He was going to do Southwood separate but he hasn't picked up the stuff for it yet. So I don't Let's Let's ask Lloyd. Okay. Um can you remind me the time cuz I do have like a 12:15 commitment. So I was going to try to do mine a little earlier. And a noon on there. Oh, perfect. Okay. 10 to noon. Um and then Sarah, when should the leads plan on picking up the supply? I will have them ready probably by that Thursday, so the 14th. Okay. Um So yeah, you can swing by community development and grab that stuff. Um I will send a reminder that week as well via email. Cool. I have some leftover from two years ago, I think or last year. Okay. Uh so I'll check that supply. I still have the big blue bag that had a lot of nice gloves in it and stuff. So I'll check that and let you know. We might not need as many as many as you think. Yeah. >> Okay, that sounds perfect. Okay. All right. I will go ahead and ask Lloyd but otherwise that sounds wonderful. Oh, I I have a question then. Um okay, so I don't know You probably just for me then for my Postmates pond. Where should I plan on putting my trash bags? That's a wonderful question. You can leave them um right along the sidewalk 11th. Is that acceptable? Okay. Okay. Okay, I'll come pick that up. Perfect. So ours will be on South then. Okay. The most visible street, I'm assuming. Yep, okay. Um and I actually have a map that I'm sending to public works, so Great. Is the Postmates pond the one across the street from Target? >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. >> [laughter] >> We While you were not here, we we volunteered up other parks that we thought cuz Rachel did last year and she said the park was actually pretty clean. So rather than do Casey and some of these ones that get a lot of attention already, we were saying what about these ones that get no attention that the trash from neighboring communities or bus stops kind of fly into that tend to be worse. So Cuz I think public works said last year that they'd done it like they'd cleaned parks two weeks earlier cuz the snow'd melted. So they're like we're going to go through it. So it was hard They'd already cleaned most stuff up. There's a local business right over there that I think may possibly want to partner with you on >> little strip mall? In that little strip mall. They are super civically motivated and minded. Um I'll connect you offline just to be like, "Hey, y'all want to maybe try this?" >> [cough] >> Or even [clears throat] maybe they could advertise like, "Hey, we're doing a pickup here." I'm sure they would love to. Cool. If there's a little flyer or anything we could share online or share with neighbors or anything, let us know. Okay. Will do. And I think it's it's been in the weekly email Ava sent out. Okay. That was just to note it about it. Okay. Yeah. Um uh did that cover the upcoming events or is there more you want to talk about? >> Nope, that is all. Okay, so summer meetings in the parks? Yes, so Rachel brought up last meeting if we could talk about having meetings in the parks again this year. Um Definitely willing to do that. Again, just a reminder we are pretty limited to Howsey and Casey just because we need to do the voice recording and I had a hard time hearing it last year even in the building. So outside will be a nightmare. Okay. Um so I'm more than happy to schedule that though at Howsey or Casey. If Howsey, we obviously didn't see anybody there but I don't know if that was also due to the weather that day if that's why community members didn't come out. But Casey was a really good turnout for community members. For sure. So I didn't know if we wanted to do two at Casey, only do one in the park this year. However, I would just love a discussion and then if we can land on potential months we'd like to see at these parks. I'm happy to schedule it. Can we possibly I like I like different part you know, different parks. I like the idea of it being at Howsey Howsey and Casey are so reach very you know, they're quite far apart from one another and I like the idea of a Howsey centered meeting and a Casey centered meeting. I like that. And Sarah, you said we're pretty much confined to either Howsey or Casey. >> Yeah. Can we do three? Mhm. My thought then would be perhaps doing Casey, Howsey, Casey Okay. to see if Casey is more popular with people showing up. Okay. My um my question to you is what benefit do you think it would serve us to have two meetings at Casey? Um to see we'll want to cuz then we could have the whole summer Yeah, all of them in the park. >> Yeah, June, July, August. Um and then we could see if the one at Casey last year was just a fluke with having people come a lot. And then if we do have people come a lot, we could see if there's a difference between the two months we do it there. But then we're still going to Howsey as well. And then if Howsey ends up being more popular this year, then we could next year do two at Howsey, one at Casey. My Is there still a um Casey Lake like task force the the lake part? No, there was never one for Casey. It's just like neighbors who are concerned about it. >> Yep. Cuz I remember last time that was a huge focus of it. Um and I know there's construction Well, I mean I'm not opposed. I just wanted more so like the why. So It seemed popular last year. I feel like we should do it twice, see if it's popular again. Can I ask something cuz I know we can't do the meetings at other parks but one thing that was good when we used to go to the other parks is it kind of brought a focal attention on the park. I know it's not easy for us to give more time but could I ask that maybe um one or two of the meetings if there's a potential to meet like maybe Sarah we could report to you cuz I know you have to set up but just like a field trip to a different parks as a commission, it's kind of nice to be able to see it. One thing I want to kind of bring up is I'd love for the commission either on their own or at some point to go to Colby Hills and take a look at that plot of land that we got pushed back to not put stuff on last year because I'd love everyone's ideas on what we think it could be because I think it's sitting in as a vacant lot isn't great. I know we can't have the meeting there but I think if we can't do it before a meeting, if people can maybe drop there before. I don't know what people's thoughts on that are but it was used to be nice to be able to as a commission to all look at a space together and give ideas and say, "You know what would be cool here?" You know, we could we could just be just add one more element to like preparing for our meeting and just say "This meeting is focused on you know, please make sure everybody go go visit, you know, Colby Hills before." Maybe that's something I could just ask before the next meeting cuz I'm going to bring it up in the CIP again. So maybe it's if you guys have time, Kolbe Hill's is right off South. Mhm. It's a weird little unique park, but I have seen so many people there using that pergola. And um they're not doing anything else at the park. So, I feel like we're doing something wrong and maybe I just need to start like when I don't have my kids with me sometimes stop and just ask them like what would you like to see here, but I would just love other people's ideas cuz we got shot down for putting the like little structures there. Um so I have some other ideas, but I would love everyone else's thoughts on it, I guess. Do you see people using the open space? Or just at the park? >> see any They're they're using the pergola and the building a lot. Uh I saw a dance like people doing like dance stuff out there one night. But it does make me wonder like that obviously is a people are enjoying using that shelter and we're not addressing like cuz we have a tiny playground that like my kids have aged out of. So it says that we could be doing something and maybe there's something we could do. I know you have to cross the street. I just love everyone else's I don't want to I don't want to cloud your mind with stuff. I just want you to take a look if you get time maybe before the May meeting since we're going to talk about the CIP. Uh just some thoughts. What about if we put like a wooden post in the ground and we tape a laminated paper with a QR code saying what do you want to see here? Or we could just hang it on the park shelter. That as well is a good idea. I like that's a good idea, Rachel. I think we definitely like Sarah, we can obviously work if you need us to make it, we can make it or whatever, but that's a great passive way to Um yeah, and I I mean we could put that in all the parks like really. >> going to say it wouldn't hurt to have a feedback plaque on every shelter or every little every park has some sort of public I mean it has some sort of kiosk So, if if each had its own um QR code um that that gave feedback like people could say I've, you know, I'm hearing too much pickleball noise or I love these pickleball courts or whatever. It just it'd be a really direct way for people to give feedback to us. I think that'd be the easiest via the city. >> way for people to provide their feedback, yeah. Yeah, I'm here for it. Seems seems reasonable. Let's let's talk about it next couple of a couple of things. Okay, so are we okay with Casey and Housey Casey for the summer meetings? Like being in the park. Or do you want to have a Casey and a Housey and then a here? I'm I'm open. I I think I'd I'd direct back to Sarah to see what's your It sounds like it can be hard for you to do this, so I was going to say selfishly it's a little bit of a pain in the park. However I do understand the value of having people actually come and if they are responding to that, that's great. So, I don't want to completely shut that down, but from a staff perspective it is a little bit more difficult, but Okay, so not not doable. I think we should do two then. >> Yeah. Yeah, I like >> Casey and a Housey. And can we like help prepare with you beforehand? It's just mostly the sound, right? It's loud. >> It It is a really hard to do meeting minutes from that. Oh. >> To try to stay accurate. Really hard. Okay. Um the pre and like you guys helped with the like taking down stuff. That was super helpful. The pre stuff I can do during the day and that's not a huge deal, but it's really like the sound and trying to make sure everything stays formal. Still challenging for me. Well, and those meetings tend to be very light except for listening to public comment. So, maybe we can strategically keep them very light so the formality part is as little as possible. Then I would recommend maybe we start in June. So, we do June and then a July. Do you Can I ask do you know that date of the June meeting right now? I'm on a I'm traveling in June. It is the 24th. Oh. Um 24th and then July 22nd. Okay. Um I I should be okay. I should be okay. I'm coming back on the or I'm done on the 21st. Yeah. Do Is there a preference on which one we do in June and which we do July? Whatever works first. Uh What did we do first last time? I think it was Housey I thought. We did Housey first. So, let's do Casey first and Housey second. We'll see. That works. I will book those right now while we're talking, so >> [cough] >> Okay. And then two more things. One is the go to the request that we go to Kolbe Hill's prior to our next meeting. We can't all go together cuz that's considered a optional self field trip. Yeah, it's a self Optional if you don't have time but if you're in that part of town or you're on the Gateway Trail or something, it's just right on the Gateway. You just zip off for 1 second, so Yeah. Maybe on one of these beautiful days take a look. Give me your thoughts. >> Also, you certainly can plan to do something together. You just have to let me know in advance so I can post. Oh. Well, I hate to take more time from people before meetings cuz it can be busy after work. So, I think if everyone is able to or can, I think it'd be great if I would appreciate the thoughts. I think I actually like the idea of having a group of us and then scheduled so that it has to be notified cuz then if the public hears that, then they might show up if we ask for comment as well. Something to think of. Well, let me know. I'm I can walk there, so just if you send a note about it. Okay. And then the third thing is this feedback form which maybe we can push to next meeting. Yeah. Uh just like talking about the potential for a feedback a passive feedback loop. Wow, that was jargon. Um but yeah, we can talk about that at the next meeting cuz I think it's a good idea. Okay. Okay. Uh reports. >> [cough] >> I have two other quick things. Okay, perfect. >> want to give updates that are positive. Sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off. No, you're totally fine. I didn't put these on the agenda, so it's my fault. Um Update on Polar Park. Um they are planning on finishing that in the next about week and a half to two weeks. So, please keep an eye out on your email for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground. Um We are getting a million calls about that park and when's it going to open? My kids really want to go there. So, it's really exciting to hear. People were on it today. I did a drive-by cuz I hadn't seen it and so I was like I was like is that gate supposed to be and then there was like four kids on it and I'm like, "Hm." Technically it's not safe to be on yet. So, when people call, we do tell them that. Um but they're not listening. So um we're trying to get that done as quickly as we can. And then yeah, I'll send out a ribbon cutting. We'll do all that. It'll be wonderful. Great. Um and then I did make the instructions for the gaga ball pit um and that has been given to public works for installation at Northwood as well. Awesome. So, you should see that soon. Um I think that is actually it for me, so Okay. Uh thank you, Sarah. All right, so this is an opportunity for reports from commissioners. If you haven't already shared something that you want to share, this is your opportunity to do so. Does anybody have anything they want to talk about? Silver Lake, I'm I'm concerned about how many trees have come down come down, but I think it's ash borer. I think it's Is it related to that, Sarah? Oh, man. It's making a a difference. It It's just sad to see that and in the neighborhood, too. Um but I figured [clears throat] it was emerald ash borer related. Um I just want to say say that there is a tree that is being treated that few years back um I kind of made a stink about because it's really the only one that provides shade near in the beach area. Um it was an ash tree and I really made sure it was or I mean made a point of saying we don't want to lose that tree and then the city is treating it. So, I just want to make sure that is you know, still tracking that the city is still tracking that that tree doesn't come down. I will follow up with our forester and then follow up with you Yeah. I think do you know where that which one I'm talking about? I do actually, yeah. This >> I've sat under that tree for shade many a time. Yeah, yeah. It's just uh I know well, I I know it's [clears throat] being treated, so I'm hoping that's it's safe from being cut down because of emerald ash borer. So Maybe that's something to consider for Silver Lake in the future. It's one of those. You see them in the South like the artificial shade structure or not They're not artificial, but they look like a big canopy or something where cuz it's so hot down there like Right. I mean we never want to lose that tree, but you're right like I feel like a lot of people do hover under that tree because if you don't bring an umbrella or something with you. Um and and is there Sorry, I'm uh is there a plan for every tree that's coming down getting replaced? >> Yes. You know, there's a one sort of a one-to-one sort of oh There absolutely is. They typically don't plant them in the same year, so you may see them planted next year, but they absolutely do a one-for-one. >> That makes me feel better. >> [laughter] >> Um okay. Thanks. That's all That's all I have from Silver. Rachel? Um regarding the tree replacement, they cut down a lot in Casey last year and they did an excellent job of replanting. Great. Uh more trees than they cut down. So, it's Thank you. Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Good to hear. There'll be There'll be hope, for sure. Um nothing about Casey. I just biked by Tower on my way here, and it looked great. Um no other comments I can think of. Thank you, Sarah. Um mine were more um sorry, uh not specific park-related, but but good questions. Something that came up at the last meeting and I had forgotten to ask. If you could ask Dan about the Casey Lake commitment we do for the 60,000 a year, it should have be up in 2026, according to the agreement we had for 10 years. So, I just want to check to make sure as we're talking about 2027 budget that maybe we can get cuz I know originally there was confusion about but um I think Ingrid and I were talking about it when we were leaving the last meeting, and I'm like, I need to ask about that. So, that was one. Two, um I think they did a great job with all the planning in the parks. I was going to volunteer myself. I'm a certified fitness instructor as well, and I would do it for free. So, I don't know if they're paying people to do those, but I'm certified in Pilates and barre. Okay. We couldn't really do barre in the park unless someone found a tree they liked or something, but [laughter] Pilates we could do um and I can do Silver Sneakers, which could be an awesome option, too, if we do it on a Oh, yeah. Well, you have to have chairs. Well, you could use the Casey Lake building. I mean, maybe a winner or something, I don't know. Yeah. Um but just a just I wanted to throw my name in for volunteer for that if she needed somebody. I don't have sound equipment, but I'm assuming the city does. >> her an email, too. Okay. Yeah, if you can do that, she would love Ava would love to book you and work with you. Yeah. Awesome. Count Does it count towards my volunteer events in the park? >> [laughter] >> That's all I got. Okay. Bill, do you have anything you want to share? Yeah, I have one thing. Um so, at the Snail Lake Beach, just on the left side of the beach, where they they cut down a bunch of these trees and they cleared out some space. There are these small little prickly like seeds and Yeah, those burrs. And like, I don't know if there's anything we can do about those, >> but I stepped on one, my kid got one. If there's something that can be done about that, I just imagine all the kids running over there. Are you talking about like really right down by the water, where It is to the left of the of the water. Yeah, to the left of the beach area. If you're at the beach looking out at the water, it's on the left side, right over here. My family just doesn't even go there anymore because we've stepped on them so many times. >> Oh, oh dear. By the swing set kind of down there? Like further like behind the pickleball [clears throat] area. Like there's like a tree over there, too. >> cuz that didn't used to be like that. >> Oh, it's been for the last uh at least 5 years. >> new ones. Those things that hurt, that like stick on your clothes? Yes, and they're worse They're Yeah, I think it is more like a seed. It's less the like kind of get stucks on your clothes and more the like stabby kind. >> [laughter] >> Exactly. Yes. Yes, I'm glad you brought that up. Yep. Pokey balls. Well, I will also ask our city forester about that and get back to you as well. Yeah. Um is that You good? Yeah, good. Okay. Uh the the one thing that came to mind is Ingrid's friend who does the biking along um South and the trail. Yeah. It's the foliage is going to start coming in again, and so I just want to make sure that we're on that for the visibility part of it. And also the sign area across from there gets pretty overgrown, too. And that was something that we asked for last year, and they were great about, but I just want to put it on our radar again. >> I also want to point out that we don't own that. Oh, that's right. We do it because it gets so bad, but maybe if we start bugging Ramsey County earlier, Yeah. it can help. So, I will certainly do that. Yes. >> and I met with the commissioner and another Yeah, uh Janice set up this meeting um at the library. It was great, and they really heard her concerns, and they proceeded then. There have been some actual steps Great. >> That's wonderful. toward um toward you know, uh at the very least keeping that mowed down, but also we're talking about, you know, wouldn't it be great to have one of those flashing signs? Yes, so there is So, there is some movement there. I I don't know what the latest is, but um I can check into that. That's wonderful. >> ask, too, in conjunction. I don't know where the city is with their road planning, but I've come to city council to talk about that road. It's actually rather dangerous, and there's a lot of bus stops on it. Um and so they said when they do their master plan and they plan that out, I do wonder, too, if that could be included in that, cuz I've been really pushing for sidewalks. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's a county road, so it's not in our plan. I don't It would be a county like adding a sidewalk or doing anything with the road there. It gets really >> a county road? It is, yeah. We don't plow it or do anything with with South. Yeah, that's why nothing's been done. It It definitely adds barriers, and it's can be frustrating. So, do you go through Ramsey County, then? >> Yep. Okay. Yep. It's a little bit more of a challenge, for sure. I think there's a few entities. Like, I think that DNR was because of the gateway. There's There's a few entities um that have to do with the the issue of that one intersection that I that my friend is concerned about. Yeah. Sounds like they're responsive. So, maybe as like a collective push around that area, you know, like you all can talk, and then as those meetings continue, Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Okay. Does anybody else have anything that they would like to discuss, add? Great. Okay, then we can ask for a motion to adjourn our meeting. I make a motion Oh, no, wait. Bill, you want to do it? >> Yeah, Bill. Yes, go for it. Oh, yeah. I'll say it again. I make a motion to >> adjourn. to adjourn the Yep, there you go. I second. Uh discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Aye. All those opposed? Motion passes. Meeting is adjourned. Good job, Bill. You going to hit the