1g. Park & Recreation Commission Minuted dated July 29,19971�
Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
July 29, 1997
A special meeting of the Chanhassen Park & Recreation Commission was held at 7:00 p.m. on
July 29, 1997, to conduct a site visit of the Lake Susan Park waterfront and the Twin Cities and
Western Railroad bridge underpass on Highway 5, near downtown. These site visits were held to
help determine whether or not a formal beach should be maintained at Lake Susan Park and
whether or not a pedestrian trail is feasible adjacent to the railroad from downtown Chanhassen
to Lake Susan Park.
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present:
Chair Lash, Commissioners Howe, Manders, Roeser, Meger, Frank and Berg. Staff members
present: Todd Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director; Jerry Ruegemer and Patty Dexter,
Recreation Supervisors; and Brad Eller, Facility Supervisor.
The agenda was approved as presented. There were no public announcements or visitor
presentations.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Berg moved, Commissioner Roeser seconded to approve
the minutes of May 20, 1997 as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Commissioner Roeser moved, Commissioner Howe seconded to approve the minutes of the June
24, 1997 meeting as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Determine Official Designation of Lake Susan Park Waterfront: The commission discussed
a variety of issues surrounding the potential development of a public beach at Lake Susan Park.
Issues such as permitting, signage, power boat issues, schedule, and necessary public hearings
were discussed. The commission felt that the adjoining neighborhoods would appreciate a public
beach at Lake Susan due to its convenient access. The commission acknowledged that the water
quality of Lake Susan is not as good as other lakes in the city, but also recognizes that the
existing waterfront is already being used for swimming. Commissioners were concerned about
the potential relationship between an expanded public beach and increased power boat or jetski
usage.
However, the majority of commissioners favored the development of an `official" public beach
at Lake Susan Park. Upon conclusion of their discussion, Commissioner Berg moved,
Commissioner Manders seconded to schedule a public meeting to discuss the potential
development of a beach at Lake Susan Park on Lake Susan. Proper notification is to be sent. All
voted in favor and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Aggressive Skate Park: Commissioners continued their discussion on the potential
development of a skate park in Chanhassen. The commissioners discussed resources which may
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
July 29, 1997
Page 2
be available to assist in the construction of this skate park. Those include inline skate
companies, the Market Square Management Group, technical colleges, and a design contest with
rewards. The commission agreed with staff s recommendation to incorporate a skate park into
the redesign of City Center Park scheduled for construction in the summer of 1998. As such,
Commissioner Manders moved, Commissioner Howe seconded to designate a skate park as a
component of City Council Park. Planning for the facility is to be incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan development detailing the renovation of City Center Park, with planning to
occur in the fall /winter of 1997/98, and construction to occur during the 1998 season. All voted
in favor and the motion carried.
Program Reports: The following Program Reports were received by the commission: Summer
Programs, Recreation Center Monthly Report, and 4` of July Celebration Evaluation. In
response to those reports, Commissioners recommended a variety of changes to the 4` of July
Celebration that included the selection of a new band for the 1998 celebration, incorporation of
additional food vendors, the continuation of the community parade, the reintroduction of the
treasure hunt.
Administrative Reports: The commission received the following reports: Encroachment of
Parkland -West Lake Susan, Letter of Appreciation - Commissioner Volunteers for the 4` of July
Celebration. The commission also took time to discuss the responses from the Economic
Development Authority regarding the Pauly/Pony/Pryzmus site and the old Red -E -Mix site. The
commission concurred with the response of the EDA and is anxiously awaiting their planning
efforts. The commission also discussed the inquiry of the Economic Development Authority
regarding a trail underpass of the Twin Cities and Western Railroad (TCWRR). Generally
commissioners had some significant reservations to this alignment. Nevertheless, in the spirit of
maintaining an open mind, they ordered a limited feasibility study. This study is to cost no more
than $500. This motion was made by Commissioner Roeser and seconded by Commissioner
Berg with all voting in favor.
There were no questions on the administrative packet.
Commission Presentations: Commissioner Berg requested that lines be painted on the
basketball court at Meadow Green Park and that the history street signs program continue to be
pursued.
Commissioner Manders moved, Commissioner Howe seconded to adjourn the meeting at
9:10 P.M.
Todd Hoffman
Park & Recreation Director