PRC 1976 10 05
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Park & Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
October 5, 1976
The regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Joe Betz. Members
present were: Phyllis Pope, Shirley Chellis, Denis Stedman
and Margaret Thompson. Interested persons present were: Don
Ashworth, Walt Hobbs, Nick Waritz and Hud Hollenback. Members
absent were: Pat Boyle.
APPROVAL OF SEETEMBER 21, 1976 MEETING MINUTES:
Correction of the wOI'd,"Cathcart'" was made. 'Shirley Ghellif!:
made a motion to approve the minutes. Phyllis~Pbpe':seconded~'.
Motion carried.
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DISCUSSION OF LAKE ANN PARK: Discussion was held regarding the
possible extension of Lake Ann Park. Don Ashworth gave a brief
summary of the situation. Mike Gorra, owner of the attached
parcel, has made an application for a building permit and has
a right to develope that property. He has to receive approval
from DNR for cVDssing of the creek which is what is slowing
him down. He wants to put a house in a location where the
City could not take the property. He wants the house on a
high piece of ground near the lake; about 400 feet from the
lake. The question is does the City want to do any more with
this issue. The parcel consists of approximately 70 acres
for the whole site. The feeling by Don Ashworth is that it
wofuilld be a very expensive piece of property. The land was
purchased by Gorra in 1973.
The question is would the City consider increasing this park
or would they prefer spending the money elsewhere in Chanhassen.
Walt Hobbs commented that the land would be great but the
question would be where the money would be coming from to fund
the purchase and the development.
Approximately $100,000 is left out of the original bond issue.
Ecklund/Swedlund owns the piece of property East of Lake Ann
Park.
The joint trail system, once developed, would appear to run
right through Gorra's property.
Denis Stedman made the statements that he felt this 70 acres;}
would have a very limited recreation use to it. The idea
of spend~ng more money. for hockey rinks, ball fields and more
active reareation would seem to suit peoples' needs better.
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Park & Recreation Commission
October 5, 1976
Page 2
Joe Betzl I:fCChanhassen grows in population, we would need to
increase Lake Ann Beach either to the east or the west.
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Nick Waritzl Wou1d there be a possibility of' acquiring 200tf'eet
deep of' Lake shore?
$10,000 has Qeen put aS$de in the proposed budget f'or an option
to buy. This -to . go~bef'ore the (li'ty eouncil s~on.
There would be a possibility of' giving Gorra money with the
Option to Purchase; thus insuring that we would have it at smme
time.
Joe Betz felt that what also should be inc~uded in the estimate
would be the cost of' merely putting our case together for
development of' this property. .
In applying f'or a grant to help f'und this parcel, a problem may
be with it's lack of' priority.
The Gorra parcel is about 1J20 f'eet wide.
It has been suggested that other areas of the City be looked into
for more community parks.
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An idea was brought forth that perhaps the property owners on
both sides of' Lake Ann Beach be approached and ask for a"ballpark','
figure on what monies would be needed f'or the purchase per acre. ~
When the intercept goes through the easement would then belong
to the City, but ~his easement may not be what is needed f'or
the trail system.
Perhaps more priority shpuld be placed on a community services
study as to what the growth of Chanhassen will be and the needs,
etc.
The Park and Recreation Commission will put together a preliminary
proposal for this piece of land. Individual maps should be
provided so each member could study the park for passive and
active reereation possibilities. Following the Lion's Club
presentation at the October 19, 1976, meeting, the Park & Rec-
reation meeting will consist of' a work night f'or a proposal of
Lake Ann Park.
FILE CABINET I The Park & Recreation Commission needs a file
cabinet. This should be placed on the budget under miscellaneous.
HUNTING I
hunting.
The north side of Rice Marsh can not be used f'or
Permits are needed for hunting on all pieces of' property.
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Park & Recreation Commission
October 5, 1976
Page J
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HOCKEY RINK LIGHTS: The whole lighting system has been shorted
out by rodents chewing at the wiring beneath ground. The cost
o~ replacement would be $700 and money was not budgeted ~or this
in 1976. New lighting, extra lights and new boards are all
needed. Something should be done since this involves a lot of
children. A light meter was suggested ~or the cost o~ the
electricityo It was suggested that perhaps the wiring did not
meet code since it was installed last year. This should be
checked on with the contractor.
CRAB APPLE TREES:- LAKE ANN: Holes have been dug but trees have
not been purchased. Phyllis Pope made a motion that 'the Park
and Recreation Commission give Henry Wrase $50 ~or the planting
o~ these threes. Denis Stedman seconded. Motion carried.
JOINT TRAILS MEETING: Meeting will be held on the second Thursday
o~ each month i~ anyone is in~erested, call Phyllis Pope ~or
~urther in~ormation.
LIONS CLUD DEVELOPMENT - LAKE ANN: On the October 19, 1976,
agenda, the Lions Club will make their presentation on a possible
development ~or Lake Ann Park.
WESTERN HILLS: Nothing has been started todate.
l Shirley Chellis made a motion meeting be adjourned. Phyllis
,~ Pope seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.
Respect~ully submitted,
Jane Wostrel, Secretary
~or
Joe Betz, Chairman
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