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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNRRCMinutes-20071211 City of Hastings Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Minutes City Hall Volunteer Room December 11, 2007 – 6:00 pm Call to order: In attendance: Mark Vaughan, Al Vandehoef, Russ Rohloff, Steve Miller, Tony Nelson Minutes approved from October 2007 Motioned by Rohloff; Seconded by Nelson; Passed unanimously. Additions to the agenda: Verbal Updates - Football complex - Mississippi River Overlook - Trail crossing from Pleasant/Co. Rd 46/47 - Hastings to Red Wing Trail - Comp Plan - Arena Floor - Walt Popp Semi-Pro Football Complex: We rearranged the agenda to discuss the Semi-Pro Football Complex. Representatives Wayne Erickson, Doug Johnson, and Matt Falco from the Hastings Huskies, a proposed semi- pro football team, were in attendance to discuss a location for this team to play. The idea of a football complex was discussed and brought forth by the Hastings Huskies. The Hastings Huskies representatives discussed why they believe Hastings is a prime location to host such a team. The Hastings Huskies are looking for a parcel of property from 3 to 5 acres to construct this complex with parking. A preliminary sketch of the complex was distributed and reviewed by the NRRC members. It was discussed that the season for the semi-pro football league is June-August and the representatives thought the community could gain access to this complex when not in use by the football team. Further discussion on how this access would be conducted was felt to be left to discuss at a later date. The team would finance and build the stadium complex. The team would be interested in looking at a cooperative venture with the City if the City had land available for this complex. The team is looking at selling of alcoholic beverages (beer). The estimates of construction cost presented to the NRRC range from $600,000-700,000. Chairperson Vaughan asked what would happen if the team folds. Doug Johnson said that they would look at selling the facility. The team left indicating that all issues are negotiable. Questions and comments from the NRRC were discussed privately later in the meeting. Departmental Updates: Superintendent Smith reviewed the enclosed park updates. Director Bernstein did add that he has received some questions on why the outdoor skating rinks are not open as of yet. Director Bernstein explained to the NRRC the steps involved in creating the rinks and the NRRC agreed with the process for preparation of the outdoor skating season. Construction Updates: Lake Isabel Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that construction at Lake Isabel is approximately 90-95% completed as the contractor has some punch list items to be completed and that they will need to install the dock and ramp next spring. Chairperson Vaughan mentioned that the project did turn out very nice. He also asked if we were going to have a “grand opening.” Director Bernstein mentioned we will have a grand opening for Lake Isabel along with other events at the Mississippi River Boat Dock and the Mississippi River Overlook. Mississippi River Overlook Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that the existing blue building on this site is currently being removed by City maintenance staff. A preliminary plan has been developed and Director Bernstein will bring this information forward at the next NRRC meeting in January. Eagle Bluff Park The NRRC reviewed the material in the NRRC packet of recorded minutes from the neighborhood association meeting. The NRRC recommended to Director Bernstein to investigate if this project could be completed in ’08. Director Bernstein mentioned that Superintendent Smith compiled some preliminary figures if we were able to complete this project in-house. It is estimated the project cost is approximately $6,000. Director Bernstein mentioned it may be possible for the backboard and rim for this park could come from Wilson Park as Wilson Park will have new goals in ’08. MOTION: Commissioner Nelson motioned to approve the request to place a ½ basketball court in at Eagle Bluffs Park with the City performing the labor. Seconded by Commissioner Miller. Passed unanimously. Freitag Property Update: Director Bernstein mentioned that a couple of meetings have taken place between the City, County and Department of Natural Resources for the purchase and use of this property. Director Bernstein mentioned that as of the last meeting, all parties are closer to agreement on use of the property for hunting and other leisure uses. A proposed trail through this property is still in question as it is against land use policy by the DNR to place a bituminous trail or any permanent trail in a Wildlife Management Area. Director Bernstein will continue to inform the NRRC as to the progress of this project. Comp Park Plan: Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that a presentation to the City Council was conducted in December. He also mentioned that he will be going forward to City Council for final approval in January if the NRRC has no further comment. New Business: Football complex The NRRC had several questions regarding this project and advised Director Bernstein to develop a list of questions and present them to the representatives of the Hastings Huskies for their response. Director Bernstein said he will attempt to complete this task either before the holiday season or immediately following the holiday season. Trail Crossing at Pleasant and 46/47 Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that he and Thomas Montgomery, Public Works Director, met with representatives from Dakota County to discuss this trail crossing. Several options were discussed and Director Bernstein mentioned he felt that Dakota County would also like to see this trail crossing modified. Director Bernstein mentioned he felt there was a cooperative spirit between the two local government agencies. Shortly after the holidays, Director Bernstein and Thomas Montgomery will facilitate a meeting with the Bauer property owners to gauge any interest for a trail along the Vermillion River. Hastings to Red Wing Trail Director Bernstein mentioned there is movement and interest in seeing this trail developed. Bernstein mentioned the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota has become involved in this project which is a tremendous asset to the project. Arena Floor Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that progress has been made by the engineering firm to develop specifications for the construction and installation of the new floor in the east rink. Director Bernstein will request the City Council to authorize the bid process in January. Walt Popp Director Bernstein mentioned that Walt was unable to attend his last meeting as an NRRC member. A plaque for Walt’s service was made and delivered to his home. Advertising for a new NRRC member is currently taking place. th Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2007 at City Hall. Adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Barry Bernstein