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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNRRC Minutes 11-2006 City of Hastings Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Minutes November 14, 2006 – 6:00 pm 1) Roll Call at 6 pm: Commissioners Brown, Popp, Rohloff, and Vandehoef, Parks and Recreation Director Bernstein, Superintendent Smith Absent: Commissioners Christenson, Schommer, and Vaughan 2) Since there was no quorum at this meeting, the minutes from October will be held for approval until the December meeting. Commissioner Brown acted as chair in Commissioner Christenson’s absence. 3) Freitag Property: Al Singer from Dakota County Farmland and Natural Area Management was in attendance to discuss the Freitag property in Hastings. In 2000 or 2001, there was a funding proposal from the County, City and DNR to purchase this property for a Wildlife Management Area (WMA.) At that time, the estate wanted more money than was possible. This year, the family has submitted an application to the county regarding this property. The majority of this 300+ acre property is in a 100-500 year floodplain and also a portion of it has 3 feet of bedrock, which makes it difficult to develop. The Freitag property is an ideal location for a WMA because it is a gateway to a large natural area that runs down to Goodhue County. One issue is that the City of Hastings has a gun ordinance. If the DNR is going to use wildlife revenue to purchase this property, they will want to be able to hunt on all or most of the property with fine shot and archery. Mr. Singer also mentioned that there are no organized trails typically allowed in a WMA. However, we could request that this area become a “modified WMA” so that we could have some sort of non-paved trail system in this area for resident use. There is also a possibility that some sort of campground could be placed along the Mississippi River. This property can be owned by the City, the DNR or by a combination of both. Mr. Singer stated that this is a high priority area. The City needs to decide what is in its best interests. Director Bernstein passed out copies of City Council minutes dated January 20, 2004 which show the City Council reaffirming support of the preservation of the Freitag property. Mr. Singer stated that the more money the DNR contributes, the more pressure there will be to allow hunting. Commissioner Popp mentioned that in the original deal in 2000, the City was planning to contribute $25,000. He asked if there was any possibility of getting an exemption to the hunting ordinance, since this was such a valuable piece of property. Superintendent Smith asked if there were any rare animal / bird species on the property and was informed that there are some. Commissioner Brown asked if we could make use of the road that is already in existence to connect a trail by the gravel pit. Director Bernstein asked if Mr. Singer had any idea how much money the City would need to contribute. Mr. Singer stated that the more money the City contributes, the more control they would have over the land. It really depends on what the City would like to use the property for. The County needs some indication of the City’s intentions by December 31, 2006. There would also be on-going maintenance expenses for the City. For example, there would need to be restoration of native species in the formerly cultivated fields, invasive species control and signs/barriers to control 4-wheel vehicle access. Mr. Singer gave the NRRC 4 things to think about: How important is this project to the City? Would fine shot / archery hunting be allowed? What sort of trails or other amenities would we like? What range of contribution could the city make financially? If hunting in not allowed, the chances of the DNR contributing much money is slim. Superintendent Smith mentioned that the Sand Coulee is currently a WMA and allows hunting. However, the City does get complaints regarding the hunting. Mr. Singer mentioned that the DNR is interested in changing this property from a WMA to a Scientific and Natural Area. If the Freitag property was used as a WMA and allowed hunting, then the Sand Coulee could more easily be used for a Scientific and Natural Area. The NRRC Commissioners present recommended that the City allow this area to become a WMA with the city contributing some funds in order to get certain amenities. The possibility of getting crushed rock trails or a campground by the river is appealing and this issue is important to the NRRC. 4) Departmental Updates were passed out to the members of the NRRC. 5) Habitat for Humanity: There has been a request by Habitat for Humanity to place four additional homes on property that is owned by the City. The NRRC was asked their opinion regarding park dedication. Should we request money, land or waive the park dedication altogether since the property is owned by the City anyway? The NRRC Commissioners present suggested waiving the park dedication requirements. Another question that was raised is that a resident is concerned that the kids in the area do not have a place nearby to play. The NRRC suggested that children go to either Lions Park or Crestview Park, as both are within a ½ mile of this area and there are no major roads to cross. 6) NRRC Commissioner Terms: Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that Commissioners Brown and Christenson will have served their 3 consecutive terms as of December 31, 2006. The Parks and Recreation Department will begin advertising for replacements after the holiday season. A new chairperson will be elected by the commission in 2007. 7) New Business - Director Bernstein mentioned that there will be 7 warming houses this year. We will also have two rinks available without shelters at Tuttle and Cannon Parks. There will not be a rink at Riverwood Park this year due to neighborhood complaints. The hours will be very similar to last year, with the exception that the Wilson and Isabel warming houses will only be open Friday through Sunday due to low usage. Kennedy will be open this year – minimal repairs will be done again. Director Bernstein is in discussions with the school superintendent regarding future use. 8) Old Business - Commissioner Rohloff asked if the work that is being done on the culverts on Spiral Blvd was related to the new trail proposed down by the Industrial Park. Director Bernstein said that Public Works is working on improvements to that area by removing or reducing the culverts. The new proposed trail would run from Vermillion Falls Park down through Vet’s Park Athletic Complex and exit on Spiral. Superintendent Smith brought out that this new trail would connect the ballpark to the rest of the trail system. - Commissioner Rohloff asked about the status of the light poles in Levee Park along the trail. At this time, the poles have not been fixed. Public Works is taking the lead on this project. - City Council approved going out for bids on a stand alone shelter at Lions Park. The Parks & Recreation th Department is planning to seek bids after November 20. th Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2006. Adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Kristin Behrens SINCE ONLY 4 OUT OF 7 MEMBERS ATTENDED THIS MEETING, THERE WAS NO QUOROM AND SO NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.