Laserfiche WebLink
January 7, 2015 Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission Page 1 <br /> <br />NEW BRIGHTON PARKS, RECREATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION <br /> MINUTES <br />JANUARY 7, 2015 <br /> <br /> <br />I. Call to Order <br />The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Frischman <br /> <br />II. Roll Call <br />Members Present: Commissioners Brunell, Eischen, Fields, Frischman, Kunesh-Podein, <br />Parker and Council Liaison Strub <br /> Members Absent: Commissioner Cook <br />Also Present: Sandy Breuer, Director of Parks and Recreation; Chris Wolla, Parks <br />Superintendent. <br /> <br /> III. Minutes of October 1, 2014 <br />MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KUNESH-PODEIN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER <br />FIELDS, TO APPROVED THE OCTOBER 1, 2014 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. <br />MOTION CARRIED. <br /> <br />IV. Correspondence <br />None <br /> <br />V. Old Business <br /> a. Jones Lake <br />Chair Frischman gave some background on Jones Lake. It is a natural and wetland <br />area located east of Old Hwy 8 in the most southern part of New Brighton. It sits <br />between Old Hwy 8 and 35W. Surrounded by some high density residential property, <br />business and manufacturing companies. The land is currently owned by a private <br />owner and the Baptist Seminary. In 1980’s, this was identified as a possible land <br />acquisition by the City of New Brighton and added to New Brighton’s, trails, <br />walkways and park system. In March, 1998, the City hired Ingraham and Associates <br />to see how to best use this land and the cost associated with building out this site. In <br />July of 2002 there were 2 appraisals. In Nov. of 2005 the City put together a letter of <br />interest and sent it out to land owners. In May of 2006 there was a request from this <br />Commission to make a purchase for this land. It went to City Council and they made <br />a formal recommendation. Since then there have been a whirl wind of economic <br />challenges that have impacted the City and land owners. The City has recently been <br />approached by the Baptist Seminary that they are interested in selling this property. <br />The value that they are asking is significantly lower than the 2002 appraised value; <br />although the asking price is still more than the City’s offer to landowners in 2005. <br />There is a land lock feeling of this parcel. There would have to be easements to this <br />land and additional easements or acquisitions made in order to get a complete <br />walking path loop that would go all the way around the lake. Parking was also <br />discussed. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman stated most of our parks sit closer to 694 or on the north side of <br />694. The most southern part of New Brighton tends not to have as much green <br />space or access to park land. This would fill a void in that area. <br /> <br />Director Breuer stated on the southern end there is proposed parking, benches, <br />picnicking. The property just north of the water tower is owned by the City. It is a <br />very natural area right now. The nearest park is Totem Pole. <br /> <br />APPROVED <br />