Planning Commission Minutes

August 22, 2005 - 7:30 pm
City Council Chambers

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Wascher at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call was taken by Secretary Baker.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ronald Baker, Mike Bruff, Tracy Butcher, Jack Davis, John Greenway, Gregg Guetschow, Amy Six-King, Richard Snow, Robert Teich, and William Wascher

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Gary Burk and Sue Osika.

MINUTES:

It was moved by Commissioner Davis and supported by Commissioner Teich to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 27,  2005 as presented by the secretary.

AYES: All, Motion Carried.
NAYS:

COMMISSION ELECTIONS:

It was moved by Commissioner Davis and supported by Commissioner Teich to elect Bill Wascher as Chairman, Richard Snow as Vice-Chairman and Ronald  Baker as Secretary.

AYES: All, Motion Carried.
NAYS:

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

SITE PLANS: 

ITEMS OF BUSINESS:

CONTINUATION OF PARKS AND RECREATION PLANNING

1)               Grove Holman Park and Pool.

Phil Hathaway, Community Development Director, went over the 1995 Master Plan for this park. It was decided to keep the improved sledding hill in the plan and not put signage on M-52.

2)               Review of Rowe drawing for Rudy DeMuth Field.

Phil Hathaway discussed a planned trail extension and expanded parking lots and entrance to Gould Street; additional signs; canoe launch; vegetative background in the outfields; and to eliminate parking inside ball field area.  The park boundary shall not include the woodlot across Gould Street and will not include the bikeway adjacent to Fisher Redi-Mix.

3)               Linear Parks, Pathway, and Linkages for Pedestrians and Non-Motorized Transportation.

The following items were discussed to be added to the linear parks and trails:

a)               Loop parkway.

b)               Young person play ground at Lion’s Club Park

c)               Signage for James Miner River Walkway.

d)               10K Run Promotion.

e)               Lighting and aesthetic upgrade to the James Miner River Walkway from Washington Street to the Foot Bridge.

f)                 Clinton Street covered bridge from City Hall lot.

g)               Alternative route for the Chipman Road connector to Harmon Patridge Park.

h)         The loop connector to Gould Street to access the skate park.

COMMISSIONER/CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Residents of the Austin Condominiums read that there is a plan to build a bridge from VGs to the Austin Condominiums and they said their residents oppose the use of their property for bridge construction and access to their street.  The residents were informed that there was no plan to build a bridge on their property without their permission and that other routes were in consideration.

Commissioner Davis asked if another use for the Collamer Park entrance could be determined.  It was decided to remove the hardsurfacing and reseed the entrance.

Commissioner Greenway said the parking plan for Curwood Castle would impact many large old trees.  The site plan is not drawn yet but the parking lot for this park is the only location for parking.  The lot will be designed to minimize impact on the trees.

Phil Hathaway gave an update on the demolition of the Vaungarde property.

Commissioner Bruff asked if the hotel lot could be seeded for grass to improve the look of the lot.  It was noted that Gilbert’s have control over the lot for special sales and that unless the proposed new building for 2006 is cancelled the investment would be unjustified.

ADJOURNMENT:

It was moved by Commissioner Greenway and supported by Commissioner Snow to adjourn the meeting.

AYES: All, Motion Carried
NAYS:

The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Ronald Baker
Secretary