Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
Board Meeting Minutes May 9, 2011
7:00 pm, Scandia Community Center
Submitted by Julie White
Members present: Sonia Borg, Brad Borg, Rich Burton Jerry Johnson, Tom Krinke, Matt Rasmussen, Judy Rydeen, Karen Schik, Lisa Schlingerman, Dennis Seefeldt, Sally Swanson, Tom Triplett, Julie White, Mike White.
Absent: Mike Harnettyt
Guests: Joan Berry
President Tom Triplett called the meeting to order.
1. Amendments to agenda
Treasurer's report added.
2. Approval of April 11, 2011 meeting minutes.
Motion-Denny, second-Tom, passed.
3. Updates on priorities
- Bike trails in the city
Rich reported on status. We are currently waiting completion of the city's trail planning process and subsequent review by the Scandia Parks committee. Rich also needs to get approval for sign placement from the city engineer. The city will do the installation. New posts will be installed as signs cannot be attached to existing posts due to height restrictions. Signs are expected to be installed this summer.
Discussion ensued about bike events. Tom T suggested we try to get involved in the bike tours that go through Scandia - provide a refreshment stand, help with promotion, etc. Denny suggested a fall bike fundraiser event. There was a lot of support around this. Timing is tight for this year and a committee would need to be formed to organize. We're not sure when the signs will get installed so that could be a hindrance. Further discussion needed.
- Hay Lake planning
Jake Otto will attend the next meeting and provide an update. The Beer Fest is scheduled for June 25th - FSPT will have a table there with brochures and info about Hay Lk projects. - Gateway extension
Tom T will attend the Gateway update meeting on Wed and report back. Easements for 3 segments in Scandia are basically done, with two others in process. Note from Tom about the Gateway Trail meeting with DNR and the state parks and trails council: discussions with remaining landowners are moving well, and the revised trail plan through Scandia calls for an underpass under Oakhill Road near the llama farm. Even though the stretch from O'Brien to Scandia city center is now basically designed, it is doubtful any construction could begin until the route through O'Brien is determined by DNR. There is no timeframe yet for the completion of that plan. - Tiller mining
MnDOT has not met with Tiller yet re: the traffic issue. Tiller has submitted some paperwork, but nothing about reclamation. Their plan would include removal of thousands of trees and the bike trail. The reports that had been due by March 3 have not been submitted. TA-COS is requesting that the City submit a new conditional use permit application. - Lilleskogen funding and volunteer activities
We are in the process of applying for 2 grants for the butterfly garden and for the ADA boardwalk. Tom T and Jane Zirbes are researching additional opportunities. The Park and Rec volunteer events are scheduled for the 2nd Wed (5pm) and the 4th Sat (9am) of each month. The May events are buckthorn at Lilleskogen, June 8 is stair building at Wind in the Pines, June 25 is installing barbecue grills at the lighted ball field.
4. Treasurer report.
Rich reported a current account balance of $5,233, which includes the Parks and Trails grant of $3,500 for bike route signage. Only 19 members responded to the membership renewal envelopes sent out in Jan. We need to do more promotion - e.g. promote at the annual Lion's picnic in Aug, at Beerfest, others.
5. New Issues
- River paddles
Tom T put in a plug for the St Croix River Association 2-week paddle in July. They are looking for volunteers and participants. Participants can paddle as many or as few days as desired. Details SCRA Paddle. - Bike rides from Bikery
Joan reported on the weekly bike rides that are happening each Sun (8:30 am) & Mon (5:30 pm), starting from the Bikery. These are great, and she'd strongly encouraged that we do a similar thing from Scandia.
7. Next meeting June 13
Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm.
Submitted by Karen Schik
