2012-10-15 CC Minutes Workshopj j1b�rtvi c
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ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Monday, October 15, 2012
APPROVED MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL
ROLL CALL
7:01 P.M.
Present: Council members Jillian Hendrickson, Larry Sorensen, John Vetsch and Dan Wagner
Absent: Mayor Mark Meehan
Others Present: Interim City Administrator Robert Thistle, Finance Director Tina Lannes,
Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Nafstad, City Attorney Michael Couri, City Planner
Alan Brixius, and City Clerk Kimberly Olson
CENTRAL PARK CONCEPT
Brixius reported that he has worked with the Park Committee on these plans, but he would like
Council feedback before moving forward with finalizing the plans.
Brixius stated the Central Park Concept took into account a second sheet of ice by the STMA Ice
Arena and that would require an additional 200 parking spaces. He reviewed the two options for
accommodating that parking need. The Park Committee did not want to sacrifice a ball field for
parking spaces, so both options allow the ball field to remain.
Brixius stated there would be three entry points to the park at the ice arena, Main Avenue NE
and near St. Albert's church. They looked at trail circuits around the ball fields and also future
splash pad locations near an entry point. They looked at building a replica of the original depot
building with a stage and possibly a historic rail car or caboose. The depot could be used for
evening concerts in the park. The Park Committee wanted to highlight and establish the park
entry point on Main Avenue NE. He stated they looked at keeping areas open for Friendly City
Days.
Brixius stated the plan isn't meant to be done at one time and it can fit into the City's Capital
Improvement Plan and budget in stages.
The other concept he was asked to look at was the area north of the treatment plant. Council will
need to determine the land use as parkland or an area for housing or a combination of both. He
showed several plans with differing uses. One could be baseball and softball fields as well as
soccer and lacrosse fields. Another could be single family with or without an open space.
Another could be half residential and half ball fields.
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City of Albertville Page 2 of 2
City Council Workshop Minutes
October 15, 2012
Brixius also looked a walking trail along the lake that could tie into other trails and even possibly
the memorial site for Jessica Weishair.
Brixius would like to put together a narrative to bring back to the Park Committee for editing and
approval and then bring back for final approval by the Council.
Vetsch asked about the compost site. Brixius stated they will have to look at options and he will
put alternatives in the report.
Vetsch was hesitant to put in residential housing. Brixius stated that the fields are expensive to
put in. Vetsch asked if there is some sensitivity to the closeness of the treatment plant. Brixius
stated they could do ball fields on the southern half and residential to the north.
Brixius asked Council if they were committed to keeping the area as a community play field.
Hendrickson wanted to keep options open but could see some residential. She would like to
keep it broader. Brixius stated the land is city owned property and nothing will happen until they
decide it. They have ultimate control because of ownership.
LeRoy Berning was present to speak about the possibility of purchasing a caboose for Central
Park. He stated the Albertville Lions are supportive of purchasing a caboose and building a
depot building. He stated that it could be a ten year project.
Berning provided estimated costs on the purchase, moving, storage and restoration of the
caboose. He stated that a local auto body shop would be willing to work on the restoration.
Berning stated he is interested in bringing the history of the depot back to town. He stated the
building could be used for meeting or rest rooms or music performances during the Farmer's
Market.
Berning stated that he just needed the green light from the City Council to begin the process of
acquiring the caboose. He stated that he would not be asking for money from the City for either
the caboose or the depot. He stated the Lions have shown their support for both projects and
they could raise funds with other community organizations.
Thistle stated they could bring this item back to the City Council at the next regular meeting for
formal acceptance.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Re7fal'I',y submitted,
Kimberly . Olson, City Clerk
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