4.b) 07-15-13 MinutesCity of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Special Meeting
July 15, 2013
Members Present: Greg Zauner (Chair), Mike White, Matt Rasmussen (Vice -Chair), Alex Bildeaux
Members Absent: Pam Arnold, Dan Lee (City Council Representative)
Staff Present: Kristina Handt (City Administrator)
Chair Zauner called the meeting to order at 7pm.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by White, seconded by Bildeaux, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
carried 4-0.
Jed Chesnut, Washington Conservation District, was present to discuss the different type of
wetlands at the Lilleskogen Park site and required permitting process. For type 1 and 2 wetlands
(reed canary grass) there is not regulation by the state however once the reed canary grass is
excavated then the wetland would become regulated. Digging out open water wouldn't make much
ecological sense but revegetation and ditching as described in the plan would lead to improvements.
Also, islands are not encouraged unless they are 300-400 feet from the shore. The committee
discussed putting together a plan to lower the weir base level, treat the reed canary grass with
herbicide (Rodeo Glyphosate), have the fire department do a prescribed burn, repeat the
herbicide/burn cycle 3-4 times then reseed and raise the weir base level. Carnelian -Marine -St. Croix
Watershed District could be approached about a cost share on the wetland restoration or rain
gardens. White indicated he knew of someone willing to volunteer to spray the herbicide. This
person will be required to fill out the volunteer form and provide a copy of state pesticide license.
White will work on bringing this to the August meeting.
Tom Triplett, President, Scandia-Marine Lions, addressed the committee. The Lions' first priority is
finishing the work at Hay Lake Shelter then they would be interested in helping at Lilleskogen on
portions of the project that add a community resource but are not interested in funding items that are
governmental in nature (parking lot or wetland restoration). They would like to see an overall
financing plan first and then would be interested in items such as the butterfly garden, shelter,
amenities, boardwalk, etc.
Janie O'Connor, Scandia resident and Master Butterfly Gardener addressed the committee. She
explained her background and training with butterflies and writing park narratives. She provided a
handout called "Creating a Butterfly Garden." She has talked to a number of neighbors near
Lilleskogen who would be willing to help her with establishing the Butterfly Gardens proposed
around the parking lot in the Lilleskogen Plan. Concern was expressed about having her do the
butterfly gardens before the parking lot or wetland restoration activities were complete as large
equipment may be coming through the area and could damage the gardens. It was suggested that
silt fencing be placed around the butterfly gardens as a means to indicate to others that the area
should not be disturbed. It was also discussed that access to the wetland area could come from
another area.
Handt suggested the committee focus on getting the parking lot done with the remaining Park
Capital Improvement Funds, if necessary, since no other groups are likely to want to donate funds
July 15, 2013
Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
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for that purpose. The County will also need to be contacted about the second access point to the
parking lot shown on the plan.
Zauner mentioned creating a Friends of Lilleskogen Park to help raise funds and awareness for the
project. It was questioned why another entity is needed if the Lions and Friends of Scandia Parks
and Trails are willing to help with these efforts.
For the August PRC meeting Handt will provide an action plan that lays out what activities will be
completed, when, by whom, and what resources are needed. Tentative plans are to complete the
parking lot with gravel this fall, lower the weir structure immediately so the herbicide/burn
applications could occur in the fall, then the butterfly garden and other amenities could begin as
early as 2014, provided donations are received from the community, Scandia-Marine Lions, Friends
of Scandia Parks and Trails, Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Zauner, seconded by White, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristina Handt
City Administrator