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Joint Park&Recreation/Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 <br /> July 12,2000 <br /> Ms. McPherson felt that the Park and Recreation Commission is moving more <br /> • toward a proactive stance, rather than a reactive one in working with <br /> developers. <br /> Chair Mesich felt that the City has been very liberal with builders and that it needs <br /> to be more demanding. He felt the City should have gotten more land with the <br /> Trout Brook Farms development and was concerned that there will be no parking <br /> available for park users. <br /> Commissioner Dave Anderson expressed his appreciation to the Planning <br /> Commissioner for their support. He stated that often at the Council level the park <br /> dedication recommendations are cut considerably. He felt it was important for <br /> the Park and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission to work <br /> cooperatively to get their message to the City Council. <br /> Commissioner Huberty felt that it is important that the developer knows early in <br /> the process of what the Commission wants. <br /> Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is <br /> looking for quality land which is more suitable for recreation, as compared to <br /> some of the low,wet park land which was dedicated in the past. He explained <br /> that the Commission has set criteria for park land which includes accessibility and <br /> visibility from a city street, rather than tucked back behind someone's backyard, <br /> availability of parking, and connection to city trails and other parks. Ms. <br /> McPherson stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is in the processing <br /> reviewing the topography of "future parks" designated on the Master Park Plan. <br /> Commissioner John Kuester stated that the Commission feels the City now has <br /> some valuable natural park areas, but now needs to move toward acquiring <br /> more open and level property, suitable for recreational use, in order to have a <br /> balance of parkland. <br /> Commission Reitsma asked how the Planning Commission felt about the proposal <br /> partnership with the School District for park land in conjunction with a new <br /> elementary school on County Road 12. Chair Mesich stated that he felt it seems <br /> like a natural partnership, but that the city must be comfortable that they are <br /> getting something for their money. <br /> 3. Tree Preservation <br /> Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt there is a need to establish guidelines or <br /> standards for tree preservation. <br /> Ms. McPherson explained that the City currently does not have any standards in <br /> place. She stated that the Planning Department is trying to deal with tree <br /> preservation as a condition of new plats, but does not have the staff to do the <br /> inspections. <br /> Chair Mesich stated that he felt the city would need a forester on staff if a tree <br /> preservation ordinance were adopted. <br /> • <br />