4.1 PRMIN 05-10-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 May 10, 2023 7.1 Meadowvale Heights Park Privacy Fence Request Mr. Hecker presented the staff report. The boardwalks were deteriorating and were replaced with an ADA compliant paved trail which required moving the trail 20 ft closer to Barrett’s property. Staff met with various homeowners that were adjacent to the park property a few years ago to discuss the changes. Mr. Sevcik shared that bare root shrubs were planted along the property line, but they take time to grow. Chair Williams invited Dirk and Jane Barret to speak. Dirk and Jane Barrett, 13210 196th Ave, shared they are not suggesting it needs to be a privacy fence and think there is enough space between their property and the trail to plant larger trees to provide a screen. They built their house in 2002 and designed it to take advantage of the privacy. There is a lack of privacy and 50-75 people walk by each day on the path. They would be okay with natural vegetation instead of a fence. Commissioner Holmgren shared that he uses the trail, and it is very different now and it feels like you’re walking through people’s yards. Commissioner Anderson shared that he stopped by the Barrett’s house last week and shared while it is different, it will be less obvious when the buckthorn leaves come out. It is a very shady environment in their backyard and there is not a lot of quality ground to plant trees. He is at a loss as to how the city can help with tree planting on city property because he doesn’t think that will work. If the Barrett’s asked for a fence it would be setting a precedent that we wouldn’t recommend. Commissioner Brown stated if we installed a fence it would need to be right next to the trail to provide screening and it would be difficult and set a precedent. He asked if a berm could be added instead of a fence. Commissioner Anderson shared it wouldn’t provide enough privacy. Mr. Stremcha suggested looking into the option of the Barrett’s donating a fence to be installed on city property if city staff would be willing to install it. This way it wouldn’t set a precedent for city funds being applied towards the fence. Commissioner Holmgren would like something done and is curious about the donation possibility. Commissioner Niziolek shared the only creative solution he has is to remove trees and put in Cedar and Hemlock trees that provides a lot of greenery and would give a higher screen than an 8ft fence in 5-10 years. Chair Williams shared his concern about the Barrett’s asking for a privacy fence in their email, and he said that is a precedent he is not willing to vote for but is okay with exploring other options. Moved by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Chair Williams to not accept the installation of a privacy fence at Meadowvale Heights Park. Motion carried 6-1. Commissioner Holmgren opposed. 7.2 Park Dedication – Bradford Park Preliminary Plat