Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Committee Members John Dupont, Woody Woodburn, Barbara Nye, Charty Oliver, Jennifer Young, Council Liaison Jon Monson, Staff Dana Young

Jean Midthum

The Committee approved the June 4, 2003 Committee minutes as submitted.

The Park Committee met at the site of the proposed Amesbury Park to review three requests by the Amesbury Homeowners Association:

1. Clear dead trees and underbrush to within 35’ of the wetland within the first phase of

Amesbury Park,

2. Purchase a sign that reads "Amesbury Park – A Work in Progress", and
3. Purchase seven crabapples for planting around the relocated Deephaven entranceway sign.

Barbara Nye stated that the Homeowners Association would like to include an additional three requests for the Park Committee to consider. First, she stated that she wold like to mark off the park land, plant maple trees on the east side of the property, and block off the south driveway by planting lilacs.

Discussion was held on relocating the Waste Management vehicles to the west side of the park property.

Dana Young stated that he has contacted Waste Management on this issue several times and will contact them tomorrow to relocate the vehicles.

Jon Monson stated that he had a particular bias in regards to the development of this property and stated that he felt that the more indigenous you keep the property the more natural the park will look. He stated that in working with a landscape architect you really need to give them clear direction on how you want the property to look or the architect may try to make a statement with his or her landscaping plan. He stated that the landscape architect would not necessarily take into account the indigenous environment. He stated that the Park Committee needs to develop a concept of the park and determine the overall scope of the project. One such issue the Committee needs to answer is do we want the park to remain indigenous?

It was the consensus of the Committee that the park should remain indigenous, the paddle tennis court should remain on site, and the Committee needs to develop an integrated landscaping plan for the fire station, maintenance shed and the park.

Barbara Nye expressed concern about the length of time it would take to develop a master-landscaping plan for the park, fire station and maintenance shed. She stated that she doesn’t know if she can keep her neighbors involved with the project and whether they would continue to be willing to volunteer their labor if the planning process takes too long. Jon Monson stated that the development of a plan does not necessarily have to be a long process, as much of the plan could be established at one meeting.

Discussion was held regarding the clearing of dead trees and undergrowth throughout the property up to a distance of 35’ from the wetland. Jon Monson stated his concern that thinning the row of trees along the north side of the property along Minnetonka Blvd would remove significant screening. Additional discussion was held on whether to contract with Tree Trust or a tree removal company to do the work. It was the general consensus of the Committee that Tree Trust would be superior from a cost standpoint but advice might be needed from a professional tree contractor to decide what trees should be removed and to remove the trees properly. John Dupont suggested that the Park Committee should schedule a worksession with a Master Gardener to more carefully determine which trees should be removed. Dana Young stated that he should know by the end of July if Tree Trust would have the time to include this project within their work schedule.

The Committee discussed the recommendation of the Homeowners Association to install two signs that read "Amesbury Park – A work in Progress". Jennifer Young stated that she was not comfortable with the cost of the temporary signs and not entirely convinced that the name of the park should be Amesbury Park. Woody Woodburn stated that he was not opposed to a sign to inform the public that the City was considering developing a park at this site and suggested using "Deephaven City Park" instead of "Amesbury Park" until a final decision is made on the name of the park. Barbara Nye stated that the idea of the sign came from Councilmember Nancy Middleton and explained that the name Amesbury was recommended due to the rich history of the Amesbury family and was not due to the Amesbury Subdivision.

Woody Woodburn moved to recommend the installation of two signs that read "Deephaven Park – A Work in Progress". Seconded by Charty Oliver. Upon discussion of the motion, John Dupont stated that he was concerned that it may be premature to install the signs at this point because the public may come away with the perception that the park would be developed immediately. He stated that he felt the signs should not be erected until the Park Committee had the opportunity to develop a master plan for the area. Woody Woodburn agreed with John Dupont’s suggestion and withdrew his motion.

Final discussion was held regarding the request to purchase seven Coral Burst Crabapples for planting around the relocated Deephaven entranceway sign along Minnetonka Blvd next to the wetland. Jennifer Young stated that the sign has already been moved three separate times for various reasons and stated her concern about relocating the sign once again. Barbara Nye stated that the sign was a safety hazard where it currently was located and should be moved. The Committee took no action concerning the request at this time. Jon Monson stated that he and Dana Young would review the sign for safety problems after the meeting.

Motion to adjourn by Barbara Nye, seconded by Charty Oliver. Motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. The next meeting of the Park Committee will be held on August 6^th.