A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing an email from a resident near Southwood Nature Preserve who raised concerns about turtle fatalities on Holloway Avenue. The resident reported counting 66 dead turtles the previous year and 35 so far in the current year, attributing the problem to ineffective turtle crossing signs. Proposed solutions included reducing the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph, installing larger and more visible signs, and launching an educational campaign for drivers. The resident also mentioned a successful example of a turtle tunnel in Stillwater, though funding for such a project was acknowledged as a challenge.

The commission deliberated on these suggestions, with one member mentioning that the issues had been forwarded to necessary city officials, including Public Works and the city council. However, it was unclear whether the resident had received a satisfactory response. Temporary signage during peak turtle crossing seasons and the use of yard signs were considered, but it was noted that many of the proposed solutions might fall outside the commission’s jurisdiction.

Attention then turned to a presentation by HGA architecture representatives on a project to develop conceptual designs for three North St. Paul parks: the McKnight Athletic Complex, a new pocket park downtown, and a passive park area west of downtown. The project aims to align with the ongoing parks and open space master plan, with a strong focus on community engagement to develop park values and goals.

HGA detailed their six-step engagement strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding current park usage and relationships, particularly as North St. Paul grows denser and more diverse. They acknowledged that some demographics, such as renters of new apartments, first or second-generation immigrants, and teenagers, might not be adequately represented in traditional engagement methods. A community advisory board was suggested to include those with a stake in the parks’ outcomes.

The architects presented a timeline for the engagement process, including workshops conducted with city leaders to gather insights on park strengths and weaknesses. Upcoming opportunities for public interaction include participation in community events like the Autumn Art Fest and the Roundup Days parade. The goal is to complete conceptual designs before Thanksgiving, integrating community feedback into the plans.

The meeting also included a discussion on the budget, led by the city’s finance director. He explained the budgeting process, noting that most commissions do not have direct spending authority and that expenditures must be approved by city staff, department heads, and the city council. The proposed 2025 levy includes a 9.88% increase, partly offset by $230,000 in shared funds to reduce the tax burden on residents. The parks budget, recreation budget, and building maintenance fund cover day-to-day operational costs, with major improvements addressed in a separate Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Personnel costs were identified as a primary driver of the budget increase, currently under union negotiations. The director emphasized a strategy to fund infrastructure needs on a cash basis rather than relying on bonding, which incurs higher long-term costs. The commission was urged to ensure their park plans align with actual needs and to present well-defined funding requests to the city council.

The current balance of the park dedication fund was discussed, with a fund balance of about $352,000, not including an anticipated $880,000 from a resolution. No expenditures have been made from this fund in the last year, and no plans for the next decade were outlined, creating an opportunity for future park improvements.

The meeting also touched on the importance of data-driven decisions in the planning process, with appreciation for a previous workshop highlighting national standards and community-specific data. Community gardens were confirmed as an option being explored for the parks.

Concerns about invasive species management, specifically the need for strategies for removal, were raised, with suggestions for natural methods like using goats. The commission was encouraged to identify priority projects, including events and park improvements, for upcoming budget discussions.

Finally, the commission discussed the need for a examination of the CIP and coordination with ongoing projects. A proposal was made to dedicate the upcoming September meeting to assess and prioritize park needs, inviting relevant stakeholders to provide input. The importance of a living document that can adapt to changing circumstances was emphasized, highlighting the need for ongoing assessment and flexibility in planning.