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3.0. PRSR 01-12-2000 MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2000 Members Present: Vice Chair Kuester, Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Olson, and Peterson. Chair Huberty arrived at 7:10 p.m. Members Absent: Commissioners Westrum and Reitsma Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent,Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chair Huberty. 2. Consider 1/12/00 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 12, 2000, • PARK& RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: OTHER BUSINESS A. BARN STRUCTURE-DEVINE PROPERTY B. HILLSIDE 5TH PARK-CITY CODE VIOLATION C. UPDATE ON 1/10 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AND DISCUSSION OF 1/26 MEETING REGARDING ERYAC SHELTER/CONCESSION BUILDING D. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION VACANCY COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 12/8/99 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 8, 1999, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend January Planning Commission and City Council Meetings a. 1/18/00 City Council Meeting Commissioner Kuester will attend the January 18, 2000, City Council meeting as the Park & Recreation Commission representative. Park&Recreation Commission Minutes January 12,2000 Page 2 111 b. 1/25/00 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Westrum is scheduled to attend the January 25, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. This will be confirmed and Chair Huberty will be notified if a conflict arises. S.A. Open Mike- Request by Jerry Palmer Jerry Palmer, 13835 Island View Drive,was present to request the placement of a Korean War Memorial at Lions Park, in memory of his classmate, Ray Schwartz. He described the proposed memorial and quote to be inscribed. Mr. Palmer noted that he would like to have the memorial in place for his 50th class reunion this summer. Mr. Palmer suggested that the memorial be located near the existing flagpole. He stated that he has contacted the American Legion, the Lions and the family of Mr. Schwartz and they are all supportive of the memorial. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if the memorial would also recognize other Elk River graduates who were killed in the Korean War. Mr. Palmer stated that he was not aware of any others from Elk River who were killed in the Korean War. Commissioner Anderson asked if he had a sketch of the proposed memorial. Mr. Palmer stated that he did not have one available at this time. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have Steve Wensman work with Mr. Palmer on the design and location of the memorial and to present a concept at a future meeting. • 6.A. Presentation of Deed to Trott Brook Farms Park by D.R. Horton Don Patten of D.R. Horton was in attendance to formally present the deed to the for Outlot G, the city park in Trott Brook Farms. Mr. Patten noted that in addition to the park land, approximately$300,000 in park dedication fees has been paid to the city for park improvements. 6.B. Country Crossings Park-Neighborhood Meeting Steve Wensman reviewed the concept plan for Country Crossings 1st Addition Park. He explained that some trees would need to be removed in order to preserve the large oak trees. A low maintenance understory would be created consisting of prairie grasses and native plantings, so that only a portion of the park would require mowing. Some screening with understory trees would be provided for the residences to the south. A wood chip path is proposed to meander through the park, keeping the area as natural as possible. Also in the concept design is a sunken resting/garden area surrounded by stones and trees intended to serve as a memorial to a fallen city employee. The space will include a plaque. Chair Huberty opened the meeting for public comment. Steve Wensman noted the following comments were received by telephone: Todd Engstrom, 13349 182nd Lane, supported screening to preserve privacy of residents, is opposed to the pathway, and felt development of the park was Park&Recreation Commission Minutes January 12,2000 Page 3 • redundant, since Orono Park is nearby. He felt that the playground equipment at Lake Orono needs to be upgraded. John Burkness, 18194 Hudson Lane, supported the walkways but not having picnic areas. Corey Peavy, 13323 182nd Lane, stated that nearly every home on her block has small children and she did not feel the residents want a trail behind their homes. Ms. Peavy stated that since Orono Park is close, a park is not needed. She stated that deer still walk through the area and she would like to see the park kept natural. At Cannon, 13363 182nd Lane, asked if his taxes would go down if the park was developed, since he now pays higher taxes for being adjacent to the open space. Ms. McPherson suggested that Mr. Cannon contact the Sherburne County Assessor's Office for an answer to his question. She explained that if his taxes are higher, it is likely because he is adjacent to property that cannot be developed, and whether it is left wild or is more formally defined as a park will probably not make any difference. Mr. Cannon questioned what will happen to the wildlife. Mr. Wensman stated that the wildlife habitat will actually be improved by what is proposed. Mr. Cannon stated that he likes his privacy and felt that the path will bring people to the park. Commissioner Kuester stated that the park is public land and residents of the city other than those living next to the park have the right to enjoy use of all parks. He • noted the residents on 182nd Lane will still be able to use their property the way they currently do. Kris Lenertz, 13337 182nd Lane, did not feel a woodchip path was a good idea, since it could not be used for strollers, roller blades or bicycles. Ms. Lenertz stated that she liked the path the way it is now, a dirt path. Steve Wensman explained that in order to preserve the oak forest, the removal of the invasive species which do not belong is required. Ms. Lenertz stated she is in favor of the memorial and the trail, but she would like the trail moved to the edge of the park. She also wanted the center of the property and pathway left as it is. Steve Wensman explained that if the site is left as is, it will eventually be overgrown with undesirable brush and trees and will not be as desirable to wildlife. Christian Jasperson, 13311 182nd Lane,was concerned that having the wood chip trail would increase the use of the park and affect the privacy of the adjacent homeowners. He did not feel a park was needed in this area and suggested money be spent to make Orono Park more "user friendly". Mr. Jasperson expressed his support for the memorial. Phil Hals explained that the developer of Country Crossings wanted to build houses where the park is now located. The Park and Recreation Commission helped to negotiate the dedication of the park land by giving up a significant • amount of park fees in order to preserve the oak stand. Park&Recreation Commission Minutes January 12,2000 Page 4 • A member of the audience questioned what the budget was for the park improvements. Michele explained that$9,000 has been budgeted which includes the prairie restoration, installation of the wood chip trail, the memorial site and seeding or sodding of the proposed grassy areas. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that 90 percent of the woods would have been lost if the plat would have been approved as originally presented. The goal of the Commission is to preserve the oak forest. He felt that the pathway would actually help keep people away from the residences. Steve Wensman noted that the plantings would create a natural buffer. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the prairie grasses at Woodland Trails have proved to be a great attraction for birds and wildlife. Commissioner Olson agreed that the pathway would focus people onto a specific area, rather than wandering all over the park. He felt that the proposal will beautify the park. Discussion followed regarding location of the trail, and burning of the underbrush as part of the prairie restoration. Steve Wensman stated that the trail could possibly be moved slightly further away from the residences. Phil Hals stated that the residents of Country Crossings who do not live next to the park have expressed the desire for some open space to walk or throw a Frisbee. He explained that when parks are left wild and there is no regular maintenance of the vegetation, people tend to use them for composting, dumping and parking of vehicles. Mark Ogren, 18199 Hudson,stated that he foresees every resident living along the park putting up a privacy fence. He felt the city should focus on other maintenance issues such as the goose problem at Orono Park and dandelions on the berm along Orono Parkway. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that in order to keep the oak forest healthy, some trees will need to be removed. He felt$9,000 for improvements was a relatively small amount to spend for the benefit which would be quickly realized. He supported the trail to provide controlled flow through the park. He felt that without the trail, kids would make their own trail in a less desirable location. Commissioner Anderson felt the planting proposed next to the residences would provide privacy. Ms. McPherson suggested that the improvements could be phased in, beginning with the plantings near the residences and working out toward Orono Parkway. She stated that Mr. Wensman has provided a detailed forest management plan to protect what is there and take out what doesn't belong or doesn't support the oaks. By starting with the buffer, the privacy of the residents would be enhanced before taking out the unwanted trees and brush. • COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO AMEND THE CONCEPT FOR COUNTRY CROSSING PARK AS PRESENTED WHICH INCLUDES A MEMORIAL RESTING/GARDEN Park&Recreation Commission Minutes January 12,2000 Page 5 • AREA, AND, TO PROVIDE FOR PHASING OF THE IMPROVEMENTS, BEGINNING WITH THE BUFFER PLANTINGS TO ADDRESS THE PRIVACY ISSUES OF THE ADJACENT RESIDENTS. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 7. Area Recreation Update-Michele Bergh Michele McPherson stated that since the Otsego Park and Recreation Commission meets the same night as Elk River, Michele Bergh will attend the Elk River meetings each even numbered month and the odd-numbered months she will be at Otsego. A written update will be provided to the Commissioners every month. 8. Park Development Progress Report-Phil Hals Phil Hals reported there is excellent ice in the Handke pit and ice at Lions Park is the best it has ever been. The Gary Street site has proven to be very difficult because of the soil. Phil discussed the possibly of trying a liner next year. 9.C. Update-Bailey's Point Michele McPherson stated that the City Administrator has suggested that before any discussion takes place regarding acquisition of park land, that concurrence from the City Council is necessary. 111 The Commissioners were in agreement it would be appropriate to discuss the Bailey property under the "land acquisition" topic at the joint meeting with the City Council scheduled for February 28th. 10. Information/Update Items An update on the following items was provided in the Commissioners' packet: Land Use Cases: 1. Status of Park in Trott Brook 2. Status of Charest Mississippi Parcel Park/Trail Developments: 1. Snowmobile Regulations-City of Andover 2. Woodpile at Woodland Trails Park 3. Community Recreation 4. Recreation Briefs 11. Update on 12/20/99 City Council Meeting Commissioner Huberty provided a brief update on the December 20, 1999, City Council meeting. • Park&Recreation Commission Minutes January 12,2000 Page 6 • 12. Update on 12/28/99 Planning Commission Meeting There were no park issues on this agenda. 13. Other Business A. Devine Barn Michele McPherson noted that D.R. Horton is planning to begin development of the next two phases of Trott Brook Farms this year. Plans include acquiring the Devine property to the east. Mr. Patten has inquired whether or not the city would be interested in the red barn structure located on the Devine property. Ms. McPherson explained that she is aware there was some discussion about moving a barn to Woodland Trails Park for use as a shelter or interpretive center. She suggested that even if the whole barn itself was not moved, perhaps the wood could be used to build a structure that would look like an old barn. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have staff work with D.R. Horton for permission to look at the barn with the City's Building Official, Cliff Skogstad. Chair Huberty asked what the time line was for removal of the barn. Ms. McPherson stated that Mr. Patten has indicated they hope to begin grading the property in August 2000. • B. Hillside 5th Code Violation Michele McPherson explained that a resident adjacent to Hillside 5th Park excavated to place a pool in his yard and put the dirt in the park. He also dug a ditch to drain the pool. She will work with Steve Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator, on this issue. Phil Hals noted that approximately 30 trees have been removed because of Oak Wilt and they expect to remove 30 more. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to bring back the park concept plan for Hillside 5th, since the appearance of the park has changed significantly by the tree removal. C. Update on 1/10 City Council Meeting and Discussion of 1/26 Meeting Regarding ERYAC Shelter/Concession Building, Michele McPherson noted that the park dedication and trail fee increase was approved by the City Council at their meeting on 1/10. It appears that two meetings have been scheduled for the same ERYAC discussion,one on 1/26 and 1/31. Steve Wensman will contact those invited to attend to set one meeting date and time. D. Planning Commission Vacancy Ms. McPherson stated that Commissioner Olson's term will be expiring and he has indicated he will not be reapplying. The City has received another application for the Park & Recreation Commission and they will be • interviewing applicants on February 14th. Park&Recreation Commission Minutes January 12,2000 Page 7 • 14. Adjournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lie() Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary •