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05-13-1998 PR MIN e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1998 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson, Commissioners Huberty, Peterson, Anderson and Westrum Members Absent: Commissioners Olson, Kuester and Madsen Staff Present: Phil Hals, Streets/Parks Superintendent; Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant; Steve Wensman, Planning Intern; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Also Present: Jeff Asfahl, Community Recreation Director Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Anderson. e Consider 5/13/98 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 13, 1998, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITION: - 9B - COMMISSIONER KUESTER LETTER REGARDING BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB - 9C - UPDATE ON KELLEY FARM EVENT COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 4/8/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 8, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Pdrk bhdRecreation Commissioner to. A ttend5/ 18/98Citv Council Meetina Chair Anderson will attend the 5/18/98 City Council meeting in place of Commissioner Kuester. Commissioner Kuester will attend the July 28th Planning Commission meeting and the August 17th City Council meeting in exchange. 5. Park and .RecreationCommissionertoAttend4128/98PIOnninaCommission Meetina e Commissioner Olson will attend the May 26, 1998 Planning Commission Meeting. Park & Recreation Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 2 .. e No one appeared for Open Mike. 7.a. Neiahborhood Meetina to Discuss Country Crossina 3rd Park - 7:15 - 7:45 o.m. Planning Intern Steve Wensman explained the concept chosen by the Park and Recreation Commissioners for Country Crossing 3rd park at their April meeting. The concept includes a soccer field, play structure, 6 foot paved trail connecting to the existing 10' trail, full basketball court and landscaping. Steve noted the existing trail will be relocated away from the property line. Property owners in attendance expressed their support for the concept. Chair Anderson explained that a drawing of the proposed park will be posted as soon as possible. A resident questioned when the development of the park would take place. Chair Anderson noted there are no funds available to start the improvements unless the referendum passes in November. 7.b. Discussion - Park of the Month 1. Country Crossina 151 Addition Park Steve Wensman reviewed three concepts for the park as follows: e Conceot A - Secondary wood chip trail through east and west parks - Entry plantings - Planting of conifers in forest canopy openings - Utilize spaces for benches and woodland plantings - utilize neighborhood volunteers - Shrubs throughout the site where appropriate to screen views, yet allow some visibility into the park - Native understory planting to buffer from Orono Parkway -Identification markers of native trees and shrubs -Plantings around pond to give it a natural look ConceotB -No trails through eastern half of park - leave for existing childs' play -Shortcut trail through middle of western half -Woodland path into woods with wildflowers - less elaborate than Concept A -plant conifers in canopy openings - Shrubs scattered throughout the site where appropriate to screen views, yet allow some visibility into park - Native understory planting to buffer from Orono Parkway -Benches in woods -Play structure option -Plantings around pond to given it a natural look e Conceot C -Leave the park as is and maintain by controlling weeds and selective cutting. Park & Recreation Minutes May 13. 1998 Page 3 e steve noted there is one trailer stored on park land and suggested signing of the park boundaries. Vanessta Spark, 18250 Fresno Street, stated she lives adjacent to the park on the south side. She requested that trees be planted to identify the park boundaries, especially in the area down by the drainage area where people are currently dumping tree limbs and garbage. Ms. Spark requested that the neighborhood children be allowed to continue riding their bikes in the southern portion. Six children were present with Ms. Spark to support their request. Ms. Sparks noted that when she has observed the children riding, they are wearing bike helmets and pads and seem to be very well behaved. One of the children expressed his support for Option B. He indicated they were disappointed when the city filled in the holes and leveled out their jumps. He felt the northern area could be used for walking and the southern area could be used for biking. Phil Hals indicated the holes were filled in for safety concerns. He stated he encouraged the children to use the park and noted the city's goal is to make the park usable for everyone. Discussion followed regarding the need for a play structure. It was the consensus a play structure was not necessary due to the close proximity of Orono Park. e COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS TO SUPPORT PLAN A AS THE ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PARK, IDENTIFYING THE EXISITING BIKE PATHS WITH A SOLID LINE AND A "DASHED LINE" IDENTIFYING A FUTURE WALKING TRAIL, AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE NORTH CORNER AND SOUTH BOUNDARIES OF THE PARK. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Ms. Spark indicated she would be willing to monitor the activities of the children in the park. 2. Deerfield 2nd Addition Park Steve Wensman indicated the Deerfield 2nd park is very heavily wooded and contains a large wetland complex. He reviewed the following concepts: ConceotA -Treats the area as two separate parks -Southern park is accessed through narrow strip connecting to 198th A venue which is approximately 300 feet from Hillside Trail. -The northern half of the park area has no access at present since is backs up to private yards and is cut off from the south by water. If development occurs to the north, an access could be obtained. -Northern park identifies a floating dock, walking trail and viewing bench. -Park boundary signs near trails -Overlooks on hills -Also fishing dock in southern area of park -Delineate park boundaries with signs e ConceotB -Treats area as one park Pork & Recreation Minutes May 13. 1998 Page 4 e -Connects by use of floating bridges and docks -Overlooks on hills -Bike access in southern half. walking only in northern half -Connections to neighborhood trails without delineation of borders COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT CONCEPT A FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEERFIELD 2ND ADDITION PARK; AND, THAT IF THE COST OF FLOATING DOCKS/BRIDGES IS PROHIBITIVE, THEN IMPLEMENTATION OF CONCEPT B DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BEGIN IN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE PARK. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Staff will research cost information on floating docks/bridges for discussion at a future meeting. 3. Hillside City Park Steve Wensman indicated that Hillside Park. the former city dump, is approximately 80 acres of rolling. wooded Maple and Oak forest with some lowland trees. Steve explained the location of existing accesses and possible trail corridor locations. He reviewed the following concepts: e Concept A -Active use concept -Baseball/soccer field -Sand volleyball court -Picnic area with play structure and picnic structure. -Tennis courts -Bike trails down center of park and in southern half -Pedestrian trails -Entrance roadway would be widened to 25' -Parking area near baseball field. tennis courts and picnic area -Would require removal of some of the lowland trees to accommodate the tennis courts and parking -Trail connections off site on both powerline corridors -North end would be less active, primarily walking mulch trails ConceptB -Interpretive center combined with picnic shelter -Biking trail down center of park -Parking close to trees and picnic shelter -Off site trail connections on south powerline corridors only -Identified overlooks -Entrance drive terminates into a one way loop with parking e Concept C -Accommodates a BMX track site in dump area -Track would be approximately 1.500 feet -Bleachers. 20 foot hill for starting tower. finish markers, concessions -Path up to concession -Two parking areas; one for BMX and one in the north half -BMX site would be fenced with a locking gate -Mountain bike trails through and around remainder of site Park & Recreation Minutes May 13. 1998 Page 5 e Commissioner Huberty indicated a property owner expressed concern to her that the BMXers may go onto adjacent property. Commissioner Anderson indicated he felt there is a significant number of mountain bikers in the community who would be willing to build a mountain bike trail, with very little disturbance to the existing trees. John Thompson, Brian Page and Mark Griswold were present to discuss the BMX proposal. He stated the BMX Association would be a non-profit organization and plans to raise funds themselves to build the track. Mr. Thompson noted there are approximately 75 individuals who are either registered with the American Bicycle Association (ABA) and/or are active BMXers. Mr. Thompson explained the property owner mentioned by Commissioner Huberty probably was thinking of motorized vehicles, and did not feel there would be any problem with BMX bicyclists going off the site since the track would be fenced. Chair Anderson indicated the intent of the City is make the park usable for all its residents. Mr. Thompson noted the track would be available for fun, in addition to scheduled events. Brian Page indicated BMXers range in age from 3 years to 40+. Mr. Thompson indicated they will be looking for a source for the dirt to build the track. e Discussion followed regarding development of the BMX site and possible lease options. Phil Hals, Streets/Parks Superintendent. indicated a major expense would be improving the access to the site. Phil stated he will try to provide an estimate for the road and parking lot improvements for the June meeting. He also suggested a practice/warm-up area be provided for younger children to use at no charge. Mr. Thompson indicated the ABA membership fee is only $35 per year. He stated they were willing to work with the city to plan for an area that could be used free of charge. Commissioner Anderson suggested that Steve Wensman work with Mike Niziolek on plans for a potential mountain biking trail. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT OPTION C (BIKE PARK) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE HILLSIDE PARK, INCLUDING A BMX BICYCLE TRACK LOCATED IN THE FORMER DUMP SITE AND MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL THROUGHOUT THE SITE. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.c. Trott Brook Trail/Preliminary Plat Trott Brook Farms Ed Hasek, of Westwood Development Corporation, representing Contractor Properties Development Company, was present to review the proposed park for the Trott Brook Farms plat. He noted Steve Wensman walked the property with him to investigate the possibility of a trail along Trott Brook. Amenities of the park include: e -Trail linkages to the north and east in the park -Tennis/basketball court Park & Recreation Minutes May 13.1998 Page 6 . -Hockey rink 180' in length -300' long soccer field -Ballfield with 250' foul line -Tot lot 40' across -30' x 30' wooden picnic structure with picnic tables scattered throughout the site. Mr. Hasek reviewed the drainage flow on the site. The hockey rink will be 3 feet lower than the street to reduce its impact on surrounding neighbors. He explained why a sliding hill was not included in the plan. Mr. Hasek indicated the 360 acre contains 101 acres of wetlands. He felt the proportion of wetlands and trees in the park was comparable to the wetands and trees on the entire site. Mr. Hasek reviewed changes made in the park since the Park and Recreation Commissioners' last review of the project. The lots which were previously located south of the park have been relocated to the west with an additional cui de sac, a lot added to the east, the hockey rink and soccer field have been relocated, and the trail connection to the park has moved to line up with the sidewalk to the Trott Brook corridor. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to eliminate the tennis court at this time due to the cost, and use the court for basketball only. Mr. Hasek noted the fields and basketball court could be flooded for skating. - Discussion followed regarding the wetlands. Mr. Hasek noted the large wetland area is walkable and is not wet most of the year and canary reed grass is growing there. He added that the City is considering this area for a regional storm water ponding site. Some of the Commissioners expressed concern that the size of the ponding area not be increased. Mr. Hasek reviewed the proposed trails and sidewalks. A 60' road right of way will be maintained with a 25' setback for homes on the cui de sacs. A 7' widened area along the both sides of the roadway will be included for biking. A sidewalk will be located on one side of the street with a grassy area between the street and sidewalk. There will be a county trail along the north side of County Road 12 and a proposed trail along Trott Brook. Commissioner Anderson requested that staff ensure the grading in the park will accommodate skating. steve Wensman explained the proposed trail along Trott Brook. He noted this trail will eventually connect with County Road 12 through Trott Brook Farms development. There also may be a possibility of a trail linkage to the north. Ed Hasek indicated the park will be included in Phase 1 of the development. It was the unanimous consensus of the Commissioners to accept the following as park dedication requirements for the Trott Brook Farms plat: e -11.2 acre dedicated park land (8.3. acres of upland) -6 acres of trail along Trott Brook -Balance in cash or park improvements as discussed Park & Recreation Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 7 e 7.d. Barsodv Hills Preliminary Plat Dynamics Design & Land Company has requested preliminary plat approval to subdivide approximately 92 acres located on the north side of Brook Road and 217th Avenue into 8 residential lots. The majority of the property was formerly a gravel mine with an existing farmstead that will remain on a 30 acre parcel. The remaining 7 lots range in size form 4 acres to 12.5 acres. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to accept cash as payment of the park dedication requirements. 7.e. Hillside Estates 8th & 9th Concept Plans Planning Assistant Scott Harlicker reviewed concept plans for Hillside Estates 8th and 9th Additions submitted by Phoenix Enterprises (Rick Foster). Discussion followed regarding park needs for this area. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to request that a 4 - 5 acre usable parcel be dedicated for park purposes which is relatively flat, which backs up to the trail corridor, with easy off street access and does not adjoin residents' backyards. The Commissioners also requested that the powerline and gasline easement corridor be maintained. Commissioner Anderson requested that the large park plan map be available at all future Park and Recreation meetings. e 8. Area Recreation Update - Jeff Asfahl Community Recreation Director Jeff Asfahl reviewed the following issues with the Park and Recreation Commissioners as outlined in his memo dated May 13th: -MASC Sports & Recreation Grants Program -Skatepark development -Youth Athletic Complex grand opening -Youthbound -Summer recreation program -Youth Athletic Complex guidelines 9. Bond Referendum Discussion a. Update - Decision Resources (Commissioner Kuester) Chair Anderson indicated that Decision Resources is compiling the responses from the survey regarding the park referendum. Preliminary results indicate the following: -Verifies the reasons for the referendum failure -Including a pool in the next referendum may increase the chance for success. -There is less chance for approval on a second referendum 9b. Letter from Commissioner Kuester e Chair Anderson reviewed a letter from Commissioner Kuester regarding his concerns that the proposed Boys and Girls Club not be allowed to control usage Park & Recreation Minutes May 13. 1998 Page 8 e of Lions Park. as has happened in Sf. Paul. The Commissioners expressed their support to forward the letter to the City Councilmembers. 9c. Update on Kelley Farm Commissioner Peterson stated he and Commissioner Huberty attended the Kelley Farm event to talk about park issues. Chair Anderson noted he had been informed the event was poorly attended. 10. Discussion - Swimmina PoollPhil Hals) Phil Hals indicated there has been a very limited response from the public regarding serving on a pool task force. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have Phil invite several pool companies to make a presentation of their products at a future Park & Recreation Commission meeting. 11. Discussion - Lease Law in Parks Phil Hals indicated he has received 5 complaint calls in the past month regarding dogs running without a leash in Woodland Trails. Discussion followed regarding posting the city's ordinance at the park entrance. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to review this matter further at the June Park & Recreation meeting. e 12. Discussion - Overniaht Use of Orono Park for Ham Radio Demonstration It was the consensus of the Commissioners to support approval for overnight use of Orono Park by the amateur (Ham) radio club for their annual field day operations event. 13. Staff Updates Phil Hals. Streets/Parks Superintendent. updated the Commissioners on the ERY AC fields. Chair Anderson expressed his concern regarding Norwest Bank's request for an additional access onto Jackson south of 193rd. Commissioner Anderson requested that staff pursue locating a source for engineered blue prints for the proposed concession stand/restroom/equipment storage building at the new athletic fields complex. 15. Adjournment The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:35 p.m. e ZJ;;Z;Ub~UU Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary