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07-08-1998 PR MIN e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK ~'ND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1998 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Huberty, Peterson, Anderson and Westrum. Commissioner Kuester arrived at 7:05 p.m. Commissioner Olson arrived at 7:40 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Also Present: Jeff Asfahl, Community Recreation Director 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 7:00 p.m. by Chair Anderson. 2. Consider 7/8/98 Park & Recreation Commission Aoenda e COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 8, 1998, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.a. Consider Minutes of 6/3/98 and 6/10/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetings COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 3, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COMMISISONER ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 10, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend 7/20/98 City Council Meeting Commissioner Olson will attend the July 20, 1998 City Council meeting. 5. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend 7/28/98 Plan nino Commission Meetina Commissioner Kuester will attend the July 28, 1998 Planning Commission meeting. e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 2 e 6. Open Mike Jim Nystrom spoke regarding the need for bicycle lanes in the city. He asked that consideration be given coordinating trail plans with road construction such as when School Street is improved, and also on County Road No. 12 from Highway 169 to the county line. Cathy Lorentzen. 20069 Zane Street, asked if there are any plans to upgrade 197th. She did not feel the road was designed to handle the amount of traffic which is being generated by all the new development. She expressed her concern for the safety of children using 197th to access the Deerfield Park if it is developed. She felt 197th A venue was not designed to handle the amount of traffic now using the roadway and was also concerned about speeding. Chair Anderson Indicated that Deerfield 2nd park is being used as a passive park with nature/walking trails At this time, the only access to the park is via the gasline easement. He agreed that 197th is not designed for pedestrians, and he is not aware of any plans to upgrade 197th Avenue at this time. Ann Schreifels, 20060 Vance Street, expressed her concern that the wildlife will be disturbed if the park is developed. She also expressed her concern for the safety of children playing in backyards, and for their property. if the park were developed with trails. 7.a. Neiahborhood Meetina to Discuss Deerfield 2nd Park e Steve Wensman, Planner, explained the concept plan for the Deerfield 2nd Park which was endorsed by the Park & Recreation Commission at their May 13th meeting (Option A). The plan suggests a looped bituminous trail on the southern portion. wood chip trails in the northern half with some sort of connection. He indicated development of the park is dependent on whether or not it is possible to get around the wetland to the northern area. If not, the park would have to be developed as two separate sites. At some point in the future if development occurs to the north. there may be an opportunity to create a vehicle entrance on the northern boundary with parking and a picnic area. A resident questioned how the park users would know where the park ends and private property begins. Another resident asked if the park would be fenced. He expressed concern that opening up the park to increased usage would bring vandalism to the neighborhoods and would disturb the wildlife. Commissioner Anderson indicated there would be signage to delineate the park boundaries but there would be no fencing. He explained that fencing would block the natural trails the deer are currently using. Chair Anderson indicated that these types of parks most often become self-policed by the neighboring residents using the trails. A resident asked if there would be toilets in the park and how they would be maintained. Commissioner Anderson indicated that eventually there would be portable toilets in the park which would be maintained weekly. e A resident stated his property is located west of the wetland and that his property line goes into the wetland. He questioned how the city would access the Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 3 e northern area without going on his property. Commissioner Anderson explained that the park property would need to be surveyed and wetlands would be delineated before the location of the trail system could be laid out. Commissioner Olson arrived at this time (7:40 p.m.) A resident questioned when the park will be approved and also, when it is proposed to be developed. Chair Anderson explained that the concept of this park has been endorsed by the Commission and that development would depend on available funding, needs and the priority of this park compared to other parks. He added that concept plans for each of the city parks are being reviewed and no improvements for this park are being included in the planned upcoming park referendum. A resident asked if this park was planned to serve the Hillside Estates area and whether or not a playground would be included. She also questioned whether a larger playground like the one in Otsego is being planned for Elk River. Steve Wensman indicated that Hillside Estates will have their own park and a playground is not being planned to be included in the Deerfield 2nd park. Steve indicated a playground structure is being planned for the Hillside Estates park but not on the scale of the Otsego Park. He indicated there may be a need for a larger scale play structure in a more centralized location in the city at some point in the future. 7.b.1. Hillside Park e Steve Wensman, Planner, indicated that he visited Hillside Park with Mike Niziolek to determine how the site could be used for mountain biking. Steve then reviewed the following proposals for the Hillside Park: Ootion A -Demonstrates development of the park as a bike park -Center dump site utilized as an open green area with picnic shelter and parking -20' wide improved entrance road to minimize tree removal. walls and grading -12' bituminous trail adjacent to entrance drive, winding in and out of woods to parking lot and southern power line corridor (trail connector for County Road 13 and Kliever's Marsh) -Unimproved mountain bike trail which utilizes existing trails, ridges and slopes Ootion B -Bike park including mountain bike trails -BMX biking located in center dump site -Quantity and location of parking for BMX and mountain biking to be established -12' bike trail connecting County Road 12 to the power line corridor. Members of the Commission expressed their support for the bike park concept. They felt that in addition to the fenced BMX track, it was important to provide an area for BMX type biking that would be accessible to the public at any time. Commissioner Kuester expressed concern that the park not be limited to biking only and that the city maintain control of the park. e e e e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 4 Commissioner Anderson noted that an Eagle Scout was present in the audience who was interested in developing the mountain bike trails as a merit project. Discussion followed regarding leasing and insurance liability. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that the BMX group should proceed with establishing their non-profit status, provide more formalized plans for the site and work with city staff to resolve the issue of liability. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE CONCEPT B WITH REVISIONS TO INCORPORATE THEBMX SITE MODIFICATIONS AS PROPOSED. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7.b.2. Lafayette Woods Steve Wensman, Planner, described Lafayette Woods Park as a wooded 36.71 acre site with extreme elevation changes, consisting of both high ground and wet swampy ground. Steve reviewed the amenities and the restrictions for development of the site. The following options were proposed: Concept A -Gravel or wood chip path connecting the east and west halves to trail, to outlot on 195th with a switch-back -Walking, nature watching, skiing -Play structure shown would require tree removal and located 600 feet from street ConceptB -Same as Concept A, without play structure Concept C -Left as is for conservational purposes -May require seasonal maintenance to remove unwanted trees and weed species CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE CONCEPT B AS PROPOSED BY STAFF FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAFAYETTE WOODS PARK. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7.b.3. Mississippi Oaks 5th Addition Steve Wensman reviewed the concept for the Mississippi Oaks 5th Addition Park: -Main focus on river -Gravel path looping around site with spur to Riverview Drive -Small identification sign at street with flowering shrubs -Mowing of weedy grass and planting of shade grass around looped trail -Removable benches at river bank and picnic tables where there is some sun COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT PROPOSED BY STAFF FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI OAKS STH ADDITION PARK. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. e e e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 5 7.c. Park Improvements Estimates Steve Wensman reviewed estimates for park improvements outlined in his report to the Park & Recreation Commission dated July 8. 1998. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to direct staff to provide concept plans for a shelter at Woodland Trails and Top of the World Park for the August 12th Park & Recreation meeting. Also, a neighborhood meeting is tentatively planned for the Mississippi Oaks Park. 7.d. David & Judith Dirkes Administrative Subdivision Staff report by Steve Wensman. David and Judith Dirkes propose 0 subdivide Lots 4 and 5, Heath's Addition, to make Lot 4 a buildable lot. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND A PARK DEDICATION F CASH FOR THE DIRKES ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION, CASE NO. AS 98-3. COMMIS lONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7.e. Lee Whitina Administrative Subdivision Staff report by Steve Wensman. Lee Whiting is requesting an adm nistrative subdivision to split a 10 acre parcel from an 80 acre parcel. Staff ecommends a cash payment to satisfy park dedication requirements. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND A PARK DEDIC nON OF CASH FOR THE LEE WHITING ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION, CASE NO. AS 8-4. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION C RRIED 7-0. 7.f. Hillside Estates 8th and 9th Addition Discussion was held regarding previous recommendations for a p rk to be included in the development of the Hillside Estates 8th and 9th Ad itions. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOW NG FOR PARK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HILLSIDE ESTATES 8TH ADDITION: 1. A FIVE ACRE FLAT, DRY, USABLE PARCEL BE DEDICATED FOR ARK PURPOSES WHICH BACKS UP TO THE TRAIL CORRIDOR (POWER LINE EA EMENT), WITH EASY OFF STREET ACCESS AND DOES NOT ADJOIN RESIDENT ' BACK YARDS. 2. THAT THE NORTHERN STATES POWER CORRIDOR BE MAINTAI ED AS PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR TRAILS. 3. THAT A TRAIL BE LAID OUT (GRADING PLAN) THROUGH THE ORTHERN STATES POWER CORRIDOR WITH SLOPES NOT GREATER THAN EIGHT ERCENT (8%). 4. THAT THE SIDEWALK ALONG 193RD AVENUE BE CONTINUED COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION C RRIED 7-0. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOW NG FOR PARK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HILLSIDE ESTATES 9TH ADDITION: Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 6 e 1. THAT THE NORTHERN STATES POWER CORRIDOR AND THE NORTHERN NATURAL GAS EASEMENT BE MAINTAINED AS PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR TRAI LS 2. THAT A TRAIL BE LAID OUT (GRADING PLAN) THROUGH THE NORTHERN STATES POWER CORIDOR WITH SLOPES NOT GREATER THAN EIGHT PERCENT (8%) 3. THAT THE SIDEWALK BE CONTINUED ALONG 193RD AVENUE COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 8. Discussion: Mountain Bike Trails John Weicht, 13330 Island View Drive, spoke on behalf of a group of mountain bikers to request that the cross country ski trails be opened for biking. David Rogers. also representing the mountain bikers group, presented a resolution to the Commission for open access to publicly owned park and trail systems, and that the mountain bikers would work as partners with the city to ensure the trails were used responsibly. A discussion followed regarding maintenance issues. e Phil Hals, Streets/Parks Superintendent, suggested the trails be opened up for a trial period to determine what impact the biking would have on the trails. Commissioner Anderson expressed his opposition to the mountain bikers using the trails. He felt the quality of the ski trails would be impacted and the cost of maintenance would be significant. (Commissioner Huberty left the meeting at approximately 9:25 p.m.) It was the consensus of the Commissioners to research the issue further and discuss at the August Park & Recreation Commission meeting. 9. Discussion: Snowmobile Trails Todd Plaisted, representing the River City Snow Riders Snowmobile Club, presented a proposal for a city snowmobile trail system. Mr. Plaisted explained that the club is relatively new and already has approximately 50 members. Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, indicated he and Phil Hals have been working with the group to layout a route for snowmobilers to move through the city with the least possible impact. Steve indicated the group has been working with property owners, MN/DOT, and Burlington Northern for permission to route the trail. (Commissioners Dave Anderson and Westrum left the meeting at approximately 9:45 p.m.) e Two options were shown on the map presented by the Snowmobile Club for specific areas where it is uncertain where the trail may go. Discussion followed e e e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8, 1998 Page 7 regarding approval of the plan without knowing the exact route. It was the consensus of the Planning Commissioners to support the plan with the route shown on the map in pink, but felt if other options were needed, the Club should present the changes to the Commission for review. COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE SNOWMOBILE TRAIL PLAN SHOWN IN PINK ON THE MAP WHICH WAS PRESENTED BY THE RIVER CITY SNOW RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 10. Area Recreation Update - Jeff Asfahl Jeff indicated that Youthbound is now in operation. He noted that a number of parents have come in to check it out. 11. Discussion: Bond Referendum/Pool Update Chair Anderson indicated the Pool Subcommittee met with representatives of 3 different pool construction/development firms. The Committee recommended Burbach Aquatics of Plattville, Wisconsin. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HIRE BURBACH AQUATICS FOR PRE-REFERENDUM WORK INCLUDING SITE ANALYSIS, COST ANALYSIS AND DESIGN AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED S8,OOO. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 12. Staff Updates Phil Hals, Streets/Parks Superintendent. indicated that gates have been installed to prevent vehicle traffic on Woodland Trails; one gate north of County Road No. 33 and one south of 22151. COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED TO INSTALL A GATE NORTH OF 2215T AVENUE. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. There being no further business, COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned af 11 :13 p.m. RerC~f~IIY. submitted, /~jdit.e 'I/ud-/u0 Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary