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08-12-1998 PR MIN e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1998 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Huberty. Kuester. Olson, Peterson. Dave Anderson and Westrum 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 Meetina 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. Aaenda e Consider 8/12/98 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 12,1998, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 7/8/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JULY 8, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 7.a. Neiqhborhood Meetinq - Mississippi Oaks Park Steve Wensman reviewed the park concept endorsed by the Park & Recreation Commission for the Mississippi Oaks Park. The neighbors in attendance expressed their support for the park concept. Residents' suggestions included adding benches with some sort of small shelter for shade and a bike rack. e COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO HAVE STAFF OBTAIN REDUCED COPIES OF THE ENDORSED PARK PLANS SO THAT THEY MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE MASTER PARK PLAN. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Park & Recreation Minutes August 12. 1998 Page 2 e 7.b. Woodland Trails Park Steve Wensman provided a description of the park and reviewed issues associated with the site. The following concepts for future development of the park were explored: Concept A - Barn structure for warming house, picnic shelter, interpretive center with sliding doors on one end to create open shelter - Barn sited as a focal point, taking advantage of large knoll near parking lot - Picnic tables and outdoor grills - Paved trail connecting barn to parking lot and existing trails - Buffer of shrubs for picnic area - Relocating entrance; Ski race staging area at current entrance, if east-west road is built - New corridor buffered from park with evergreens and deciduous trees - Paved trail along new road connecting two adjacent parks and county roads e ConceptB - Concept assumes east-west corridor is built - Traditional shelter including a warming house and picnic shelter located over existing entrance drive, preserving meadow views - Picnic tables and grills around shelter - Winter use of picnic area for ski race staging area - Paved trail parallel to east-west road and adjacent to picnic area - Corridor buffered with evergreens and deciduous trees ConceptC - Typical open picnic structure with canopy located in a niche between a hill and existing trees - Paved walking path to connect picnic structure to parking lot - Current entrance road location used for ski race staging if new east-west corridor constructed Concept D - This concept assumes new road is not built and entrance stays the same - Picnic structure/warming house and outdoor amphitheater built into slope; located behind existing farm house and trees near entrance - Picnic area parking lot where farm house is currently located - Plan separates the picnic area from natural area, preserving existing views and natural features - Additional buffering from golf course with path connecting the two areas A discussion followed regarding the location of a large shelter, type of construction, use of a barn structure as a warming house/shelter/interpretive center and need for equipment storage. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE CONCEPT A FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WOODLAND TRAILS PARK WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES: e - EAST-WEST CORRIDOR IS NOT SHOWN ON PLAN Park & Recreation Minutes August 12. 1998 Page 3 e - LOCATE A TEMPORARY PICNIC STRUCTURE BETWEEN THE GOLF COURSE AND PARKING LOT, UNTIL PERMANENT STRUCTURE CAN BE BUILT COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Too of the World Park - Top of the World park is approximately 80 acres of woods. meadow and marsh with significant aesthetic, biological and geological qualities. The park is located just east of the city railroad trail and Woodland Trails Park. The site has been developed for ski and walking trails. Mountain biking is being considered as a possible use. Proposed improvements include a ski warming house, picnic shelter, picnic area. and parking lot. ConceotA - Neighborhood park/trailhead on Proctor and trail through future subdivision - Possible 3-4 acre park acquired by subdivision park dedication - Paved trail between Ridgewood and future subdivision to connect new trail- head and Top of the World Park - Northerly trail through Top of the World paved; connecting to Woodland Trails Park - Northerly trail on Shiely property; would need to be rerouted on park property or purchase land from Shiely - Parking lot, children's play structure and restrooms e Conceot B - Trailhead park adjacent to Top of the World Park in future subdivision - Parking lot. children's play structure and restroom - Northerly trail through Top of the World paved; connecting to Woodland Trails Park - Northerly trail on Shiely property; would need to be rerouted on park property or purchase land from Shiely COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE CONCEPT B FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TOP OF THE WORLD PARK. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7.c. Smith Administrative Subdivision. Case No. AS 98-5 Steve Wensman indicated the applicant has withdrawn his request. 7.d. Allard Administrative Subdivision. Case No. AS 98-6 Steve Wensman explained that Chuck and Tina Allard are proposing to create two lots by subdividing their property located on the north shore of West Twin Lake. The property is split by 20151 Avenue with 3.8 acres on the south side. adjacent to the lake, and 1.35 acres on the north side of the road. Staff recommends a payment of $650 for the newly created lot to meet park dedication requirements. e COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE A PAYMENT OF CASH BY CHUCK AND TINA ALLARD TO MEET PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Park & Recreation Minutes August 12. 1998 Page 4 e 7.e. Olson Administrative Subdivision, Case No. AS 98-7 Steve Wensman indicated that Irwin and Margaret Olson have requested an administrative subdivision to separate Lot 6 from Lots 4 and 5, which were previously combined for tax purposes, so that Lot 6 can be sold. Staff recommends a cash payment to meet park dedication requirements. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO ACCEPT A CASH PAYMENT BY IRWIN AND MARGARET OLSON TO MEET PARK DEDICATION REQUREIMENTS. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 8. Discussion: Use of Ski Trails for Mountain Bikinq Phil Hals, Streets/Parks Superintendent, indicated that he contacted Hennepin County, Ramsey County, the City of Burnsville, and Quality Bike Products for information on mountain bike trails. Phil reviewed suggestions he received regarding maintenance and usage as outlined in his staff report to the Commission dated August 12, 1998. Phil noted that Gary Sjoquist of Quality Bike Products has offered to serve as a consultant for mountain bike trails at no cost to the city. Chair Anderson felt it was important to have a development plan for the trails, determine costs and to have the cooperation of the users for assistance in maintaining the trails. e COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITHI DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS, AND, TO ACCEPT MR. GARY SJOQUIST'S OFFER TO SERVE AS A CONSULTANT FREE OF CHARGE TO REVIEW WOODLAND TRAILS, THE BRADY PROPERTY AND HILLSIDE PARK AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LONG TERM BIKE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. Mike Nizolek expressed his concern that mountain biking in Woodland Trails would cause a loss of vegetation and erosion. He felt the Woodland Trails site has a very sensitive eco system and Hillside Park would be more compatible for a mountain bike trail system. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Nick Peterson, Eagle Scout, was present to explain his proposed merit badge project to construct mountain bike trails in Hillside Park. He is waiting for approval of the project by the Boy Scout Council in St. Cloud. The Commissioners suggested when Gary Sjoquist of Quality Bike Products visits Hillside Park, that he mark the general location of the trails, so that Nick may begin work as soon as approval is given for his project. . 9. Update - BMX Committee e Margo Foster, representing the BMX interest group, indicated they have decided to pursue sanctioning with the NBL (National Bicycle League). They are in the process of establishing the corporation and 503C status. Representatives will meet with Jeff Asfahl and Steve Wensman to review drawings of the proposed Park & Recreation Minutes August 12, 1998 Page 5 e layout of the track. Ms. Foster requested that the BMX Committee be placed on the September Park & Recreation Commission agenda for a formal presentation. 10. Area Recreation Uodate - Jeff Asfahl Jeff encouraged the Commissioners to attend the August 3151 workshop for Community Ed, Community Rec and Early Childhood Ed. Jeff noted that several events have been scheduled for weekends at Youthbound, including some Friday night activities after the football games. He indicated there are some church groups with "after football game" activities, so they will try to avoid scheduling on those nights. 11. Discussion: Park & Recreation Commission Member Aooointment to Ice Arena Commission It was the consensus of the Commissioners to support having a member serve on the ice arena commission, and that the Park & Recreation Commission representative appointed to the Ice Arena Commission would be exempt from the Planning Commission and City Council meeting attendance schedule. A new calendar will be prepared and distributed to the Commissioners in the September packet. e COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO SUPPORT HAVING A PARK & RECREATION COMMISSIONER SERVE ON THE ICE ARENA COMMISSION, AND ALSO TO RECOMMEND CHAIR ANDERSON BE APPOINTED TO THE ICE ARENA COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 12. Discussion: Bond Referendum/Pool Uodate Pat Klaers reviewed his memo to the Commissioners on this issue dated August 12, 1998. He indicated that information is needed regarding whether or not the Gary Street site will work in order to determine costs. It is likely that a diving well will not be included in the pool complex because of the cost. Pat noted that a video will be prepared for broadcasting on the local cable network to provide information regarding the referendum. A unanimous decision was made to continue the Park & Rec meeting until August 181h to discuss strategy for the referendum. The meeting will be held at the Cretex at the corner of Main Street and Lowell Avenue at 6:30 p.m. 13.a. State Grant for Railroad Traillmorovement Phil Hals reported that the city has received notice of approval for a grant application in the amount of $49,000 to pave the trail from County Road 33 south through the Oak Knoll Complex. The city must match the amount and all work must be done by contractors and completed by April 15, 2000. 14. Other Business e a. Trott Brook Recommendation - Commissioner Kuester updated the Commission on the 7/28/98 Planning Commission meeting. - e e Park & Recreation Minutes August 12, 1998 Page 6 b. Cretex Service Road - Commissioner Anderson expressed his concern that young children are riding bikes on the north side of Highway 10 near Cretex, due to the closure of the service road. City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated he will discuss the issue with the City Engineer to see if construction of the trail in this location can be done this year. c. Railroad Trail - Commissioner Anderson indicated the County Parks Commission is looking for a recommendation from the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission to acquire the railroad right of way from the city's northern property line to Zimmerman. d. Cherrvwood Hills Trail- Commissioner Westrum stated that a portion of the newly constructed trail is in very poor condition. Phil Hals indicated he will check it out with the City Engineer. There being no further business, COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL TUESDAY, AUGUST 18,1998, AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE CRETEX OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM LOCATED AT MAIN AND LOWELL STREETS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, AOeNti ~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary