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09-09-1998 PR MIN e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1998 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Huberty, Kuester, Peterson, Anderson and Westrum Members Absent: Commissioner Olson 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. ,Aoenda Consider 9/9/98 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 9, 1998, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 8/12/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetino COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 12, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park and Recreation Commissioner to Attend 9/21/98 City Council Meetino Commissioner Dave Anderson will attend the September 21, 1998, City Council meeting. 5. Park and Recreation Commissioner to Attend 9/29/98 Planning Commission Meetino Commissioner Peterson will attend the September 29, 1998. Planning Commission meeting. 6. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 9. 1998 Page 2 e 7.a. Neiahborhood Meetina to Discuss Meadow Park - 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Steve Wensman reviewed the concept plan endorsed by the Park & Recreation Commission for Meadow Park which is located on 2nd Street. east of Evans Avenue. The plan includes a sliding hill, swing set, area for skating, planting of overstory trees on the boulevard, and ornamental trees and shrubs within the park. The residents to the south of the park expressed concern that the play structure would be too close to their home and asked if the property line could be fenced. They also expressed concern that the trees be saved. Steve indicated that tight hedging has been proposed as a natural buffer. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that if the play area became heavily used and created a problem, fencing could be considered. The residents in attendance expressed their support for the concept. Chair Anderson noted that there are no funds to develop the park at this time. 7.b. Hillside Estates 8th and 9th Addition Park Dedication e Steve Wensman indicated that he and Scott Harlicker met with Rick Foster regarding the park dedication requirements recommended by the Commission for Hillside Estates 8th and 9th Additions. He stated that Mr. Foster's revised plans for Hillside 9th have included the recommendations, but he was not able to incorporate a flat, 4-5 acre park site in the Hillside 8th plans requested by the Commission. Rick Foster, developer, indicated that when he purchased the property 7 years ago, the Master Park Plan did not identify any large parks for this area. When the plan was updated, there were no changes for the area. A year ago when he began moving forward with his plans, Steve Ach asked him to meet with the Park & Rec Commission, which he did. At that time, the Commission recommended a park area the size of 1-2 lots, a trail corridor to go through the NSP power line, extending to the north side of Menards and over to the south side of 197th and tie into the sidewalk. At that time, he stated he would provide whatever easements were needed to weave the trail through the trees so it would not be necessary to cut down any trees. Mr. Foster stated that it is not possible to meet Commission's recent request for a 4-5 acre flat piece of property for park adjacent to the powerline and a road because the property is densely wooded and hilly. Mr. Foster explained it would cost approximately $250,000 to cut down trees and level out a 4-5 acre park area. He reviewed the trail corridors, connections and areas where the ponds would impact the trail routes. Commissioner Huberty questioned whether or not the ponds would freeze over in the winter for skating. Mr. Foster stated that they would, but he felt the pond south of Menards parking lot would be better for skating. He noted that if it were used for skating, it should be included under the city's insurance liability. e The Park & Recreation Commissioners concurred that size of the recommended open space area is needed to serve the density of the Hillside Estates area. Chair Anderson reviewed the recommendations of the Commission for the 8th addition. e e e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 9. 1998 Page 3 Mr. Foster agreed to provide the power line easement for a trail but he requested that he be allowed to infringe into the easement where necessary to obtain the required lot depths. Mr. Foster indicated that he would provide the necessary easements to run the trail around the pond in the Zane Court area. Discussion followed regarding different areas within the 8th Addition plat where a 4-5 acre park site might be created. Commissioners Huberty and Kuester expressed support for obtaining a site, leaving it wooded for now, with it's future use to be determined at a later date. Mr. Foster suggested that the Commission use the park dedication fees to purchase property to the southeast for the type of park they are looking for. Discussion followed regarding a park site in the northwest portion of the plat (Lots 1-13, Block 3, and Lots 18 & 19, Block 1 area). Chair Anderson indicated that the goal is to serve the entire Hillside Estates area. Commissioner Kuester noted that they would like the 75' powerline corridor preserved. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HILLSIDE 8TH ADDITION: - THE DEVELOPER WORK WITH STAFF TO LOCATE A 4-5 ACRE PARK SITE IN THE NORTHWEST PORTION OF THE PLAT. - THE DEVELOPER ALLOW A MINIMUM 75' WIDE EASEMENT FOR A TRAIL (WITH AN 8 PERCENT MAXIMUM SLOPE) TO WIND THROUGH THE NSP POWERLlNE CORRIDOR AND AROUND THE PONDS. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HILLSIDE 9TH ADDITION: - A 50' GAS LINE TRAIL CORRIDOR EXTENDING FROM THE NSP CORRIDOR TO 193RD; THEN A 50' CORRIDOR FROM 193RD , TAPERING DOWN TO 20' AT THE SOUTH OF THE PLAT TO PRESERVE THE INTGRITY OF THE PROPOSED LOTS. - CONTINUE A MINIMUM 75' CORRIDOR ADJACENT TO HillSIDE 5TH PARK, WIDE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE A PAVED TRAIL WITH AN 8 PERCENT MAXIMUM SLOPE, WHICH MAY NEED TO SWITCH BACK. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 8. BMX Committee Presentation Steve Wensman indicated that the BMX Committee would not be making a presentation this month. 9. Mountain Bikinq Trails Proaress a. Update on Trail Buildinq Seminar - Steve Wensman Steve Wensman stated that the information he learned at the trail building seminar will be very helpful for mountain biking trails in Hillside Park. He explained Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 9. 1998 Page 4 e that there are many drawbacks to mixed use trails and severe erosion can occur. Also. he found that one-way, technical trails are preferred over trails for speed. Technical trails are proposed for Hillside Park which will wind around trees, have a maximum 10 percent grade, with a 7 percent grade on sandy soils, with turns, weaving and swithbacks on the large hills. A 6 foot clear zone of brush is recommended, with very few trees being removed. On slopes, wherever possible, the trail will go above a tree. Steve indicated Mr. Sjoquist is very excited about Elk River's project and has commended the city for "doing it right" by creating trails specifically for mountain biking, rather than multi-use trails which have not been successful. Steve explained methods which can be used to prevent and control erosion. Commissioner Huberty left the meeting at this time (8:40 p.m.) Nick Peterson, Eagle Scout. indicated he has received approval from the Boy Scout Council for his bike trail project in Hillside Park. He stated that he needs to know when he can start the project. in order to recruit volunteers. Steve Wensman indicated Gary Sjoquist of Quality Bike Products will be marking the trails the 1 st weekend in October. Commissioner Anderson suggested that Nick come out to the site on Saturday, October lOth to get an idea of what the project will entail. e After discussion, it was determined the scouts will undertake the brushing portion of the project and other adult volunteers, including the mountain bikers group. will be recruited to undertake the remainder of the project. Steve Wensman indicated that the brush will need to be removed, rather than just cut. or tire punctures will occur. Commissioner Anderson stated he would work with the scouts on a trial segment of the trail on Saturday, October 24th. Commissioner Anderson noted that Gary Sjoquist suggested the mountain bikers work with staff to layout a trail on the Brady property. Nick Peterson asked if tools would be available. Phil Hals indicated he has a limited amount of hand tools which the scouts may use. Commissioner Anderson suggested the volunteers each bring a tool. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that signage and some type of gating or ribbon tape will be needed to identify areas where biking is allowed or not allowed, especially where there are hills that could be damaged by erosion. Steve Wensman indicated he will contact Nick Peterson after final arrangements are set with Gary Sjoquist. 7.c. Open Space Ordinance Amendment e Steve Wensman reviewed components of the open space ordinance. He explained that in this type of development, the homeowner's association owns the open space land which would be used as a private park or. they could allow it to be opened up for public purposes. Steve noted that this type of development would likely occur in the A-l (Agricultural) zoning district where there are no regional or neighborhood parks. The same issues regarding park dedication would apply as for any other development. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 9. 1998 Page 5 e Commissioner Kuester questioned Item #7 regarding historic value. He felt a body should be identified to make this type of determination, not a developer alone, or the city alone. Commissioner Kuester also stated that he felt an inventory of the historical resources is needed. Steve Wensman indicated Steve Rohlf is working on this issue with the County Historical Society. Chair Anderson stated that the Commission will continue to identify trail corridors and regional parks when reviewing open space developments on a case-by- case basis. Commissioner Kuester felt the proposed ordinance provides some incentives for developers by allowing increased density, while preserving areas that would not have otherwise been preserved. 10. Area Recreation Uodate - Jeff Asfahl Jeff Asfahl reviewed his update report to the Commission dated September 9, 1998. He noted that he would like input from the Commissioners regarding offering a sleigh ride for families on the trails at Woodland Trails this winter. The Park & Recreation Commission expressed support for the concept. A suggestion was made that a warm up gathering after the ride could be coordinated with the country club, serving hot chocolate or cider. Jeff indicated that a date will be scheduled in late January or early February. Commissioner Anderson indicated it should not be a problem to groom the trails by the morning after the event. e Jeff Ashfahl questioned if the cross country skiers are planning a race this year. Commissioner Anderson stated the group is planning a race and should be contacting Jeff soon. 11. Bond Referendum/Pool Uodate City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that representatives of the Park & Rec Commission and City Council met on September 2nd to receive the report presented by Dave Burbach of Burbach Aquatics for the pool proposal. Pat expressed concern that the dollar amount in the report was much higher than anticipated ($2.834 million. rather than under $2 million). Also, he was concerned that the projected usage numbers may be too conservative and the pool will be at capacity soon after opening. Pat indicated the Councilmembers were in agreement that the public should be presented a quality pool and if the residents want it, they will vote for it. He stated that the total for the pool and outdoor recreation will now be $3.95 million. The bond consultant is working on the wording for question to be placed on the ballot November 3rd. and the Council will consider the question on September 14th. Pat Klaers indicated the 3-dimensional rendering and copies of the pool have been ordered and will be placed in high visibility locations such as Target, Cub and Co borns, with the property owner's approval. Public informational meetings have tentatively been scheduled for Tuesday. October 6th, and Monday, October 26th. e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 9. 1998 Page 6 e Discussion followed regarding plans to inform the public of the referendum proposal. Plans include taping the October 6th informational meeting so that it may be aired on cable T.V. and also, the tape from Jeff Asfahl. Pat Klaers indicated that it was important to utilize the Star News as much as possible to inform the public of the referendum. Further discussion followed regarding the location of the pool, closing of Gary Street. parking needs and staffing for the pool. Pat noted that opening of a pool may necessitate the establishment of a Park & Recreation Director position for the city. Also. the impact of the pool on the 4th of July celebration and on the Minnesota Sports Federation's plans was discussed. Pat Klaers indicated a one year construction time line is projected. Commissioner Kuester indicated Mr. Burbach explained that the pool would likely open in May, 2000 with a trial period to train the staff and then a grand opening would be held after the training was completed. Commissioner Huberty returned to the meeting at this time (10:10 p.m.) 12. Park & Recreation Commission Recommendation for Future Park Dedication Fees e Phil Hals indicated that the Park and Recreation Commission may wish to consider a recommendation to the Council for future park dedication fees, as no fees have been set beyond 1998. He noted the 1998 fee is $650 per lot. The Commissioners requested that surrounding communities be surveyed regarding park dedication fees and the results will be reviewed at the October meeting for a recommendation to the Council. Phil Hals indicated that when park dedication fees were first established, 10 percent of the land value and "per lot" park dedication fees were comparable. Due to increased value in land, the "per lot" fees have become out of balance with land values and do not come close to covering the increasing demands being placed on the development of the park and recreation system. Commissioner Anderson indicated that many communities have a park dedication fee of $1 ,500 per lot. He noted that the county board will be considering an initial $600 per lot park dedication fee at a public hearing on Tuesday, September 15th at 11 :00 a.m. and he encouraged the Commissioners to attend. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED THAT STAFF SURVEY SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES REGARDING PARK DEDICATION FEES AND TRAIL FEES. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Chair Anderson suggested the market value for lots in the surveyed cities be obtained in order to compare park dedication fees to the land values. e It was the consensus of the Commissioners to include language in the recommendation to the City Council that a distinction be made between wetlands and dry, usable land when accepting property as payment for park dedication. e e e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 9, 1998 Page 7 13.a. Update on Auaust 17, 1998 City Council Meetina Commissioner Kuester updated the Commissioners on the August 17, 1998, City Council meeting. 13.b. Update on Auaust 25, 1998, Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Dave Anderson provided an update on the August 25, 1998, Planning Commission meeting. 14. Staff Updates Phil Hals indicated the contractor will be tearing out the portion of the trail at 193rd which was damaged during construction. Phil noted that Chris Leisberg is working on plans for the concession building at the Youth Athletic Complex. 15. Other Business a. Item for October 14, 1998, Park and Recreation Meetina Agenda Commissioner Anderson requested that the biathlon be discussed at the October 14th Park & Rec meeting. The Police Chief has indicated the biathlon is technically in violation of the city's ordinance regarding, "no discharge of firearms within 500' of a no hunting area". 16. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, f)Jh" ~ud Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary