Loading...
10-14-1998 PR MIN e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1998 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Huberty, Olson, and Peterson. Commissioner Kuester arrived at 8:34 p.m. Members Absent: Commissioners Anderson, Westrum and Reitsma Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent; Steve Wensman, Planner; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator Also Present: Jeff Asfahl, Community Recreation Director 1. Call Meetinq 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. A quorum of the Park & Recreation Commission was not present. 2. Aqenda e Consider 10/14/98 Park & Recreation Commission Aqenda THE OCTOBER 14, 1998, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WAS APPROVED BY CONSENSUS (4-0) WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGE: - CONSIDER ITEM 7.B. BEFORE ITEM 7.A. 3.a. Consider Minutes of 9/2/98/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetinq THE SEPTEMBER 2, 1998, SPECIAL PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY CONSENSUS (4-0). 3.B. Consider Minutes of 9/9/98/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetinq THE SEPTEMBER 9, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY CONSENSUS (4-0). 4. Park and Recreation Commissioner to Attend 10/19/98 City Council Meetinq Commissioner Peterson will attend the October 19, 1998, City Council meeting. 5. Park and Recreation Commissioner to Attend 10/27/98 Plannina Commission Meetinq e Commissioner Huberty will attend the October 27, 1998, Planning Commission meeting. Park & Recreation Minutes October 14, 1998 Page 2 e 6. Open Mike Rolland Ring-Jarvi indicated a ski race sponsored by the Nordic Ski Club is scheduled for Sunday, January 10, 1999, beginning at noon. Mr. Ring-Jarvi noted approximately 30 families are members of the ski club. He also noted the ski club is willing to help promote the referendum. 7.b. Meadowvale Heiqhts Wetland Plan Steve Rohlf updated the Commission on progress of the Lake Orono dredging project. Steve Rohlf explained that a significant amount of wetland mitigation may be needed to complete the County Road No. 13 realignment projectin East Elk River. He presented a proposal to create a skating pond and flat play area in Meadowvale Park, as a component of the wetland mitigation plan. Steve suggested that a light be installed by the pond for skating. The Commissioners discussed parking. Steve did not feel parking was necessary since it would be mainly used by the neighboring residents. He explained that it is not certain the area will be needed for wetland mitigation, but that he wanted to discuss the issue with the Park and Recreation Commission now, rather than at a short notice. e It was the consensus of the Commissioners to consider the concept for Meadowvale Park as proposed by Steve Rohlf at the November 11 th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 7.a. Park Dedication/Trail Fees Staff report by Steve Wensman. Steve indicated 19 cities were surveyed and there did not seem to be a pattern in the results. Steve felt that the variations in the fees reflected in the needs of the communities; some communities are fully developed and more densely populated, and therefore, the fees were less. Chair Anderson questioned if staff was aware how long the current fees have been in place. Steve indicated the survey results did not include that type of information. Steve explained that the zoning ordinance states that 10 percent of the land be dedicated or 10 percent of the land value be provided in cash. The current policy has been to require a "per acre" or "per lot" fee which was last established by the City Council three years ago for 1996, 1997 and 1998. Discussion followed regarding park dedication fees of other cities. Commissioner Huberty questioned who determines the land value. Staff indicated the land would have to be appraised. Chair Anderson stated he felt the cash fees have become out of balance with the increased land values. e Park & Recreation Minutes October 14, 1998 Page 3 e Commissioner Peterson indicated that cities with large areas left to be developed would need to require larger park dedication than cities which are near full development. The Commissioners were in agreement that Elk River's fees should be at the higher end in comparison to the cities which were surveyed, since they are just beginning their park development. Chair Anderson felt $900 per lot should be considered. He also suggested that a trail fee be required, or, if a trail is identified within a proposed development, the developer be required to provide the trail. The Commissioners requested staff to provide, more information on the fo.llowing issues for the November 11, 1998, Park and Recreation meeting: -How often the park dedication fees are changed in the cities surveyed. -The City of Becker's park dedication requirements on a "case-by-case" basis. -Why some cities indicate only a land contribution and not cash. 8. Eaqle Scout Proiect {Rvan Anderson e Eagle Scout Ryan Anderson was present to discuss a project in Woodland Trails Park. He felt there is a need for a more detailed trail guide map, aluminum or wooded signs at the trails with a map of the trails, an informational booth, and a monument sign identifying the entrance to the park. Ryan Anderson proposed that his project would consist of updating and detailing the trail guide map, placing the trail map signs, and erecting the information booth. He explained that his project must be completed by April. so he likely would not be able to erect the monument sign at the entrance, but he could possibly dig the footings if there were plans available for the sign before winter. The Commissioners discussed possible construction materials to use for the trail map signs. Chair Anderson indicated that Commissioner Dave Anderson was not able to be present and has asked that it be noted he supports the project and will continue to work with Ryan Anderson. Phil Hals indicated that his department may be able to make the signs at the trail heads using their vinyl cutter, but he was not sure they would be able to make the maps. Ryan indicated he would come back next month with a map, and proposals for materials. 7.c. Approved Park Concept Reductions e Steve Wensman indicated concept plans for various parks in the city. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to include the concept plans in the Master Park Plan. Steve indicated he would discuss this issue with Steve Rohlf. Park & Recreation Minutes October 14, 1998 Page 4 e 9.a. Bond Referendum/Pool Update Phil Hals distributed copies of the informational flyer for the referendum which will be available to the public. He noted that the Burbach video and the city's video will be broadcast on cable beginning next week. Commissioner Peterson indicated the two videos will be run at different times. Phil noted that 4 or 5 copies of the aquatic complex 3-D drawing will be displayed at various businesses. Commissioner Kuester arrived at this time (8:34 p.m.) It was the consensus to continue discussion of Item 9.a. after item 9.e. 9.b. Mountain Bikina Trails Update e Steve Wensman indicated he and Gary Sjoquist, Phil Hals, Dave Anderson and group of volunteers flagged the mountain bike trails south of the power line corridor around the dump site. He went out to the site on the 13th to do additional flagging and discovered some re-routing will be necessary, but felt that more than enough trail has been laid out for the Eagle Scout project to start. He will be meeting with Nick Peterson to show him where to begin the trail clearing. On October 24th Mr. Sjoquist's trail crew will be assisting Nick, as well as representatives from the mountain biking group. Steve indicated there will some bench cuts that will need to be made, but he felt most of the trails were on relatively flat ground. He stated that Gary Sjoquist met with Margo Foster of the BMX group the day the trails were laid out. She gave him the phone number of the NBL (National Bicycle League) to contact them directly to find out what their needs will be for the site. 9.c. Donation of Park Bench Steve Wensman explained a request has been received to donate a park bench to be placed in Woodland Trails, in remembrance of her parents. Discussion followed regarding type of material and style of bench that would be appropriate. Steve indicated he would check with other cities to see if they have bench memorials and where they are purchased from. Phil suggested that designs and costs of park benches be discussed at the November 11 th meeting. Commissioner Peterson suggested that a program be set up for the community to donate other types of park amenities such as shelters and play structures. 9.d. BMX Site Update e Steve Wensman indicated the BMX project is slowly moving forward. He felt that after having met with Gary Sjoquist, the BMX group has a better understanding of what they need to do. Jeff Asfahl did not expect the group would be ready to meet with the Commission until February or March. Jeff Asfahl and Steve Wensman will visit the Sf. Michael BMX facility in the near future. Park & Recreation Minutes October 14, 1998 Page 5 e 9.e. Area Recreation Update Y outhbound - Commissioner Olson questioned how the attendance has been at Youthbound and age range of youth using the facility. Jeff indicated that on Friday of Homecoming weekend there were approximately 50 youth in attendance and 80 on Saturday. He stated the normal weekend attendance is between 30 and 50. The age range is between 13 and 17 years. He felt the pool and ping-pong tournaments have been successful and it has been requested to have the tournaments again. He did not feel the hours should be adjusted until they have had a chance to see what the attendance wil be as the weather becomes colder. Discussion followed regarding youth bands performing in the community and at Y outhbound. Sleiah ride - Jeff indicated that a date has not yet been set and staff is still working on this issue. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association {MRPAI Conference - Jeff encouraged the Commissioners to attend this informative conference. Chair Anderson indicated to Commissioner Kuester that Rolland Ring-Jarvi is interested in having someone speak to his 9th grade class regarding the referendum. Commissioner Kuester suggested development concept plans be prepared and reviewed for Lions Park through the Park-of-the-Month process. e 9.a. Continued - Commissioner Kuester discussed the progress on the referendum promotion. He expressed his thanks to Commissioner Peterson for his work on the video. He indicated that input is needed at the Tuesday, October 20th meeting (7 p.m.), to decide where to place the 3-dimensional drawings of the aquatic center. 10.a. Schools Use of Park Facilities Phil Hals indicated concerns have been expressed by the public regarding school events interfering with the public's use of the parks, as well as impacting adjacent private property. Most recently, complaints were received regarding the school's cross country running event interfering with the driving range at the golf course. Phil suggested that the school district be required to schedule ski meets and practices, cross country running, and other events with the city and that the events be posted in advance. Phil noted that the Lions are required to reserve Lions Park and pay a deposit. and the Chamber of Commerce must reserve and pay a deposit for Orono Park. Chair Anderson felt that since the school's events are planned well in advance, it should not be a problem to notify the city ahead of time. Commissioner Olson felt scheduled practices should also be posted two weeks in advance. e COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO HAVE STAFF PREPARE A DRAFT POLICY FOR GROUPS USING WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Park & Recreation Minutes October 14, 1998 Page 6 e 10.b. Archery Course for Park System Phil Hals discussed a proposal for an archery course within the city's park system. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to ask staff to return with information from other cities regarding archery courses, and to discuss needs with the archer's group for discussion at the November 11, 1998, Park and Recreation meeting. 11.a. Update on September 21, 1998 City Council Meetinq Commissioner Anderson was not able to attend the September 21 st meeting. l1.b. Update on September 29, 1998, Planninq Commission Meetinq Commissioner Peterson provided an update on the 9/29/98 Planning Commission meeting. 12.a. Commissioner Anderson Item Chair Anderson indicated Commissioner Dave Anderson is concerned with the Municipal Utilities use of the railroad grade for access to the water tower. Discussion followed regarding a possible future access. Phil Hals indicated a double layer of blacktopping will be placed on the trail. If the Utilities intends to use the roadway when the new water tower is constructed, they will be e responsible for upgrading the road to withstand the weight of the trucks. 13. Adiournment There being no further business, CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10: 15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, IJ~'rj~~~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary e