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11-18-1998 PR MIN - SPECIAL e SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1998 Members Present: Commissioners Huberty, Kuester, Olson, Anderson, Westrum and Reitsma. Chair Dana Anderson arrived at 7:10 p.m. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7:20 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent; Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary 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 Acting Chair Huberty. 2. Aaenda Consider 11/18/98 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda e COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 18, 1998, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 10/14/98 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 14, 1998, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4.a. Park and Recreation Commissioner attendina the 11/16/98 City Council Meetina Commissioner Huberty attended the November 16, 1998 City Council meeting. 4.b. Park and Recreation Commissioner to attend 11/24/98 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Olson will attend the November 24, 1998, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike e Paul Craven, 11042 196th Avenue, presented a petition signed by 44 residents living in the Hillside Additions who are opposed to development in the 4 acre city park by adding playground equipment and half basketball court. Mr. Craven expressed his desire that the city leave the park area natural. He distributed photos of himself and a family member feeding the deer in the Hillside 5th park Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 18. 1998 Page 2 e area. Other residents who were present also expressed their objection to development of the park. A woman stated she would not feel comfortable sending her children to play in such a secluded area, near a pond. Rina Dietz, 11078 196th Avenue, expressed her objection to the proposed basketball court behind her property. She indicated she would not have moved to Elk River if she had known the park would be developed. Members of the Hillside group in the audience again expressed comments regarding their opposition to the development of the park. Mr. Craven and an unidentified resident stated they felt the bond referendum failed because people do not want parks. They asked the Park & Recreation Commission to reconsider their recommendation on this park. Chair Anderson explained that residents living on the east side of Highway 169 have expressed a great need for parks and open space in this area. He explained that the Park and Recreation Commission has been working with the developer on the Hillside Estates 9th Addition project to obtain a larger, flat parcel in the area, but they have not been successful, at this point. Chair Anderson noted that the Hillside 5th park was low on the priority list for park development. The Park & Reception Commissioners were in agreement that they did not wish to reconsider the concept plan at this time. 5.5. Mountain Bike Trails Eaole Scout Proiect in Hillside Park - Nick Peterson e Nick Peterson, Eagle Scout (Troop 90), provided a report on the project to construct mountain bike trails in Hillside Park. He expressed concern that someone has gone through the ravine area which was closed off. He also noted a very steep area which may be prone to erosion. Members of the Commission and staff expressed their appreciation to Nick for all his efforts. 6. Eaole Scout Proiect in Woodland Trails Park - Ryan Anderson Ryan Anderson was not able to attend the meeting. 7.a. Meadowvale Heiahts Wetland Plan Steve reviewed two concept drawings he had prepared which illustrated the proposed changes in Meadowvale Park if it were used as a mitigation site. The Commissioners expressed their concern regarding expansion of the wetlands in an area which already had extensive wetland. Commissioner Anderson was concerned that the area to be leveled out for a play field would require destroying the knoll. The Commissioners also expressed concern that the neighboring residents have already endorsed the previous concept. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT NO WETLAND MITIGATION BE DONE IN MEADOWVALE HEIGHTS PARK AND NO CHANGES BE MADE TO THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED CONCEPT AT THIS TIME. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 18, 1998 Page 3 e 7.b. Elk River Crossin a Plat bv Associated Develooers Steve Wensman explained the changes which were made in the Elk River Crossing plat. Discussion followed regarding trail locations. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to recommend that the trail along County Road 12 be located consistently on one side of the road or the other, and not switch back and forth. The Commissioners requested that Steve contact Dave Schwarting regarding this issue. 7.c. Administrative Subdivision bv Del & Sandi Bauers Steve Wensman indicated that Del and Sandi Bauers are requesting an administrative subdivision to subdivide an approximately 5 acre site into two 2.5 acre lots. In addition, the applicant and the neighbor will be doing a lot line adjustment in exchange for the abandonment of an easement for a driveway. Staff recommends a park dedication of cash for the newly created lot. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT A CASH PAYMENT FROM DEL AND SANDI BAUERS FOR PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 7.d. Park Dedication/Trail Fees e Steve Wensman explained additional information gathered in the survey of other cities' park dedication and trail fees. The Commissioners were in agreement that the park dedication fees should be increased significantly in order to bring them in balance with increased land values. The Commissioners also felt that Elk River's needs for park funds are very different from other communities which have an established park and/or trail system. The Commissioners discussed options used by other communities such as, basing the fee on projected population, Le., 1 acre of park land per 75 persons, or cash equivalent. They also discussed using a different "per unit" calculation for single family, townhomes and apartments. Steve reviewed the existing language in the city's subdivision ordinance regarding park dedication fees. He noted that a "per unit" fee is currently being charged to developers, which is not consistent with the 10 percent of land value referred to in the ordinance. Steve suggested that the Commissioners consider recommending a text amendment in order to clarify the procedure for establishing park dedication fees. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that staff provide some examples for comparisions of what of park dedication fees would be for a tract of undeveloped land in the residential zones, using the 10 percent of market value stated in the subdivision ordinance. The Commissioners felt that it would be appropriate to make a recommendation for an increase in park dedication fees for 1999, since there is no fee established beyond 1998, and to look at the issue further for a possible subdivision ordinance amendment. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND AN INCREASE TO $1,100 PER UNIT IN PARK DEDICATION FEES FOR 1999. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 18, 1998 Page 4 e 8.a. Area Recreation Update Jeff Asfahl was not present for this item. Chair Anderson noted that Jeff is still working out the details for the family sleigh ride in Woodland Trails. 8.b. Bike Park Update BMX Update Steve Wensman indicated that he and Jeff Asfahl have visited the St. Michael BMX track, and have presented their observations and concerns to Margo Foster of the Elk River BMX group. These concerns include water, electricity, phone, garbage, parking, restrooms security, visibility, erosion and aesthetics. Steve noted that John David of the NBL (National Bicycle League) recommended a 5 acre site for the BMX operation, with 1-1/2 acres needed for parking. When shown on a concept sketch of the Hillside site, he felt the parking was adequate for most events. A presentation by the BMX group is anticipated sometime next year. Mountain Bike Trails Update e Steve indicated that a little over one mile of mountain bike trail has been constructed which winds through the woods south of the powerline corridor in Hillside City Park. He noted that most of the clearing was accomplished on Saturday, October 24th, and completed on Sunday. Steve reviewed issues which still need to be addressed including maintenance, signage and parking. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have staff prepare a signage proposal for review at the January Park & Recreation Commission meeting. 8.c. Archery Update Phil Hals reviewed information from other cities regarding archery ranges. Phil stated he felt an archery range would be a low cost, low maintenance facility which could serve a need in the community. He will continue to gather information on site design and possible locations. 8.d. Policy for Group Use of Woodland Trails Park Phil Hals reviewed the proposed park reservation policy for Woodland Trails Park. Commissioner Anderson distributed copies of the sign proposed for Woodland Trails. He explained the sign will list the following information: A trail map, winter trail rules, schedule of winter activities, daily activity schedule, a trail map holder, trails "open" or "closed" information and trail conditions. e COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESERVATION POLICY FOR WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF IN PHIL HALS' MEMO DATED OCTOBER 13, 1998, TO APPROVE THE SIGN PLAN PRESENTED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON, AND THAT STAFF PLACE "NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED ON CITY TRAILS" SIGNAGE IN THE LAFAYETTE WOODS ADDITION. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 18, 1998 Page 5 e 8.e. Memorial Donations Update Steve Wensman reviewed issues related to park memorials as outlined in his report to the Park & Recreation Commission dated November 17, 1998. Steve indicated that the City of Minneapolis has a nonprofit citizens' group called People for Parks which deals with donations and memorials. Their program has run into some difficulty and will be revised. Steve recommended waiting for Minneapolis to review its policies before enacting one for Elk River. 8.f. Bond Referendum Members of the Commission discussed the failed bond referendum. Commissioner Kuester felt that any future efforts to pursue a referendum should be led by a citizens' group. Chair Anderson thanked all the members of the Commission for their efforts, especially Commissioner Kuester. Commissioner Kuester left the meeting at this time (9:40 p.m.) 8.g. Snowmobile Trails Phil Hals noted that the Elk River Snowmobile Club is experiencing difficulty obtaining a trail link through school district property and they may be present at a Park & Recreation Commission meeting in the near future to discuss an alternate route. e 9.a. Update on 10119/98 City Council Meeting Commissioner Peterson reviewed issues discussed at the October 19th City Council meeting. 9.b. Update on 10/27/98 Planning Commission Meetina Commissioner Huberty provided an update on the October 27th Planning Commission and the November 16th City Council meeting. 9.5. Ski Trail Grooming Schedule Due to the lateness of the hour, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to discuss this issue at the December 9th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 10. Other Business The Park & Recreation Commissioners discussed the commercial park dedication fees. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PARK DEDICATION FEE FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BE INCREASED TO $3,000 PER ACRE. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. e e e e Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 18, 1998 Page 6 Chair Anderson requested that a letter be sent to the Hillside 5th Addition residents to advise them that the park plan for the Hillside 5th park concept plan will not be reconsidered at this time. Chair Anderson requested that plans for the Youth Athletic Complex be reviewed at a future meeting. Phil Hals stated he would place this item on the January Park & Recreation agenda. 11 . Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully ~ubmitted, /" ') 4Jel0<<? ~{,~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary