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04-14-1999 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1999 Members Present: Chair Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Kuester, Olson, Westrum and Reitsma. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7:07 p.m. Members Absent: None staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary 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 Huberty. 2. Consider 4/14/99 Park & Recreation Commission Aqenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 14, 1999, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: - 7.A. - EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT - MIKE ARKEL - 10.D. - REVISED CONCEPT PLAN FOR NORD PROPERTY BY RON BASTYR - 10.E. - PETITION FROM HILLSIDE RESIDENTS - 14.A. - DISCUSS JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL - 14.B. - YOUTH ATHLETIC COMPLEX COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 3/1 0/99 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 10, 1999, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend April Planning Commission and City Council Meetings a. 4/19/99 City Council Meeting - Commissioner Peterson will attend. b. 4/27/99 Planning Commission Meeting - Chair Huberty will attend. 5. Open Mike Nick Peterson, Eagle Scout, was present to report that his Eagle Scout project for mountain bike trail construction was accepted and he is awaiting receipt of his Eagle award. . . . Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 2 Commissioner Peterson arrived at this time (7:07 p.m.) Nick Peterson noted that there is some follow-up work that needs to be completed. Steve Wensman indicated that several bench cuts and tree removal will be completed in about 1 month, since the trails are too soft at this time. The Commissioners congratulated Nick on attaining his Eagle Scout merit badge. 6. BMX Update John Thompson, representing the Elk River BMX group, indicated he is waiting for information from Brainerd and Fergus Falls regarding their 501 C3 non-profit status in order to submit their application to the State. If he does not received the information soon, he will proceed with the application. If accepted, they will receive an approval letter, and the organization will be reviewed in 5 years to receive full status. Mr. Thompson estimated the cost of operating the track at $5,000 - $10,000 per year. He noted one of largest expenses is trophies. Mr. Thompson stated they need to know how long of a lease they can expect to have with the city. Commissioner Anderson indicated that will be up to the City Council. Margo Foster indicated that an ad will be coming out in the paper to generate interest in the BMX project. Steve Wensman stated that the city administrator has suggested the city property near the Elk River Youth Athletic Complex (ERY AC) as a possible alternate site for the BMX track. The Commissioners expressed their concerns regarding the parking issue for the Hillside Park. Commissioner Kuester stated he felt the initial lease should be no more than a three year term. Commissioner Dana Anderson expressed his support for locating the BMX track near the ERY AC site. Phil Hals stated that the parking should be adequate at that site. The BMX group will make a presentation at the May 12th Park & Rec meeting. 7. Eaqle Scout Proiect Update - Rvan Anderson Ryan Anderson indicated that 91 seven foot posts have been placed in Woodland Trails. There will be 51 informational and 36 directional signs placed on the trails. Ryan provided a sample of the signage which will be placed on the posts. The Commissioners expressed their thanks to Ryan for his work on this project . Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 3 . 7.a. Eaqle Scout Proiect - Mike Arkel Mike Arkel indicated he was interested in the Hillside Park mountain bike trail system as an Eagle Scout project, either as extending the existing trail or creating a new trail. Steve Wensman indicated that the current trail is approximately 1 mile. The Commissioners expressed their support for Mike to proceed with planning a project to extend the trails in Hillside Park. He will make a presentation for his proposal to the Commission at a future meeting. 8. Gilqenbach Race Tom Gilgenbach was present to request the Park and Recreation Commission's support for the Elk River Syttende Mai Run. He explained that the race is a 20-mile run and a 3-mile fun run/walk through the streets and trails of Elk River to benefit the Minnesota Chapter of the Leukemia Society. He indicated the race would be held on Saturday, May 22 at 7:30 a.m. The race will begin qt Coborns and end at the cemetery on Jackson. Mr. Gilgenbach stated that there may be up to 700 runners, but he was expecting about 500. He indicated that he is looking for help from the city to provide cones to mark the major turns in Woodland Park. He noted that the Lions Club has agreed to take over the race next year. . Discussion followed regarding safety concerns for runners crossing Highway 169. Mr. Gilgenbach indicated they have worked with the police department in the past to have the traffic signals turned to red, but they have had some problems. The Commissioners felt that crossing Highway 169 should be avoided in future races. Commissioner Westrum suggested the race could be started at Lions Park. The Commissioners expressed their support for the event and asked Mr. Gilgenbach to work with Phil Hals on the use of city cones to mark the trails. 9. Park of the Month - Lions Park Steve Wensman presented a development concept, which he prepared for Lions Park. The following amenities were proposed on the plan: Improvements to play fields for soccer use an additional volleyball court a pedestrian bridge and trail pond edge plantings to minimize the goose population additional screening surrounding the site additional shrub plantings to define areas of the park Steve discussed planting larger vegetation around the ponds to reduce the amount of erosion caused by the geese. He explained that there might be liability issues if a bridge were constructed. Commissioner Kuester questioned whether or not the city has ever considered acquired the Houlton property adjacent to Lions Park on Jackson, which is for sale. Staff indicated that approximately two years ago, the property owner indicated he was asking $200,000 - $300,000 for the site. . Discussion followed regarding the following issues: Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 4 . 1 . Ownership of the park 2. Usage of the park 3. Parking in the park lot by high school students 4. Condition of the band shell 5. Lion I s investment in the park 6. Gopher problem 7. Geese problem 8. Vandalism 9. Suitability of open areas for soccer Further discussion followed regarding the possible use of "swamp" type trees, which may grow well in the peat conditions, such as Butternut and Black Spruce. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT FOR LIONS PARK AS PRESENTED BY STEVE WENSMAN. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Commissioners Reitsma and Olson indicated that they did not feel the peat soil conditions were suitable for soccer fields. COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT FOR LIONS PARK AS PRESENTED BY STEVE WENSMAN, WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGE: -DELETE THE SOCCER FIELDS -DELETE BRIDGE . COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to invite the surrounding property owners and the Lions Club to the May Park and Recreation meeting to review the concept for Lions Park. 10.a. Island View 5th Addition Park Steve indicated that at the March 10th Park & Rec. meeting, the Commission recommended a 30 foot wide corridor with a trail be included in the Island View 5th Addition plat. Also, the Commission moved to have staff and the Commission work with the developer to locate a suitable site for a park that might eventually be combined with property to the south for a park. Steve reviewed his concerns regarding the proposed park. He indicated that Lot 2 of the plat is located on part of the high, dry area and questioned if the character of the park would be lost. He felt that if the park were attached to the MacGibbon property it would have some value, but by itself it was worthless. The Commissioners discussed whether or not to acquire the piece of park land, which was shown on the plat. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE PARK PLAN AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. . Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 5 . 1 a.b. Park Dedication Ordinance Amendment Steve Wensman reviewed a proposed amendment to the park dedication ordinance. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to review the ordinance amendment and be prepared to make a recommendation at the May 12, 1999, Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 1 a.c. OSPD District Park Dedication Steve Wens man reviewed language for the proposed open space development ordinance regarding park dedication requirements. Steve explained the option of basing the dedication on either the "yield plan" vs. the number of actual number of lots created with a density bonus. The Commissioners discussed the issue and they were in agreement the yield plan would provide more of an incentive to developers. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND BASING PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT ORDINANCE ON THE YIELD PLAN, IN THE CASE WHERE THE OPEN SPACE REMAINS IN PRIVATE OWNERSHIP. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 1a.d. Nord Property . Steve Wensman indicated that the Commission previously discussed a concept for the 76 acre Nord property located north of Meadowvale Park. The Commission indicated at that time their desire for 4 acres of park land to be dedicated, as well as a connecting trail to Meadowvale Park. Commissioner Westrum expressed concern that the northern area will only be used by the adjacent residents. Commissioner Dave Anderson indicated that the trail should be constructed at the same time the roads are constructed, in order to avoid surprising future home buyers. The Commissioners discussed enlarging the park to include the 3 lots shown to the west of the park where it meets the road right-of-way. The Commissioners were in agreement that the trail needs to be as far away from the residences as possible. Commissioner Dana Anderson suggested that the Commissioners visit the site in the near future in order to make a recommendation. Steve noted that a formal application has not yet been received for the plat. 1 a.e. Hillside 5th Park The Commissioners acknowledged the receipt of a letter and petition from the Hillside Estates residents regarding their desire for no development in the Hillside 5th Park. The Commissioners were in agreement that the park boundaries in Hillside 5th Park should be posted when the grading and seeding is done. . Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 6 . 11. Staff Updates 11.a. Area Recreation Chair Huberty indicated that Jeff Asfahl was not present but that his memo update was included in the Commissioners' packet for review. 11.b. Summer Trail Issues for Top-of-the-World Park Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested mowing the original trail in Top of the World Park for summer hiking, and closing off the rest of the park in order to limit erosion. The Commissioners expressed their support for the proposal. 11.c. Woodland Trails Park Improvements Commissioner Dave Anderson indicated he felt it would be appropriate to locate a temporary shelter. some picnic tables and a barbecue grill at Woodland Trails Park. Phil Hals estimated the cost of a hexagon shelter, similar to those at Lions and Orono Parks, at $15,000-$18,000 plus $2,000 for the concrete. . COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO INCLUDE $20,000 IN PARK IMPROVEMENTS FOR 1999 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SHELTER, PICNIC TABLES AND BARBEQUE GRILL AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Discussion followed regarding problem with golf balls being hit from the driving range into the temporary picnic site. Commissioner Dave Anderson indicated the Elk River Country Club may be pursuing a land exchange with the city to expand the driving range. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON WITHDREW HIS MOTION. Phil indicated he will come back next month with cost estimates and a recommendation for locating the shelter. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that 3 boulders be placed along the left side of the park entrance and 1 on the right to prevent bicyclists from cutting across the grass. Phil indicated he would check it out. 11.d. Safety Program for Volunteers Workinq in City Parks Phil Hals indicated that he has become aware of very strict regulations regarding volunteers working with power tools, chain saws, etc. in the parks. He explained that the city is responsible for the safety of the volunteers. Phil indicated that that there are specific training requirements accepted by OSHA. He stated that he will provide more information when it becomes available. . . . . Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 7 12. Establish Park & Recreation Commission Goals for 1999 Chair Huberty reviewed the 1998 Park and Recreation Commission goals and the progress which has been made on those goals. The Commissioners discussed which goals to carry over to 1999 and new goals to be included. Chair Huberty will prepare a summary of the 1999 goals to be included in the packet for the joint meeting with the City Council on April 26, 1999, at 6:00 PM. 13.a. Update on 3/15/99 City Council Meeting Commissioner Dave Anderson provided an update on action taken by the City Council at their March 15, 1999, City Council meeting. 13.b. Update on 3/23/99 Planning Commission Meetinq - Commission Peterson Commissioner Peterson updated the Commission on the March 23, 1999, Planning Commission meeting. 14. Other Business a. Ridgewood Neiqhborhood Issue Commissioner Kuester indicated he met with the Ridgewood Homeowners Association regarding the use of motorized vehicles on city trails and felt the issue will be resolved. Commissioner Kuester noted the Association in interested in creating an accesses to Woodland Trails through their outlots off of York and Yale. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt it may be best to try an access off York and see how it works out. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to discuss the issue at the May Park and Rec meeting, and possibly invite the residents to the June meeting. b. Topics for Joint Meeting with City Council The following items will be placed on the joint meeting agenda: BMX Project. East Side 169 School/Joint Park, Tree Pre.servation and Trail Connections on the East Side of Highway 169. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to call a special meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission for Wednesday, April 2151 at 7:00 a.m. at the Perkins Restaurant. c. ERY AC Fields Commissioner Dana Anderson displayed a model for the proposed shelter, concession stand and bathrooms for the ERY AC. He encouraged the Commissioners to visit the site so that they could discuss the plans at a future meeting. d. Rid<;:lewood East Park Phil Hals indicated that they have completed their project at the Ridgewood East Park and encouraged the Commissioners to visit the site. Commissioner Anderson questioned how much maintenance is needed for the park. Phil indicated that 2- 3 hours week is all that is needed for mowing. . . . Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 8 Commissioner Dana Anderson discussed the natural plant restoration project at Woodland Trails which was done by Mike Nziolek's students. He asked if it were possible for the students to try a project at the back of Oak Knoll Park. Mike has indicated that the site has one of the most highly diversified plant communities of anywhere in the city. He indicated the students would mainly by putting up interpretive signs identifying the plant species. 15. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 11 :00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~.~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary