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05-12-1999 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1999 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Kuester, Olson, Westrum and Reitsma. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7:10 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; Terry Bye, Parks Foreman; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Also Present: Michele Bergh, Interim Community Recreation Director 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 5/12/99 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 12,1999, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 4/14/99 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 14, 1999, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend May Planninq Commission and City Council Meetings a. 5/17/99 City Council Meeting - Commissioner Huberty will attend. b. 5/25/99 Planning Commission Meeting - Commissioner Olson will attend. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 6. BMX Site Recommendation No action was taken on this issue due to the absence of representatives of the BMX group. This item will be considered at the June 9th Park & Recreation Commission meeting. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 12, 1999 Page 2 . 7. . 9.a. . Park of the Month - Lions park Concept Steve Wensman reviewed the park concept for Lions Park that was endorsed by the Park and Recreation Commissioners at a previous meeting. Phil Hals explained a process of using geotextile fabric and sand to create usable recreational fields on the peat soils. Commissioner Olson felt the concept was good, but he questioned if there would be money available for such a project. Phil estimated the cost between $30,000 - $50,000, but the cost could be substantially less if a ballfield infield only was done. Phil indicated that the cost would also be subject to the availability of dirt. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated it would be unlikely ballfields would be developed in Lions Park, if there were other city property available to develop at less cost. Jim Mulroy, member of the Lions Club, indicated that the Club has been considering development of a ballfield with an infield and backstop. They also are considering creating a tot lot within the next year, to be located somewhere near the large shelter/bandshell area. Commissioner Huberty questioned where the Lions were considering placing the ballfield. Mr. Mulroy indicated they were considering the general location shown on the park concept. Discussion followed regarding the condition of the bands hell and how to redesign it to reduce vandalism and smoking by underage students. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to consider improvements to Lions Park at the June Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Consider acauisition of park land adjacent to the Mississippi River in Sections 10 and 11, Township 32, Ranae 26 West - Steve Rohlf Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, indicated that the City Council has asked the Park and Recreation Commission to consider the acquisition of two parcels of land for park and trail purposes. The property total 8 acres and is located adjacent to the Mississippi River. Steve indicated that the property is located in the Wild and Scenic River District and is a very sensitive area. The City Council has adopted a resolution to exercise power of eminent domain, if it becomes necessary, but the Council is hopeful they will be able to negotiate a sale. Steve reviewed references to the city's Master Park Plan to support the acquisition of these parcels. Commissioner Reitsma asked what was the market value of the two parcels. Mr. Rohlf indicated that the market value determined by the County Assessor is $10,500, but that there will be significant costs to correct the damages. The Commissioners discussed possible uses for the property as park land. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL ACQUIRE PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, PARCEL NUMBERS 75-010-4100 AND 75-011-2300, FOR PARK LAND, CITING THAT THE PROPERTY MEETS THE GOALS OF THE MASTER PARK PLAN FOR THIS AREA. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 12.1999 Page 3 9.b. Elk River Country Club Proposed Land Exchange Steve Wensman explained that the Elk River Country Club would like to construct a new maintenance shop and expand the driving range. The Country Club is proposing a land exchange with the city in order to utilize approximately 2 acres of existing city park land adjacent to the driving range. The Club is offering the city 4 to 5 acres of their property located on their eastern boundary, which would connect to Top-of-the-World Park and the city trail system. Rick Schroeder, representing the Elk River Country Club, explained the location of the new shop and realignment of the driving range. Discussion followed regarding the number of balls which are being hit onto city park property. Mr. Schroeder explained that the problem should be reduced significantly with the realignment. He noted that the club has considered putting up a net or fence, and they would be willing to do so, if necessary. Further discussion followed regarding impacts of the east-west corridor and the likelihood of the road being constructed. The Commissioners were in agreement that the road issue plays an important part in the land exchange issue. This item will be considered on the June 9th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 8. Ridgewood Access to Top-of-the-World Park Jim Hamilton, 19771 Rush Street, representing the Ridgewood Homeowners Association, was present to request 2 accesses to Woodland Trails from the outlots owned by the Association. Mr. Hamilton explained that the accesses would only be used by the residents and he did not foresee "driveup" traffic to use the access. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that previously, the residents were strongly opposed to having the accesses because of the "driveup" traffic concern. Commissioner Anderson expressed concern that the eastern access would outlet directly into the area which has been cited for closure during the summer to prevent erosion. It was the consensus of the Park and Recreation Commissioners to approve 1 access (York Avenue) at this time, and see if it meets the needs of the Ridgewood residents. 9.c. Elk River Plaza 4th Addition Park Dedication Steve Wensman reviewed the proposed Elk River Plaza 4th Addition proposal. He explained that the part of the mall north of the movie theater will be removed and in its place will be a restaurant attached to the mall, and two free standing buildings containing North Memorial Clinic, a drugstore, and two smaller tenants. Steve noted that since park dedication fees were collected for the original plat, no further park dedication is required. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 12, 1999 Page 4 . 9.d. Park Dedication Ordinance Amendment Steve Wensman discussed the park dedication ordinance amendment with the Commissioners. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to make a recommendation on the ordinance at the June 9, 1999, meeting. 9.e. Master Park Plan Chanqes Steve Wensman reviewed the changes in the Master Park Plan that were recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission. The Commissioners asked that a layout of County Road No. 12 realignment be provided for the next meeting, in order to discuss trail and sidewalk issues. 9.f. Boys and Girls Club Siqn Discussion John Fitzgerald, Director of the Elk River Boys and Girls Club, reviewed a proposal to place a sign for the club at the Lions Park entrance. He suggested that the city consider moving the Lions Park sign closer to the entrance, as well. Staff and the Commissioners discussed the possibility of one sign for both the club and the park, or, having two signs which would compliment each other on opposite sides of the entrance. . COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND MOVING THE LIONS PARK SIGN CLOSER TO THE PARK ENTRANCE, AND IF THIS IS NOT ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE, TO CONSIDER INCORPORATING BOTH USES ON ONE SIGN OR HAVING TWO SIGNS WHICH COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER AT THE ENTRANCE. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. It was the consensus to review sign options and costs at the June Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 10.a. Area Recreation Uodate Interim Recreation Director Michele Bergh stated that they have received 28,000 summer registrations. She indicated that the Recreation staff schedules a total of 54 fields for baseball and softball, working with over 60 different coaches. Michele noted that Safety Camp is approximately half-filled, but she expects it to fill completely once it is opened up to non-residents of the city. Michele indicated that she felt the current staff will be able to keep the summer programs running smoothly, while the city makes a decision the recreation director position. Pat Klaers discussed the various options regarding the position, including replacing Jeff and continue to run the department "status quo", or, hire a replacement to run the program as it exists, with the understanding that eventually a separate City Parks and Recreation Department will be established. Pat indicated that the City Council requested the Park and Recreation Commission discuss options and make a recommendation. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 12. 1999 Page 5 . Commissioner Kuester indicated he felt it was inevitable the City will need to establish a separate Parks and Recreation Department. and now may be a good time to study the issue. Discussion followed regarding the Joint Powers Agreement and its membership. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to appoint a committee to discuss the community recreation director position. Chair Huberty, Commissioners Kuester and Reitsma volunteered to serve on the committee and agreed to meet on May 1 7, 1999. Chair Huberty left the meeting at this time (approximately 9:45 p.m.) 10.b. Woodland Trails Park Improvements Phil Hals explained the cost of a 24'x44' (1,056 sq. ft.) picnic shelter is approximately $21,000. A 30' diameter hexagon shelter (585 sq. ft.) cost approximately $20,000 and 40' diameter (1,039 sq. ft.) is $24,000. These prices do not include the concrete floor. Phil indicated that a project could be completed this summer. The Commissioners discussed incorporating a design theme for city park shelters. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have Phil present several more types of shelter designs for review at next month's meeting. . Discussion followed regarding the location of the east-west corridor and how it may affect the location of the shelter. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that the location of the proposed road be staked out so the Commissioners could physically see where the road will be, if it is ever built. 10.c. Park Development Proqress Update Terry Bye provided an update and photos of recent improvements completed at various city parks, including Country Crossings, Ridgewood East. and the Elk River Youth Athletic Complex. The Commissioners expressed their thanks to Terry and invited him to come back each month with more updates. 11 . Update on 4/19/99 City Council Meetinq Commissioner Peterson was not present for the update. The Commissioners discussed the upcoming Island View 5th Addition public hearing. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that a representative of the Commission should attend this meeting on May 24th. Vice Chair Kuester indicated he would discuss the issue with Chair Huberty. 12. Other Business Additional Staff Updates . a) Phil Hals noted that he has received a request to hold a concert at the Lions Park Bandshell. The same group held a concert in the park last June and there were no problems, other than their cleanup was less that desirable. It Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 12, 1999 Page 6 . was the consensus of the Commissioners to encourage use of the park by allowing the concert to be held. b) Phil Hals noted that a design for a memorial to the city employee who was killed in the County Crossings 1 st City Park will be presented at the June Park & Recreation Commission meeting. c) A recommendation on the BMX site will be considered at the June 9th Park & Recreation Commission meeting. 13. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Huebner ;Yd0d~ Recording Secretary . .