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06-09-1999 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 1999 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Kuester, Peterson and Reitsma Members Absent: Commissioners Westrum and Olson Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Also Present: Michele Bergh, Interim Community Recreation Director 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereot the meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Huberty. 2. Consider 6/9/99 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 9, 1999, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 5/12/99 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MAY 12, 1999, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend June Plannina Commission and City Council Meetinas a. Commissioner Olson will attend the June 21, 1999, City Council meeting. b. Commissioner Westrum will attend the June 22, 1999, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 2 . 6. BMX Site Recommendation Staff report by Steve Wensman. Margo Foster was present to represent the BMX group. Steve asked Ms. Foster if the group was comfortable with the Elk River Youth Athletic Complex (ERY AC) site. Ms. Foster indicated that they were. Commissioner Kuester asked how long the lease would be. Steve Wensman indicated that they are asking for a 5 year lease. Phil Hals indicated that the cost to provide water to the site is approximately $500 - $1,000, but if they required potable water. a well would need to be drilled at a cost of approximately $3,500. Ms. Foster indicated they did not need to provide drinking water at this time. Phil explained that a sand point could be put in for the water or he could pipe the water from the ERY AC site. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt that it would be best to have the shallow well put in (sand point). Phil indicated that Connexus Energy has estimated the cost to provide electric at $500 - $1,000. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF LOCATING THE PROPOSED BMX TRACK AT THE ELK RIVER YOUTH ATHLETIC COMPLEX SITE WITH THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS: THAT THE INITIAL LEASE NOT EXCEED 5 YEARS THAT THE CITY CONTRIBUTE UP TO $2,000 FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING WATER AND ELECTRIC. . COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 7. Trails in School View Addition near Ice Arena Phil Hals indicated that he has had discussions with the school district regarding the trail between the School View Addition and the ice arena. He explained that approximately 4 years ago, the trail was graded and surfaced with gravel. A problem arose with students parking in the School View cul-de-sacs. 3 hour parking signs were posted and the parking problem has improved. Phil explained that it has been proposed to pave this trail, as well as the east-west trail along the City's easement, to Jackson. Currently, the east-west trail is simply a path through some overgrown vegetation. It has been suggested the path would provide a link in the trail system to eventually hookup with the future pedestrian bridge over Highway 169. Commissioner Kuester questioned why the issue is being brought up now. Phil indicated that the School District has concerns regarding students using the area for smoking and other nuisance problems. Phil indicated that staff felt it would be good to invite the neighbors in to express their views before making any decisions regarding the trail. Chair Huberty opened the discussion to the public. . Val Williams, 11936 190th Circle, indicated that the 20 foot wide trail runs 190 ft. along her property line. She stated she was not aware of the trail when she purchased her home. Ms. Williams indicated she does not object to this trail, Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 3 . since her children use it to walk to school and to the various recreation activities at the ice arena. She indicated that problems with students began when the trail was improved. She indicated that they have a large number of calls to 911 on record regarding problems with the students, especially between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Ms. Williams indicated that they watch the path during these hours, and other property owners have taken the responsibility to watch during the noon hour and also at the end of the school day. She indicated they have witnessed under-age smoking, drinking of alcohol, inappropriate sexual behavior and exchange of drugs. Because they have made complaints, they have experienced vandalism to their property including pulling siding off their house, boards pulled off their fence which they spent $2,000 to install, and items being stolen from their yard. They have found beer hidden on their property and they are constantly picking up garbage left by the students. Ms. Williams indicated that parents are concerned regarding the safety of the elementary children who are walking home from school around the time a number of high school students cut classes. She feels the trail invites more trouble than it is worth. Russ Langer, 11922 190th Circle, reviewed the concerns expressed by himself and his wife, Sandy, in their letter to the Park and Recreation Commission dated June 5, 1999 I attached). His concerns included safety of children, destruction of the wetland area, drainage, privacy, high school smokers, alternative paths available, and the School View residents' objection to paving the trails as proposed. He felt the Park and Recreation Commission should work to enhance the existing natural areas, rather than destroy them. . Patrick Brant, 11908 19()fh Circle, indicated he was very concerned that the cul- de-sacs in School View be kept as free from traffic as possible. He felt the 3 hour parking signs do work, but there are still some offenders. He expressed his concern for the lack of police presence in the neighborhood. He also was concerned that the wetland will be impacted if the east-west pathway is paved. Mr. Brant noted that the school has a wildlife class which utilized the wetland for their studies. He felt the drainage to the adjacent properties will be affected if the path is paved. A resident stated that his children have witnessed high school students burning the noses of dogs which are kenneled, with their cigarettes. Chair Huberty closed the public discussion at this time. Commissioner Kuester stated to the residents that nothing will happen to the trails until further study of the issue is done. He indicated that the residents would be notified if a proposal is brought forward. Commissioner Reitsma indicated that a trail connection from this area to the pedestrian bridge is very important and the Commission need to give the issue further study. One of the residents asked if there was any mosquito control in the city. Phil Hals indicated that the Minnesota Mosquito Control has not been in this area for quite some time, due to budget cuts. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 4 . A resident asked if the east-west pathway could be mowed. Phil indicated that he would put the trail on his mowing schedule. Chair Huberty indicated that the residents will be informed when the trail is discussed again. 8. Area Recreation Uodate and Discussion of Proaram - Michele Berah Michele Bergh provided an update on summer programming, as follows: 1,300 registrations have been received: they have a waiting list for some of the offerings and have added additional sessions for some programs. The T-Ball program has been revamped. Parent volunteers will coach with assistance from one staff member. The teams will have different colored shirts to identify teams. Individual pictures will be offered this year. The Safety Camp Program is full (120 registrations). The camp will be held June 15th and 16th. Michele explained topics and visuals which will be used. Field scheduling is going well. Michele indicated that no recommendations have been made regarding the community recreation director position. The Recreation Board will be discussing the issue at their June 14th meeting. 9. Planning Items - Steve Wensman . a. Bovs and Girls Club/Lions Park Entrance Siqn Steve Wensman indicated that the City's sign ordinance does not allow groups or individuals to place signs on property they do not own, thereby eliminating the option of placing the sign for the Boys and Girls Club or for Lions Park in the road easement. Steve indicated that there are no other options available at this time. b. Elk River Country Club Prooosed Land Exchanae Steve Wensman reviewed the Elk River Country Club's proposal for a land and easement exchange. The Country Club wishes to exchange 2.82 acres of their property for 1.2 acres of city owned park land, exchange an 8 acre easement for a 2.83 acre easement, and also, to site and construct a storage facility. He indicated that he and Michele McPherson met with representatives of the Country Club and discussed a compromise which would allow them to construct the storage building in their preferred location, and, at the same time, effectively screen the road to the facility from the park. Commissioner Dave Anderson pointed out that it appears the road will go through the driving range. Representatives of the County Club indicated that they assumed the road would go around the driving range and they will need to adjust their plans accordingly. Discussion followed regarding a possible location for a picnic shelter in a Woodland Trails Park. . Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that the road alignment be staked out and each of the Commissioners should visit the site. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 5 . Commissioner Peterson questioned how much traffic would be using the service road. Michele indicated that there would be deliveries, summer help and vendors using the road. Commissioner Dave Anderson indicated that the Commission must also consider the impact of the service road on the pedestrian traffic to the park, and the fact that club will be retrieving balls on park property across the roadway. Michele McPherson explained that staff felt the compromise discussed with the Country Club representatives would allow them to accomplish their goals and also remain sensitive to the park. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER THE ELK RIVER COUNTRY CLUB'S PROPOSAL TO EXCHANGE 2.82 ACRES OF THEIR PROPERTY FOR 1.2 ACRES OF CITY PARK LAND, IN ORDER TO EXPAND THEIR FACILITY AND CONSTRUCT A MAINTENANCE BUILDING. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER AN EASEMENT EXCHANGE WITH THE COUNTRY CLUB WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE COUNTRY CLUB TO USE THE PARK ENTRANCE TO ACCESS THEIR PROPOSED MAINTENANCE FACILITY, IN EXCHANGE FOR ALLOWING CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS TO CONTINUE TO SKI ON A PORTION OF COUNTRY CLUB PROPERTY, TO BE DEFINED BY LEGAL DESCRIPTION. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE ROAD CONCEPT FOR ACCESS TO THE MAINTENANCE BUILDING AS PROPOSED BY STAFF, CONTINGENT UPON FIELD VERIFICATION. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Michele requested that the County Club stake out the corners of the proposed building prior to their site inspection. c. Trott Brook Farms Steve Wensman explained that the developer of Trott Brook Farms will be presenting 4 phases to the City Council on June 21, 1999, for final plat approval. He explained that the City Council authorized by resolution a $900 per dwelling unit park dedication for the Trott Brook Farms development. Steve stated that the developer intends to pay all the park dedication for all phases (600 units) at this time by providing 8.5 acres of upland property and approximately 6 acres of trail corridor along Trott Brook(1.65 acres upland), and the remainder to be paid in cash, and the city will be responsible for the installation of the park improvements. Homer Tompkins of Contractor Property Developer'S Company, and Don Patten of D.R. Horton, were present. . Discussion followed regarding the park dedication proposal. Michele McPherson reviewed the City Administrator's memo with the Commissioners. She explained that the city is proposing to complete the park improvements in order to meet ADA requirements and address liability concerns. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9. 1999 Page 6 . COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO ENDORSE THE PARK DEDICATION PROPOSAL AS DESCRIBED IN THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S MEMO TO THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION DATED JUNE 4, 1999, FOR TROTT BROOK FARMS ADDITIONS 1 - 4, AS FOLLOWS: 1. 11.2 ACRES OF LAND (8.5 ACRES OF UPLAND) FOR PARK PURPOSES 2. 6 ACRES OF TRAIL CORRIDOR (1.65 ACRES OF UPLAND) 3. REMAINDER PAID IN CASH AT $900 PER DWELLING UNIT RATE 4. CITY WILL INSTALL ALL PARK IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. Discussion followed regarding the Commission's interest in Outlot F of the preliminary plat. Further discussion followed regarding the removal of quality soils and disposal of clay on proposed park land. Commissioner Dave Anderson cited problems in other cities where good soils were removed and replaced with clay, such as backstops falling over, uneven playing fields, etc. The Commissioners expressed their concern that this type of activity is occurring and how to prevent it from happening in the future. . Michele McPherson indicated that staff will follow-up on this issue with the City Engineer. She suggested that the Commissioners consider recommending language in the proposed park dedication ordinance amendment to address "borrow-and-fill" activities on proposed park land in new developments. Homer Thompkins stated that he has no desire to have a park with unstable soils and he will check with the engineers on the project, also. Phil Hals indicated that the exchange of soils is not unheard of, and that some types of soil corrections may serve very well as a park, but not as a lot for home construction. Commissioner Kuester requested that Chair Huberty call the question. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-2. Commissioners Peterson and Dave Anderson opposed. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PARK DEDICATION PROPOSAL, WITH THE PROVISION THAT THE DEVELOPER LEAVE THE PARK AREA IN SUITABLE CONDITION FOR THE INTENDED USES. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Commissioner Reitsma left the meeting at this time (9:35 p.m.) Further discussion followed regarding grading of the park and borrowing soils for public streets. It was the understanding of the Commissioners that the grading costs of $15,500 listed on the cost estimate are not included and will be borne by the developer. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. . . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9. 1999 Page 7 COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR BE AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE THE ACQUISITION OF OUTLOT F SHOWN ON THE TROTT BROOK FARMS PRELIMINARY PLAT, AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to request that they be informed of the negotiation progress. 10. Parks/Trails Issues: a. Lions Park Discussion Steve Wensman indicated that he has met with Mr. Gramstad of the Lions to determine the location proposed for a ballfield. This issue will be discussed at the July Commission meeting. b. County Road 12 Realignment - Trail/Sidewalk Issues Steve Wensman indicated that there is right of way for a trail on the north side of County Road No. 12, and there currently is no right of way on the south side. Steve noted that the 4 lane road improvements are only being done up to the end of Trott Brook Farms at this time. but are proposed to continue to Fillmore Street in the future when the remaining road is improved. Commissioner Dave Anderson expressed his concern that if the trail is not continued along with the street improvements out to Fillmore, it is likely the trail will not be built. Steve Wensman will relay the Commission's concerns to the City Engineer and this issue will be discussed further at the July Park and Recreation Commission meeting. c. Park Develooment Proaress Uodate Phil Hals provided photographs and updates on the past month's park improvements including Country Crossing 3rd, Deerfield 4th and Meadow Park. d. Memorial for Country Crossing 1 st Park No information was available on this issue and it will be discussed at a future meeting. e. Review of Shelter Designs Phil Hals provided the following cost estimates for a shelter at Woodland Trails Park, which include concrete: 1. 30' hexagon - $22,150 2. 40' hexagon - $29.000 3. 20'x40' rectangular - $24,900 The location and timing of the construction of a shelter was discussed. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to review other shelter options which are available, including non-typical designs. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 8 11. Park Dedication Ordinance Amendment Recommendation The Commissioners reviewed the park dedication ordinance amendment and recommended various text changes, Michele McPherson, Director of Planning, indicated that the revisions will be made and a final draft will be presented at the July meeting for their recommendation to the City Council. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CHANGES TO THE PARK DEDICATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AS DISCUSSED. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 12. Update on 5/17/99 City Council Meetin~ - Commissioner Huberty Commissioner Huberty provided an update on action taken at the May 17, 1999, City Council meeting. 13. Other Business a. Citizen's Running Race Request - Brad Wick and Mike Niziolek have requested the Park and Recreation Commission's support for a citizens' running race to be held in Woodland Trails Park on Saturday, July 31, 1999, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Anderson indicated that the City Administrator has concerns over Community Recreation sponsoring the event. Commissioner Anderson felt that the Park and Recreation Commission could endorse the run to encourage use of the park, and allow the individuals requesting City support to run the event. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT THE CITIZENS RUNNING RACE AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK, ON SATURDAY, JULY 31, 1999, FROM 8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. b. Issues to be placed on future Park and Recreation agendas are as follows: Julv County Road No. 12 trail issues, continued Biathlon discussion Standards for trails (Michele McPherson, Steve Wensman and Terry Maurer will meet to discuss this issue) Elk River Municipal Utilities' use of railroad trail, paving and possible seeding of one-half of the trail Park shelter for Woodland Trails Park, discuss theme for shelters, consider non-typical designs Review final draft of Park Dedication Ordinance Amendment Auaust Use of Lions Park parking lot by senior high school and condition of the bandshell Cross Country Running Race Proposal by Mike Niziolek School View lice arena trail issue Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 9, 1999 Page 9 . Seotember Master Park Plan Revisions 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned 11 :00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, LidJu' ~~M~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary . .