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08-11-1999 PR MIN . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1999 Members Present: Vice Chair Kuester. Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson. Olson, Peterson. Westrum and Reitsma Members Absent: Chair Huberty Staff Present: Michele McPherson. Director of Planning; Phil Hals. Street/Park Superintendent; 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 Vice Chair Kuester. 2. Consider 8111/99 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda . COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 11, 1999, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 7/14/99 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JULY 14, 1999, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend Auaust Planning Commission and City Council Meetinas a. 8/16/99 City Council Meetina Commissioner Reitsma will attend the August 16. 1999, City Council as the Park and Recreation representative. b. 8/24/99 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Kuester will attend the August 24, 1999, Planning Commission as the Park and Recreation representative. 5. ODen Mike No one appeared for this item. . Park & Recreation Minutes August 11, 1999 Page 2 . 6. Hearinas/Neiahborhood Discussions Amy Pikkaraine and Michelle Penna of Elk River Area High School, reviewed their proposal to restore the native Oak Savanna site west of the Community Education building (map provided). Ms. Pikkaraine and Ms. Penna stated that they plan to restore the Oak Savanna by the use of prescribed burns and removal of the pin oaks and jack pines. They plan to establish trails through the site with picnic tables and benches, and to provide signage to educate students and the general public. Ms. Pikkaraine and Ms. Penna felt the school would also to utilize the site for outdoor classroom education activities. They noted that scouts may also be able to participate in the project in order to earn merit badges. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked how the project will be funded. Ms. Pikkariane stated that they are not requesting any funds at this time, only for the approval of the concept and use of the site. She noted that Mr. Niziolek may have funding sources available. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONCEPT TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE OAK SAVANA AREA LOCATED NEAR THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING AND OAK KNOLL FIELDS AS PRESENTED BY AMY PIKKARAINE AND MICHELLE PENNA, AS AN ECOLOGY PROJECT FOR THEIR BIOLOGY CLASS AT ELK RIVER AREA HIGH SCHOOL. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. . 8. Park Development Proaress Report - Phil Hals Deerfield 4th Addition Park - Phil Hals suggested locating a small BMX dirt course for younger children to use in the park where children have already worn a biking path. The Commissioners expressed their support for the concept. Phil will ask Steve Wensman to layout a design for the course. Railroad Trail Pavina - Phil Hals indicated that the bids have been accepted for the paving and the DNR was not sure if the additional connection which has been discussed could be included in the project without further study. Phil suggested that they move forward on the original project and finish the connection when funds became available. Mr. Ron Bastyr asked if motorized vehicles will be allowed on the railroad trail. Phil Hals indicated that the trails are for biking, walking, rollerblading and skiing only. 9 .A.1. Seven Oaks Preliminary Plat . Staff report by Michele McPherson. Windsor Development plans to subdivide 70 acres into 87 single family lots approximately 1f2 acre in size. Ms. McPherson reviewed the proposed park and trails previously reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission. She explained that the current plans include a 12.30 acre park with 3.79 acres of high ground and 8.51 acres of wetland. Staff feels that the park is too narrow to accommodate the Commission I s request for a 12 foot bituminous trail between the wetland and rear property lines of Lots 10 and 11, Block 3. Ms. McPherson reviewed the eight recommendations proposed by Park & Recreation Minutes August 11. 1999 Page 3 . 1. . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. . staff, noting that overall, the developer is agreeable to the conditions with the exception of including Lots 10 and 11 in the park. Mr. Ron Bastyr, representing Windsor Development, discussed his reasons for not wanting to dedicate Lots 10 and 11 as park land. He proposed that some type of identification to the park be constructed. Mr. Bastyr stated that he felt that the trees which may be affected by the trail construction should be removed now, rather than wait until they die several years from now. He asked the Commission to consider basing the trail fee on actual construction bids and crediting the developer for that amount. Mr. Bastyr felt that the trail could be accomplished without giving up Lots 10 and 11 by constructing a retaining wall. He stated that he plans to locate the NURP pond as far north as possible so that only a portion will be within the park. Discussion followed regarding inclusion of Lots 10 and 11, Block 3, in the park dedication. The Commissioners also discussed Mr. Bastyr's proposal to remove trees which may be damaged by the trail, and, to base the credit for trail construction on actual bids. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that staff and the City Council address these issues. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT THE PARK DEDICATION FOR SEVEN OAKS AS PROPOSED WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: THAT A TRAIL BE INSTALLED AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT. THAT THE PARK LAND DEDICATION BE DRY LAND WITH THE TRAIL ON DRY LAND. THAT THERE BE A 20 FOOT MINIMUM DISTANCE MAINTAINED BETWEEN THE TRAIL AND BACK YARD PROPERTY LINES. THAT LOTS 10 AND 11, BLOCK 3, BE INCLUDED IN THE PARK DEDICATION. THAT THE NURP POND BE REMOVED FROM THE PARK AREA. THAT GRADING FOR LOTS IN BLOCK 2 BE OUTSIDE THE LIMITS OF THE PROPOSED PARK. THAT SIDEWALKS BE INSTALLED ON THE EAST-WEST STREET IN THE PLAT. THAT ANY REMAINING PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS BE COLLECTED AS CASH IN LIEU OF LAND. THAT FUNDING OF THE TRAIL BE DETERMINED BY STAFF AND THE CITY COUNCIL. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Commissioner Dana Anderson left the meeting at this time (approximately 7:45 p.m.) Park & Recreation Minutes August 11. 1999 Page 4 . 9.A.2. Preserve Estates Michele McPherson indicated that Bridgeland Development Co. is proposing to subdivide approximately 72 acres into 27 single family lots, under the DNR Planned Unit Development (PUD) regulations. 50% of the site will be open space and each property owner will own 1/27 of this space designated on the plat as Outlots A and B. A private trail will meander through Outlots A and B. Staff recommends that a trail corridor be established between Lots 3 and 4, Block 2 instead of an easement along the property lines. Since the property is located outside of any Park Service Area, no land is proposed to be dedicated and park dedication and trail fees will be collected at the current rate of $1,300 per lot. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PARK DEDICATION FOR PRESERVE ESTATES AS FOLLOWS: 1. NO LAND IS REQUIRED TO BE DEDICATED AS THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS OUTSIDE OF ANY PARK SERVICE AREA. 2. THE DEVELOPER SHALL PAY PARK DEDICATION FEES AT A RATE OF $1,100 PER NEW LOT AND TRAIL FEES AT A RATE OF $200 PER NEW LOT (26 LOTS) FOR A TOTAL OF $33,800. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.B.1. Lions Park Parkin9 Solutions . Michele McPherson explained the parking problems being experienced because of high school students parking at the Ice Arena parking lot and the Lions Park parking lot off School Street. Ms. McPherson stated that the school district ran out of funds and will not be able to finish the parking lot to the west until next year. She reviewed the proposed parking solutions for the Ice Arena and the northern parking lot for Lions Park off School Street. The Commissioners discussed use of the Lions Park parking lot by the students, and whether or not to make some spaces available to them. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED THAT THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION ENDORSE THE FOLLOWING POLICIES: 1. THE SOUTH (FRONT) ARENA PARKING LOT SHALL BE SIGNED "ARENA PARKING ONLY M-F FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED" . 2. A DESIGNATED NUMBER OF PARKING STALLS AT THE LIONS PARK PARKING AREA OFF OF SCHOOL STREET SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR PARKING BY PERMIT ONL Y, AND THE REMAINDER OF THE STALLS SHALL BE SIGNED: 2 HOUR PARKING ONLY M-F, 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . Park & Recreation Minutes August 11. 1999 Page 5 . 9.B.2. Park Event Cautionary Sianage Commissioner Dana Anderson returned to the meeting at this time (8: 18 p.m.) Michele McPherson reviewed the proposed policy for placement of cautionary signs in Woodland Trails Park during events. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ENDORSE THE FOLLOWING POLICY: "LARGE EVENT USERS OF WOODLAND TRAILS PARK SHALL POST CAUTIONARY SIGNS ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH ENDS OF THE RAILROAD TRAIL AND AT THE PARKING LOT ENTRANCE DURING EVENTS. THE SIGNS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE CURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS AFTER PROVIDING THE CITY WITH A $50 DEPOSIT. THE DEPOSIT WILL BE RELEASED ONCE THE SIGNS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE. USERS WILL HAVE FIVE BUSINESS DAYS TO RETURN THE SIGNS." COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.C.1. Cross Country Runnina Race COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION SUPPORT THE CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING RACE TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1999, AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. . 9.C.2. Volunteer Picnic The Commissioners reviewed the list of organizations to be invited to the Volunteer Picnic on September 16th. The Elk River Ski Club and Elk River Cross Country Running were added to the list. Food, supplies and activities for the event will be finalized at the September Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 10. Information/Uodate Items Updates on the following issues were presented in the Park and Recreation Commissioner's packets. with discussion as noted. 10.A. Land Use Cases 1. Status of Park in Trott Brook Farms - Michele McPherson explained that the topsoil was stripped from the park area and stockpiled in order to allow the contractor to complete the necessary fills in the park. 2. Gerald Sneft Administrative Subdivision 3. Golf Course/City Land & Easement Exchange - This item will be on the September 20th City Council instead August 6th as originally planned. . 10.B. Park/Trail Develooment 1 . Construction of Railroad Trail - Phil Hals explained that the railroad grade will not be completely restored near the water tower site. but grading has been done so that that the site line will appear similar. 2. BMX Facility 3. Community Recreation Park & Recreation Minutes August 11, 1999 Page 6 . 4. Wetland behind Bus Company 5. Recreation Briefs 11. Update on 7/19/99 City Council Meetina Commissioner Westrum updated the Commission on action taken by the City Council at the July 19,1999, meeting. 12. Update on 7127/99 Planninq Commission Meetina Michele McPherson, Director of Planning, provided an update on the July 27th Planning Commission meeting. 13. Other Business a. Kuss Field Fence/Net Issue Commissioner Anderson stated that Council member Dietz has requested that the Park and Recreation Commission consider placement of a net or raised fence in the left outfield to prevent stray balls from hitting park users or vehicles. Commissioner Anderson noted that he is aware of only two incidents involving stray balls, one three years ago, and one two years ago. Phil Hals provided an estimate of $3,500 to install a 15 foot high fence with 24' posts, 200 feet long. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to monitor the situation and revisit the issue, if necessary. b. Kuss Field Irrigation Commissioner Anderson requested that the Commission consider irrigating Kuss Field. He explained that he has been watering the field by hand for approximately 10 years. Commissioner Anderson stated that the cost for the piping, heads and installation would be approximately $4,000. He felt that the adult softball organization may be willing to pay for half the cost. Irrigation of Kuss Field will be placed on the September 8th Park and Recreation agenda. . Sidewalk/Trail near VandenBerqe Commissioner Westrum requested that the Commission consider installing a connection for the sidewalk to the city trail system at VandenBerge. Phil Hals stated that Sherburne County plans to signalize the intersection of Proctor and County Road NO.1 within the next one year to 18 months. This item will be considered at the September 8th Park and Recreation meeting. Park Dedication for Mini Storaae Site Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if park dedication fees will be collected for the mini storage site on West Highway 10. Michele McPherson stated that park dedication fees will be collected when the property is platted. September Aaenda The following items are tentatively scheduled for the September 8, 1999, Park and Recreation agenda: . 1. 2. Park dedication/trail fees (St. Cloud study) Marly Glines cluster proposal/park dedication Park & Recreation Minutes August 11. 1999 Page 7 . 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Kuss Fields cost estimates for irrigation Golf Course update Volunteer picnic Biathlon: Shiely property proposal and October race Dog walk fundraiser for local humane society 14. Adiournment There being no further business. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted. iJdid ~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary . .