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09-08-1999 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1999 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Kuester, Westrum and Reitsma. Commissioner Olson arrived at 7:05 p.m. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7:07 p.m. Members Absent: Dave Anderson Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Also Present: Michele Bergh, Interim Community Recreation Director 1. Call Meetinq 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 9/8/99 Park & Recreation Commission Aqenda COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 8, 1999, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITION: - LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING SEVEN OAKS PLAT PARK DEDICATION COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 8111/99 Park & Recreation Commission Meetinq COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 11, 1999, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend September Planninq Commission and Citv Council Meetinqs a. 9/20/99 City Council Meetinq Commissioner Kuester will attend the September 20, 1999, City Council meeting. b. 9/28/99 Planning Commission Meetinq Commissioner Dave Anderson will attend the September 28, 1999, Planning Commission meeting. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8. 1999 Page 2 . 9.A. Land Use Cases 1 . Prooosed Cluster Subdivision - Marlv Glines Steve Wensman, Planner, briefly explained the concept plan proposed by Mr. Glines for a clustered subdivision of 31 lots (Windsor Park) located west of County Road No. 1 and south of County Road No. 33. Approximately 52 percent of the property will be dedicated open space with a centrally located park and a separate community garden area. Mr. Wensman noted that Mr. Glines has recently received approval for a clustered subdivision in Baldwin Township, Sherburne County. Mr. Glines stated.that the community gardens will be privately owned by the homeowners' association and a well will be installed for watering. He noted that the proposed park is wooded and the rest of the property is rolling terrain with no wetlands. Mr. Glines felt the park dedication and trail requirements would be fulfilled by the dedication of the park land and installation $60,000 worth of sidewalk. . Commissioner Olson expressed concern that the park would be relatively isolated and only used by the residents of the development. Mr. Glines stated that trails could be brought in from County Road No. 1 to provide access to the park. Mr. Wensman explained that if adjacent properties were developed under the proposed cluster ordinance, parks could be included and linked to this park. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked who would own the park if the city determined there was not a need for the property. Mr. Glines stated that the park would then be owned and maintained by the homeowners' association. Commissioner Anderson stated that no area park is identified in the Master Park Plan for this area. He felt the proposed park was small and isolated, unless it was clearly connected to Country Road No. 1 or the community gardens. Mr. Glines stated he would not be opposed to providing a corridor of green open space from County Road No. 1 to the park. Commissioner Kuester expressed his support for the concept plan. Mr. Glines spoke regarding urban sprawl and the reluctance of developers to undertake clustered developments because of the risks. He felt that some provisions for parks in clustered developments may need to be made in the overall park plan. Michele McPherson stated that the Park and Recreation Commission will begin reviewing the Master Park Plan for possible revision in the near future and could take this issue up during that discussion. Commissioner Dana Anderson expressed concern that the amount of public open space is not adequate for an area wide park. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8, 1999 Page 3 . There was no general consensus of the Commissioners regarding the concept plan as presented, but that continued discussions would occur curing the Master Park & Trail Plan discussions. 5. Open Mike Virginia Barnier was present to request that the 40 acre park which was obtained by the City when the Meadowvale subdivision was developed, be named after her late husband, Barney. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to take the proposal under consideration at a future meeting. Commissioner Kuester stated he would bring up the suggestion to the City Council at their September 20th meeting and report back to the Commission. 9.A.2. Minnesota Biathlon Conditional Use Permit No. CU 99-31 Michele McPherson, Director of Planning, reviewed the Minnesota Biathlon's request for a conditional use permit to 14' x 20' warming house on Shiely property near the range trail. Photographs were provided to show the location. The Planning Commission reviewed the conditional use permit at their August 24th meeting and the City Council will review the request on September 20th. . Dave Madsen of the Minnesota Biathlon Club, stated that the photographs demonstrate that the site is heavily wooded and the proposed building will not be visible to railroad trail users, unless they walk down the range trail. Mr. Madsen stated that the building will have a wood exterior and a turf or sod roof, such as those traditionally used in Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Mr. Madsen stated that Andrew Pouliot will be working on the project for his Eagle Scout merit badge. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT FOR A STRUCTURE TO BE BUILT ON SHIELY PROPERTY BY THE MINNESOTA BIATHLON WHICH WILL BE USED AS A WARMING HOUSE. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.A.3. Golf Course/City Land & Easement Exchanqe Michele McPherson explained that construction of the improvements at Elk River Country club has begun. She noted that they will need to find an alternative site for the septic system. Construction progress will continue to be monitored by staff. 7. Area Recreation Update - Michele Bergh . Ms. Bergh stated that Community Recreation had a 26 percent increase from last year in program participation for the summer programs. The fall program is full. Ms. Bergh explained that Community Recreation is in the process of moving their offices to Emporium. Approximately 1/3 of Emporium space will be used for offices. New computers and software have been purchased and they are looking forward to using the new scheduling software for league scheduling. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8, 1999 Page 4 Emporium has scheduled bands for every weekend since August 13th and attendance has been very high. Cover charges for admittance will be used to fund the construction of a small stage. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked what was the average age of participants at these events. Ms. Bergh stated that most of the attendees are 16 years old and up. 9.B. Park/Trail Development Issues 1 . BMX Conceptual Site Plan Steve Wensman reviewed two alternative parking concepts to accommodate the BMX track facilities, as well as future uses. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the County Highway Department may have an issue with adding more access points onto the county road. He expressed his support for concept B for future parking, but, in the interim, he felt the BMX users could use the parking at the ballfields closest to the proposed track. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE PARKING CONCEPT PLAN B FOR THE BMX SITE. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Kuss Field Irriaation - Commissioner Dave Anderson Michele McPherson stated that the adult softball and youth football organizations have offered to contribute $2,000 toward irrigation of Kuss Field. Phil Hals estimates the project will cost $5,000 and requested that the system be designed in-house, but installed by an outside contractor. COMMISSIONER DANA MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF UP TO $3,000 FOR IRRIGATION OF KUSS FIELDS AND CONCUR WITH STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION FOR DESIGN/BUILD. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. ERY AC Field Improvements Steve Wensman stated that the Streets and Parks Department has a $1,000 grant from Bauerly Brothers to pour concrete for the bleachers at ERY AC. Mr. Wensman reviewed Concepts A and B. Concept A demonstrated the existing and proposed improvements to the baseball fields. Concept B, proposed by Commissioner Dave Anderson, consisted of a raised platform with concessions and picnic tables under a canopy and the sides of the platform as bleachers. Mr. Wensman explained that Concept B would incorporate the existing utility and irrigation structures and might help control erosion problems. Bathrooms could be incorporated into the structure or separately, as with Concept A. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO TABLE A DECISION ON THE ERY AC IMPROVEMENTS, PENDING FURTHER INFORMATION AND COSTS FOR . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8. 1999 Page 5 CONCEPT B. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Aoorove Woodland Trails Park Picnic Locations Steve Wensman reviewed the proposed picnic sites for Woodland Trails Park. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PICNIC SITES PROPOSED BY STAFF, WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGE: - THE TWO PARKING STALLS NEAR SITE #3 ARE REMOVED COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 6. Park Dedication Fees & Trail Reimbursement Policy Michele McPherson reviewed the current park dedication and trail fees and discussed options for increasing the fees on an annual basis in order to continue to cover costs. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN INCREASE IN PARK DEDICATION FEES TO $1,400, WITH $1,150 FOR PARK DEDICATION AND $250 FOR TRAILS. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A TRAIL CONSTRUCTION REIMBURSEMENT POLICY OF $14.00 PER LINEAR FOOT, AND THAT NO "EXTRAORDINARY" COSTS WILL BE REIMBURSED. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.C. Community Events 1. Minnesota Biathlon Event: MEA Weekend Dave Madsen, representing the Minnesota Biathlon, was present to request the Commissioners' support for an event on MEA weekend, Thursday through Sunday, October 21-24, 1999. Mr. Madsen indicated that the events are scheduled for the mornings and will be over by approximately 1 p.m. on Thursday, and 12 or 12:30 on the remaining days. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY THE MINNESOTA BIATHLON CLUB TO HOLD A FOUR-DAY EVENT AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK ON OCTOBER 21-24, 1999, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THE EVENT SHALL BE POSTED ON THE BOARD AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR. 2. CAUTIONARY SIGNAGE SHALL BE POSTED DURING THE EVENT. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8. 1999 Page 6 3. PARK RANGERS SHALL BE REQUESTED TO MONITOR THE EVENT, IF AVAILABLE. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Humane Society Doa Walk Tiffany Penbera-Lennes was present to request use of Woodland Trails Park for a dog walk fundraiser to establish a branch of the Humane Society in Sherburne County. The event is planned for October 17th, 12 o'clock noon, and will last approximately 2 hours. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY TIFFANY PENBERA-LENNES FOR USE OF WOODLAND TRAILS PARK ON OCTOBER 17, 1999, TO CONDUCT A DOG WALK FUNDRAISER, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THE RULES OF CONDUCT OUTLINED IN MS. PENBERA-LENNES' LETTER OF AUGUST 13, 1999 ARE IMPLEMENTED. 2. THE GROUP SHALL COMPLY WITH THE CAUTIONARY SIGNAGE POLICY. 3. A FOLLOW-UP REPORT SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMISSION REGARDING THE EVENT. 4. A VETERINARIAN WILL BE PRESENT AT THE EVENT. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Volunteer Picnic The Commissioners and staff discussed the upcoming volunteer picnic and volunteers from the Commission were assigned tasks. 10. Informational/Update Items 1. Status of park in Trott Brook Farms 2. Sidewalk Extension - VandenBerge 3. Baldwin Township Railroad Trail 4. Community Recreation 11. Update on 8/16/99 City Council Meeting Commissioner Reitsma provided an update on the August 16. 1999, City Council meeting. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8, 1999 Page 7 12. Update on 8/24/99 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Kuester reported on park issues discussed at the August 24, 1999, Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Kuester discussed a letter drafted by Chair Huberty and himself, addressed to the City Council, regarding the Seven Oaks subdivision park dedication. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE LETTER TO THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING SEVEN OAKS PARK DEDICATION. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 13. Other Business The October meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission will be a mobile tour of city parks. November agenda items: Updates -Signalization at Proctor and County Road No. 1 -Report on Minnesota Biathlon MEA weekend event -Humane Society dog walk fundraiser -Rental costs for trailer/warming house at Lake Orono -Prices for hockey goals 8. Park Development Progress Report - Phil Hals Phil Hals provided a report to the Commission on the following items: - "Park Event in Progress" signs for Woodland Trails Park - Seeding at Country Crossing 3rd, Mississippi Oaks, Meadowvale and Deerfield 4th Parks - Picnic table construction - Fall tree planting for Country Crossing 3rd - Railroad grade paving progress - ADA improvements at Barrington, Baldwin, Deerfield 4th and Ridgewood East 2nd Parks - Hockey goals at Lions Park Phil Hals stated that either wood chips or bituminous may be used on pathways to meet ADA requirements. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that Mr. Hals use his judgment in which material is appropriate at each park. Mr. Hals recommended that the City purchase hockey goals for use at Lions Park. He will obtain price information for the November Park and Recreation Commission meeting. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 8. 1999 Page 8 9.B.5. Discuss Possible Orono Park Skatina Rink Staff and the Commissioners discussed the possibility of a skating rink at Orono Park. Phil Hals stated that the Municipal Utilities may be able to provide lighting. Mr. Hals discussed a concept for an ice rink at the water tower site off Gary Street. He also suggested the possibility of working with Sherburne County to flood an ice rink at the fairgrounds and utilize their new building as a warming house. Discussion followed regarding hockey boards at the water tower site. Costs for staffing and rental of warming houses was also discussed. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to support an ice rink at Orono Park. Costs for trailer rental (warming houses) for the Orono Park site and water tower site. as well as costs for hockey boards at the water tower site, will be discussed at the November Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER OLSON 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 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ('\ , \ ~/L{l' cik~~J Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary