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02-09-2000 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2000 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson. Dave Anderson, Kuester. Olson, Peterson and Reitsma. Commissioner Westrum arrived at 7:05. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson. Director of Planning; Phil Hals. Street/Park Superintendent; Terry Bye. Park Supervisor; 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 2/9/00 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 9, 2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: - ITEM 2.A. - JANUARY a, 2000, SPECIAL MEETING MINTUES - ITEM a.A. - OAK KNOLL 2 BALLFIELD - ITEM 13.A. - UPDATE - STRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE -ITEM 13.B. - JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 1/12/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 12,2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3.A. Consider Notes of 1/8/00 Park and Recreation Commission Soecial Meeting COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY a, 2000, SPECIAL PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING NOTES. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend February Planning Commission and City Council Meetinas Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9. 2000 Page 2 . a. 2122/00 City Council Meeting Due to lack of park issues on the agenda. Commissioner Westrum will not attend the February 22. 2000. City Council meeting. b. 2/29100 Planning Commission Meetina Commissioner Reitsma will attend the February 29.2000, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for Open Mike. 6. Hearings/Neiahborhood Discussions - None 7. Area Recreation Update - Michele Bergh Michele Bergh stated that the Area Recreation office phones are ringing non- stop with registrations since the new brochure was distributed. . Ms. Bergh noted that the ice rinks have closed except for Handke, which will close next week. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked why the rinks are being closed. He stated he would like to see them left open as long as the demand is there and it is possible to have good ice. Phil Hals explained that it is difficult to keep the ice when the weather gets warm because the ground heats up and melts the ice from the bottom. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt the city needs to maintain consistency in keeping the rinks open. Michele Bergh explained problems she has been experiencing with help not showing up. She stated that she plans to hire a rink manager next year to routinely check each rink site to make sure they are staffed. Michele Bergh explained a new summer program that would involve students volunteering to do some landscaping and possibly building and/or painting park benches or picnic tables in parks where there are none now. Ms. Bergh stated that she has a friend who must complete 50 hours of volunteer work for a Master Gardener class and may be interested in working with the program. Commissioner Kuester expressed his support for the Adopt-a-Park program proposed by Ms. Bergh. Michele McPherson explained that there are landscaping projects slated for several parks this spring which could be incorporated into the Adopt-a-Park program. Ms. Bergh will work with planning staff on this effort. 8. Park Development Proaress Report - Phil Hals and Terry Bve . Terry Bye, Park Supervisor, reviewed photos of the Country Crossings 1sl, Orono, and Hillside 51h parks. He stated that a resident living adjacent to the Country Crossings 1 sl park wanted four trees to be saved that were on the park border, so the trees were not taken down. Terry explained where trees and brush were removed at Orono Park. including 2 large dead cottonwoods, and miscellaneous Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9.2000 Page 3 . shrubbery and red cedars along the shoreline. Phil Hals noted that they have completed taking out the oak wilt in Hillside 5th park. Approximately 60 dead trees were removed. Commissioner Kuester asked if they expected to remove that many trees again next year. Phil stated no, and that he felt approximately half died because of oak wilt and the other half from the high water table. and that some may have been dead for up to ten years. Phil Hals asked that a water fountain for ERY AC be placed on the March Park & Recreation Commission agenda. Mr. Hals and Mr. Bye explained a proposal to take off the crest of the hill on the bank that goes down to the lake. The site to be graded is approximately 25-30 ft. wide and 150 ft. deep. Mr. Hals stated that Steve Rohlf did not feel there would be a problem obtaining DNR approval if proper erosion control methods were used, including erosion fabric. Chair Huberty asked what would be planted on the bank. Mr. Hals stated that he is proposing a bituminous path down to the warming house trail (between the beach and the lake). He suggested planting some low growing shrubs to serve as a buffer between the lake and the top of the hill. Mr. Hals noted that even after the grading. the slope would still be too steep to mow. so sodding or seeding would not be feasible. 8.A. Oak Knoll 2 Ballfield . Phil Hals stated that a request has been made to convert the Oak Knoll 2 ball field infield to grass. He explained that if the Commission supports the idea. he will need to begin sodding or seeding the field as soon as possible in the fall so that it can take root before winter. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt that this issue should be discussed with the Baseball/Softball Associations before a decision is made. Commissioner Dave Anderson agreed that they need input from the associations. He noted that adult softball uses the Oak Knoll 2 field five weekends in the summer for tournaments. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have staff contact the baseball and softball associations and discuss this issue at the April Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 9.C.1. Lions Park Memorial Desian Jerry Palmer, 13538 Islandview Drive, reviewed plans for a Korean War Memorial to be placed in Lions Park. He discussed the plantings, stone benches, raised flowerbeds, and walkways proposed for the site. He felt the design will be compatible with the surroundings and a minimum amount of maintenance will be required. . Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that pavers be used instead of crushed rock for the walkways. He felt crushed rock would be a maintenance issue. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9.2000 Page 4 . The Commissioners expressed their support for the project and agreed that final details could be worked out with staff. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT FOR THE MEMORIAL DESIGN PROPOSED BY JERRY PALMER FOR LIONS PARK. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 9.C.2. Trott Brook Farms Park Steve Wensman explained that the city has agreed to spend $163,598 of park dedication money for park development in the first phase of Trott Brook Farms. Steve reviewed the amenities and cost estimates proposed for the park. Mr. Wensman noted that the shelter could be done later when design standards for park shelters have been established. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he would like more information regarding dimensions of the fields and hockey rink. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND PROCEEDING WITH BIDS FOR THE PARK IMPROVEMENTS FOR TROTT BROOK FARMS PARK. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-1. Commissioner Reitsma opposed. . Steve Wensman stated he will provide details for the improvements at the March Park & Recreation Commission meeting. 9.C.3. Master Park Plan Review 9.B.1. Review Conceot Plan - Hillside 8th Park Steve Wensman reviewed a video of city parks located east of Highway 169 and north of County Road 12. A. Hillside 5th, Hillside 8th and Hillside 9th: (These items were considered jointly.) Steve Wensman reviewed the concept plan for Hillside 5th Addition Park which was previously approved by the Commission. The plan includes a play structure and full basketball court. Mr. Wensman explained that Riverside Development has prepared a 2.21-acre concept park plan for Hillside Estates 8th that includes tennis courts, a basketball court, a tot lot. and parking. He stated that these amenities are redundant with those of Hillside 5th park. Staff believes that Hillside 8th is a better location for the proposed amenities and suggests that Hillside 5th be used for a natural area with a prairie restoration with paths and possibly a picnic shelter with tables. Mr. Wensman noted that the two parks along with the power corridor and trails, could function as one larger park complex. . Mr. Wensman stated that the developer has asked if the city is interested in acquiring Outlots A, Band C. The Commissioners were in agreement to not accept Outlot C, which contains a large retention pond. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9.2000 Page 5 . Commissioner Peterson expressed his concern that the developer's park proposal for Hillside 8th is not at all what the Park & Recreation Commission previously requested. Commissioner Westrum asked if the Commission was giving up their previous request by accepting this proposal. Mr. Wensman stated it was true that this proposal is not what the Commission requested. but it is a compromise utilizing the flat open area that now exists rather than a hilly wooded area. Commissioner Kuester felt that connection of the two park areas by trails makes some sense. Discussion followed regarding the Commission's previous recommendation for a park in Hillside 8th which included 5 - 6 acres with some usable flat area. accessible from the street and not tucked in behind residents' backyards. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated he did not support a park in the vicinity of the power lines. Commissioner Olson felt it was a good idea to have separate areas for smaller children and older children to play. Commissioner Reitsma asked for input from the Hillside residents in the audience. . Maria Brown, 19605 Wilson Street and Ann Johnson, 19609 Wilson Street, were in agreement they liked the flow of the two separate park areas. They felt the play structure should be located in the Hillside 5th Park. They were opposed to play areas in the power line corridor and stated they would not allow their children to play there. The Commissioners and staff discussed the constraints of the park site which was previously recommended for Hillside 8th. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of combining lots 36 and 37 with the park area proposed by the developer for the Hillside 8th Park, to increase the size of the park. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that they wanted a five acre park as originally requested. The Commissioners generally agreed they could accept the park location proposed by the developer, it Lots 36 and 37 were added to increase the size of the park. They did not support having play areas located under the power lines. The Commissioners agreed to support acquisition of Outlots A and B, but that minimal credit would be given to the developer. since the property was not usable for active play area. B. Deerfield 4: . Steve Wensman reviewed the plans for Deerfield 4th Addition Park. Improvements include park boundary markers and park identification signs. a hedge and fence along the property line at Dodge Street to prevent winter sliders from crossing the road. herbaceous plants around the park side of the pond and shrubs along the road. additional play equipment, plantings near the upper basketball court to prevent balls from rolling down the hill, and, to convert the Y2 court basketball and sand volleyball to a full court basketball. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9. 2000 Page 6 . Discussion followed regarding possible options for diverting the sliders from crossing onto Dodge Street. Phil Hals suggested planting conifers such as blue spruce along the property line to direct the sliding toward the pond. The consensus of the Commissioners was to give this park a high priority (1 -3 years). and to work with Michele Bergh for incorporating landscaping improvements into the Adopt-a-Park program. C. Elk Hills: It was the consensus of the Commission to preserve this park as a conservation park with no development. D. Barrington: The Commissioners expressed their support for the improvements proposed - An enlarged play structure. landscaping and trees, a paved path to the play structure and courts. and a place for garbage and recycling. This park was given a high priority (1-3 years). Commissioner Kuester felt that signage and landscaping should be made a high priority for all parks. . E. Baldwin: The Commission determined this park to be a high priority (1 - 3 years) to complete improvements. Commissioner Kuester suggested that the city work with the owners of the apartments to complete the improvements. Steve Wensman suggested that the city could provide landscaping if the apartment owners would pave the area to the east of the park to create some parking stalls. F. Deerfield 2: A medium level priority was given to this park. Michele McPherson suggested the following plan: 1 sl phase - boundary signage be installed: 2nd phase (approximately 4 years) - development of the south half of the park and placement of entrance signage: future development of trails and a boardwalk will depend on development to the north to provide accessibility. 9.CA. Update - Devine Barn Michele McPherson stated that Tammy Devine contacted the city regarding the barn located on their property. Ms. McPherson noted that another bidder is interested in the barn. She questioned whether or not the Commission is willing to bid for the barn against another bidder. or explore other barns to acquire. Phil Hals explained that he has looked at the barn and found it to be a solid structure and in good shape. The barn is 24 ft. 9 in. tall. 30 ft. wide and 40 ft. long. A neighbor who is interested in the barn checked into moving costs and found it would cost approximately $5,000 to move the structure across the street and another $5,000 to construct a foundation. Phil noted that the majority of the moving cost is for jacking and loading onto a trailer, but there would be additional costs for any overhead lines that needed to be moved. . The Commissioners were uncertain as to the timing of purchasing this barn for shelter, since the shelter subcommittee has not finished their work. The Commissioners were in agreement that the Commissioners who are available will look at the barn and discuss cost issues. Chair Huberty stated that even if the city Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9, 2000 Page 7 . does not acquire this barn, it will be good experience if another opportunity arises in the future. Chair Huberty, Commissioners Dave Anderson, Kuester and Reitsma will plan to view the Devine barn with staff sometime in February. 9.C.6. Discuss Gagne Park Volunteer Appreciation Event Michele McPherson discussed possible dates for the volunteer appreciation event. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to schedule the event for Sunday, May 7, 2000, from noon till 3 or 4 o'clock. Ms. McPherson stated that the north and east property lines will be surveyed to mark the boundaries of Gagne Park before the event so that park boundary signs can be installed. She suggested that staff and at least two of the Commissioners walk the site two weeks before the event. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to recommend that the additional $1,000 be paid for placing irons, in addition to the lathe markers. This issue will be discussed further at the March Park and Recreation meeting. 9.C.7. Snowmobile Use ofTrails . Commissioner Dave Anderson displayed photos of damage to city trails caused by snowmobiles. He noted that the damage has reduced the life of the bituminous ten-fold, and makes rollerblading very dangerous. The Commissioners were very disturbed by the extent of damage, especially to the new trails which were paved last fall. Discussion followed regarding how to address the problem. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that a boundary be established for no snowmobiling south of County Road 33 except on the east-west (Highway 10) and north-south (Highway 169) trails designated to move snowmobilers through the city. The Commissioners did not believe the damage was likely caused by members of the snowmobile club, but rather, by new or uninformed residents with no regard for city ordinances. Michele McPherson expressed her concern that a few individuals are able to destroy the city's efforts to create recreational opportunities for their citizens. It was the consensus of the Commissioners and staff to discuss this issue at the upcoming joint Park and Recreation meeting with the City Council. 10. Information/Update Items Information or updates were provided in the Commissioners' packets for the following issues: Land Use Cases: 1. Status of Park in Trott Brook 2. Status of Charest Mississippi Parcel . Park/Trail Developments: 1. Community Recreation 2. Recreation Briefs . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 9.2000 Page 8 11. Update on 1/18/00 City Council Meetina Commissioner Kuester provided information on the January 18, 2000, City Council meeting. 12. Update of 1/25/00 Plannina Commission Meeting Commissioner Westrum did not attend the January 25, 2000. Planning Commission meeting, due to lack of park & recreation issues on the agenda. 13. Other Business A. Update - Structure Subcommittee Steve Wensman explained that the structure subcommittee discussed bench and picnic table designs. but they will be revisiting the issue to obtain input from Phil Hals. The structure subcommittee has decided to begin with the ERY AC concession structure design. This issue will be on the March Park & Recreation Commission agenda. B. Joint Meetina with City Council Michele McPherson noted that the Park and Recreation Commission will be meeting jointly with the City Council on February 28, 2000. at 6:00 p.m. All commissioners who are able to attend will be meeting on Monday, February 21st at 7:00 a.m. at Olde Main Eatery to plan the joint meeting agenda. Chair Huberty, Commissioners Peterson, Kuester. and Dave Anderson stated they will attend. 14. Adiournment There being no further business. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, {'"J // -r7-/ /' 0W'M ~~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary