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03-08-2000 PR MIN . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2000 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Reitsma, Sladek and Westrum Members Absent: Commissioners Dave Anderson, Kuester and Peterson Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary 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 3/8/00 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 8, 2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: . ITEM 9.C.1.F. - POWERLlNE CORRIDOR-HILLSIDE 8TH ADDITION ITEM 9.C.7. - PARK BOUNDARY COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 2/9/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend March Plannina Commission and City Council Meetinas a. 3120/00 City Council Meetina Commissioner Reitsma will attend the March 20, 2000, City Council meeting. b. 3/28/00 Plannin9 Commission Meetina Commissioner Kuester will attend the March 28, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 8, 2000 Page 2 5. Open Mike . Michele McPherson explained that the Mayor has requested that the Park and Recreation Commission discuss the closing of the VandenBerge Pool, and whether or not the Commissioner feels it is appropriate to work with the school district to repair the pool. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt that a significant recreational opportunity would be lost in the City by closing of the pool. Commissioner Reitsma felt that the cost to repair the pool was more than it was worth and that a new pool should be built. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WORK WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FIND FUNDING FOR AN INDOOR POOL FACILITY. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7. Area Recreation Update Michele Bergh provided written reports for February and March 2000. Michele McPherson noted that the ice rink data, which the Commission requested, would be provided at the April meeting. 8. Park Development Proqress Report . Phil Hals reviewed information regarding the breakdown of hours spent on parks and streets activities by his department, and also, a list of park projects, which were recently completed. Mr. Hals noted that 48% of the cost of park improvements is surfacing and grading and 52% is materials (playground equipment). 9.B.1. Townhouse Development by Twin Lake Road Michele McPherson explained that Riverside Development is proposing to develop 22.36 acres of property located northwest of Twin Lake Road across from Industrial Hardfacing. The development will consist of single-family detached town homes on the west side of the property and twinhome town homes on the east side, for a total of 80 units. Due to the proximity of this development to existing and proposed park facilities, staff recommends that the Commission recommend park dedication in the form of cash ($10400 per unit). Chair Huberty asked if there would be a trail connection from the 6th Street cul- de-sac to Twin Lakes Road. Ms. McPherson stated that the City will continue to maintain an easement in this location. . Discussion followed regarding the possibility of a trail access on the gas line easement. The Commissioners also discussed the need to do their best to connect Tyler Street to Dodge Avenue. Michele McPherson suggested that when the 40 acres to the north of this property is developed, there might be an opportunity for a trail connection north to the proposed trail in Hillside. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 8, 2000 Page 3 . COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF CASH FOR THE TWIN LAKE TOWN HOMES DEVELOPMENT. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT STAFF WORK WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER/DEVELOPER OF THE 40 SITE LOCATED NORTH OF THE TWIN LAKES TOWNHOME SITE, TO OBTAIN AN EASEMENT TO CONSTRUCT A TRAIL CONNECTION ACROSS THE PROPERTY, AND, THAT THE 6TH STREET CUL-DE-SAC BE LEFT AS GREEN SPACE FOR NOW AND A TRAIL SEGMENT BE ADDED WHEN THE TYLER STREET ROAD PROJECT IS CONSTRUCTED. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTON. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.B.2. Whitetail Ridqe Ms. McPherson explained that Whitetail Ridge is a 40-acre, l8-lot cluster development located north and east of Preserve Estates. Approximately 20 acres will be preserved as open space, which will be contiguous with the open space of Preserve Estates, and will be maintained by a homeowner's association. Although the Master Park and Trail Plan indicates a need for an area wide park in this area, this development does not have adequate land area. Staff recommends park dedication in the form of cash. . COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION FOR THE WHITETAIL RIDGE PLAT BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF CASH. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.B.3. Rollinq Hills Rolling Hills is a l13-acre, 30-lot cluster development located west of Jarvis Street in the far northeast corner of the city. Approximately 68 acres will be preserved as permanent open space, 40 acres in an undeveloped, land-locked quarter- quarter section. Staff recommends a cash park dedication be accepted. The Commission discussed whether or not the open space had any value to the city as park land. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to attempt to obtain access rights to the 40-acre open space. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND ACCEPTANCE OF CASH FOR THE ROLLING HILLS SUBDIVISION IN ORDER TO MEET PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS, AND TO NEGOTIATE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS RIGHTS OVER THE 40- ACRE OPEN SPACE. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.C.l. Master Park Plan Review Steve Wensman reviewed existing features and proposed improvements for the following parks as listed in the staff report to the Commission, with priority rating as shown: . a. Orono Park/Ballfield Complex, City Hall Park - Additional improvements proposed included: Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 8, 2000 Page 4 . -Paving a trail for ice rink access to the lake. -Hard surfacing of the hockey rink for roller hockey. -Adding a pedestrian walkway on the south side of Highway 10 over Lake Orono, in order to create a walking loop around the lake. Construction of a large play structure at Orono Park was given a high priority (1 - 3 years, maximum). b. Ridaewood East Park - A street light was proposed to allow evening basketball. -Expand basketball court - High priority. -Expand playground - Medium priority. c. Country Crossing III Park - Additional suggestions included: -Providing some separation of playground areas for toddlers and older children. -Small shelter over benches. d. Moldenhauer Park - Additional suggestion: Striping of basketball court. e. Mississippi Oaks 2nd Addition . -Play structure - High Priority (within 3 years). Michele McPherson noted that this improvement is slated for the 2001 budget. f. Power Line Corridor - Hillside 8th Addition The power line corridor adjacent to Hillside 8th will be added to the Master Park Plan update list. Review of the proposed plan amendments will be placed on the April Park and Recreation Commission agenda. 9.C.2. Devine Barn Michele McPherson noted that Jim Deschene contacted Swift Movers regarding moving the Devine barn onto his property. He estimated it would cost $5,000 to move the barn and $5,000 to construct a foundation. Mr. Deschene's intent is to save the barn and has indicated he would donate his plans to the City, if the City is interested. Ms. McPherson stated that moving the barn to Trott Brook Farms Park has been discussed. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt that the barn would make a nice entrance to Hillside City Park and expressed his support for moving it to Hillside. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 8, 2000 Page 5 . Commissioner Reitsma felt that costs would be much more than they anticipate. He asked if the developer of Trott Brook Farms has been contacted with this proposal. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners that staff obtain price estimates for moving the barn, constructing a fieldstone or other compatible foundation, and to contact the Trott Brook Farms developer to see how he felt about moving the barn to the Trott Brook Farms Park to be used as a shelter. This issue will be discussed at the April 12th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 9.C.3. Discuss Gaane Park Volunteer Appreciation Event Michele McPherson stated that staff and the Commissioners would meet at the end of Waco Street at 3:00 on March 31, 2000, to walk the Gagne Park site to see what needs to be done. Commissioner Westrum, Huberty and Reitsma felt they would be able to participate. The Volunteer Appreciation event will be held Sunday, May 7, 2000, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. 9.CA. Drinkina Fountains . Phil Hals explained that staff has put together the necessary materials to install drinking fountains at Orono Park and the softball complex. He requested that the Commission recommend the purchase of a drinking fountain for the ERY AC site. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE EXPENDITURE OF $2,000 FOR A DRINKING FOUNTAIN AT ERYAC. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.C.5. Discuss Huntina Restrictions Michele McPherson explained that the Commission is asked to consider and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding allowing bow hunting within the city limits. She stated that bow hunting has been allowed on Kliever's Marsh in the past, and numerous requests have been received to hunt in the Pintail Ponds area north of County Road # 12. The Police Chief has suggested that if bow hunting is expanded, that it be by permit only which would require registering with the City and written permission from the landowner prior to allowing bow hunting to commence. Ms. McPherson stated that two city staff members who are bow hunters would be present at a future meeting to explain bow hunting to the Commission. Commissioner Westrum asked if other areas would be considered to allow bow hunting. Ms. McPherson stated that the Commission is asked to consider other areas where there is a large concentration of deer, such as Woodlands, Hillside, Deerfield 2nd and Gagne Parks. The Commission should also discuss designating a special time period for bow hunting to be allowed. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 8, 2000 Page 6 . The general consensus of the Commissioners was to invite the bow hunters to a future meeting to explain the sport and to answer questions. 9.C.6. Eryac Concept Review/Update & Discuss Advertisinq on Fences Steve Wensman stated that the Structure Concept Committee has met three times. They are currently discussing a concession structure for the Elk River Youth A thletic Complex (ERY A C), and specifically, the possibility of a complex similar to Softball World, in Eulles, Texas. Staff and the Subcommittee found the concept to have merit and the Youth Athletic Associations endorsed the idea. Phil Hals prepared a model of the facility and the subcommittee has made a list of design considerations, as listed in the staff report to the Commission on this item. Steve reviewed other issues the subcommittee is working on. One idea has been raised to allow commercial advertising at the complex as a source of revenue. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked who would regulate the advertising. Steve Wensman suggested that a building fund subcommittee could be in charge or some type of association. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of allowing advertising at ERY AC. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO GIVE CONSIDERATION TO ALLOWING ADVERTISING SIGNAGE AT ERYAC. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. . 9.C.7. Park Boundary Siqns Phil Hals asked the Commission for their approval of a 4" x 12" park boundary signs. He explained that they have had requests for other size signs, but he felt uniformity was important. He suggested that a 12" x 18" size sign could be the next size up for standard park signs. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PARK BOUNDARY SIGNS BE ORDERED AS PRESENTED BY STAFF. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 10. Information/Update Items Items 1 O.A. 3, 4 and 5 COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION FOR PARK DEDICATION FOR THE NORWOOD, AND K & L ADDITION PLATS, AND THE DALE LANG AND RICHARD HINKLE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISIONS. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 11. Update on 2/29/00 Planning Commission Meetinq Michele McPherson provided an update on the February 29, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. . 13. Adiournment . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 8, 2000 Page 7 There being no further business, COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, A(lj:ttt/ d~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary