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04-12-2000 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2000 Members Present: Chair Lana Huberty; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Peterson, Reitsma and Sladek. Commissioner Kuester arrived at 7:10 p.m. Members Absent: Commissioner Westrum 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 Meeting 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 4/12/00 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 12, 2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 3/8/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 8, 2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend April Planning Commission and Citv Council Meetinas a. 4117/00 City Council Meetina Commissioner Kuester will attend the April 17, 2000, City Council meeting. b. 4/25/00 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Dana Anderson will attend the April 25, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 2 . 6.a. Jim Nystrom: Sherburne County Jim Nystrom will make a presentation at the May Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 6.b. Greg Strommen; River City Snow Riders Greg Strommen, 8433 Ogren Avenue, Otsego, trail coordinator for the River City Snow Riders, distributed information to the Commissioners regarding the snowmobile club, and a letter regarding the March 8th article in the Star News. He introduced Lance Erickson, president of the club. Mr. Strommen asked the Commission if snowmobilers are still welcome in the city. Mr. Strommen reviewed the club's action list to promote responsible snowmobiling in the city (attached). Commissioner Kuester arrived at this time (7: 1 0 p.m.) Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if the club has secured the trail through Lions Park. Mr. Strommen stated that they still need the Dove Tree Apartments property owner's signature. Mr. Strommen requested that the City provide a letter of support for the trail so that they may present to the owner. Discussion followed regarding the need for a culvert in Lions Park in order to cross a ditch. . Commissioner Kuester discussed the trail damage that occurred last winter. Commissioner Dave Anderson displayed pictures of the damage. Mr. Strommen stated he would like Commissioner Dave Anderson and a member of staff to attend their next club meeting to discuss the City's concerns. Mr. Strommen noted that 4 citations were issued in the 1998-1999 snowmobile season, and 29 were issued in the 1999-2000 season. Commissioner Reitsma indicated the problem of snowmobilers wanting to snowmobile right from their home to the trails needs to be resolved. Commissioner Sladek asked how much of the trail has been secured. Mr. Strommen stated that they have signed agreements from Beaudry, Morrell and are near signing with the School District. The only one missing is from the Dove Tree Apartments. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked who would be putting up the signs marking the trails. Mr. Erickson stated that the club will be 100% responsible for acquiring and putting up the signs, and removing them after the season, if required. Mr. Erickson suggested that the city put up snow fencing to keep snowmobilers off the city trails. Commissioner Anderson stated that he has seen snowmobilers go around the fences, using them like an obstacle course. . COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WRITE A LETTER TO THE OWNER(S) OF DOVE TREE APARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TRAIL CONNECTION TO COMPLETE THE SNOWMOBILE TRAIL PLAN AS Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 3 . ADOPTED IN 1998 BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the Commission is willing to provide their assistance in making the final trail connection, but as far as welcoming snowmobilers to the city, that will depend on public opinion. Commissioner Kuester stated that he believes there is evidence of a working relationship between the city and the snowmobilers, since the trailheads are located in city parks. if the property is treated with respect and damage to the trails is reduced, snowmobilers should still be welcome to ride in the city. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED THAT THE CITY WORK WITH THE SNOWMOBILE CLUB TO PROVIDE A 36" PIPE AT THE DITCH IN LIONS PARK. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if the signs would be standard trail signs. Mr. Strommen stated that they are obtained from the DNR and would be the same as those which are posted throughout the state. Commissioner Anderson felt that there may need to be some clarification in the City's snowmobile ordinance so that residents understand that the same rules still apply, and the trail is to help snowmobilers move through the city with as little disturbance to private and public property as possible. . Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the Commission needs to address the new business park, since a trail was indicated on the map through this area. Mr. Strommen indicated that they would like to put up the trailhead signs. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated he is willing to work with the club in identifying other possible trail links. He volunteered to serve on a subcommittee regarding snowmobiling issues and Commissioner Westrum, who was not present, will also be asked to serve. Lonnie Erickson stated that he would send the club's newsletter to staff for distribution to the Commission. 4.C. Election of Officers HUBERTY NOMINATED KUESTER TO SERVE AS CHAIR. DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE NOMINATION. PETERSON NOMINATED HUBERTY TO SERVE AS CHAIR. DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE NOMINATION. VOTE 6-0-1 FOR KUESTER TO SERVE AS CHAIR. Kuester abstained. DANA ANDERSON NOMINATED PETERSON TO SERVE AS VICE-CHAIR. DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE NOMINATION. VOTE 6-0-1 FOR PETERSON TO SERVE AS VICE CHAIR. Peterson abstained. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 4 7. Area Recreation Update . Michele Bergh stated that they are in the process of hiring a staff person for the Community Recreation office to replace Dan Fields. The two positions for Emporium have been filled. The summer program schedule has been completed but they are also working on adding a basketball camp and cheerleading camp. Ms. Bergh reviewed her report which was distributed to the Commissioners. She stated that there is interest in building equipment for the skate park. Ms. Bergh discussed field reservation policies. Discussion followed regarding the reservation criteria, specifically, requiring background checks on coaches. The Recreation Board will discuss this further, and Ms. Bergh will keep the Commission informed. 8. Park Development Proaress Phil Hals provided an update on park projects as follows: . 1 . Trees - Cedar trees have been planted in Country Crossings 1 Park as part of the Oak Savannah project. 19 red cedar and 10 spruce trees were moved from Windsor Park. Approximately 20 to 25 spruce trees will be moved from the Warden property to be placed in Orono, Lions, Country Crossings 3rd and Gagne Park. 2. Trash Containment - Trash containments have been built and placed in Orono Park. 3. Stump Grindina - Stumps were ground at Country Crossings 1, Lions and Orono Parks. 4. Handicap Access - Handicap accessible picnic tables were placed at Orono and Lions Parks. 5. Sians - Phil displayed signs that were made incorrectly by the sign company. The Commissioners were in agreement that they did not have a problem using the signs, and would leave it up to Phil to either keep the signs or have them remade. 6. Irriaation - Kuss Field irrigation is being completed. 7. Park Boundarv Si<;maae - Street/park department employees are working on Installing park boundary signs in the parks. 9.A.1. Ryan Waaner & Greaor Betz: Woodland Trails Park Ryan Wagner, 17611 North Diamond lake Road, Dayton, MN, and Gregor Betz, 8865018151 Avenue NW, Ramsey, MN, Elk River Senior High students, presented a proposal to construct a picnic area in Woodland Trails Park. Their proposal includes leveling and seeding the site, placing picnic tables and benches, planting trees and native grasses, and providing a few parking spaces. Mr. Betz explained that they will need help in moving dirt to level the picnic area, as there is a change in elevation from 3 feet to 7-8 feet from one side to the other. Class" is proposed for the parking stall surface, which consists of a crushed gray granite rock. . The students estimated they would need approximately $500 to complete the project. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 5 . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT FOR THE PICNIC SITE AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AS PRESENTED BY WAGNER AND BEll, AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE EXPENDITURE OF $500 FOR MATERIALS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Phil Hals stated his crew would provide the leveling work and picnic tables. 9.A.2. Dave Anderson Volunteer Proiect a. Leveling and Seeding of Ski Trail - Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that the Elk River Nordic Ski Club proposes a project to develop another segment of the ski trails on the Camas property. He reviewed the steps involved in the project as presented in the Commissioner's packets. He requested $350 for the purchase of seed to complete the project. b. Build and Install Ten "You are Here" Map Holders - Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed the a project completed by the Elk River Nordic Ski Club to construct 10 wooden "You Are Here" map holders. Some will be used to replace those that were vandalized last year, and the remaining will be posted in new locations. Commissioner Anderson requested $120.80 for the lumber cost. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPENDITURES: . A. GRASS SEED - $350.00 FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SKI TRAILS B. LUMBER - $120.80 FOR SIGNAGE AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE LARGER SIGNS TO BE POSTED AT WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AS PRESENTED BY PHIL HALS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.A.3. Student Proiect: Oak Knoll Students from Mike Nizolek's science class at Elk River Senior High presented a proposal to restore the Oak Savannah at Oak Knoll Park. Members of the group included Charlie Rodby, Johanna Ryan, Nick Petersen, Josh Mclachlan, Paul Tandberg and Dustin Carlson. The proposal includes a burning and maintenance plan, and establishment of a trail along the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of- way to the Oak Savannah. The trail would be marked with rocks every 10 to 15 feet. The students requested removal of the dirt piles along the trail, and that mowing is stopped in the general area. They also requested permission to create openings in the existing fence to access the Savannah and also, that they be allowed to level the top of the two hills for use as observation points along the trail. Slides of the site were shown by the students to describe their proposal. The slides also indicated the piles of dirt, chunks of concrete that had been dumped, and evidence that the city property was being used by the school district employees as a cut-through to their maintenance facility. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 6 . Discussion followed regarding ownership of the property, school district use of the site for a roadway and for storage, and the location of the trail. Chair Kuester asked what the time line was expected to be. Charlie Rodby stated that they would like to have most of the work completed by the May Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Dana Anderson expressed his concern for creating openings in the fence because of the close proximity to the railroad tracks. Phil Hals also was concerned and recalled that the fence was placed there to prevent children from wandering to close too the railroad tracks. Commissioner Sladek felt it was important to first check with Burlington Northern to see where the railroad right-of-way is located. The Commissioners discussed tabling a decision on the proposal until more information is available regarding the location of the railroad right-of-way, and allowing access through the fence. Michele McPherson suggested that, in the interim, the students could proceed with developing their maintenance plan for the Oak Savannah, remove the dirt piles, and staff could help them work with the School District regarding use of the property as a roadway. . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT PRESENTED BY THE STUDENTS FOR RESTORATION OF THE OAK SAVANNAH AT OAK KNOLL PARK, AND TO PROCEED WITH THE PRELIMINARY WORK FOR THE TRAIL WHICH INCLUDES CHECKING WITH BURLINGTON NORTHERN, BUT THAT NO OPENING OF THE FENCE WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY THE CITY. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO ALLOW STAFF TO INSPECT THE SITE AND WORK WITH BURLINGTON NORTHERN ON THE TRAIL LOCATION, SO THAT THE STUDENTS MAY BEGIN THE PROJECT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THERE WAS NO SECOND TO THE MOTION TO AMEND. THE ORIGINAL MOTION CARRIED 6-1. Commissioner Dave Anderson opposed. The Commissioners were in agreement to visit the Oak Knoll site as part of the park tour on April 26th. 9.C.l. Park/Trail Develooment Issues - Steve Wensman reviewed the approved concept plans for the following parks, and requested that the Commissioners discuss any changes they felt were appropriate: . a. Woodland Trails The Commissioners expressed their support for the improvements proposed for this park. Steve Wensman noted that the Commission should determine location and style for the play structure and picnic structure. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt it was important to install a playground structure that is compatible with the natural surroundings. The Commission will visit the site on their park tour and discuss the issue further. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 7 . b. Gun Club (Private) Mike Nizolek felt if the City was interested in the property if it became available, they should contact Bob Gergstrom at the Department of Natural Resources. He felt it was important to make them aware the city is interested in preserving the natural amenity, and to find out what the DNR's plans are. The Commissioners were in general agreement to investigate the issue further. c. Windsor Park The Commission discussed proposed improvements for this park and the need to make future residents aware that this is a public park. Ms. McPherson stated that staff would work with the developer to make this information available to buyers in his marketing materials. d. Gaane Park The Commissioners discussed the entrance road and were in agreement to move the road as close to the property line as possible. The proposal for ball fields and a soccer field was removed and they felt restoring the open area to prairie was more appropriate. The Commissioners also agreed it would be worthwhile to investigate acquisition of additional parkland. e. Harris Island It was the consensus of the Commission to leave this park as a conservation park. . f. Top of the World The Commissioners supported the concept plan as previously approved, with the addition of trying to acquire all four lots to the east of the park near County Road 77 at some point in the future. g. Lafayette Woods The concept was accepted as previously approved, with the addition of entrance markers. 9.C.2. Update - Devine Barn Michele McPherson explained that Swift Movers quoted a price of $5,000 to move the Devine barn to Hillside or Trout Brook Park. Phil Hals indicated that foundation cost would be approximately $5,000. He noted that the barn might also need a new roof soon. Don Patten of D.R. Horton, Trout Brook Farms developer, stated that he has no problem having a barn as a park structure. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE DEVINE BE MOVED TO TROTT BROOK PARK. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt the barn was unattractive and he was opposed to moving it to a city park. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-2. Commissioners Dana Anderson and Reitsma opposed. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 8 . 9.C.3. Discuss Gaane Park Volunteer Aooreciation Event Michele McPherson stated that two of the Commissioners walked the site with staff on Friday, March 31 st. It was determined that there is a significant amount of trash that needs to be removed, as well as a number of junk vehicles with expired tabs. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that the May 7th efforts be focused on installing boundary signs and some type of fence to secure the north and easterly borders. Commissioner Huberty suggested relocating the dirt road extension of Waco Street to the east to allow more direct access to the residential lots that are using this road for access. No decision was made regarding the road at this time. Ms. McPherson explained that the residents adjacent to the park will be notified of the event and the owners of the junk vehicles will be contacted, if ownership can be determined. If the vehicles are not removed by May 7th, they will be towed. After discussing priorities for the event, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to first install the park boundary signs, put in posts to block the unauthorized accesses which are being used by four-wheelers, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc., and then to pick up trash, if time and manpower permits. Commissioners Reitsma and Kuester volunteered to help coordinate the event. 9.CA. Discuss Park Tour . The Park and Recreation Commission Park Tour will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2000. They will meet at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. The Commission will visit Oak Knoll Park, Woodland Trails Park, East Twin Lakes Park and Otsego Park. A special meeting notice will be prepared and posted. 9.C.5. Review Plavaround Desians/Estimates Michele McPherson reviewed designs and estimates for playground structures from Earl F. Anderson Co. as follows: Lions Park - Cost: Approximately $10,000 ($5,000 budgeted based on contribution offered by Lions Park). Includes toddler swings, sand digger, spring ride motorcycle, and Dyno-climber with slide. The Lions will be contacted to see if they are willing to contribute additional funds for the equipment. Meadow Park - Cost is approximately $1,118 for a swing set. Ms. McPherson noted that Earl F. Anderson equipment is made of 100% recycled materials and therefore, the City may be able to purchase playground equipment with Solid Waste Abatement funds. . Country Crossing 3rd Park - Cost is approximately $32,000. Design consists of 2 circles of equipment, one for toddlers and one for older children, with the possibility of adding a third circle consisting of a bay of swings. Wheel chair accessibility will be incorporated into the design. Ms. McPherson stated that Earl F. Anderson would provide supervision for installation of the equipment by staff. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 9 . Commissioner Huberty questioned if the basketball court will be installed about the same time as the playground structures. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt the court should be installed at the same time as the structure. Ms. McPherson stated that there might be funds available in the budget if some of the equipment costs are recovered through the Abatement funds. Chair Kuester noted that as these playgrounds are completed, he suggested that some type of special opening or ribbon cutting take place with coverage by the press. Trout Brook Farms Park - Cost of equipment and contractor installation is approximately $42,000. Ms. McPherson noted some changes would be made in the plan as shown. Wood chips will be used in place of the rubberized tile, relocate toddler equipment so that it is all in one area, the slide will be taken out, and additional equipment and decking will be added in its place. One area will have a roof and other will not. The playground is geared to accommodate 2 to 12 year old children. The consensus of the Commissioners was to approve the park improvements as proposed. Ms. McPherson explained that the Council will be asked to authorize going out for bids for these expenditures at the Monday, April 17th meeting, and they are hoping for delivery in mid-June, with installation completed in July. . 9.C.6. Bleacher Estimates Michele McPherson reviewed estimates provided by Commissioner Dave Anderson to replace the bleachers at Kuss Field and the Orono Softball Complex, in order to comply with the new bleacher law. Ms. McPherson stated that they have learned that the five-row bleachers may be exempted from the law, since they are less than 55 inches in height. The cost of the remaining bleachers that would need to be purchased is $30,000, including tax (1 O-row bleachers at Kuss - $5,605, and the four 8-row bleachers at the Softball Complex - $23,872) Commissioner Dave Anderson explained these bleachers would need to be replaced at some point, even without the new law, because of their condition. He noted that the Softball Association plans to propose that the City pay for the bleachers up front. The Association will contribute $20,000 toward the cost, $5,000 per year. The City would be asked to absorb $10,000. Phil Hals stated that the law has not been finally adopted yet, and suggested that a decision on the bleachers could be postponed for now. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to consider purchase of the bleachers at the June Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 9.C.7. Woodland Trails Park: Summer Map and Rules . Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed the summer map for Woodland Trails Park and rules to be posted at the park. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 10 COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE SUMMER MAP AND RULES FOR WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.C.8. Discuss Motor Vehicle Use of Railroad Grade North of Countv Road 33 The Commission discussed the use of motorized vehicles on the railroad grade city trail. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt the issue should be addressed. Commissioner Reitsman stated that the city must clearly communicate to the residents that motorized vehicles are not allowed. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO POST "NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED" SIGNAGE AT THE RAILROAD GRADE TRAIL NORTH OF COUNTY ROAD 33, UP TO THE CITY LIMITS, AND TO EXTEND THE GATE AT THIS LOCATION. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.C.9. Discuss Prairie Restoration: a. Woodland Trails, b. Railroad Grade These items were postponed to the June 14, 2000, Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 9.C.10. Review Chanaes to Master Park Plan MaD This item was postponed to the May 10th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 10. Information/Uodate Items (No discussion or oresentation unless requested I Information or updates were provided in the Commissioners' packets for the following issues: Land Use Cases: 1 . Park in Trout Brook Farms 2. Status of Charest Mississippi Parcel Park/Trail Develooments 1 . Monthly Park Dedication Fund Balance Sheet 2. Public Information - Elk River Star News Articles 3. Recreation Briefs 11. Uodate on 3120/00 Citv Council Meetinq Commissioner Reitsma provided an update on the March 20, 2000, City Council meeting. 12. Uodate on 3/28/00 Planninq Commission Meetinq Michele McPherson provided an update on the March 28, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 12, 2000 Page 11 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER HUBERTY 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 11 :00 p.m. Ren:~~IY ~::m/ed,/ ljjj(h~~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary