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06-14-2000 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14,2000 Members Present: Chair John Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Huberty, Reitsma, Westrum and Sladek. Commissioner Peterson arrived at approximately 7:15 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Terry Bye, Parks Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; 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 Chair Kuester. 2. Consider 6/14/00 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 14,2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 5/1 0/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MAY 10, 2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend June Planning Commission and City Council Meetinas a. 6/19/00 City Council Meetina Commissioner Kuester will attend the June 19,2000, City Council meeting. b. 6/27/00 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Huberty will attend the June 27, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14, 2000 Page 2 . 7. Area Recreation Update Michele McPherson reviewed the updated provided by Michele Bergh which was distributed to the Park and Recreation Commissioners. 8. Park Development Proqress Report Terry Bye reviewed projects completed by the Street/Park Department in the past month as follows: - Maintenance of athletic fields and mowing has consumed most of staff's time. - Plantings have been replaced which have died or been damaged. - Various areas have been reseeded, including the area between the shop and Proctor. - The ag lime around the baseball shelters has been replaced with Class II gravel. - The backstop at Lions Park is under construction. - The Korean War Memorial project is underway. The blocks are up and the pavers will be installed next. The plantings are ready and will also be installed next week. - % mile of trail at Woodlands has been seeded by the Nordic Ski Club. Commissioner Peterson arrived at this time (approximately 7:15 p.m.) 9.A.1. Leukemia Race - Post-Race Review . Michele McPherson explained that the race organizer for the Leukemia Race painted arrows and numbers on city trails and sidewalks to mark the route. This was done in contrast to the direction given by staff and Commissioner Dave Anderson. The numbers and letters have since been covered with blacktop sealer, which will likely eventually wear off. She requested that the Commission discuss possible consequences regarding this action. The Commissioners asked if had been made clear to the race organizer that he was not to use paint. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he had been told several times that paint would not be acceptable. The Commissioners discussed possible options for dealing with the issue. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ESTABLISH A WRITTEN POLICY FOR EVENTS USING CITY PROPERTY, INCLUDING A REQUIREMENT FOR A DEPOSIT BASED UPON THE TYPE OF EVENT. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED THE REQUEST THAT STAFF SEND A LETTER TO THE LEUKEMIA RACE ORGANIZER REGARDING THE FOLLOWING: . EXPRESS THE CITY'S CONCERN FOR THE DAMAGE TO THE SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS; . ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE; . USE OF TRAILS FOR FUTURE RACES WILL DEPEND UPON HOW THE RACE ORGANIZER DEALS WITH THIS ISSUE. . COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14, 2000 Page 3 .. 9.A.2. Letter from Jim Nystrom - Reaional Park Plannin9 COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL BY JIM NYSTROM FOR A COALITION FOR REGIONAL PARK PLANNING ALONG THE HIGHWAY 101 AND 169 CORRIDORS. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 9.8.1. Joint Powers Aareement with ISD #728 Michele McPherson explained that staff met with Dr. Flannery, Superintendent of ISD #728, and Rick Foster and Daryl Thompson of Riverside Development to discuss a possible joint powers agreement. The agreement proposes that the School District purchase 20 acres of land from Riverside to locate an elementary school. 16 acres of land would be dedicated for park purposes as a pre- development dedication for the remaining 240 acres to be developed by Riverside. The City would then own land which would be utilized by the School and the City as recreation fields. Ms. McPherson stated that staff has informed the developer that the 16 acres of pre-development land dedication would not be considered full dedication, and once development of the 240 acres is proposed, the City would look for additional land or fees to be paid to complete the 10 percent requirement. . Commissioner Peterson asked why it would be called a joint powers agreement. Ms. McPherson explained that the City would need to agree to accept the land dedication, the City would own then own the land which would be used by the School District, and the School District would agree to help pay for the development of the fields. Commissioner Dana Anderson questioned if the land met the City's criteria for park dedication. He stated that he was in favor of the school district spreading its resources by utilizing city park land, but he felt the City should enter into any agreement with caution. He did not feel it was appropriate to accept park land which included roadway and swamp and felt this should be deducted from the acreage. The Commissioners expressed concern with the term "joint powers agreement" and felt "partnership" would be more appropriate. They also felt that more details on the issue are needed. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND STAFF PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT REGARDING LOCATION OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON 181sT AVENUE; AND THAT ONLY DEVELOPABLE ACREAGE BE CREDITED TOWARD PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED 2-6. Commissioners Dave Anderson, Sladek, Peterson, Westrum and Dana Anderson opposed. . COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT STAFF PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT, TO CONSIDER A PARK DEDICATION OF TEN PERCENT FOR THE 36 ACRES AT THIS TIME, LEAVING THE OPTION FOR THE DEVELOPER TO DEDICATE 16 ACRES IF HE CHOOSES. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14. 2000 Page 4 COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. Commissioner Reitsma left at this time (approximately 8:00 p.m.O 9.B.2. Land Sale from Grace Assembly of God Church Staff report by Michele McPherson. A video of the church property was shown at this time, with staff describing the amenities of the site. Chair Kuester asked why the church was interested in selling the property. Ms. McPherson explained that this portion of the church property does not lend itself to their needs. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he had walked the land some time ago and there was water in the ditch and in the low land. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that he supported acquisition of the property, but he felt that price is the issue. He recalled that the Park and Recreation discussed this property in the past. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT STAFF PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH TO ACQUIRE UP TO TEN ACRES OF PROPERTY FOR PARK LAND. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked that staff research previous Park and Recreation Commission minutes for the discussion on a trail corridor through this property. 9.B.3. Reauest by Brookstone. Inc. to Waive Park Dedication Fees Michele McPherson explained that Brookstone, Inc. has requested that the City waive $63,940 in park dedication fees which are required as part of the final plat for the east Elk River Business Park. The Commissioners discussed this issue and were in favor of collecting all park dedication fees for this plat. Chair Kuester encouraged all Commissioners to attend the June 19th City Council meeting to support their position. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL UPHOLD THE CITY'S PARK DEDICATION ORDINANCE FOR PAYMENT OF PARK DEDICATION FEES, AND DENY THE REQUEST BY BROOKSTONE, INC., AND ALL FUTURE REQUESTS FOR WAIVING OF PARK DEDICATION FEES, BASED ON THE FOLLOWING: . THE PARK DEDICATION ORDINANCE WAS THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED BY THE COMMISSION AND STAFF; . THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRESENTED THE ORDINANCE TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL; . THE ORDINANCE WAS FORMALLY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14, 2000 Page 5 . . COLLECTION OF PARK DEDICATION FEES IS IMPORTANT TO AID IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY'S PARK SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9. C. Trails: 1. Mountain Bike Trails in Hillside Park - a. Discuss Concept Plan for Hillside City Park - Kevin Lennon was present to discuss a proposal to build and maintain more trails at Hillside City Park. The mountain bike group is called BLAST and consists of a group of riders from the Elk River region who have built and maintain tracks in Milaca. They currently are constructing a course in Monticello. Steve Wensman noted that within their membership are several contractors who have access to building materials and equipment and experience in construction. Mr. Lennon stated that they would like to construct approximately 5 miles of trails in Hillside Park. He felt the trails could also be used for hiking, snow shoeing and skiing. The group would be responsible for constructing and maintaining trails including the installation of signs. Mr. Lennon explained that proceeds from events would help pay for trail development and maintenance. . The Commissioners discussed parking needs at Hillside Park. Kevin Lennon Stated that the group has access to equipment and manpower to create a dirt parking pad. Mr. Lennon asked if the wells at the site could be capped. Michele McPherson explained that the wells are still used for monitoring the old city dump site. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVE TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL BY BLAST TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OF MULTI- USE TRAILS IN HILLSIDE CITY PARK, WITH THE CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF AS FOLLOWS: 1. MOVE THE ENTRANCE GATE FURTHER SOUTH IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A PLACE FOR OFF-STREET PARKING. 2. PARKING LOT SHOULD BE LOCATED NEAR THE FRONT GATE. 3. A PARK IDENTIFICATION SIGN SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED. 4. AN OVERALL TRAIL MAP SHOULD BE INSTALLED AT MAJOR NODES ALONG THE TRAILS AND THE TRAILS CLEARLY IDENTIFIED. 5. MARKERS SHOULD BE INSTALLED WARNING OF DANGEROUS TURNS OR SLOPES. 6. A PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT PERSON FOR THE BLAST GROUP SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED. 7. A REGULAR MAINTENANCE PLAN SHOULD BE OUTLINED THAT CLEARLY INDICATES A SCHEDULE OF INSPECTION AND IDENTIFIES WHO IS RESPONSIBLE. . COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14.2000 Page 6 2. Trail in Greenhead Acres 2nd - The Commissioners reviewed video tape of this location and discussed options for moving the trail access. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that a small parking area would be appropriate if there was adequate room. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE GREENHEAD ACRES TRAIL ACCESS BE MOVED TO A SITE JUST SOUTH OF THE POWER LINE (OPTION #2) SHOWN ON THE MAP PROVIDED BY STAFF, AND TO PROVIDE A SMALL PARKING AREA WHICH WILL BE MAINTAINED AS GREEN SPACE. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Trail Connection: Railroad Grade to Meadowvale School Parkina Lot- The Commissioners discussed the possibility of a trail connection from the Meadowvale School parking lot to the railroad grade trail. It was agreed that the trail should be placed as far south as possible. Staff will work with the School District on this issue. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND A TRAIL CONNECTION TO THE MEADOWVALE SCHOOL PARKING LOT. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Trail Shoulders Near Lafayette Woods - Video of this site was provided by staff. Michele McPherson explained that a resident has requested that he be able to sod the area between his rear property line and the bed of the railroad. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to ask staff to send a letter to the residents along the trail with the following information: . The Park/Street Department will be signing the park boundaries, . The City plans to restore the prairie along the railroad bed, . Encourage the residents to use the designed pathways to access the trail. 9.C. Parks: 1. Master Park Plan: Steve Wensman reviewed the concept plans to be incorporated in the Master Park Plan: a. Meadowvale Park - The plan consists of plantings and a small swing and slide structure to be installed this summer. The Commissioners were in agreement to eliminate the southerly access. b. North Terrace Tot Lot - The Commissioners discussed access and use for this park. It was the consensus to invite the neighbors to a future meeting. The invitation should include a "thank you" to the resident(s) who mows the park. Park boundary signs were also discussed. c. Meadow Park - The concept plan consists of plantings and a small swing and slide structure to be installed this summer. d. Lions Park - Changes include a new ball field, tot-lot near the Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14. 2000 Page 7 . band shell and additional plantings. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if there were any plans for the band shell. Ms. McPherson stated that the Lions are discussing the construction of a building in Lions Park to be used for meeting space. Staff suggested that a band shell/stage area could possibly be placed at one end of the building. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the park concepts as presented by Steve Wensman. 2. Special Meetina - June 28. 2000 to Discuss Reaional Parks - The Park and Recreation Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, June 28, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. to continue the discussion on regional parks. 3. Estimate to Survey Outlot A, Lafavette Woods - Michele McPherson explained that two estimates have been provided by City Engineer. Terry Maurer. for surveying Outlot A of Lafayette Woods. Estimate # 1, $7,000, would be completed during "leaf-on" conditions this summer, and Estimate #2, $5,000, would be completed in the fall, once the leaves have dropped. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF $7,000 TO SURVEY OUTLOT A, LAFAYETTE WOODS, TO CLARIFY THE PARK BOUNDARIES. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. . 9.C. Maintenance: 1 . Gopher Trappina - Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that he has worked with various youth for the last 12 years trapping pocket gophers on city property. He stated that eventually the gophers will be eliminated from several areas because of the trapping. Commissioner Anderson explained that funding source for the gopher trapping needs to be established. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO SUPPORT THE CONTINUANCE OF THE GOPHER TRAPPING PROGRAM, SUPERVISED BY COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Adopt-a-Park: Woodland Trails Park - Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed the list of volunteer projects he plans to complete this year in Woodland Trails, attached to the staff report to the Commission. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO SUPPORT THE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS PROPOSED BY DAVE ANDERSON FOR COMPLETION IN 2000. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Crack Fillina - Commissioner Dave Anderson discussed the trail crack filling program which he has been supervising for the past several years, utilizing the Youth Sentence-To-Serve crews. He explained that filling the cracks helps prevent erosion of the trail material. . . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14, 2000 Page 8 The Commissioners expressed their support for Commissioner Dave Andersons request to continue the crack filling activities. 4. Prairie Restoration and Woodland Trails Park - Commissioner Dave Anderson explained the prairie restoration projects proposed for Woodland Trails and the railroad grade, outlined in the handout provided to the Commission. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND AN EXPENDITURE OF $700 TO PURCHASE PRAIRIE GRASS SEED AND FLOWER SPORES FOR PLANTING AT WOODLAND TRAILS NEAR THE GOLF COURSE PROPERTY. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 10. Information/Uodate Items (No discussion or oresentation unless reauested) Information or updates were provided in the Commissioners' packets for the following issues: A. Land Use Cases: 1. Trout Brook Park 2. Charest Update B. Park/Trail Develooments: 1 . Community Recreation Update 2. Newsletter - River City Snow Riders 3. Balance Sheet - May 4. Letter from Kelsie Ford re: Deerfield 4th/response letter 5. Letter to Ron Bastyr re: Trail in Lafayette Woods 6. Update memo - St. Louis Park Gun Club, West Twin Lakes Park 7. Year-round Water Park Article 11. 12. Uodate on 5115/00Citv Council Meeting Uodate on 5/23/00 Plannina Commission Meeting Chair Kuester provided an update on these two meetings. 13. Other Business a. Huntina Ordinance - Chair Kuester noted that the Building & Zoning Administrator, Steve Rohlf, informed him that he is proceeding with an ordinance amendment which would allow goose hunting and trapping in certain residential areas. b. Future agenda items: · Bow hunting presentation by Dan Block and Tony Musatov · Joint meeting with Planning Commission · State Park problems · Landscaping by the bus garage . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes June 14, 2000 Page 9 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER PETERSON 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 10: 1 0 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1L0k~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary