Loading...
09-13-2000 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2000 Members Present: Chair Kuester, Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Peterson, Reitsma and Westrum. Commissioner Huberty arrived at 7: 15 p.m. Commissioner Sladek arrived at 7:55 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent; Michele Bergh, Community Recreation Manager; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary 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 Kuester. 2. Consider 9/13/00 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITION: ITEM 13. - OTHER BUSINESS - ADD EQUIPMENT PURCHASE ITEM 10.A.1. - BIATHLON FALL FESTIVAL - TABLED TO OCTOBER 1 pH METING COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 8/9/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 9, 2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend Seotember Plannina Commission and City Council Meetinas a. 9/18/00 City Council Meeting Commissioner Dave Anderson will attend the September 18, 2000, City Council meeting. b. 9/26/00 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Reitsma will attend the September 26, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. 5. Ooen Mike Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 2 . No one appeared for this item. 6. Hearinas/Neiqhborhood Discussions - None 7. Area Recreation Update - Michele Berqh Michele Bergh reported on the following items: . 4.123 participants were enrolled in the summer programs. . Fall brochures were mailed out August 30. . They are experiencing a positive response to their website (1 ,000 hits in 10 months) . Co-ed volleyball will be offered due to good response . The City of Elk River will become the fiscal agent for Community Recreation. Ms. Bergh feels this change will greatly improve their accounting and reporting, since the City is on a calendar year cycle versus the School District's cycle of June 30th to July 1 st. . Community Recreation is experiencing some difficulties in filling staff openings. . Ms. Bergh hopes to plan more activities in the parks, including the new Trout Brook Farms Park. 8. Park Development Proqress Report - Phil Hals Phil Hals provided the following report on current park development activities: . . His department is pleased with the results of the Park Rangers program which was managed this year by Michele Bergh. He felt the youth involved in the program did a fine job. . Staff will be installing the swing set at Meadow Park. . The playground equipment installation in Trout Brook Farms is finished and sidewalks at Country Crossing 3rd Park have been completed, so staff may go ahead to plan a ribbon-cutting ceremony for October 2nd. . Street/park personnel will be moving dirt out at the ERY AC site in the near future. They will also be working on the irrigation and fencing. Phil indicated that he was told there was a fire call to the Deerfield 4th park, stating that the jungle gym had caught on fire. He will investigate the report. Commissioner Huberty arrived at this time (7: 15 p.m.) 10.B.l. Administrative Subdivision Reauest bv Marlene Hentqes. Case No. AS 00-6 Michele McPherson explained that Marlene Hentges has requested an administrative subdivision to create a separate buildable parcel from a 23 acre parcel, which is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of 223rd Avenue and Quinn Street. She noted that Ms. Hentges' property is directly west of and abuts the City railroad trail north of County Road 33. Staff recommends that the Commission accept $1,400 in park dedication and request a 50 foot public trail easement along the south property line. . Park & Recreation Minutes September 13, 2000 Page 3 . COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT $1,400 In PARK DEDICATION AND A 50 FOOT PUBLIC TRAIL EASEMENT ALONG THE SOUTH PROPERTY LINE FOR THE MARLENE HENTGES ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION REQUEST, CASE NO. AS 00-6. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9. Park Deoartment Discussion - John Gurban Mr. John Gurban, Executive Director of MPRA (Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association). was present to discuss the possible development of a parks and/or parks and recreation department. He noted that MPRA is a state-wide nonprofit organization with 1,500 members representing most all cities in Minnesota. Mr. Gurban explained that their goal is training of recreation professionals. A video was presented at this time, featuring Don Shelby, which demonstrated the importance of parks and recreation. Mr. Gurban stated that park and recreation departments are formed to provide amenities and services for the cities' residents. He felt that a population of 10,000 is often the trigger point for cities forming a separate department. Mr. Gurban stated that the most important component of establishing a department is finding a good park director who will create a vision for growth. He stated that the strategy is to build from the top down. A park director would be able to provide the leadership and expertise to plan for future park needs. . Mr. Gurban discussed the importance of preserving property now for the future, even though it may not be developed for a long time. He also discussed the trend in the increasing demand for athletic fields. He felt it was smart to design parks and athletic fields as something a city can "grow into", and not "grow out of". Commissioner Sladek arrived at this time (7:55 p.m.) Woodbury was described by Mr. Gurban as a community where property was protected for park use and developed sequentially. He felt Lakeville was a good example of a well-planned trail system. He stated that Hastings has recently developed a park and recreation department. Mr. Gurban stated that by having a centralized park and recreation department, the city can provide the best customer service. He noted that the park department will still rely on the planning department for their planning skills. . Mr. Gurban explained that funding for park and recreation departments comes from taxes, but that he has not seen the level of funding change significantly when a park and recreation department is formed. He stressed that cities will need to look for revenue generators such as a municipal golf course, swimming pool/ water park or arena. Mr. Gurban explained that there are a number of cities which provide facilities, events and activities to generate profits which are reinvested in the community. He noted that trails are the "number one" favorite recreational opportunity in communities, but they generate no revenue. Cities need to find some type of opportunity to provide services and at the same time, generate funds. Also, grants are a type of funding which is becoming limited, but he felt there are still opportunities out there. Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 4 . Other funding sources suggested included contributions from groups, clubs and churches, as well as partnerships with developers. He cautioned the city of falling into the "trap" of partnerships which include a fitness center. He stated that the developers usually end up with the fitness center which can be a tremendous income generator and the cities get the athletic fields or some other type of amenity which they need. but generates no revenue. Mr. Gurban stated that fitness centers are a good facility to consider because of the revenues. Fitness centers do not require the staff that a community center or a pool requires. Mr. Gurban also discussed the trend away from small neighborhood parks because of the fact they are very maintenance-intensive and provide benefit to so few residents. The Commissioners discussed having Mr. Gurban set up meetings with a few communities which have developed a separate park or park/recreation department. Mr. Gurban will be providing job descriptions for park directors from other cities, and set up meetings with representatives from some cities. He suggested scheduling these meetings during the State Conference in St. Cloud, November 6, 7 and 8, 2000. 10.A.2. Sara Zimmer Reauest . Mr. Roland Ring-Jarvi of the Nordic Ski Club reviewed the 2000-2001 schedule for the Commissioners. He noted that all races are contingent upon there being enough snow. This schedule will be presented for approval at the October or November Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Mr. Ring-Jarvi also presented a request by Sara Zimmer of the Gitchi Gummi Sport Association in Duluth, Minnesota. Ms. Zimmer asks that the Commission consider their request for a two-day dry land training clinic at Woodland Trails Park. The group would use an approximately V:z to 1 mile section of the bituminous trail. The first day they would be roller skiing and the second day would be on foot, using a portion of the trail and an open area. Students from Elk River. Coon Rapids, Anoka, Blaine, Roseville and other cities would be participating. Mr. Ring-Jarvi stated that he did not feel the event would interfere with the use of the park by the general public. Commissioner Westrum expressed his concern that eventually they may have to put some type of control on the number of requests they can accommodate. The Commissioners also discussed the possibility of charging a fee for groups to use the trails for events or practices. Mr. Ring-Jarvi stated he was not opposed to the city charging some time of fee. He explained that the Gitchi Gummi group has limited resources, and that they conduct this event as a fundraiser to pay the salaries of their full-time staff. Commissioner Peterson asked if the groups at Woodlands are using carbide tips on their ski poles. He explained that the State is now requiring that the carbide tips be covered when using State trails. because of damage to the bituminous surfaces. . Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 5 . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he did not feel the public's use of the trails has been impaired by the practices and events at Woodlands so far. but that in the future it may be necessary to regulate the use. He felt that the Gitchi Gummi event should be posted and a map placed at the park, showing which areas they will be using. Mr. Ring-Jarvi noted that during the ski season, the senior high school posts where they will be skiing each day. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt that it would be appropriate for the Commission to consider some type of fee schedule in the future. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY SARA ZIMMER OF THE GITCHI GUMMI SPORT ASSOCIATION TO CONDUCT A TWO-DAY SKI CLINIC AT WOODLAND TRAIL ON OCTOBER 14 AND 15,2000, WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE EVENT BE POSTED AND A MAP PROVIDED AT THE PARK ENTRANCE SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THEIR EVENTS. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. Mr. Ring-Jarvi complemented the Commission on the Woodland Trails facility and suggested that they consider adding lighting and a shelter in the future. 10.A.3. River City Snow Riders Trail Sianaae . Mr. Greg Strommen, Trail Coordinator, and Lance Erickson, President of the River City Snow Riders were present to review the signs which are proposed to be located at Orono Park and at the corner of Jackson and Highway 169. Mr. Strommen explained that the signs will be 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide and will serve to provide information and maps to snowmobilers advising them how to get through the City of Elk River. There will be a locked, Plexiglas cover on the roofed signs to display the information. The signs will be maintained by the Club. Mr. Strommen stated that the Orono Park sign could also be used to post athletic events at the park during the summer. Ms. McPherson stated that the proposed sign location at Jackson and Highway 169 is owned by the EDA and is for sale, so the Club would need to work out placement of that sign with the City. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if the club would be required to meet the City's sign ordinance. Ms. McPherson noted that they will be required to get a sign permit and there are different regulations for the various zoning districts. She stated that staff will work with the Club to meet their needs. Commissioner Dana Anderson expressed his support for the Club I s work to promote safe snowmobiling routes through the city. Commissioner Peterson asked if parking was needed at the Jackson & Highway 169 site. Mr. Lance Erickson explained that the location is not a trail head; it is being placed there as a "heads up" to snowmobilers that they are welcome to travel through the city and to show them how. . Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 6 . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE TRAIL SIGNAGE PROPOSED BY THE RIVER CITY SNOW RIDERS CLUB, AND, THAT THE CLUB WORK WITH STAFF TO OBTAIN THE PROPER PERMITS. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 1 0.C.1. Discuss Placement of Water Tower in Hillside City Park Mr. Bryan Adams, General Manager of Elk River Municipal Utilities, was present to discuss the possible location of a water tower in Hillside City Park. He explained how the site was chosen and why others were eliminated. Mr. Adams further explained that they are also looking for a well site, but that the Hillside City Park will not be considered, since it was formerly used as a dump. Ms. McPherson explained that the existing driveway to adjacent residential properties would be relocated and that the tower would be placed closer to the road than was originally discussed. Staff feels that this location would less of an impact on the park. Commissioner Reitsma asked why the water tower was not located in Trout Brook Farms. Mr. Adams stated that, ideally. the tower needs to be located as far east as possible. He explained the tower needs to be completed by 2002, when the Hillside Estates Tower will be taken out of service for painting. . Chair Kuester asked Mr. Adams if leasing the land from the city has been considered. Mr. Adams stated that due to the large investment in constructing a water tower ($1.5 million). the Municipal Utilities would prefer to own the property. Phil Hals asked how tall the water tower would be. Mr. Adams stated that it would be approximately the same height as the Hillside Estates tower, which is 150-160 feet. He noted that the Gary Street tower is 120 feet. Commissioner Huberty stated that she felt other locations should be explored before making a decision on the Hillside City Park site. Mr. Adams stated that they have determined that the tower needs to be located somewhere along County Road 12, and that the possibilities are severely limited. He noted that they also need to be near Trout Brook Farms in order to tap into the trunk water system. Chair Kuester asked how much land would be needed. Mr. Adams stated that one acre would be needed, in order to provide the necessary staging area for construction of the tower. Commissioner Reitsma asked if the corner piece created by moving the driveway would be enough land. Mr. Adams stated that it would be adequate. Chair Kuester concluded the discussion by stating that the Commission would like the Municipal Utilities to further research other available sites. and to formulate some type of proposal for a purchase price or lease option. . Commissioner Dana Anderson asked if plans for the mountain bike trails would be impacted by the relocation of the driveway. Steve Wensman stated that they have been informed of these discussions and no trails are proposed for this area. Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 7 . Commissioner Reitsma stated that he feels the water tower should be located in Trout Brook Farms since that development is the reason another water tower is needed. Mr. Adams stated that a tower has been proposed in the eastern area for some time, but it has been moved up on the schedule due the number of new developments in the area. 10.B.2. Meadowwoods Villaae - Case No. P 00-13 Ms. McPherson reviewed the August 9th Park and Recreation Commission discussion of the Meadowwoods Village park dedication. At that meeting, staff recommended cash dedication for the 27 lots. The Commission provided staff direction that five acres of land in the northeast corner of the site would be preferred, as well as a trail easement along County Road 1, with no trail construction south of the 209th Avenue alignment at this time. Steve Wensman reviewed a park concept he had done for the site, based on the Commissioner's direction at the last meeting. Commissioner Reitsma stated he did not think it was a good idea to have a park in this development and felt the Commission should ask for a cash dedication. . Commissioner Sladek asked if there would be any odor in the park from the community septic system. Ms. McPherson stated that the septic system will be designed as a North American Wetland System where the liquids run into a wetland and are digested by bacteria. Steve Wensman noted that the Lake Elmo cluster subdivision has this type of system and he is not aware of any odor problems associated with the system. Chair Kuester stated that he recalled the Commission, at the last meeting, settled on a park for this plat which would have a more active use and have a connection to Windsor Park, which will be more of a passive use park. Commissioner Reitsma reiterated his desire for recommending a cash dedication. Commissioner Westrum stated he would like to see a connection to Windsor Park, but he has reservations about the septic system odor affecting the use of the park. Commissioner Westrum asked how many homes will be in the development. Ms. McPherson stated that there will be 69 homes between the two developments. She noted that there is the potential for future park land becoming available to consider, as the surrounding properties develop. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that when the Commission last reviewed the Master Park Plan, they envisioned a bike trail eventually going all the way up to the northern border of Elk River. The Commissioners discussed the value of providing a park in this development. since the open space will be preserved forever anyway. . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ACCEPT CASH PARK DEDICATION FOR THE MEADOWWOODS VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, INCLUDING A PUBLIC TRAIL EASEMENT GRANTED ADJACENT TO COUNTY ROAD NO.1, COMMISSIONER PETERSON Park & Recreation Minutes September 13, 2000 Page 8 . SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-1. Commissioner Huberty opposed. 10.B.3. Meadow Park 2nd Addition - Case No. P 00-15 Michele McPherson stated that Urista Real Estate, LLC wishes to replat Outlot A, Meadow Park 1 sl Addition, into Lot 1, Block 1, Meadow Park 2nd Addition. This parcel is located on the south side of Main Street west of Dr. Johnson's former clinic. The property is currently vacant and is approximately.6 acres in size. Staff recommends that the Commission accept park dedication for commercial property in the form of cash. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO ACCEPT PARK DEDICATION FOR MEADOW PARK 2ND ADDITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,803.30. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 10.BA. Houles Addition - Case No. P 00-16 Elk River Muffler & Brake requests preliminary plat approval to replat a single lot located at 171 sl A venue and Ulysses Street NW for construction of an auto repair facility. Staff recommends accepting cash dedication for the 1.64 acre commercial property. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ACCEPT PARK DEDICATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,280.00 FOR HOULES ADDITION, CASE NO. P 00-16. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. . 1O.C.3. Draft 10-Year CIP Budaet Revised Michele McPherson asked that the Commission review the draft 10-Year CIP Budget and discuss any issues they have at this time. She noted that the CIP budget will be discussed at the Park & Recreation Commission retreat in January, 2001. 10.C.2. Land Acauisition Prioritization The Commissioners asked that the Dickenson property adjacent to Gagne Park and the St. Louis Park Gun Club be added to the list. This item will be discussed at the November 151h Park and Recreation Commissioner meeting. 11. Information/Uodate Items (No discussion or oresentation on these items) a. Charest Property b. Park Dedication Fund Balance 11. Uodate on 8/21/00 City Council Meetina Commissioner Sladek stated that he attended the August 21,2000 City Council meeting, but there were no park-related issues. . Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 9 . 12. Uodate on 8/22/00 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Dave Anderson provided an update on the August 22, 2000 Planning Commission meeting. 13. Other Business Commissioner Dave Anderson presented information regarding a hand-held portable seed stripper which could be used for harvesting prairie grass and flower seeds. He felt that purchasing the seed stripper would save the City money. He stated that the following options were available: A. City would purchase the seed stripper and it would be used by staff and volunteers that know how to operate it. B. Volunteers could purchase the stripper, gather the seed and sell it back to the City. C. A combination of Options A and B Commissioner Westrum asked how long it would take to recoup the cost of the seed stripper. Commissioner Anderson felt that 1f2 of the seed they need would be gathered with the seed stripper. and the other 1f2 would still need to be purchased for variety. He felt the cost of the equipment would be paid back in two years. . Phil Hals stated that the recommendation will go to the City Council for approval of the purchase from the equipment reserves, since his budget is spent. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A PORTABLE SEED STRIPPER AT A TOTAL COST OF $895.00 (INCLUDING SHIPPING). COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-1. Chair Kuester opposed. 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Wk'cd~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary .