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10-11-2000 PR MIN . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11,2000 Members Present: Commissioners Dana Anderson. Dave Anderson, Huberty, Sladek, Reitsma and Westrum. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7: 1 0 pm. Chair Kuester arrived at 7:36 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent: Debbie Huebner. Recording Secretary 1. Call Meetina To Order Due to the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Commissioner Huberty was appointed Acting Chair. 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 Acting Chair Huberty. . 2. Consider 10/11/00 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 11,2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: ITEM 13. - OTHER BUSINESS - COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON ITEMS REGARDING ERY AC ITEM 10. -INFORMATIONAL UPDATE - COMMISSIONER REITSMA ITEM REGARDING THE GUN RANGE COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 9/13/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend October Plannina Commission and Citv Council Meetinas a. 10/16/00 City Council Meetina . Commissioner Reitsma will attend the October 16, 2000, City Council meeting. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11, 2000 Page 2 . b. 10/24/00 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Kuester will attend the October 24, 2000 Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 6. Hearinas/Neiahborhood Discussions - None 7. Area Recreation Update Michele McPherson reviewed the update submitted by Michele Bergh. 8. Park Development Proaress Report Phil Hals reviewed park projects completed in the past month: . . Blacktopping of the basketball court in Country Crossings 3rd Park was completed. The location of the benches was changed in order to keep the biking loop around the structures clear. . The trail connection linking Proctor to County Road No. 1 has been paved. . The trail head in Greenhead Acres 3rd has been moved as previously recommended. . Concrete work was completed at the ice arena; trees were also planted. . The replacement part for the spring animal at the Lions Park Tot Lot has been received and will be installed in the near future. 9.A.1. Biathlon Fall Festival Gary Gadacz representing the Minnesota Biathlon group, distributed information regarding the proposed Biathlon Fall Festival to be held October 19th through the 22nd at Woodland Trails Park. Mr. Gadacz explained that races will be held on the 19th, 21 st and 22nd, with training for small groups of athletes on the 20th. Commissioner Peterson arrived at this time (7:10 p.m.) . Commissioner Reitsma asked how the range in supervised. Mr. Gadacz stated that there will be a minimum of 12 range officials scoring and maintaining safety standards during the race. He explained that the athletes will walk on the course, pick up their rifles at a check point, shoot at targets backed by a berm, and return them to special gun ranks. Spectators will be kept back away from the rifle range. Commissioner Reitsma asked where the shells would go if they were shot over the berm and how far they could travel. Mr. Gadacz explained that it would be highly unlikely that any shells would go over the berm and that the gravel pit was located behind the berm. Commissioner Dave Anderson noted that the athletes are lying on their stomachs on the ground when they are shooting and they would have to shoot almost straight up for a shot to go over the berm. Commissioner Reitsma asked if there was a baffle on the top of the backstop. Mr. Gadacz stated that there was no baffle. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 3 . COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINNESOTA BIATHLON FALL FESTIVAL EVENT TO BE HELD IN WOODLAND TRAILS PARK, OCTOBER 19 THROUGH OCTOBER 22, 2000, UNDER THE TERMS LISTED IN THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE GROUP REGARDING POSTING OF THE EVENT, CAUTIONARY SIGNAGE AND SUPERVISION OF THE RIFLE RANGE. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Commissioner Dave Anderson noted that the Biathlon Festival will have a significant impact on the park, and that signs and cones will need to be placed. Michele McPherson stated that she will try to put an article in the City's newsletter. The Current, to notify citizens of the event. Also, she will be in contact with the coach bye-mail to ensure that the required safety precautions are taken. 9.A.2. Woodland Loppet. January 14,2001 Ms. Darlene Nichols, Vice Chair of the Woodlands Loppet. was present to request use of Woodland Trails and Park on January 14,2001, for the Woodlands Loppet. sponsored by the Nordic Ski Club. Ms. Nichols stated that the race will begin at noon, starting at Meadowvale School. and will run till approximately 2:30 p.m. There will be a 15k race and a 30k race. She noted that the trails will still be available for park users during the event. . COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY DIANE NICHOLS FOR THE WOODLANDS LOPPET TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 14,2001, FROM NOON TO 2:30 P.M., WEATHER PERMlnlNG, AND THAT PROPER CAUTIONARY SIGNAGE BE PLACED, AS NECESSARY. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.A.3. Cross Country Ski Schedule - 2000-2001 This item was noted for the Commission's information; no action was required. 9.AA. Snowmobile Trail Recommendation Mr. Erickson and Mr. Strommen were present. representing the River City Snow Riders Club. They stated that they are interested in protecting the interests of the law-abiding snowmobilers who wish to move through the city, not the few "renegades" who have no regard for the law. Jeff Beahen, Assistant Police Chief. explained that the City of Elk River is unique in that it has a significant amount of undeveloped area. Therefore, it seems reasonable to continue allowing snowmobiling until it becomes a problem. He stated that the Police Department only has two snowmobiles for enforcement. Mr. Beahen explained that snowmobiles are dispatched in pairs for safety reasons, so the amount of enforcement coverage they can provide is limited. He noted that they hope to be adding GPS for navigational purposes in the near future. Mr. Beahen noted that a section of the sidewalk along Jackson was signed last year for snowmobiling to provide a safer route for snowmobiles. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 4 . Ms. McPherson stated that she felt the issue is enforcement and education. She noted that staff will work with the newspaper to get the word out on where snowmobiling is allowed. Commissioner Huberty asked the club members if having to trailer a snowmobile to a trail head was an issue, rather than being able to snowmobile right from their property. Mr. Erickson stated that if he had to trailer his snowmobile, he would not take it to a trail head two blocks away; he would go "up north" instead. The Commissioners discussed fines and possible confiscation of snowmobiles for violators riding on city trails. Mr. Beahen stated that the City has the right to charge up to a $700 fine, but he did not know if the County judges would enforce it. He also did not feel that the law would allow the city to confiscate snowmobiles of violators. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that the City provide the posts for the signs to be posted by the club. He also suggested posting the trail at County Road No. 33 heading south and all snowmobile access points on the paved trails. He felt there needs to be a significant number of signs in order to be effective. Commissioner Anderson was not sure snowmobiles should be allowed on County Road # 1 in the area by Meadowvale School since there is no way for them to get from Meadowvale to the snowmobile trail. . Mr. Strommen of the snowmobile club stated that some of their members had questions on the urban service area and did not understand where it begins and ends. He stated that they would like to work with city staff on clarifying the ordinance. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TEN ITEMS PROPOSED BY THE RIVER CITY SNOW RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB, WHICH INCLUDES THE CLUB WORKING WITH CITY STAFF TO CLARIFY THE SNOWMOBILE ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Commissioner Westrum suggested that the "no motorized vehicles" signs include the "fine of up to $700" information. The Commissioners also felt the information should be published in the Star News. Chair Kuester arrived at this time (7:36 p.m.) 9.C.l. Park Deoartment Discussion Michele McPherson stated that she would like input from the Commission on how they would like to proceed with the park department development issue. . Chair Kuester suggested that as a first order, a subcommittee be formed. Chair Kuester and Commissioners Sladek, Huberty, Westrum and Dana Anderson volunteered to serve on the subcommittee. The subcommittee will meet prior to the November 8th Park and Recreation Commission meeting to develop a task list. Also, members of the subcommittee will plan to attend the State Conference in St. Cloud and possibly meet with representatives of Champlin. The Commissioners Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 5 . were in agreement that visits to other cities such as Woodbury, Farmington and Hastings would be helpful. 9.C.2. Discuss Placement of Water Tower in Hillside City Park Michele McPherson reviewed the six possible sites for location of a water tower in eastern Elk River off County Road 12, described in her report to the Commission dated October 6, 2000. Staff recommends approval of site #5, the Trott Brook Park location. Two conditions are included in the recommendation; 1) that the utilities pay $10,000 to the Park Dedication Fund (or whatever amount the Commission feels is appropriate), and 2) the utilities install the trails in this portion of the development as part of the tower construction. Ms. McPherson stated that Bryan Adams, General Manager of Elk River Utilities, recommends site #3, the Hillside City Park location. . Bryan Adams explained that his main concern with the Trott Brook Park location was the potential for graffiti. He explained that graffiti is very costly because the entire lower portion of the tower needs to be repainted if it is damaged, at a cost of $40,000-$50,000. He noted that he has since spoken with Phil Hals, and he does not feel as strongly that graffiti will be a problem. Mr. Adams stated that if grafatti does become a problem, a fence will be constructed around the tower. Mr. Adams stated that since the topography is higher in the Hillside City park location, the tower would be shorter than if it were built in Trott Brook Park (184 ft. high tower). He explained that no antennas will be allowed on the tower and that there would be no problem with keeping park maintenance equipment in the storage area at the base of the tower. Commissioner Westrum questioned why site #4 (northeast corner of Trott Brook Park)is not being recommended. Ms. McPherson stated that there would be a significant impact on the Park because of the fact that most of the trees on the knoll would need to be taken out. Commissioner Sladek asked how much area is needed for the staging area. Mr. Adams stated that a little more than 1 acre would be needed. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if placing the tower in the wetlands on an "island" was a possibility. Mr. Adams stated that the soils would not support the tower. Commissioner Huberty asked if it would be possible for the Utilities to purchase 3 residential lots for placement of the tower in order not to impact the park. Ms. McPherson stated that the cost would be too prohibitive (3 times $40,000 per lot = $120,000). Commissioner Reitsma stated asked why only $10,000 is being recommended for park dedication, if it would have cost the Utilities $120,000 to purchase three lots. . Chair Kuester asked if there was adequate room for a road to get to the well site at Woodland Trails Park for maintenance from the north, when the property develops. Mr. Adams stated that there is adequate space. The Commissioners were in agreement that an alternate access for maintenance vehicles should be Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11, 2000 Page 6 . pursued. Ms. McPherson noted that staff will advise the developer of their request as early on in the process as possible. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if building this water tower will delay the need for a tower near Meadowvale School. Mr. Adams stated that it will definitely be delayed but a tower may eventually be needed there someday. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE TROTT BROOK PARK SITE (SITE #5) FOR LOCATION OF A NEW WATER TOWER, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THE UTILITIES PAY $10,000 TO THE PARK DEDICATION FUND 2. THE UTILITIES INSTALL THE TRAILS IN THIS PORTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AS PART OF THE TOWER CONSTRUCTION. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-3. Commissioners Reitsma, Dana Anderson and Huberty opposed. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt there may be problems with the soils in this location. 9.C.3. Outdoor Skating Rink Locations . Ms. McPherson reviewed the 1999 outdoor ice rink locations. She explained that Phil Hals has been researching types of liners to use at the Gary Street water tower ice rink site, to deal with the soil conditions and help maintain ice. Prices range from $1,200 to $1,800. He also was aware of a "Bentonite" type of fabric which contains clay. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if Phil Hals had information regarding the cost of flooding and maintaining the ice rinks. Mr. Hals stated that he could provide that information. Commissioner Dana felt there is a need for an outdoor area which would allow more intense hockey practice. Commissioner Sladek asked if the ice rinks are of official size. Phil Hals stated that none of the outdoor rinks are official size. Commissioner Sladek asked if pucks were allowed at any of the outdoor ice rinks. Commissioner Huberty stated that the pucks were allowed last year at the Gary Street rink, but not at the other rinks. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if it would be possible to cover the Gary site will clay. Phil Hals stated that it would be possible, but that it would create problems if there were heavy rains during the 4th of July or during the fair, since this area is used for parking during those times. . COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ICE RINK LOCATIONS ON LAKE ORONO, AT LIONS PARK, AND AT HANDKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "PIT", AND AT THE GARY STREET WATER TOWER SITE, WITH APPROVAL OF UP TO $2,000 FOR A LINER OR OTHER MATERIAL TO BE USED AT THE GARY STREET SITE TO MAINTAIN ICE. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11, 2000 Page 7 . 9.CA. Park Use Fees and Deoosit Discussion The Commissioners discussed the park user fee and deposit suggested by staff. The Commissioners generally agreed that the park user fee be revised to require a $25 for groups of 15 to 25, and $1 per person for groups over 25: and that the deposit be on sliding scale, based on the size of the group and the type of activity. 9.C.5. Park Boundary Sign Direction Discussion The Commissioners discussed whether park boundary signs should face the park or private property. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO POST PARK BOUNDARIES FACING INTO THE PRIVATE PROPERTY. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN. Commissioner Peterson stated that he felt the signs should be placed facing park property. Discussion followed regarding double-signing the signs. Phil Hals stated that if the signs were double-sided, there would be space to provide more information. He estimated the additional cost to double-side the signs would be $4. . Chair Kuester asked if only new developments would have the double-sided park boundary signs. Phil Hals stated that eventually they would all be changed to double-sided. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if all lots would be posted. Mr. Hals stated that posting the signs every 150- 160 feet works out to approximately every other lot, and all corners and directional changes would be signed. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that double-sided signs be used to post park boundaries, with a maximum distance of 150 feet between signs, and that all directional change and corner lot be posted. 9.C.6. 101 Bridae Trail Uodate Michele McPherson provided an update on this issue for the Commissioners, as provided in the staff report dated October 6, 2000. 9.C.7. Gaane Park Security Phil Hals stated that the boulders were placed this week at access points in Gagne Park to prevent ATV's from entering the park. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that Mr. Hals speak with the landowner at the trail head adjacent to the cul-de-sac regarding posting a "No Trespassing" sign on his property. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 8 . Mr. Hals noted that a boulder has also been placed in Gagne Park for the memorial plaque acknowledging the land donation to the City. 10. Information/Uodate Items Discussion on update items as follows: Commissioner Reitsma Item - Gun Club Commissioner Reitsma stated that he toured the Elk River Gun Club with Steve Wensman and George Zabee. He felt the operation is very antiquated and there are no modern facilities or security. He explained that the DNR has a First Right of Refusal if the Gun Club would consider selling the property at some point in the future. He stated that Mr. Zabee made it very clear that the Gun Club Board has decided not to deal with the DNR. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he feels there will be problems in the near future with new residents moving in so close to the club. He explained that Mr. Zabee basically told them they are not interested in talking to the City at this time and to come back in a year. Council Reoresentative on Community Recreation Board . Ms. McPherson stated that Councilmember Paul Motin has been appointed to serve on the HRA and has indicated he may be stepping down from his position on the Community Recreation Board. Councilmember Motin has suggested that a member of the Park and Recreation Commission serve on the Board. rather than a Council member. Commissioner Huberty stated that Michele Bergh, Community Recreation Manager. feels strongly that someone with some decision-making authority should serve on the Board and that is why a Council member has served in the past. Ms. McPherson will discuss this issue further with Michele Bergh and Pat Klaers, City Administrator. 11. Uodate on 9/18/00 City Council Meetina Commissioner Dave Anderson provided an update on the September 18. 2000, City Council meeting. 12. Uodate on 9/26/00 Planninq Commission Meetina Commissioner Reitsma provided an update on the September 26. 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. The Commissioners discussed their concern with Meadowwoods Plat located next to the Gun Club. 13. Other Business . Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that he has been approached by the youth baseball and softball organizations regarding contracts with vendors for exclusive use of their products in exchange for free equipment (Le., scoreboards). He questioned whether or not these groups have the authority to make such decisions. Phil Hals suggested that the City could rent advertising space on the ball field fencing to bring in revenues. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that these companies generate funds from the sale of products. not advertising. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 9 . 14. Adjournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER REITSMA 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 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, {lU:a- ~~fp~J Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary . .