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11-08-2000 PR MIN . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2000 Members Present: Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Peterson, Reitsma and Sladek. Members Absent: Commissioners Huberty and Westrum Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, Steve Wensman, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary; Michele Bergh, Community Recreation Manager 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 11/8/00 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda . COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 8, 2000, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 10/11/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 11, 2000, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend November Plannina Commission and City Council Meetings a. 11/20/00 City Council Meeting Chair Kuester will attend the November 20, 2000 City Council meeting. b. 11/28/00 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Westrum will attend the November 28, 2000 Planning Commission meeting. 5. Ooen Mike No one appeared for this item. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 8, 2000 Page 2 . 10.A.1. Adam Martin Adam Martin, student at Elk River Senior High, was present to discuss an Eagle Scout project for a prairie burn and restoration project in Woodland Trails Park. He explained that he has started the seed picking and plans to start preparing the soil in March 2001. Commissioner Dana Anderson requested that Adam Martin prepare documentation of the project. Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested that a map could be provided, showing the location of the project, which is an area adjacent to the golf course driving range. He also suggested that he contact Mike Nizolek regarding storing the prairie seed over winter. Commissioner Dave Anderson noted that the spraying with "Roundup" would be done by a certified sprayer. He asked if a burn would be done in 2002, in order to continue the project. Mr. Martin stated that a burn was planned for 2002. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO SUPPORT THE EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT PROPOSED BY ADAM MARTIN FOR WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 6. Hearinas/Neiohborhood Discussions: None 7. Area Recreation Update . Michele Bergh provided an update on Area Recreation activities as follows: . The winter brochure has been distributed. . Due to the success of the "Wiggles and Giggles" summer activity, a similar program has been added for the winter. . Volleyball and Open Gym programs are already in operation. . Staff is working on some minor revisions to the Joint Powers Agreement. . The Fiscal Agent changeover is still in progress. . The Area Recreation/Community Education brochure has been changed to a "flip over" style. . Area Recreation staff attended the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Conference and found the workshops to be very beneficial. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked what type of changes were being made in the Joint Powers Agreement. Ms. Bergh stated that a change will be made in the policy regarding notifying the members if a city wishes withdraw from the organization. She noted that the other changes are relatively minor. 8. Park Development Pro<;lress Report Phil Hals stated that park activities during the month of October have been relatively slow due to the weather. He noted that fill has been acquired for the BMX track site. . Mr. Hals stated that in checking prices of liner material for the Gary Street ice rinks site, he was quoted a price of $2,600 plus a 10% freight charge, bring the cost to approximately $1,500 each for the two rinks. He stated that an alternative would Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 8. 2000 Page 3 . be a reinforced poly material at $800 per rink. but he felt the material would likely only last one year and would need to be thrown away. Mr. Hals asked if the Commission was interested in adding a second set of hockey boards at the Gary street site. He explained that he also checked on some lightweight (110 lbs. per panel) "soft" hockey boards which fit together like puzzle pieces and have rounded edges. The advantage of this material is that it would float. making the panels easier to retrieve when the ice begins to melt. if they were used on Lake Orono. The disadvantage is the cost. which is $30.000 for an Olympic size rink and approximately $15.000 for the smaller size rinks which the City typically has (60'x120'). Mr. Hals then stated that a second set of wood hockey boards for the Gary street site would cost approximately $3.400 for the material and could be built by staff. Commissioner Peterson asked if additional lighting would need to be added. Mr. Hals stated he did not feel additional lighting would be necessary. since there are currently six light poles at the site from the 1999 season. Two rinks were established in 1999, one for recreation skating. Ms. Bergh stated that Area Recreation would be willing to schedule a second hockey rink site for practices, and felt there was definitely a demand for one. Phil Hals stated that he has two people who are interested in doing the flooding. . Commissioner Sladek asked if hockey could be set up on Lake Orono. Phil Hals stated that the problem with the lake is that it would be nearly impossible to retrieve the boards off the lake at the end of the season. He explained that since the boards freeze into the ice, they would have to wait till spring when the ice thaws to get them out and at that point. the boards would sink. He stated that the soft boards would be ideal for use on the lake, since they would float. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he would check out the hockey boards used on Lake Nokomis to see what type of material is used. The Commission reached the following consensus on these items: . The Commission will discuss the soft hockey boards option next year. . The Commission recommended that a second set of hockey boards be added at Gary Street site. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $3,500 FOR THE COST OF MATERIALS FOR A SECOND SET OF HOCKEY BOARDS TO BE PLACED AT THE GARY STREET ICE RINK SITE. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 10.B.1. Hillside 8th Addition Preliminary Plat . steve Wensman explained that Phoenix Enterprises is requesting preliminary plat approval to subdivide 62.74 acres into 111 single family lots. The developer is proposing a 3.64 acre park to be located adjacent to the power line corridor on Auburn Street. across from the existing water tower and Hillside Estates 5th Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 8, 2000 Page 4 . Addition Park. Mr. Wensman reviewed the changes which were made in the plan since the Commission's last review in February 2000. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked about the status of the outlots. Mr. Wensman explained that Outlots Band C will be acquired for the trail, and a 30 foot wide trail corridor will be acquired as part of Outlot B (power line corridor). north of 196th Avenue. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked why the trail was only 30 feet and not the entire width of the corridor as originally discussed. Ms. McPherson explained that there is no logical use for the extra width (120') and the excess will be absorbed by the adjacent lots. Discussion followed regarding the woodchip trail proposed behind the houses from 197th to the power line corridor (Outlot B). Commissioner Dana Anderson asked if the developer was being given credit toward his park dedication for the power line corridor. Mr. Wensman stated that he would not receive credit. Commissioner Peterson stated that the play structure was shown farther away from the street than on the earlier concept plan. Mr. Wensman explained that the residents attending the last public meeting stated that they wanted the playground structure located as far away from the power line as possible. . Mr. Dana Anderson asked if the amenities in Hillside 5th Park would be installed. Ms. McPherson explained that the amenities proposed for this park are identical to those proposed for Hillside 5th Park. She noted that City Council has made it clear that they would not support any development in the Hillside 5th Park at this time, and that if the Commission did not support the proposed Hillside 8th Park concept, they would need to make a decision whether or not they wanted to pursue the Hillside 5th Park issue. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked why the sidewalk is looped and makes no outside connection at the southwest corner near Dodge and 195th Avenue. Mr. Wensman stated that there is no logical connection point outside of the plat, and if it were extended, the sidewalk would come out between two commercial sites on Evans Street. Commissioner Anderson stated he was concerned that the pond shown in the park area would become larger. Mr. Wensman explained that the pond could get larger with development, but that since there was steep slope, the pond would likely become deeper and not take up any more of the park land. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT THE PROPOSED PARK FOR HILLSIDE 8TH ADDITION WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: . 1. THAT LOT 1, BLOCK 5, BE INCORPORATED INTO THE PARK. 2. THAT A PAVED TRAIL BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE POWER LINE CORRIDOR AS FAR AS 196TH LANE THAT HAS A MAXIMUM GRADE OF 8% AND SIDE SLOPES NO GREATER THAN 3:1. 3. THAT SIDEWALKS BE INCORPORATED INTO THE PLAT TO CONNECT THE PARK AND TRAILS TO THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO THE WEST. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 8, 2000 Page 5 . 4. THAT NO WETLANDS OR STORM PONDS BE ACCEPTED AS PART OF THE PARK DEDICATION. 5. THAT IMPROVEMENTS TO LAND DEDICATED FOR PARK, TRAIL AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PURPOSES INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FINISH GRADING, GROUND COVER, CONSTRUCTION OF TRAILS AND CLEARLY IDENTIFYING PARK AND TRAIL BOUNDARIES WITH CITY APPROVED MARKERS. 6. THAT IN ADDITION TO THE LAND DEDICATED FOR PARK, THE DEVELOPER PAY IN CASH THE REMAINDER OF THE REQUIRED PARK DEDICATION. 7. PARK BOUNDARY MARKERS BE INSTALLED, CLEARLY STATING PARK DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 1 a.C.l. Park Land Acauisition Prioritization Ms. McPherson and Chair Kuester conducted an exercise to prioritize possible future park properties. The following properties were determined to be the top six priorities: . 1 . Bailey Point 2. Specht Property 3. Bloomdahl Property 4. Alvertta Malstrom Property 5. (Tie) Hoebelheinrich Property and Schulze Property 6. Greys Property This list will be presented to the City Council for discussion and direction. la.C.2. Review Park Fees Trail Reimbursement Policv Ms. McPherson explained that after further review of the trail reimbursement policy, staff is proposing that the City continue using the current method, but that staff will provide a trail construction standard for the Commission's review at the December meeting. Park Facility Use Fee/Deoosit COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING FEES FOR RESERVING PARK SHELTERS FOR 2001: RESIDENT $40.00 $20.00 NON-RESIDENT $80.00 $40.00 ENCLOSED PARK SHELTERS OPEN PARK SHELTERS COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Discussion followed regarding fees for schools using Woodland Trails Park. . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he did not feel that charging a fee to the local school was unreasonable, but felt that since the City already receives I I I much more in "in kind" services from the school'lhe questioned whether it was appropriate. : Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 8, 2000 Page 6 . I I Discussion followed regarding fees for the local ~chool and non-resident schools. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT NO FEE BE CHARGED TO THE LOCAL SCHOOLS FOR USE OF ~OODLAND TRAILS, AND THAT A FEE OF $50 PER DAY BE CHARGED TO NON-RESID~NT SCHOOLS FOR PRACTICES, WITH AVAILABLE DAYS BASED ON THE AVAILABILITY POLICY ESTABLISHED IN 1999. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTI~N. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Park Dedication & Trail Fees I COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RElcOMMEND APPROVAL OF A FIVE PERCENT INCREASE IN THE PARK DEDICATION AN~ TRAIL FEE FOR 2001, INCREASING THE TOTAL FEES FROM $1,400 PER LOt TO $1,470 PER LOT, AND THAT NO INCREASE BE MADE IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND CpMMERCIAL FEES. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTlqN. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The Commissioners were in agreement that the <tleposit for non-profit and fundraising groups needs further discussion. Ms. fv1cPherson stated that the "Other Groups" and "Trail Reimbursement" item~ will be re-worked and presented at the December Park and Recreatior Commission meeting. I 10.C.3. Review 2000 Commission Actions , I i The Commissioners expressed their approval of t~e 2000 Commission Action Report. Ms. McPherson stated that the report will be updated on a continuous basis, with items being removed as they are corrrpleted. 10.CA. Review Draft Letter Re: Reoional Park Coalition i i I It was the consensus of the Commissioners to ch~nge the draft letter so that the City is asking if there is interest in forming a coalitjon, and that a meeting date can be scheduled when feedback is received. ! i . 10.C.5. Review January Retreat Date and Tentative Aa~ The Commissioners reviewed the tentative agen~a for the January 2001 retreat. A 6th item was added regarding a parks user surfey to be done by park rangers in Woodland Trails, ERY AC and Orono Park. ! The Commissioner stated that they would prefer p breakfast meeting, beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6th. The meetirg will be held at the City Hall in Conference Room A. I I 10.C.6. Review New Woodland Trails Maps and Rules/U~date on Ski Trails I I Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed the proposed updated maps and rules for Woodland Trails. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve them as presented. . . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes November 8. 2000 Page 7 11. Information/Update Items This information was presented to the Commissioners in their packets. No action was required. 1. Charest Property 2. Park Department Subcommittee Report 3. Park Dedication Fund Balance 4. 1999/2000 Ice Rink Expenditures 5. River City Snow Riders Newsletter 6. Articles of Interest 11. Update on 10/16100 City Council Meeting Commissioner Reitsma stated that there were a limited number of park issues discussed at the October 16. 2000 City Council meeting. and that staff did a good job of presenting them. 12. Update on 11/24/00 Plannina Commission Meetina The Planning Commission meeting was postponed to November 14. 2000 due to lack of a quorum. 13. Other Business Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that Wanda Thorson. Chair of the Sherburne County Railroad Trail Committee, has asked for two representatives from Elk River to serve on the committee. Ms. McPherson stated that she would place an article in The Current to solicit interested residents. Commissioners Sladek and Kuester provided information on the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association conference in St. Cloud. held November 5th - 7th in St. Cloud. 14. Adiournment There being no further business. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted. /" ""\ ""V~&U7 ~/~~~J/UL Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary