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01-10-2001 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10,2001 Members Present: Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dave Anderson, Huberty, Peterson, Reitsma and Sladek Members Absent: Dana Anderson Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, 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 111 0/01 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 10,2001, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 12/13/00 Park & Recreation Commission Meetinq COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 13, 2001, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend January 2001 Planning Commission and City Council Meetings a. 1116/01 City Council Meetina Commissioner Peterson will attend the January 16,2001 City Council meeting. b. 1/23/01 Planning Commission Meetina Commissioner Huberty will attend the January 23,2001 Planning Commission meeting. 5. ODen Mike No one appeared for this item. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10.2001 Page 2 . 6. Hearinas/Neiahborhood Discussions - None 7. Area Recreation Update Michele McPherson reviewed the Area Recreation update provided by Michele Bergh on the following issues: . Warming house/ice rinks . Winter/Spring 2001 brochure and programming . Emporium . Updated registration software . Open gyms · Intramural basketball . Summer programming 8. Park Development Proaress Report - Phil Hals Phil Hals provided an update on December park activities as follows: The City's four ice rinks are up and running and usage has been good. The Lions Park and Handke rinks have the heaviest usage, with the Gary Street site having the least usage due to problems in maintaining good ice. The Lake Orono site has good quality ice and is being used for recreational skating. . Phil Hals presented a prototype park bench constructed by his staff. The planking material is a deck material made of plastic with wood fibers added. He noted that the spacing meets safety requirements and they are working on plugs for the cut ends of the planking. Mr. Hals explained that the benches cost approximately $50 to make, compared to $279-$400 for ready-made. The benches will be placed in the parks on concrete slabs and will be bolted down. Mr. Hals noted that his staff has done some strength testing and they feel the material is satisfactory. He stated that they will need approximately 20 benches this year for placement in various parks including Lions, Country Crossing 3rd. Trott Brook Farms and Ridgewood East Park. Commissioner Reitsma suggested placing some of the park benches in downtown locations such by the gazebo, and the Mississippi River by 1 sl National Bank, Nadeau's, and the Bank of Elk River. Phil Hals stated that they would have to check with the property owners for some of the locations he mentioned, since they would be on private property. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if staff fabricated the frames. Mr. Hals stated that his crew made the frames and painted them with black enamel paint. Commissioner Huberty asked if they would be removing the scrub trees in Country Crossing 3rd Park. Mr. Hals stated that Steve Wensman has marked the undesirable species for removal. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that the tree removal will help open up some areas in order for the prairie to grow. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10,2001 Page 3 . 9.B.1. Fox Haven, Case No P 01-01 Michele McPherson reviewed the request by Dynamics Design and Land Company and Thomas Hartman for preliminary plat approval of Fox Haven, a 21- lot single family residential development. The property is 24.3 acres in size and is located north of 185th Avenue, between the Joplin and Naples Street alignments. Ms. McPherson reviewed the amenities proposed for this development, which include a private sidewalk around the interior road, location of the storm water retention pond in the center of the looped road, and boat slips available to the residents located on Outlot D. Staff recommends cash dedication, due to the close proximity of Riverplace Park, and the possibility of additional land being available in the future which is adjacent to this park. Commissioner Huberty asked if the plat includes the islands to the north. Ms. McPherson stated that these islands will be retained by Mr. Hartman as part the lot on which his existing home is located. Commissioner Reitsma questioned if Outlot D will have an access to the river. Jim Brown, representing Dynamics Design and Land Co., explained that Outlot D will be privately owned and maintained by the Homeowner's Association. The Association will be allowed six boat slips, per the DNR Shoreline Ordinance and offered to the first six homeowner's who wish to purchase them. All the residents of Fox Haven will have access to Outlot D as a recreational area. . Commissioner Huberty as if there would be a trail on 185th. Ms. McPherson stated that there would be a sidewalk on the south side of 185th and one on the west side of Joplin. Jim Brown of Dynamics stated that the sidewalks could be used by the public if they are constructed in the right-of-way. Since the lots average 25,000 square feet in size, a park was not needed for this development, and also since the residents would have use of Outlot D. He noted that the two lots shown the southwest corner of the plat will not be platted. Phil Hals asked who would retain ownership of the outlots. Ms. McPherson stated that the Homeowner's Association would own and maintain the outlots. Commissioner Anderson felt the area where Outlot D is located would make a good neighborhood public park. Commissioner Huberty questioned if there was any possibility the island could be acquired. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that the island was too marsh-like to be of use as a park. Commissioner Reitsma stated he did not feel that a park was appropriate for this development, since there are no trail connections and because of its location, it would have little public use. Commissioner Sladek agreed with Commissioner Reitsma. . Commissioner Peterson stated that the Commission has discussed obtaining an access point along the river for a canoe rest stop, however, he agreed with Commissioner Reitsma that there are problems with this site. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10,2001 Page 4 . Mr. Hals stated that he felt it would be difficult to create a decent-sized park in this development. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that there may be an opportunity for additional park land next to Riverplace Park in the future. if it develops. Ms. McPherson stated that the Gagne and Wapiti Park are also areas to look at in the future. Chair Kuester stated that he did not see the Fox Haven plat as an opportunity for park land and supported a cash dedication. Commissioner Huberty asked if it would be possible for canoeists to use the Outlot D site as a place to stop and rest. Mr. Brown stated that the Hartman's and Dynamics would not wish the area to be open to the public. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he has canoed the river and that there is such a small number of people that do canoe it, he did not see a need for a stop at this location. given the close proximity of Lake Orono. Commissioner Peterson asked if the islands would make a better stop. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that the islands are low. covered with brush, and they are soft and mushy. . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION FOR THE FOX HAVEN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-2. Commissioners Huberty and Dave Anderson opposed. 9.B.2. Ridaes of Rice Lake, Case No. P 01-02 Ms. McPherson explained that after concept discussion with the Commission, the applicant is proposing a land dedication of 27 acres for their consideration (Outlot D). The City would enter into a life estate with Mr. Dick Thompson which would allow him to continue farming until his death. In addition. the developer is proposing to grant a public trail easement along the north side of 22151 Avenue to construct a trail in the future. No area-wide parks have been identified for this area, however. a trail could potentially connect this park to the railroad trail. She explained that it is also proposed to give the City fee title to a 50 foot wide strip off of 222nd A venue to provide a secondary access to the park. Mr. Jim Brown noted that an additional trail easement is proposed parallel to 22151 behind the right-of-way. Discussion followed regarding the amount of right-of- way which may be necessary in order to provide enough space for the trail. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he was certain the road would be paved. with 70 homes going in. Mr. Brown stated that Mr. Thompson will continue to farm the open space and he would like the area to retain its rural atmosphere. He added that Mr. Thompson has asked that the homes not be visible from the road. . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that if it were possible for the City to purchase a portion of Outlot C. the size of the park could be increased to provide both an active area and a natural area. He felt that a trail connection along Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10.2001 Page 5 . 222nd would make a nice connection from the park. Ms. McPherson explained that a trail is proposed along the south of Outlot D and suggested a trail along the street loop back down to the park along the east. Mr. Brown stated that the developer is willing to work with the City on the trails. Commissioner Reitsma recommended that the Commission accept the acreage, with the option to purchase additional property from Outlot C. Discussion followed regarding the location of the septic system. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he would not recommend a park located near the septic system. Mr. Brown explained how the septic system would be laid out and monitored. He did not feel the septic system would have any impact on the park. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND ACCEPTANCE OF THE 27 ACRES OF PARK LAND DEDICATION FOR RIDGES OF RICE LAKE, INCLUDING THE RIGHT OF WAY IN OUTLOT C FOR ACCESS FOR A TRAIL, AND THAT THE DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT INCLUDE A PUBLIC ACCESS (TRAIL) IN THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC USE OF THE NATURAL AREAS FOR HIKING. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-1. Commissioner Reitsma opposed. 9.B.3. Twin Lake Townhomes 2nd Addition. Case NO. P 01-04 . Ms. McPherson explained that Twin Lake Townhomes 2nd Addition is a continuation of the first addition which consisted of 30 single family detached townhome units. The second addition will plat 46 twin home units. She noted that in earlier discussions, the Commission agreed to accept cash for park dedication. A public trail corridor was also proposed for the gas main easement. After speaking with Northern Natural Gas, a trail will not be possible, since the trail to be 12 feet from any high pressure gas main. Commissioner Huberty asked if there would be a trail on Twin Lakes Road. Ms. McPherson sated that there will be a trail on both sides, but that the trail ends southwest of this plat. Ms. McPherson stated that there may be an opportunity to work with the County on the trail issue in the future. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND CASH DEDICATION FOR THE TWIN LAKE TOWN HOMES 2ND ADDITION PLAT. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.B.4. Milt Tuttle Administrative Subdivision, Case No. AS 01-01 Ms. McPherson explained that Milton Tuttle is requesting an administrative subdivision to create two new buildable lots on the subject property located at the intersection of County Roads 33 and 1. Staff recommends cash dedication in the amount of $2,940 ($1470 x 2 units). . COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION OF $2,940 FOR THE MILTON TUTTLE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION, CASE NO. AS 01-01. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10.2001 Page 6 . 9.CA. Discuss Snowmobile Abuse of Trails Lori Collins, representing the River City Snow Riders Snowmobile Club, discussed recent activities of the Club to educate the public on snowmobiling laws in the City. She noted that an article from the Police Chief regarding snowmobiling was published in 3 local newspapers. She stated that the Club met with Police Department representatives and Park & Recreation Commission representatives to discuss illegal snowmobiling on City trails. Ms. Collins explained that the Police Chief has asked for the Club's assistance by having two members ride with each of the two groups of law enforcement officers when they are out on enforcement patrol. Currently, the Club has been monitoring the City trails and calling in on violators. They have also been busy putting out signs. The Police Chief has stated that they will try to get officers out patrolling the trails as soon as possible after a snowfall. Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed photos he had taken of snowmobiles being ridden on City trails and trail damage that has recently occurred. Commissioner Huberty asked what the cost was to repair the trails. Phil Hals stated that the cost to resurface the trails is approximately $5,000 per mile, and that micro-surfacing is approximately $10,000 per mile. . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he has observed more damage done on the trails during the 3-day New Year's weekend than was done in the past 3 years. He commended the Snowmobile Club for doing an incredible job. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that it is difficult for police officers to get out on the trails after a snowfall because they are so busy with road accidents. He explained that Assistant Chief Beahen is trying to work with the judicial system to simplify the process for snowmobiling violations so that it doesn't tie up so much of the officers time doing the paperwork. Commissioner Anderson stated that he would like to see some type of action taken to address the trail damage, beyond what is in the current City Ordinance. He stated that if snowmobiles are only allowed to run on designated trails, they will then understand that they cannot ride where ever they choose. Commissioner Reitsma asked where they are allowed to ride now. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that the current ordinance allows them to ride in City streets; not on the boulevard, not on the sidewalks, and not on private property. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt that it was too dangerous to ride on the streets. He asked how close the Snowmobile Club was to getting their trail through the City. Ms. McPherson explained that they are still need signatures from two property owners to complete the last piece of the trail. Chair Kuester stated that he felt the City needs to be more proactive in helping to secure the trail. . Ms. McPherson asked if it would be possible to not plow certain sections of the City trail and let the snowmobiles use it. like the Street Department is currently doing on a portion of the Jackson Street trail. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that it would not be a problem if the snowmobiles did not use studded tracks. He also felt there would be a problem maintaining snow on the trails. Ms. Collins explained that the Street Department has been able to maintain snow on the Jackson Avenue trail for the snowmobilers to use, by deliberately plowing - Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10.2001 Page 7 , snow onto the trail from the street. Commissioner Reitsma agreed that the snowmobiles would run down the snow, unless snow was continuously put back on it to maintain it. Phil Hals stated that there are some areas in the City where there is simply no way to get from "Point A" to "Point B". He stated that if snowmobiles were allowed on certain trails, the most critical areas to maintain are starting and stopping points, which is where most of the damage occurs. Commissioner Sladek asked how much damage has been on the Jackson A venue trail. Mr. Hals stated that he would not know until the snow melts, which would likely be in April. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT SNOWMOBILES BE BANNED FROM RIDING IN THE URBAN SERVICE AREA, EXCEPT FOR DESIGNATED MAIN EAST-WEST AND NORTH-SOUTH TRAIL. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Ms. McPherson stated that the Club is still missing a link on the Babinski site and also a piece by the railroad track, in order to complete the trail. , Chair Kuester stated that he felt that if the Commission is going to make a recommendation to ban snowmobiles, he felt that detailed findings must be provided to the City Council. Commissioner Reitsma suggested that his motion could be amended to specify the ban to begin next winter. Commissioner Dave Anderson agreed that more preparation is needed before the recommendation is presented to the City Council. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he was in favor of making a recommendation to the Council now. Ms. McPherson stated that there are other cities such as Otsego, that are looking at a possible ban on snowmobiles. She noted that Otsego has designated a 1 6- member task force to study the issue. She suggested that there may be other options to look at before making a decision. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated he did not feel it would be possible to keep snow on the trails, because of the heavy use by snowmobilers. Commissioner Huberty stated that she did not feel it is fair to the taxpayers to ask them to pay for damage to the trails. She felt that there are many more taxpayers who use the trails for hiking and biking, compared to the number of snowmobilers. She felt it was important to present the Council with information regarding the costs to repair trails, as well as enforcement costs. , Commissioner Reitsma felt that the snowmobilers would be accommodated, if there were one east-west trail and a north-south trail. He did not feel there would be a real effort to establish these designated trails unless a ban were in place. Mr. Hals stated that the Snowmobile Club members have probably put in 1,000 hours, trying to obtain the trail. Mr. Hals stated that the $5,000 per mile cost to repair trails is not per year, rather for a five or ten year period. He noted that plowing snow onto the trails does cause some damage to the trail, but there also are cost savings by not plowing the trails. He felt there are more issues to take I Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10,2001 Page 9 . 9.C.1. Review/Aoorove Trail Construction Standards Michele McPherson asked the Commission to review the trail construction standards for bituminous off-street trails as presented in their packets and make a recommendation. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he would like a minimum width established for seeding the trail sides. Mr. Hals stated that it would be difficult to set a minimum, since there are many variables involved. He stated that the standards specify that all areas which are disrupted are to be seeded. Commissioner Anderson asked that staff find out if the 50A seed mixture contains any grass and if not. he felt it was important to include it in the mixture. Commissioner Dave Anderson questioned if the amount of concrete shown in the standards was necessary, when in some cases, asphalt would be adequate. Commissioner Dave Anderson will provide details for his suggestions. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO APPROVE THE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS PROVIDED BY STAFF IN THE REPORT TO THE COMMISSION DATED JANUARY 10,2001, WITH MINOR DETAIL CHANGES PROPOSED BY COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON INCLUDING ADDING GRASS SEED TO THE SEED MIXTURE STANDARD. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . Commissioner Reitsma stated that snowmobilers are using the new 10 foot wide paved trail which was recently constructed along Tyler Street. Staff will investigate the issue. 9.C.2. Discuss Schoolview Trail Phil Hals explained that he would like the Commission to consider their options for a pedestrian trail connection between Schoolview Addition and the Elk River Ice Arena and Elk River High School. He stated that the City owns right-of-way for a trail but a formal trail has not been designated. He explained that the Commission met with the residents in June of 1999. During this discussion, a number of residents expressed their concerns regarding students using the trail, while other residents wanted to see the trail left in place as a safe route for their children to get to school. Mr. Hals stated that if the Commission feels it would be appropriate to maintain this trail connection, he would like to invite the residents who live on 190th Circle to a future meeting to discuss their recommendation. Mr. Hals stated that a bituminous trail could be installed, or the area could be sodded to blend in with the neighboring yards. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND INSTALLATION OF A BITUMINOUS TRAIL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SCHOOLVIEW ADDITION AND THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA AND ELK RIVER HIGH SCHOOL, AND THAT THE RESIDENTS ON THE CUL-DE-SAC BE INVITED TO A FUTURE MEETING TO DISCUSS THE RECOMMENDATION. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . . . . , Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 10, 2001 Page 10 It was the consensus of the Commissioners to limit this discussion to 20 minutes on the agenda. 9.C.3. Consider Grace Assemblv of God Park Land Offer Michele McPherson reviewed the offer from Grace Assembly of God Church for 10 acres of land for sale. The property is located adjacent to Royal Oaks Ridge and could be combined with additional land, should the property to the north be developed. Ms. McPherson noted that the area to be acquired would need to be negotiated with the church. She also discussed the location of nearby developments and possible trail connections. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH TO ACQUIRE UP TO 10 ACRES OF PARK LAND, AND THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HAVE INPUT AS TO WHERE THE 10 ACRES OF LAND IS LOCATED ON THE PARCEL. CHAIR KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 10. Information/Uodate Items This information was presented to the Commissioners in their packets. No action was required. 1. Park Dedication Fund Balance 2. Community Recreation Update 3. River City Snow Riders Newsletter 4. Letter to Rollie Ring-Jarvi 11. Uodate on 12/16/2000 City Council Meetina Michele McPherson stated that there were no park issues on the December 16, 2000 City Council meeting agenda. 12. Uodate on 12/27100 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Peterson gave an update on the December 27,2000 Planning Commission meeting. 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10: 12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary