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02-14-2001 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2001 Members Present: Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Huberty, Reitsma, and Sladek. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7:05 p.m. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, 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 2/14/01 Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 14,2001, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITION: - ITEM 13. - SUBCOMMITIEE MEETING (COMMISSIONERS HUBERTY, DANA ANDERSON AND SLADEK) COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 1/6101 and 1/1 % 1 Park & Recreation Commission Meetinas COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 6, 2001 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING NOTES. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. COMMISSIONER SLADEK MOVED APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 10,2001, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend February 2001 Plannina Commission and City Council MeetinQs a. 2/20/01 City Council Meetina Commissioner Huberty will attend the February 20, 2001 City Council meeting. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14,2001 Page 2 . b. 2/27/01 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Sladek will attend the February 27,2001 Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 6. Riverolace Park - 2001 Improvements Director of Planning Michele McPherson explained that the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed and approved a park concept for Riverplace Park in 1998. At that time, the City discussed the possibility of adding to the park if and when the property to the east develops. The concept included a full basketball court, a 10 foot bituminous trail from Pascal to 186th Avenue, and a play structure. Ms. McPherson reviewed the playground design developed by Earl F. Anderson Company for Riverplace. The Riverplace park playground has been designed with three "pods", one each for the toddler play structure, swings, and the 5-12 year-old age group play structure. A six-foot wide sidewalk will surround the pods and a small shelter is proposed for the center of the area. The park concept also includes a lO'xlO' shelter, picnic tables and benches. Ms. McPherson stated that the playground structure, trail and sidewalk will be completed this year. It is hoped that the play structure installation will be completed by mid-June. She noted that the site will be graded and seeded as well. . A resident of Riverplace asked if the basketball court will be installed this year. Ms. McPherson stated that it is not likely. She explained that the entire park improvements budget is $97,000 for all the parks and the playground structure for Riverplace costs $40,000 (estimated). Chair Kuester explained that the Commission's goal is to provide improvements in one new park and upgrade one existing park each year. . A resident expressed his concern for the condition of the pond next to the park. He felt that the pond was improperly graded since the culvert is located high above the water level. The resident asked if there was anything that could be done to keep the kids out of the pond area. Ms. McPherson suggested that a heavy buffer of evergreens or other landscaping could serve as a deterrent. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that the pond's purpose is to catch sediment and that the overflow (clear water) runs out of the culvert. He stated that they could also look at planting native prairie grasses. The resident stated that the pond looks bad and that it should either be full of water or else drain completely. Chair Kuester stated that the Commission could recommend some type of vegetative barrier as suggested by staff, but the design issue would need to be referred to the City Engineer. The resident asked if trees could be planted this year. Ms. McPherson stated that it would depend on whether or not the Street/Park Superintendent, Phil Hals, could have access to a supply of trees to be moved. The resident felt that the corner of the park is an eyesore. He asked if it would be possible for the residents to flood an area of the park for skating. Also, he asked if there would be lighting for the basketball court. Ms. McPherson stated that she is not aware of any plans for lighting, but the Commission would consider the possibility if a request came in for lighting. She noted that the Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14. 2001 Page 3 . neighbors would be invited back if lighting of the basketball court was under consideration. The residents asked if there was any possibility a hockey rink could be done in the park. Ms. McPherson stated that the park is not large enough for a regulation size, but that an area could be flooded for skating. The residents present from the Riverplace subdivision expressed their support for the park improvements as presented. Ms. McPherson reviewed the playground structure addition proposed for Barrington Place Park. The structure will be ADA accessible and will include a toddler pod, in a different color than the Riverplace Park structure. The following Riverplace residents were in attendance and provided comments: Lance Voigt. 18583 Pascal Drive, Robert Olson, 18584 Pascal Drive, Mike Cross, 18587 Pascal Driver, and Gary Zierden 18585 Pascal Drive, Elk River. 7. Area Recreation UDdate Michele Bergh, Community Recreation Manager, discussed the following recreation issues: . - Look at the possibility of allowing residents to flood and maintain an area in neighborhood parks for skating. - Warming houses are scheduled to close next weekend, but they may extend another week. Lions Park and Handke are the most heavily used for skating. Ms. Bergh felt that the rink at Orono is a good idea and that the usage will grow over time. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt that the warming house attendants could be shoveling snow when they are not busy. - Ms. Bergh stated that they have not received payment from a group which reserved the ski trails at Woodlands. She noted that they have been seen out at the trails without making a reservation, as well. It was the consensus of the Commission to deny the group access to the trails until they pay the outstanding fees. - Community Recreation is busy working on summer programs. They hope to get T-ball organized early this year. All programs that were run last year will be run this year, with the addition of two adult classes. They are looking at adding a "day camp" which would include some type of high adventure activity. Also being considered is a one day recreation/education event at Woodland Trails Park. Ms. Bergh stated that a shelter is needed at this location. A canopy has been purchased that could be used in the interim. Commissioner Huberty suggested that they reserve a portion of Meadowvale School to base their activity and go to Woodlands from that location. Ms. Bergh stated that there would be a fee for using the school. - Ms. Bergh reported that their new software is working great. - The skating academy will be conducting "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" show this year. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14. 200 1 Page 4 . 9.A.1. Downtown Fishina Pier Becky Doebler, representing the River's Edge Business group, explained that they have been looking for ways to attract people to the downtown and have been working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide a fishing pier in downtown Elk River. She stated that the DNR would provide the funds for the project and the City would need to provide ongoing maintenance. Paul Dietrich, Minnesota DNR Fishing Supervisor for Sherburne County, explained that the DNR is considering constructing a fishing pier on city park property in the downtown, between the Sunshine Depot and the Cinema Building. He stated that the City would need to remove the pier before winter and in the flood season. Mr. Dietrich explained that it will take approximately one year for the approval of the preliminary design and funding request. Commissioner Sladek as if the pier would be floating. Mr. Dietrich stated that he did not know at this time and that it could possibly be a t-shape floating pier or some other type of non-traditional design. Mr. Dietrich explained that the City would need to enter into a partnership with the DNR for maintenance. Commissioner Sladek stated that in designing the pier, they need to take into consideration how the pier will be taken out. due to the steep slope of the property. . COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY ENTER INTO A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE OF A FISHING PIER LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN ELK RIVER. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.B.1. Lions Park Shelter Exoansion John Weicht, representing the Lions Club, reviewed plans for an expansion of the existing enclosed shelter at Lions Park. The proposed facility would house up to 175 people. The existing "kitchen" would be incorporated to provide a full kitchen for catering. Another set of bathrooms will also be added. Michele Bergh explained that the existing shelter is not large enough to accommodate children for a program at the park, in case of rain, or if the weather was too hot. She felt the proposed shelter would be a great asset to programming. . Commissioner Peterson asked if the facility would be carpeted. Mr. Weicht stated that he is not sure at this time and that they may use a recycled tile material on the floor similar to that used at the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Weicht stated that the goal of the Lions Club is to provide services and facilities for kids at risk. The expansion would provide office space for Community Recreation, meeting space for non-profit groups and organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, accommodate small weddings, and provide office and meeting space for the Lions Club. He explained that the State of Minnesota gaming laws would require that the Lions Club lease the space like any other group in order to avoid a conflict of interest. even though Lions Club funds paid for the facility to be built. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14,2001 Page 5 . Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if it would be possible to use the large room for a warming house. Mr. Weicht stated that he has discussed the idea with staff. Mr. Weicht stated that he feels that housings the Community Recreation offices at this location is an ideal use. Chair Kuester asked if the Lions Club would be keeping regular office hours at the facility. Mr. Weicht stated that they would likely have office staff working half days. Commissioner Huberty asked who would schedule use of the facility. Ms. Bergh explained that reservations would be made through Community Recreation in the same manner as they currently schedule park reservations. Commissioner Huberty asked how long she expects Community Recreation will be at the old Northbound Liquor Store site. Ms. Bergh explained that they have no idea when the property will sell and that since the Elk River Crossing site across the street is being completed, it is just a matter of time before their site is bought up for development. Commissioner Huberty asked if Ms. Bergh felt the proposed Lions Park facility will be large enough for them. Ms. Bergh stated that they would lose storage space, but that could be done off-site. She felt the office space would be large enough. Commissioner Reitsma stated that it would be convenient if the offices had a window facing the band shell to cut down on vandalism. Mr. Weicht stated that the office would have windows facing the band shell. . Ms. McPherson stated that groups reserving the Lions #5 shelter would still be able to access the bathrooms and kitchen. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED TO SUPPORT THE LIONS PARK SHELTER EXPANSION AS PROPOSED. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 8. Park Develooment Proaress Reoort . Phil Hals reported on the following activities in the parks: 1. His crew has been able to maintain good ice on the ice rinks this year. 2. Phil presented a park logo design which was done by one of the mountain bikers who is a graphic designer. The design will be presented to the City's logo committee. He suggested that the design could some how incorporate the City logo and be used in the parks for signage. Mr. Hals stated that he would like to see uniform signage throughout the City's park system. He stated that he has some ideas for creating a focal point at the entrance to the parks which would include the name of the park and the address, and incorporate boulders and 6"x6" timbers. He noted that they would need to try to make it as vandal-proof as possible. He stated that he would bring this issue back to the Commission after he has gotten some feedback from the logo committee. 3. Mr. Has reviewed photos of a "wheel park" in which hockey, broomball, and other similar activities could be played. He also presented a photo of a skate park with a half-pipe. He stated that the Commission may wish to consider a location for these types of activities. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14.2001 Page 6 . 4. Mr. Hals stated that Qwest will be removing the pay phones from the parks. He asked if the Commission was interested in purchasing their own phones and at which locations they felt they may be necessary. He stated that he has been checking prices and found it would cost approximately $450 to purchase a pay phone. plus the monthly line charge. Options include phones that can only call 911 and phones that don't allow incoming calls. The League of Minnesota Cities maintains the position that it is not the city's responsibility to provide phones. Mr. Hals noted that the City usually replaces 2 phones a year at Lions Park. due to vandalism. There are also pay phones at the softball complex and at Oak Knoll Park. Mr. Hals stated that he will need a decision by April. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that the pay phone at the softball complex is constantly used. He stated that he will check with the softball association to see if they would be interested in paying for a phone. Mr. Hals stated that the City is charged $110 a month per phone line. Commissioner Dave Anderson recommended that staff provide the actual costs for purchasing phones and monthly charges. and the Commission could then decide if it is a worthwhile expenditure. 9.B.2. Preliminary Plat - West Oaks, Case No. P 01-03 . Ms. McPherson reviewed the proposal for West Oaks plat for combination of single-family detached and multi-family housing units totaling 178 units. The 38.18 acre parcel is located west of Waco Street and north of Pinewood Golf Course. Ms. McPherson reviewed three options for park dedication-cash. land. or a combination of cash and land. A fourth option was also discussed in which the Commission could recommend cash and ask the developer to provide some type of usable open space for the residents. Ms. McPherson reviewed a possible site for the location of a central green space. The Commissioners discussed an alternate location, south of the site proposed by staff. The Commission felt that having some green space and a playground structure would be desirable. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND CASH PARK DEDICATION FOR WEST OAKS PLAT IN THE AMOUNT OF $249,900 (170 UNITS X $1470), AND, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE DENSITY BONUS ALLOWED FOR THE PLAT, TO FURTHER RECOMMEND THAT THE DEVELOPER PROVIDE A GREEN SPACE AND PLAYGROUND STRUCTURE IN A CENTRAL LOCATION. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.B.3. Preliminary Plat - Mississippi Ridae, Case No. P 01-06 . Michele McPherson reviewed the Mississippi Ridge plat request consisting of eight commercial lots and 22 "twin home" townhouse units. The plat is located between 170fh and 173rd Avenues and west of Highway 10. She noted that the property does not have access to the river and that the parcel between the applicant's and the river is owned by Mr. Charest. Mr. Powell has indicated he plans to locate a restaurant on one of the commercial lots, overlooking the Mississippi River. Ms. McPherson suggested a trail easement be obtained along 171 sf A venue to provide public access to overlook the river. Staff recommends Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14.2001 Page 7 . the Commission consider park dedication in cash at the appropriate fee levels for commercial and residential. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION IN CASH fOR MISSISSIPPI RIDGE PLAT, AND THAT THE DEVELOPER PROVIDE A TRAIL CONNECTION fROM 17151, AROUND THE PROPOSED RESTAURANT, WITH ACCESS DOWN TO OVERLOOK THE RIVER. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.C.1. Cross-City Transportation Corridor Chair Kuester explained that since the Highway 169/County Road 33 interchange is currently under discussion, he felt it was an appropriate time for the Commission to raise the issue of the realignment of County Road 33. Director of Planning Michele McPherson noted that staff anticipates MN/DOT will need local approval of the interchange design within the next 30-45 days. MN/DOT is required to have the contract let for construction by June 2003. She stated that MN/DOT is leaning toward a "diamond" alignment design for the interchange. City staff and Sherburne County are questioning the traffic projections and feel there may be a need for a signalized intersection at the top of the ramp. Also they are concerned where the connection with County Road 21 will happen. Commissioner Peterson asked how many lanes of traffic there would be from County Road 1 to Highway 169. Ms. McPherson stated that the initial design is for one lane each way. . Chair Kuester stated that that Woodland Trails Park will be severely impacted by the road, since it will bisect the park into two separate sections and connect with County Road 1. Chair Kuester felt the proposed road right-of-way raises a number of questions including the City's stewardship of a very significant resource. Ms. McPherson stated that County's position is that they do not have the funding to pay for a signal if it becomes necessary, nor do they have funding for moving the utilities at County Road 77. She explained that the gravel mines have a lot of material to mine out before the extension toward the park can happen. Ms. McPherson stated that due to the number of impediments, the County Road 33 work will likely not happen until 2005. She noted that MN/Dot plans to provide a snowmobile and pedestrian crossing on the overpass bridge, and there would be right-of-way for available for trails along the new alignment but the City would have to pay for them. COMMISSIONER REITSMA MOVED THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION fiNDS THE PROPOSED REALIGNMENT Of COUNTY ROAD 33 THROUGH WOODLAND TRAILS PARK UNACCEPTABLE, AND TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DENY LOCAL APPROVAL, BASED ON THE fOLLOWING fiNDINGS: . - CONSTRUCTION Of THE ROAD RIGHT-Of-WAY WOULD CAUSE SEVERE NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON THE NATURAL fEATURES Of WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM. - THE ROAD RIGHT-Of-WAY WOULD BISECT THE PARK, CREATING A PHYSICAL BARRIER fOR PARK USERS TO HAVE fULL ACCESS TO THIS PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM. - SAfETY CONCERNS fOR TRAIL USERS ATTEMPTING TO CROSS THE COUNTY ROAD. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14,2001 Page 8 COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.C.2. Snowmobile Information Ms. McPherson distributed information from the DNR website regarding snowmobile studs. She stated that no information has been received from the City Attorney on this issue. Phil Hals stated that he is aware the school district did plow the snow from the trail along Jackson A venue, but that his crew would blow more back onto the trail when it snows again. Lance Erickson, president of River City Snow Riders, stated that they are still looking at alternative trails through the City. Lori Collins, also representing the River City Snow Riders, provided a prioritized list of trails the club would like the City to consider leaving unplowed for snowmobile use. Ms. McPherson stated that the Commission will review this issue at the July or August Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Lori Collins noted that the trails do not officially open until December 1st. Ms. McPherson stated that staff should have a report on trail damage for the April or May meeting. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated he would like to serve on the subcommittee for snowmobiling issues. Commissioner Huberty stated she would like more information regarding safety issues associated with snowmobile studs. Lance Erickson of the snowmobile club stated he would provide that information to staff for the Commission. 9.C.3. Consider Reauest Not to Plow Trail Ms. McPherson stated that the City Administrator received a request from a resident living on Mississippi Road between Fresno and Denver Streets, requesting that the portion of the bituminous off-street trail in this area not be plowed during the winter. Ms. McPherson noted that the resident regularly complains when the trail is plowed because snow is left on his driveway. Phil Hals expressed a concern that a liability issue could arise if the trail was not plowed and a pedestrian was injured walking along the county road. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE REQUEST NOT TO PLOW THE CITY TRAIL ALONG MISSISSIPPI ROAD. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 9.CA. Approve 2001 Budaet Ms. McPherson reviewed the 2001 Capital Budget. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE 2001 PARK EXPENDITURES BUDGET. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14,2001 Page 9 Ms. McPherson noted that a rough estimate for 2001 improvements to the Devine barn in Trott Brook Farms Park will be provided at a future meeting. 9.C.5. Doa Feces on Railroad Trail Commissioner Dave Anderson reviewed photographs taken behind the homes of several residents in Lafayette Woods adjacent to City trail property (Woodland Trails). He explained problems for trail users caused by the excessive amount of dog feces on the trails. Members of the Commission were in agreement that since the owners have already been warned, the next step would be for the police department to issue citations. Commissioner Dave Anderson also provided photographs of erosion behind 5-6 homes in Lafayette Woods from the hills down to the City trail. He felt the erosion is due to people using their backyards as a cut-through to the trail and by children going to school. Commissioner Anderson stated that if the problem is not addressed, the City will be faced with a maintenance issue in the near future. Staff will send a letter to the affected homeowners, advising them to use the trail access points which are provided. 9.C.6. Gaqne Park Security This item was postponed to the March 14, 2001 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 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. Articles of Interest a. Elk River Star News re: Snowmobiling b. Sf. Paul Pioneer Press re: Park Reservations c. Sf. Paul Pioneer Press re: Arden Hills Park Master Park Plan 5. Ramsey City Newsletter re: Snowmobiles 6. St. Cloud Times Article: Enforcing Trail Rules 7. City of Buffalo Newsletter 8. Letter to David Edwards 11. Uodate on 1/16101 City Council Meetinq Commissioner Peterson provided an update on the January 16, 2001 City Council meeting. He noted that the Hillside 8th Addition plat approval was denied by the City Council at their January 23rd meeting. Ms. McPherson stated that the Council authorized negations with the Grace Assembly of God Church for the purchase of park land. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14,2001 Page 10 12. Uodate on 1/23/01 Plannina Commission Meetinq Commissioner Huberty gave an update on park issues discussed at the January 23,2001 Planning Commission meeting. 13. Other Business - Commissioner Reitsma asked that staff research why the trail was placed on Tyler Street with no connection to any other trail. - Ms. McPherson stated that she spoke with the City Administrator regarding the Commission's desire to participate in the YMCA discussions. - Commissioner Huberty stated that a representative is needed to serve on the Operation ER Community Center Task Force to represent the City as whole. 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER PETERSON 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, / .. ,(L[fi(tcf 4kt c/c7{cJ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary