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05-09-2001 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MAY 9,2001 Members Present: Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Huberty, Peterson, and Sladek Members Absent: Commissioner Reitsma Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Terry Bye, Park Foreman; Chris Leeseberg, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary; Michele Bergh, Community Recreation Manager 1. Call Meetinq 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 5/9/01 Park & Recreation Commission Aqenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 9, 2001, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 4111/01 Park & Recreation Commission Meetinq COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 11,2001, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend May Planninq Commission and City Council Meetinqs a. 5121/01 City Council Meeting Chair Kuester will attend the May 21,2001 City Council meeting. b. 5/22/01 Planning Commission Meetinq Chair Kuester will attend the May 22,2001 Planning Commission meeting. 5. ODen Mike No one appeared for this item. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9. 2001 Page 2 . 7. Area Recreation Update Michele Bergh provided an update on Area Recreation activities. One thousand summer program registrations have been received to date. Activities are filling up including T-ball, all the Pee Wee sports (Le. golf), Wiggles and Giggles, and soccer. Tennis classes are filled, with 6 students per class. Approximately 50 registrations have been received for Safety Camp. Ms. Bergh noted that last year Safety Camp registrations filled the same day they were opened to non-residents. The phones are very busy with field reservations, especially TRSA. Chair Kuester asked if any events have been scheduled in the parks. Ms. Bergh explained that a "Wonderful World" event has been scheduled at Woodland Trails Park. She noted that most events are scheduled at Lions Park because it is centrally located and easy to find. 8. Park Development Progress Report Park Foreman Terry Bye distributed a breakdown of mowing hours for city property. He also provided a list of irrigation systems which the Street/Park Department maintains. He noted that when the Twin Lakes Boulevard system is operational, it will be turned over to the city for maintenance. Mr. Bye stated that most of the bulldozer work at the BMX track has been completed and it is now being fine-tuned. The first race is scheduled in June. . The court at Country Crossing 3rd Park has been striped. A gate will be installed at Hillside City Park. He noted that they have received good feedback on the mountain biking activities. Mr. Bye noted that they are well into their busy season with mowing and field maintenance. Commissioner Sladek asked if the City will be maintaining the mountain bike trails. Mr. Bye explained that the Street/Park crew will trim trees and remove any fallen trees, but that regular maintenance of the trails themselves, such as repair of rutted areas, will be done by the mountain biking group. 9.A.l. Report on Mountain Bikina Event Michele McPherson stated that the BLAST Mountain Biking Group held its first event at Hillside City Park on Saturday, May 5th. Fifty-two mountain bikers participated in the event. She stated that some very positive comments were forwarded to staff via e-mail. Ms. McPherson stated that the trails are well- established and just need some fine tuning. She noted that there have been some problems with horseback riders damaging the trails, so signs will be placed which state no motorized vehicles or horses are allowed on the trails. Ms. McPherson stated that the BLAST group would like to conduct some clinics in the park. . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he has hiked the trails and feels that they have been nicely done. He encouraged the Commissioners to visit the site. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9. 2001 Page 3 . 9.A.2. Reauest by Lincoln Elementary to Fund Playaround Ms. McPherson explained that City Administrator Pat Klaers has forwarded a request to the Commission from the Lincoln Elementary School p.T.a. for funding to expand and replace their existing playground equipment. She noted that in 1998 the Commission made a recommendation to contribute $3,000 for the Parker Elementary playground improvements. Commissioner Huberty stated that the Commission also recommended funding for playground equipment when ECFE moved to Handke. Commissioner Dave Anderson recommended that the Commission continue its partnership with the schools since their playgrounds also serve the community's needs. Chair Kuester expressed his agreement with Commissioner Dave Anderson's comment, noting that a precedent has already been set by contributing to two schools in the past. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked if a representative from Lincoln Elementary was present to discuss the request. Ms. McPherson stated that there was not. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that he would like to see the request postponed in order to discuss the amount of the request and timeline for the project with a representative of the P.T.O. . It was the consensus of the Park and Recreation Commission to postpone the request by Lincoln Elementary School P.T.O. to the June 13th meeting. 9.A.3. Reauest by Crop Walk to Waive Fee Commissioner Huberty stated that she received a call from the organizer of the Crop Walk, asking that the $50 park facility user fee be waived since they are non-profit fundraising group. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the Crop Walk is a viable event, but he feels that the fee is reasonable and there is some impact on the park. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he does not want to discourage use of the park, but he feels the fee is fair and that most groups that use the park could make the same "non-profit" argument. It was the consensus of the Commission to uphold the fee schedule. Commissioner Huberty requested that staff notify Crop Walk representatives that the fee would not be waived. 9.AA. Reauest bv Elk River Rotary - Contribution for Handke Stadium Renovation . Doug Johnson and Bob Maxwell, representing the Elk River Rotary Club, presented a request for funding from the City for the Handke Stadium Renovation project. Mr. Johnson explained that a committee has been formed to restore the stadium including restoring the warming house, repair of the steps, pavement, and walls. A Power Point presentation was made regarding the history of the stadium. Mr. Johnson explained that the stadium is the oldest park in Elk River. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9,2001 Page 4 . The first phase of the project will include rebuilding the warming house and repair of the east wall around to the driveway. Mr. Johnson noted that the School District has contributed $10,000, Great River Energy - $5,000, 1 sl National Bank - $5,000, Bank of Elk River - $5,000, and Rotary - $5,000. He stated that they are asking for a $5,000 contribution from the City of Elk River for the first phase of the project. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked if $104,000 was to total cost of the project. Mr. Johnson stated that it was previously the total cost, but since the stone mason who bid the project this past winter has been able to actually inspect the site, he has found there is much more work to do than he anticipated. Mr. Johnson stated that the walls will basically have to be disassembled, new footings installed, and then the walls reassembled. He noted that they have applied for historical register status and have applied for a matching grant. The grant has not been processed but the historical architect has been out to the site. Mr. Johnson noted that Dr. Flannery is chairing the committee for the renovation project and the committee is meeting on a regular basis (at least every other week) . Mr. Johnson stated that the warming house will be a block building with a stone fascia. A gas-burning fireplace will be installed and the benches and door will be replaced. . Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if there were any plans for the sliding hill. Mr. Johnson stated that was the original location of a stage. They are proposing a stage somewhere down in that area. Mr. Johnson stated that they are also planning to introduce historically appropriate picnic benches, etc. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that there are safety issues with the abrupt change in grade. Mr. Johnson stated that if the committee had not taken on this project, the stadium site would probably have been condemned, due to safety issues. Chair Kuester stated that he felt the project was worthwhile and expressed his support. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked if the site was owned by the School District. Mr. Johnson stated that it was. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL A $5,000 CONTRIBUTION FROM THE PARK RESERVE FUND FOR PHASE ONE OF THE HANDKE STADIUM RENOVATION PROJECT. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.B.1. Kliever Lake Fields . Michele McPherson stated that Gold Nugget Development has submitted the preliminary plat of Kliever Lake Fields, located in the southwest corner of Fillmore Street and County Road 12. The applicant proposes 104 single family lots on 36.84 acres, with Outlot C (21.83 acres) to include the detention ponds and future single family or multi-family homes. Outlot A (6.77 acres) is proposed to be dedicated for park purpose, with the remainder in cash dedication. A sidewalk is proposed along the main street (Street E) to connect County Road 12 with Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9,2001 Page 5 . . . Fillmore Street. Two layouts for the park were shown, one which included a small 20-car parking lot. Horst Graser, of Gold Nugget Development, explained that the location of the park was not changed as recommended by the Commission due to the soils. He stated that there is a large layer of deep clay which make the site unsuitable for home construction, but would not impact the park. Mr. Graser stated that he will be submitting an application for townhomes on Outlot C when the moratorium is lifted. The possibility of eliminating Lots 27 and 28 was discussed, in order to create more exposure for the park. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked how close the wetland is to the park which is south of Lot 28. Mr. Graser stated that the wetland is in a small corner of the park and he understood that credit would not be given for park dedication. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that in wetlands have grown larger than the developer anticipated and impacted park land. Commissioner Sladek stated that water tends to sit on top of clay and asked if this could happen in the park. Mr. Graser stated that any overflow should drain naturally southwest to the wetland. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt the usable area of the park will be reduced because of the way it backs up to homes. He stated that the reason the Commission wanted the park moved is so that it would be bounded more by roads. Mr. Horst stated that it is much more costly to surround the park by roads because costs for roads, storm sewer, and water along the park cannot be recovered, as it is for homes. Commissioner Dana Anderson asked what the density is proposed to be. Mr. Graser stated that the will be 104 single family lots and he will be proposing 90-92 multi-family units. The density of the single family will be approximately 2.7 units per acre and the townhomes will be 2.1-2.2 units per acre. The Commissioners expressed their concern regarding the wetland to the south. Chair Kuester stated that the criteria of park land is that the land must be dry. Mr. Graser stated that the park land will be dry except for the small wetland. Mr. Graser did not feel that the wetland would back up into the park, especially when the property to the south is developed. The Commissioners and staff discussed with Mr. Graser the possibility of removing and including various lots to achieve a more rectangular configuration for the park. Ms. McPherson proposed that Lot 28, Block 3, and Lots 12, 2, 3 and 4, Block 2 be removed and added to the park, and that the developer could add additional lots in the northeast corner of the park as currently proposed. This configuration would create a park approximately 7.9 acres in size which would meet the park dedication requirements for the entire parcel. including Outlot C. Mr. Horst stated he would accept this proposal. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PARK DEDICATION FOR KLlEVER LAKE FIELDS OF 7.9 ACRES IN THE LOCATION AS DRAWN BY STAFF, WHICH Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9,2001 Page 6 . INCLUDES LOTS 1-4, BLOCK 2, AND LOTS 26-28, BLOCK 3, AND, THAT THE NORTHEAST AREA OF THE PREVIOUS PARK PROPOSAL BE PLATTED INTO LOTS. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.B.2. Road in Hillside Park Director of Planning Michele McPherson explained that Mayor Klinzing asked that the Park and Recreation Commission review a request by the residents located east of Hillside City Park to allow an alternate access to be built through the park to access their properties. Ms. McPherson explained that the City Council granted Sherburne County an easement in the northeast corner of the park to reconstruct the driveway, due to the lowering of County Road 12. She stated that the residents feel the current slope of the driveway is unsafe, and feel that the proposed driveway would also be unsafe. Ms. McPherson provided drawings of the proposed realignment through the park with the easement granted to the County. She also explained impacts of the road proposed by the residents on park and mountain bike trails, as well as cost impacts to the City. . Tom Forsythe, Kaerl Schaap, and Chuck Atkins, residents affected by the proposed driveway realignment, were present to request the alternate realignment through the park. Mr. Schaap displayed a drawing showing the driveway suggested by the residents. Photos of the existing driveway slope were provided. Mr. Schaap stated that County Commissioner Arne Engstrom, Council member Motin and Mayor Klinzing have each visited the site and agree that the alignment needs to be further reviewed. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that the driveway proposed by the residents would have a significant impact on the park by the fact that approximately 2 acres of park land would be isolated and approximately 200-400 trees would be lost. He estimated that approximately 100 feet of clear-cutting would be necessary to get the road to a reasonable grade. Ms. McPherson asked how wide the road the residents are proposing would be. Mr. Schaap stated that the Mayor suggested that the road be made wide enough to also be used as a park access. Mr. Schaap stated that the residents would be willing to maintain the driveway through the park if the City does not see a need for a park access in this location. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated he does not see a need for a parking area to the east and is not in favor of disrupting the mountain biking trails that are already in place. Chair Kuester felt that the road proposed by the residents would have a huge impact on the park. Mr. Schaap stated that they are willing to work with the Park and Recreation Commission to locate the road to impact the park as little as possible. . Tom Forsythe stated that the residents will ask the County to condemn a portion of the park, if necessary, to obtain the access. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9,2001 Page 7 . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he felt Mr. Forsythe statement was intended as a threat the Commission. He estimated that the driveway would have to be 600-700 feet long in order to get the grade under 10%, but that he would need more information to be exact. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE REQUEST BY THE RESIDENTS ON 1815T AVENUE (COUNTY ROAD 12) TO RELOCATE THE PROPOSED DRIVEWAY IN HILLSIDE PARK. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9 .C.1. Devine Barn Refurbishment Plan & Budaet Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that staff is working with an architect on improvements for the Devine Barn. She reviewed the proposed plans and drawings for the following: . construction of a silo to provide a second means of access to the upper level . construction of an outside ramp for ADA access . construction of a unisex bathroom in the lower level . installation of heat and lighting . reroofing Ms. McPherson reviewed cost estimates for the 2001 improvements. She noted that they have received a bid for re-roofing the barn at $10,500. Ms. McPherson stated that there is approximately $80,000 of the original $165,000 remaining in the Trott Brook Farms Park budget. Uncompleted items remaining include the baseball field backstop and the hockey boards. She noted that the City has a set of hockey boards that were originally built for the Gary Street rink site that can be used at the Trott Brook Farms park site. Staff recommends that the Commission recommend to the City Council the expenditure of up to $32,000 for the items identified for 2001 in the staff report. She noted that if the improvements are completed, the barn may be ready for fall recreation programming. . Chair Kuester asked if adding a silo was a long-term project. Phil Hals has discussed the idea of reclaiming an existing silo and reconstructing it at the site. COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $32,000 FOR THE 2001 MPROVEMENTS TO THE DEVINE BARN IN TROTT BROOK FARMS, ESTIMATED AS FOLLOWS: . ROOF: WINDOWS: DOORS: RESTROOM: FLOOR: INTERIOR: INSULATION: TRIM: ELECTRICAL: TOTAL: $10,500 $ 3,600 $ 1,200 $ 2,000 $ 3,000 $ 7,500 $ 1,350 $ 1,000 S 1 ,600 $32,000 Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9, 2001 Page 8 . COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Commissioner Sladek asked if Community Recreation would be planning winter programming for this park. Ms. McPherson stated that the barn is separated from the hockey rink by the playground and would not serve as a warming house. 9.C.2. Consider Aaenda Items for Meetina with County Park Board Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that a one-hour meeting (7-8 p.m.) is proposed for June 7, 2001. Possible issues for discussion include continued railroad trail development, off-road trails, connection to other trails outside of the City, park dedication, and park rules enforcement. Chair Kuester stated that, during this first joint meeting, he would like to discuss the County Park Board's vision, and discuss a couple of issues on the County's list of topics. Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he felt it would take approximately 10 minutes for introductions, a brief history of the Commission, and park dedication policy. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that he would to convey to the County the importance of acquisition and historical preservation within the County. Chair Kuester suggested that they could also discuss possible joint projects. 9.C.3. Discuss New Park Names This item was postponed to the June 13th meeting. . 9.C.4. Report on YAC Meeting Phil Hals reported that three Park & Recreation Commission representatives, a youth baseball representative, TRSA Soccer representative, and a City Council representative met regarding the Youth Athletic Complex. He stated that those attending expressed their views regarding the complex. Chair Kuester that the input will be used for future decisions regarding playability of the fields and amenities. 9.C.5. Update on Park Brochure Commissioner Peterson met with Ms. McPherson on May 9th to compile . information for the brochure. They are working with City Engineer Terry Maurer to create a base map for the brochure. He stated that they will be identifying. items to include in the brochure, including the City logo, digital photos of park activities, and park amenities. The size of the map will be 15" x 22", which will fold down to 3 Y:z" x 7 Y:z" . Several revisions have been made to the base map and it will need to be converted to electronic format. Commissioner Peterson asked if the Commissioners had any good photos of park activities that might be included in the map, to get them to him as soon as possible. He noted that he will be meeting with Ms. McPherson in two weeks regarding the park brochure. 10. Information/Update Items . This information was presented to the Commissioners in their packets. No action was required. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9,2001 Page 9 1. River City Snow Riders Newsletter 2. Park Dedication Fund Balance 3. Inver Grover Heights ISprayGround" 11. Uodate on 4/16101 City Council Meetina Commissioner Dana Anderson provided an update on the April 16, 2001 City Council meeting. 12. Uodate on 4/24/01 Planning Commission Meetina Michele McPherson stated that there were no park related items on this meeting agenda. 13. Other Business Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that he walked the Assembly of God property with Chair Kuester, Michele McPherson, Phil Hals, Terry Bye, and Chris Leeseberg. They felt the property would make a very attractive park with both playable field areas and a water feature. He stated that potential park boundaries still need to be defined and the water issue addressed. 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, / ,//. LJ:l:.t0" 7Yt(L/-~C:t Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary