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07-11-2001 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JULY 11,2001 Members Present: Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Huberty, Peterson and Sladek Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary; Donna Malecha, 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 7/11/01 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 11, 2001 PARK & RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 6/13/01 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THEJUNE 13, 2001 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend July Planning Commission and City Council Meetings a. 7/16/01 City Council Meeting Commissioner Dave Anderson will attend the July 16, 2001 City Council meeting. b. 7/24/01 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Peterson will attend the July 24, 2001 Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike Mr. James Nystrom and former Mayor Mr. Richard Hinkle spoke on behalf of the Woodland Trails Park, suggesting changing the name to Lamm's Woodland Trails Park due to the extensive historical background of the land which was owned by the Lamm's for over Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 11, 2001 Page 2 . 560 years, and also due to the fact that the Lamm's wanted this beautiful piece of land kept in its natural state. Mr. Hinkle encouraged the Commission to do what they can to prevent the proposed east-west corridor from bisecting the park. 6. Hearings/Neighborhood Discussions Mr. Larry N arikawa and Ms. Victoria Holbert spoke on behalf of the residents in Greenhead Acres 2nd Addition who have petitioned to establish a second trail access to the Railroad Trail which would be located on the south end of Watson Street and 206th Avenue NW. The residents have stated that they would be willing to construct and maintain the trail. They have also requested that the city either pave the short run of the trail or cover the trail with class 5 to help in preventing erosion and to minimize the upkeep of the trail. The Commissioners felt it would be difficult to justify a second access to the trail but that perhaps Phil Hals, Street Superintendent, could take a look at the proposed area to be modified. Commissioner Dave Anderson expressed his concern that erosion would occur. Ms. McPherson suggested that staff meet with the residents and that the site be videotaped for discussion at a future meeting. She noted that if the Commissioners chose to recommend approval of the access, design work would need to be done which would include appropriate erosion controls. 7. Area Recreation Update . Director of Planning Michele McPherson presented the update for Michele Bergh. She report that enrollment is up from last year and that there are over 2,000 participants registered this summer. The Pee Wee Golf program (which is new this year) is going very well. Ms. Bergh has been working with staff to prepare for the upcoming move to Lions Park. The fall brochure is due out at the end of August, and they are planning to add programs geared toward stay-at-home parents and in-home daycares. Ms. Bergh will be in attendance at the July 16th Community Recreation board meeting to discuss the JP A transition phase and will also be in attendance at the Commission's August meeting to discuss the changes in the Community Recreation Program. 8. Park Development Progress Report Mr. Leeseberg presented for Mr. Bye. Mr. Leeseberg presented updated photos of the Trott Brook Farm Park and Riverplace Park, showing the construction and landscaping well underway. The installation for the playgrounds will start Monday, July 16th. Restoration work on the Trott Brook barn is to begin near the end of July or early August. Several street sign designs for the parks were presented. Also discussed was size, shape, color, material and cost. The cost for a sign using man-made materials would cost approximately $200-$300 for a 2' x 3' sign. The majority preferred the tan/dark brown metal sign with the oval top, and this recommendation will be given to Phil Hals. The Commissioners felt a larger scale sign would be appropriate in the Orono, Woodland Trails and Lions Parks. 9.A.1. Andrew Fox - Gagne Park Prairie Restoration . Mr. Fox is a member of Boy Scout Troup 111 and presented an Eagle Scout project for his Eagle Scout badge. He proposed planting 700 natural prairie plants (7 species) in a ten-acre Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 11, 2001 Page 3 . area at Gagne Park. He would also like to erect two wooden kiosks explaining park rules and regulations, as well as information about the plants, etc. His plans are to have this project completed by November 2001, with additional funding for the kiosks to be provided through fund raising. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE FIRST PHASE OF TRANSPLANTING THE NATURAL PRAIRIE PLANTS IN GAGNE PARK., WITH THE SECOND PHASE TO BE PRESENTED IN AUGUST, WHICH WILL INCLUDE DRAWINGS/SKETCHES OF THE KIOSKS, AND COSTS AND FUND RAISING INFORMATION HE HAS PLANNED FOR THIS PROJECT. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.B.1. Elk River Station. Case No. POl-OS Ms. McPherson presented additional information provided by Oakwood Land Development. Elk River Station will be located on approximately 65 acres of land at the intersection of 171st Avenue and Twin Lakes Road, comprising a combination of townhomes, apartments, a senior housing cooperative and daycare, commercial retail and office space, as well as several parks. . Ms. McPherson stated that the Commission has three dedication options to be considered: cash, land, or a combination of both. The total cash dedication for the project would be approximately $755, 000, based on residential units and acreage for the commercial area. It was suggested that the Commission accept the park or "green" spaces 2, 4, 7 and 8 for use as public parks, as well as the asphalt trails, and giving the developer credit for the volleyball and tennis court (space #5). Mr. Len Pratt then spoke on behalf of Elk River Station, LLC, reiterating that the parks and open space enhancement would be built immediately in order to attract potential homeowners/buyers to the community. The Commission still held reservatiqn about the likelihood of general public use of the park within the development, due to the size of the parks and limited accessibility. Mr. John Peterson of Oakwood Land Development stated that the total budget of the amenities is $299,250. If credit is given for the asphalt trail, the total would be $342,460 which does not include the value of the land. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked how the credit for the land would be determined. Ms. McPherson explained that credit would be given similar to what was done for Trott Brook Farms. A value was set for uplands, wetlands, and trail corridors and that number was multiplied times the number of acres dedicated. This figure was then subtracted from the cash dedication amount. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked how maintenance would be handled. Ms. McPherson stated that the developers are open to negotiating maintenance issues. Chair Kuester asked how the developers proposed to make the parks "welcoming" to the general public. Mr. Pratt stated that proper disclosure would be provided to potential residents in the brochures, and that the homeowner's documents will specify "public use". . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 11,2001 Page 4 . Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he does not see the value of the small spaces for public, but that the areas will serve the recreational needs of a large number of people who will be Elk River residents. He stated he is not in favor of city ownership of the parks and open spaces. He concluded that he would like to see at least 50 percent of the cash park dedication be required as part of the negotiations. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that he also had concerns regarding separation of public and private space. He stated he was also reluctant to give credit for some of the space open spaces. He asked if an area wide park was proposed in this area. Ms. McPherson stated that no large parks were identified for this area, since the existing zoning is light industrial and large-lot residential. She felt the entire character of this area is being changed with recent development proposals at 175th and Fillmore, Kliever's Marsh and near Hillside City park. Commissioner Dana Anderson felt the trail along the wetland may be a great place to walk, but he felt the residents may feel imposed upon if the trails are used by the general public. Commissioner Peterson agreed with Commissioner Dave Anderson regarding 50 percent of the park dedication fee and felt that a compromise can be reached. He stated that the people moving into this project will become Elk River residents and that serving their needs will become the responsibility of the city. Commissioner Huberty stated that she would support a park in this area and trail connections to Hillside City Park. She felt that staff should review the amenities detail before giving credit. Mr. Pratt stated that he will review the detail with Mr. Hals and Ms. McPherson. . Chair Kuester summarized that the Commission is willing to negotiate a combination of cash, land and credit. He stated the Commission sees the need to acquire some cash to further develop other parks in the city, and also provide some land to work with in the development which would be public, and not privately owned. Mr. Pratt stated that he will return next month to continue discussion with regard to the amenities of the parks and negotiation of dedication amounts. 9.B.2. Hilltop Woods Estates 2nd Addition. Case No. P 01-11 Ms. McPherson presented the staff report to the Commission, asking for consideration of park dedication for the preliminary plat of Hilltop Woods Estates 2nd Addition. The applicant proposes to replat Lot 4, Block 1 Hilltop Woods Estates, into 11 lots and 3 outlots. An existing home is located on Lot 1, Block 3 of the plat. Staff recommends cash dedication for the 10 new lots and to request a trail easement on the north property line (207th Avenue alignment) for a possible future connection with the trail dedication by Arne Engstrom. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT CASH FOR THE TEN LOTS AND TO REQUEST A TRAIL EASEMENT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PLAT (HILLSIDE ESTATES 2ND ADDITION). COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 11, 2001 Page 5 . 9.B.3. Gwynn Administrative Subdivision. Case No. AS 01-07 Ms. McPherson asked the Commission to consider park dedication for an administrative subdivision to create one buildable lot located in the southeast corner of the intersection of Co. Rd. 1 and Co. Rd. 33. The property would be split into two parcels. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR CASH PARK DEDICATION FOR ONE BUILDABLE LOT. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 9.BA. Revision to Lion's Park Addition. Case No. CU 01-27 Ms. McPherson offered updated information regarding the addition to the Lion's Park shelter. Staff is proposing an increase from 4,000 square feet to 5,030 square feet in order to provide improved bathroom, storage and office space. The City Council has agreed to provide a $30,000 contribution to this overall project from RDF funds. . The Commission concurred that the project should continue to move forward and that the landscaping budget will come out of Park Dedication funds. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE EXPANSION OF THE UONS PARK SHELTER TO 5,030 SQUARE FEET. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . 9.C.1. Park Department Subcommittee Report Chair Kuester presented a summary of the report. A goal was set for September or October to make a report of recommendation to the City Council, with a concept in place by July. The Subcommittee is looking into the system currently in place for parks and recreation, what would be different with a separate parks and recreation department, how the department would be structured, and the financial aspects of running such a department. The Subcommittee feel that what is lacking in the current system is a person to coordinate all the various functions of the parks and the recreation system. They felt that a Park and Recreation Director would be able to totally focus on parks and recreation. Chair Kuester felt that a sizeable portion of city resources (staff time and dollars) is already supporting parks and recreation 9.C.2. New Park Names Ms. McPherson stated that within the next two weeks, the Commission needs to narrow down the park name selection for Council approval, in order to have the new names put on the park brochure/map. Commissioner Peterson and Ms. McPherson hope to have a "mock-up" of a complete park brochure at the August meeting. Each name was discussed in depth. All but six names were tentatively agreed upon. This six will be further discussed at the next meeting. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 11, 2001 Page 6 10. Information/Update Items . This information was presented to the Commissioners in their packs. No action was required. Park Dedication Fund Balance River City Snow Riders Newsletter Otsego JP A Withdrawal Letter Elk River JP A Withdrawal Letter Article, BMX Track Letter from/to Debbie Miller 11. Update on 6/18/01 City Council Meeting Chair Kuester provided an update on the June 18, 0201 City Council meeting. 12. Update on 6/26/01 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Dana Anderson provided an update on the June 26, 2001 Planning Commission meeting. 13. Other Business Commissioner Peterson presented some estimates for park brochures. Cost/quantity was discussed. A prototype of the maps will be presented at the August meeting. . Ms. McPherson handed out a rough draft of the park brochure text which highlighted Orono Park, Woodland Trails Park, park regulations, etc. She would like to have input from the Commission regarding any additional points of information to add to the map. This information should be given back to Ms. McPherson by July 25th. 14. Adjournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER DA VEANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ,()~ ~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary .