10-10-2001 PR MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2001
Members Present:
Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Huberty, Peterson, Briggs,
and DeWall
Members Absent:
Commissioners Sladek and Dave Anderson
Staff Present:
Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Phil Hals, Street/Park
Superintendent; Chris Leeseberg, PlannerlParkPlanner; Terry Bye, Park
Foreman; Michele Bergh, Community Recreation Manager;
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 10/10/01 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda
Ms. McPherson added the following item to the agenda: Landfill Conditional Use Permit.
Agenda item 9.B.3.
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE
OCTOBER 10,2001, PARK & RECREATION AGENDA AS AMENDED.
COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of 9/12/01 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE
SEPTEMBER 12,2001, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend October Planning Commission and City
Council Meetings
a. 10/15/01 City Council Meeting
All Commissioners will attend the October 15, 2001 City Council meeting.
b.
10/23/01 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner DeWall will attend the October 23,2001 Planning Commission
meetmg.
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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
October 10, 2001
Page 2
5.
Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
6. Hearings/Neighborhood Discussions: - Revised Plan - Fresno Park
Several months ago residents in the neighborhood of Fresno Park petitioned to have
upgrades made to Fresno Park. Earl F. Anderson, the City's playground consultant,
proposed two playground designs for the park. Both designs would be placed on the north
side of Fresno Street and 182nd Avenue NW and enclosed by concrete curbing which would
have a wood fiber safety material underneath. A sidewalk connection from the existing curb
cut on 182nd Ave. N.W. would be proposed, with the addition of a second curb cut on the
west side to provide bicycle and stroller access. Benches will also be provided along the
sidewalk area, as well as extra street trees for aesthetic purposes.
The total cost of either project would be estimated at $27,000 to $30,000. This addition will
be considered in next year's budget.
The two options presented were:
Option A: Comprised of three or four components: A series of swings, one of
which would be ADA-accessible; a smaller, "preschool" structure forthe children
who would be ages 6 and younger, and a larger structure which is geared for
children ages 6-12 years old. This option would also include two spring-riders.
Option B: Very similar to Option A shape and location; however, there would be
a circular shape which would contain a sandbox with sand diggers for the smaller
children, one of which would be ADA-accessible. The play ground area would be a
combination structure that included "preschool" and 6- to 12-year-old play
facilities, with one end of the playground structure geared toward the smaller
children.
Mr. , representing the neighborhood, presented the neighborhood petition
and thanked the Commission for considered this request.
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT OPTION "B" TO
BE DISCUSSED FOR IMPLEMENTATION TO THE BUDGETARY PLAN IN
JANUARY. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
7. Area Recreation Update
Michele Bergh stated that the fall programming work is continuing and that it is going welL
There are two adult volleyball leagues that have started. The teams within the leagues have
helped manage the participants' behavior and this has solved some of the issues from last
year.
The Recreation brochure which covers the month of January and February is also being
completed. Michelle brought the first draft of the new brochure. The brochure
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October 10, 2001
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will have the city colors and will stay somewhat consistent with the Elk River Current. It will
include phone numbers, a directory on the side, telephone numbers to call for park
reservations, etc., and also an index. Each program area will have a different header and will
have its own section in the brochure for all programs at each center: Arena, Library, and
Senior Center.
The only comment made by staff was that the brochure should be structured with a three-
column index as it is easier to read.
The pee-wee sports, gymnastics and day time classes have been expanded this year for
toddlers and preschoolers, and there has also been a new instructor added. The classes are
expected to be expanding into Saturday mornings after the first of the year.
Ms. Bergh also wanted feedback regarding the Boy's and Girl's Club Halloween hayride at
Lion's Park. A vehicle is needed to pull the hayride through the park, utilizing the
bituminous trails as a guide. The ride would last for approximately one hour. Normally
there are no motorized vehicles allowed in the park, and she was requesting special
permission to allow the hayride event to occur.
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE
AUTHORIZATION OF A MOTORIZED VEHICLE TO BE USED FOR THE
PARTY AT THE BOY'S AND GIRL'S CLUB EVENT ON HALLOWEEN
EVENING WITH THE REQUIREMENT THAT IT MEET THE PARK AND
RECREATION STAFF REQUIREMENTS. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Ms. Bergh also inquired as to whether the $50 fee and $100 deposit would be adequate lieu
of the fact that they will be using a motorized vehicle in the park, with the possibility that a
motorized vehicle could due damage to the ground. The Commission felt that the set fees
would be substantial enough with the understanding that the park be left in the condition it
was before the hay ride.
8.
Park Development Progress Report
Terry Bye reported that many of the parks have been reseeded and some parks have had
first-time seeding. Oak Savannah Park has been prepared and has been seeded and the
wood chips are in, as well as the rock placement. Mr. Bye stated that at the Youth Athletic
Complex the player benches have been taken out, as well as the concrete pads, in order to
form the new pads for the player benches, and behind home plate. The BMX track at
Riverside Park is finished and has been seeded.
Mr. Bye proposed taking out one ice rink on Gary Street and moving it to Orono Lake and
possibly adding a rink to Trott Brook Park. Lighting was discussed for both rinks, as well as
water supply for Trott Brook rink. The proposed area for Orono Lake is the fishing pier
and beach area.
The consensus from the Commissioners was to implement a warming house at Lion's Park,
one at Handke, and one at Orono with a backup for Gary Street, if need be.
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October 10, 2001
Page 4
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Commissioner Dana Anderson asked about the status of the Lafayette trail. Mr. Bye stated
that the soil has been primed for the trail, but the trail is being put on hold for one week
until locates can be done. The trail is to be started next week.
COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED THAT ONE HOCKEY RINK FROM
GARY STREET BE MOVED TO ORONO LAKE AND TO HAVE MORE
EXTENSIVE LIGHTING; THAT THERE BE A SHEET OF ICE AT TROTT
BROOK WITH THE EXTRA SET OF BOARDS AVAILABLE IF NEED BE;
AND, IF THE HOCKEY GROUP WANTS A SHEET OF ICE, THE SECOND
EXTRA SET OF BOARDS COULD BE ERECTED AT GARY STREET.
COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
9.A.l. Art V olna and Eric Johnson - Orono Athletic Complex
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Art Volna and Eric Johnson, Troup 111 in Elk River, proposed an
Eagle Scout project for a grilling shed at the Orono Athletic Complex. They plan to build
the shed behind the main concession stand. The shed will be solely for storing grills; they
are also suggesting building an overhang in order to grill at the site. It would be built in
cooperation with other scouts from Troup 111, friends, and volunteers. The shed will be 6'
deep and 8' wide, with a 2' overhang, including gutters and will be placed on a 12' x 16'
cement pad. The colors are set to match color codes of the rest of the existing buildings on
site. The cost of the shed is approximated to be $1,000 to $2,000, at no cost to the City.
Mr. Volna and Mr. Johnson plan to raise the money through fund raising events. The
cement slab for the project will be completed early next spring, and Mr. Volna and Mr.
Erickson plan on having the preliminary work completed this fall and winter.
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ENDORSE THE EAGLE
PROJECT INCLUDING FALL PREP WORK, WITH THE INTENT THAT
THEY WILL RETURN IN FEBRUARY WITH A MORE DETAILED OVERALL
VIEW OF THE PROJECT. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.B.1. Case No. P 01-13, Preliminary Plat - Park Pointe
Ms. McPherson reviewed the plat and stated that the preliminary plat is comprised of
95 lots, including two lots which will be retained by the current property owners Oots
7 and 12). The subject property is 79.12 acres with a net buildable area of 64.65 acres
(gross minus right-of-way and wet lands).
Mr. James Brown from Cascade I Land Co. presented a revised sketch for park and
trail dedication for the plat of 5.65 acres of total area minus 4.85 acres, leaving a
balance of 0.8 acres, and presented two options for the balance of the 0.8 acres:
Option A: Developer willing to dedicate acreage on the island to the northwest (about 0.5
acres) to satisfy approximately ~ of the remaining balance.
Option B: Developer to pay the 0.8 acre balance in park fees as follows:
4.85 divided by 5.65 = 86% of the dedication satisfied. ($1470 X 14% = $205.80 per lot.)
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Upon further discussion, Ms. McPherson listed three choices of park dedication based
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October 10, 2001
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on what may occur with the two exceptions within the plat:
1. The owners may decide to keep the property (in which case, no dedication
would come from the plat).
2. The owners may sub-divide the five-acre parcel (at that time the City would
require park dedication).
3. City of Elk River could approach the owners and ask to purchase an easement.
However, the City cannot require a trail easement for land which is not included
in the plat.
There was further discussion about how Park Pointe plat will tie into the Master Park Plan in
the future.
COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO ACCEPT CONCEPT THE AS
PRESENTED, INCLUDING THE ISLAND WITH ENOUGH LAND
ADJACENT TO LOT 1 OFF OF 175TH COURT TO BE WIDE ENOUGH TO
ACCOMMODATE THE TRAIL. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Two amendments were suggested by Ms. McPherson: 1) The final numbers be presented at
the November meeting; 2) the difference would be in cash.
Commissioner Dana Anderson suggested a third amendment to determine if the right-of
way on Fillmore Street NW was wide enough to support an off-street trail.
ALL THREE AMENDMENTS WERE MADE AND AGREED UPON, 6-0.
9.B.2. Case No. P 01 - 20. Preliminary Plat - Cascade Industrial Park
Ms. McPherson presented the request to consider park dedication for the preliminary plat
of Cascade Industrial Park. The applicant is proposing a 19-1ot industrial subdivision
on 46.97 acres. Included in the plat is an existing single-family home and two outlots.
The property is located in the southeast corner of the city off of Jarvis Street with 165th
Avenue running to the north side of the property.
The City's youth athletic complex is located directly adjacent to and west of the
subject property. Staff is suggesting cash dedication as opposed to 4.7 acres of land. Cash
dedication at the current industrial rate ($2,000 per acre) would total $52,660.
COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CASH
DEDICATION FOR THE PARK DEDICATION. COMMISSIONER DANA
ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.B.3. Landfill Conditional Use Permit Amendment
Ms. McPherson presented a request by Steve Rolf, Building and Zoning Official, who is
currently reviewing and preparing a staff report for review by the Planning Commission for a
conditional use permit amendment by the Elk River Landfill. They are hoping to expand
their demolition cells into the northwest corner of the landfill. The area in question is
adjacent to the old railroad bed for the Great Northern Trail, which has a 200' right-of-way.
This would be an area of encroachment by the landfill.
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October 10,2001
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Mr. Rolf would like the Commission to endorse the requirement that the landfill provide
additional berms and screening to the area to lessen the impact of this trail corridor.
COMMISSION DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE
LANDFILL COMES WITHIN THE 100' OF THE RAILROAD BED; THAT THE
AREA BE RE-VEGETATED AND RE-BERMED TO KEEP THE NATURAL
AESTHETICS OF THE GRADE INTACT. COMMISSIONER DEWALL
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.C.1. Waco Street Trail
Ms. McPherson presented that the City recently completed the extension of Business Center
Drive. The Master Park Plan indicates an extension of both the Waco Street and County
Road 30 trails. At some point in the future, Waco Street will need to be reconstructed and
staff anticipates extending the bituminous trail along the west side of Waco Street south to
County Road 30. The City could work with the developer as was discussed at the last
meeting, to continue with the Co. Rd. 30 trail. There will be missing link which will have to
resolved between the east and west edges of Sandpiper Estates.
Ms. McPherson requested feedback from the Commission as to the direction of the project
at this time. The Commission was in agreement with the comments from Ms. McPherson.
9.C.2. Consider Revised Trail Reimbursement Policies
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Ms. McPherson stated that in late 1999 or early 2000, the City identified a
reimbursement policy for the construction of bituminous trails through various
subdivisions. This year, the City reimbursed two developers at a total cost of
$47,234.80.
Both reimbursements were unanticipated expenditures from the park dedication fund
and staff is requesting further direction regarding reimbursing developers for trail
construction. Ms. McPherson stated that the current rate of reimbursement is $14.00 per
lineal foot, but the market rate is between $7.00 and $8.00 per lineal foot. Staff suggests a
reduction in the reimbursement rate to market levels.
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJUST DOWN THE
REIMBURSEMENT RATE TO $8 PER LINEAL FOOT, IF SOMETHING
EXCEEDS THAT COST, THEN IT WOULD BE EXAMINED ON A CASE-BY-
CASE BASIS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.C.3. Consider 2002 Fees
Ms. McPherson discussed the two sets of fees to be considered: 1) Park dedication fees;
2) Shelter reservation fees. The current park dedication fees include $1,470 per lot for
residential lots, and $2,000 per acre for industrial property, and $3,000 per acre for
commercial property.
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In recent years, it has been recommended an increase of approximately 5% on the
residential park dedication fees, a 5% increase from this year would essentially raise the
amount approximately $73, rounded down to $1,540 per residential lot. It was
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October 10,2001
Page 7
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recommended from staff in order to continue to encourage industrial development, the
fees be left as is.
Shelter reservation fees were implemented at a starting rate of $20 for
open shelters, and $40 for enclosed shelters, and approximately $2,800 has been
generated in revenue this year as a result. There is a damage deposit, which still
stands.
Ms. McPherson has encouraged the Commission to recommend consideration of a non-
residential fee for park shelters. Last year the City Council felt uncomfortable requiring a
non-resident fee, preferring to encourage residential use of the shelters and preventing the
use of the facilities by non-residents.
Staff is recommending four sets of fees for consideration:
1. Increasing park dedication fee for residential lots to $1,540 per lot.
2. Maintaining the current fees for commercial and industrial plats.
3. Maintaining the current reservation fee for shelter reservations to residents.
4. Implementing a non-resident fee of twice the residential fee for shelter
reservatlOns.
COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE
CITY COUNCIL THE ADOPTION OF THE STAFF RECOMMENDED FEES
FOR 2002. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
. 9.CA. Review Final Draft. Park & Trail Map
Ms. McPherson presented one-half of the prototype of the Park and Trail Map that was
completed. There are still some technical difficulties on the map portion of the map.
The portion of the map that is complete includes the mission statement of the
Commission, the address of City Hall and the various telephone numbers and web
sites. There are several parks that are highlighted in the map which include Lions
Park, Orono, Hillside, City Park, the athletic complexes, and also the Woodland
Trails Park, which would include a park map and the trail rules. There is also
information given about how to make reservations and regulations for being in the
parks and the matrix of the various parks that are offered.
There will be a total of 12,000 brochures printed, approximately 5,500 will be
distributed in the November Current which is delivered in the Elk River Star
News. There will be copies available in the kiosk at Woodland Trails Park, Elk River City
Hall, City Recreation, and some will be given to the Chamber to include in the new resident
packages.
10. Information/Update Items
A. Land Use Cases - None
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B. Park/Trail Developments:
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October 10, 2001
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1. Park Dedication Fund Balance
2. River City Snow Riders Newsletter
There were comments on the above items.
11. Update on 9/17/01 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Huberty provided an update on the September 17, 2001 City Council
meeting.
12. Update on 9/25/01 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner Sladek provided an update on the September 25,2001 Planning Commission
meeting.
13. Other Business
Ms. McPherson stated that the Council did give authorization to obtain an appraisal
for the LeFavor property. At the Planning Commission meeting of September 25, 2001, the
plat of Whipple Hill was discussed and the Planning Commission endorsed the
recommendation for cash dedication.
14.
Adjournment
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 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Malecha
Recording Secretary