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01-09-2002 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9,2002 Members Present: Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson, Briggs, DeWall, Huberty, Peterson, and Sladek Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Terry Bye, Park Foreman; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Donna Malecha, Recording Secretary; Michele Bergh, Recreation Programmer 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. Ms. McPherson added two items to be included under Section 13, Other Business: A request to recommend approval of a resolution supporting a Sherburne County grant request. Reminder regarding the retreat meeting scheduled this Saturday, January 12, 2002. 2. Consider January 9. 2002 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 9,2002 PARK & RECREATION AGENDA AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8- O. 3. Consider Minutes of November 14.2001 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 14,2001 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend October Planning Commission and City Council Meetings a. January 22. 2002 City Council Meeting Chair Kuester will attend the January 22, 2002 City Council meeting. b. January 29. 2002 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Dave Anderson will attend the January 29, 2002 Planning Commission meeting. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 9, 2002 Page 2 . 5. Open Mike - Use of 193rd Avenue Trail by Snowmobiles Ms. McPherson stated that there have been several telephone calls regarding the snowmobile trail map that was adopted by the City Council in November. A number of those calls have been from residents in the Lafayette W oods/ Cherrywood Hills developments which lie north of the 193rd Avenue trail used by snowmobilers. The trail on 193rd Avenue has been identified on the snowmobile map as a trail connection between The Great Northern Trail and Highland Road in order to provide a cross-city link to Highway 169. The trail is also posted as pedestrian use only, as are all city trails. The city owns approximately 60' of right-of-way; there is 24' of pavement within the right-of-way, half of which will be plowed for pedestrian use, thus, leaving the remaining 12' of pavement and approximately 18' of right-of-way for travel by snowmobilers. There were several residents who presented in opposition for the use of this trail by snowmobilers, mostly for safety issues in light of the fact that this trail is used by many pedestrians, including many school-aged children who also utilize the trail to commute to and from school every day. . T odd Bauman, resident on Macon Street, was also in opposition of another section of the snowmobile trail which runs along the ditch near his property. He reported that there has been substantial damage to his property, and the snowmobiles ride over the posted speed limit at all hours of the night, and do not stay on the posted trail. He stated that there has been no one in the City to enforce the snowmobile rules [which states that snowmobilers are not allowed to snowmobile after 11 p.m.]. He further stated that there is one police officer in the city who rides a snowmobile and with all the miles of trails in the area, there is no way he would be able to enforce these laws. He suggested two solutions to this concern: Keep the snowmobile trail on the opposite side of the street where a walking path exists and there would be ample space (is-foot span between the walking path and the street) for snowmobilers. Eliminate the trail altogether as a trail currently exists along Highway 10, which is three blocks from the horseshoe trail located along Macon Street. Commissioner Dana Anderson replied that the map is already in effect for this 2001-2002 season, but consideration will be given to the input at tonight's meeting for future adjustment to the map. Ms. Harris, an Elk River resident and college student at Eau Claire, WI, presented information about disc golfing. She gave detailed information describing the sport, providing reasons for having a disc golf course in the community [Lions Park], and including approximate costs for a 9- and 12-hole course. The Commissioner thanked her for the detailed information, and stated they would discuss this topic at a future meeting. . Ms. McPherson stated that this topic would be discussed at the Retreat Meeting this weekend, January 12. She also stated that although the Commission did not take any action regarding the snowmobile trail this evening, it will be part of the Park and Recreation Commission update at the January 22, 2002 City Council meeting. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 9, 2002 Page 3 6. Hearings/Neighborhood Discussions: None. 7. Area Recreation Update - Michele Bergh Ms. Bergh stated that there has already been much interest in disc golfing at Lions Park. She also stated that the closest course is located in Buffalo. She feels that it would appeal to the adolescents in Elk River, as well as many adults. She also stated that this sport was extremely popular at Winter Fest in the past; thus, making this a year-round sport. Ms. Bergh stated that it has been challenging getting the residents accustomed to the changes in recreation services. Unfortunately, many residents who live outside the Elk River area are unhappy with non-resident fees. As such, many non-residents are opting to look elsewhere for recreation events and programs, and some programs have been cancelled due to lack of participation. 8. Park Development Progress Report - Terry Bye Mr. Bye stated that due to a lack of cold weather, the ice rinks were delayed. The warming house from Lake Orono was moved to Lions Park as the regular warming house was closed due to construction. Due to the warm weather, the two rinks that have been utilized this year are Handke Pit and Lions Park. There has been a frost-free hydrant installed at Trott Brook and a rink has been established but to date there has been little use. Mr. Leeseberg presented a video tape of the construction progress made at several parks, including Trott Brook Barn, YAC dugouts, and Lions Park. 9.A.1. Community Events: Elk River 20 Mile Race Ms. McPherson introduced Ms. Mary Anderson who has been hired to organize the Elk River 20 Mile Race (previously known as the Leukemia Race). The race was formerly organized by Mr. Tom Gilgenbach. Ms. Anderson stated that she has been involved with many races which have been sponsored throughout the Twin Cities area, as well as in the state of Minnesota for several years. She stated that she would be more directly involved with the 20-Mile Race this year, as Mr. Gilgenbach is stepping down from organizing this race. She stated that the proceeds will be going directly to the Leukemia Society, as has been in years past. Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that in the past, the Commission was concerned with the method of marking the race course throughout the city. Ms. Anderson stated that she would be in favor of using chalk spray paint versus the permanent spray paint which has been used in the past. She also stated that the chalk spray will completely dissolve with one to two summer rains, as opposed to permanent spray paint which does not. Ms. Anderson has completely all the forms necessary to proceed with this event. She also plans to return (possibly in July) after the race to give feedback regarding the race and proceeds, etc. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 9, 2002 Page 4 . COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR THE USE OF THE CITY PARK (LIONS PARK) AND THE CITY AS A WHOLE WITH THE REQUIREMENT TO IMPROVE THE COURSE AESTHETICALLY FROM THIS EVENT'S PREVIOUS MARKINGS. COMMISSIONER DEW ALL SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 9.B.1. Concept Review Bloomdahl Subdivision Ms. McPherson presented a concept plan for consideration. Bloomdahl Subdivision (Windsor Park III) is a cluster subdivision with dwellings south of County Road 33, and additional open space and potential park land north of County Road 33. There are two issues to be considered: The subdivision is split by County Road 33; therefore, the applicant is requesting open space to the north side of County Road 33 to be used as park land, granting additional housing density on the south side of County Road 33. The applicant is also requesting one additional lot to be used for "community benefit," giving the proceeds from the sale of the lot to the Elk River School District for school improvements. Mr. Brown of Dynamics Design presented information pertaining to the above and asked for input from the commission as to whether they would accept the concept plan. The commission had no disapproval of the plan, and stated that they would also like to tour the area before it is presented as a preliminary plat. . The Commission had no comment regarding the "community benefit" list. 9.B.2. Case No. POl-B. Park Dedication. Park Pointe Ms. McPherson presented information the commission to reaffirm its decision regarding park dedication for the subdivision of Park Pointe for total land dedication of 5.51 acres to include a 1.15 acre parcel (outlot G) for a neighborhood park with space for a playground structure. A second consideration for the 5-acre parcel (outlot E) to have a connection between the two existing parks along the water's edge, if and when it becomes sub-divided. Mr. Brown from Dynamics Design discussed the revision of the plat with the addition of of outlot G for potential playground use. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS MOVED TO ACCEPT THE DEVELOPER'S PROPOSAL. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED THAT WHEN OUTLOT E IS PLATTED, THAT 10% LAND DEDICATION BE GIVEN ALONG THE WATER, BETWEEN THE TWO PARCELS GIVEN TO MAKE THE CONNECTION FROM THE NORTH TO THE SOUTH. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. . . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 9, 2002 Page 5 9.B.3. Case No. P 02-01. Park Dedication STC/Fischer Ms. McPherson stated that this subdivision of a 40-acre plat will be comprised of 103 mixed residential dwellings. Twenty-one units are single-family; 31 rambler-style townhomes; with the remaining 54 units are condominiums. This subdivision allows for trail connections to the adjacent Hillside City Park through the powerline easement along the north property line. Staff recommends that the commission accept cash dedication for the plat, as well as requiring the developer to construct a bituminous trail into Hillside City Park to provide access from the subdivision. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION AND FOR THE DEVELOPER TO BE REQUIRED TO CONSTRUCT A BITUMINOUS TRAIL TO HILLSIDE CITY PARK. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 9. c.1. Park/Trail Development Issues - None 10. Information/Update Items (No discussion or presentation unless requested) A. Land Use Cases - None B. Park/Trail Developments: 1. Park Dedication Fund Balance 2. October Park Dedication Survey 3. Pool Levies Article 4. Center for Community Committee Minutes 5. River City Snow Riders Newsletter (2) 6. Arden Hills Park Plan Article and Plan Summary 11. Update on 12/17/01 City Council Meeting Ms. McPherson gave an update on the December 17,2001 City Council Meeting as Commissioner Briggs was not present. Ms. McPherson stated that the bulk of the meeting centered around the Park Pointe plat. The Council also approved cash dedication for Trott Brook South. 12. Update on 12/18/01 Planning Commission Meeting Ms. McPherson presented at the December 18, 2001 Planning Commission Meeting as Chair Kuester was absent. Ms. McPherson stated that there were no related issues at this meetmg. 13. Other Business a. Recommend approval of a Resolution Supporting a Sherburne County Grant Request. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 9, 2002 Page 6 . Ms. McPherson presented that Sherburne County is submitting a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Transportation in order to obtain the abandoned railroad corridor in Livonia Township from the City of Zimmerman to the northerly Elk River corporate boundary. They are also requesting monies to complete paving of the trail from County Road 33 in Elk River to the City of Zimmerman. They request that the City of Elk River support this grant application, including providing a local match for the paving of the portion of the trail in Elk River. This is an 80/20 matching grant program and, therefore, 80% of the project cost will be paid for through the grant and the local match will be 20% of the project cost. The City of Elk River will need to cover 20% of the project cost to pave the portion of trail from County Road 33 to the northerly corporate limits. It is recommended that the Commission recommend that the City Council approve the resolution in support of the Great N orthern Trail acquisition and paving. COMMISSIONER DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION WITH THE DOLLAR AMOUNT INCLUDED. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. b. Informational/Update Items for January 12,2002 Meeting. . Background information for Item No.4 of the Retreat Agenda, Capital Improvements was distributed. The meeting will be at City Hall on Saturday morning, January 12th, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The two items of most importance are the budget and the Park and Recreation Director position. 14. Adjournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONERDA VEANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Malecha Recording Secretary .