04-10-2002 PR MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2002
Members Present:
Chair Peterson; Commissioners Anderson, Kuester, DeWall, Briggs,
Nystrom, Polston-Hork.
Members Absent:
Commissioner Sladek
Staff Present:
Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park
Planner; Terry Bye, Park Foreman; Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager;
Jessica Miller, 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 Peterson.
2.
Consider April 10. 2002. Park & Recreation Commission Agenda
COMMISSIONER DEWALL MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 10,2002, PARK
& RECREATION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
3.
Consider Minutes of March 13. 2002. Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 13, 2002,
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
COMMISSIONER DEWALL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to April Planning Commission and City Council Meetings
a. 4/15/02 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Polston-Hork will attend the April 15, 2002 City Council meeting.
b. 4/23/02 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner Sladek will attend the April 23, 2002 Planning
Commission meeting.
5. Open Mike
Noone appeared for Open Mike.
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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
April 10, 2002
Page 2
6. Neighborhood Meetings/Discussions
None.
7. Park Development Progress Report: Terry Bye
Terry Bye, Park Foreman, stated that the City recently held another burn of stumps at Camp
Cozy and the prairie restoration project is looking good.
He also stated that the bleachers at Orono Park and the Youth Athletic Complex \'lAC) are
in and they are hoping to set them up in the next week or so. Mr. Bye informed the
Commission that a model of the new park sign for Orono Park was outside and asked for
any feedback. The Commission gave Mr. Bye positive feedback on the sign.
Mr. Bye informed the Commission that he and Mr. Leeseberg attended a seminar on
waterparks and skateparks to get some ideas for the future. Mr. Leeseberg gave a brief
presentation on the seminar. The waterparks are very condusive to our winter climate. The
ground mounted spray heads are easily taken off and the water lines are run so that they can
be emptied by simply opening a valve. The waterparks are lower maintenance than a pool
facility. Mr. Leeseberg also talked about skateparks. He stated that the designs they were
shown are modular and can be easily set up and rearranged to change layouts. The
skateparks can be set up on any existing hard surface such as a parking lot or a tennis court.
Mr. Leeseberg informed the Commission that skating and skateboarding are becoming a
huge sport and that skateparks are being installed allover the world. No costs of either park
was given at the seminar.
8.
City Recreation Update: Michele Bergh
Michele Bergh, City Recreation Manager, stated that Safety Camp is approximately half full
already and that they have had steady registration for all of their programs. The Recreation
Department is currently in the process of reviewing applications received for summer
employment.
Ms. Bergh stated that she toured the Adult Softball Complex with Commissioner Anderson
and that Recreation is very excited to handle the concessions and a manager for the
concession stand has been hired.
Ms. Bergh presented the Commission with a copy ofthe Recreation Field Use Policy. The
current policy is to only recognize one association per sport and population. Facilities are
then reserved for these recognized associations/groups prior to any other group or
associations. This policy has been in existence for many years informally and became a
formal policy for Community Recreation in 2000 and was slightly modified and adopted by
city staff at the end of 2001. Ms. Bergh asked for endorsement of this policy from the
Commission.
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO ENDORSE THE FIELD USE
POLICY AS WRITTEN. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
April 10, 2002
Page 3
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Commissioner Kuester asked Ms. Bergh when the landscaping at Lion's Park Facility would
be completed. Ms. Bergh and Mr. Bye stated that the landscaping would be completed as
soon as weather permits.
9.A.1. Community Events: Eagle Scout Proiect; Camp Cozy Prairie Restoration
Scott Dierks from Eagle Scout Troop 90 gave the Commission a brief update on the Camp
Cozy Prairie Restoration project. He stated that they intend to start burning as soon as
possible and then spread prairie seed down. Scott asked the Commission for a $150.00
donation to help pay for the prairie seed that will be planted this summer.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PROJECT AND
DONATE $150.00 TO THE EAGLE SCOUTS TO BE USED TOWARDS THE
PURCHASE OF PRAIRIE SEED. COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Scott also stated that he plans on building blue bird houses this winter to put up next year
after the second burn is completed. Scott plans on asking Menards and Home Depot if they
will donate some materials for the bird houses but he would like the Commission to provide
half of the material costs. Scott is not sure of the cost of the bird houses and the
Commission asked him to come back when he has an idea of the total cost.
9.A.2. Presentation by Anoka County Parks
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Ms. McPherson introduced Mr. John V onDeLinde of Anoka County Parks. He presented
information regarding the Anoka County Park system. Mr. V onDeLinde stated that the
Anoka County Park system consists of just over 9,000 acres consisting of ten regional parks,
ten county parks, and four regional trails. The park system is natural resource based, much
like you would find in a State park system.
Anoka County completed a Comprehensive Park and Recreation System Plan in 1998. This
took approximately two years to complete and a citizen task force of 20 people from across
Anoka County were included in the planning. Anoka County is also in the process of
completing Master Park Plans. These will identify on a park by park basis what are the needs
for each park and will include a natural resource management plan for each park. These
Master Plans include input from both staff and the public.
Mr. V onDeLinde stated that he and the Anoka County Park System would be more than
happy to share any information and provide assistance to Elk River staff.
9.B.1. Land Use Cases: Review Neighborhood Park Service Areas
Michele McPherson presented the updated Master Park Plan map. She reviewed all the
parks that the city owns and stated that this will be done at every meeting prior to reviewing
subdivisions.
9.B.2. Administrative Subdivision by Roger Johnson. Case No. AS 02-04
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Ms. McPherson stated that the subject property is located west of Jarvis Street at the 1615t
Avenue alignment. The property is 9.23 acres, zoned 12, Medium Industrial, and there is
currently a 2-story home and a metal shop located on the property. The proposed
subdivision will create four parcels; Parcel 1- 5.02 acres for the metal shop, Parcel 2 - 1.5
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Apri110, 2002
Page 4
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acres which will remain vacant, Parcel 3 - 2.15 acres for the single-family home and
outbuildings, and Parcel 4 - for right-of-way to be dedicated to the City for Jarvis Street.
This property is not within a park service area but it has many recreational facilities nearby.
As it is industrial land staff recommends that the Commission recommend cash dedication
for this subdivision.
Mr. Johnson addressed the Commission on the issue of the park dedication fees. Mr
Johnson stated that he was not aware that the park dedication fees would be so high and that
he did not allocate the money when the selling price of the property was discussed. He
requested that the Commission lower the fees. Chair Peterson stated that he believed that
the seller must pay the fees stated at the point of sale - no exceptions. Ms. McPherson
informed the Commission that the Council has made one exception which was for the Elk
River Business Park to pay on the lots as they are sold.
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COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY
ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION AT THE RESIDENTIAL RATE FOR PARCEL 3,
AND AT THE INDUSTRIAL RATE FOR PARCELS 1 AND 2 TO BE PAID AT
THE TIME THE PARCELS ARE SOLD. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED 5-2.
CHAIR PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY ACCEPT
CASH DEDICATION FOR PARCELS 1,2, AND 3 AT THE INDUSTRIAL RATE,
WITH IMMEDIATE PAYMENT FOR PARCEL 2, AND PARCELS 1 AND 3 TO
BE PAID AT THE TIME THE LOTS ARE SOLD. COMMISSIONER
ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
COMMISSIONER BRIGGS OPPOSED.
9.B.3
Administrative Subdivision by Bob & Terri Bostrom. Case No. AS 02-03
Ms. McPherson presented the Commission with information regarding a proposed
subdivision located at the end of 192 lh Avenue, north of the Burlington Northern Railroad
tracks and east of Lander Street. The subject property is 9.42 acres and consists of a single-
family home and a pole barn. The proposed subdivision will create a 2 lh acre lot along the
westerly edge of the parcel which will have access from the cuI de sac at the end of 192 lh
Avenue. Based on the Master Park Plan, staff is recommending that the Commission
recommend cash dedication for one lot.
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION
FOR ONE LOT. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
9.B.4. Preliminary Plat - Echo Hill. Case No. P 02-09
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Michele McPherson stated that the subject property is 15.74 acres located west of County
Road 77, north of Lafayette Woods, and south of Ridgewood 1st Addition. The property is
substantially wooded with a large change in topography. The property is proposed to be
subdivided into five single-family lots each exceeding 2.5 acres. The property is outside of
the City's Urban Service District; therefore, each lot will have its own well and septic system.
This property is not within a park service area but it has many recreational areas nearby;
therefore, staff is recommending that the Commission recommend cash dedication for four
lots as opposed to 1.5 acres of land.
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April 10, 2002
Page 5
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Commissioner Nystrom asked if the parcel was adjacent to Outlot A of Lafayette Woods
(Big Tooth Ridge Park). The Commission discussed trail connections between Big Tooth
Ridge Park and County Road 77.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO ACCEPT PARK LAND
DEDICATION OF 1.5 ACRES OF LAND ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE PLAT
FOR TRAIL PURPOSES. COMMISSIONER NYSTROM SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
9.B.5. Preliminary Plat - Nordic Hills. Case No. P 02-07
The subject property is 28.47 acres located east of County Road 1, south of Nordic Woods,
and west of Meadowvale School, lying north of the 193rd Avenue alignment. The proposed
subdivision is for 50 single-family homes which would utilize the existing 194th Avenue
entrance.
At its last meeting, the Park and Recreation Commission decided that cash dedication would
be preferable but after looking at the Master Park Plan, it is noted that the property is within
Park Service Area 9, which indicates that additional parkland is necessary in the area.
Additional properties in the same area are proposed for subdivision in the near future (Ron
Bastyr proposal) and additional parkland could be considered as part of that subdivision.
The maximum dedication of land from the subdivision would be 2.8 acres or cash dedication
for 50 lots equaling $77,000. Staff requested that the Commission determine if land or cash
dedication is preferable for this plat.
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Mr. Black, Royal Oaks Realty, was in attendance and he recommended that the
Commission accept the 5 acres of park land previously discussed (Ron Bastyr proposal). He
believes that this land would better suit the neighborhood's parkland needs. Mr. Black also
suggested that the Commission lower the park dedication amount if some of the area is
wetland.
Ms. McPherson stated that she will talk to Mr. Bastyr of Windsor Development again to see
if they will reconsider the parkland dedication rather than cash dedication. Ms. McPherson
stated that the concept plan with Mr. Bastyr is not an actual plat. Commissioner Kuester
expressed the strong need for a neighborhood park in this area and he believed meeting with
Mr. Bastyr is appropriate.
CHAIR PETERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION FOR THE
PLAT WITH A TRAIL CONNECTION TO CONNECT TO THE NORTH AND
EAST WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT MR. BASTYR WILL BE
CONTACTED TO RECONSIDER LAND DEDICATION FOR HIS CONCEPT
PLAN. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
9.B.6. Preliminary Plat - Kliever Lake Fields East. Case No. P 02-02
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Ms. McPherson stated that the City has no opportunity for park dedication, as the developer
agreed to provide 7.9 acres of land for a park in the plat of Kliever Lake Fields, which met
the ten percent requirement for the 79 acre site.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
April 10, 2002
Page 6
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9.B.7. Preliminary Plat - Marshes of Trott Brook Farms, Case No. P 02-08
Michele McPherson informed the Commission that D .R. Horton is requesting a rezoning
and preliminary plat of a revised northwest corner of Trott Brook Farms. The purpose of
the replat is to change the layout of that section of the original planned unit development.
There would be an additional 48 housing units added with this proposal. The original park
dedication agreement was based on 600 dwelling units, with the land dedication less than the
maximum ten percent allowed by ordinance. Staff recommends that the Commission
recommend cash dedication for the additional 48 units ($73,920.00) over the original
agreement.
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOTIONED TO ACCEPT CASH
DEDICATION ON 48 UNITS AT THE CURRENT RATE. COMMISSIONER
POLSTON-HORK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
9.C.l. Park/Trail Development Issues: Orono Park Master Plan Alternatives
Ms. McPherson asked the Commission to review the Orono Park Master Plan Options and
provide staff with additional direction regarding the layout, proposed amenities, and the
possible siting of a community center within the Master Park Plan.
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Mr. Leeseberg reviewed three different concept plans on Orono Park with the Commission.
Ms. McPherson asked each Commissioner to provide feedback on what they liked/disliked
about each of the concept plans. The general consensus of the Commission was to design
the park without a Community Center, have the parking in a central area, and to keep at least
five or six ballfields. Although the Commission liked the idea of having a Community Center
in Elk River, they are not sure that Orono Park would be the best location for it.
9.C.2. Tree Forts in Park Trees
This item was postponed until the May Park and Recreation meeting.
9.C.3. Review Draft; Joint Meeting Memo
Ms. McPherson asked the Commission to review the draft memo for the joint meeting with
the City Council on April 22, 2002, and to provide staff with any feedback.
9.CA. Review Fresno Playground Options
Ms. McPherson presented the Commission with three different playground options for
Fresno Park and asked that they give staff direction on which option to implement. The
Commission originally reviewed the playground options in October but a subcommittee
suggested that the options be changed to lessen the duplication of equipment in parks that
are close to each other and also to reduce the overall expenditure level. The neighborhood
preference was Option B and the Commission consensus was to move forward with Plan B.
9.C.S. Discuss YAC & Orono Athletic Complex Uses
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Ms. McPherson stated that City Recreation has had a number of conversations with youth
baseball and softball and adult softball representatives regarding the uses at the Youth
Athletic Complex (Y AC) and the Orono Athletic Complex. Since participation in the adult
softball program has declined significantly, the fields at the Orono Athletic Complex would
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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
April 10, 2002
Page 7
be available for use by the youth programs. Staff asked the Commission to consider a
recommendation to the City Council to identify the Orono Athletic Complex as a softball
complex and YAC as a baseball complex.
Ms. McPherson also informed the Commission that staff has been contacted by Three
Rivers Soccer Association (TRSA) and they are interested in discussing financial
participation to construct soccer fields at the Youth Athletic Complex. There would be room
for three full-size soccer fields. Ms. McPherson also stated that there are neighborhood
parks that may be available for use by TRSA if monies were available for development of
soccer fields at these parks. The Commission was asked to consider these issues and provide
further direction to staff at a future meeting.
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. River City Snow Riders Newsletters
11. Update on 3/18/02 City Council Meeting - Commissioner Peterson
Commissioner Peterson gave an update on the March 18, 2002, City Council meeting.
12.
Update on 3/26/02 Planning Commission Meeting - Michele McPherson
Michele McPherson gave an update on the March 26, 2002, Planning Commission meeting
as Commissioner Anderson was unable to attend the March meeting.
Commissioner Briggs gave a brief update on the April 18, 2002, Ice Arena Commission
meeting.
13. Other Business
There was no other business.
14. Adjournment
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER NYSTROM MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER HOLSTON-PORK
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~f'{~
Jessica Miller
Recording Secretary