05-08-2002 PR MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8,2002
Members Present:
Chair Peterson; Commissioners Anderson, Kuester, Briggs, Polston-Hork,
Sladek
Members Absent:
Commissioners DeWall and Nystrom
Staff Present:
Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park
Planner; Terry Bye, Park Foreman; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent;
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 May 8. 2002. Park & Recreation Commission Agenda
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 8, 2002,
PARK & RECREATION AGENDA AS AMENDED.
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Add Update on Comprehensive Plan under Other Business
Item 9.A.1., Presentation by Wright County Parks, was postponed until the
June meeting
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COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of April 10. 2002. Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes and
the April 10. 2002. Landfill Planning Notes
COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 10, 2002,
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AS
AMENDED.
. It was noted that there were minor errors in the Landfill Meeting Notes.
COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend May Planning Commission and City Council
Meetings
a.
OS/20/02 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Sladek will attend the May 20, 2002, City Council meeting.
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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
May 8, 2002
Page 2
b.
OS/28/02 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner DeWall will attend the May 28, 2002, Planning
Commission meeting.
5. Open Mike
Noone appeared for Open Mike.
6. Neighborhood Meetings/Discussions
None.
7. Park Development Progress Report: Terry Bye
Terry Bye, Park Foreman, stated that Don Karstens is back working for the City. He has
been working on the barn in Trout Brook Farms, replacing some of the wood on the outside
of the building and has been working on ftnishing the inside.
The Public Works Department has been cleaning up the City Parks and getting the athletic
ftelds ready for use. The dugouts are almost completed at the Youth Athletic Complex
(YAC).
8.
City Recreation Update: Michele Bergh
Michele Bergh, City Recreation Manager, stated that the summer brochure is complete and
was sent to the printer to be distributed June 5. The brochure includes many programs
including pee wee sports and safety programs such as ftrst aid, CPR, and ftrearms safety.
This year there is over 100 classes offered in Elk River compared to 71 last year. Many of the
classes, including Safety Camp, are full.
The Emporium will have the last concert of the season Friday, May 10, 2002. Smaller
concerts will be held this summer at the band shell.
Michele stated that Lions Park Center continues to be very busy. Another 100 hours of use
were reserved last month bringing the total hours to 500. Michele also stated that they will
be revising the policy for Lions Park Center to include non-proftt groups. Michele asked for
any suggestions from the Commission. Michele McPherson suggested that the Commission
review the policy and provide feedback to staff. Ms. Bergh hopes to bring the policy changes
to the City Council soon.
Commissioner Kuester asked what kind of programming will be held at the Trott Brook
Barn once it is completed. Ms. Bergh stated that adult fttness, family activities, and possibly
some senior programs will be held there.
9.A.1.
Presentation of Wright County Parks
The representative from Wright County Parks was unable to attend due to a family
emergency. The presentation will be rescheduled for the June 12, 2002, meeting.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
May 8, 2002
Page 3
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9.A.2. BMX Track Changes
Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, stated that the local BMX Association would like to
make some changes to the BMX track and currently they are required to seek City approval
before any changes are made. Mr. Hals asked that the Commission grant city staff
permission to approve changes without coming before the Commission. Staff would oversee
the changes and complete inspections on the track. The Commission agreed that staff
should be able to approve minor changes but the Commission would like to see the track
plans every year to review and approve any major changes.
Robin Bauermeister, President of the BMX Association, was in attendance along with
other association members. Robin stated that BMX tracks are changed quite frequently to
make tracks more challenging, less challenging, or to create variety. She stated that it would
not be a problem to bring a plan before the Commission every March showing any major
changes that would be made during the upcoming season.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO ALLOW STAFF TO APPROVE
MINOR CHANGES TO THE BMX TRACK BY THE BMX ASSOCIATION
WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE BMX ASSOCIATION COME BEFORE
THE COMMISSION EVERY MARCH AND PRESENT A PLAN FOR THE
UPCOMING SEASON'S CHANGES TO THE TRACK. COMMISSIONER
BRIGGS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.B.1.
Land Use Cases: Review Neighborhood Information
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No discussion or action requested on this item.
9.B.2.
Administrative Subdivision by Jim Nord Case No. AS 02-05
The subject property is located west of Elk Lake Road, north of Windsor Oak Hill and
adjacent to Countryside Acres. The property is 8.71 acres and there is an existing home
located on the north side of the property. The subject property is zoned R1A Rural
Residential which requires a 2 V2 acre lot minimum. The proposed subdivision will create
two parcels of land. Parcel A would be 2.81 acres for the existing home and Parcel B would
be a vacant buildable lot. The property is located near Park Service Area 9 which indicates
additional recreational area is needed in the area, however, staff is recommending cash
dedication for one lot due to the size and location of the parcel.
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION
FOR ONE LOT. COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.B.3 Administrative Subdivision by Shane Hipsag Case No. AS 02-06
Ms. McPherson presented information regarding a proposed subdivision located at the
intersection of 213th Avenue and Highway 169. The property is zoned A-l Agricultural
Conservation, which requires a minimum 10-acre lot. The property is just over 20 acres and
the applicant is proposing to divide the property into two parcels. There is an existing home
on Parcel A and the subdivision would create one buildable lot. Staff recommends cash
. dedication because the land is in the rural district, outside of any park service areas.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
May 8, 2002
Page 4
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COMMISSIONER SLADEK MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFFS
RECOMMENDATION OF CASH DEDICATION FOR THE SUBDIVISION
REQUEST. COMMISSIONER BRIGGS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.B.4. Preliminary Plat - Grace Addition. Case No. P 02-10
The subject property is approximately 33.91 acres and is located east of the Royal Oaks
Ridge subdivision and west of County Road 13 near the Tyler Street intersection. The
property is owned by Grace Assembly of God Church and is currently vacant. Ms.
McPherson stated that the City has been negotiating with the church for over two years in
regards to purchasing a portion of the property for park purposes. The Commission found
the site to be unique in its topography and its vegetative characteristics.
Ms. McPherson stated that staff has worked with the church to identify an 11 acre parcel of
land in the northwest portion of the site for purchase by the City. Pedestrian access will be
provided for the 11 acres of parkland at 190th Avenue NW. Development plans have not
been developed by staff yet for this property, however, discussion has included a
playground, pickup ball field, park shelter, etc. Staff recommends the Commission continue
to endorse the purchase of Lot 2 by the City for park purposes.
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COMMISSIONER BRIGGS MOVED TO CONTINUE ENDORSEMENT OF
THE PURCHASE OF LOT 2 BY THE CITY FOR PARK PURPOSES AND TO
FURTHER THE EASEMENT AND TRAIL CONNECTION. COMMISSIONER
SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9.B.5.
Preliminary Plat - Twin Lakes Crossing (Becker Property). Case No. P 02-05
The subject property for the proposed subdivision is located south of County Road 13 at the
Tyler Street intersection, north of Trout Brook Farms. It totals 109.49 acres of which 37.30
acres are wetland. The property is currently a farmstead with an existing single-family home
and assorted agricultural buildings. The proposed subdivision will be comprised of 286 lots;
both single-family and townhome lots. It is proposed that Outlot A, 4.46 acres located in the
southeast corner of the site adjacent to the City's Outlok K, Trott Brook Farms, be used for
park purposes with the remainder of the amount taken in cash dedication. The 4.46 acres
would be approximately 41 % of the amount allowed by statute with the remaining 59%
being accepted as cash dedication ($259,859.60). Staff recommends that if the Commission
finds the land acceptable that the Commission recommend a split land and cash dedication.
The Commission was concerned that some of the multi-family units in the middle would not
be served by the park since the 4.46 acres is located at the far end of the property. It was
discussed that the Commission may want to see a total land dedication or a larger land
dedication than the 4.46 acres.
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Doc Bauman, Vice President of Tollefson Development, was in attendance. Doc stated
that he is purchasing approximately 100 acres rather than the 109.49 stated. Mr. & Mrs.
Becker will continue to live on the little over nine acres remaining. Mr. Bauman also stated
that if the Commission recommends land dedication for the entire 10% allowed, that the
project would fall apart. Mr. Bauman would like to do 4.46 acres of land with the remaining
in cash dedication. Doc also suggested that he could add some tot lots to the multi-family
open spaces that would be more centrally located.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
May 8, 2002
Page 5
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COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY
ACCEPT SIX ACRES IN LAND DEDICATION AND THE REMAINDER IN
CASH DEDICATION WITH THE CONDITION THAT TWO TOT LOTS ARE
PLACED IN THE DENSER AREAS OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND THAT A
SECOND TRAIL CONNECTION TO OUTLOT K IS PROVIDED.
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-2.
Staff will work with the developer on the placement of the tot lots.
9.B.6. Preliminary Plat - Mississippi Oaks 3rd Addition. Case No. P 02-11
The subject property is 27 acres located south of Mississippi Road and east of Fresno Street,
at the Denver Street Alignment. The property is currently vacant and has been left fallow for
several years. The proposed subdivision will create 51 lots and will be the third addition of
Mississippi Oaks. The property is located within Park Service Area 5, which indicates that
the park needs would be met with the Mississippi Oaks 2nd Addition. Two parks are within
close proximity of the property; Fresno Park and Mississippi Oaks Park. Staff is asking that
the Commission provide direction regarding the park dedication requirements for the
Mississippi Oaks 3rd Addition.
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Commissioner Anderson inquired about what happened to a previous recommendation for
this property back from 1993. The recommendation from July 1993 stated that one acre of
land would be dedicated with the remainder in cash with the understanding that there would
be access off of Concord Street.
It was suggested that the Commission tour the land before the Planning Commission
meeting and give Michele McPherson a verbal recommendation to pass on to the Planning
Commission. Ms. McPherson will get permission from the landowner for the Commission
to tour the property at their leisure.
9.C.1. Orono Park Master Plan Alternatives
Chris Leeseberg, City/Park Planner, presented the Commission with three new concepts for
Orono Park. Mr. Leeseberg asked the Commission to again provide feedback on their
likes/ dislike of the concept plans. The general consensus was that the Commission liked
Option Three with a few changes. Chris will take the suggestions and draw up the final
concept plan for the June meeting.
9.C.2. Tree Forts in Park Trees
Commissioner Anderson stated that both staff and citizens have brought to his attention
that there are issues with tree forts in the city parks. He showed the Commission photos of
existing tree forts located in parks and asked that they recommend what they would like
done. The Commission agreed that forts are a nuisance and can be a liability for the City. It
was also noted that if the forts were to be removed by staff that the park boundaries be
marked.
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COMMISSIONER BRIGGS RECOMMENDED THAT STAFF FIND PARK
BOUNDARIES AND ELIMINATE ALL TREE FORTS WITHIN THEM.
COMMISSIONER SLADEK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
May 8, 2002
Page 6
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 Newsletter
3. JV[inutes of the February Meeting of the Center for Community Committee
4. Article Re: Phosphorus Bill
5. Article Re: Artistic Interest
11. Update on 4/15/02 City Council Meeting - Commissioner Polston-Hork
Commissioner Polston-Hork gave an update on the April 15, 2002, City Council meeting.
12. Update on 4/23/02 Planning Commission Meeting - Commissioner Sladek
Commissioner Sladek gave an update on the April 23, 2002, Planning Commission meeting.
13. Other Business
Commissioner Kuester gave a brief update on the Comprehensive Plan.
14.
Adjournment
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER BRIGGS MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Jessica Miller
Recording Secretary