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02-12-2003 PR MIN e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003 Members Present: Chair Peterson, Commissioners Anderson, Jackett, Nystrom, Kuester, and Polston-Hork Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Phil Hals, Park/Street Superintendent; 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 02/12/03 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda COMMISSIONER JACKETT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 12,2003 PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER NYSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. e 3. Consider Minutes of January 8.2003 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting COMMISSIONER NYSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 8,2003 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend Februaty Planning Commission and City Council Meetings a. 02/18/03 City Council Meeting Commissioner Kuester will attend the February 18, 2003 City Council Meeting. b. 02/25/03 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Anderson will attend the February 25, 2003 Planning Commission Meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 6. Neighborhood Meetings/Discussions: Highlands East/West e Michele McPherson presented the Commission and the residents with a brief history of the proposed Highlands park area. Ms. McPherson explained that at this time, the City currendy Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 12, 2003 Page 2 e owns land for only the Highlands East portion of the park land.. Land for the West portion of the park will not be deeded to the City until the developer's final plat is approved for Hillside 8th. Ms. McPherson stated that a concept plan was created and approved in 1998 at which time the City received a petition from residents of the Hillside neighborhood in opposition to the proposed park. At the January 2003 Park and Recreation meeting, the Commission received a new petition in favor of a park in the area. Ms. McPherson explained that no plan is set in stone and that the Commission would like to collect input from the residents as to what they would like to see for a park. Chair Peterson opened the public hearing. Leesa Gilliam, 11018196th Avenue NW- stated that she was part of the 1998 petition in opposition to the park plan that was proposed for the east site. Ms. Gilliam stated that she would like to see the site remain somewhat natural so as to not disturb the wildlife in the area. She also has concerns about the large pond on the site and about the lack of parking areas for amenities such as a basketball court or playground. Ms. Gilliam would be in favor of trails and possible picnic areas. e The Commission was asked what type of parking is normally provided for parks. Ms. McPherson stated that normally the City does not plan for parking areas in neighborhood parks because the streets are normally wide enough to handle light parking. It was also stated that this type of neighborhood park is not meant to be used by everyone in the City, it is meant to be used by the neighborhood; therefore, most of the traffic should be walking and biking to the park. Paul Craven, 11042 196th Avenue NW - stated that he has issues about the safety and security of the park. He stated that the park on the east side would not be visible from the road and he is concerned about the crime that could take place. He believes that the residents who live near the park would be the ones who would end up policing the area. He is in favor of the trails but is opposed to having playground equipment on the east side; he believes the playground equipment would be best suited on the west side. Kathy Straus, 11204 195th Avenue NW - stated that she is in favor of having playground equipment for a park. She doesn't believe that parking would be an issue because she believes people would walk to the park. She doesn't have a preference if the park goes in on the east or west side but she would like to see something done soon. Chair Peterson stated that the Commission will work with the residents to get a park that can please the majority of neighbors. Chair Peterson informed the residents present that he would like to see them work together to compromise on a park plan. Commissioner Kuester stated that he was present when the 1998 petition was presented and he believes this proposed park plan is a compromise of the plans and input that was submitted at that time. e Chris Haugen, 19366 Auburn Street NW - stated that he was in favor of a park in 1998 and he is in favor of a park now. He explained that the neighborhood already has traffic concerns that have been addressed and he would not like to see more traffic added. Mr. Haugen stated that he would like to see playground equipment but he believes that it should Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 12, 2003 Page 3 e be visible for patrol and should not be near the pond. He also suggested maybe the area near the pond could be used for a sliding hill. Chuck Gilliam, 11018 196th Avenue NW - stated that he is a teen on the new Teen Advisory- Commission working with the community to create activities for teenagers. He believes that teenagers in the area need more activities. David Badger, 19495 Auburn Street NW - he stated that he agrees with what he has heard so far. He is excited about the opportunity to make this park happen. Richard Fischer, 19664 Zane Street - he stated that the proposed park area on the Highlands West side is too far back from the road. He would like to see park amenities of some sort as soon as possible. Chair Peterson closed the public hearing. Michele McPherson suggested that staff and the Commission take the input from the residents and pull together some maps, aerial photos, and topographic information and come back in May with some ideas for a new plan. Ms. McPherson also asked the residents to volunteer if they would be interested in working with staff to brainstorm ideas for a concept plan. There is $50,000 in the 2003 Capital Improvement Plan budget for park amenities for the entire Highlands Park project. e 7. Park Development Progress Report T eny Bye, Park Foreman, stated that the Public Works Department continues to maintain the ice rinks. The attendance at the rinks has been down due to the extremely cold weather. Public Works has started making 20 new picnic tables for placement in City Parks. Mr. Bye also stated that he and Lead Building Inspector Teny Zajac have assigned addresses for all of the City parks. Park signs with addresses will be made for each park. 8. City Recreation Update Recreation Manager Michele Bergh stated that the Facility Subcommittee, which is comprised of three Park and Recreation Commissioners, two City Councilmembers, and staff, has been meeting to discuss field, park, and shelter fees and policies. The subcommittee hopes to have a recommendation for the Commission in April. The Wellness Committee held a kickoff event in J anuaty that about 35 employees attended. Every- employee received a folder with valuable information about the programs being offered as well as information to help them get started towards a more healthy lifestyle. "Women on Weights" is an exercise program offered twice a month for female employee in the wellness room at City Hall. e Ms. Bergh also stated that she has seen an increase in the number of employees participating in the recreation programs since discounts have been offered as part of the employee benefit program. PaIk & Recreation Commission Minutes February 12, 2003 Page 4 e Girl Power and Just for Girls are programs designed to help girls between the grades 2 and 5 develop positive self images, learn goal setting skills, and encourage them to be all they can be. The kickoff events for these two programs were held February 7 and 8, 2003 and between the two, approximately 70 girls attended. Another event is scheduled for March and many have registered already. Ms. Bergh informed the Commission that the open gyms held at the Boys and Girls Qub are going well. The attendance has been the greatest at the adult level and they have had a few requests for a basketball league. Ms. Bergh explained that there used to be a basketball league but when the non-resident fees were added the league stopped getting enough registrations to nul, mainly because 70% of the teams were non-residents. Some of the swnmer programming registration has begun and the Recreation Department continues to work on additional programs. The next program guide that comes out will cover May through August. Ms. Bergh stated that Cabin Fever Day was a huge success. All of the businesses that she has spoken to are interested in participating again next year. This is being planned as an annual event that will take place on the last Saturday in J anruuy. e An egg hunt is planned for Apri113th in Lions Park and that will be followed by a free open skate (with a donation to CAER) at the arena. This event was new to Elk River last year and was very well attended. Planning is underway for this year's ice show - Beauty and the Beast. About 70 participants have signed up so far. 9A. Community Events: None: 9.B. Land Use Cases: None 9.C.1. Park/Trail Development Issues: Approve 2003 CIP Budget Items Ms. McPherson stated that the Commission met before the regular meeting to discuss the 2003 CIP Budget items. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE 2003 PARK DEDICATION CAPITAL IMRPOVEMENT BUDGET BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER JACKETT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The Commission took a five minute recess at this time. Chair Peterson reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m. 9.C.2. Review Meadowvale Heights Park Plan e Planner Chris Leeseberg presented the Commission with two plans for the Meadowvale Heights Park; the approved plan and a second option. Staff would like to apply for a Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant to assist in the development of Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 12, 2003 Page 5 e the park A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled for March 12 to gather input for the development of the park as required by the grant application. It was the consensus of the Commission that they preferred Option Two. 9.C.3. Review Woodland Trails Shelter Options Mr. Leeseberg reviewed four options for a park shelter at Woodland Trails. The location of the building did not change in any of the four proposed plans. The purpose of the shelter would be to provide meeting/classroom space to be utilized for interpretive activities at the park, community meeting opportunities, weddings, warming house activities, ski rental, and any other use that could be envisioned. It is anticipated that the facility would be located east of the parking lot and nestled into the hill, which was the location identified by the Commission in 2001. It was questioned if the bathrooms would be open all the time or if a separate access to the bathrooms would be needed. Commissioner Anderson stated that the building could be open the same hours as the park so bathroom access may not be an issue. It was the consensus of the Commission that they liked Option C because it will be the most attractive for meetings, gatherings, and receptions. The Commission would like staff to rework the bathroom layout and bring the plan back Commissioner Anderson suggested that a paved trail go both ways out of the shelter for the ease of the users. e 9.C.4. Review Baldwin Park Plans Chris Leeseberg presented two plans to the Commission for Baldwin Park Improvements to Baldwin Park were originally scheduled for 2002; however, they are currently proposed in 2003. Improvements to the park include changes to meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and in general, to improve the aesthetics of the park Staff is suggesting that the Commission consider adding a small BMX track to the park It was questioned if a shelter is in the budget for Baldwin Park Ms. McPherson stated that the shelter is not in the budget this year and will need to come back at a later date. Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals stated that he believes that a small BMX track would best serve the children in the area because there are a large number of children in the area with bicycles and there no where to ride them. Ms. McPherson stated that Barrington Park, which is about a block away from the Baldwin Park area, has a very large playground that could also serve the needs of the children in the Baldwin area. It was the consensus of the Commission to install a small BMX track and have staff monitor the use and come back to the Commission at a later date for additional improvement recommendations. 9.C.5. Review Grace Park Plan Options e Mr. Leeseberg presented three options for Grace Park to the Commission. Grace Park is an eleven-acre park acquired in 2002 from the Grace Assembly of God Church. The park is adjacent to the Royal Oaks Ridge subdivision. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes FebruaI)' 12, 2003 Page 6 e After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the neighborhood would be best served by making the park a more active area. Ms. McPherson suggested that the neighbors be shown the three options at an April neighborhood meeting and they can decide what they would like to see. The Commission concurred. 9.C.6. Review Park Names - Unnamed Parks Michele McPherson stated that the City has eight parks that have been or will be deeded to the City for future park development and staff would like to name them to make the park identification easier. Ms. McPherson reviewed the names that staff brainstormed for each of the eight parks and the Commission chose the following names: Park 34: Located in the Ridges of Rice Lake subdivision: It was a consensus of the Commission to delay naming this park as it is currently a cornfield. Park 37: Located in the Windsor Park 3rd subdivision: The Commission decided on Burr Oak Park. Park 35: Land recently acquired from Grace Assembly of God Church: The Commission decided to name this park Royal Valley Park. Park 38: Located in the Eagles Marsh and Park Pointe subdivision adjacent to Kliever's Marsh: It was the consensus of the Commission to name this park Kliever Marsh Park. e Park 39: Small neighborhood park area located in the Park Pointe subdivision: The Commission liked Kliever Point Park. Park 33: Located in the Kliever Lake Fields subdivision: It was the consensus of the Commission to name this park Kliever Lake Fields because its usage will be mainly ball fields. Park 36: Outlot K of Trott Brook Farms: The Commission did not like either name presented and they would like staff to brainstorm and bring back some other ideas. Park 40: Located in the Mississippi Oaks 3rd subdivision: The Commission chose the name Oxbow Park due to the park's location adjacent to the Mississippi River. The park names that the Commission approved will be recommended for approval by the City Council and added to the official park map. This will allow staff to prepare files and to begin work on park plans for each of the parks. 10. Information/Update items (No discussion or presentation unless requested) A. Land Use Cases - None B. ParkITrail Developments: e 1. Park Dedication Fund Balance 2. River City Snow Riders Newsletter 3. Snowmobile Update Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 12, 2003 Page 7 e 4. Ramsey Newsletter 5. Otsego Newsletter 6. Master Plan, Spring Lake Park 11. Update on 01/21/03 City Council Meeting No representative was required. 12. Update on 01/28/03 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Kuester provided an update on the January 28,2003 Planning Commission Meeting. 13. Other Business There was no other business at this time. 14. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER NYSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. e The meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~liMk Jessica Miller Recording Secretary e