Loading...
03-10-2004 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT LIONS PARK CENTER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2004 Members Present: Chair Peterson, Commissioners Anderson, Nystrom, Kuester, Niziolek, Polston-Hork, and Paige Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager; Phil Hals, Park/Street Superintendent; T eny Bye, Park Foreman; and Rae Ann Gardner, 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 6:35 p.m. by Chair Peterson. 2. Consider March 10. 2004 Park & Recreation Commission Agenda Commissioner Paige added an update on Big Tooth Ridge under Other Business. Ms. McPherson added an update on Woodland Hills Development under Other Business. Commissioner Nystrom added an update on Ditch 31 under item lOA. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE MARCH 10, 2004 PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of February 11. 2004 Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Commissioner Anderson would like to change item 9.B.2. to say "200-foot buffer from our 100-foot easement to the first property line of the development". MOVED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORKAND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 11, 2004 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Park & Recreation Commissioner to Attend March 15.2004 Planning Commission and March 23. 2004 City Council Meetings March 15. 2004 City Council Meeting a. Commissioner Polston-Hork will attend the March 15, 2004 City Council Meeting. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 10, 2004 Page 2 b. March 23. 2004 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Kuester will attend the March 23, 2004 Planning Commission Meeting. 5. Election of Chair and Vice Chair COMMISSIONER KUESTER NOMINATED THE TWO INCUMBENTS COMMISSION PETERSON, CHAIR AND COMMISSIONER POLSTON- HORK, VICE CHAIR TO SERVE FOR 2004-2005. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE NOMINATION. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 5A. Appoint Member to Ice Arena Commission Commissioner Polston-Hork was selected to be the Park and Recreation Commission representative to the Ice Arena Commission. 6. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 7. Neighborhood Meetings/Discussions: None 8. Park Development Progress Report Park Foreman, Terry Bye noted that they are currently working on the Barn. They have had the electrician and plumber already come in and are currently working on the sheet rock, insulation, taping and mudding. The tile wall and floors will be in within the next week. Mr. Bye also stated that they are working on cutting recycled material for trash corrals that will be located in the parks for the trash and recycling barrels. Mr. Bye shared that they have moved part of one of the compost piles to the shop to get ready for use. Mr. Bye stated that with the formation of the Park and Recreation Department and the hiring of a Director they will be transferring three existing employees from the Street Department into the Park Department. Mr. Bye shared that the ice rinks closed on February 20, 2004 when the weather got too .. . warm to mamtam any Ice. Commissioner Peterson asked when the Barn would be ready for Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager to start programming. Mr. Bye stated that they have a timetable and hopefully by May 1, 2004. 9. City Recreation Update Recreation Manager, Michele Bergh reported that the Summer 2004 Program Guide has been completed and is at the printer. Ms. Bergh shared that this is that largest Program Guide to date at 24 pages. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 10,2004 lOA. Page 3 Ms. Bergh stated that the office is really busy with taking registration for the spring programs, Breakaway Hockey League, and some summer programs such as T-ball. Ms. Bergh shared that a letter will be sent out to existing staff soon to start preparing their schedules for summer programming. Ms. Bergh reported that the office is preparing for the Egg Hunt that will be held at Woodlands Trails and sponsored with the YMCA and the Elk River Area High School National Honor Society. Ms. Bergh stated that the Recreation Department will be participating in the Elk River Business Expo and believes that this will be a great marketing tool for the department. Ms. Bergh passed out a memo showing the participation numbers for the Lions Park and Hanke rinks. She stated that the department has had requests for outdoor sites that would allow organized hockey practices. The Commission agreed that this would have to be discussed in November before the next ice rink season. Ms. Bergh stated that The Blast has a major park use request for Hillside Park on May 2, 2004 from 9am-3pm for a mountain bike race. This event is a fundraiser for improvements at the park. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORKAND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE BLAST REQUEST FOR USE OF HILLSIDE PARK WITH NO FEES OR DEPOSITS. THE GROUP WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY EXPENSES INCURRED SUCH AS EXTRA PORTABLE TOILETS. THEY WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING SIGNAGE WITH THE STREETS DEPARTMENT. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Ditch 31 Update Commissioner Nystrom provided an update regarding the Ditch 31 cleanout project through Woodland Trails Park by Sherburne County. He stated that on February 26th, Commissioners Anderson and Niziolek, as well as staff members Leesberg and McPherson met with the County Ditch Inspector John Norgren and the contractor to walk the ditch section located in Woodland Trails Park. Commissioner Nystrom stated that the County is okay with not dredging through the wedand located in Woodland Trails Park, provided that the cleanout near the southerly 700- foot tile will provide adequate drainage through the park. They will also clean the inlets and oudets of the tile at the north end of the park, as well. Commissioner Nystrom stated that the County is still waiting for DNR approval which has not yet been given. He stated that due to the weather, this may become a fall project. Commissioner Niziolek suggested that a DNR representative attend a Commission meeting to discuss the ditch laws and perhaps this section of Ditch 31 could be removed from the overall system. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 10,2004 Page 4 . lO.B.1. Concept Review. Becker Property - Ryan Companies Park Planner Chris Leeseberg reviewed the information for the concept plan for the Becker property. He reviewed the location, the existing site conditions, the proposed development, the connection to Oudot K, and the adjacent developments located on the Miske and Foster properties. Dennis Griswald, representing Ryan Companies, reviewed additional information regarding the development as well as the housing types. The Commission discussed at length the connection to Oudot K; specifically inquiring as to a connection to the westerly high point located there. Commissioner Anderson asked if a second trail connection could occur between Lots 5 and 6. Mr. Griswald stated that they would consider it if it could be accomplished with sacrificing an additional single-family lot. Commissioner Paige suggested connecting the park space to the westerly cul-de-sac. Mr. Griswald stated that this could be a possibility. Commissioner Nystrom inquired as to trail access along County Road 13. Director of Planning McPherson stated that this will be evaluated and additional easement or right-of- way will be acquired through the planning process. lO.B.2. Park Dedication; P 04-03. Menard. Inc . Park Planner Chris Leeseberg reviewed the staff report and discussed the proposed expansion to the Menards site. Staff is recommending park dedication in the form of cash for 3.43 acres. Arthur Jackett, 19435 Dodge Street, inquired as to the number of trees to be saved along Dodge Street. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the 50-foot width of trees will be measured from the westerly right-of-way. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO CONCUR WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR CASH DEDICATION AND SUGGESTED THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION SHOULD CONSIDER A MOTION THAT THE TREES TO BE SAVED SHOULD BE ANALYZED TO DETERMINE THE MOST APPROPRIATE TREES TO BE SAVED AND THAT AN UNDERSTORY OF WHITE PINES SHOULD BE PLANTED TO ENHANCE THE BUFFER LONG-TERM. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. lO.C.1. Lions Park Center Remodeling - Funding Discussion Director of Planning McPherson reviewed the staff memo regarding the Lions Park Center remodeling. She stated that the plans have been developed in coordination with affected staff and that the Lion's Club was informed of the proposed changes on March 2, 2004 and had no objections to the proposed plans. The total cost of the remodeling including cabling and equipment is approximately $50,000. Staff is recommending that funds be taken from the Park Dedication Fund in order to make the suggested changes. . Commissioner Paige asked if this was an eligible Park Dedication Fund expense. Ms. McPherson stated yes. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 10, 2004 Page 5 Corrunissioner Anderson stated that he did not support the use of park dedication funds for construction of office space, considering that there was more than enough space at City Hall and that the Corrunission could find a better use of their funds for park development pmposes. Corrunissioner Polston-Hork stated she could see both sides of the issue and inquired as to whether or not the entire department would be relocated to a community center in the future. Corrunissioner Kuester stated that he felt it was appropriate to utilize park dedication funds for the remodeling for the Director, as the City Council provided funding for the Greenway study which could have been a more eligible use of park dedication funds. Chair Peterson stated that the City provides taxpayer monies in the form of staff labor to support park dedication funds when those monies could be used for hiring contractors to complete park development activities. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO CONCUR WITH THE RECOMMENDATION TO FUND THE LIONS PARK CENTER REMODELING FROM PARK DEDICATION. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. lO.C.2. Schedule Update - Park & Recreation Director Hiring Director of Planning McPherson provided an update to the Park and Recreation Corrunission on the hiring of the Park and Recreation Director. Information will be forwarded to the City Council on March 15th for their approval and authorization of hiring. Staff intends to prepare a direct mailing to the current members of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association, as well as posting the job on the League of Minnesota Cities and the National Recreation and Parks Association websites. She noted that Corrunissioners Kuester and Paige will be part of the interview process. Corrunissioner Niziolek suggested that the Corrunission should begin thinking of questions to be included as part of the interview process and forward them to Director McPherson via email. lO.C.3. Discuss Greenway/Natural Resources Inventory Director of Planning McPherson introduced Paul Bockenstedt and Liza Gould from Bonestroo & Associates to review the work plan for the Natural Resources Inventory. Mr. Bockenstedt and Ms. Gould provided and overview of the work plan. Corrunissioner Niziolek asked if the field work would include sites outside of the corporate boundaries of the City. The consultants noted that if they observed some significant natural resources outside of the City's corporate boundaries, they would provide notice to staff and the Corrunission. Chair Pederson asked what the success rate of land owner contact was. The consultants noted that for the most part, most property owners are helpful and willing to work the consultant regarding information on their property. Corrunissioner Niziolek asked if the information would include a layer on the City ditches. The consultants indicated yes. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 10,2004 Page 6 Commissioner Anderson asked if the consultants were familiar with transfer of development rights. Mr. Bakkenstad stated yes and that could potentially be a recommendation presented in the final report. The consultants reviewed their previous work regarding wetlands, buffer ordinances, and natural area ordinances. Commissioner Kuester asked if green infrastructure would be reviewed as part of the report. Mr. Bockenstedt stated that they would reference green infrastructure in the recommendation section of the report. 11. Information/Update Items This information was presented to the Commissioners in their packets. No action was required. A. ParklTrail Developments 1. Park Dedication Fund Balance 2. YMCA Update 3. Woodland Trails Donations 4. Insurance Coverage for Volunteers 5. Ice Arena Update 12. Update on February 9. 2004 City Council Meeting Director of Planning Michele McPherson provided an update on the February 9,2004 City Council meeting. 13. Update on February 24. 2004 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Polston-Hork provided an update on the February 24, 2004 Planning Commission Meeting. 14. Other Business a. Big Tooth Ridge Park - Commissioner Paige distributed information regarding work that had occurred by the maintenance staff at Big Tooth Ridge Park. The following needs to occur: . Develop a standard process for developing parks (standard operating procedure). . Come to consensus on final use of a park and development of a plan. . Address immediate erosion issues on the site prior to the April meeting. Commissioner Anderson stated that some type of barricade from Lot 10, Ridgewood East needs to be established. He suggested a letter to the owner may help. Commissioner Niziolek stated that overseeding of annual oats or rye would help eliminate erosion issues. Director of Planning McPherson expressed a concern regarding germination and timing of snow melt. . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 10,2004 Page 7 Director of Planning McPherson stated she would add this item to the April agenda including providing the Commission with old meeting minutes and several options from staff for long-term development of the area. b. Woodland Hills Development by Scott Breuer - Park Planner Mr. Leeseberg reviewed information regarding the revised Woodland Hills development. He stated that the developer has opted to present a development in compliance with the R1c Single Family zoning standards. Commissioner Kuester suggested purchasing the additional property to maintain the 200-foot buffer parallel to and outside of the City's existing trail corridor. The Commission discussed City Code Section 30-375(3) which discusses the appropriateness of the site for the development. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PlANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNOL EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE SITE AND IF NECESSARY, DENY THE PROPOSAL BASED ON ITEM 30-375.3 OF THE CITY CODE, AND IF THE PROJECT IS APPROVED, NEGOTIATE FOR OR CONDEMN A LAND AREA FOR PARK TOTALING 200 FEET PARALLEL TO AND OUTSIDE OF THE GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL CORRIDOR. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 15. Adiournment There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, q4~~ RaeAnn Gardner Recording Secretary