7.3. SR 10-17-2005
Item 7.3.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: October 17, 2005
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Update, October 2005
Park Point Development: Outlot
As part of he plat for Kliever Park Point, the City obtained an outlot connecting Grant
Court to 17Sth Avenue. No trail has been constructed and this outlot has a substantial
grade change making it difficult to use for pedestrians. The homeowner adjacent to the
outlot has requested that the City make the trail connection this year.
Staffhas received a quote from Universal Enterprises at a cost of$19,808. This cost
reflects the necessity of installing a 24" culvert to allow for stormwater drainage. In
addition, the steep grade will require erosion control blanket.
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed this request at the October 12
Commission meeting. The Commission's recommendation is to include this project in the
2006 park improvement budget.
Rivers Edge Commons (Downtown Park)
The 200S park improvement budget included $40,000 for design and development of
construction documents for Rivers Edge Commons. The Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
prepared the original design concept for the park in 1998. Staff requested that HKgi
prepare a scope of services letter for the final design, cost estimate and preparation of
construction documents for Rivers Edge Commons. The cost of theses services is not to
exceed $38,800.
Community development staffhas prepared a design for a signboard to be located in the
Rivers Edge Commons. The developer, Metro Plains, has agreed to pay for half ofthe
cost. Staff believes that this sign will help build awareness and enthusiasm for this
important project.
The Cinema Professional building has recently changed ownership. Staff has reviewed
the plans for the downtown park with the new owner, who was very enthusiastic about
the park project.
Ice Arena
Replacement of the ice arena roof, which was damaged by hail, began on October 13.
Insurance will cover the entire cost of$157,000. In addition staff is surveying inside
damage caused by rain and will prepare an insurance claim for cleaning, painting and
replacement of items damaged.
The construction of the arena manager's office began the week of October 10. The
project is expected to take approximately 4 weeks.
2006 Park Improvement Budget
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed a preliminary budget for 2006 park
improvement projects at the October 12 meeting. Projects were prioritized and staffwill
be working on more detailed cost estimates. The three major park projects are:
. Rivers Edge Commons
. Meadowvale Heights Park
. Kliever Lake Fields.
In addition, $194,000 is budgeted for the cities portion of the $1.7 million acquisition of
78 acres from Tiller Corp. The 2006 park improvement budget will be presented for
Council consideration in December 2005.
Trail Master Plan Update
Staff has been working on a trail master plan update. The plan needs to evolve, in order
to respond to, and plan for, development. Since development can occur in a patchwork
pattern, a request for a trail easement may look like it has a limited use. Developing a
plan that highlights general corridors of pedestrian movement throughout the city will
help serve as a template for staff, commission and council decisions.
Recent promotional material for national builders, such as DR Horton and Centex,
highlights their developments and in every case, mentions the proximity to a trail system.
Staff is committed to work cooperatively with the development community, to create a
first class trail system that creates value for all concerned.
Library Project Update
On October 4, the Library Board heard presentations from three architectural firms
regarding their qualifications, and their approach to a needs assessment and site analysis
for the Elk River Library project. The Library Board members called references for the
three firms. The Library Board voted to recommend that the firm ofKKE Architects be
hired for a needs analysis and site assessment study. The Board requested that staff
negotiate scope of services and cost with the firm. This agreement will be presented for
City Council consideration in November.