Loading...
10-09-1996 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL OCTOBER 9, 1996 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson, Commissioners Huberty, Olson, Madsen and Westrum Members Absent: Commissioners Dave Anderson, Rohlf Anderson and Kuester Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Department; Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Steve Ach, City Planner; Ron Nierenhausen, Elk River Police Department representative; Debbie Kleckner, Recording Secretary Others Present: Jeff Asfahl, Community Recreation Director 1 . Call Meetina To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Dana Anderson. 2. Consider October 9, 1996, Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 9, 1996 PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS: - ITEM lOA - LETTER FROM MARY SWANSON - ITEM lOB - DISCUSSION OF DETACHED TRAIL & TUNNEL/CULVERT REGARDING COUNTY ROAD NO.1 UPGRADE - ITEM 12.1. - SIGNAGE FOR WOODLAND TRAILS COMMISSIONER MADSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of September 11, 1996, Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Chair Dana Anderson requested that Commissioner Westrum not be listed as absent, since he was only appointed the night before the Park & Recreation Commission meeting and was not informed of the meeting. COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 11, 1996, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED. COMMISSION HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5. Discussion on Huntina and City Parks Sherwin Cohrs and Gary Hipsag, residents on Proctor Avenue, were present to discuss hunting (bow & arrow and shotgun) on the Shiely property which is now city park land known as Top of the World Park, and possibly the Hillside Park property. Mr. Cohrs and Mr. Hipsag indicated Commissioner Dave Anderson suggested they come to the Park and Recreation Commission to discuss Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 9, 1996 Page 2 continuing to hunt the property. Mr. Cohrs and Mr. Hipsag explained they know the area well since they live nearby and have hunted the area for a number of years. Mr. Hipsag and Mr. Cohrs noted they do not shoot south toward Ridgewood. Chair Dana Anderson explained the possibility of issuing permits to hunt in the park land has been discussed. Currently city ordinance prohibits hunting in city parks. If a permit process were implemented, it would likely be necessary for the city to offer the opportunity to other residents. Mr. Hipsag stated he felt it would be better to close it off completely to hunting, rather than have people hunting that do not know the area. Ron Nierenhausen agreed that it would be best to keep the parks closed to hunting for safety issues. Discussion followed regarding a potential for overpopulation of deer. . It was the consensus of the Park and Recreation Commissioners to continue the city's policy of "no hunting" in city parks at this time, and that the issue of hunting to control overpopulation could be addressed yearly. The Commissioners suggested that signs be posted at the trail heads to advise park users of hunting season and that the park abuts private hunting land. 6. Area Recreation Update - Jeff Asfahl Jeff Asfahl, Community Recreation Director, provided information regarding new and existing programming. Jeff advised the Commissioners of a skateboard exhibition planned for Saturday, October 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. Chair Dana Anderson expressed concern for parking confusion during girls softball tournaments with the skating boarding area being barricaded in the parking lot. Jeff explained it would be unlikely these events will overlap. . Jeff noted there was information in the Commissioner's packet regarding the National Parks and Conservation Association "March for Parks" . The March for Parks started in 1990 to encourage citizens to get involved with parks in their communities. Jeff suggested the city may wish to work jointly with Otsego. Each city could sponsor their own event, whether it would be raising citizens awareness, fundraising for a particular park project, or both. 7.a. Consider Concept Plan for Jacobs Parcel - Northwest Corner of Proctor A venue and 193rd Avenue Steve Ach explained Mr. John Peterson of Good Value Homes was present to discuss with the Commissioners a concept plan for a residential plat of 75 single family lots. The proposed plat is located in the northwest corner of Proctor and 193rd Avenue. Discussion followed regarding whether or not a park was needed in this area and the location of trails. Members of the Commission expressed concern for safety of pedestrians moving through this development and Lafayette Woods to the schools east of Proctor. Chair Anderson indicated the Master Park Plan does not identify a potential park in this area. However, given the combined size of the Lafayette Woods plat and this proposed plat, the Commission may wish to consider a need for green space. . . . . 4. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 9, 1996 Page 3 Discussion followed regarding the public's limited use of school playgrounds and facilities to meet park needs. Commissioner Huberty felt there is a need for a neighborhood park in this area with a playground for young children. Mr. Peterson of Good Value Homes, suggested the 2 acre parcel in the southeast corner of the proposed plat could be used for a neighborhood park. He questioned why this development would be required to provide a neighborhood park and the Lafayette Woods development, which is much larger, was not. Discussion followed regarding the topography of Outlot A in Lafayette Woods which was deeded to the city as a charitable contribution from the developers of Lafayette Woods. It was the consensus of the Park & Recreation Commission to recommend the developer give consideration to a 1 acre neighborhood park play area (tot lot), and supported converting 193rd into a trail corridor from Proctor west to the city trail. Open Mike John Hallon, 13211 179 1/2 Avenue NW, questioned what was planned for the 3+ acre park in Country Crossing 3rd Addition. He expressed his concern that the park be developed appropriately to serve the neighborhood. Chair Anderson indicated it may be 1-1/2 to 2 years before the park is developed. Mr. Hallon requested the park area be flooded for ice skating in the winter. Chair Dana Anderson indicated the Commission has considered clearing an area on Lake Orono for skating in the winter, and the possibility of flooding some blacktopped area to serve residents in this portion of the city. Mr. Hallon requested that a sign be placed on the warming house at Handke stating hockey sticks are not allowed inside the building. Commissioner Olson suggested that a barrel be placed outside for the sticks. Mr. Hallon indicated the reason for the request is safety, as he has been hit in the head several times himself by a hockey stick while in the warming house. 7.b. Consider Preliminary Plat bv Pat Hevina (Hevina Addition) - Northwest Corner of Freeport A venue and School Street 7.c. COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT CASH TO FULFILL THE PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT FOR THE HEYING ADDITION PLAT, CASE NO. P 96-11. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Consider Preliminary Plat bv John Hitchcock (Islandview 4th Addition) Steve Ach indicated this item was postponed by the Planning Commission because of unresolved property ownership issues, and is unsure if and when the plat will move forward. The Park & Recreation Commission's previous recommendation was that the developer donate Lot 5 to meet the park dedication requirements. Chair Anderson added that the recommendation also included a corridor leading back to the Island View cul-de-sac. The developer has indicated he would like to dedicate Lot 7. .The Planning Commission questioned whether or not to include a trail corridor from 189th over to the Island Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 9, 1996 Page 4 View cul-de-sac and possibly extending it up to the 191 st Avenue cul-de-sac, since Island View may not be connected. Steve Ach indicated that approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of Lot 7 is out of the floodplain. . John Weicht, 13330 Island View Drive, indicated the Island View neighborhood was not in favor of a park in this area. He noted most of the residents have large lots and also, that most of their children are grown. The residents on Island View Drive do not want a park that will draw people from other neighborhoods into the area, causing increased traffic on Island View Drive. Chair Anderson explained the Park & Recreation Commission has considered a corridor across 189th that would go down to the Elk River, creating some green space. In order to obtain access from Island View, some right-of-way would need to be taken from Lot 8 as well. Discussion followed regarding whether or not there was a need for a park in this area, given the fact Mr. Gagne has donated park land west of this site with access to the river. Phil Hals indicated staff is in favor of a trail connection between Island View Drive and 189th which could serve as an emergency access to the Island View neighborhood. Discussion followed regarding the need for a trail. It was the consensus of the Park & Recreation Commission that since there is no trail proposed in the Master Park Plan for this area, it would be more appropriate for the Planning Commission to make a recommendation regarding a trail corridor for emergency access purposes. . COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND ACCEPTING A CASH PAYMENT OF PARK DEDICATION FEES. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.d. Consider Preliminary Plat bv City of Elk River (Cass Property) Steve Ach explained when the city purchased the Cass property, the plan was to subdivide a portion of the property into residential lots, to help finance the initial land purchase and the development of the recreation fields. The lots will be developed along the south side of 165th Avenue east of the proposed recreational fields and one lot off Jarvis. Pat Klaers indicated the lots would likely be sold beginning with the largest lot (14+acres) and then the 6.85 acre lot and then move lot by lot from east to west. Pat indicated the Park & Recreation Commission should keep in mind there may be a need for this land for recreational fields in the future, but that, on the other hand, the residential lot sales may be needed to finance the development of the fields. Pat explained the south 23 acres of the Cass property will be used for the spreading of sludge for the next 15 years and hopefully, will then be developed as recreation fields by MSF. Currently, the city uses the 120 acres north of the Cass property for sludge which may also be developed into recreation fields in the future. COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED TO ACCEPT LAND TO BE DEVELOPED AS RECREATIONAL FIELDS TO MEET THE PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED CASS PROPERTY RESIDENTIAL PLAT, AND THAT THE RESIDENTIAL LOTS BE MARKETED FOR SALE STARTING WITH THE LARGEST LOT FIRST (14+ACRES). COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. . . . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 9, 1996 Page 5 Pat Klaers noted the Council will be meeting with the Minnesota Sports federation representatives on Thursday, October 17, 1996, at 6:00 p.m. This item may also be on the October 21, 1996, City Council agenda. 8. Discussion on Warmino House/Handke Pit Phil Hals indicated the old stone warming house at the Handke Pit is difficult to heat and maintain. Phil proposed some type of mobile field house (on wheels) be researched, since the school district is not interested in replacing the warming house and does not want a permanent structure on the site. It was the consensus of the Park and Recreation Commissioners for the Street/Park Superintendent to look at options for a mobile warming house. The Commissioners suggested checking with the Vo-Techs or senior high industrial arts department to see if they would be interested in building the mobile warming house as a project. 9. Consider Namino Cass Propertv field 10. Phil Hals asked the Commissioners to consider ideas for naming the Cass property fields. Discussion on future Park Bond Referendum COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED TO POSTPONE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NOVEMBER 13, 1996, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. lOa. Letter from Mary Swanson lOb. A letter from Mary Swanson was received by the Park and Recreation Commissioners and entered into the official minutes record. Discussion of Detached Trail & Tunnel/Culvert Reoardina Countv Road NO.1 Uparade Chair Anderson explained it was Commissioner Dave Anderson's recollection that the Park & Recreation Commission requested the City Engineer, Terry Maurer, perform feasibility study to have a culvert or tunnel under County Road No. 1 to link the trail system in this area. Chair Anderson indicated he did not find this information in the minutes, but felt it was appropriate this item be researched at this time, in conjunction with the County Road No. 1 upgrade plans. In addition, Chair Anderson indicated the County Board recently voted to provide joint funding of a detached trail from County Road 77 to 32 (Proctor to Meadowvale). Chair Anderson felt a strong message should be sent by the Park and Recreation Commission to the City Council to support this project. Ron Nierenhausen, Police Department representative, expressed a concern for public safety issues associated with tunnels. He noted he is aware of cases where people sleep in them, and also the likelihood of vandalism and graffiti. Ron suggested the possibility of an overhead walkway be considered. Chair Anderson felt the cost Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 9, 1996 Page 6 may restrict what the city is able to do. Phil Hals explained the cost would be very significant, given the fact the walkway would need to be handicap- accessible. Phil indicated a detached trail on the north side with the trail head at VandenBerg/Salk area, rather than Oak Knoll could reduce the need for people to cross County Road 1. Also, the trail could run up along Proctor to 193rd. Phil noted there may be a need for a 4 way stop at County Road 1 and Proctor, and may likely be signalized in the future. . Further discussion followed regarding trail options. CHAIR DANA ANDERSON MOVED THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL WORK WITH SHERBURNE COUNTY TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A DETACHED TRAIL ALONG COUNTY ROAD NO.1 FROM COUNTY ROAD NO. 77 TO COUNTY ROAD NO. 32, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A CULVERT/TUNNEL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COUNTY ROAD NO.1 UPGRADE PROJECT. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 12.1. Sianaae for Woodland Trails Park Phil Hals noted the sign for Woodland Trails Park will be brown with 5 inch white lettering. The sign has been ordered and should be delivered within approximately 2 weeks. Phil Hals stated his department has discussed the possibility of establishing a park logo for all the City of Elk River parks. Phil is also checking into acquiring a sign-making machine so they may be able to make their own signs and not have to wait for 2 weeks to a month for a sign. . 13. Adiournment There being no further business, CHAIR DANA ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER MADSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The October 9, 1996, meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ]~~~ Debbie Kleckner iu.- Recording Secretary .