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11-13-1996 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL NOVEMBER 13, 1996 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson, Commissioners Rohlf Anderson, Huberty, Madsen, Westrum and Kuester. Commissioner Dave Anderson arrived at 7:16 p.m. Members Absent: Commissioner Olson Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Department; 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 November 13, 1996, Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 13, 1996 PARK 8. RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS: - ITEM 13.F. - PARK BOND ISSUE COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of October 9, 1996, Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 9, 1996, PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES. COMMISSION KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 5. Discuss Skateboardina Issues Phil Hals indicated that the temporary skateboarding site at the Oak Knoll Park parking lot worked out well and he has received positive feedback. He noted the Police Chief reported there were no complaints received from business owners regarding skateboarding on sidewalks or in their parking lots since the site opened. Phil reviewed information he obtained at a loss seminar in Duluth regarding building a skateboarding park. He explained the Burnsville skateboarding park is owned by a skateboarding association and is not tied to Park & Recreation Minutes November 13, 1996 Page 2 the city, for insurance reasons. He noted the Burnsville park requires helmets and pads be worn by users. The park was built according to engineered plans which are available for $1 00. The park is used for exhibition only and no competition is allowed. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of building a permanent skateboarding site in Elk River. Phil felt that 3 to 4 street lights would adquately light a skateboarding park. . A group of local youth skateboarding enthusiasts were present to answer questions regarding the temporary skateboarding park. The group provided information on the success of the exhibition held in October. A video was presented to the Commission to show examples of the various ramps, rails and jumps found in a skateboarding park. It was the consensus of the Commission that the youth group will clean up the temporary site and continue to work with staff in planning a future skateboarding park. 7. Area Recreation Update - Jeff Asfahl Jeff Asfahl stated the Youth Initiatives Task Force would like a representative from the Park and Recreation Commission to attend the December 3rd meeting to report on the skateboarding park. Jeff noted there is a skateboarding site as part of the Adventureland Park in Roseville. Also, Mankato is considering building a skateboarding park. Jeff noted there is pending legislative action that may help to make insuring a skateboarding park easier in the future. . 8. Discuss Future of Kuss Field Discussion was given to the possibility of turning Kuss Field into park green space in the future, if needed. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that there is no immediate need and the issue may revisited if the need arises. Commissioner Dave Anderson noted a net is needed over left field to stop balls from going over into the park. Also, the backstop and fences are in need of repair or replacement. 6. Discus MSF Proposal - Perry Coonce Mr. AI Mundt was present in place of Perry Coonce to provide information on the MSF proposal for a sports complex. Mr. Mundt explained information in the handouts attached to these official minutes regarding benefits, space needs, programming, economic impact, as well as background information on the Minnesota sports Federation. Mr. Mundt provided the financial information which was presented to the City Council regarding the Letter of Intent and fundraising plans. He noted the facility will cost between $2.1 and $2.3 million. Funds will be solicited from large corporations such as Target and Subway, as well as from their 200,000 members statewide. . . . . Park & Recreation Minutes November 13, 1996 Page 3 Discussion followed regarding the fitness center and possible competition. Mr. Mundt explained the projected income estimate from the fitness center had been cut back approximately 60%. Jeff Asfahl noted that although the local groups will be offered a discount for use of the facilities, the cost will still be approximately 50% higher than what they are used to paying. Further discussion followed regarding scheduling of events and possible conflicts. Mr. Mundt explained that events are normally booked 3 - 4 months in advance. Additional discussion was given to the amount of acreage needed for the sports complex. Phil Hals that he felt that at a minimum, the 2+ acre parcel should be retained by the city for future park needs. Chair Dana Anderson expressed his concern there is not enough benefit to the average citizen of Elk River considering the impact on adult and youth sports, the loss of park land, increased traffic and need for additional police protection. 9. Cost of Liqhts for Oak Knoll Park Baseball Fields Phil Hals indicated the cost of lighting one field is approximately $53,000 and the cost would be $48,000 per field if two fields are done. Commissioner Dave Anderson noted there are ways to cut the cost but that the savings are not worth the problems associated with lesser quality materials. Discussion followed regarding adult, older youth and younger youth sports needs at Oak Knoll Park. Phil felt it is important to maximize usage on the fields currently owned by the city by establishing grass and providing lighting. 10. Discuss Replacement of Field Maintenance Vehicle for Softball Complex - Dave Anderson Discussion was given to the need for replacing the 10 year old tractor currently used for maintaining the softball fields. The Commission asked that Phil Hals check pricing and options for funding the purchase of a new tractor (Le., Cushman, T oro, Suzuki). 11. Discuss Snowmobile for Trail Groominq - Dave Anderson Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that approximately one-half to three- quarters of the ski trail grooming is done by volunteers, which takes from 5 to 20 hours per week, depending on snow conditions. Phil noted there may be some equipment savings by having volunteers groom the trails. Dave explained he would like to purchase a new machine, but since that may not be feasible, a used, liquid-cooled machine would serve their purpose. Dave added that the Elk River ski trails are rated 2nd or 3rd in the state, and that there will be added trails to groom in the Top of the World Park. Park & Recreation Minutes November 13, 1996 Page 4 12.a. Consider Preliminary Plat. Cherrywood Hills, God Value Homes - Case No. P 96-13 . Discussion was given to the "tot lot" park previously suggested to the developer by the Park & Recreation Commission. Commissioner Dave Anderson felt a small park in this location was inconsistent with the draft Master Park Plan. Dave explained the small parks are difficult to maintain and have limited usage. Discussion followed regarding the developer's suggestion to place a park in the southeast corner of the plat. It was the consensus of the Park & Recreation Commission that a picnic shelter and playground could be provided on the Outlot A park land in Lafayette Woods, if needed. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT A PER LOT CASH PAYMENT TO MEET THE PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS fOR THE CHERRYWOOD HILLS SUBDIVISION. COMMISSIONER ROHlf ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE A 20 fOOT WIDE TRAIL BE PROVIDED ON EITHER SIDE (DEVELOPER'S CHOICE) OF lOT 11, BLOCK 4, CONNECTING RUSH COURT WITH 193RD. COMMISSIONER ROLF ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL MAINTAIN THE EXISTING RIGHT-Of-WAY OF 193RD AVENUE fOR A TRAIL CORRIDOR fROM PROCTOR TO THE RAILROAD TRAIL. COMMISSIONER MADSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 12.b. Discuss Trail Fees . Discussion was given to the need for establishing a trail fee for new plats, as it is felt the park dedication fees do not cover the cost of trails. Members of the Commission suggested that other communities be surveyed for future adjustments to the trail fees. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISH A TRAIL fEE fOR NEW PLATS OF $100 PER lOT. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 13.a. Country Crossinq 2nd Addition Park Gradinq This item will be reviewed at the December Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 13.b. Handke Warminq House Phil Hals reviewed rental fees for a temporary warming house to be used at the Handke pit skating area. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that Phil proceed with renting whatever size structure he could maneuver down the hill at Handke. . . . . Park & Recreation Minutes November 13, 1996 Page 5 COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND PHIL HALS PROCEED WITH RENTING A MOBILE WARMING HOUSE FOR THE HANDKE SKATING AREA. COMMISSIONER ROLF ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. l3.c. Trail Issues Between Senior Hiqh School and Schoolview Addition Phil Hals suggested that the residents adjacent to the trail between the Senior High and Schoolview Addition be invited to the January Park and Recreation Commission meeting to inform them as to when and how the trail will be constructed and answer any questions they may have. 13.d. County Road 1 13.e. Pedestrian Crossin a on Hiahwav 169 Phil explained that these two issues are being considered separately and that no cost estimates are available to date. 13.f. Park Bond Issue Chair Dana Anderson suggested that this issue be discussed with the City Council at their joint meeting to be held in February or March, 1997. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that a sub-committee be established consisting of several Park & Rec Commissioners, a staff person, and a Councilmember, and all the Commissioners provide ideas for the park bond issue. 15. Adjournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting of Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Resp_ectfully submitted, / : I1W/U-1ad?~ Debbie Kleckner Recording Secretary