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12-11-1996 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL DECEMBER 11, 1996 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson. Commissioners Dave Anderson. Olson Westrum. Kuester. Commissioner Rohlf Anderson arrived at 7: 1 0 p.m. Commissioner Huberty arrived at 7:25 p.m. Members Absent: Commissioner Madsen Staff Present: Phil Hals. Street/Park Department; Ron Nierenhausen; 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 December 11. 1996. Park & Recreation Commission Aaenda COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 11. 1996 PARK & RECREATION AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: - ITEM 6.B. - UPDATE - SHERBURNE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN AND ANOKA COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT JOINT MEETING - ITEM 9.E. - UPDATE - CHERRYWOOD HILLS COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of November 13. 1996. Park & Recreation Commission Meetina COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 13.1996. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES. COMMISSION KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Open Mike 2001 Committee - Presentation by Bob Minton Bob Minton presented the 2001 Committee's "Community Values Checklist For Local Govemments". (Copy attached to these official minutes). Bob noted the document is intended as an aid for the various boards. committees and city council when reviewing proposals. Bob indicated that Steve Ach has suggested the checklist be included as an addendum to the city's Comprehensive Plan. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes December 11, 1996 Page 2 COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION SUPPORT THE 2001 COMMIITEE. INC. COMMUNITY VALUES CHECKLIST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. IN PRINCIPAL. AND THAT THE COMMISSION WILL USE THE DOCUMENT AS A GUIDELINE WHEN REVIEWING PROPOSALS WHICH COME BEFORE THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. . Snowmobile Ordinance Ken Lueck. representative of the Mystic Riders Snowmobile Club. was present to express his concems regarding the proposed snowmobile ordinance. Mr. Lueck did not want to see snowmobiles banned completely from the urban service area and explained the need for route for trail riders who are not familiar with the city. Mr. Lueck explained that the Mystic Riders Snowmobile Club grooms approximately 225 miles of trails 2-3 times a week. which include a portion of Anoka County. Crown. Spencer Brook. East Bethel. Princeton and Bock. Discussion followed regarding problems the police department is experiencing with snowmobiles. as well as problems faced by the snowmobilers in trying to cross the Mississippi River and get through the City of Elk River. Ron Nierenhausen indicated the complaints received by Police Department are not regarding trail riders but are Elk River residents trying to get to the bars or to a friend's house. Mr. Lueck expressed his willingness to work with the city in establishing a well- marked route through the city. He felt there was a possibility of obtaining funding for signs through a charitable gambling organization. . Chair Dana Anderson invited Mr. Lueck to attend a future meeting with the Park & Recreation Commission in 1-2 months. to discuss a possible trail link through the city. In the meantime. Chair Anderson suggested Mr. Lueck work with the Police Department as well. in trying to resolve this issue. 5. Area Recreation Update - Jeff Asfahl 5.A. - Update on Youth Initiative Jeff Asfahl explained the following themes will be addressed by the Youth Initiative group: 1. Mentoring program - They are working with the WCCO Speakers' Bureau for assistance. Skate park - This will be discussed at the January 13. 1997 meeting. Representatives of the Park & Recreation Commission are asked to be in attendance. Cafe Club Activities Hotline/Network - This networking will aid in sharing communications regarding youth activities that are available. in order to minimize program duplication. Jeff will investigate the possibility of Elk River networking with the "What's Up" phone line in Minneapolis. . 2. 3. 4. . . . Park and Recreation Commission Minutes December 11. 1996 Page 3 Commissioner Rolf Anderson and Commissioner Westrum will attend the January 14. 199 7 Youth Initiative Task Force meeting. 5.B. - Update on Skateboard Park Jeff indicated the Youth Initiative group was supportive of the skatepark proposal. Discussion followed regarding the skatepark development action plan presented by staff. Questions were raised regarding supervision and costs. Jeff explained there would be trained adult staff on site. Jeff indicated the youth group would like to donate the $100 raised in October to purchase the plans for a skateboarding park. Further discussion followed regarding lawsuit and liability issues associated with a skate park. as well as skateboarding as a hazardous activity. Commissioner Westrum indicated he would like to obtain feedback from communities that have operated a similar facility for a couple of years. Phil noted he spoke with the city's loss control consultants and they will be providing input to insure the city's best interests in the project COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION ACCEPT THE SKATEPARK DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN. COMMISSIONER ROLF ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The Commissioners felt more information should be obtained regarding liability. insurability. ownership/organization issues. and membership before presenting the plan to the city council. 6.A. Update on Ski Trail/Softball field Maintenance Machines - Discussion Commissioner Dave Anderson explained he has been testing various types of vehicles for grooming of the ski trails. as well as maintenance of the ballfields. Dave noted he test-drove a John Deere Gator which is identical to the one used by the street/parks department with the idea that this vehicle could be used for both types of maintenance. Dave explained he experienced traction problems on snow. and favored using a snowmobile for trail grooming. However. he felt the John Deere Gator would work well for the ball field maintenance. Dave indicated he was in favor of purchasing a Scandic WT (wide track) liquid-cooled single track snowmobile. Dave explained he could order the machine through Hennepin County Parks and save $300-$500 off the retail price of $6.400. Dave indicated he will request the city pay for the purchase of the snowmobile. but that he could guarantee the Nordic Ski Club will pay one-half of the purchase price. and. with fundraising. the club may be able to pay for all of it. Dave noted he felt he could guarantee the price to be under $6.000. COMMISSIONER OLSON MOVED THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A SCANDIC WT (WIDE TRACK) LIQUID-COOLED SINGLE TRACK SNOWMOBILE AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $6.000. AS WELL AS THE EXPENDITURE OF $800 FOR REPAIR OF THE SNOWMOBILE CURRENTLY BEING USED FOR GROOMING OF THE SKI TRAILS. COMMISSIONER HUBERTY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes December 11, 1996 Page 4 Dave indicated he will meet with the softball association to discuss the purchase of a vehicle for maintenance of the softball fields. Dave indicated he would like to purchase the vehicle like the one used by the streets/parks department. The purchase price of $7.500 includes a hydraulic dump box which can hold 1.500 pounds of dirt. Dave will research the options available and report back to the Park and Recreation Commission at a later date. . 6.B. Update on Sherbume County Comprehensive Park Plan Commissioner Dave Anderson indicated the Sherbume County Park Committee will review the final draft of the Comprehensive Park. Trail and Open Space Plan next Tuesday (December 17th). A public hearing will be held on January 21. 1997 at 1 p.m. Once the plan is adopted. the Park Committee will recommend the Park Committee be abolished and Park Commission formed. A recommendation will also be made to establish park dedication fees in the county. Update on Anoka County Parks Joint Meetinq Commissioner Dave Anderson noted the Commission has been invited to attend a joint meeting of park and recreation commissions for trail planning. hosted by the Anoka County Parks Department. The meeting will be held on December 18th from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dave stated he will attend the meeting. 7. Cass Field Usaqe - Discussion . Members of the Commission and staff discussed their concem regarding the Minnesota Sports Federation's letter of intent which indicates they wish to use the Cass fields 9 weekends per summer. The Commissioners felt this would significantly limit the opportunities for Elk River residents to use the fields. Further discussion followed regarding the possible development of fields associated with the proposed new junior high schools in Rogers and Zimmerman. Jeff felt it may be appropriate for the city to hire a professional consultant to study the athletic needs of the entire area. 8. Park Bond Issues - Discussion Members of the Commission discussed park needs which could be addressed in a park bond issue. The possibility of a community survey regarding park and recreation needs and interest was also discussed. It was the consensus of the Commission to meet January 2. 1997 from 7 - 9 p.m. for this specific item. 9.A. Country Crossinq III Park Gradinq Plan The grading plan was not available for review at this time. . . . . Park and Recreation Commission Minutes December 11. 1996 Page 5 9.B. Handke Warmina House Phil reported the new portable warming house has been delivered and will be moved to the Handke pit as soon as the protective flooring was installed and steps were ready. 9.C. County Road 1 Tunnel 9. D. Pedestrian Crossina on Hiahway 169 Phil Hals noted Terry Maurer will be presenting a feasibility study to the Council next Monday night regarding these two issues. He explained that it appears there is not a significant difference between the cost of an underground tunnel vs. an overhead walkway. Discussion followed regarding safety issues associated with an underground tunnel. Phil indicated the pedestrian crossing lights on 193rd and Highway 169 begin flashing "don't walk" soon after changing to "walk". He explained that pedestrians become confused and end up waiting in the middle of the intersection because they don't realize they actually will have enough time to continue crossing. Phil informed the Commission that the Historic Downtown committee has requested an "old fashioned" pump handle drinking fountain be placed downtown near the new gazebo. The group has suggested that a private well be used instead of connecting to city water. Phil will investigate whether or not this idea would be feasible and also, if there are any health related issues. 9.E. Cherrvwood Hills Plat Members of the Commission discussed the Planning Commission review of the Cherrywood Hills plat. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that there is a need for sidewalk along the west side of Proctor. Phil suggested the cost of the sidewalk could be escrowed until the County upgrades the road. Further discussion was held regarding the possibility of cul-de-sacing the road in Lafayette Woods instead of constructing a through-street. in order to preserve the trees in the northern portion of the Cherrywood Hills plat. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER THE NEED FOR SAFE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT ALONG PROCTOR. EITHER VIA A SIDEWALK OR TRAIL. AND THAT THE DEVELOPER BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COST. POSSIBLY THROUGH THE USE OF AN ESCROW FUND. AS PART OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT REVIEW FOR THE CHERRYWOOD HILLS PLAT. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 10. Other Business No other business. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes December 11, 1996 Page 6 11. Adiournment . There being no further business. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER ROLF ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The Elk River Park and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted. LJ~.~~ Debbie Kleckner Recording Secretary . .