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08-10-2005 PR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2005 Members Present: Chair Polston-Hork, Commissioners Anderson, Kuester and Peterson Members Absent: Commissioners Niziolek, Nystrom and Paige Council Liaison: Council Member Gumphrey Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary 1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 6:38 p.m. by Chair Polston-Hork. 2. Consider August 10, 2005 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 10, 2005 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider Minutes of July 13, 2005 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO APPROVE THE JULY 13, 2005 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 4- 0. 4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend August 15, 2005 City Council Meeting and August 23, 2005 Planning Commission Meetings 4.1. August 15, 2005 City Council Meeting Commissioner Peterson will attend the August 15, 2005 City Council Meeting. 4.2. August 23, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Anderson will attend the August 23, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting. 5. Open Mike None Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 August 10, 2005 ------------------------------------ 6. Recreation Manager’s Report – Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz presented to the Commission that the Parks and Recreation’s float entered into the Sherburne County Fair parade won second place and received a $40 prize. Mr. Maertz shared programs offered in July. Adult and youth fitness classes, recreation classes, outings, soccer and t-ball leagues were among the many offered. Mr. Maertz shared that nine employees participated in the Relay for Life on August 5th and the City of Elk River sponsored the moonwalk at the event as well. Mr. Maertz stated there was over 500 hours of field use, over 50 hours of park and shelter use, 40 hours at Trott Brook Barn, 44 hours at the Emporium and 256 hours at Lions Park Center. 7. Director’s Report – Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the DNR Grant for the Top of the World addition was awarded. The 1.2 million dollar grant will be used towards the acquisition of 80 acres of land adjacent to Top of the World Park. Mr. Maertz shared the City of Elk River has been awarded a matching grant of $6,000 for prairie and woodland restoration work at Highlands East Park. Mr. Maertz stated that the rain garden and filter strip at Orono park was completed in late June. Curbs and paving will take place in August. Mr. Maertz stated that the 2006 budget for grounds maintenance of City Hall, Northbound and Westbound Liquor and the Library includes funds for hiring a private contractor. This will provide opportunity for Parks and Recreation maintenance staff to focus on park projects and maintenance. Mr. Maertz shared with the Parks and Recreation Commission that there is an opportunity to upgrade the size of a culvert that Tiller Corporation will be installing under CR 77 and this will be discussed under policy issues. Mr. Maertz shared information to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the use of easements versus land in fee title for public trails. 8.1.Community Events – County Fair Parade The county fair parade was discussed during the Recreation Manager’s report. 8.2.A. Land Use Cases - Elk Path Business Center 3 Addition rd Request for a Preliminary Plat for Elk Path Business Center 3 Addition. rd Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner shared information regarding a request for a preliminary plat for Elk Path Business Center 3 Addition. Staff recommends cash payment rd for park dedication for 28.55 acres. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 August 10, 2005 ------------------------------------ Commissioner Kuester stated he is concerned about the grove of trees on the east side of the plat and would like staff to investigate keeping the grove intact. Commissioner Anderson stated he would be in favor of using cash dedication to keep the tree area. Commissioner Peterson asked for clarification on the future subdivision of out lot A and where is it will go. Mr. Leeseberg stated that out lot A would reach south along the eastern property line down to CR 30. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO ACCEPT A COMBINATION OF PARK DEDICATION IN CASH AND LAND AS DEFINED BY STAFF ALONG WITH A 30 FOOT CORRIDOR ON THE EAST BOUNDRY FROM CR 30 NORTH TO TREE AREA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON THAT THE PARKS AND RECREACTION COMMISSION BELIEVES CR 30 TO BE A CRITICAL TRAIL CORRIDOR AND IN THE EVENT THAT STAFF CANNOT FIND SUITABLE LAND FOR A TRAIL GOING NORTH TO TREE AREA, THE COMMISSION WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A STRIP OF DEDICATED LAND AS A FALLBACK PLAN. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 8.2.B. Request for a Preliminary Plat - The Singer Addition Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner shared information regarding preliminary plat of the Singer Addition. Staff recommends cash dedication. Commissioner Anderson asked if there were any trail opportunities and if there was a proposed trail along the frontage road. Commissioner Peterson asked if there would be room for a trail. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO WORK WITH THE DEVELOPER TO OBTAIN RIGHT AWAY OR TRAIL EASEMENTS AND USE PARK DEDICATION IF NEEDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 8.2.C. Request for a Preliminary Plat – Heritage Maples Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner shared information regarding preliminary plat of Heritage Maples. Staff recommends cash dedication. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO ACCEPT CASH DEDICATION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 August 10, 2005 ------------------------------------ 8.3.A. Policy Issues – Advertising Signs in City Parks Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared with the Commission a recommendation to prohibit mobile advertising signs in the City of Elk River Parks. This would also include City departments as well. Commissioner Kuester asked what has been advertised. Mr. Maertz shared that the County Fair, 4 of July Celebration and the Ice Arena’s annual th Craft Fair are a few examples of what is advertised. Currently the organization goes through the city to obtain a permit. If this policy change were to take affect, the organization would have to approach MnDOT. Mr. Maertz stated that the events or organizations are worthy; however, the signs do detract from the aesthetics of the park and he believes that private businesses may step up and allow the organizations to advertise on their property. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO PROHIBIT MOBILE ADVERTISING SIGNS IN CITY OF ELK RIVER PARKS. Commissioner Polston-Hork agreed that the signs do detract from the aesthetics of the park but asked if we could distinguish between informational signs for rental situations and advertising events on a larger scale with outside organizations. Council Member Gumphrey asked how other cities handle advertising and shared a concern that residents would not be able to put temporary signs when renting park facilities such as Trott Brook Barn. Commissioner Anderson suggested that there be more investigation into this policy and look at doing a kiosk to advertise events. Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner suggested a policy that would allow the signs to only be on the property the rental is taking place, for example, a business would have to keep their signs on their property. Mr. Maertz will investigate other city policies and bring back a new policy for discussion. COMMISSIONER PETERSON WITHDRAWS MOTION AND ANDERSON AGREED. 8.3.B. Culvert upgrade CR 77 Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared with the Commission that the Tiller Corporation will be installing a culvert for their conveyors under CR 77 and the City has the opportunity to pay $80,000 for an upgraded size to allow for a future pedestrian underpass. Staff recommends using $80,000 in park dedication funds to upgrade the culvert, which will help as a catalyst for future trail development in this corridor. Commissioner Kuester asked where people would be walking or biking from. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 August 10, 2005 ------------------------------------ Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner drew how CR 33 and CR 77 will both be realigned in the future and the culvert will be installed at the new intersection. Council Member Gumphrey asked why the future trail was not on the east side of CR 77 versus the west side of CR 77. Mr. Maertz stated that there would be a need for a stop sign or stop light for pedestrians to cross. Council Member Gumphrey believes the County would have to have a controlled intersection there and would stop at either CR 33 or CR 77. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER THAT THE CITY PURSUE THE UPGRADE OF THE CULVERT AND NOT USE PARK DEDICATION FUNDS. FAILED 1-3. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO SEND THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THE COUNTY TO PURSUE UPGRADING THE SIZE OF THE CULVERT ON CR 77 FOR FUTURE COUNTY TRAIL ALONG A COUNTY ROAD. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 9.1.A. Land Use Cases – July Park Tour of East Elk River Site Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that commissioners met and looked at the existing proposal of the Holzem property in east Elk River. Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner shared the proposal the commissioners recommended to the developer. The developer was not in favor of a single loaded street around the wetland. Mr. Maertz clarified that the Parks and Recreation Commission’s position of wanting a park that is easily accessed by more residents in the development than just the few next to the park. We are waiting for a new proposal that does not include a fragmented park; that does not inhibit major uses such as a soccer field. Commissioner Anderson stated that Commissioner Nystrom suggested the commission lean towards park dedication and use funds to buy larger parcels of land in the vicinity, since there would already be a recreational campus with the school being there. Mr. Maertz stated that there would not be any work done on the site until 2008, there will be another proposal sent to the commission, which can make a recommendation at that time. Commissioner Anderson stated he would be in favor of having a workshop meeting regarding the Holzem property due to the significance of the development. 9.2.A. Park/Trail Developments – Meeting with the County Engineer Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared information regarding the meeting with the City and County Engineers about detached trails. The County Engineer was directed to Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6 August 10, 2005 ------------------------------------ assume that the City wants detached trails whenever a county road is constructed or reconstructed. Mr. Maertz shared that staff will be pursuing the funding that currently passed in the transportation bill, which will be available in the next year or two. Mr. Maertz shared the County does not plan on continuing the detached trail along CR 1 north of Meadowvale Road, due to right of way issues and constructability issues due to wetlands. Mr. Maertz also shared that the County Engineer does not believe CR 33 to be a safe place to encourage people to ride bikes, due to the trucks hauling gravel. Mr. Maertz stated, with trucks hauling gravel, that should be reason enough to have a detached trail for safety. This trail site will have to be pursued aggressively. 9.2.B. 2005 Park Developments Updates Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update on the current park developments. Commissioner Kuester asked what the primary use of Trott Brook Barn has been over the summer: recreational programs or neighborhood use. Mr. Maertz stated that there was approximately 40 hours of rental time this summer, which may be down due to the construction over the summer. 10.1. Update July 18, 2005 City Council Meeting Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz provided an update from the July 18, 2005 City Council meeting. It was determined that the drainage and utility easement through the wetland area would be sufficient to serve as a potential trail link so there was no park easement granted for the Northstar Business Park. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO USE PARK DEDICATION FUNDS TO OBTAIN A 30 FOOT TRAIL ALONG THE SOUTHSIDE OF PINEWOOD DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO CR 30 IF TRAIL CANNOT BE PRESERVED THROUGH THE PLANNING PROCESS. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 10.2. Update on July 26, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Anderson provided an update on the July 26, 2005 Planning Commission meeting and noted that the Pinewood golf course issue was tabled. 11. Other Business Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that there will be an annual goal setting and workshop meeting with the board and commissions on October 10, 2005 at Lions Park Center. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 7 August 10, 2005 ------------------------------------ 12. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:17pm. Respectfully submitted, Tonya Love Recording Secretary