Loading...
09-13-2006 PR MIN• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 Members Present: Chair Polston-Rork, Commissioners Anderson, Kuester, Nystrom, Niziolek, Peterson and Paige Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary 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 6:35 p.m. by Chair Polston-Hork. 2. Consider September 13. 2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3.1.A. Consider Minutes of August 9.2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting • MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 9, 2006 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6- 0, 3.2.B. Consider Minutes of June 14.2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO APPROVE THE JUNE 14, 2006 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6- 0. 4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend September 18.2006 City Council Meeting_and September 12, 2006 Planning Commission Meetings 4.1. September 18.2006 City Council Meeting Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz will attend the September 18, 2006 City. Council Meeting. 4.2. September 12. 2006 Planning Commission Meeting • Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz will attend the September 12, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 13, 2006 5. Omen Mike -None 6. Recreation Manager's Report -Bill Maertz Page 2 Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz presented to the Commission that the Parks and Recreation Department scheduled 596 hours of ball field use, 8 hours of tennis court use, 21 hours of park use, 187 hours of indoor facility use and 443 hours of park shelter use. Mr. Maertz shared that the mold abatement at Lions Park Center was fuushed and everyone should be fully functioning in two weeks. Mr. Maertz reported that $2,350 was raised for CAER during the first annual Pinewood Golf Open. Mr. Maertz shared the Senior Center report. 7. Director's Report -Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update regarding the Park Dedication fund balance. Mr. Maertz reported that the YMCA referendum passed by a 142-vote margin. Mr. Maertz shared that City Council awarded the Rivers Edge Commons bid to American Liberty Construction Inc. • Mr. Maertz shared that the Woodland Trails Addition Grant and Malmstrom Property Grant request were denied. Mr. Maertz discussed with the commission members if they would support a deer hunt in two of the city parks. Commissioner Niziolek stated that extensive education should be printed in the local newspaper so residents would understand the significance of the problem. Commissioner Anderson was surprised to read it in the paper since it had been discussed in the past and thought the Parks & Recreation Commission should have been an integral party in the decision making process and concerned that not all the issues have been considered. Commissioner Kuester agreed with Commissioner Anderson that the deer population is too high and the safety details need to be worked out. Commissioner Niziolek asked what dates were set, concerned about the scheduled Cross Country practices being held in Woodland Trails Park and that it should be postponed one year. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT FURTHER CONSIDERATION BE TAKEN ON SAFETY ISSUES, EDUCATION OF VEGITATION RULES, PARK ACCESS, FEE STRUCTURE AND POSTPONING FOR ONE YEAR. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 September 13, 2006 • Commissioner Kuester asked what site the YMCA would be built on. Mr. Maertz stated it would be located at the water tower site near Lake Orono. This site was on the Master Park Plan as a possible future park; the Master Park Plan list will need to be revised. 8.1. Community Events -Fright Night Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the 7~ Annual Fright Night will be on Oct. 28~ at Pinewood Golf Course. There will be a treat trail for younger children and a Horror Forest for the older participants. 8.2.A. Land Use Cases -Liberty Heights Estates Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner presented a preliminary plat application for Liberty Heights Estates, a 438 unit single family residential subdivision on the east side of Elk River. The plat proposal includes an approximate 10-acre park south of the proposed school grounds, consistant with direction given during concept review. During review by Planning Commission, it was suggested that a 2-acre park be added to the south side of the development, along with a greenway trail through blocks 48 to connect the two parks and break up the long residential blocks. Commissioner Niziolek asked if there would be any guarantee that the proposed trail around • the wetland would be high enough to stay clear of flooding in reasonable conditions. Mr. Leeseberg stated that it was discussed and the plan is to build the development in phases which will allow the trail to be built at the correct elevation. Commissioner Anderson asked if there would be an outlet in the development and what is the topography of the 2-acre park. Mr. Leeseberg shared there would be an outlet on the west side of the development and the proposed 2-acre park is made partially up of wetland area. Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that there would be less cash paid to park dedication; however this park will enhance the development. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THE ADDITION OF A TWO ACRE PARK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ADDITION OF A MID BLOCK TRAIL THROUGH BLOCKS 4-8. MOTION FAILED 0-7. Commissioner Anderson stated that there is two issues, the first issue is of supporting trail connections and the second is 2-acre park near the wetland. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY • COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO RECOMMEND THAT STAFF WORK WITH DEVELOPER TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE TWO ACRE PARK Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 September 13, 2006 ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE DEVELOPMENT NEAR THE WETLAND. • MOTION PASSED 7-0. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO RECOMMEND THAT STAFF WORK WITH THE SCHOOL AND DEVELOPER REGARDING PLACEMENT OF FUTURE TRAILS AND A SUPPORTING TRAIL CONNECTION FROM THE SOUTHERN TWO ACRE PARK. MOTION PASSED 7-0. 8.3.A. Policy Issues -Woodland Trails Interpretive Signage Peter MacDonagh, The Kestrel Design Group presented a revised proposal for signage, services and fees for the Woodland Trails Park Signage Master Plan. Commissioner Kuester stated that this was the third discussion and had asked. in the past that the human impact on the land be included and was disappointed to see it was not in there again. Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz stated that the idea of the human impact was brought to a historic sign vendor. Commissioner Niziolek stated that it would be premature to accept this package with so many inconsistencies within the park itself. Commissioner Anderson stated several concerns regarding the plan and would like to • consider a less expensive option. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE SIGN PACKAGE CONCEPT AND DETAILS OF LOCATION AND SIGNAGE BE WORKED OUT AT STAFF LEVEL AND RESIDENT EXPERT. MOTION FAILED 3-4. Commissioner Niziolek asked how much has been spent on the project to date. Mr. Maertz stated $15,000. Commissioner Niziolek shared his concerns that more money would be spent on the product without a cap and that for $15,000. we should have an acceptable product. Commissioner Anderson stated that they had asked to be involved in every step of development and was in sticker shock over the price. Commissioner Paige asked what the agreement was between. The Kestrel Group and The City of Elk River. Mr. Maertz stated the agreement was to bring the project to completion and not to exceed $15,000. Commissioner Peterson suggested that since the proposal has not been approved it should • be adjusted and brought back. Paxk & Recreation Commission Minutes September 13, 2006 • Mr. Maertz proposed staff work with members to move forward with the project. 8.3.B. BMX Track Improvements Request Page 5 Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared a "wish list" from the BMX track group. The BMX group is requesting the commission to consider and prioritize items for improvements at the track for the 2007 Park Capital Improvement budget. Gary Bar, 18222 Ogden St. NW Elk River Scott Linett, 5334 142nd Lane, Ramsey Mike Lindquist, 508 Kirkwell Dr. , St. Cloud Mike Lindquist, President of St. Cloud BMX Track; shared his recommendations in order of priority for improvements at the track in Elk River. Most important would be to build up the track with clay and get help from the city with equipment use, second to expand the parking area to meet the needs as track grows, and third build bathrooms. Commissioner Anderson stated he thought it was important to support volunteers and wondered how big the volunteer core group was. Mr. Bar stated that there were only three main volunteers however more people would volunteer if asked to. Commissioner Paige asked what type of track was wanted and if the lights would be removed. Mr. Bar stated that the current tracks' corners were too tight and would like to move the lights due to being in the way of the current track. Mr. Maertz stated that staff could work up various plans to place the BMX track in a different park. 8.3.C. Meadow Park Fencing Issue Director of Parks and Recreation,. Bill Maertz shared that a resident whose property is adjacent to Meadow Park had requested in 2005 that a fence be placed along the property line to prevent park users from entering his yard. The Commission denied this request. The resident has again requested the fence be installed and has offered to pay for half of the fence. The total cost of the fence is approximately $1200. After meeting onsite with the neighbor and reviewing the park conditions, staff is recommending including improvement to Meadow Park in the 2007 Park Capital Improvement budget, including either a fence or vegetative screening. Commissioner Kuester asked what the major use of this park is for the neighborhood. Mr. Maertz stated the park has one swing and is used for sliding in the winter. • Commissioner Paige asked what staff recommended. Mr. Maertz stated that a four foot coated chain link fence was supported along with maintaining at the property line. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6 September 13, 2006 Commissioner Niziolek stated it may be best to put money towards vegetative screening to • help redirect the sliders. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER K[JESTER TO RECOMMEND PLACEMENT OF A FENCE BE INSTALLED AND MAINTANANCE OF PARK ALONG PROPERTY LINE. MOTION PASSED 6-1. 8.4.A. Discussion Items -Babcock Park Grand Re-Opening Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz stated that transfer of Babcock park has been finalized and would like to schedule a Grand Re-Opening in early next spring. There needs to be some rehabilitative work done first. Commissioner Faige asked is the excess snow would still be stored there in the winter after plowing. Mr. Maertz stated that the snow will continue to be stored there for now Commissioner Anderson stated that this is one of the worst places to store the snow, first it is unsightly and second it runs off into the river with all the chemicals in it. 9.1.A. Land Use Cases -None 9.2.A. Park Improvement Update Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update regarding the 2006 park improvements. 10.1. Update August 7.2006 Citv Council Meeting 'There was no update presented 10.1. Update August 8. 2006 Planning Commission Meeting There was no update presented. 11. Other Business Commissioner Anderson shared that the winter walking trail has been taken care of by a local resident and has been successful. This years trail will be different as to avoid conflict with the cross-country skiers and would need assistance from staff. Commissioner Niziolek asked what the status on the Malmstrom property was. Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz stated that other funding such as contract for deed, donation and/or grants are being looked into with the denial of the grant. 12. Adjournment • There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes September 13, 2006 • Respectfully submitted, C~-°~Jw,~rl" Tonya Love Recording Secretary • Page 7 •