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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-13 PTRCNancy O Malley Cindy Garretson -- Jane Larson Don Messerly Chuck Michaelson www.cityofardenhills.org John Peck Harold Petersen Steve Scott Rich Straumann Matt Trites John Van Valkenburg Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well-maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long-standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.A.Minutes Documents:13 PTRC MINUTES.PDF UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3.A.Park Tour Evaluation Results Documents:MEMO.PDF,ATTACHMENT A.PDF 3.B.Off Leash Dog Area Report Review And Recommendation Documents:MEMO.PDF,ATTACHMENT A.PDF Lindey's Park Restoration Proposal Documents:MEMO.PDF,ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF, ATTACHMENT C.PDF Other Unfinished Business NEW BUSINESS 4.A.Buckthorn Removal/Clean Up Day Documents:MEMO.PDF 4.B.Tennis Backboard At Floral Park Documents:MEMO.PDF Other New Business REPORTS 5.A.City Council Report 5.B.Public Works/Parks And Recreation Report 6.A.Tuesday, October 15, 2013 A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY,JUNE 18, 2013 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER InterimChairGarretsoncalled the June18, 2013, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 5:00p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Committee Members Rich Straumann, Steve Scott, John Peck, Don Messerly,Cindy Garretson, Matt Trites, Harold Petersen,John Van Valkenburg and Chuck Michaelson. Chair Nancy OMalley arrived at 5:20 p.m. OTHERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson and Council Liaison Fran Holmes. ABSENT: Committee Member Jane Larson. 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee MemberMesserlymotionedtoapprove the agendaseconded by Committee MemberTrites. The motion carried unanimously(9-0). 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 16, 2013 MOTION:CommitteeMemberStraumannmotioned to approve theApril 16, 2013,minutes as presented,secondedby Committee MemberPetersen. The motion carried unanimously(9-0). 3.UNFINISHEDBUSINESS A.ParksSurvey Question Review Ms. Olson reported that Chair OMalleyattended the May 28 Councilwork session to get input from Council on theCommunity Parks, Trails and Recreation survey questions. For the most part, the questions were well received; however, Council opted to remove the question regarding taxes, a question on senior programming was added and some questions were reworded.Staff is planning on putting the link to the survey on the website on July 1, 2013. There will alsobe a blurb in the newsletter, as well as an insert included in the utility bills,directing individuals to the link. B.Other Unfinished Business None Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesJune 18, 2013 Page2 4.NEW BUSINESS A.Other New Business None B.Other New Business None 5.REPORTS A.City Council Report Council Liaison Holmes reported that a ground breaking ceremony for TCAAP was held onJune 7 which included various speakers and fireworks. She mentioned that they are th starting to tear down several of the buildings on the property. Ms. Holmes indicated Council is trying to getcommunity involvement regarding TCAAP by holding Public Hearings at the first Council meeting of each month. She indicated they will also hold some formal meetings. There will be one at the end of July where residents can meet the developer to get information on the progress with TCAAP. Ms. Holmes mentioned that Council approved the irrigation and gateway signs at the Triangle property. She reported that landscapingwill be started anda picnic table that has a checker/chess board will be installed on the property. Council Liaison Holmes reported that staff has startedanArden Hills Foundation whereby an indivdual/s can contribute money to the City for equipment, etc. She indicated that the residents around Karth Lake went together and purchased Bass for the lake since Bass would help with the algae problem in the lake. Ms. Holmes reported that the National Guard painted park buildings in the City and staff and Council will be sending them a thank you note. B.Public Works/Parks & Recreation Report Ms. Olsonrecapped that the Army National Guard hadcontacted the City about doing a communityserviceproject this summer.OnSunday, June 9,the guards painted the th inside and stained the outside of the pavilion at Perry Park and the warming houses at Hazelnut and Freeway.Ms. Olson indicated the soldiersworked very hard and did a great job. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesJune 18, 2013 Page3 Ms. Olson mentioned that staff has set the Valentine Parkgrand reopening day for July 16at 6:00 pm.Invitationswere sent out to the Chatham neighborhood andthe neighborhood surrounding Valentine Park.The event will include an ice cream social anda presentation by the Mayor and Council. Committee Member Peck will be representing the PTRC in presenting the Don Messerly picnic shelter plaque.After the ceremony, staff plans on having some games using the new amenities. Ms. Olson reported that the picnic shelter should arrive later this week and will thenbe installed; the play structure was installed over the past weekend; and they will be installing basketball hoops, abike rake and bathroom enclosure. Ms. Olson informed that all summer programs started last week andthat she was pleased with the number of registrations for the programs. Ms. Olson informed that the CIP was reviewed by Council at Mondays Council meeting andaskedCouncil Liaison Holmes to comment. Ms. Holmes indicated that because the City is trying to do more maintenance than in the past and because there are so many other projects going forward, the trail and park projects will probably have to be deterred for a while. She thinks, however, that they may be able to go forward with the off-leash dog park since there is minimal cost involved. Ms. Olson stated she would like to meet with the off leash dog area subcommittee before September to discuss several items.One item for possible discussion would be to go forward with the Hazelnut Parklocationbeforethe Freeway Park location.She mentioned that Freeway Park isverywet because it is clay and water just sits there as apposed to Hazelnut which is on sand and the water drains. Ms. Olson indicated she will schedule a meeting in late August. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee MemberGarretson moved to adjournthe meeting at5:30p.m., seconded by Committee Member Peck.The motion carried unanimously (9-0). NEXT MEETING The next meeting, which is the All Committee Picnic, is scheduled for Tuesday,July 23,2013at 6:00 p.m. at the Cummings Park Pavilion. AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: September 24, 2013 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Park Tour Evaluation Results Background The park tour on June 18, 2013 went well. We had great attendance and great weather. We were able to visit most parks. Arden Manor was not visited due to the construction. The park evaluation forms were collected from each committee member for each park and the results were compiled. Attached is an overall summary of the scores compared to last year and the individual evaluation scores and comments for each park. Requested Action The park tour evaluation results are provided for the PTRC to review and discuss. Attachments Attachment A: Park Evaluation Results Attachment A AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: September 24, 2013 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Off Leash Dog Area Proposal Review and Recommendation Requested Action To review the latest draft of the off leash dog area proposal and make a recommendation to Council for possible implementation. Background One of the work items that the PTRC requested of Council at the March 18, 2013 joint meeting was input on the possibility of the committee working on researching off leash dog areas for Arden Hills. The Council consensus was to allow the PTRC the opportunity to put a proposal together and bring back to Council for review and approval. At the April PTRC meeting, a subcommittee was formed to begin working on a proposal. The subcommittee presented a draft at the May PTRC meeting and took committee comments back for further revisions. The subcommittee met in August and has completed a draft for the PTRC to review and potentially recommend to Council. The City Council has a work session on October 21, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Staff tentatively has scheduled this item for discussion. The subcommittee and/or Chair may present the proposal to the Council for consideration for implementation in spring, 2014. Requested Action To review the draft off leash dog park proposal and make comments and changes. Attachments Attachment A: Off Leash Dog Area Proposal Draft Attachment A OFF LEASH DOG AREA PROPOSAL Purpose At the February joint PTRC/City Council meeting, the Council gave preliminary approval for the PTRC to move further into researching the possibility of creating an off leash dog area in Arden Hills. The Council asked the committee to research and present a proposal to Council for consideration. Potential Locations The PTRC has researched possible locations for an off leash dog area and recommend the followingseasonal location: Hazelnut Park Hockey Rink 1.–3301 New Brighton Road Areas that would be possibilities in the future if the seasonal off leash dog area at HazelnutPark isa success: 1.Freeway Park Hockey Rink –1370 W. County Road E -The Council delayed the CIP proposed enhancements to this park. The PTRC has concerns about putting an off leash dog area without improvements to the parking area. In addition, there are concerns about the drainage of the ice rinkand safety due to proximity to Highway 51.The soils in the hockey rink hold water late into spring and make it unusable until mid to late June, depending on weather.Improvements to the grade/soils will need to be considered with enhancements in order for this park to be used in May/June as an off leash dog area. The location of therink next to the entrance to Highway 51 could be a safety hazard for dogs that run away from owners. 2.Parkshore Dr. park land -Land was given to the City for park land. Staff is unsure about the cost for development.A parking area would need to be constructed, the entire area would need to be graded and perimeter fencing added. More research is needed to estimate costs at this site. 3.City Hall –The land just east of the City Hall parking lot. Staff is unsure about the cost for development.Parking for certain City events is challenging and with the addition of an off leash dog area, could cause potential problems. More research is needed to find out wetland impacts, grading, etc… The Council will need to evaluate if an off leash dogarea is a good fit adjacent to City Hall. 17 Page of Liability Concerns Staff contacted the League of Minnesota Cities to discuss liability. Jackie Torgerson informed staff that the City does not have to do anything special in order for the City’s liability coverage to apply to claims arising from a dog park. From a loss control perspective, she listed some general considerations: Provide a barrier to encourage the dogs to stay in the designated area. If you are near a residential area or busy street, consider a fence with a gated entry. A gated entry also makes advisory signs difficult to miss. Provide trash and containers and even plastic bags to encourage the proper disposal of feces. Make sure there is adequate parking. Use may exceed expectations. Consider providing water for dogs or encourage owners to bring plenty of water if none exists at the park. Good maintenance techniques can keep park users safe and reduce liability in the event of a claim. Things like adding mulch to walkways can reduce erosion and increase traction. Be sure to include the dog park in a regular documented inspections program, along with other parks. With respect to signage, she recommended consideringposting rules for the following items: 1.Picking Up Feces 2.Controlling aggressive dogs 3.Leash Requirements, if any 4.Required removal of dogs from leashes in the off-leash boundary (keeping them leashed can cause aggressive behavior) 5.Dogs should be licensed and vaccinated to be allowed in the dog park 6.Children should be supervised at all times while in the dog park 7.Any other special information such as emergency contact info A risk management memo outlining the above information is included (Attachment A). Rules/Signs The PTRC is NOT recommending providing bags. This becomes a maintenance issue if bags run out and therefore, it is the recommendation of the PTRC to provide a mail box where owners can provide extra bags for other owners but it is the responsibility of the dog owner to bring their own bags. Suggested rules: 1.Keep your dog in sight and under voice control at all times. 2.Clean up and dispose of feces left by your dogin the provided barrels. Owners must possess a bagfor removal of feces. 3.Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. 4.No aggressive dogs allowed. If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash it and leave immediately. 5.Female dogs in heat and dogs under the age of four months are prohibited. 27 Page of 6.Use at your own risk. Owners are responsible and liable for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times. 7.Users are limited to three dogs per visit. 8.It is recommended that children be supervised by a parent or guardian. 9.Dogs must be on leash unless in Off Leash Dog Area boundaries. 10.All other City park rules apply. Season–Hours of Operation stst Suggested Season: May 1–November 1. Suggested Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset Maintenance-Labor-Cost Maintenance: Staff currently does garbage runs one to two times a week, depending on the time of year. The Public Works staff would need to increase garbage pick up to 3-5 times per week, depending on popularity. Signage: Rule/Hours of Operation Signage –Estimated at $100 Gated Entrance (Staging Area): The PTRC feels it is important for helping manage the transition into the open dog area, to have a staging area. This would be a gated area where dogs would be taken into, unleashed and then the gate for the hockey rink would be opened for the dog to enter. It will keep dogs from escaping out of the main area when dogs are entering and exiting. Staff recommends utilizing a 5 x 13 fenced area (with two gates) that would be a temporary enclosure that would be disassembled at the end of the season. We estimate this enclosure to be $800, not including the staff time to install. Mulch or pea gravel may need to be considered for areas to avoid muddy areas. We estimate that if mulch is needed, it will be $10-$12 per cubic yard. The Hazelnut Park rink soils are primarily sand and it historically drains well. Input –Surrounding Areas Staff and subcommittee members called surrounding areas to inquire how dog parks have worked for them. The overwhelming response from all of the communities was very positive. They all stated that the larger the area, the more use it received. Not only was it positive for the dogs but it also serves as a great way for the citizens to interact with each other, stay within the community and enjoy the outdoors. We inquired about the type of facilities and areasthey had, what maintenance and other costs were involved in establishing and maintaining the off leash are, what complaints or issues the City had to deal with (dog barking, aggressive dogs, parking, lighting, dog clean up or any other type of complaint),liability issues and feedback from the community. The following is a summary of responses received: 37 Page of Ramsey County Parks and Recreation–Jody Yungers Much needed in the Ramsey County area.We have 4 in our system and if you o build them, they will come..... they are over used..... We need more in our system at large. Take maintenance as needed -at least 2 -3 times per week trash/poop barrel pick o up. Depending on the design (how natural vs. manicured) they do require annual o woodchips, etc.... Developed a "dog guardian program" designed to have user group participation as o the eyes and ears of the users. We could not manage the high use or maintenance without the engagement of our users. For more information on the program: https://parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/Pages/Off-Leash-Dog-Area.aspx Shoreview Parks and Recreation–Gary Chapman, Building and Grounds Superintendent Have done it for two years, going on third year and it will be hard to stop since it o is very popular. Provide plastic containers that hold bags for the people to clean up after their o dogs. There is also a deposit chamber for people to drop those bags once they are used. Spend about $ 250.00 a yearon bags, people tend to take more than they need. o The deposit chamber is checked when we do trash rounds in our parks so it o would be hard to separate out the monthly cost. They are cleaned out by part time summer help most of the time. Dog owners havebeen very good at picking up and they get on anyone not o picking up after their dogs. Were surprised how popular they were in the beginning and how it is brought up o every spring if we are going to do it again. We thought that this would be a big head achewhen we started it, but we found out that it isn't as bad as we thought. Just be aware that once you start it, you may not be able to stop. City of Eden Prairie –Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Have received positive comments from the community. o Have two larger sites and a number of hockey rinks. o Near Three Rivers District, which has a larger regional park with a dog area. o 90% of the use is by the two larger sites. The hockey rinks receive far less use as o dog owners prefer the larger areas. They have tried to have separate areas for smaller dogs and larger dogs but NOT in the hockey rink. The hockey rinks are not big enough to have separate areas. Have single gates for the hockey rinks. o The hockey rinks have pea gravel instead of grass, which helps reduce the mud. o Mud is an issue for the owners and the City for maintenance. Wood chips or pea gravel by the entrance areas is recommended. No water at hockey rinks. o Self cleaning and no bags are provided. o Mail box is provided by City and owners bring extra bags to share. o The City has dog licensing and permits required. o 47 Page of City of St. Louis Park –Rick Beane, Parks Department Superintendent The City has had dog parks for eight years and it has been very positive. o They have two areas -one is a large ball field and the other is a more wooded o area. They have had parking issues and occasional dog barking issues. It is not o significant –average two complaints a year –no comparison to the positive comments. They do not supply water. Owners bring their own. o They do not supply bags. Although, they have a mail box and people bring their o own bags and provide additional bags for others. The City picks up garbage from the containers regularly and will put down wood mulch as needed. Occasionally, the gate needs repair. One park has a LED light which timers out at 40 minute intervals but will go on o after a certain time of the night. They tried a big dog/little dog area, which created some conflict for the big dog o owners. They solved this by creating the same areas but called it a small, frail and/or timid dog area and did not restrict it to a size. People then will use their judgment as to which area is best for their dog. The areas are self cleaning and no supplies are provided, except for the mail box. o They have had incidents where owners have gotten mad at each other and sued o each other. However, they did not include the City as the signs are clearly marked that the City is not responsible. The City has dog licensing and permits required. o City of Lauderdale They have one dog area –larger area –not a hockey rink. o Regularly used and positive. o The groups that pushed for the dog area have not followed through in helping o with maintaining it. They do not provide water. o They do not provide bags. They have a mail box. o They receive minimal complaints, average one to two per year. Generally the o complaints are that it is muddy. City of Edina -Susan Faus, Assistant Park Director One large off leash dog park that is part of a larger park with 3 ball fields. This o area has ample parking, concession stand and rest rooms with running water. Very popular for people to use dog area and be near kids activities.City does minimal maintenance. Few complaints but park is not directly in a neighborhood. th On May 14, the City added an off leash area to one of neighborhood parks. o They will add a single gate. It has some parking and lighting but the ideas is to provide this area mostly for the neighborhood. No lights will be activated in the smaller area. o Hours will be 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. o Previously provided bags but it was very expensive, $15,000-$20,000 a year. o 57 Page of Will have a container for bags and people bring their own and extra to share. o Rinks have grass and sand bottom.It will need to be mowed but no real o anticipated maintenance. No water will be provided. o Self Cleaning but City will provide container which will need to be emptied time o to time. Citizens requested more dog park areas. o Photos from Shoreview’s Hockey Rink Off Leash Dog Park at Bucher Park 67 Page of 77 Page of AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: September 24, 2013 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Background Committee Member Don Messerly has Park to native landscape. Don asked me to include the research that he has collected and he will make a presentation at the meeting. Requested Action This information is for the PTRC to review and discuss. Attachments Attachment A: Emails from Minnesota Native Landscapes Inc. Minnesota Native Landscapes Prairie Restoration Attachment A Attachment C AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: September 24, 2013 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Buckthorn Removal Day Background For the past thirteen years, the PTRC has sponsored an annual fall Buckthorn Removal Day. Traditionally, the committee chooses one park and spends 3-4 hours on a Saturday in October. Last year, the committee worked at Hazelnut Park. The committee did not finish the entire park th and we could go back again this fall. The committee calendar lists October 26 from 9:00-1:00 p.m. Requested Action Staff is looking for direction from the PTRC on which date and location to hold a Buckthorn Removal Day this fall. AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: September 24, 2013 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Tennis back board at Floral Park Background de a discussion on the possibility of adding a tennis backboard at Floral Park. She will present this topic at the meeting. Requested Action Park.