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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-13 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.September 24, 2013 Regular Meeting Documents:13 PTRC MINUTES.PDF UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3.A.Parks And Recreation Community Survey Results Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager Documents:MEMO.PDF,ATTACHMENT A.PDF 3.B.Community Project Day October 26 Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager Documents:MEMO.PDF Other Unfinished Business NEW BUSINESS 4.A.Committee Member Terms And Committee Chair For 2014 Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager Documents:MEMO.PDF 4.B.Review 2013 Work Plan Progress Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager Documents:MEMO.PDF,ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF Other New Business REPORTS 5.A.City Council Report Fran Holmes, Council Liaison 5.B.Public Works/Parks And Recreation Report Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager 6.A.Saturday, October 26th Potential Garden Clean 9:00 AM 1:00 PM (Site TBD) 6.B.Tuesday, November 19th A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER24, 2013 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER ChairOMalleycalled the September 24, 2013, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:30p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT:Chair OMalley,Committee Members Phil Kramlinger, Jane Larson, Don Messerly, Chuck Michaelson, Harold Petersen, Steve Scott, John Van Valkenburg and Cindy Garretson(arrived at 6:38 p.m.). OTHERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson,Council Liaison Fran Holmes and guest Chuck Kachel. ABSENT: Committee Members John Peck (excused), Matt Trites (excused) and Rich Straumann (excused). 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee MemberMichaelsonmotionedtoapprove the agendaseconded by Committee MemberPetersen. The motion carried unanimously(8-0). 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 18, 2013 Committee Kramlinger indicated his name should be listed as being present for the June 18, 2013, meeting minutes. MOTION:CommitteeMemberScottmotioned to approve theJune18, 2013,minutes as amended,secondedby Committee MemberKramlinger. The motion carried unanimously(8-0). 3.UNFINISHEDBUSINESS A.ParkTour Evaluation Results Ms. Olson provided the committee members with a corrected version of the Sampson Park Evaluation since the copy in the packet was incomplete.Sheindicated that Committee Member Trites was not able to attend the meeting but had forwarded some comments.Ms. Olson suggested they review the evaluations and if there is a consensus that something is of concern they could discuss. She mentioned the larger projects would need to go through Council, but the smaller ones could be put on a list for Public Works to take care of. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesSeptember 24, 2013 Page2 Ms.Olson indicated that Public Works is removing the gates at Floral, Cummings and Hazelnut Park and that this should be done by the end of this fall.She also noted that there was a comment about the need to spray paint the basketball backboards at Cummings and shewill look at that for next spring. Ms. Holmes indicated there was a comment about Cummings Park beinghard to find. Ms. Olson indicated there is a sign on Lexington and one on County Road F. The signs have the Arden Hills logo,the name of the park, and an arrow pointing to the park.She mentioned that staff did change the address of the park to 1219 Cummings Park Drive so thatanyoneusingaGPSwillbe directed to the park and not to Wyncrest Drive, which is what was happening before the address was changed. Chair OMalley informed that she weeded the perennial garden at Floral Park towards the end of the summer.Some neighbors stopped and they all indicated they love the gardens but realize they are a lot of work. One woman mentioned the PTRC should ask the neighborsto comeand help weed.Ms. OMalley indicated she felt this was a good idea. Ms. Olson indicated staff did have an adopt a garden program, but did not get much response. Ms. OMalley suggested putting this back on the agenda in the spring and she would be willing to work with the neighbors to see if anyone would be interested in helping weed.Ms. OMalley indicated that a resident felt there should be a backboard on the tennis court. Ms. Olson indicated there was a backboard but it was removed because ofmaintenance issues. She indicated she would check with Public Works to see what options there are. Ms. Olson reported that residents have had requests for pickleball lines on tennis courts. She indicated that staff are consideringadding pickleball lines on the tennis courts at CummingsParknext spring since it would not be a substantial expense. Ms. Holmes mentioned the hockey boards at Freeway Park need painting. Ms. Olson indicated the Army was going to do that this summer with their service project but it rained.It was suggested the committeedo the painting instead of doing the buckthorn removal and see if Bethel would be interested in helping since they use the hockey rink a lot. Ms. Olson indicated she wouldaskBethelif they would be interested in helping and willhave Public Works power wash before the committee paints. Ms. Olson reported that the section of trail leading from theparking lot to the play structureat Hazelnut Park had been redone and that the tennis court and mulch were also redone. Ms. OMalley pointed out that there were many comments about the stump at Ingerson Park at the bottom of the hill. Ms. Olson indicated this will be taken care of at the end of the year when they do the other stump removals. Ms. Olson informed that Committee Member Trites feltthat Lindeys Park would be a good candidate for a dog park.She researched this as the land was dedicated to the City as parks and open space,but the City does not have title to the property. When Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesSeptember 24, 2013 Page3 discussing with the attorney he indicated the City could not utilize it in any way except parks open space. He felt prairie restoration would fit that use but that a dog park may be considered an active use. Charles Kachel indicated he would like to see a backstop back at Lindeys Park.Ms. Olsonindicated she would check into thecostofa new backstop and see if it would be cost-effective. Ms. Olson indicated that Committee Member Trites suggested that brushbe cut back and maintained at the Perry Park exit for bettervisibility due to all the pedestrian traffic occurring between the park and Tony Schmidton New Brighton Road.Ms. Olson indicated she would look into the brush situation. Committee Member Petersen indicated he feels the crosswalk that is on Snelling up by Royal Hills Drive should be striped down by the stop sign on McClung. He talked to several people and they allcross at the stop sign not at the crosswalk on Royal Hills Drive because there is no sidewalk there. Ms. Olson indicated she willdiscuss this with Public Works Director Maurer. It was the consensus of the committee that Valentine Park looks great and is highly utilized. B.Off Leash Dog Area Report Review and Recommendation Committee Member Petersen informedthat the subcommittee completed a final draft for the PTRC to review and that the subcommittee is recommending HazelnutPark for an off-leash dog park and will be proposing this to Council. Committee Member Petersen reported that he had his wife do a run-through with her walker and she found the park to be handicap accessible. The subcommittee is also recommending providing a staging area and is recommending not providing bags. The PTRC reviewed the proposal submitted by the subcommittee and it was decided that under SuggestedRules#6and#8 be switched and that the wording be changed to children must be supervised instead of it is recommended they be supervised. CommitteeMemberMichaelson will be presenting the proposal to Council on Monday, October 21, joined by Committee Members Petersen and Messerly. MOTION: CommitteeMemberPetersen motioned to bring the proposalto Council with the changes recommended, seconded by Chair OMalley. The motion carried unanimously (9-0). Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesSeptember 24, 2013 Page4 C.Lindeys Park Restoration Committee Member Messerly researched the possibility of restoring Lindeys Park to native landscape. He indicated he did not think there was a lot that could be done yet this fall but he did get two proposals, one from Prairie Restoration and one from Minnesota Native Landscapes. Ms. OMalley questioned which acreage was the correct acreage since they were different on each proposal. Mr. Messerly indicated he would get them to comeback and remeasure. It was the consensus of the committee that Committee Member Messerly get the two proposals updated and get the correct acreage before proposing to Councilnext spring. Ms. Olson asked if they shouldget some input from the residents. Mr. Messerly indicated he would go around the neighborhood and get input whichhe will also include in the proposal and attempts to have the proposal finalizedfor the January PTRC meeting for review. C.Other Unfinished Business None 4.NEW BUSINESS A.Buckthorn Removal/Clean-Up Day Discussion ensued on whether the committee was in favor of doing buckthorn removal or having a cleanup day and it was the consensus the committee do thehockey board painting at Freeway instead of the buckthorn removal. The committee felt it best to first contact professionals or other cities to see what they are doing with the buckthorn. Ms. Olson indicated that Roseville received a DNR legacy grant for a restoration project they had and that Arden Hills could do the same if they could find some kind of funding source for it.Shestated they would need to bring ina consultant to write the grant if going forward with this. Committee Member Larson indicated she would make a report at the November meeting onwhat Roseville did. Ms. Olson stated she had a copy of the grant and would forwardit to Ms. Larson.The committee decided on October 26, between 11:00 a.m.and 2:00 p.m., to do the painting of the Freeway hockey boards and thatBethel be invited to help. B.Tennis Backboard at Floral Park The item was already discussed and the staff will look into the possibility of adding a backboard this coming spring. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesSeptember 24, 2013 Page5 C.Other New Business Committee Member Messerly indicated the City should check into the railroad bridge on Old Hwy 8 thatfeeds from Long Lake Regional Park across the freeway to the arsenal and this could be the last chance for a connection between Arden Hills and New Brighton. Ms. Olson indicated she would mention this to Community Development DirectorJill Hutmacher. Committee Member Kramlinger indicated he is frustrated with the poor safety along Old Hwy 10 and other areas that do not have safe connections. He would like to start a subcommittee to see where those problem areas are and see if there are any low cost ideas for improvingsafety which mightincluderestriping that street in order to make a walkway. Committee Member Larson mentioned she informed Ramsey County Commissioner Huffman about the safety issues on Hamline at the Night to Unite. Ms. Olson indicated thatstaff has explored restriping Old Highway 10 and she didtalkto the County about it and they will not do restriping unless they are doing an actual resurfacing or a road improvement project.She indicated she will talk to Jim Tolaas and see if there are any plans to resurface in the near future.Committee MembersGarretson and Larson indicated they would be interested being on a subcommittee with Committee Member Kramlinger if one is formed. 5.REPORTS A.City Council Report Council Liaison Holmes stated that trail safetyis a high Council priority. Ms. Holmes reported that the triangle parcel has been completed and that a gateway sign has been placed there and that anotherwill also be placed at E2 and Cleveland by the 35W exit. Ms. Holmes reported that Bethel is looking at buying the Country Financial building.At this time the sale is still under consideration but Council has given Bethel approval to lease26,000 sq. ft of the building.The main issues are tax dollars and travel between the campusessincetheclosest way is to cross the railroad tracks which Bethel does not want. Council Liaison Holmes informed that the old Holiday Inn is now the EastwoodFlats and thatabout 1/3 of it is has been rented to various college students. Ms. Holmes reported that there is some talk of a Goodwill Store being built on the propertyeast of the E Street flats and asked the committee on their feedback. It was felt that traffic would be an issue and that a coffee shop or some type of community gathering establishment would be nice at that location. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting MinutesSeptember 24, 2013 Page6 Council Liaison Holmes informed that Council and staff are working on the budget. Ms. Holmes indicated that Council approved a lighted sign for Brausens and also lighted decals at Walgreens along County Road E. Ms. Holmes informed that staff held a State of the City meeting on September 12 anda TCAAP Open House on September 17. Ms. Holmes mentioned that an Arden Hills Foundation has been established. This is a great opportunity for businesses and residents to donate benches, etc., and receive a tax deduction. She indicated there also has been talkabout starting an Angel Fund. B.Public Works/Parks & Recreation Report Ms. Olson reiterated that Public Works is working on removal of the gates at Hazelnut, Floral and Cummings Park. Ms. Olson informed that several of the trail segments are being reconstructed (thetrail segmentfrom Floral to Cummings going across Hamline, a segment from Perry Park up to the pavilion andalsothe Hazelnut segment). Ms. Olson stated that work is being done at Johanna Marsh whichincludessome trimmingaround the tennis court. Ms. Olson also mentioned that she will be at a Parks Conference the rest of the week. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee MemberPetersen moved to adjournthe meeting at8:22p.m., seconded by Committee Member Garretson.The motion carried unanimously (9-0). NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,October 15,2013at6:30 p.m. AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: October 15, 2013 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Community Survey Results Requested Action Staff provided the comprehensive results of the community survey for the PTRC members to review. The committee will want to discuss how to utilize the findings and when and how to present to Council. 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 drafting a survey using Survey Monkey to seek input from the residents of Arden Hills on parks and recreation. The Council consensus was to allow the PTRC the opportunity to put a survey together and bring back to Council for review and approval. th 28 meeting and received suggested changes and comments. Council consensus was to move forward on posting the survey online and notifying residents by placing a small blurb in the newsletter and as an insert to the utility bills. The survey was available on the website from July stth 1 through August 16. Staff has included the comprehensive results for review (attachment a). Attachments Attachment A: Community Parks and Recreation Survey Results AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE:October 15, 2013 TO:Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM:Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager th SUBJECT:Community Project Day –October 26 Requested Action Staff is looking for direction on if the committee would like to proceed with a garden clean up th day for the community project this year on October 26or cancel the event. Background At the September meeting, the committee decided NOT to hold the traditional buckthorn th removal day.However, the committee agreed to work on October 26to paint the outside of the hockey boards at Freeway Park. Staff was also asked to contact Bethel University to see if they could provide volunteers. A group of Recreation students volunteeredto paint the boards but wanted to work on it while the weather was warm. Therefore, the rink was painted this past week. Staff looked at other potential projects to be done on that day and garden clean up would be a good project. Staff sent out an email to the committee asking for availability for October th 26from 9:00-1:00 p.m. It appears we would have at least 6 to work that day. The committee has done this project before and it worked very efficiently. Staff would have two groups, each with a public works staff member. The staff member will trim the plants and the committee volunteer’srake and put the plants/debris into the trucks. AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE:October 15, 2013 TO:Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM:Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT:Committee Member Terms and Committee Chair for 2014 Action Requested Staff provided this as an update on membership and tobe prepared to make a recommendation in December on committee chairmanfor 2014. Background The following members have terms expiring in 2013: Jane Larson John Peck Harold Petersen Rich Straumann The City Deputy Clerk sent an email if each of them would like to be reappointed to a new term. Staff is asking for all committee members with terms expiring, if you have not already done so to inform the Deputy Clerk by October 18, 2013. The mayor will be appointing all committee members at the first meeting in January. We currently have only 3 year terms available. However, if any person is looking for a shorter term, they may discuss that with staff. As of this writing, Rich Straumann has indicated he would like to be reappointed and John Peck has indicated that he will not be seeking reappointment. The bylaws allow up to 12 members for this committee and therefore, we will have at least one opening. I am aware of a couple of interested residents and once we know how many openings we have, we will contact them. If anyone knows of a resident interested in applying, please refer them to myself or our website for more information. In addition, Nancy O’Malley has served as committee chair in 2013. Staff is looking for a recommendation from the committee on a 2014 chair. This recommendation does not need to be given until the December PTRC meeting. All chairmen are appointed at the same time (first meeting in January) as the committee members. AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE:October 15, 2013 TO:Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM:Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT:Review 2013 Work Plan Progress Action Requested Staff provided the 2013 workplan to allow the committee to review if there are unfinished items to be completed and to begin discussions on 2014 priorities. Background Each year, the PTRC sets a work planfor the upcoming year. Attached is the work plan that was established for2013(attachment a)and the committee expectations (attachment b).The preliminary 2014priorities and work plan will be discussed in November and approved by the committee in December. The City Council and PTRC typically hold a joint meeting in March. This will give the PTRC the opportunity to discuss the work planand prioritieswith the Council members. Attachments Attachment A: PTRC Work plan –2013 Attachment B: PTRC Expectations -2013 Attachment A Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Workplan –2013 2013 Work Plan Priorities 1. Trail Development 2. Freeway Park Enhancement 3. Hazelnut Picnic Shelter Enhancement 4. Off Leash Dog Area JANUARY 1.Review and finalize goals and work plan 2.Prepare presentation for Council/PTRC Joint Work Session FEBRUARY: 1.Trail Priority Review 2.Prepare for Joint Meeting MARCH: CITY COUNCIL/PTRC JOINT WORK SESSION 3.Review goals and work plan with Council 4.Discuss priorities APRIL: 1.Parks and Open Space Ordinance Presentation 2.Joint Meeting Debrief/Work Plan 3.Survey Monkey Question Discussion 4.Ice Rink Season Review 5.Pick meeting locations for off-site meetings 6.Prepare for Clean Up Day at Tony Schmidt Park MAY 1.5 year CIP PreliminaryDiscussion 2.Off Leash Dog Area/Freeway ParkImprovement Discussion 3.Park Amenity Discussion 4. Survey Monkey Follow up Discussion Over JUNE 1.Park Tour 2.Valentine Park Re-Grand Opening Involvement 3.5 YearCIP Review/Recommendation JULY 1.All Committee Barbeque AUGUST NO MEETING SCHEDULED?or TRAIL WALK IN CITY? SEPTEMBER 1.Discuss details of Clean up Day 2.TBD 3.TBD OCTOBER 1.Review Recreation Activities and Statistics 2.Review Comprehensive Plan Goals/Plans NOVEMBER 1.Goal setting discussion for 2014 DECEMBER 1.Establish and recommendgoals and work plan for 2014 Commission and Committee: Committee Name: Parks Trailsand Recreation Committee (PTRC) A.General Purpose for Committees and Task Forces: While the City Council and City Staff have the sole responsibility for all activities within the City of Arden Hills, from time to time they find it desirable, advantageous, and necessary to bring together residents of Arden Hills in order to broaden and enrich the discussion around possible decisions. As an example, the City Council’s ability to debate and consider far-ranging alternatives is stifled by the risk that the mere discussion of alternatives will engender them with undeserved merit. In addition, Arden Hills will alwaysseek to hire the most qualified and capable employees, but in doing so we will frequently hire staff that is not intimately connected to the Arden Hills neighborhoods. Therefore, it is critical that the City create a mechanism where the City Staff can get unfettered and unbiased reaction to their novel thoughts and ideas. The Commission, Committee, and Task Forces are established to broaden and enrich the content that will ultimately be enacted or authorized by the elected City Council. B.Mission/Purpose: Parks, trails, recreationand natural resourcesin Arden Hills increase the desirability of the city as a place to live or work, enhance the health and well-being of citizens and guests, and improve the value of citizens’ property. The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC) represents the interests of Arden Hills citizens in leading the continuingdevelopment, expansion,and improvement of thoseresources. The PTRC recommends to the City Councilactions that support those interests; monitors the use of and the improvements in parks, trails, and recreation; and collaborates with other City committees and commissions inimprovingparks and trails. C.Goals: ONGOING and AS NEEDED: 1.Recommend actions that advance the vision for parks, trails, and recreation. 2.Assist in identifying ongoing parks and trails maintenance/improvementpriorities. 3.Recommend and reviewgrant opportunities, sponsorships, and partnerships for parks and trails. 4.Assist, advise, and monitor plans for parks, trailsand recreationwithinTCAAPat the appropriate time. 5.Continue to work with Ramsey County on mutually beneficial trail/park projects and activities. 6.Monitor potential road improvements to encourage inclusion of pedestrian friendly infrastructure whenever possible. 7.Look to enhance/add recreational opportunities in our parks. 8.Recommendfuture enhancementsfor the 5 year Capital Improvement Programeach year. 9.Sponsor and organize Community events such as clean up day and buckthorn removal day(s). 10.Prepare regular(every other month) articles that the Committee would like to see highlighted in the City newsletter. 1 D.Committee Expectations: While the work required of PTRC members will vary both across members and across time, the following expectations are generally held of all committee members: 1.The interests of Arden Hills and its citizens are foremost 2.Participation of PTRC members is key to their contribution~ a.Members should be present and involved in meetings of the committee. b.Members should be actively engaged in discussing issues, sharing perspectives, and raising questions that are essential to good decision-making. c.Effective participation derives from continually learning about Arden Hills parks, trails, and recreation and the physical and political environments in which they exist. This learning includes those formalopportunities afforded by the PTRC, as well as informal opportunities that occur in the course of one’s activities. d.As a general guideline, members should expect to spend approximately 3to 4hours per month in their work on the committee. 3.The PTRC is a group of peers –no one member has more standing or power than others. 4.Respect for the opinions of each other, and for those with whom the PTRC interacts, is a hallmark of the committee’s work. Members seek clarity in presenting their views, and represent a sense of stewardship in all that they do. 5.PTRC members engage in continual self-assessment of their performance on the committee. As needs arise, they seek education and skills necessary to their performance. As a collective, the committee develops changes in its composition, structure and function as needed. 6.The PTRC provides opportunities for the education of its members, both as part of committee meetings, and through access to educational events in other settings. Members actively engage in this education as part of their responsibility to the committee. 7.Some of the work of the PTRC is in areas of subjective judgment, where there is not enough hard information to make the decisions that are necessary. Members who are most successful in these decisions are those who are aware of the values they hold, willing to engage in the discussion of those values, and respectful of those values held by others that may differ from their own. 8.The PTRC is composed of individuals with diverse perspectives and experience. The committee benefits from the contrasts that this diversity engenders, and seeks to improve the decisions it makes and the actions it takes by understanding the conflicts and resolving the disputes that arise in the discussion of issues and plans. 2