Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-02 PTRC Minutes ,ARZEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Straumann called the December 17, 2002, meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Chair Rich Straumann, Roberta Thompson, Don Messerly, Bill Henry, and Pat Krenn(arrived at 7:08 p.m.). Others Present: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; Aaron Parrish, Community Services Director; Gregg Larson, Council Liaison; Matt Lysne, HCM; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. Members Absent: Louis Speggen, Jim Crassweller, Cindy Garretson, and Steve Zilmer. Approval of Agenda: The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 26, 2002 MINUTES ❖ Approve November 26, 2002 minutes Committee Member Messerly stated that on page 5, Item 9, the title should be 'Bridge Underpass for Perry and Tony Schmidt'. Council Liaison Larson referenced page 2, paragraph 4, second sentence, and clarified that he was speaking for himself, not on behalf of the Council. He asked that the word 'Council' be changed to 'he'. MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, seconded by Committee Member Thompson to approve the November 26, 2002 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 2 December 17,2002 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Larson provided the Committee with an overview of the following City Council items: ❖ He reviewed Planning Commission issues with the Committee. He stated that the Planning Commission had two vacancies and that Lisa Motissett and Clayton Larson were appointed as new members of the Planning Commission. ❖ The City Council approved two PUD's for two office buildings at separate locations. He provided the Committee with an overview of the proposals that included locations for each office building and the PUD requirements. He stated that a question came up regarding the need for a sidewalk or if it should be a trail. He referenced the trail systems noting potential opportunities where they could add trail segments and asked the Committee for feedback. ❖ He stated that the TCAAP Wildlife Corridor Agreement was not acted upon. He explained that an agreement is presently being negotiated with Ramsey County. He provided an overview of the agreement to the Committee. ❖ City Council recently held the Truth-in-Taxation hearing. He reviewed the 2003 levy with the Committee. He stated that the 2003 Levy, the 2003 City Budget and a pavement _.� project were all approved at the hearing. ❖ He stated that the December 16, 2002 City Council meeting was Mayor Probst's last meeting. He stated that the new City Council would meet in January 2003. He stated that this was also his last meeting as Council Liaison and explained that the Council assignments are rotated each year. He further explained that a new Council Member would be appointed as Liaison to the Park Committee and would attend their January meeting. Committee Member Henry referenced a news article regarding the paving process that mentioned some of the funding would come from park funds and asked for clarification. 4. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE Mr. Moore discussed the following items with the Committee: ❖ He provided the Committee with a copy of the 2003 PMP Process presentation packet for their review. He reviewed the PMP process and discussed the trail easements with the Committee. ❖ Mr. Moore attended the DNR Conference and reviewed with the Committee. He explained that he has directed the City Engineer to apply for grants through the DNR that would assist the City with their trail projects. He reviewed the grant process with the Committee. He stated that the City has applied for grants through the following programs: Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program, Conservation Park Partners Program, Local Trail Connections Grant Program, and the Environmental Partnership Grant Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3 December 17,2002 Program. He stated that the City plans to apply next year for a snow-blowing/tree cutting equipment to be used on trails. He explained that the DNR would match funds with some of the different grants noting that equipment is a 50%grant. He stated that the project would provide somewhat of a north/south corridor noting that there have been discussions with Roseville and Northwestern College in an effort to open to these areas. ❖ Committee Member Krenn suggested placing wood chips along the trail versus bituminous in the Ingerson neighborhood. Mr. Moore explained that PMP is a Resident driven process, stating that they have a very good PMP team. He explained that the Residents want bituminous,noting that the City did not want to add another bituminous trail. He further clarified that the Residents want this connection and that this is the reason they connected to the bituminous end of Crepeau Park. ❖ Committee Member Henry asked how Northwestern College would be connected with Crepeau Park. Mr. Moore explained the connections and reviewed the trail systems map with the Committee. Committee Member Henry clarified that this trail would not span along Highway 51. Mr. Moore confirmed that it would not. He reviewed the park amenities in this area with the Committee noting that this would be an important trail addition. He further stated that the neighbors are in full support of this project. ❖ Mr. Moore reviewed potential trail connections that could be implemented shortly with the Committee. ❖ He reviewed the Highway 96/Lexington Avenue area. He explained that placing a trail on one side of Highway 96 with a sidewalk along the other side would develop this area. ❖ He discussed potential ways they could move individuals through the City noting the possibility of installing a pedestrian overpass to connect old trails with the new. ❖ Mr. Moore reviewed feedback he has received on the new park signs. He stated that the comments and feedback has been phenomenal. He stated that the Residents appreciate the signs noting that they are the only signs that clearly state that they are in the City of Arden Hills. He stated that the City Website and contact information is also included on a small side plaque on the signs. ❖ He stated that the skating rinks are flooded and the warming houses are ready to go. ❖ He reviewed the 2003 Park projects noting that they have very busy year ahead with respect to park operations and maintenance. ❖ He provided the Committee with a review of the projects that included the gardens, bench installation, trails and park structures. Mr. Moore thanked everyone for their hard work in the past year noting that the Committee provided strong leadership and direction with respect to the Park Comprehensive Plan. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 4 December 17, 2002 -. Committee Member Thompson stated that the PTRC is very appreciative of the support Staff has provided. She acknowledged that Residents are cautious stating that the changes are progressive and positive. She thanked City Staff for their support. Ms. Olson discussed the following Recreation Department items with the Committee: ❖ Skating rinks have not opened yet due to weather. She stated that they would try to open by this Friday, Monday for sure adding that it would depend upon weather. She reviewed the rink locations noting that they held Staff training last week. ❖ The Day in the Park Committee met last week. Committee Members Thompson and Messerly are PTRC representatives. She reviewed the meeting discussion with the Committee noting that they are discussing a possible name change for the celebration. She reviewed the suggested activities and events with the Committee noting that a parade would not be a part of the celebration. She stated that the due to schedule conflicts the date has been changed to June 28, 2003. ❖ She stated that they are currently in the process of hiring instructors for after school classes in January. ❖ She stated that the Breakfast with Santa event was a success. She thanked Staff and Mr. Moore for their assistance and support. 5. HCM—PARK STRUCTURES r , Matt Lysne, HCM provided the Committee with an overview of the following items: ❖ Conceptual designs based on suggestions from previous meetings. ❖ Provided an overview of the revised conceptual construction cost estimates for each park. He stated that costs are reflected down to the reasonable levels presently taking place noting that they are very easy to revise and that it provides the Committee with more information to work with. ❖ Revised site plan and building plan for Cummings Park. ❖ Reviewed examples of building images and material palettes that included a combination of masonry and wood. Council Liaison Larson referenced the revisions and asked for clarification. Mr. Lysne clarified further by reviewing the revisions and cost estimates with the Committee. He stated that they met with several contractors to discuss pricing for each park and updated the Committee on the results of the meetings. Committee Member Henry asked if they would open or increase the likelihood of vandalism if they go to wood or masonry for the buildings. Mr. Lysne stated that it could open the possibility and reviewed maintenance issues with the Committee. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 5 December 17,2002 Chair Straumann asked how they came out on Perry Park with respect to costs. Mr. Lysne stated . that it came down in costs by$37,000.00. Mr. Moore suggested, from an HCM standpoint, in the new year, with the changes in Council and Mayor, that the Committee should take the months of January and February to determine the designs they want and the funding alternatives and prepare a presentation to Council. He stated that he would be in contact with HCM in February to schedule the next meeting. Committee Member Thompson asked for an update on Guidant. Council Liaison Larson stated that there was nothing to update noting that they have one more step in the planning process before presenting to Council. 6. PARK PARTNERS PROGRAM FOR 2003 Committee Member Thompson provided the Committee with an overview of the program objectives. ❖ She reviewed criteria for donors and sponsors and asked the Committee for feedback and input. She explained that they should agree on their objectives and suggested considering individuals, households and businesses. ❖ She emphasized the need to be careful because park dedication fees are different than what they are reviewing. She stated that the PTRC could have recognition for certain park fund fees. ❖ She reviewed marketing issues and budget issues stating that they, as a Committee, should build their process and procedures for working with various projects and define contributions. Committee Member Henry asked if the contributions to the City receive maximum deductibility. Committee Member Thompson stated that it is critical to give funding to the Park Fund versus City Funds and suggested researching how the Park Fund is labeled. Committee Member Henry clarified further asking if they would receive the same tax benefit as if they gave to a non-profit. Committee Member Krenn confirmed stating that it would have to go to the Park Fund. Committee Member Thompson stated that they should be sure they have the correct information before moving forward with developing the process and procedures. Committee Member Messerly asked what the next step would be. Committee Member Thompson explained that the next step would be to provide input and feedback to develop ideas in building the process and procedure. She suggested applying a timeframe to have it ready for presentation to various businesses. Council Liaison Larson suggested identifying potential candidates for sponsorship. He reviewed • the larger businesses in the area that would be good candidates for sponsorship with the Committee. Committee Member Thompson stated that they should also consider the smaller businesses in the areas and reviewed several with the Committee. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 6 December 17,2002 Committee Member Henry stated that they should not limit themselves to proximity to parks when considering sponsorship candidates. Mr. Moore suggested that each Committee Member identify five businesses within Arden Hills for a sponsorship review at the January 2003 meeting. Committee Member Thompson offered to forward all information via email and asked the Committee to forward their feedback to her. Committee Member Henry asked that meeting minutes and agendas be distributed via email. Mr. Moore stated that they could begin doing this with the January meeting. He stated that he would follow up with all absent members to determine their preferences. 7. 2003 BUDGET Mr. Moore referenced the packet provided for Committee review stating that it is the same material received by the Staff for review. He is providing this as an informational to help the Committee better understand the City budget process. He stated that he would continue to provide the Committee with budget process updates, as it becomes available. He stated that the budget process would begin in January and encouraged the Committee to review the packet. He stated that budget updates would become a regular agenda item for PTRC meetings. Committee Member Thompson clarified that the dollars identified on the budget report cannot be spent without going before Council first for approval. Mr. Moore confirmed that nothing could be done or spent without Council approval. 8. 2003 PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Chair Straumann stated that they have an updated Committee Member sheet noting that they are presently considering new members. Mr. Moore stated that they should address the issue of Chairperson for the new year. Chair Straumann stated that he would accept the position of Committee Chair based on Council approval. Mr. Moore reviewed the approval process for Committee membership stating that Council has asked Staff for recommendations for the PTRC. MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, Committee Member Messerly, seconded, to approve Rich Straumann as Chairperson and Roberta Thompson as Vice- Chairperson. Motion carried by consensus. MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, Committee Member Krenn seconded, to approve that membership of the Committee will consist of seven members currently listed with membership. Motion carried by consensus. MOTION: Committee Member Thompson motioned, Committee Member Krenn seconded, to recommend that Committee membership does not exceed ten members. Motion carried by consensus. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 7 December 17,2002 9. NEXT MEETING AGENDA ❖ Partners in Parks and Trails ❖ 2003 Budget Process Committee Member Krenn stated that the North Suburban Soccer Association would like to meet with the Park Committee to discuss the Soccer Association. Mr. Moore suggested including this as an agenda item for February. 10. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Chair Straumann explained that they had a motion noting that Council may not approve the motion and stated that he would like to take up a personal collection. Mr. Moore explained that the Park Fund couldn't be used for gift certificates for individuals. He stated that it is for building and trail improvements. He explained that the Council must approve All Park Fund expenditures. He stated that the PTRC could provide direction and have a major voice on spending as long as it is within the specified criteria. Chair Straumann stated that Parks and Recreation has lost its visibility in the department with the change in titles. Ms. Olson stated that in reviewing the website the same thought occurred to her. She stated that as far as titles it is included to show Parks and Recreation and acknowledged their • concerns. Council Liaison Larson stated that this is a good point and suggested reviewing the website for further clarification. Ms. Olson confirmed that they have worked to further clarify Parks and Recreation on the website. Committee Member Thompson suggested including notation to Parks and Recreation in the newsletter. Chair Straumann asked Mr. Moore to thank the Staff for their unbelievable work the past year. The Committee concurred. Chair Straumann reviewed the dates for the 2003 meetings stating that a calendar of dates has been included in the meeting packet for their reference. 11. ADJOURMENT MOTION: Motion by consensus to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.