Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-16-99 PTRC0 AGENDA PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1999 *Commission Meeting: 6:15 P.M.* *Resident Meeting: 7:00 P.M.* ARDEN MANOR PARK 4601 Prior Avenue *PLEASE NOTE MEETING TIME* Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Approve February 23, 1999 Minutes Council Report 4. Arden Manor Resident Meeting Agenda *** Please Call Tracy or Lynette if you are unable to attend this meeting *** • MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1999 7:00 P.M. • • •Z•] 917 04 Chair Lynette Kreidler called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Lynette Kreidler, Don Messerly, Anita Larson, Megan Ricke, Rich Straumann, Jim Johnson, Lou Speggen, Tracy Petersen, Brian Fritsinger and Lois Rem. Absent was Dorothy McClung. Item #4 (Arden Manor Park Improvement), from January 26, 1999, minutes, was corrected to read, "Mr. Fritsinger noted that the drainage ditch to the right of the court would be more defined and that the drainage would substantially improve drainage issues at the park." Amended ' minutes were approved by Megan Ricke and seconded by Anita Larson. The minutes were passed unanimously. Councilmember Rem reported that the City Council recommended to continue to explore the Bethel College Park Project concept. Ms. Rem reported that the City Council had its annual retreat with department head staff. The City Council will be evaluating all of its committees and commissions to see how they fit into the City's organizational structure. A sub -group will also discuss the role City staff and council members will have with these committees. It was stated by City Administrator Fritsinger that the Parks and Recreation Commission will remain as a commission for 1999. As a result of this, Megan Ricke made a motion to elect Don Messerly as the Parks and Recreation Commission's Chairperson for 1999. The motion was seconded by Anita Larson. The motion passed unanimously. Megan Ricke made a motion to elect Anita Larson as Vice - Chairperson for 1999. Lynette Kreidler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 0 4. BETHEL COLLEGE PARK PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Fritsinger indicated that the City Council recommended to continue to explore the park project concept. Mr. Fritsinger noted that because of the amount of ground work that needs to be completed with Bethel, any resident meetings will probably be pushed back to May. A first draft of the redevelopment plans for Arden Manor Park was presented by BRW. The plan showed a 2,400 square foot play structure as well as a basketball court. Phase II would possibly include a walking path around the park as well as a soccer field. Phase I would also include extensive drainage work as a part of the project costs. The BRW representative indicated that a tree buffer would be built around the play structure. He also indicated that the drainage areas would be able to effectively channel the water going through the park. Some commission members mentioned that they had some concern with the close proximity of the drainage ditches to the play structure and the basketball court. They questioned the BRW representative as to how deep the drainage areas would be. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that both the City Council and the Commission will have to discuss the drainage issue and how/if to proceed with those changes. The Commission agreed to move forward with its March 16, 1999, meeting with the Arden Manor residents. The Commission noted that this meeting will give them an opportunity to see what the mobile home park residents want and how interested they are in pursuing these improvements. The Commission raised serious concerns about the lack of parking near the park and shelter building. They also questioned how the Highway 96 reconstruction will affect access into the area. The Commission requested that Mr. Fritsinger enclose a survey questionnaire and park map with the letter to the residents. The survey would ask residents what five (5) amenities they would use the most/least. The survey would also ask residents to list the number and age of children in their household. The Arden manor residents could bring their completed survey to the resident meeting or mail them back to the City. r 1 ' - ► NO I N121► 01 ' ► Ms. Petersen indicated that there is a possibility of a joint collaboration between the City, School District, YMCA and Northwest Youth and Family Services to obtain grant money for summer programs at all of the mobile home parks within School District #621. Ms. Petersen issued Ice Rink User Totals for the 1998/99 season. Tracy mentioned that it was a difficult season, due to the warm weather and staffing shortages. 6 Ms. Petersen noted that the Spring 1999 Recreation Guide had been distributed. She also noted that the Mother/Daughter Night Out was a huge success and that it received some positive local press from the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that interviews for the Parks and Recreation Director position would be held on February 24 and March 1, 1999. He noted that Don Messerly, Lois Rem and he would interview the six (6) candidates. A motion was made by Anita Larson to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.. Seconded by Jim Johnson. The motion passed unanimously. The next meeting is set for the following: Tuesday., March 16, 1999 Location: Arden Manor Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting: 6:15 p.m. Resident Meeting: 7:00 p.m. • 0 m:\users\susan\parks\p&rcomm\minutes\feb23min 1999. wpd ARDEN MANOR RESIDENT MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 16,1999 7:00 P.M. ARDEN MANOR Brief Overview (presented by Mr. Fritsinger) • Letter was sent to all park residents concerning changes to the park. • Arden Manor is one of many parks in the City. Each year the City evaluates all parks and looks to upgrade and replace playground structures. • A playground structure and court basketball court is budgeted for 1999 at this park. • There are pond/drainage issues at this park that are costly to address. • This is a concept plan only; the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission have not yet decided on whether or not to proceed with a project. Input from the residents will be used to assist in the review of the parks potential uses. • Meeting was organized to get residents feedback, comments, suggestions, etc. 6 BRW Presentation • Flooding issues (affect uses and vegetation) • Park Safety Issues: Site must be safe and provide safe routes to all facilities. • Play Structure: Relocate closer to the building to alleviate safety issues. Structure must be ADA accessible. • Walking Trail must provide clear path of travel. • Phase I: - Would include 30' x 80' play structure and concrete 1/2 court basketball court. - Would also include all drainage work where improved facility would be built. • Phase II: - Would include raising the grade of the open field area; possibility to be used as a soccer field. - Perimeter path would provide safe access route and also provide buffer between resident lines and recreation areas. If Comments from Residents • It was mentioned that the current baseball field area has severe flooding and drainage issues. • Residents would like to see a full -court basketball area instead of a half -court. • It was noted that there are safety issues with the pond, along with mosquito problems. Note: Mr. Fritsinger mentioned that the Mobile Home Park has a responsibility to keep the park clean. The City does not own the park. • Small Pocket Parks within the mobile home park are unsafe and old. • Residents believe that the play structure would get significant use. • Residents indicated that there might be interest for adult activities (e.g. horseshoe pit, volleyball, etc.) • Many of the resident kids bike so a bituminous path would get heavily used for biking, rollerblading, etc. • Is there a possibility of breaking up the baseball field into different activity areas? • Are there any grants available to assist with this redevelopment project? • Residents are willing to work with Parks and Recreation Commission to raise money. • Need a safe place for kids to go. Meeting concluded at 8:00 p.m.