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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-99 PTRCAGENDA PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1999 ** 7:00 P.M. ** ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4364 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Approve January 7, 1999 Minutes 3. Council Report 4. Arden Manor Park Improvement 5. Bethel College Park Project Tentative Hearing Dates 6. Parks and Recreation Director Hiring Update 7. Playground Structure Replacement Update • 8. County Road F Trail Update 9. Day in the Park 10. Department Report 11. Adjourn *** Please Call Tracy or Lynette if you are unable to attend this meeting *** n U �J • 0 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: January 20, 1999 TO: FROM Parks and Recreation Commission Administrat 0) SUBJECT: Project Update Brian Fritsinger, City The Parks & Recreation Commission had previously indicated it would like to briefly review the status of the various parks projects at its January 26, 1999 meeting. The following is a brief summary. 1. Arden Manor Park Improvement BRW has been asked to prepare a sketch plan for the Arden Manor Park Improvement Project. One of the items the Commission and City Council will want to discuss is the required drainage improvements to the park area. Specifically, this would include a determination on what level of drainage improvements to include and who will pay for them. The sketch plan for the hard court and play structure improvements should be available for review at the meeting. 2. Day In The Park The Commission should clarify the time, date and location of the 1999 Day in the Park event. 3. Bethel College Park The City Council will review the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission at its February 8, 1999 meeting. Assuming the City Council agrees with the recommendation of the Commission, the Commission may wish to discuss some tentative dates in March for meeting with the neighborhood. 4. Parks Director Hiring Update The City has advertised for the Parks Director position. Applications will be accepted through February 1, 1999. Should the interview process proceed smoothly, the City should be able to expect the new person to start sometime in March. While I do not have specific interview dates established, I would like to request that one Commissioner volunteer to assist me with the interview process. Memorandum, Parks and Recreation Commission, Project Update Page Two January 20, 1999 5. Playground Structure Update Staff will be sending letters of request to the various playground structure vendors within the next two weeks. Once the City has received responses to our request, the Commission will have an opportunity to review the responses. 6. County Road F Trail The City Council will be asked, at its January 25, 1999 meeting, to authorize the preparation of plans and specifications for the County Road F pedestrian trail project. Staff is still working on completing the required Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) for the project. Once the EAS and design are completed, the State, City Council and Commission will need to give formal approval to the project before it can proceed. BF/sls • n U MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1999 7:00 P.M. Call to Order Chair Lynette Kreidler called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Roll Call Present were Lynette Kreidler, Anita Larson, Don Messerly, Lou Speggan, Rich Straumann, Megan Ricke, Dorothy McClung, Brian Fritsinger, Tracy Petersen, Lois Rem and Bethel representatives. Absent was Jim Johnson. 2 Approve Minutes Minutes from December 1, 1998 were corrected to read, "Vice -chair Anita Larson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m." Corrected minutes were approved by Megan Ricke and seconded by Anita Larson. The minutes were passes unanimously. MEMEL '11 • Review of Liaison Role. Council member Rem reviewed what her role will be as liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Work session Review. Ms. Rem reported that the City Council had approved the hiring of a full-time parks and recreation director. Mr. Fritsinger added that the position has been advertised in the newspaper and state parks and recreation jobs bulletin. Mr. Fritsinger also noted that he would like 1-2 commission members to be included in the interview process. City Newspap-er. The Council approved the New Brighton Bulletin as the City's official newspaper for 1999. Hiring of Parks Maintenance Worker. The City Council approved the probationary hire of parks maintenance worker due to begin January 14, 1999. Town Hall Meeting. The 1999 Town Hall meeting will be Saturday, January 23 at Bethel College from 8:30 a.m.-noon. City Administrator Fritsinger also commented on the following items: Channel 29 Tower. The City is going to begin conversations with Channel 29 regarding towers in Arden Hills. Mr. Fritsinger noted that in the future this may involve the commission in terms of possible trail development around these areas. • Commission Appointments. The City Council will be holding off on appointing 1999 members until February or March. Chairperson Lynette Kreidler will hold the chair position until that time. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that there were about eight letters of interest from residents who were interested in serving on the commission. Commission member Ricke said that we should look for a couple new members from either the Chatham area and/or the southern half of the City. TCAAP. Mr. Fritsinger noted that plans are near completion and that the City will be ready for bidding soon. The land license/transfer of property to the National Guard will take place on March 15, 1999. The City will try and negotiate their lease with the National Guard to coincide with this date. 4. Bethel College Ballfield Concept Plan Discussion City Administrator Fritsinger noted to the Commission that his Bethel memo had attempted to answer their questions pertaining to the Bethel College Park Project. The issues addressed were related to cost, wetlands, value of the property and programming issues. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that he is looking for the Parks and Recreation Commission to evaluate the project and make a recommendation to the City Council on whether to move forward. The Commission reviewed some of Bethel's programming needs with Bethel representative Craig Hjelle. The Commission indicated that they would like Mr. Hjelle to provide them with more detailed information on Bethel's intramural use. Tracy Petersen • reported that all athletic association use will need to be examined in order to determine our overall City needs. Chair Lynette Kreidler mentioned that Mounds View High School does need additional tennis courts. She also mentioned that a recent School District Facility Needs Assessment done in conjunction with the local recreation departments indicated that the school district is in need of soccer, tennis and baseball fields. Commission member Ricke indicated that the City has looked at alternative sites (e.g. Ingerson) for soccer fields. Ms. Petersen, Program Supervisor, stated that the City does have a need for additional soccer fields including soccer association and City needs. Mr. Hjelle indicated that the varsity softball field will be temporarily fenced during their season. He indicated that the field can be used for youth as well. Craig also mentioned that Bethel College is in need of more fields. He said that Bethel has been approached by developers who would like to purchase the land. Bethel would like to keep the land (currently not in their master plan) and keep it a part of the Bethel Campus. Bethel is aware that there is a need for more baseball and soccer fields in the northern metro area. Bethel is looking for a project that would work well for both itself, the City and the community. Mr. Hjelle stated that if the project is not compatible with all parties that the issue will not be forced. Bethel is interested in a joint effort that uses the land in the best way and is the least objectionable to the community. FJ U V IS Other Comments on Bethel College ark Project: - The City's programming needs and how they fit in with Bethel's needs are crucial to this project. - The soil is a high clay base. Soil testings would be done in the future. - If the City Council is not interested in pursuing the project, Mr. Hjelle indicated that Bethel may develop the park on its own. Craig stated that having the land stay empty is not useful to Bethel. - If the project is worth pursuing, the City Council would have some of the same discussions. If the project seems feasible, the Council would make a recommendation back to the commission to meet with the neighborhood and evaluate a more detailed site plan. This course of action does not necessarily mean that the project would still take place. - Commission members indicated that they owe it to the community to pursue this project. The commission will evaluate our needs and decide if the park will be of benefit to the City. - Corbin C. spoke on behalf of the residents who were at the meeting. He mentioned wetland issues, feasibility of site, Minnesota state laws, time lines, traffic issues, home value, impact on City park property, access points and parking issues as areas of concern. - Mr. Hjelle responded to the above comments and indicated that there are procedures in place to deal with any wetland issues. Bethel strives to be good citizens to the environment and will work with whatever agencies it needs to. In regards to the traffic issues, Mr. Hjelle noted that a traffic study has been done and that Bethel would work with the county and City on any other traffic situations. - Mr. Fritsinger indicated that this project is at least one year out from starting. He also mentioned that any trails would tie into the trail systems of Bethel and Arden Hills. - Bethel engineering representative indicated that the west side is unusable due to the wetlands. He mentioned that Bethel is sensitive to all users and the neighborhoods with regards to this issue. It was also stated that the site could be problematic in design but that all design is open for discussion and changes. - A resident asked about the distance the parking lot would be from abutting homes. It was stated that the parking lot is 60-70 feet away from the homes and this does not take into consideration any buffering of the site. - The site is currently zoned residential. - Some residents indicated they were more in favor of homes or town homes for the site. y - Ms. Ricke indicated that there are some cost, availability and fundraising issues to consider along with many other issues before a final decision about the project can be made. Dorothy McClung made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the City proceed with exploring the Bethel College Park Project and that the Parks and Recreation Commission will hold neighborhood meetings with residents if the project warrants. Motion was seconded by Megan Ricke. Motion was passed unanimously. Play stnict,ire Memo. Mr. Fritsinger mentioned the memo he had given commission members regarding the procedure for Play structure replacement. The Commission noted that they would like to see designs for both Arden Manor and Arden Oaks parks. After review of those plans, the Commission will develop a time line line as to when to hold resident meetings and when to schedule installation of the structures. The Commission noted again that Arden Manor park is a priority project for 1999. Mr. Fritsinger noted that he had met with the landscape design person to discuss the layout for the proposed basketball court, playground structure and ballfield. Brian also said that although some drainage improvements have been made that there is still changes that need to be completed. Mr. Fritsinger mentioned that the City may have an opportunity to purchase some topsoil that could possibly be used for the Arden Manor project. 0 The Commission also discussed the idea of volleyball courts and the relocation of the picnic shelter at Arden Manor and felt that these issues would be items to discuss at a residents' meeting. Chairperson Selection. Don Messerly made a motion to have the Parks and Recreation Commission select their own chair and vice -chair each year. The motion was seconded by Lou Speggan. The motion passed unanimously. 5. AAdj urn Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Next Meeting is Tuesday, January 26. I� Cl 0 AGENDA PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1999 ** 7:00 P.M. ** ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4364 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD -Please note date/day of this meeting. 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Approve December 1, 1998 Minutes 3. Council Report 4. Bethel College Ballfield Concept Plan Discussion 5. Adjourn *** Please Call Tracy or Lynette if you are unable to attend this meeting *** 0 • MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1998 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Vice -Chair Anita Larson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Roll Call Present were Lynette Kreidler, Anita Larson, Megan Ricke, Rich Straumann, Lou Speggen, Jim Johnson, Don Messerly, Susan Keim, Brian Fritsinger, Tracy Petersen, and Dennis Probst. Absent was Dorothy McClung. Minutes from October 27, 1998, meeting were approved by Megan Ricke and seconded by Jim Johnson. The minutes were passed unanimously. • Round Lake Road Construction. Council has approved the intersection between Round Lake Road and Highway 96. Construction will begin in the spring of 1999. Lake Johanna Fire Department. The City Council is reviewing the City's fire services contract and is looking to approve it with some qualifications. Election Results. Gregg Larson was re-elected and Lois Rem was elected as well. Ms. Rem will replace Susan Keim on the City Council beginning in January 1999. The Parks & Recreation Commission publicly thanked Council member Keim for her service to the commission. Emorm", , �t m City Administrator Brian Fritsinger began by indicating that Bethel College is looking for a possible joint venture with the City on a ten acre park. Mr. Fritsinger noted that Bethel has completed a first draft traffic analysis of the area. Bethel's concept plan indicates that the site would contain two soccer fields, a softball field and six, non -lighted, tennis courts. Mr. Fritsinger mentioned that Bethel College has some Title IX issues on campus that need to be addressed with regard to women's softball. The two soccer fields concept stems from some needs that the City has for additional soccer fields. 0 0 M • City would want to make sure that trail linkages are made accessible to the rest of the City's trail system and also correspond with the Comprehensive Plan. The meeting was opened up to the general public for comments. Comments: Bethel College Ballfield Concept Plan. • Not necessarily need more parks. • Legal issues to be considered. • Prefer trails, wildlife. • Has Bethel talked with environmental engineers about weed/feed grass areas. • Concerns about elevations and destruction of natural areas. • Concept plan does not show outlet into Chatham area. • Concerns about oak trees. • Would rather see residential housing. • Not good use for this piece of land - too extreme change. • Has Bethel looked at other sites and presented a practical alternative analysis of those other sites. Megan Ricke made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the City continue to explore the project and ask Bethel representatives to come and discuss issues of questions and concerns with the Commission. Seconded by Don Messerly. Motion was passed • unanimously. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that the property owner has made improvements to the drainage of the park by improving the ditch area. There is potential to further improve the ditch area to resolve some of the City's issues. The Parks and Recreation Commission requested that the City Engineer look at the site and draft a concept plan for the proposed park improvements. .9 FRO 1011W MI ON 1M. re V,io. 1 i 21 W M, -I I 1 �, Mr. Fritsinger provided the Commission with some background information in a memo he had provided to the City Council. He pointed out that one year ago the City Council had addressed some needs with regard to the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) and some code/building enforcement needs. The City Council identified three options with regard to the replacement of the Community Development Director position. The three options were: Hire a full-time Parks and Recreation Director; hire a full-time Parks Planner or merge with a neighboring community. The City Council requested that the Commission review the three alternatives and make an objective recommendation to the City Council. The Commission's advantages/disadvantages of the three alternatives are listed below: 4. aTracy Petersen, Program Supervisor, reported on the following items: Family Turkey Shoot - 40 parent/child teams participated. Currently preparing for ice rink season/hiring of rink attendants. Events coming up include: Holiday Dance Show, Breakfast With Santa and Holiday arts & craft classes. Anita Larson make a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Seconded by Lou Speggen. m:\USERS\SUSAN\PARKS\P&RCOMM\MINUTES\dec 1 mi98.wpd 11 0 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: December 23, 1998 TO: FROM: Parks and Recreation Commission Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator w SUBJECT: Playstructure Replacement Background The City has budgeted for the replacement of two playground structures during 1999. Staff has begun preparing for these replacements and would like some additional information from the Parks and Recreation Commission. Playground Equipment Suppliers There are three playground equipment suppliers from whom staff intends to solicit proposals. These three firms are: • Earl F. Anderson, Inc.; Bloomington, MN • Minnesota Playgrounds, Inc.; Golden Valley, MN • Miracle Recreation Equipment; Hastings, MN It is my understanding that the City has historically solicited proposals from the suppliers requesting them to prepare a plan for the park. Once the plans are received, the Commission then compares the proposals and evaluates them for the preferred alternative. Design Features I would like some direction on the design features of the two parks. Previous structures have included the following: • Handicap Accessibility is necessary • Separation of pre-school and older children • Designed for pre-school to 10 years of age • Elements fostering interaction (i.e., play panels) • Elements fostering imagination/constructive play (i.e., steering wheels) • At Arden Oaks, the existing swings be incorporated into the plan • Other items to include: arc; swings; spiral slide; straight slide; bridge; climber; decks; spring rider • Memorandum, Parks & Recreation Commission, Playstructure Replacement isPage Two December 21, 1998 Timing The Commission may wish to separate the two projects. Depending on the Commission's interest, it may be most appropriate to complete one project in the early summer and one in the fall. If the Commission agrees with this, it should clarify which project it would like to complete first and the associated review schedule. It would appear that the February 23, or March 23, 1999 meetings would be most likely. The Commission should also discuss how the remainder of the Arden Manor improvements are affected by the playstructure replacement. Staff has asked our consulting engineer, BRW, to prepare a sketch of a concept for the redevelopment of Arden Manor. I would expect that the Commission would like to have both a playstructure concept and park concept in hand before meetings are held with neighborhood residents. Requested Action The Commission is asked to provide direction on the items identified above. 0 BF/sls • 0 ARDEN HILLS PARKS & RECREATION Program Fund Participation 1997 Total 1998 Total # Particivants # Participants Program 65 20 Actin 3 3 Adaptive Recreation Clubs 40 X (loss of gym space) Adult Men's Basketball 75 teams* 62 teams * Adult Softball 8 0 Adult Touch Football 19 17 Advanced Hunter Education 44 30 After School Basketball 58 71 After School Soccer 25 20 All Star Sports Cam 31 113 Art Classes 53 * 55 Arts & Crafts Classes 28 27 Babysitting Clinic 55 families x2 65 families x2 Breakfast with Santa 107 13 • Ceramics 144 115 Dance 85 300 Day in the Park 31 13 Drawing 125 200 Egg Hunt 244 218 Elementary Track 219 236 Fall Soccer 26 * 20 Family Events/Trips 30parent/child teams 35parent/child teams Family Turkey Shoot 44 35 Flag Football 12 0 Floor Hockey X 30 O Gingerbread House Making Class 31 34 Golf Youth, Adult 96 100 Gymnastics 56 families x2 65 families x2 Halloween Pumpkin Hunt 7 8 Hockey Skills School X 22 Hoops Hotshots 48 33 Ice Skating Lessons 11 * 10 Junior Soccer Club 47 33 • Keyboarding X 20 O Magic Class 19 25 Mounds View Mustangs Football Camp X 30 O Musical Theatre 6 0 Nerf Sports 21parent/child teams 10parent/child teams Parent/Child Mini Sports 6 8 Pee Wee Sports X 28 O Pre -School Basketball 38 35 Pre -Soccer 20 20 Pre T-Ball TracyAetters/protot%.doc 0 11 ARDEN HILLS PARKS & RECREATION Program Fund Participation 1997 Total 1998 Total # Participants # Participants Program 40 15 Safety Cam 20 15 Soccer Mini -Cam 38 45 Soccer/T-Ball Mini Cam 80 80 Softball Grades 3-12 53 52 Sorts Hour X 6 O Sorts Mania 6 10 Sorts Sampler 165 218 Summer Adventure Trips (w/Penny Carnival 120 115 Summer Playground 30 25 Summer Soccer 24 X (due to construction Swimming 115 135 T-Ball/Baseball (Ages 5-7 84 78 Tennis (Youth, Pee -Wee, USA Team, tennis carnival 274 345 Vacation Day Trips 4 X Woodworking 14 20 Youth Cooking 6 30 Youth Firearms Safety Class 104 110 Zig Kauls/Dave Leiser Basketball Camps 1997 1998 3,241 3,591 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 1,125 930 ADULT SOFTBALL 4,366 4,521 GRAND TOTAL # PARTICIPANTS 1,935 2,097 TOTAL # PARTICIPANTS FROM ARDEN HILLS 1,360 1,522 TOTAL # FAMILIES PARTICIPATING * - Approximately fifteen (15) players per team for a total of 930 X - Program not offered - New Program in 1997 - New Program in 1998 • - Program discontinued after Spring 1998 due to loss of instructor Tracy/letters/protot%.doc