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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-01 PTRC AGENDA PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2001 ** 7:00 P.M. ** ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Approve July 24, 2001 Minutes 3. Parks and Recreation Updates 4. Park Comprehensive Plan Discussion 5. Council Update 6. Trail Team Schedules • 7. Next Meeting Agenda 8. Other Items for Discussion 9. Adjourn ** Please Call Tom: 651/634-5133 or Jim: 651/628-9406 if you are unable to attend this meeting*** **Tom will be on vacation August 11 through August 19, 2001. w • MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2001, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4634 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Johnson called the July 24, 2001 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Members present were Jim Johnson, Don Tix, Rich Straumann, Patrick Krenn, Tom Moore, Roberta Thompson, Jennie Michaels, Steve Zilmer, Council Liaison Gregg Larson, and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS ABSENT Members absent were Jim Crassweller, Don Messerly, and Louis Speggen. • APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Committee Member Johnson moved and Committee Member Straumann seconded the motion to approve the June 26, 2001 minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. PARK AND RECREATION UPDATES Mr. Moore provided an update on the 501h Anniversary pictures from Ray_. He stated that he is in charge of the Osprey program. He stated that the numbers have almost tripled adding that there is only one and a half weeks left of the program. Mr. Moore announced that there would be a Penny Ante Carnival this Friday, July 27, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. at Perry Park. He stated that everything only costs a penny adding that they will have games, clowns, and treats. Mr. Moore stated that they have started the fall soccer registrations and that the deadline • for registration is August 13, 2001. He stated that the Adult summer softball season concludes in a week and will begin fall registration at that time. He stated that the ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 2 • summer programs have increased the revenue adding that the statistics for all summer programs will be ready for the September meeting. Mr. Moore referenced a Park To Do list and reviewed the contents, park by park, with the Committee. He explained that this provides a review of the upkeep and maintenance of the parks. He stated that they purchased new signage and that they have ordered nine more playground signs, two for the freeway, two for Floral, two for Ballentine and two that were stolen that will be replaced. He stated that four directional signs are being installed for Crepeau Park, one to be located at Lexington Avenue for the northbound, one sign each to be located at the east and west end of Harriet and Benton Way, and one sign at Pine for the southbound traffic. Mr. Moore stated that they have not had to do much mowing and this has allowed them time to do other things on their list. He reviewed the City street projects that are scheduled by the County with the Committee. He explained that the County said that these projects could go from now until the end of September. He stated that the County has committed to try and call ahead in order to notify when work will begin and that they will also be updating the schedule via the web. Mr. Moore stated that there has been a watering ban in affect on the north side of City adding that this is due to the work on the north water tower. He stated that the watering • ban would be lifted at 12-midnight today, July 24, 2001. He noted the severe water pressure problems in the City and provided an example of the water level in south towers. He stated that normally the level is at 40-feet adding that there have been two instances where the levels were in the negative, that they were out of water. He stated that the northern area was the heaviest use area by industry guidelines. He stated that the businesses in the area have been very cooperative. He stated that they should be able to have the water tower filled by this Friday, July 27, 2001. Committee Member Tix stated there is a tree down on Ingerson. REVIEW OF PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY MEETINGS Mr. Moore asked for comments from the Committee. Council Liaison Gregg Larson asked if they had good attendance at the community meetings. Mr. Moore reviewed the meeting process and intent with the Committee. He stated that they had neighborhood representatives in attendance at several of the meetings so all neighbors did not need to come to the meeting. He stated that there was good representation from each of the neighborhoods and reviewed the results of the meetings with the Committee. He reviewed the attendance numbers and stated the meetings went • very well and provided the residents with the opportunity to speak adding that everyone learned a lot. He stated that Mr. Engrain would gather the information and prepare it for 1 ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 3 • presentation at the next group of meetings for feedback from the residents. Committee Member Tix asked what kind of good ideas resulted from the meetings. He referenced the idea for the hockey rinks for multi-purpose\seasonal use. Mr. Moore acknowledged the multi-purpose use of the hockey rink stating that has visited the City of Minnetonka and discussed how they use the hockey rink. He stated that the multi-use rinks are a bit more expensive as it requires additional maintenance for each season adding that it is very useful in the long term. He stated that one of the main issues they heard is that people want trails and that there was considerable discussion around trails for the area. He stated that they received good feedback on the buck thorn issue. He stated that overall, they had very good response from the residents. Council Liaison Larson asked if they were satisfied with the presentations given by the consultants. Chair Johnson asked for clarification on the meeting process and how they were managed. Mr. Moore reviewed the process they took to begin the meeting stating that the agenda included a review of the survey results, the census results, the big picture and a specific focus on each individual quadrant and a recap that included a follow up. He stated that ievery meeting included good, positive communication and interaction. He stated that this would be a good format for street improvements adding that people respond to this type of meeting very positively. Council Liaison Larson stated that the history of Arden Hills has been not to hold meetings with the affected residents. He stated that they usually notify the resident of the work or project that will be happening and provide information for them to contact if they have any questions. He stated that they do realize it cannot be done this way anymore. Committee Member Zilmer stated that it appears that they are going back to their old ways with the Ingerson project. Council Liaison Larson stated that they are trying to take a different approach stating that the meetings have been held and there has been no consensus on the Council on the issues. He clarified that nothing has been voted on, nothing has been done yet other than to have discussion to determine how they want to proceed next time. He stated that most cities pick out the areas that require work, they work on the areas, adding that this helps with assessments and is more efficient. He stated that the question asked is whether we are going to do the worst areas first or are we going to do neighborhoods. He stated that nothing has been decided yet. He stated it is a very expensive and time consuming process and that it needs to be done right. He encouraged the Committee Members to • attend the Council meetings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. if they would like to participate in the discussions. 1 ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 4 • PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TIME LINE REVIEW Mr. Moore advised the Committee that they have completed task two and that they are looking at September adding that as a more realistic timeframe that they should also include October, November, and January. He clarified that this is not Engram's fault stating that there were a number of issues that affected the timeline. He stated that he has discussed this with Engram and would call Greg_and clarify the timeline. Committee Member Straumann asked if they had met the focus groups. Mr. Moore confirmed that they have met with the focus groups for the County, the School District, Northwestern and Bethel. Council Liaison Larson referenced the 50th Anniversary Celebration. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Larson provided an update to the Committee stating that since the last report, Council had two meetings adding that this was during the time he was on vacation and the minutes for both meetings are not yet available. He asked if anyone knew what they did about the buoys and explained the advantages of this proposal to the Committee. • Committee Member Thompson clarified that there was a proposal to remove the language about the buoys and that there was full agreement, adding that no one objected to the proposal. Chair Johnson asked for a status on City Hall. Council Liaison Larson stated that they are planning to begin moving into the new building around the end of August 2001. He stated that the next Council meeting could be at the new City Hall. Mr. Moore stated that the City Hall dedication would be held on Saturday, September 29, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He stated that the City Events Task Force would be organizing this event. He reviewed the activities that will take place for the event with the Committee. Mr. Moore notified the Committee that the City Accountant, Terry Post, suffered a heart attack last Saturday evening, July 21, 2001. He explained the procedures they performed adding that everything went well and he is still recuperating in ICU. He stated that he is doing quite well all things considered. BUCK THORN UPDATE Mr. Moore stated that they have had calls from the residents stating that they would like • to be involved. He stated that he and Phil Fabel would get together to plan and strategize what needs to be done this fall. He stated that their objective is the first week of October ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 5 • for this project adding that buck thorn is easiest to remove during the fall. Committee Member Zilmer asked if Don Messerly was aware that he was made a volunteer. Council Liaison Larson stated that it is a good thing that Mr. Messerly is involved noting that he has a great deal of knowledge that will be quite helpful to the project. TRAIL TEAM SCHEDULES Mr. Moore reported that this is not ready and will be presented at the next meeting. NEXT MEETING AGENDA • Trail Team Schedules • Comp Plan Update • Buck Horn Update OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Committee Member Michaels asked about the trails and the problems with County roads. • She asked for clarification on the ownership and who would do the work if they provide the funding. Mr. Moore stated that representatives from Ramsey County came in to discuss the streets, the joint maintenance facility by TCAAP, Lake Johanna Boulevard, Old Highway 10, and New Brighton Road. He stated that they may turn it back to the City adding that they would fix the roads to a 90-classification before it is turned back to the City. He stated that they did discuss possible addition of trails and bike lanes. He stated that they told him it was open for negotiation and discussion. Council Liaison Larson clarified the 90-classification to the Committee. He reviewed an area by the school that will be overlaid and stated that they had requested full restructuring of the road. He explained that the County was not at all interested in the improvements and that he had been told they had it on the schedule, that it had been removed and that it could be years before it is added again. He stated that if Arden Hills wants a trail along that area that they would have to install it themselves. He stated that they would agree to upgrade the road to the 90-classification, but nothing further. Committee Member Michaels asked if they were to provide the funding how would the County handle it. She suggested approaching some of the larger companies in the area to determine any interest in possible contributions. • Mr. Moore stated that this is a wonderful concept adding that he is not sure if it has been done yet. ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 6 • Committee Member Zilmer asked for clarification on the MSI trails. Mr. Moore stated that MSI installed their trails and it was a joint effort with the City. Council Liaison Larson stated that if they do an overlay on the road and add a trail along the side of the road, it would involve a considerable amount of work. He stated that the County would prefer to do a simple overlay. Committee Member Thompson expressed concerns regarding the safety along Lake Johanna Boulevard. She stated that the priority here is safety adding that there are a lot of bicyclists, walkers, and cars. Committee Member Michaels asked for further clarification on the upgrades. Committee Member Straumann asked if they could outline this issue in the Comprehensive Plan and use this as a presentation or request. Council Liaison Larson stated that this is the intent of the Comprehensive Plan adding that this was a good suggestion. Committee Member Thompson asked for clarification on the process to take if they were • able to work with the businesses in the area and obtain contributions for funding. He asked who the proposal would be presented to and if they would be able to begin the process now. Council Liaison Larson stated that if there is an interest on our part to see this portion of the trail finished, it is up to us to go to the Public Works Department or Ramsey County. He asked for clarification as to whether they do have the money or can get the right-of- way. He stated that the Public Works Department would need to be approached. Committee Member Michaels suggested they have the Parks Department take care of it. Council Liaison Larson stated that this would be the only way they would accept it. He stated that they would not maintain the trails in our areas. He suggested getting MSI involved in the project. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Chair Johnson moved and Committee Member Tix seconded the motion to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan • TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. a y is C a7� ✓r ��;fie � �` 4 t i", + ii� qir tNyi } N Mj C �1' O 'y rq ❑ b;r, ` E N E a- m U U (D 'fl 7 C j_ = N R N U a O_ C N C U C N E r o + 3 .. Je d IL Q w o 4) to rn cc C l0 N H N E r Y O C V D p N N! W ttpp .x p A .ae' :P C d r(,�� l0 L O i. a 'C N r.. t O p N _ N V N p m N C O C ° o ,m ,i A.E 3 a� ; c s y ° ° ��., E E c r ai �'' R r o +. o N p a O c C o k ` °- cIle a pi ° 2 3 E 'O U O ° fa 0 0 ` N U d 3 t 7 ° O O y O N 7 'o C C _ to _ U C c �. U N U C (0 Q L O N R +`s cc 7 C N v° N O C E j .� O- C a N G. a y n. G1 7 U C r 7 C N E ax th N a ID M '� N N C - m f0 U O c ca Q °D > 7 °� N t+'� 41 7 to C ?1d ' E N 'Gy (D f° C lII aC+ i y O L °' wry GI a O y m 7 i r' d °' °' C C?Y�F; (D y d d a. y O ° r � c v n ° ¢ > rn c d = rn a� `° 3 vi �a e' t ' ti c c p `" ji a� p o v_, N E :� 3 a� E% ° E ° ,: ca E' o Y E > V a"i'C.Y N V _0 N s Y .� C C N ,�.' Y N E N y i � '�' C' E C N N 'S C C E wr N 5 ° "' ° N O N (D lN0 N d E d rn ' N O C 7 Ft (p O 'fn N fir; O L �. O N H Q. 0 0 �l V �i'� V V fC .f' '� 0 .ti.",vi H CL U D. U"�r a�,t 0_ V Arden Hills Park, Trail and Open Space Plan— Draft Outline— 8/22/01 1. Cover 2. Title and credits page 3. Summary and Vision Statement 4. Table of contents 5. Introduction Reason for and Intent of the Plan--Guide Planning Time Frame 2001-2020 6. City Location Map 7. Existing Park and Trail Map 8. Planning Process Summary 9. Existing Conditions Parks, Trails, Open Space, Recreation, Demographics, Land Use, Financing 10. Forecast Conditions Parks, Trails, Open Space, Recreation, Demographics, Land Use, Financing 11. Public Input Summary- 12. Needs Assessment and Key Issues- 13. Recommendations— Trail Connections Park Renovation Park and Open Space Acquisitions Partnerships Financing 14. Implementation and Priorities 15. Park and Trail Map—Issues and Opportunities 16. Park and Trail System Plan Map and Description 17. Individual Park Maps and Renovation Recommendations 18. Draft Capital Improvement Plan 19. Appendices - Public Opinion Survey and Summary of Results Community Meeting Summary h 4 Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan - Community Meeting Summaries - July 9-12, 2001 (#) indicates meeting number. Introduction - Four community meetings were held during the week of July 9-12, 2001 at various locations around the city. Approximately 80 attended the meetings. Meeting participants provided input regarding the overall city park, trail and open space system and individual parks and trails. The community input is summarized below. This input combined with the April, 2001 public opinion survey and interviews with stakeholders and affiliates will assist the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission with preparation of the Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. General Comments - Need Collaboration with Ramsey County Colleges and school Districts. (1,2,3,4) Picnic Facilities(3) - Add shelter, shade structures (3) Save/conserve open space (4) Indoor Recreation needed for swimming and indoor track, art classes and history center (4) Nature Center(1,2,3,4) Keeping up the existing park system will be adequate (4) Hwy 96 barrier to movement (When will trails be ready?) (4) Finish Tony Schmidt system (trail connections to park along Lk. Johanna Blvd., etc) (2) Plow trails in winter (4) When will TCAAP be ready(4) Trail/Signage connections (4) Trail/road crossing possibility at Hamline and Snelling RR bridge (3) Bridge over highway 10 (2) Cooperation with the colleges (1,2,3,4) Park and Rec info pamphlets etc. out to community (3) t Feeling of neighborhoods being landlocked? Focus on non-motorized trail connections (1) Make bridges usable for pedestrians and bikes and skaters/rollerbladers. (1,2&3) Loop bike route around Lake Josephine (1) Create gathering places for kids within neighborhood parks. (2) Lindeys should stay a park. (2) County removed softball backstop in Tony Schmidt. (2) Storm water pond maintenance is needed - i.e. pond by Tiller Lane and south er,d of Creapau Park. Siltation and debris. Need maintenance plan involving City, homeowners, County and Rice Creek Watershed. Runoff comes form Lexington Avenue. (1) Crepeau as a neighborhood park w/play structure (2) Lack of water supply at parks is not a priority issues for users.(1&2) Large roads are barriers which require people to drive to reach nearby arks. 1&2 g q P P YP ( ) People aren't aware of the City parks and trails. (1) Better park identification signs are needed & signs showing trail connections etc (1,2,3) Add "children playing" or "park - slow " traffic safety sign near the parks. (1) Need safe access from neighborhoods to parks (3) Ingraham&Assoc. to help facilitate county involvement in Arden hills park improvements (2) Explore trail options w/West Lake Johanna(2) -alleviate problems w/"danger trails" (i.e. auto traffic conflicts etc) -displacement of trail users to Old Snelling and New Brighton Blvd Loop trail needed to move trail users off streets (2&3) Skating trail/canal?(3) Site specific park amenities vs. generalized park amenities (3) Priority for a comprehensive trail system(w/ Ramsey Co. participation) f Larger skating surfaces (3) Trail connections to North side of A.H. (and Vice versa) (2) Round Lake polluted, no access (2) Limit Truck traffic on Johanna Lake Rd (vehicle weight limit) (2) Trail option south of Presbyterian homes (2) Fifty/fifty split for paved/non-paved trails (2) -safety areas or specific use (ie biking) could be paved (2) -smaller/less traffic trails should be unpaved? (2) Emphasis on EASE OF USE (2) Emphasis on CONNECTIVITY (2) Off-leash dog park ?(2) No railroad gravel on trails for biking use! (2) LOW DESIRE for A.H. indoor recreation facility "Tear drops"to signify"park entrances" and usages (2) -used as traffic calming strategy along pedestrian thoroughfares. Help from Shoreview with trail connection to Shoreview (ie funding) (2) Partnerships with neighbor communities utilizing resources (3) Site Specific Comments - Sampson Park New playground structure is too small(2) -designed for tots?(2) Royal Hills Park- Trail connection to N Heights Church(4) Dog Waste container (4) B Ball Field—T ball only (4) Parking no sufficient / check on why no parking signs exist (4) Valentine Pa rk- Raise grade, effective drainage vs. incremental improvements g3 g ( ) Park is integral to the community(3) Need path/entrance to park form neighborhood (3) Flooding of parking lot vs. infield/ grade issues (3) Picnic tables with shade (3) Swings (3) Reconsider layout of park (parking orientation parallel to Valentine road , grading etc...) (3) Hazelnut Park- Need better maintenance of park land (2) -dead tree removal -trimming of trees/grasses Auto traffic on Pedestrian trails is major problem(2) Hazelnut trails do not accommodate biking /roller blading etc. (2) Wider Trails (2) Need benches/seating (2) Invasive species problems/"Chinese elms" (2) Delineate sides of trail for"walkers"/"bikers" (2) Fix dilapidated fencing (2) Hockey"dropoff'problem(2) -add lights from church parking to hockey rink -pave hockey rinks (3) Sledding skating conflict (2) Round Lake Park- Relocate A.H. community gardens to Round Lake (3) Leave as open space?(3) Trail link to the west (3) -to RR bridge and long lake Charles Perry Park- Re-evaluate use of space during all seasons Off road dirt bike trails (3) Portable skate parks Bridge easement issues/ improve trails and access to park (2&3) Seating needed at new playground (2) Ages of play structures?(2) Water Fountain?(2) Shelter Shade structure?(2) Formal trail needed on south side?(2) Erosion problems (2) Road divides hockey rink and warming house (2&3) "No golfing" signage on west and south sides of park (2) '/2 court basketball w/backstop (2) Paved surface / courts inside hockey rinks for summer use (2&3) Park programming for Perry?(2) Location of play structure/ safety issues/relocate closer to warming house (3) Add recreational skating rink?(3) wAdd bridge and trails across the swamp. (3) , I Crepeau Park- Add a children play area for the Hunters Park Neighborhood. (1) Add playground equip. by Benton way(1) The wood chip trails are nice. (1) Need Buckthorn(invasive species) removal and woodland management. (1&2) Boyscout project (1) -Bridge or stone crossing for wildlife (1) - add bird houses (1) -Re-plant prairie area(1) MSI restricts bike and inline trail use Water off Lexington-weeds (2) Water quality-erosion Management/maintenance of storm ponds Add picnic tables and trash cans. (1) A trail ma 1 P is needed. ( ) Species Diversity (2) Ingerson Park- Can a "back way" (easement) trail to Ingerson Park be found?(1) Keep the sliding hill. (1) Frisbee golf might be a good use if it does not interfere with sliding. (1) Lindey's Triangle Park- Keep Lindey's as a park. Replace the backstop. (1) Keep it for flexible open play space. (1&2) Kites (2) Soccer (2) Parking issues (2) Lacrosse (2) 49 Softball (2) 1 Add an exercise station. (1&2) Parking can be a problem on the street. (1) Need park sign. (2) Need traffic sign for park (2) Sitting benches on Hill overlooking Lindey's Triangle (in between crab trees) (4) Freeway Park- Parking is dangerous in the winter. Need a barrier between the rinks and the parking area. (1) Need security lighting in the lower area. (1) Need protective fencing around the hockey rink. (1) Add a tennis court and backboard. (1) The path to the ice rink is steep and icy. (1) Pave the rink for summe r use. (1) Have a full court basketball in the lower area. (1) Need guard rails between the TH51 southbound entrance ramp and the park. (1) Add park safety sign on Co. Rd. E. (1) Balance open skating and parking (1) Barriers/guard rail for ramp (1) Chatham Park- Trail Surface unpaved but not dirt (3) Maintain mixed trail surfaces paved/unpaved (3) Trail to Venus Ave. (3) -priority for surface upgrade -currently used by many groups Ongoing community involvement/volunteering (3) i LaCrosse/Soccer Field use (3) Cummings Park- No water in the park (4) Limited Parking/need more(4) Signage (4) Floral Park- Long walk to ball field (4) Parking (4) Water?(4) North/West Trail Connection(4) Water problem/hwy rain(4) Drainage issue on Trails (4) More Tennis Courts (Royal Hills) (4) Arden Hills Park, Trail and Open Space Plan—Competition Schedule Commission Tasks/Actions meeting date August 28 Review summary of community input, individual park renovation recommendations, draft plan outline and revised schedule. Divide into trail area teams and begin detailed trail planning process. Sept. Committee trail teams to prepare trail recommendations for their area. Recommendations due by Sept. 24t'. Sept. 24 Review draft CIP prioritization, draft plan sections, and review trail recommendations from Trail Area Teams. Set community open house meeting dates (2). Oct. 23rd Review Draft Park, Trail and Open Space Plan. Oct. 30/Nov. 1 Community Open House Meetings (2) to Review Draft Plan or Nov. 14-15 Nov 27th Review final draft of Park, trail and Open Space Plan December Public hearing and joint PTRC meeting with City Council