Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-15 PTRC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Acting Chair Straumann called the September 15, 2015, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:35 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chair Rich Straumann and Committee Members Steve Scott, Harold Petersen, Chuck Michaelson, John Van Valkenburg OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Fran Holmes (for Councilmember Brenda Holden), Staff Liaison Sara Grant and Recreation Programmer Aaron Thelen ABSENT: Committee Member Nancy O’Malley and Councilmember Brenda Holden 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Acting Chair Straumann motioned to approve the agenda and seconded by Committee Member Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Staff Liaison Grant stated there are no minutes for approval due to the parks tour that took place during the last meeting. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Park Tour Evaluation Results Staff Liaison Grant compiled results from the park tour and gave each park an average score based on the Committee’s input. She then filled out final comments and suggestions for improvements for each park and created a master list. Committee Member Michaelson requested information regarding action items that have been corrected. Staff Liaison Grant indicated she prioritized which items could be corrected first and which items could wait and provided the list to Joe Mooney, Public Works Superintendent. Committee Member Michaelson asked about the park sign needed for Arden Manor. Staff Liaison Grant indicated this has not yet been corrected as there had been some prior discussion about a large wooden sign versus a smaller version. Staff Liaison Grant said she will provide the PRTC an update of completed items in the form of a running list at the next meeting. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 2 Acting Chair Straumann asked if there were any additional questions or updates regarding the parks tour and action items. Staff Liaison Grant stated for their Welcome Week orientation service hours, some Bethel students performed cleanup activities at both Perry and Hazelnut Park. Staff Liaison Grant then provided an update on the gardens, stating she had spent approximately 2 ½ hours going through them with Bob Mullen the day prior to this meeting. Committee Member Van Valkenburg said that Mr. Mullen has put in an unbelievable amount of time and noted the third garden has been totally weeded, cleared, and is fabulous – people love it. Committee Member Michaelson said Mr. Mullen told him he planned to join the two gardens and create some type of walk through, and that Mr. Mullen said that since his wife died about six years ago, this is the happiest he has been. Acting Chair Straumann suggested having Mr. Mullen attend another meeting to acknowledge the great job he is doing to which Staff Liaison Grant stated she will invite him to the next PTRC meeting. The Committee Members agreed with this suggestion. Council Liaison Holmes asked about Perry Park’s hockey rink and parking. Staff Liaison Grant said the hockey rink cannot be used for a dog park because of construction equipment being stored there. She said there have been complaints about difficulties getting down to the Hazelnut dog park area because of the hill and feels having stairs would be helpful for people. Other dog park options would be Freeway or Perry Park. A short discussion then ensued about the construction project’s progress in that area and having a dog park potentially on the east side of Arden Hills versus having two on the west side as they would be close together. Committee Member Michaelson asked if Freeway Park has been completed. Staff Liaison Grant said it is still in process but curbing is complete and believes the parking area will be repaved. Committee Member Petersen asked how many parking spaces there will be to which Staff Liaison Grant indicated possibly five spaces. Staff Liaison Grant said removal of the fence at the nearby property has been discussed but this has not been done yet. Acting Chair Straumann closed the discussion about the park tour correction items by stating he assumes the maintenance stuff will get done sooner or later. B. “Bark & Rec” Day Recap of Event Staff Liaison Grant thanked Committee Member Michaelson and his wife for helping with the Bark and Rec Day event, at which 30 to 40 people and their dogs attended. Activities included making crafts and representatives from the Arden Hills/Shoreview Animal Hospital and Ramsey County canine unit were present. She said she took several pictures and everyone did a great job. It was noted Jan Messerly also helped with the event. Committee Member Van Valkenburg wanted to know if the event is moved to Perry Park next year, when would a decision need to be made. Staff Liaison Grant stated early next spring would be fine. It was then discussed that Perry Park has good parking, is accessible, has nice trails, and that past history shows there have been no problems with the dogs. Staff Liaison Grant said that the City can simply transport the fencing and create a new opening. A short discussion ensued about a timeline for creating the agenda and determining if using Perry Park as a dog park is feasible next year. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 3 C. Basketball System Installation Staff Liaison Grant said she has been mailing four letters every month and the $2,500 received from Land O’Lakes is the only donation received thus far. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked if we could pursue the original large companies and refine the letter to include pictures of the new basketball system. Acting Chair Straumann asked if we need this replacement at Cummings Park to which Committee Member Van Valkenburg replied that two are needed there for a total of $5,000. Acting Chair Straumann suggested going back to Boston Scientific since they are big users of Cummings Park. Staff Liaison Grant said that Boston Scientific may be interested in donating if they know Land O’ Lakes has made a donation. She said there is a write up in the City newsletter acknowledging Land O’ Lakes’ donation. She also said parts have been ordered and the Public Works guys will be removing the old system but that Webber Recreational will install the new system . It is hoped that all parks in the city will have the same system in the future. Council Liaison Holmes asked what the benefit is of these replacements. Staff Liaison Grant said the new systems have little upkeep and last up to 20 years versus the old systems that have a life span of about 17 years. She stated that backboards are wearing, nets are bad and poles are rusting. She also said that with the new system, everything is easily replaceable versus the old system which had to be completely taken down for any type of replacement. Committee Member Van Valkenburg stated he and Nancy went to each park and rated what needs to be replaced and how soon. It was determined Ingerson, Cummings and Hazelnut Parks all need replacements, but there was only enough money for one. Staff Liaison Grant stated two systems are needed at both parks for a total of $10,000. Discussion continued, recapping once again approaching Boston Scientific and also the businesses on Round Lake Road, including Holiday, and providing them a picture and more information about the new systems. D. Arden Hills Foundation Donations Staff Liaison Grant said that Nancy asked how much money is in the Foundation under Don Messerly’s name and what the Committee would like to do. She also spoke with Bob Mullen about bringing mulch over to the garden. Mr. Mullen said he contacted the U of M and they quoted him $12.50 per yard. Joe Mooney of Public Works said he can get mulch from the same company for $8.00 or $9.00 per yard. Staff Liaison Grant discussed this with Mr. Mullen and will coordinate purchasing mulch with Joe Mooney if the PTRC is okay with this. A discussion ensued about placing some type of ID tag on the various flowers in the gardens and options to create these tags. Council Liaison Holmes stated Don is already memorialized in Valentine Park and suggested Crepeau Park. Staff Liaison Grant indicated the benches are the City’s and cost $500 each. She said a brass plaque is $150 but there is another plaque made of a special black, outdoor material with white engraving that does not wear or fade and really stands out. This particular style plaque is inexpensive and feels it may be better in a nature type setting. Acting Chair Straumann asked if there is a consensus try to get a newer style plaque. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 4 Discussion continued about whether or not there would be enough money for two plaques, depending on which plaque is purchased. Depending which plaque is purchased and if Jan would like the plaque inlaid in a wooden bench, possibly more than one plaque could be purchased and placed at the various entrances to the park. Acting Chair Straumann suggesting doing a walk-through to identify other benches that would need replacement. Acting Chair Straumann asked for a motion to order plaques for Crepeau Park honoring Don Messerly and utilizing his memorial funds. The motion was seconded by Committee Members Michaelson and Van Valkenburg. Staff Liaison Grant discussed the process of inlaying the plaque into the bench. She will talk to Jan Messerly to see what she would like as far as material of the plaque(s) and the location. She reiterated that due to price, if brass, just one plaque could be purchased but if the other style plaque is chosen, two or possibly even three plaques could be purchased. A short discussion ensued about the prairie grasses at Crepeau Park and if Bob Mullen could potentially tackle that job. It was decided the PTRC members would give this matter some thought. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Water Tower Viewing Platform Acting Chair Straumann moved to item 4.B. Item 4.A will be discussed later in the meeting. B. Fall Cleanup Day Staff Liaison Grant indicated the PTRC will not be participating in the fall cleanup day this year and suggested the Committee participate on their own or bring their items to the drop-off location. Staff Liaison Grant also said if they have time, Committee Members are welcome to help Mr. Mullen with the gardens on Saturday, October 3 at 9:00 am at Floral Park. C. Rice Creek Commons Parks Acting Chair Straumann outlined the three trails which are designated on the map as T1, T2, and T3. Trail 1 runs beside the road that will be graded next year (spine road). There will be roundabouts at both County Road H and County Road I, and the bridge at County Road H near T1 should be done next year. T1 and T2 are inside Rice Creek Commons. T1 and T3 should be graded next year. Staff Liaison Grant indicated soccer fields and ballfields are needed at the new parks, but playground equipment and half basketball courts would also be nice. Committee Member Michaelson asked how many people are expected in the area and how to figure out overall need. Recreational staff member Thelen referenced the figure on the map that depicts how many units are expected. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 5 Discussion ensued about the desire for a multi-use, full-sized soccer field as Arden Hills does not currently have one. The discussion continued regarding who would use the field and for what purpose, and whether or not there would be a need for parking or playground equipment. Staff Liaison Grant said she will do research and report back to the Committee. Discussion continued regarding the community park’s amenities (next to the high density town center area) that may include a full tennis/pickle ball court, picnic shelter and splash pad. A discussion then ensued about a potential amphitheater for movies and music in the park type events, to which Council Liaison Holmes said that she believes years ago, Boston Scientific wanted to build an amphitheater at Cummings Park, but the City Council did not agree. Council Liaison Holmes states she does not think an amphitheater would work in the town center area as it is too small and congested but could work elsewhere. A discussion ensued about the hill area and whether or not two adult softball fields are needed. Recreation Staff Member Thelen suggested a full size soccer field for lacrosse and football use as well, but stated there would be no baseball diamond. Committee Member Van Valkenburg commented on the decline of adult softball to which Staff Liaison Grant said that overall interest in Minnesota has declined by 30-40%. Council Liaison Holmes suggesting getting rid of the adult concept altogether to which Staff Liaison Grant stated she would like to keep one youth sized softball field as there are adult fields at both Perry and Hazelnut Parks. Council Liaison Holmes commented that the plans have been revised multiple times and feels the parks are placeholders which the developer could rearrange. Discussion continued about the type of housing that will be created in the town center area and whether tennis and pickle ball courts would be desired versus a basketball court. Council Liaison Homes asked about tennis court use and maintenance costs to which Staff Liaison Grant said resurfacing costs are nearly as much as reconstruction costs. It was suggested to potentially have two courts in the town center area. Acting Chair Straumann stated Ramsey County is performing a study of all hockey rinks and the County’s indoor rink is used for soccer by various communities. Staff Liaison Grant stated that outdoor hockey rinks can be used for broomball and also a dog park. It was discussed that a hockey rink with a pleasure rink on the side and an indoor bathroom is desirable. A discussion then ensued regarding the need for a warming house which provides shelter, water, and a bathroom. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked if Guidant built a warming house at Cummings Park and said maybe another anchor business would do the same. Acting Chair Straumann asked if the parks will have basic shelters. Council Liaison Grant stated they will all have picnic shelters, not enclosed pavilions. It was discussed Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 6 that water service should be requested now as it is too expensive to add later. Council Liaison Grant said she would talk to Terry Maurer or John Anderson to see if it makes sense to request water and sewer being stubbed in for future use. It was noted there is really no rush but the Committee agreed to create a list of what they would like the developers in general to include in the parks. Item 4.A. - Water Tower: Acting Chair Straumann returned the conversation to the water tower. He stated that solar gardens and a geothermal energy source are being discussed and suggested a meeting with the AHATS group regarding desired water tower amenities if available space to do so. Discussion ensued about the Readiness Center facility located next to the City’s development area. This facility, which includes offices and a gymnasium, belongs to the National Guard. Staff Liaison Grant said had that facility included a Community Center at the time it was constructed, it would have cost the City twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost of the Community Center, so the City did not pursue. She also stated that the adjacent land is still available to the City. The discussion continued about the use of that facility and stipulations about age and use. Staff Liaison Grant said the City believes this could be a great partnership for use of indoor space – the National Guard for training and the City for recreational use – as the location and access are convenient. She will speak to Mary Lee and other representatives about a potential partnership. Regarding the space next to the Readiness Center, options for desired use include one outdoor field, one indoor dome field which would be a multiuse field (to include a walking track for seniors) which could be used for lacrosse, soccer, indoor baseball practices, and track and field. Recreation Staff Member Thelen indicated Vadnais Heights charges $250 an hour for rental. Acting Chair Straumann asked Staff Liaison Grant and Recreation Staff Member Thelen to research to see what the related costs could be for an indoor dome. Approaching sponsors who could advertise in the facility was also discussed. Other suggestions for the land included a history center or some type of environmental center building similar to the Tamarack Nature Center. The discussion returned to the water tower and viewing platform. Council Liaison Holmes stated the City Council is interested in an observation area. Acting Chair Straumann suggested speaking to AHATS about any potential environmental problems. Council Liaison Holmes indicated Public Works Director Terry Maurer said a new water tower is a ways down the road as the City has enough capacity now to start development. Eventually as people move in to the development area, a water tower will be built. D. Other unfinished business None. 5. REPORTS A. City Council Report The following points were discussed: Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 7 • Next City Council meeting on September 28 which will include a levy discussion. • Two town hall meetings - September 29 in the evening at City Hall and October 1 in the morning at Flaherty’s. Both meetings have identical content and residents and businesses members can attend either meeting. This meeting will be aired on Cable TV. • Retirement of City Administrator Pat Klaers and Public Works Director Terry Maurer on October 2. Recruitment for a new City Administrator is currently underway. • The Master Plan has been approved by the City Council but Ramsey County wants a higher density than the City does. • The Tavern restaurant has been approved to be built in Arden Plaza by Walgreens and Frattalone’s. • The City Council opposed the Goodwill building but were taken to court and lost. • The bridge is open over Snelling Avenue and the Hwy 96 bridge work will continue into November. The bridge by the high school is still under construction. • Completion of a sidewalk along County Rd F near Hamline and Snelling. B. Public Works/Parks & Recreation Report No updates. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Petersen left the meeting just prior to final motion to adjourn. MOTION: Committee Member Scott moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m., seconded by Council Liaison Holmes and Committee Member Michaelson. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). NEXT MEETING The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, October 20th at 6:30 p.m.