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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-15 Amended PTRC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Straumann called the December 15, 2015, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann and Committee Members Steve Scott, John Van Valkenburg, and Chuck Michaelson OTHERS PRESENT: Council Liaison Brenda Holden, Staff Liaison Sara Grant and Recreation Staff Member Aaron Thelen ABSENT: Committee Members Nancy O’Malley, Harold Petersen, Josh Bloyer and Keri Bloyer 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Chair Straumann motioned to approve the agenda and seconded by Committee Member Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 17, 2015 Committee Member Scott requested the minutes reflect that he was not present at the November 15, 2015, meeting. MOTION: Committee Member Michaelson motioned to approve the November 17, 2015, minutes as amended and seconded by Committee Member Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2015 Completed Projects Chair Straumann referenced the list of 2015 Completed Projects. A discussion ensued regarding completion of the various bridges, certain aspects of the bridges, and a potential “meet and greet” type event. This event could include the PTRC members, Arden Hills City Councilmembers and Park and Recreation staff, and City Councilmembers and other representatives of the City of New Brighton, as well as Ramsey County representatives, if applicable. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 2 It was noted that the Floral Park Enhancements item was added to the 2015 Completed Projects list as having begun, but was also added to the 2016 Work Plan as the improvements will be completed in 2016. A discussion ensued regarding trail connections and the first annual Bark and Rec Day. Chair Straumann stated he would like to include Park Tours/Maintenance as an item that began in 2015. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked about the budget for the Park and Rec improvements as there was a concern too much money may be being spent. Staff Liaison Grant stated that some improvements were completed using donations but that she could gather this information and provide it at the January meeting. B. PTRC 2016 Work Plan A discussion ensued regarding the PTRC 2016 Work Plan. Chair Straumann suggested adding trails to the 2016 Work Plan. Council Liaison Holden asked about the reference to an AHATS Meeting. A discussion ensued regarding the need for City staff to meet with representatives from AHATS regarding the Readiness Center or other space availability as well as a potential partnership between the City of Arden Hills and AHATS. A discussion ensued regarding Building 189, which is located at the trailhead near County Road I. This is a Ramsey County owned building and is not included in the TCAAP redevelopment area. It was determined this item should not be included in the City’s formal 2016 Work Plan as it a County owned building. Ongoing and As Needed items as Numbers 1 through 10 were discussed individually as follows: 1. The 2016 Work Plan actions for parks, trails and recreation included Floral Park Enhancement, Fitness in the Park (which will begin with Cumming Park), and Bark and Rec Day (which will be moved to Perry Park in 2016). Chair Straumann suggested Crepeau Park as a future enhancement project once Floral Park is completed. Council Liaison stated that Bethel University owns the land surrounding the trails in the Crepeau Park area and can close the trails to the public at their discretion. 2. Staff Liaison Grant stated the PTRC recommends the County Road F sidewalk project be completed in 2016. The PTRC will present this recommendation to the City Council. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 3 Council Liaison Holden suggested that City staff contact the City of New Brighton regarding the New Brighton Road underpass. The PTRC determined that this is a top priority in 2016. A discussion ensued regarding the need for parking lot improvements at various parks. Chair Straumann requested that the Arden Hills Foundation be added to the 2016 Work Plan. 3. Staff Liaison Grant indicated that the City received a grant application from Allina’s health and wellness program. She will submit this grant application for the City’s Fitness in the Park initiative. She also said she will mail donation solicitation letters in January. 4. A discussion ensued regarding the reference to TCAAP versus Rice Creek Commons. The reference to TCAAP will be removed from this item number. A discussion ensued regarding the potential observation deck for the TCAAP water tower. 5. Chair Straumann and Staff Liaison Grant provided a brief overview of Active Living and the Ramsey County Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. This information can be viewed on the County’s website and will be further discussed in the future. 6. A discussion ensued regarding Bethel University’s contribution regarding proposed improvements. Discussion continued regarding the pedestrian bridge on Highway 96 over 35W. A discussion ensued regarding the improvements and appearances of the various bridge improvements by MnDOT. 7. These items were discussed in Item No. 1 and will remain as Item No. 1. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked about the Johanna Marsh tennis court. Staff Liaison Grant stated this tennis court needs to be completely rebuilt and the City will address this potential project. The Committee agreed to add pickleball, volleyball and badminton courts as new items. Council Liaison Holden suggested the PTRC come up with alternatives for utilizing the hockey rinks in the summer. 8. Staff Liaison Grant will provide a list of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the PTRC members at a future meeting. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 4 9. Staff Liaison Grant stated she will contact Bethel University regarding student volunteer opportunities once the City determines where it needs help. Council Liaison Holden stated either she or Recreation Staff Member Thelen could contact an individual at University of Northwestern for assistance with Hazelnut Park. 10. Staff Liaison Grant stated she will contact Communications Committee Member Tina Kulzer about writing trail articles for the Arden Hills Notes. Council Liaison Holden suggested the PTRC solicit feedback as to what seniors would like to see in the parks (more benches, for example). Staff Liaison Grant said she will provide a map which references the locations of all benches at the parks. Committee Member Michaelson suggested contacting a master gardener to present information. A discussion ensued regarding community plots for gardens. Council Liaison Holden suggested the creation of a community garden in Arden Park and this item was added to the Work Plan. A discussion ensued regarding creating an article pertaining to tree donations and also bench donations. 4. NEW BUSINESS None. 5. REPORTS Council Liaison Holden provided an update as to current City Council activities. She stated hiring a new City Administrator is still in process. The City Council will wait for a new City Administrator to be in place before hiring a Public Works Director. The tax levy passed at 3.5%. As of the date of this meeting, there were three applicants for the vacant City Councilmember position. Interviews will occur in January. Staff Liaison Grant indicated the ice rinks are on hold due to warm weather this winter but the push button light system has been installed and is ready for use. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 15, 2015 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm. NEXT MEETING The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.