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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-16 PTRC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Straumann called the May 17, 2016, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:35 pm MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann and Committee Members Josh Bloyer, Keri Bloyer, John Van Valkenburg, Harold Petersen, Steve Scott and Chuck Michaelson (arrived at 7:10 pm) OTHERS PRESENT: Council Liaison Fran Holmes, Staff Liaison Sara Grant, Recreation Programmer Aaron Thelen, Acting Public Works Director John Anderson, Senior Planner Matthew Bachler and Guests Bob Mullen and Terry Finlay ABSENT: Committee Member Nancy O’Malley 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Acting Public Works Director John Anderson requested adding the Johanna Marsh tennis court to the agenda. This item has been added as item 4C. MOTION: The agenda was approved by the Committee unanimously (6-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 19, 2016 PTRC Meeting Committee Member Petersen requested a correction to the spelling of Terry Finlay’s name. MOTION: Committee Member Petersen motioned to approve the April 19, 2016, minutes as amended and seconded by Committee Member John Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). 3. UNFINISHED BUSINES Remaining PTRC Meeting Dates Staff Liaison Grant requested the PTRC meet at 6:30 pm on June 21, 2016, to discuss the survey that will be prepared by City staff and distributed to residents Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 17, 2016 Page 2 near the Johanna Marsh tennis court regarding options for future use of the tennis court. It was noted the annual picnic will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at Cummings Park. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. TCAAP Parks and Open Space Master Plan Senior Planner Bachler introduced himself to the Committee. He stated that Community Development and Public Works have been working collaboratively on a draft Parks and Open Space Master Plan for the TCAAP site. He indicated components of the Master Plan include the City’s goals and vision for the expansion of its parks and trails system, the requirements for the site’s park facilities, existing regional trails and new trails that will be constructed within the site’s boundaries, and expectations of the public and private improvements related to the park facilities. Senior Planner Bachler indicated that the Master Plan is meant to provide a general framework regarding the City’s vision for the development of parks and trails on the TCAAP site, noting it does not include specific detailed design plans which are expected to occur in later years. He stated this framework is important to complete so that the City can communicate to future residents, elected officials, developers and other interested parties the types of facilities that will be available. Senior Planner Bachler stated that the requested action was for the PTRC to review Section 2 of the Master Plan which deals with parks and open spaces on the TCAAP site and of which there are three specific sections: Required Parks and Facilities, Standard Park Amenities, and General Development and Design Standards. He noted the TCAAP Redevelopment Code identifies approximately 24 acres of parks and open spaces divided between 4 parks (the Creek Neighborhood, the Town Center Neighborhood and two areas in the Hill Neighborhood). The size and location of the Creek and Town Center Neighborhood parks have been determined already and will be located adjacent to the natural resources corridor. Senior Planner Bachler indicated that the Hill Neighborhood will include a total of 11.5 acres of public park space that may be within one park or divided between two parks. He noted that the City included flexibility in the Master Plan which would allow it to work with the Master Developer on a final plan for the Hill Neighborhood parks. Senior Planner Bachler stated the Master Plan addresses standard park amenities to be included in every park within the TCAAP site and it also addresses general development and minimum design standards so there is consistency across all parks. Chair Straumann asked for clarification about the splash pad/water fountain. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 17, 2016 Page 3 Senior Planner Bachler said there are a range of different facilities that fall into the “splash pad” category. He noted that the City would make a final decision on the splash pad/water fountain feature at the time park development plans are being finalized. Council Liaison Holmes stated the City Council had not seen this plan and wanted clarification regarding verbiage such as “will include”. She suggested using language such as “may include” or “suggestions include”. Senior Planner Bachler stated that this is an initial, first draft of the Master Plan based on discussions between Community Development and Public Works based on information provided the PTRC. He stated feedback would also be solicited from both the City Council and the Master Developer. Senior Planner Bachler referenced language in the Master Plan which gives the City flexibility as full development would take place over a number of years and community interests and needs may change over time. The Council would formally adopt the Plan, but can also make changes in the future. Chair Straumann noted Committee Member Michaelson arrived at 7:10 pm. Chair Straumann asked about the Town Center pedestrian corridor. Senior Planner Bachler referred to the TCAAP Public Parks and Open Space map, noting the Town Center pedestrian corridor is the area stretching from the Town Center park west toward Highway 10. The intent is to create a pedestrian connection between the park and what will be the primary commercial development on the TCAAP site to west of the Spine Road adjacent to Highway 10. He said the City envisions the Town Center park to be the focal feature and a pedestrian connection between the eastern and western neighborhoods is very important. He indicated this corridor will be addressed in more detail in separate documents. Senior Planner Bachler asked whether or not the PTRC is in general agreement regarding the standard recreational facilities it expects to see developed. Chair Straumann stated the standard park amenities as listed in section 2.5 appear to include items the PTRC presented to the City Council at the joint work session in March. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked if the multi-use fields include lacrosse. Staff Liaison Grant stated these fields can be used for lacrosse. Committee Member Van Valkenburg noted team sports were decreasing and that individual sports were increasing. He questioned the need for two full basketball courts versus two half basketball courts. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 17, 2016 Page 4 Chair Straumann stated two full courts could work depending what is decided with the Hill Neighborhood having one large park or two smaller parks. AUDIO ENDS HERE B. Bee Hive Installation win Cities Urban Birding Festival C. Johanna Marsh Tennis Court 5. REPORTS 6. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 pm. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member XXXXXX moved to adjourn the meeting at XX:XX p.m., seconded by Committee Member XXXXXX. The motion carried unanimously (XX-0).