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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-16 PTRC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Rich Straumann called the October 18, 2016, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:33 pm MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann, Committee Members Terry Finlay, John Van Valkenburg, Nancy O’Malley, Josh Bloyer, Keri Bloyer, and Harold Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Council Liaison Fran Holmes, Staff Liaison Sara Knoll, Staff Liaison Aaron Thelen ABSENT: Committee Member Steve Scott Chair Rich Straumann requested a moment of silence in remembrance of Committee Member Chuck Michaelson who recently passed away on October 8th. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: The agenda was approved by the Committee unanimously (7-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 21, 2016 Minutes MOTION: Committee Member Finlay motioned to approve the June 21, 2016 minutes, and seconded by Committee Member Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). B. September 20, 2016 Minutes MOTION: Committee Member Finlay motioned to approve the September 20, 2016 minutes, and seconded by Committee Member Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Oct. 18, 2016 Page 2 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Sampson Park Staff Liaison Knoll stated that she had spoken with the owner of the property and he would be OK with the obstacle course being built on City property, but he was willing to donate his land. Our public works department would maintain the course if it were built on City property. Legal issues of the course being built on private property were cited by Chair Straumann and Council Liaison Holmes. Staff Liaison Knoll stated the homeowner would help build the structures whether or not they were placed on his property and the City Public Works Department would help in the construction. It was noted that it would probably be built this fall/winter and be ready for installation in the spring. B. Ramsey County-Wide Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Committee Member Van Valkenburg reviewed the plan the county provided. He stated that he thinks we do want to be a part of a resolution that would be approved by the City Council. Council Liaison Holmes said the City Council is working on the Comprehensive Plan now and she thinks the best time to bring this forward would be when the Committee and the Council have a joint meeting early next year or at a Council meeting when the agenda allows. Council Liaison Holmes also invited the Committee to the TCAAP open house to be held on November 17. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Trail Tour Evaluations Staff Liaison Aaron Thelen explained the evaluations included comments that were written on the forms and thanked the Committee for their input. B. Prioritizing Trail Concerns Chair Straumann mentioned the signage for the dog park is a concern and needs to be improved. Committee Member Keri Bloyer suggested a picnic table or bench be installed at the dog park. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Oct. 18, 2016 Page 3 Committee Member Finlay asked if there was a way to report dead or fallen trees in the parks. Staff Liaison Knoll said to report them to her so she could look at them. Chair Straumann stated that the Royal Hills Park crosswalk needs to be addressed. Committee Member O’Malley thinks the bushes at Sampson Park should be removed. Chair Straumann would like to see the gap in the trail on County Road F between new apartment building and Hamline Avenue completed. Discussion ensued regarding sidewalks in the city. Council Member Holmes stated that if there are trail concerns/gaps to put them on our trail priorities list to address with Council during our next joint Council meeting. C. Arden Hills Bee Hives Samples of honey from the bee hives was provided for tasting. Staff Liaison Thelen told the Committee that samples were given to the children in the summer playground program. Staff Liaison Thelen stated that Andy and Mike did a great job with the hives. Staff Liaison Knoll said that the experience was educational for all involved, including learning about the queen bee at City Hall being overthrown and replaced. Council Member Holmes suggested the children and other residents to be able to see the hives and make them more interactive. Staff Liaison Knoll said Andy has a clear hive to show the children. Committee Member Keri Bloyer asked if we could have more hives. Staff Liaison Knoll said there are plans to have hives again next year. 5. REPORTS Staff Liaison Knoll told the committee that there has been a lot of vandalism at Perry Park, twice in one week. The Sheriff’s Department was notified, cameras will be considered if it continues. Staff Liaison Thelen said the fall flag football and soccer programs went well. There were 18-19 teams this season. He also told the committee that a new class called Youth Ninja Warrior was filled up. Chair Straumann asked if they could get an updated list of donations. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Oct. 18, 2016 Page 4 Staff Liaison Thelen told the committee that we have an intern from the University of Northwestern working for the Parks and Rec Department. She is helping with office work and teaching some classes. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Van Valkenburg moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m., seconded by Council Liaison Fran Holmes. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).