HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-2019 PTRC Minutes
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019, 6:30 PM
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Rich Straumann called the January 15, 2019 meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Committee to order at 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann, Committee Members Paul Beggin, Nancy
O’Malley, Harold Peterson, Terry Finlay and John Van Valkenburg, City Council Liaison David
Grant
OTHERS PRESENT: Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka
ABSENT: Staff Liaison Sara Knoll
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: The agenda was unanimously approved by the Committee.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 16, 2018 PTRC Minutes
MOTION: The minutes were unanimously approved by the Committee.
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Hazelnut Park Update
Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka said Bolton and Menk are working on a new
site design so the warming house building can be raised up to be more visible. They are also
looking at parking lot improvements. She noted that a young man contacted her regarding doing a
master water steward project and he may do a rain garden or other demonstration site in
conjunction with the park improvements.
B. Cummings Park Playground Update
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka passed a diagram of the plans WSB put together for
the playground project. The City is hoping to have a company come take the old equipment to be
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 15, 2019
Page 2
refurbished and donated at no charge to the City. There will be request for proposals for the site
work and new playground equipment.
C. TCAAP Open House/Survey Feedback and JDA Update
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka noted the survey results pointed toward a
community centered type space for the civic site.
Committee Member Harold Peterson said the civic center architect, HGA, took ideas from the
task force and the PTRC to develop their drawings. It came down to wellness, community activity
and parks and recreation use. He felt the feedback from the public wasn’t much different from
what the committee had talked about.
Committee Member Terry Finlay mentioned that that the civic site is separate from the trail
system and they could move forward with ideas for the trails independently.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka said she has been working with Ramsey County
Parks on the potential trails in the area.
D. Garden Club – Next Steps
City Council Liaison David Grant noted that Councilmember Fran Holmes requested looking
into the possibility of forming a Garden Club.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka said she thinks they should put some type of
organization in place so there is a name to give if residents call wanting to know if there is a club.
E. Recap of 2018 Plans and Proposed 2019 Plans
City Council Liaison Grant mentioned the trail on the north side of McCracken there is a trail
that goes around the wetland back to the school that used to go to the road but now with a retaining
wall there people are walking on the neighbors’ yards and there will probably be signs placed to
direct people.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka said the trail on County Road E is finished as well
as the sidewalk on County Road F. Boston Scientific is moving additional employees to Arden
Hills and will be adding on to one of the buildings, making changes to Innovation Way and they
have offered to pay for a volleyball court in Cummings Park.
Committee Member John Van Valkenburg suggested asking Boston Scientific for $2500 to
replace the second basketball hoop at Cummings Park.
Discussion ensued regarding future potential trails and the Moundsview High School expansion.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka said Xcel Energy is giving the City funds to replant
the garden at Lindey’s Park.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 15, 2019
Page 3
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Committee Chair
Committee Member Finlay nominated Rich Straumann.
Committee Member Van Valkenburg seconded.
MOTION: Rich Straumann was unanimously elected Committee Chair.
5. REPORTS
A verbal update was given on new businesses and potential new developments in Arden Hills.
6. NEXT MEETING
The next PTRC Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.