Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-22-PTRC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022, 6:30 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Marie Hinton called the March 15, 2022 meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:32 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Chair Marie Hinton, Committee Members Jill Anderson, Mark Kelliher, Kristine Poelzer, Tim Nelson, Dan Dietz, and Council Liaison Steve Scott OTHERS PRESENT: Staff Liaison Joe Vaughan, and Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen ABSENT: Committee Members Paul Beggin, Micah Kiernan, Suzanne McGaugh, Jill Anderson 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved by the Committee. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 15, 2022 PTRC Minutes The Committee approved the minutes. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Trail Projects Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the assessment hearing for the Snelling Avenue North improvements project from Highway 51 to County Road E will be held on April 11. There will be a trail installed on the west side of Old Snelling. A feasibility study is being done for a proposed trail segment along Old Highway 10 from Lake Valentine Road to County Road 96. The City received a Safe Routes to School grant for the Mounds View High School trail improvements along Old Highway 10 from County Road E2 to Lake Valentine Road and west from Old Highway 10 to the high school in the amount of $450,000. Another $400,000 could be secured through bond requests. Discussion ensued regarding printed copies of trail maps for use by the committee members. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes March 15, 2022 Page 2 B. 2022 Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Work Plan Chair Hinton said the Committee would meet with the City Council on April 18. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated they would have a PowerPoint presentation and an open discussion with the City Council. Work Sessions are public meetings so anyone can come, but they should have one person be the primary presenter. Chair Hinton explained that she added a calendar of items to discuss at upcoming meetings to the work plan. Committee Member Kelliher wondered if a more specific plan would come from meeting with the City Council or just general goals. Council Liaison Scott suggested the Committee discuss what kind of amenities they’d like to see when they do playground replacement at Arden Manor Park this summer. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen added there are drain issues at Arden Manor Park that need to be resolved before they look at rebuilding amenities and they know how much space they will have. There will be public engagement as part of the process. Floral Park’s hardcourt will be rehabilitated at the same location but they will ask for input regarding striping of the court. Committee Member Kelliher asked if there were events that are already locked in and what are their responsibilities regarding generating ideas. Staff Liaison Vaughan said trail tours with residents and similar events have previously been discussed. Committee Member Dietz suggested listing sledding hills in the Facilities Guide. Committee Members stated which parks are closest to where they live. Chair Hinton discussed the calendar she created for 2022-2023. Discussion ensued regarding the road crossing on County Road E near NOW Bikes. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. New Member Appointment Chair Hinton acknowledged the City Council appointed Mark Kelliher to serve on the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee and welcomed him to the group. Staff Liaison Vaughan administered the oath of office. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes March 15, 2022 Page 3 Committee Member Kelliher said he is a long-time resident of Arden Hills and loves it because of the parks and trail system. He got a group together to work on eradicating buckthorn and is committed to improving the trails. He is also a Minnesota Naturalist, a designation issued from the DNR. He is an avid bicyclist, and volunteers at the U of M Raptor Center. Other Committee Members introduced themselves. 5. REPORTS Council Liaison Scott noted that the City Council accepted a $10,000 donation from the Spring Lake Park Lions Club, earmarked for general amenities for parks, trails and recreation. A $500 donation was also accepted from the Arden Hills Foundation for recreation scholarships. Staff Liaison Vaughan reported that the ice rinks operated from December 27 through the end of February. An increase was seen at each facility for a total of approximately 5,000 skaters for the season. Public Works did a great job flooding and maintaining the rinks. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said there are 8 seasonal jobs available for Public Works and also positions for Parks and Recreation and he would appreciate the committee’s help spreading the word. 6. NEXT MEETING The next PTRC Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2022. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.