HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2001 PTRC Meeting Minutes • MINUTES
PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
TUESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2001, 7:00 P.M.
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
4634 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Johnson called the August 28, 2001 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation
Committee to order at 7:08 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Members present were Jim Johnson, Rich Straumann, Patrick Krenn, Tom Moore,Roberta
Thompson, Steve Zilmer, Council Liaison Gregg Larson, Michelle Olson, Staff, Steve
Wensman, Ingram and Associates, and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Members absent were Don Tix, Jennie Michaels, Jim Crassweller, Don Messerly, and Louis
• Speggen.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Agenda was approved by consensus.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Johnson asked for any corrections to the minutes. He stated that no changes were
received.
MOTION: Committee Member Straumann moved and Committee Member Krenn
seconded the motion to approve the July 24, 2001 minutes as presented. The
motion carried unanimously.
PARK AND RECREATION UPDATES
Mr. Moore provided a Park and Recreation update to the Committee. He referred to the
package of information provided for review and referenced the news articles in the St. Paul
newspaper regarding the Buckthorn problem. He stated that he spoke with Phil Fabel
regarding a potential Boy Scout/Eagle Scout park project, which will be done in October
2001 adding that a date is yet to be determined. He referenced Northwestern College and the
Protected Parks permit application from the DNR regarding work that is to be done along
• Lake Johanna that involves removing the existing footbridge and abutments and replace with
a new bridge on the campus. He reviewed the Park employee time and workload breakdown
ARDEN HILLS PARKS TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 8/28/01 2
• sheets adding that they are in the process of evaluating and breaking down the hours by pay
period. He explained that this will provide them with an analysis of where time is being
spent and provide the employees with a tool that will help them become more aware of the
need for accuracy in payroll coding. He announced that Ramsey County is offering a
backyard compost bin and anyone who would like to participate can pick up a registration
packet available at City Hall. He stated that it would be announced in the City newsletter
adding that the event will take place at the City Hall in Arden Hills, on Saturday, October 6,
2001.
Mr. Moore provided an update for the City stating that they have installed new playground
signage at Freeway,Floral and Valentine Parks. He reviewed the appearance of the signs
with the Committee and explained that all of the parks now have signage except for Lindy's
Triangle and Arden Manor and that the signage for these parks is something that needs to be
considered. Mr. Moore reviewed the locations for the new signage at Kraypo's Nature
Reserve, adding that they now have adequate signage. He stated that they have completed
the fall aeration and announced that the fall fertilization begins next week. He stated that
they have started the soccer season with a new soccer field at Valentine Park adding that this
is the third seasonal park in two years. He stated they have completed two Boy Scout\Eagle
Scout projects. He explained that Jeff Jensen put in 200+perennial beds at Floral Park and
reviewed the types of plants and flowers that were planted. He stated that next year they
would be placing wood chips along the trails,bench areas and play structures. He stated that
Pat Berger completed and placed eight new park benches near the play areas and reviewed
• the locations with the Committee. He stated that there was some vandalism in the parks and
the vandals stole the playground signs for Engerson and Arden Oaks playground. He
explained that they purchased new locks for the parks and explained the installation to the
Committee. Mr. Moore noted that they experienced vandalism at the warming house adding
that they had a successful conclusion in that the Park Attendant contacted the Ramsey
County Sheriff who in turn, detained five young men ranging in age from 5-years to 10-years
in age. He explained that they were in the process of spray painting in the park when they
were caught. He stated that they caught the boys before any damage occurred.
Chair Johnson asked for clarification on the permit request for the new bridge at
Northwestern College. Mr. Moore reviewed the permit request, the planned work, and the
location of the bridge with the Committee.
Council Liaison Larson stated that he couldn't understand why they needed a 52-foot long
bridge. Chair Johnson explained that they are probably dealing with access issues.
Mr. Moore stated that he would monitor this project adding that the DNR has explained that
it is very difficult to acquire this type of permit. He further explained that the DNR does
monitor the work site progress and evaluates the impact to the environment as it is in
progress and that this enables the DNR to intervene if they discover any issues during a
proj ect.
• Chair Johnson clarified that the bridge work has nothing to do with the City. Mr. Moore
confirmed that it did not have anything to do with the City that the information provided is
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 8/28/01 3
• just a part of the update and was provided to the Committee as an FYI.
Committee Member Thompson commented that the old bridge has been down for a couple of
years.
Council Liaison Larson shared a short story with the Committee about the bridge.
Ms. Olson provided an update for the park sports enrollment to the Committee,noting they
had a good summer as far as enrollment is concerned. She stated that they had several parks
with tight schedules noting that the afternoon Kids Club had the strongest increase in
numbers for attendance which is a good sign that they enjoyed the program. She referenced
and reviewed the packet of information provided to the Committee and explained they are
trying to improve the process by trimming the classes that have had low attendance or no
interest. This is being done as an effort to maintain the quality of the classes offered.
Ms. Olson announced that they recently completed the fall soccer registration. She stated
that they have twenty teams this year in comparison to nineteen teams last year adding that it
is good to see such a great turnout for registration. She noted that they have plenty of
coaches this year, the soccer practice began this week, and so far it is going well. She stated
that the addition of the new soccer fields has helped tremendously with respect to scheduling
fields for practice and games. She stated that fall softball has ten men's' teams and that they
are now using all of the fields that are available. She noted that she is working to wrap up the
• summer programs and has started the process for fall hires. She explained that she utilizes
the University of Minnesota job line and that they have received an unbelievable response to
the job openings. She further explained that she has received 50 to 75 calls regarding
available positions adding that she is presently in the interview process and would be with a
full staff soon as it is a busy time of year.
Chair Johnson asked if any of the activities had low attendance. Ms. Olson referenced the
Skyhawk Camp adding that they have combined with Shoreview. She explained that the
price deters attendance and they would like to consider more options for the camps next year.
She noted that overall, the attendance numbers were fine.
Ms. Olson announced that the new fall guide is out and available.
PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DISCUSSION
A. Arden Hills Park, Trail and Open Space Plan
Steve Wensman, Ingram and Associates, referenced the packet of information provided to the
Committee for review and took the Committee through a review of the graphic schedule for
the rest of the project. He added that there is a more detailed text schedule included in the
packet. He referenced the results from the workshops and reviewed the contents of the
packet provided with the committee. He stated that he has more information to add to the
packet and this is a start for preliminary comments. He asked the Committee how they
would like to receive their update.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 8/28/01 4
• Chair Johnson stated that he was not able to attend the meetings and asked Mr. Wensman to
review the packet.
Mr. Wensman explained that they had a good turnout for all of the meetings. He reviewed
the comments provided from Ramsey County and explained that there was discussion
regarding the barrier access to various parks adding that the people were very interested in a
bike route around Lake Josephine and how it would be achieved. He stated that feedback
was strong that Lindy's should remain a park and left as unprogrammed, open space. He
reviewed the feedback received from residents with respect to their concerns for the parks in
their areas. He explained that the concerns expressed included maintenance, tree trimming,
installation of park benches, play structures, drainage and flooding issues, parking,biking,
trail connections, signage,programming, additional skating rinks, and roller blade access. He
stated that residents were interested in maintaining paved and unpaved trails in all the parks.
Committee Member Straumann referenced the hockey rink discussion adding that this has
been discussed on several occasions.
Chair Johnson asked what Mr. Wensman will do with the information. Mr. Wensman
explained that he is going to include as much information as possible into a plan that would
include comments and in turn provide the compiled information to the Commission for their
review and feedback. He further explained that some of the information in general,would
create a policy.
Chair Johnson clarified the format and asked that if there would be a narrative and graphics
included as needed. Mr. Wensman confirmed that this would be the format provided.
Chair Johnson referenced comments regarding Ramsey County issues and asked if they
would be addressed. Mr. Wensman stated that this has not been discussed yet but that it
would be coming up for discussion with some strategies.
Chair Johnson stated that he hopes the final result will allow them to prioritize issues and
projects.
Mr. Wensman said that he did put together entire park plans for their review and provided an
overview of some of the key issues that affect various parks in the area.
Committee Member Straumann asked if they have a formal area name. Mr. Moore
confirmed there is a location that is dedicated parkland adding that it does not have an official
title.
Mr. Wensman reviewed the proposed layout and access points of the park.
Mr. Moore noted that there is a definite possibility that the City would be able to acquire this
• property in the future adding that the owners are open to discussion.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 8/28/01 5
• Council Liaison Larson clarified that what was provided is samples noting that certain parks
such as Cummings is not included.
Committee Member Straumann referenced Perry and the summertime basketball area.
Ms. Olson asked that the sliding hill near the warming house be removed from the Hazelnut
Park plans.
Chair Johnson clarified the size of the skating rink located near Trinity Lutheran Church and
reviewed the location and potential area noting that it could be increased. Ms. Olson stated
that it is quite a bit smaller than the regulation size.
Mr. Moore stated that a church owns this land and explained that they plan to take the land
eventually for a school for disabled children. He further explained that this is their first
priority adding that their second priority is church population. He noted that they are in
trouble right now but anticipate an increase adding that, if the property is taken, it limits their
ability to expand. He noted that there has been no discussion with Trinity Lutheran Church
and the City with respect to acquiring the property for parking, as they have no interest. He
explained that the City has maintained the area adding that the Church is not interested in a
formal agreement.
Mr. Wensman stated that the information on several of the parks is not complete adding that
• it is his plan to do site visits and analysis that will include comments and feedback. He
further stated that he would include suggestions and recommendations on how to address the
issues. He reviewed the sections of the plan and the intended information for each section.
He then reviewed the milestone dates for the project and the trail teams.
Council Liaison Larson expressed concerns regarding the schedule. He noted that the
schedule for review shows a due date of September 24, 2001 for feedback which would
provide one real day for the teams to review 13 parks. Council Liaison Larson asked if the
schedule was a bit ambitious. He suggested that the consultants should work closely with
Ms. Olson and Mr. Moore adding that this would provide the direction the City wants to take.
He stated that the Committee needs more time to review the information.
Mr. Moore said that they would review the schedule and agreed that they should add an
additional Saturday in September for the review. He suggested that the Committee decide on
a date and recommended Saturday, September 29, 2001 as a first choice. He stated that the
meetings are usually held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Chair Johnson suggested a morning work session. He clarified that the entire process would
be done in January 2002.
The Committee agreed by consensus to schedule a work session on September 29, 2001, 9
a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mr. Wensman asked if they should have everything completed and out for review prior to
ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 8/28/01 6
• that time. Mr. Moore stated that the review should be completed and available for review
prior to the September 29, 2001 work session.
Mr. Wensman asked the Committee to review the information provided and forward their
comments to Mr. Moore or Chair Johnson.
Committee Member Straumann asked that Mr. Wensman include the information presented
tonight, along with the minutes, to those who were not in attendance. Mr. Wensman
confirmed that everyone would be provided with an information packet.
COUNCIL UPDATE
Council Liaison Larson provided a City Council update to the Committee. He referenced the
income tax hearing noting that it has been delayed. He explained that a meeting had been
scheduled adding that due to the lateness of action by the State Legislation they were exempt
from holding an income tax hearing. He stated that it has been rescheduled for December
2001. He noted a significant change in the levy this year and stated that they have a$2.8
million budget. He explained that this year legislation removed K through 12 from the tax
support previously received through the property tax. He referenced the homestead and
agricultural credit noting the dollars that will be lost. Council Liaison Larson explained the
levy limits adding that this year they cut HACA funding which allowed them to increase the
levy to makeup the difference. He explained that they expect it to increase 7.5%in City
• taxes. He further explained that the property tax bill would actually decrease overall but the
increase would be seen at the City level.
Council Liaison Larson stated that there are open issues with street width, urban gutter, storm
water improvements, localized versus dispersed, adding that they are meeting on September
12, 2001 to allow time to work through the issues. He noted that it is very unlikely that they
would have a pavement improvement project in Arden Hills next year.
He noted a foundation drainage issue at City Hall adding that it appears it was not properly
installed and would need to be replaced in order to keep the basement from flooding. He
further noted that the dedication has been delayed until October 2001.
Council Liaison Larson referenced the `Day in the Park' celebration adding that they
recognize that they cannot do again what they did this year. He explained that the Council,
by consensus, decided to increase next years' budget from $5,500.00 to $9,700.00 for the
`Day in the Park' celebration adding that there has been discussion regarding the location of
the celebration.
Council Liaison Larson stated that Presbyterian Homes has come forward to ask for bonding
and this is their second time coming to the Council. He explained the lower revenue bonds
and they have asked for$5.5 million in funding. He stated that they do not have the funding
and a Public Hearing has been scheduled. He stated that they are working on the Stormwater
Management Plan which is a part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. He explained that the
• work is being done by consultants and the first work session was held last week.
ARDEN HILLS PARKS. TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 8/28/01 7
TRAIL TEAM SCHEDULES
Mr. Moore reviewed the Trail Team Schedule and stated he divided the Committee into
teams based on the four sections of the City noted in the Park Comprehensive Plan Map. He
reviewed the team members and explained the process they used to determine the teams. He
further explained that the teams are responsible for all formal and informal trails in their
quadrant for the review process.
Chair Johnson asked Mr. Wensman to clarify the maps provided to each team. Mr. Wensman
provided maps to each of the teams and reviewed the legend and content with the Committee.
Mr. Moore reviewed the trail review process with each of the teams and the items that would
require observation and comments within each analysis. He stated that they could do the
evaluation of the trail system as a team or individually, noting that either way they would
receive opinions as a team and individually with respect to needs and condition. He
explained that they have one month to complete the review and turn in the results for the next
PTREC meeting.
NEXT MEETING AGENDA
• Discuss Trail Results
• Park Comprehensive Plan Update
• • Buckthorn Issue
Council Liaison Larson asked if they were going to attend any of the meetings to discuss the
Buckthorn issue. Mr. Moore reviewed the process they plan to take noting that it would
probably be brought to the Council in late October 2001.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Chair Johnson moved and Committee Member Krenn seconded the motion to
adjourn at 8:25 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonita Sullivan
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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AGENDA
PARKS, TRAILS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 259 2001
** 7:00 P.M. **
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approve August 28, 2001 Minutes
3. Parks and Recreation Updates
4. Park Comprehensive Plan Discussion
5. Council Update
6. Buck Thorn Removal Program Update
7. Next Meeting Agenda
8. Other Items for Discussion
9. Adjourn
** Please call Tom: (651) 634-5133 or Jim: (651) 628-9406 if you
are unable to attend this meeting**