Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout 07-23-2002 PTRC Meeting Minutes --A EN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY,JULY 23, 2002, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL TO ORDER Chair Straumann called the July 23, 2002 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. after the closing of the Parks and Recreation Picnic. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann, Jim Crassweller, Cindy Garretson, Bill Henry, Don Messerly, Roberta Thompson, and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Parks and Recreation Director; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor; Gregg Larson, City Council Liaison; Dave Hamernick, National Guard; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. • MEMBERS ABSENT: Patrick Krenn. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve May 21, 2002 and June 11, 2002 minutes ❖ Ms. Olson stated that the June 11, 2002 minutes, under Park and Recreations states that Tom Moore is looking for volunteers for the 501h. She stated that it should be for Day in the Park. MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, Committee Member Messerly seconded, to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously. 1. Parks and Recreation Updates Ms. Olson provided the Commission with an update of the Recreation Activities. A. Recreation Update—Michelle Olson . ❖ Wrap-up of Day in the Park Activities including thank yous to volunteers and she submitted an article in the Bulletin thanking those who donated time. ❖ Working on the budget. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 2 July 23,2002 ❖ Noted discussions at the work session regarding Day in the Park. City Council is interested in • continuing the event on an annual basis. She stated that they are researching other cities and their celebrations and they are considering a community survey for feedback from the residents. ❖ T-ball and softball activities are coming to a season close and will be finished at the end of July. ❖ Adult softball league is winding down; summer season is in final week. ❖ Women's softball playoffs begin next week. ❖ Penny Carnival is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2002. ❖ Safety Camp will be held the last two weeks in August 2002. ❖ Gearing up for fall season. Goal is to find staffing for the soccer season. She stated that they have a need for referees, park attendants and after school instructors. B. Parks Update—Tom Moore Mr. Moore provided the Commission with an update of the Park activities. ❖ Received wood fiber for playground structures. ❖ Currently three Boy Scout projects in process: park benches, habitat and trailways. ❖ Working on prioritizing the parks that would receive the wood chips. ❖ Perennial gardens are doing very well. He stated that several gardens are converting to the perennial format. ❖ City staff is doing a lot of tree work within the City parks. He stated that staff has notified • residents of diseased trees. ❖ Park vandalism is down significantly. He stated that they received a small number of reports this month. 2. Council Update—Gren-Larson, Council Liaison Council Liaison Larson provided the Commission with a City Council update. ❖ Discussed progress on TCAAP. Reviewed division of land with Commission. 1050 acres to be assessed; 276 acres to National Guard; 113 to Ramsey County for Watershed and 661 to the City of Arden Hills. ❖ Discussed meeting schedule with the Commission stating that they should continue to maintain their progress and they have begun the planning process. He stated that they have had two dialogs hosted by Minnesota Design Center with the third one planned for Thursday, July 25, 2002 and a fourth meeting to be scheduled. He stated that they are in the process of finalizing the preliminary development agreement with Centex/Ryan/Rehbein and explained that they would assist the City with the review and detail planning of the site. ❖ Reviewed location of the land with the Commission. Chair Straumann asked for clarification on the waiting period. Dave Hamermck clarified that it would be at least 30 days, possibly up to 60 days. . Council Liaison Larson stated that the City wants the land but that there would be some conditions applied before acceptance of the land. He explained that the environmental and Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3 July 23,2002 • governmental agencies are cleaning the area based on industrial standards and that the City would prefer a more thorough clean up of the area. Committee Member Messerly clarified that the earliest the 661 acres would be in the City's name would be about six months. Council Liaison Larson confirmed the time frame stating that it could be longer depending upon the discussions. Committee Member Messerly clarified that the City would not accept any of the land unless it was 100% clean. Council Liaison Larson clarified that the standard for clean up would be at an industrial level and would not be suitable for housing. Council Liaison Larson referenced the Marshall and Rice Creek connection stating that it was a concern. He explained that the City is committed to follow the Vento plan as much as possible. He reviewed the housing, industrial and commercial areas noting that it would change slightly in the planning process. Dave Hamernick reviewed the National Guard land sites with the Commission. He noted the problem areas adding that it is listed as uncharacterized and they need to test the area. ❖ Council Liaison Larson reviewed the re-pavement projects. He reviewed policies and issues stating that there is a need for curb and gutter. He stated that the width of the streets is based on functional classification and then they prioritize the neighborhoods. ❖ Adopted new policies and new pavement ratings for all City streets by the City Engineer. He • reviewed the prioritization of neighborhoods recommended by the City Engineer with the Commission. He stated that Council voted to return to the Ingerson neighborhood and that they have held the first public meeting. He stated that there would me one more meeting and would be scheduled for August 8, 2002. He stated that the project would be slated for 2003. ❖ Edgewater neighborhood is slated for 2004. He stated that the third priority neighborhood is located on the north side of Lake Johanna. ❖ Resurfacing on northeast side of Park Lake is scheduled for next year. ❖ Day in the Park — he stated that the Council had a good discussion at the last work session. He discussed the concerns and issues stating that the Council made sure that City staff received the Council commitment early. He stated that in general, Council agreed to allocate approximately $20,000 for next year's budget. He stated that the Park and Recreation Committee should become more involved in the planning process for the event and suggested that they discuss and decide on the extent of their involvement for next year's event. Committee Member Messerly clarified that the Parks and Recreation Committee used to run the planning process for the Day in the Park and that they were told that they were not going to do it anymore. He explained that this was a Committee event. Council Liaison Larson clarified that the event has significantly grown and that it is now too large for the Committee to be in charge of planning adding that there is a need to determine their role in the process. Chair Straumann suggested including for discussion on their September agenda. ❖ Stormwater plan has not been approved. He explained that they still have a continuing • disagreement with the contractor regarding the landscaping and that there are also issues with the drainage. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 4 July 23,2002 3. Dave Hamernick—National Guard Mr. Hamernick stated that the National Guard has 1245 acres and reviewed the area with Council. ❖ All of the acreage is open space and as long as they have it the land would remain open. ❖ Required by law to prepare a Natural Resource Plan and he stated that he could provide a copy of the plan for their review. He explained that the plan is very detailed and includes a description of how they would manage the property. He stated that the next plan would be complete in two weeks. ❖ Confidence Course could be made available for use by the Boy Scouts when not being used for training by the National Guard. Committee Member Thompson asked if the east area of the property has been characterized in a contamination perspective. Mr. Hamernick confirmed and reviewed the eleven clean up areas with the Committee. He explained the clean up process stating that most of the contaminants are lead, mercury, diesel fuel and asbestos. Chair Straumann asked for clarification on the group scheduling process for use of the trails. Mr. Hamernick explained that the group would need a sponsor with some instances where an escort could be required. Chair Straumann asked if Mr. Hamernick would escort the Committee through the area and assist them in identifying possible trails that could be used by other groups. • Mr. Hamernick explained that he would need to check the security status, as they are required to match the current security measures. Committee Member Thompson suggested August 10, 2002. Mr. Moore stated that he would coordinate with Mr. Hamernick and confirm the schedule with the Committee. Committee Member Henry stated that as a citizen of Arden Hills he is impressed with what the Guard is doing in this area and grateful for the way they are taking care of the area. All Committee Members expressed their agreement. ❖ Military Utilization of the area: Mr. Hamernick stated that they have to justify training needs on a regular basis and reviewed the process with the Committee. He explained that several military units utilize the area but the Guard manages the schedule. Committee Member Thompson asked, from a PTRC perspective, how they could make sure the group is on board and in line with the development plan. She also asked if it would be appropriate for the PTRC to have discussion on this issue. Council Liaison Larson stated that it would be very appropriate for the PTRC to discuss the trail system and open/park space issues. Committee Member Thompson clarified that they do not to have plans in place for parks and trails before they have their discussion. She stated that they would like the PTRC to assist in the planning process. ❖ Clarification of Vento Plan for Community Parks — Mr. Hamernick stated that the language • in the Vento plan is in need of further clarification. He explained that the current discussion is if the National Guard would help to build the park outside the area of their property. Chair Straumann suggested getting the information through Community meetings and asked that Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 5 July 23,2002 they be sure to include the project planner. Council Liaison Larson suggested that the PTRC Committee get involved with determining what the area should be used for. ❖ Biathlon Area— Committee Member Crassweller noted that this course would be very usable for cross-country skiing and asked how they could implement a usable plan that would address the security issues. He suggested a potential permit system that would allow them to manage the use and allow the City to maximize their use while remaining consistent with the needs of the Guard. ❖ Residential Safety issues — Committee Member Henry asked how they would keep residents out of the area if it were to be designated as residential. Mr. Hamernick explained that it is very difficult and referenced the posted rules. He further explained that they would have a 300-foot buffer around anything they would do and that they would have the area fenced. ❖ Athletic Complex — Committee Member Messerly asked for clarification of the athletic complex area and asked if they would ever be able to clean it up enough for public use. Mr. Hamernick explained that it would depend on the level of usage. He further explained that he did not think the land was contaminated but that the sewer area would be. He stated that if they were to remove the sewer areas that the land would possibly be usable. He stated that he has asked for legal opinions regarding this issue noting that there are legal and court differences that should be clarified. ❖ Access — Mr. Hamernick stated that approximately 24 acres are off site and part of the . railroad spur. He stated that the Committee should be aware that it is not within the fence line. He suggested that the Committee discuss this with MnDOT. Committee Member Henry asked if the track terminates in the arms plant. Mr. Hamernick explained that there is approximately eleven miles of rail that moves in and out of the area. Chair Straumann confirmed that they have considered this area as a potential access point. 4. Charitable Gambling—Tom Moore ❖ Mr. Moore referenced the handouts provided to the Committee and explained that this is a part of the recreational funding. He asked the Committee to review the information for further discussion. ❖ Mr. Moore stated that they would have the head of the DNR Metro Trailways Division available at the September PTRC meeting. 5. Park Signage—Tom Moore ❖ Two companies submitted bids and he asked the Committee to review the bids. ❖ Cost to do all City parks would be approximately $65-90,000.00. He explained that it would depend upon the design chosen. ❖ Approximately 22% of park funds would be spent on signage. ❖ Reviewed examples of each sign design and the process used to make the signs with the Committee. He stated that the Committee does not have to make a decision now adding that the Committee should decide if they want to spend the dollars on the park signs. d• Council has final approval on expenditures from this fund. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 6 July 23,2002 • Committee Member Crassweller clarified that this is a long-term investment and suggested that the Committee make a recommendation to the Council. Chair Straumann asked for clarification of costs for a double sign. Mr. Moore clarified that it would be approximately twice as much as a single sign. Committee Member Henry asked how long the signs last. Mr. Moore stated that signs would last up to 30 years. He explained the intent stating that the signs are sorely needed and they are looking to make a positive impact on the Community. He stated that if the funds come from the CEP that the project would not happen in 2002. He stated that it would have to be submitted to Council for final approval and would probably be slated for 2004. ❖ Costs - Committee Member Crassweller expressed concerns about the potential cost stating that they do not need to spend this much for signage. Committee Member Henry agreed adding that one valid argument to the placement of signs is that it would increase the visibility of the parks. He stated that it would also increase the incentive to utilize the parks on a regular basis. ❖ Prior Committee agreement - Committee Member Thompson referenced the June 11, 2002 PTRC meeting stating that at that meeting everyone had already agreed to the signage and the vote was unanimous. Committee Member Crassweller expressed his agreement adding • that a decision has been made and suggested that it be taken to City Council. Council Liaison Larson asked if the Committee has made a decision on the final design and if the design would be appropriate for use at all parks. He suggested that the Committee consider the different sizes and determine the location. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, Committee Member Messerly seconded, to accept the bid by Vacker, Inc. in the amount of$65,000.00 for park signage for the City of Arden Hills to be paid out of the Park fund. The motion carried unanimously. 6. Park Building Design—Tom Moore Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park Building Design. ❖ Design has not been presented to Council. ❖ HCM bid came in considerably less than expected and reviewed the bid with the Committee. ❖ Approximate cost for the modular design is $26,000.00 ❖ Money would come out of the Park Fund. ❖ Asked for Committee feedback and direction stating that this would be presented at a Council worksession. Council Liaison Larson asked if this is a generic design where they would contract the work. Mr. Moore confirmed that the work would be contracted. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 7 July 23,2002 MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller made a motion, Committee Member Messerly seconded the motion, to recommend to Council, at a Regular Council Meeting that the City spend up to $29,000.00 of the Park fund money for the design of two structures and to provide a large structure at Perry Park and a combination shelter and warming house at Valentine Park and to provide prototypes for future structures. The motion carried unanimously. 7. Park Benches —Tom Moore ❖ Committee recommended, at last meeting, to receive bids and purchase twenty park benches. ❖ Received a bid from Miracle Recreation. ❖ Placed bid through the budget and was processed. ❖ Approximate cost for 20 benches is $300.00 per bench for a total of $6000.00. Funding would be from the Park fund. ❖ Benches have been ordered and would be delivered soon. ❖ Discussed placement of brass plates on the back of the benches. He explained that the company has recommended not placing the plates on the back of the bench and recommended placement on the front for better visual. ❖ Name plates have been ordered and should arrive within the week. 8. Boy Scout/Girl Scout Projects—Floral Park—Mr. Moore • Mr. Moore provided an update of the Boy Scouts projects to the Committee. ❖ Planted 525 day lilies at Floral Park. ❖ Mr. Jensen placed 3 berms. ❖ City Staff has been entrusted to meet with City residents to determine and discuss open land to salvage areas for plantings of daylilies. ❖ George Weis, master grower located in Osseo, Minnesota is going to donate plants to the City of Arden Hills. He suggested naming a garden in his honor and suggested Committee discussion. He explained that it would require City Council approval. ❖ Scouts are placing benches from Cummings Park to Floral. ❖ Habitat and Buckthorn removal is in process at Floral. 9. Next Meeting Agenda Chair Straumann reviewed upcoming meetings and events with the Committee. ❖ Thursday, July 25, 2002 is the TCAAP discussion on transpiration. ❖ Thursday, August 1, 2002 is the TCAAP discussion on land use and principles. ❖ August 12, 2002 is the Council meeting and PTRC will report on signage. ❖ August 13, 2002 is the TCAAP Open House/wrap up session. Council Liaison Larson complimented the Committee stating that they are doing a great job. He stated that it is exciting to see the prototypes, the signage, plantings and the future of the parks. He asked if they have received any word from Ramsey County regarding the underpass. Mr. Moore stated that they have not received any response. Council Liaison Larson asked Mr. Moore to follow up on the underpass noting that they have allocated $36,000.00 out of the Park fund. Arden Hills Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 8 July 23,2002 Chair Straumann stated that there would not be a PTRC meeting in August and that the next meeting would be September 24, 2002. He clarified that the agenda would include: ❖ Park Benches, signs and structures. ❖ Wrap up of TCAAP. ❖ Railroad underpass. ❖ Pricing for the bridge. ❖ Viability of a Parks Partners programs for corporate participation. •'• Banners. ❖ Status on Frisbee Golf at Ingerson—Committee Member Zilmer to coordinate. Committee Member Henry asked if the format of the minutes could be changed to a bullet point style with less detail. Council Liaison Larson stated that the Council has had similar discussions and that they agreed that the minutes are records of action. He stated that the Council went with the proposal to break down the minutes. MOTION: Committee Member Henry made a motion, Committee Member Crassweller seconded, to approve the format change for the PTRC Committee minutes to a bullet item record of decisions to be made. The motion carried unanimously. MOTION: Motion by consensus to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.