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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-1988 PTRC Agenda - Minutes � �xf AGENDA 4Z- Regular Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Village of Arden Hills Tuesday, March 22, 1988, 7:30 p.m. Village Hall �1. Call to Order and Roll Call. c/2. , Approval of Minutes, February 25, 1988. �3. Council Report Twin City Arsenal Meeting ✓- Discuss Future Planner Cost for Village Hall Site - Arsenal Site. V---4'. Tennis Court RWApoQrt. Nt'A (// 1.,�5. Review Parkway Study. r/b4. Arbor Day Celebration - Saturday, April 30. ✓7. Spring Program Report. (/ G , VlYouth Leagues - Coaches' Certification. 40L Adult Softball Leagues. ��✓ /8. Miscellaneous/New Business. Next Meeting. ✓1U• Adjournment. PLEASE CALL JOHN OR SHIRLEY, 633-5676 IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND THIS MEETING � -2 Gam' J • �-,.��Ste- � Minutes of Regular Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Village of Arden Hills February 25, 1988, Village Hall Call to Order The meeting was called to order by acting Chair John Buckley at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call Present: David Sand, Chair (7:45 p.m. ), Keith Enrooth, Mary Gillies, Dorothy McClung, Don Messerly, Alan Montgomery, Thomas Mulcahy, Jim Otto Absent: Jim Mishek, Mark Peterson, Tom Suedbeck Also Present: Parks Director John T. Buckley Approval of Minutes It was moved by Otto, seconded by Messerly, that the minutes of January 26 be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Army Reserve Project (Twin City Arsenal) Buckley updated the committee on this proposed project. (An excerpt of Council minutes on the subject is attached. ) Clerk Administrator Morrison has finally managed to arrange a meeting with Reserve Project officials, and the councils of Arden Hills and Shoreview, on March 8. The Parks Committee reiterated its belief that all possible efforts should be made to secure land for athletic facilities, and to encourage • relocation of the proposed structures. Committee felt no City services should be extended to the Army at this point. Committee also suggested that the planner, together with the planning commission, begin empirical thinking about what the best possible use of Arsenal area would be, if it were available. McClung noted that in a meeting she attended with Tony Bennett, he indicated a desire for a large regional park in the area, as a cooperative effort between the surrounding communities and the County; she suggested Arden Hills officials cooperate with him in his efforts in this direction also. Revised Park Development Plan Buckley stated that the Park Fund balance is $336,671. $20,000 is expected in park dedication funds this year. Income from pull tabs and bingo in 1987 totalled approximately $40,800, and is expected to equal or exceed this amount in 1988. The 1988 proposed plans were presented by Buckley to the Council at its February 8 meeting. Council questioned allocating $1,000 for possible planner fees until a specific need for a planner arose. Quotations have been received from several vendors for the play equipment for Arden Manor and North Snelling parks, and approval from Council for purchase of this will be sought February 29. After reviewing the tennis court plans for North Snelling Park, the planner and Buckley determined that the area is • not large enough for two tennis courts, so one court and a hard surface area will be installed. Committee, noting that the difference in cost between a double or single tennis court is quite low, and there is still a • Minutes of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Page 1 shortage of tennis courts, looked for ways to get two tennis courts on the site. The only possible way would be by eliminating the informal playing field. Buckley reminded the committee that the neighbors had wanted the playing field as well as the tennis court. Speaking as a resident of the neighborhood, McClung added that the area is already used a great deal, in its unfinished state, by neighborhood youngsters for kite-flying, informal ball games, and other activities. Savings in one court instead of two is $20,000. Advertisement for Bids for the tennis court and hard surface area will be made March 9 and 16, and bid awarded at March 28 Council meeting. Deletion of the planner fees and $20,000 from the tennis court expenditure results in estimated 1988 Park Fund expenditures of $86,050. Motion was made by Gillies, seconded by McClung, that the revised 1988 Park Development Plan be approved as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Committee discussed trail development plans, and the advantages and disadvantages of blacktopping trails; general consensus was that those trails connecting parks or covering difficult terrain should probably eventually be blacktopped as funds are available -- in view of the residents' expressed desire for a good trail system -- and those in more natural areas, kept in as natural a state as possible while still being usable. Trail sections with a high priority for blacktopping would be the connection between the two sections of the Chatham trail, and the very low areas on the Cummings to Floral trail. The section of the Arden Trail from Glenpaul to Stowe is scheduled for blacktopping this year since the soil is a "salt sand" type, and terrain is difficult. Ten Year Park Development Plan Buckley presented a proposed long range development plan. Committee reviewed his proposals for 1989 and 1990 in detail, and deferred discussion of the remainder of the plan to a later meetings. Changes to his plan recommended by the committee included: - Motion was made by Messerly, seconded by Mulcahy, that the proposed blacktopping of the trail in Crepeau Park be moved to a low priority project ($10,000 proposed in 1989) and that $1,000 be allotted in 1989 for upgrading of the natural trail. Rationale is that the natural state of the park lends itself better to a natural trail. Motion carried unanimously. - Buckley had proposed closing the shelter and skating rink at Valentine Park, and adding lights and a shelter to the Mounds View High School hockey and general skating area. It was moved by McClung, seconded by Otto, that lights not be added at Mounds View, and that the Valentine Park skating rink and shelter continue to be maintained (-$6,000 in proposed 1989 development plan). Rationale - area behind Mounds View is dark and more secluded, hockey rink as part of it also makes it less safe for small children. Committee also is reluctant to install lights on school • property - Buckley will approach school authorities to encourage them to install the lights. Motion carried unanimously. . Minutes of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Page 2 - Proposal for 1989 includes $20,000 for trail development. Committee suggested this be changed to $25,000 (Cummings to Floral trail blacktopped). Sand urged that benches and receptacles for trash be placed at suitable intervals on the City trails. - It was moved by Sand, seconded by Enrooth, that a soccer-football field be constructed (with the aid of the City planner) on the land purchased by the City for future expansion, to be used until the land is needed for City expansion -- the field would be viewed as a temporary field. Motion carried unanimously. Cost of grading and seeding is estimated at $6,000 and soccer goals $2,000. Committee suggested adding planning fees to that total, and recommended the construction commence as soon as feasible. The area would then be maintained in an attractive way by Parks maintenance personnel. - Proposed 1989 plans included a lake path and dock in Cummings Park. Enrooth expressed opposition to this at this time; felt more study of the area was needed before this was done; felt a dock would attract undesirable elements to the lake and would present the City with a liability problem. He noted there are numerous dead trees lying on the park-owned land abutting the lake; suggested these be cleaned up; felt a dock could be feasible at a later time. Committee consensus was that the park does provide access to the lake; this should be taken advantage of in • some way by the City. . .Committee recommends that the City Planner be asked to prepare a plan for use of this lake access in 1989 ($2,000), and possible construction of a dock be moved to 1990. It was moved by McClung, seconded by Mulcahy, that the 1989 park development plans be approved as amended. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Otto, seconded by Montgomery, that Buckley's recommendations for 1990 park development be approved as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Future Funding, Park Improvement and Development Noting the income from the pull tab operations and bingo operations in 1987, Committee recommends these activities be continued with the proceeds given the City going to park development. Very little monies will be received from future park dedication since the City is virtually totally developed, and alternate sources of funding will have to be found. It was suggested that costs of development and improvement gradually be made a part of the General Fund, as one source of funding. Tour of Trails and Parks It was suggested that all Council members be invited to tour the parks, particularly the trail system, when weather permits. A time convenient to Council members will be arranged. • Next Meeting Agenda Mulcahy requested that an agenda item be planning for possible use of Arsenal land, at the March meeting. Minutes of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Page 3 Miscellaneous/New Business A new parks map, prepared by Barry Peters of SEH, was distributed and comments solicited. The committee thought it an excellent map; asked that the unnamed park be called Round Lake Park. The bids received thus far for the play equipment to be installed this year were reviewed by the committee. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by Chair Sand at 9:50 p.m. Submitted by Shirley Marshall. THE NEXT REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD MARCH 22, 1988, 7:30 P.M. , VILLAGE HALL. ARMY RESERVE TRAINING Council was referred to the Parks Committee minutes of CENTER RECOMMENDATION 1-26-88; outlining their recommendations relative to the proposed training facility at the arsenal site. Parks Director Buckley reviewed the Committee's concerns re: traffic problems, r site location inconsistent with long term land use policy, City services should not be extended until finalized plans for the center have been reviewed by Staff and Council, and, Council should express our concerns and seek support from Public Officials to insure these concerns are addressed by the Army or other persons in charge of the project. Councilmember Hansen advised she has discussed issues with neighboring cities and supported the Parks Committee recommendations; proposed a letter be drafted from the Council to Public Officials at the Federal, State and County level, stating: 1. We request their support in working with the Army and encouraging them to move the facility to another location on the arsenal property, for reasons of preservation of the site and traffic management; 2. Request they help us encourage the Army to meet Arden Hills Zoning requirements, as they relate to the project. 3. Request they encourage the Army to meet Rice Creek Watershed requirements, as they have violated such requirements in the past. Hansen further recommended that Council reconsider granting extension of sewer t and water provision, and Police and Fire protection, if so requested by the Army, until communication has been established between Council and the project manager. Winiecki strongly agreed with the recommendation; she reviewed a file she has kept relating to the arsenal property, including the water contamination on the site, contamination of Round Lake and various other incidents which point out that the Army has not been a "good neighbor" in the past. i Hansen moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council authorize the Clerk Administrator to draft and send a letter to Federal, State and County Public Officials, which encourages them to support Arden Hills concerns as listed below, and request the Army to cooperate with Council and staff to preserve the arsenal property for future generations: 1. Relocation of the training facility from Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue to a more northwesterly site, 2. Meet Arden Hills Zoning Code requirements as they relate J to site development, 3. Comply with all other agencies requirements, such as the Rice Creek Watershed District, and 4. Consideration of construction of an enhanced public facility to incorporate space for recreational use by the City. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) The Clerk Administrator advised she has spoken to Army personnel relative to the project, and they assured a representative from Fort Snelling would attend a Council meeting or work session; to date she has not been contacted by such an individual. Morrison stated a 'Councilmember may receive more cooperation from the project manager; suggested a representative of Council contact the proper representative. After discussion, Council determined that Councilman Sather, or any other Councilmember, may contact the Army representatives. (fabe WWIYI TWH VMrs COACNES LLSOCWIM of tPs IP� P ,3 herebg pleDge to Hue up to mg certifiration as a X ,�1 Coar4 bg follairing the (!lobe of �thirs. • �3 frill glare the emotional anb phgsirai Well being of mg plagers ahenb of ang personal Desire to Erin. • 31 Will remember to treat enrh plager as an hibiuibual, remembering the largr gyreab of emotional anb phgsiral Development for the same age group_ • Will Do mg uerg best to prouibe a safe plug situation for mg plagers. • • promise to reutefr anb prartire the neressarg first nib prinriples iteebeb to treat injuries of mg plagers. • � frill Do mg best to organize prnrtires ;flat are fun anb challenging for all mg plagers_ • c3 Frill 4eaD, bg example, in Demonstrating fair plug anb sportsmanship to all mg plagers. • � frill insure that c3 am knofrleDgable in the rules of each sport that c3 roar4, ant that c3 frill tearh these rules to mg plagers. • � frill use those roarhing terhniques appropriate for earn of the skills that c] tear4i_ • • trill remember that � am n gouth ronrh, anb that the game is for rhilaren anb not aDults. H � ccz � 4-� � of theme it and 1� Cot nty`r 1621 Beechwood Avenue St.Paul,Minnesota 55116 698-4543 BECOME A FRIEND OF THE PARKS of the Sign me up, I'm a Friend ❑ $10 ACQUAINTANCE ❑ $100 SPECIAL FRIEND ❑ $30 FRIEND ❑ $200 BEST FRIEND ❑ $50 GOOD FRIEND ❑ $100 $300 $500 CORPORATE ❑ SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION $ ' ` 1 St. Paul and .� NAME PHONE Home: RIITIWV Cuuntl;o� ADDRESS Work: 1 eechwood Avenue CITY STATE ZIP Stall, Minnesota 55116 1 want to be involved. Please call me I am especially interested 698-4543 in All categories are tax-deductible. of theA June, 1987 St. Paul and ,�� Dear Friend, Ramsey County`. 1621 Beechwood Ave. Whether quietly gliding through the snow along the river trails, biking around St.Paul,MN 55116 Lake Phalen, strollingthrough the fern room at the Conservator or taking a (612)698-4543 g Y 9 plunge in White Bear Lake - the parks of St. Paul and Ramsey County have enriched your life. President Truman W.Porter Community parks are a key to our special Minnesota quality of life. Though tens Vice Presidents Neil Franey Penjoying ent of thousands of hours are sthese resources, there has been no Samuel H. Morgan coordinated community effort to support, sustain and protect them. Treasurer Jeanne Weigum Directors When the dumping of demolition material destroyed a natural wildflower Bernard Edmonds area, the need for a natural areas inventory became apparent. Robert Ferderer John Healy,Jr. Marilyn Lundberg * When bike trails linking existing bike routes were proposed, no organized Thomond R.O'Brien Missy Patty constituency rose to promote this vital link. Thomas Savage ficio Crea * When budget cutting threatens to delay park development, reduce Robert Piram maintenance or reduce acquisition, no organized civic group is there to Executive Director and Secretary advocate for the parks. . . until now. Peggy Lynch Lost opportunities as well as a vision for the future led to the organization of the Friends of St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks. We are just beginning! We have raised over $80,000 to sponsor a comprehensive study of the entire systems to help set the parks agenda into the 21 st century. Membership dues will help finance the Friends organization. As a Friend you will be informed about changes to the park system or its funding that could affect park quality, accessibility or availability. Staff and volunteers will represent the needs of the system at all levels of government. Please become a certified Friend of the Parks. Parks are like people. . . they need friends! Contributions are tax deductible. Sincerely, Truman W. Porter President