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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 05-22-2006 . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: 6/12/2006 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, MAY 22, 2006, 8:42 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: Gregg Larson, David Grant, Brenda Holden, and Vince Pellegrin Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Civil Engineer, Kris Giga; and Recreation Supervisor Michelle Olson . Also Present: David McClung, William Henry, Roger Williams, Rich Straumann Mayor Aplikowski called the work session to order at 8:42 p.m. PTRC Chair Bill Henry handed out the approved Parks and Trails Vision and the proposed Parks and Trails Strategies. He indicated that the PTRC hopes to see the Council come to agreement regarding the strategies, then proceed to a discussion regarding priorities, followed by a process to identify financial resources. He asked the council for feedback regarding the proposed strategies. Mayor Aplikowski asked what the PTRC thinks about trying to feature parks more as part of the "Celebrating Arden Hills" event. Mr. Henry responded that tl1e PTRC had not discussed that topic but could discuss it in the future. Mr. Henry infoillled the Council that the PTRC is still gathering information about dog parks. Mayor Aplikowski asked Mr. Hcnry about the priority for trails. Mr. Henry stated that the priorities may vary depending on some other event or project, that a trail project could then "piggy back" on. A question was asked about the Tony Schmidt underpass project. Rich Strauman . informed the Council that the County Parks commission was shown preliminary plans. He indicated that the project is supposed to happen in July. He added that we may be . May 22, 2006 2 able to apply for a grant in the future to build an additional trail segment connecting to this one. Mayor Aplikowski inquircd whether or not a groundbreaking ceremony could be held to commemorate this project. Staff was asked to follow-up with Ramsey County Parks. There was discussion about the possibility of naming a trail segment for former Governor Elmer Anderson. Mr. Henry also indicated that because Tone Sclunidt Park is now a regional park, we may have more opportunity for a grant funds towards a trail segment along Lake J ohaIDla Boulevard. Council member Holden asked about the costs to maintain a trail. It was noted that some of the City's trails are not paved, but have wood chips. Councilmember Holden stated that we need a strategy for maintenance of park facilities, for example, tennis courts. Michelle Olson indicated that we budget very other ycar to seal coat asphalt trails. Mr. Henry stated that he agrees we should maintain what we have, but the PTRC was really focused don new strategies for purposes of this discussion. Mayor Aplikowski questioned if there is a proposal to take over the ice fishing contest. Mr. Henry responded that there are no such plans at this time. The PTRC first needed to know if the Council was intercsted in seeing such an event occur in the community. . Councilmember Larson stated that the PTRC is trying to set up a list ofitems needed and wanted for parks and trails. He said that we need to start somewhere, and then try to get some agreement, and then take a look at how to fund the items. He stated that he feels comfortable with what the PRTC has proposed. Council member Grant asked about the warming houses. He asked if the warming house at Hazelnut would be left as is. Mr. Henry responded that the strategies shect should probably read "Freeway and Hazehmt", not "Freeway and Valentine", as proposcd for mobilc units. Councilmember Grant stated that we need more discussion regarding thc warming houses, and that he knows staff is still evaluating options. Councilmember Holden reiterated that she rcally feels something about maintenance needs to be added to the strategies. She then asked if the PTRC has any vision for Valentine Park. Mr. Henry noted that it will be costly to fix the flooding problems. Ms. Olson stated the cost would be well over $200,000. Council members Holden and Larson stated they would like to see some kind of strategy for Valentine Park. Mr. Henry stated they will add that to the list. Councilmember Holden inquired whether Pcrry Park still has any additional fencing needs. Ms. Olson informed the Council that Field #3 still needs fencing, but that should complete the needed fences. . . May 22 2006 3 Mayor Aplikowski stated that she likes the idea of having annual events. There was discussion about reevaluating the flower planting day. Mr. Henry stated that at this time, the PTRC wouldjust like to lmow ifthe Council agrees with the concept of having four annual events. He indicated that the strategy concept is to have four events, with the specific events to be determined at a later time. In summary, Mr. Henry stated that he thought the Council was generally favorable about the strategies, with thc additional item regarding Valentine Park and tl1e need for more information about the warming houses. Councilmember Holden stated that she really feels there needs to be a strategy added regarding maintenance. Mr. Henry responded that perhaps a strategy could read "Maintain existing park and trail infrastructure. He also noted that the numbcring of the trails is simply for organization and does not represent any kind of priorities at this time. Councilmember Grant asked about funding, and whether these strategies could be funded in other ways besides general taxes. Mr. Henry responded that the PTRC understands the strategies cannot be fully flll1ded via taxes, and that other resources will be needed. Councilmembcr Holden notcd a concern about otder residents having places to sit when . they take kids or grandkids to the parks. Mr. Henry sated that the City has benches near all play structurcs exccpt one (Arden Manor.) Michelle Olson stated that we frequently have Eagle Scout projects and often have them put in benches. Mr. Henry said that he agrees that bcnchcs along trails are important. Mr. Henry conchlded the discussion by stating that he took notes during the discussion, and the PTRC will bring revised strategies back for further discussion with the Council. The meeting adjourned a19:25 PM Respectfully submitted by Michelle A. Wolfe . ~~~ d~A~ q://.IA/~" Beverly lik wski, MAYOR Michelle A. Wolfe, CITY ADMINISTRATOR .