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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-03 PTRC Minutes . ~ ~HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2003, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Straumann called the January 28, 2003, meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. Members Present: Chair Rich Straumann, Roberta Thompson, Don Messerly, Bill Henry, and Pat Krenn, Jim Crassweller, Steve Zilmer, and Pat Krenn. Others Present: Tom Moore, Director of Operations & Maintenance; Brenda Holden, Council Member; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. e Members Absent: Michelle Olson, Recreation Supervisor and David Grant, Council Liaison. I Approval of Agenda: The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 17. 2002 MINUTES .:. Approve December 17,2002 minutes MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer to approve the December 17, 2002 minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Chair Straumann stated that Council Liaison Grant would not be attending the meeting noting that Council Member Holden was in attendance as a visitor. He asked Council Member Holden to update the Committee on Council activities. Council Liaison Holden provided the Committee with an overview of the following City Council items: .:. Wildlife Corridor was passed on the Consent Agenda with no additions or e subtractions to the proposal. .:. Council approved and directed Staff to draft and issue a letter opposing the Post Office being built in the TCAAP area. She stated that the letter would be sent to Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Connniltee Meeting Minutes 2 January 28, 2003 ... the GSA, the Postal Service, and all Congressional and Legislative Representatives. She explained that the letter would express their opposition noting that they are willing to discuss the issues further. .:. Guidant AURA was passed. She explained that it would be sent out to government agencies for a ten-day review and approval process. She stated that it is scheduled to come back to Council for review on February 10, 2003. .:. Council passed the Anchor Bank proposal. She stated that the bank is located on Pinetree Road and County Road E2. She clarified that the proposal was passed without the curb cutout. 4. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATES Mr. Moore stated that he would provide updates for both Parks and Recreation as Ms. Olson is on vacation. Mr. Moore discussed the following items with the Committee: .:. Ice rinks are up and running. He stated that the attendance has been good. .:. Indoor classes have been hit and miss. He explained that some classes have had high registration numbers while other classes have had a high number of cancellations. e He stated that they have worked extensively clearing the areas between Venus and Fairview Avenue and the trail component along County Road E2. He explained that they are working to clear the trail areas and are placing wood chips down along the trail areas. He stated that they are placing wood chips along all of the dirt trails and plan to be completed by early spring. He stated that they would begin a project in the next two weeks cleaning out the drainage ditch by Valentine Park. Park signs - Reviewed installation of park signs with the Committee. He explained that the second phase involved installation for the informational signs. He stated that installation would be delayed because they received the wrong size. The signs were returned adding that the correct signs would be installed in the next three weeks. He stated that they are in the process of getting estimates for crack filling of the trails. He stated the process has changed and reviewed the changes with the Committee. He stated that they addressed the Karth Lake flooding issues at Cummings Park. He explained that they are going to install a DNR approved water level gage to better monitor the lake levels. He explained that the lake has no inlet or outlet, which requires them to drain the lake approximately every ten to fifteen years. He stated that the process previously used made it difficult to get a consistent read on the water levels. He stated that Residents would be notified. He stated that City Staff would monitor the levels four to five times a week for a month and log . the information. He stated that the information would be used to study the water levels of the lake. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3 January 28, 2003 .. Guidant - He provided the Committee with an update stating that the bid is still on the table. He stated that Guidant is providing $400,000 for the park building adding that they are not happy about the Park Dedication fee and the fact that the monies could be used for other City projects. He stated that City Staff has discussed the issues with Guidant adding that the final proposal would have to be reviewed by the Parks Committee. He stated that the Parks Committee would provide Couucil with a recommendation on the plan and that it would include architectural recommendations based on the designs previously reviewed. He stated that it would be midsummer before Guidaut has a clear understanding of where they are in the process. Committee Member Thompson asked for clarification of the Buck Thorn removal along Lametti Lane and Snelling Avenue. Mr. Moore clarified that it would be a full-length project. He explained that they have permission from the Association to remove all Buck Thorn in the area and replace with wood chips. Committee Member Krenn asked if the City plans for a serious brush removal for the walking trails. Mr. Moore stated that a significant brush-back project is scheduled. S. PARK PARTNERS PROGRAM FOR 2003 Committee Member Thompson reviewed the discussions from the last Committee meeting stating that she created an outline of issues for further discussion. She reviewed the outline with the Committee and explained that they should determine what they are trying to accomplish. She e suggested that the Committee develop basic guidelines and asked for their feedback. Mr. Moore provided the Committee with a brief overview of the Park Dedication Funding purpose and process. He stated that the plan would be reviewed through the Park Committee first and forwarded, with the Park Committee recommendations, to City Council for their review. The Committee discussed the following items: .:. Clarified the purpose and objective noting it would improve life in Arden Hills. Suggested two documents, one outlining the basis of the program and a package that is provided to businesses. .:. Consider expanding the focus to include Parks, Trails and Recreation. .:. Develop/determine what the product is that they are selling. Determine what they get for what they purchase. .:. Determine how they would promote and coordinate the program. .:. Determine the Foundation perspective. .:. Have the Mr. Filla review prior to making any final changes. .:. Committee agreed by consensus that the Anniversary Banners are to be removed and replaced with new banners. . .:. Committee members agreed to develop a list of items and questions to be discussed at the next meeting. .:. Develop a list of 'lead' prospects. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 4 January 28,2003 - .:. Include the lead participants when announcing the program. .:. Determine ways to tie sponsorship with real financial support. .:. Determine a format for presentation to Council. .:. Identify projects prior to presenting plan to Council. .:. Utilize aud incorporate projects already identified within the Comprehensive Plan. .:. Encourage involvement and create visibility for the program by utilizing newspapers, bulletins and newsletters. .:. Committee Member Thompson will contact Ray McGraw and Jim Cassidy for feedback and pointers on how to approach the request for sponsorship. .:. Invite Ray McGraw to the next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting. .:. Mr. Moore will provide Committee members with a list of identified priorities and projects that would include associated costs for their review. 6. 2003 BUDGET Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the 2003 budget issues. He stated that the budget is in a critical situation. He explained that they had initially planned for a 50% reduction from the State noting that if the State comes back with a higher percentage they would have e funding problems from the General Fund. He reviewed the following issues with the Committee: .:. The play structures at Valentine Park and Royal Hills could be delayed or cut. He noted that this item had also been cut from last year's budget. He stated that the structure should be replaced. He explained that they have two options to consider. Determine the need for the play structures and recommend purchase to Council to be paid from the Park Fund. He further stated that they could opt not to replace the structures and place it back on the list for next year. He explained that the play structures at Royal Hills and Valentine Park are the only two play structures in the City that are not up to code. He stated that City Staff has asked that this request for purchase be put on hold until April, pendiug the State's decision. Committee Member Crassweller clarified his understanding that the play structures could still be replaced if funding comes from the Park Fund. He expressed concerns stating that they have two potential liabilities at the park adding that they have an obligation to the Community to keep the park equipment up to code standards. He stated that the funding for replacement should come from the Park Fund not the General Fund. The Committee discussed possible options for funding and agreed by consensus to focus on . replacing the park structure for Royal Hills Park. Mr. Moore explained that they are recommending a hold on the play structure at Valentine Park until a builder has been determined. He further explained that replacement of the structure is scheduled for next year. The Committee agreed by consensus to hold on replacement of the play structure at Valentine Park. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 5 January 28, 2003 - MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member Krenn to approve the replacement of the play structure at Royal Hills Park, to be placed in early April 2003, in time for first use and to be funded from the Park Fund. The motion carried unanimously. The Committee held a general discussion regarding the funding process. Concerns were expressed regarding possible precedents for future project funding. Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an overview of the City Standards for park equipment. He reviewed the neighborhood hearing process stating that previous attempts to hold neighborhood sessions failed due to lack of interest and attendance. He stated that City Staff developed the present standards. He stated that the City has replaced five structures using the current standard and that they have received favorable feedback from the Residents. He stated that he could ask Council for approval to pay for the structure from the General Fund noting that they would not know if funds would be available until June 2003. He explained that if the Committee approves funding from the Park Fund that it is with the understanding that the dollars may not be availahle to replace from the General Fund. The Committee held a general discussion regarding the funding issues and agreed by consensus that the play structure at Royal Hills Park had to be replaced. The Committee acknowledged that there was a possibility that the dollars from the Park Fund may not be replaced from the General e Fund. The Committee clarified that they are asking Council not to cut this item from the 2003 General Fund budget. Mr. Moore reviewed the following projects that could be affected by the budget changes: .:. Highway 96 - Future discussions are scheduled. .:. Tony Schmidt underpass/overpass - this is approved and allocated for this year. The project is scheduled for mid-summer. 7. NEXT MEETING AGENDA , Committee Member Henry suggested moving the HCM presentation to the March meeting to , , allow for more time to discuss the Park Partners Program. .:. Perry Park shelter discussion .:. Parks Partners Program - 2003 8. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Council Member Holden asked the Park Committee to clarify the kinds of issues the Park . Committee would ask the Council to consider. Committee Member Crassweller clarified that the Park Committee would approach Council to present the Park Comprehensive Plan, discuss and request approval for projects identified within the Comprehensive Plan and requests for funding for various projects. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 6 January 28,2003 - The Committee provided Council Member Holden with a brief overview of how the Park Comprehensive Plan was developed and discussed the purpose behind the plan. Chair Straumann referenced the Grant Request Process and reviewed various grants and grant partnerships that are currently available with the Committee. Mr. Moore attended a seminar, through the DNR, that educated the attendees on the grant writing process. He explained that many Cities are turning the grant writing process over to consultants uoting that URS has been directed to apply for the grants. He stated that they are trying to tie money in with the Ingerson project. He provided the Committee with an overview of the Ingerson project. Committee Member Henry asked for a status on the study for the Junior Frisbee Park area. Committee Member Zilmer explained that the study determined that they do not have enough land available to establish a Junior Frisbee park at this time. He reviewed the results of the study with the Committee. 9. ADJORNMENT MOTION: Motion by conseusus to adjourn the meting at 8:40 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. e Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, lnc, .