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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-03 PTRC Minutes - ~ ~HILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2003, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chair Thompson called the March 25, 2003 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:06 p.m. Members Present: Chair Rich Straumann, Don Messerly, Bill Henry, Roberta Thompson, Steve Zilmer, and Jim Crasswel1er. Others Present: Tom Moore, Director of Operations & Maintenance; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; David Grant, Council Liaison; Joani Warner, Guest Participant; and e Karen Whaley, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Krenn APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 25. 2003 MINUTES MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, seconded by Committee Chair Straumann to approve the February 25, 2003 minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Grant provided the Committee with a brief Council update. . Council will approve the new banners on Monday. The previous banners say Arden Hills 50th Anniversary, which were from 2001, He showed the Committee the new banners. . There has been a lot of discussion about Guidant. Guidant went to the State to try to . get financial assistance for training and expansion, which would create a good number of $60,000 a year jobs for Arden Hills, unfortunately the State does not have money right now. Guidant then came to the City to ask for assistance through tax -------------- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minntes 2 March 25, 2003 - abatement or TIF. TIP funds are supposed to be to entice new businesses to come into the City that would not otherwise be able to afford it, which does not apply to Guidant since they are already here. The City Council is not in favor of abating the $69,000 a year tax bill Guidant pays. . They have decided to hire the financial manager from Roseville temporarily, approximately 10 hours a week until Mr. Post's position is replaced. They have also hired a search firm called PDI to search for a City Administrator to replace Joe Lynch, who will then hire a financial director as he/she deems appropriate. The search firm indicated the process would take three to four months. . A blueprint of the proposed maintenance facility was shown, which would provide 22,000 square feet of space for Arden Hills within the 257,000 square foot complex. Arden Hills currently has 4200 square feet. The cost for Arden Hills would be about $2.8 million of the $35 million building. It is not a given this will be done, but highly probable. The City Council and the Task Force need to make a decision very soon. . The PMP hearing will be at the next City Council meeting, for the Ingerson Property and a karth Lake mill and overlay. . The Council is looking into the possibility of new street signs that would incorporate the City logo. Currently the City has many different styles throughout. . It was noted that at the last City Council meeting a number ofthe PTRC members spoke about an overpass or underpass. 4. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATES I Tom Moore - Park Update Mr. Moore indicated they have started the street sweeping, doing the areas around the lakes first to keep the debris out of the lakes. They are also starting the trail areas. He indicated there may be an article in the Pioneer Press on budget impacts and how each city is being affected in their Park and Recreation departments. He indicated some oftheir neighbors were taking significant hits, especially in the Park and Recreation area, but Arden Hills is in good shape. The reporter asked about cuts or service drops to the citizens. Mr. Moore indicated he had two proposals from Miracle for play equipment, which include installation of a safety box also. He stated both plans were good, and asked the Committee to review them. He will also pass the information on to the neighborhood contact for Royal Hills for her input. Mr. Moore noted the 'Adopt a Flower Garden' program will be on Saturday, May 17th, and there will be a garden assigned to PTRC. It is the goal to change three more to perennials this year, one at E2 and Highway 10 and two on Lexington and County Road E. He stated the daughter-in- law of Ray McGraw, who is the garden designer for Marshall Fields, would design all three. He indicated all of the groups who helped out last year have signed up to help again. Mr. Moore indicated he has a letter from Kraus-Anderson and Guidant about the park shelter and . they are asking for an item-by-item response outlining the City's desires. He stated Guidant would pay for the building; the question is who will oversee construction, Guidant or the City. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minntes 3 March 25, 2003 - Mr. Moore discussed quotes they have received for the underpass and overpass. He indicated the underpass quote was $535,000, however you then need to add 10 percent for the engineering fees and 10 percent for overhead, meaning the actual cost would be $642,000. He stated the overpass quote was $709,000, and with the additional 20 percent would be $850,800. He indicated the underpass would be a 12-foot by 12-foot box culvert, and the prices quoted are ifit is done as part of the Highway 96 project. The overpass would be a 14-foot wide bridge with a 12-foot walkway. Mr. Moore explained the problem with the underpass is that the utilities are 12 feet below ground, so the boxes would need to be 21 or 22 feet below the road. He added this could cause additional problems with lighting and drainage. The advantage of the overpass is no utilities would be involved and it could be done after the project if necessary, as long as supports were put in as part of the project. He indicated the County would not fund this, however they have agreed to construct it as part of the project. The Committee discussed other locations an underpass might be located, however it was determined that the other logical locations will have signals, which the County does not believe is a good location for an underpass. Mr. Moore explained the County would be stopping short of the intersection of Highways 10 and 96. He stated the County has indicated they would pay for an underpass that would go under Highway 10 and connect where the City specifies, at their cost. However, he added today they e learned that the trail components, which was to consist of a 10 foot wide bituminous trail on the south side and a six foot concrete sidewalk on the north side, would not be provided because the County has run out of money. He stated that although they have paid for the other cities along the project, the County no longer has the funds to provide this and the City will have to pick up the cost, approximately $100,000, if they want it. He indicated the $100,000 would cover the trail on both sides, however the six-foot concrete sidewalk would become a five-foot bituminous trail. Mr. Moore outlined four options: 1. Forget about having a trail because it is too expensive, which does not seem fair since the County paid for the other cities. 2. Suggest to the City Council money from State Aid is used. Currently the City has approximately $1,000,000 of State Aid money, with $600,000 dedicated and nothing on the horizou for a few years that qualifies for State Aid funds. 3. Suggest to the City Council that General Funds are used to provide the trail. 4. Suggest to the City Council that PTRC funds are used to provide the trail. The Committee discussed how much was in the General Fund that was discretionary. The thought was it was somewhere in the $9 to $10 million range, and the PTRC currently has approximately $560,000. Committee Member Crassweller stated he feels the PTRC funds should be used to pay the $100,000 for the trails, and it should be recommended that the City spend the $600,000 needed for the underpass. He feels if the PTRC is willing to spend 20 percent of their funds, the City should be able to spend less than 10 percent of theirs for a project that is part of the Comprehensive Plan at a time that it makes sense to do it. He stated that is true . long-term planning. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 4 March 25. 2003 - Committee Chair Straumann indicated he walked the area again, and he does not think an underpass would be a problem. It fits the landscape, and while the ramp may have to come out a little further to accommodate the depth, there is City owned space to do that and make it work. Committee Member Messerly reiterated that these are not pedestrian friendly crossings, and the underpass is very much needed. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, Committee Member Henry seconded, to recommend to the City that in the event money from the County is not forthcoming, PTRC funds be utilized to complete the trail components of the Highway 96 project, with City funds used to construct an underpass as part of the Highway 96 project. Furthermore, in the event that the County does fund the trail components, it is recommended that the same amount ofPTRC funds be utilized to reduce the amount of City funds necessary to complete the underpass. Motion carried 7-0. Mr. Moore asked about the possibility that the County would come back and say they could not complete the underpass, as it would delay the project. Committee Member Crassweller indicated that at the City Council meeting the County acknowledged that it would delay the project, but they stated they were willing to do that. Committee Member Henry advised that at the City Council meeting where this was discussed, it e was noted that the bridge over Highway 51 was built without a sidewalk because the City could not afford it at the time, which is a preposterous notion. He stated in the June II, 2002 minutes he asked how the City could keep this type of situation from happening again, and he was told that now that they have a Comprehensive Plan, the City Planners and City Council would be conscientious of it. He indicated that completing the Highway 96 project without an underpass is even more preposterous than building a bridge without a sidewalk. He stated this is not the PTRC's plan; it is the City's plan, and has been adopted by the City Council. He believes the only logical choice is to follow the plan and build the underpass. Mr. Moore indicated the Park Comprehensive Plan is new, un-chartered territory for the City Council, as they have never before had such an organized, well thought out vision for the PTRC, and he encouraged the Committee to be patient with that. He added the PTRC was also lucky to have Councilmember Grant as a liaison and a voice with the City Council. He stated that what the PTRC views as logical, correct, 'can't miss' ideas have never been before the City Council in this way, and to have the residents say that parks and trails and recreation areas are important to them presents a new component for the City Council. He indicated that the Comprehensive Plan outlines big decisions, like underpasses and trail connections, when previously they were only concerned with where a bench should be put or if a box should be behind the playfield fence to hold bases. Committee Member Crassweller stated that when the City Council said they wanted a 20-year plan, and would spend $50,000 to do it, they made a commitment. That plan has a $20 million e plus cost, with the biggest part the connection of trails, and now the City is confronted with a small pittance of expenditure toward that plan. He feels the Committee needs to be strong in their recommendation, or they will have another health and safety issue like the one that exist on ---- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 5 March 25,2003 ~ the Highway 51 bridge. He stated if $50,000 was spent on the plan but the City is not willing to spend the money to implement the plan, there was no point in it. MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, Committee Member Crassweller seconded, to recommend to the City Council that the Highway 96 project not proceed without an underpass that connects TCAAP to the other side of the highway. Motion carried 7-0. The Committee discussed how this should be presented to the City Council, and it was decided the Committee would attend the next Council meeting and present it themselves. Committee Member Crassweller encouraged as many members as possible to be there, indicating there are very few times an entire committee shows up at the Council meeting and they need to show the Council how strongly they feel about this. Council Liaison Grant stated that in an ideal world the Highway 96 project would not happen next year or maybe even the year after that, but TCAAP would happen first and the trail structure would be integrated into that project. He added the County has said they cannot wait. Committee Member Thompson made one additional comment about the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. She stated the PTRC did not blind-side anyone with the plan, noting there was a lot of time and citizen input involved, and the City Council adopted it. She indicated it was their job to help the City Council implement it. Mr. Moore reiterated that having Council e Liaison Grant back with them would make a difference and make that task easier. Council Liaison Grant encouraged the Committee to look at the plan and prioritize the projects. Committee Member Crassweller stated that many of the projects in the plan are more costly than the PTRC funds allow and will require City help. He agrees the PTRC needs to look at the things they can do and educate the City Council on those projects so the Council knows they are committed to the plan as well. He mentioned that one ofthe points in the Comprehensive Plan indicate that not all trails would have to be paved, but may have an alternative surface. He stated the trail by his property has wood chips, and is great. He added Council Liaison Grant has a sense of the City Council that the PTRC does not have. He reiterated the PTRC needs to know what pieces they can do that will show the City Council they are serious about implementing the Comprehensive Plan. The Committee reviewed the letter from Guidant and Kraus-Anderson. The requested changes included the Concrete, Masonry and Retaining Wall, where they requested the color be in the brick for interior and exterior walls, rather than having a field applied painted finish. They also noted the Shingle Roofing section should be the same component as the Tony Schmitt Park shelter. Mr. Moore stated he would review the number of electrical receptacles, and may add some additional ones. Committee Member Henry asked if the City typically put furnaces in these types of buildings. Mr. Moore stated for this size, they do. He noted Guidant may also use the building for - company picnics and events, and they could possibly have breakfast with Santa there or other colder weather activities. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and RecTeation Committee Meeting Minutes 6 March 25, 2003 - Council Liaison Grant asked if it was the same design as the Tony Schmitt shelter. Mr. Moore indicated it was prairie style. He stated he would work out the details of the design with HCM, who oversaw the construction of Tony Schmitt, which is why the City chose them, so as to provide consistent shelters throughout the city. Committee Chair Straumann indicated they should have Mr. Reimer from the Guidant Corporation come to a PTRC meeting. He asked ifthere would eventually be a neighborhood meeting as well. Mr. Moore indicated there would be, for all of the residents ofthat quadrant. He believes the residents will see this as a positive thing. Committee Chair Straumann asked if Cummings Park Drive would be done in connection with the development. Mr. Moore indicated the road would be done this year, tom up and reconstructed at Guidant's cost, after which the City will assume the road. He stated Fembrook would go away, eventually becoming part of the Guidant campus. He indicated right now Cummings Park is hard to find, it will help to have a street named after it. Committee Chair Straumann asked if there was anything that could be done with the Guidant Drive to Cummings Park Drive area, noting the property really belongs to Fair Isaacs. Mr. Moore indicated he would make contact with them. Michelle Olson - Recreation Uudate e Ms. Olson discussed the following items with the Committee: . She indicated the Spring/Summer guide was out, and registrations are starting to come in. . They are interviewing staff for summer programs, and spring softball is about to start. . The Easter egg hunt is coming up on April 12 and she is filling a lot of eggs. She noted the Town Hall meeting is the same day, at 11 :00 a.m., with the Easter egg hunt earlier in the morning. . The biggest task they have right now is planning Day in the Park, which is being changed to Celebrating Arden Hills. They will have a catered barbeque, with the White Sidewalls as entertainment. The event will be from 3 :00 p.m. to dusk, with fireworks to end it off. 5. PARK PARTNERS PROGRAM FOR 2003 Committee Vice Chair Thompson referred to the list of businesses in Arden Hills. She indicated they will be asking for money and donations for the Celebrating Arden Hills event, and the PTRC needs to be careful they are not asking for support for the Park Partners Program at the same time. They also hope to allow businesses to budget for these funds and help with specific projects. Committee Member Henry stated there is an article that begs the question if a foundation, or an e endowment, is not better than just the City handling the fund. It talks about the tax benefits for donators. Mr, Moore recommended the City Attorney be consulted on this matter. Committee Member Crassweller indicated he knows several foundation lawyers they could contact. Committee Vice Chair Thompson indicated what they were really looking for was a long-term Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 7 March 25, 2003 - foundation, not only for business donations but private families as well so the donations are tax deductible. 6. FRIENDS OF THE PARK TREE SALE 2003 Mr. Moore collected donations from the Committee, indicating they could purchase a Discovery Elm on behalf of the PTRC. He thanked the Committee for their support, noting the City Council has also been generous in their support of the program. 7. PARK COMP PLAN PRIORITIES DISCUSSION Committee Vice Chair Thompson suggested tabling this discussion until the next meeting, noting that they probably need to have the dollars associated with each project for the discussion. Committee Member Crassweller agreed, noting that one of the projects the PTRC liked was a 1.3 million dollar project, so they really need to know how much money they are talking about to make a realistic priority list. 8. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Items suggested for the next agenda were: . Guidant, HCM (representatives attend) . Priorities and budget , . Park Partners Program Committee Chair Straumann had a few miscellaneous items. He indicated Ramsey County was talking about a new library, stating they were closing the Arden Hills library and were looking at a much larger complex, possibly on the same site, although the location has not yet been determined. Committee Member Henry noted that the Arden Hills library, while busy, is not very efficient. Committee Chair Straumann stated TCAAP Phase I was done with the advisory panel. The City Council has not decided when to go to Phase II, but there will likely be neighborhood meetings in June. Council Liaison Grant indicated the developer will move forward with Phase II, and the question for the City Council is should we plan now, or wait for the environmental study and then plan around the results. The thought is to go ahead and plan now, getting good ideas rather than waiting for the environmental study to come back and having everyone say 'that would be nice but we cannot do it'. He stated the developer would prefer the City not vision now for fear tbey will want things they cannot have. He indicated he feels if the committee understands there may be things that are not possible, they should go ahead. He indicated while they may not be able to say where the residences will be and where the park should be, they can decide what type of businesses they want. Committee Vice Chair Thompson concurred. She asked what was happening with the Post Office. Council Liaison Grant stated they have a letter of intent, which . is valid until they opt out. Committee Member Messerly asked ifpart of the issue was not the pollution issue, stating if they only had to come down to the industry standard they do not want to plan where residences would .- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 8 March 25, 2003 - go until they have the environmental study. Council Liaison Grant agreed, the developer would bring it to industrial level at least, but it may make sense for them to bring other areas to residential so they have larger areas to work with, rather than small pockets of land. Committee Member Crassweller asked if industry level land could be used for parkland, Council Liaison Grant stated it could not, unless it was covered with three feet of fill, and then restricted so there could be no digging deeper than three feet. He indicated it could then be used for a ball field, but could not have lights. He stated one big driver for the developer is if the post office I goes in, what land do they take, and what would be left. It may not be viable for the developer I I depending on that answer. He indicated that was why the City Council has been against the Post Office. 9. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Motion by Committee Member Crassweller, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Karen Whaley Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. e i e i