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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-03 PTRC Minutes e ~ ~~ILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2003, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Straumann called the April 22, 2003 meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 7:14 p.m. Members Present: Chair Rich Straumann, Committee Members, Jim Crassweller, Bill Henry, Don Messerly, Joanie Werner, and Steve Zilmer. Others Present: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Mayor Beverly, David e Grant, Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. Members Absent: Pat Krenn, Roberta Thompson, Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor Approval of Agenda: The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MARCH 25. 2003 MINUTES Committee Member Weaver stated she a correction noting that her address was incorrect on the Committee Roster. MOTION: Committee Member Messerly motioned, seconded by Committee Member Crassweller to approve the March 25, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Mayor Beverly stated that she would like to thank the Committee for their time and commitment noting that their work is very appreciated. She provided the Committee with a brief Council update of the following items: . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minntes 2 April 22, 2003 e . TCAAP proposals are still in discussion. . The City is working with the Library Board on the timeline and budget for the new library. . She reviewed the Vision Statement and Core Values with the Committee. . Council adopted the Ingerson Neighborhood proposal. She stated that they are looking for individuals to review the assessment policy. . Council approved the new street signs noting that they would be a dark green with reflective white. . She stated that they had a very successful Town Hall meeting. . City met with Northwestern College noting that the college is willing to open some of their land for trails. . She noted that as people become aware of the Buck Thorn problem the interest to eradicate is increasing. She asked the Committee to continue their work in this area. e Council Liaison Grant provided the Committee with an update of the following items: . Public Works building is being redesigned based on input from the City and Ramsey County. . City Council reviewed the proposed recycling contract for the City. . Development has started at County Road E2. . Guidant broke ground for the new training facility. . He stated that demolition of the Lihrary is scheduled for January 2004 with the hopes of being rebuilt. He provided the Committee with an overview of the plans stating that the lot would have a nature and environmental focus and that trails and walking areas would be built out into the wetland areas. He stated that it would also include an Internet research area in addition to the traditional fiction/nonfiction sections. He explained that the County needs to bond for the facility and that the City is exploring the possihility of keeping the Library open until the end of the school year. He stated that the City would need approximately $65,000.00 to keep the Library open to the end ofthe school year. . . He reviewed the new street signage with the Committee. Mr. Moore further clarified the sign specifications to the Committee. He explained that the current Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3 April 22, 2003 e signs are not up to code adding that the State requirements include reflective signage that provides the ability to see the signs from a distance and at night. 4. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities. He reviewed the following items: . The Planning Commission would like to meet with the Parks and Recreation Committee. He stated that they have offered their help and assistance with the planning of the trails and their connections. He suggested a late summer/early fall meeting. . He met with City Engineer, Greg Brown, stating that they are in the process of a structural analysis of the bridge at County Road E to determine if the current bridge structure could hold sidewalks on each side. . He reviewed donated trees received through the Friends of the Park Tree Program. . Banners have been ordered for County Road E. He stated that it would take 4-6 weeks to install. e . The fertilizing program has begun in addition to the gardens. . Softball has stated at Perry Park. Committee Member Henry asked if trail connections would be a possibility if the Library were built. Committee Member Crassweller clarified that the trails could be included adding that it would require meeting with Bethel College to discuss the locations. He provided the Council with a brief overview of possible trail locations. Mr. Moore stated that he would verify and provide a status to the Committee. 5. FLOWER GARDEN SIGN-UP - MAY 17. 2003 Mr. Moore stated that they would be working on the flower gardens May 17, 2003 and asked the Committee for volunteers. He reviewed the location of garden with the Committee noting that breakfast is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. The following Committee Members volunteered to work on the garden: Chair Straumann, Committee Members Weaver, Zilmer, Messerly, Henry and Crassweller. 6. PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PRIORITIES . Chair Straumann reviewed the current Comprehensive Plan and List of Priorities with the Committee. He asked for clarification of the discussion regarding sidewalks along Arden Hills Parks. Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 4 April 22, 2003 - County Road E. Council Liaison Grant stated that it was discussed at the Town Hall meeting. Committee Member Henry asked if the County plans to do anything with Lake Johanna Boulevard. He asked if they are turning it back to the City. Council Liaison Grant stated that he is not aware of the County turning it back to City. He stated that they would have to resurface the road and bring it up to standard before the road could be turned back to the City. Committee Member Henry asked if there are any plans to re-surface Lake Johanna Boulevard. Mr. Moore clarified that the County is not putting any improvements into Lake Johanna Boulevard. He reviewed the issues noting weight restrictions, the wetland issues and Tony Schmidt Park. He stated that to his knowledge there is nothing scheduled for at least the next ten years. Committee Member Crassweller referenced the Parks Comprehensive Plan and suggested making some recommendations to the City Council. He suggested prioritizing three projects, one that could be accomplished with a small amount of dollars, a medium size project and oue project at a capital improvement level. He reviewed the core values and suggested outlining items that the Committee would like to accomplish over the next three years. e Committee Member Henry asked for clarification of the funding stating that there is a need to identify funding resources. He asked if the Committee should be creating a fund or generating dollars in some way for the projects. Council Liaison Grant stated that several of the recommendations should be further reviewed. He agreed that funding should be established and reviewed possible ideas with the Committee. Committee Member Henry stated that, as a citizen, he would be very interested in paying more taxes to have better parks and trails. Chair Straumann noted that this was also expressed through the Community Meetiug and the surveys. Council Liaison Grant agreed that Citizens might be willing to pay more in taxes to improve the parks and trails system. He stated that the Committee should further review the dollars assigned to each project and provide a more realistic number. He reviewed budget issues with the Committee and clarified that the City did not ask Ingram & Associates to review the parks and provide feedback. Committee Member Messerly confirmed that the numbers did not come from Ingram & Associates stating that the numbers were from the City, Committee Member Crassweller expressed concerns stating that the Committee would be reluctant to spend dollars on needed items unless there is a commitment from Council to . work with the Park Committee on the priorities that the Park Committee has established. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Conunitlee Meeting Minutes 5 April 22, 2003 . Mr. Moore clarified that the City Finance Manager removed all park funding until the long-term plan is done. He reviewed the projects that were removed with the Committee. He explained that Council never saw the projects stating that the projects had been removed internally, before Council had an opportunity to review the Committee priorities. He further clarified that any projects would have to be paid from the Park Fund, as there are no funds available in the CIP. He stated that Staff has received the CIP sheets for the 2004 budget process adding that nothing more could be done for 2003. Council Liaison Grant asked which shelter would be the most critical to replace. Mr. Moore stated that it would be the shelter at Hazelnut. He explained that the shelter was built in 1942 noting that it was moved from the grade school to the current location. Chair Straumann suggested that the Committee review each structure and prioritize for replacement. Mr. Moore stated that the shelter at Hazelnut should be replaced adding that the new structure should be at Perry Park. He reviewed all locations with the Committee. Committee Memher Henry asked for clarification of the funding, how much the City raises in taxes from the residents each year and possible State funding. Council Liaison Grant explained that some funds flow from the State noting that Arden Hills does not receive much State funding. e Committee Memher Henry expressed concerns stating that it is his understanding that Arden Hills is one of the lower tax-based Cities in the metro area. He further stated that something has to give if the City is serious about continuing to attract new residents and keep them. Council Liaison Grant addressed the tax base concerns noting that it would not be a small increment increase for the taxes. Committee Member Henry asked how Vadnais Heights and other Cities fund their parks and trail systems. Committee Member Weaver asked if the Committee has done any research with other Cities to determine the funding process for their trail systems. Committee Member Henry clarified that this is what he is trying to determine. He stated that the City should find dollars to put into the Park Fund. Mr. Moore stated that many Cities bond the funds and reviewed the bond processes with the Committee. He suggested antenna and satellite lease rental as a potential revenue resource. Council Liaison Grant explained that he had tried to persuade City Council to place the Arden Hills antenna revenue into the Park Funds. He provided the Committee with an overview of the revenue from the antenna and cell site leases. Council Liaison Grant reviewed the Vento Plan with the Committee stating that there is a huge opportunity for the Committee to become involved in the installation project of the trail systems for the new post office. Committee Member Henry asked if the Council engages in any kind of planning that would raise and address revenue issues. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 6 April 22, 2003 . Committee Member Messerly suggested that the Committee leave their list of priorities as it is. Mr. Moore agreed noting that the Committee would be meeting with the City Council for work session. He suggested that they identify and prioritize their items for discussion. He reviewed the work session process stating that this there opportunity to ask questions and get answers. He explained to the Committee that they should not place any faith in further development of TCAAP noting that it has been decided that no building or structure in this area would available for use by the City of Arden Hills. He stated that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency tests the water in tbis area on a regular basis. He noted that the waters test out clear adding that the MPCA has decided that the City must spend an additional $800,000.00 to control the erosion around the wetlands. Committee Member Henry stated that he would like to have a discussion with Council regarding funding and budget issues. He explained that if the Committee has some idea of a budget that they would be able to determine a long-term plan. Council Liaison Grant clarified that the Council work session is an opportunity for free flow conversation versus presenting at a Council meeting. Mr. Moore suggested scheduling a strategy session before the May 19, 2003 work session. He stated that this would give them an opportunity to identify their priorities. Committee Member Henry suggested that each Committee Member draft a set of e questions and forward to him. He stated that he would put together a synopsis of the questions for their review. Mr. Moore agreed noting that he would also forward a request for suggestions to Committee Member Thompson. Committee Member Messerly asked where the numbers came from. Mr. Moore clarified that the numbers came from the URS. The Committee asked that the numbers be reviewed and resubmitted. 7. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Mr. Moore stated that he spoke with Kraus Anderson regarding the warming house at Guidant. He explained that there is a chance that they could start construction this year noting that it would be more likely to begin in 2004, with a completion in 2005. He clarified that the timeline could change adding that the City does have oversight and input for the building. He stated that Guidant and Kraus have received the adjustments noting that they all met at Tony Schmidt Park and are aware of the style and color schemes. Committee Member Henry asked for an update on the underpass. Mr. Moore stated that it is slated as a project for July 2003. He reviewed the Arden Hills portion of the trail system noting that 90% of the funding would be from Ramsey County Park and Recreation. He stated that Arden Hills has contributed $32,000. . Committee Member Henry clarified his understanding of the proposal to use Park Fund dollars to support the development of trails on either side of the 96 project. Mr. Moore Arden Hills ParksJ Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 7 April 22, 2003 . clarified that the trails are happening without funding from the Park Funds. He explained that Municipal State Aid would cover a portion of the funding and reviewed the area with Committee. Council Liaison Grant confirmed that no Park Fund money would be used for this proj ect. Committee Member Messerly stated that Valentine Park is still very wet. He stated that he toured Perry Park noting that the newly installed fields are just as bad as the fields at Valentine Park. He asked if Perry Park improvements are slated in the budget for this year and expressed concerns regarding the quality of the grading. Mr. Moore explained that they would be placing an ADA ramp, fix the drainage behind Field I, purchase two tons of ag-line for the fields and knock down the berm. He stated that this would correct some of the issues adding that they would also be working on Valentine Park. 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, Committee Member Crassweller seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. Respectfully submitted, e Bonita Sullivan Timesaver Off SUe Secretarial, Inc. .