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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-03 PTRC Minutes ---.-- . ~ ~HILLS ARDEN HILLS FINAL MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Straumann called the September 23, 2003 meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Chair Rich Straumann, Committee Members .Tim Crassweller, Bill Henry, Don Messerly, Roberta Thompson, Joanie Wemer, and Steve Zilmer. Others Present: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; David Grant, Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. . Members Absent: Committee Member Joanie Werner. 2. INTRODUCE NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR - MICHELLE WOLFE Mr. Moore stated that City Administrator Wolfe would not be in attendance due to a conflict. He stated that she would be in attendance in October. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 4. APPROVAL OF JULY 2003 MINUTES Committee Member Henry referenced page 2 stating that Trail Station 5 should be Lift Station 5. He referenced page 4, paragraph 1 stating that the reference to the railroad bridge should be the County Road E Bridge. MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, seconded by Committee Member Messerly to approve the July 22, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23,2003 Page 2 of 11 . 5. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Grant provided the Committee with the following update . Council approved the preliminary Tax Levy. . Approved the park shelter plans for Cummings Park. He noted that they decided on the original design for the shelter. . Council approved two variances, one for a garage, and another for a deck. . Authorized bids for lift station #7. A . Approved bids for building ofKarth Lake pump station. . Approved a 2:00 a.m. bar close time. Major impact for Big 10 and Blue Fox. . Approved a motion relative to the use of tax-forfeited lands. . Began a candidate search for an Accountant position. . Reviewed Guidant construction project noting that they now have three floors up. . Cub project is moving forward with an expected opening in December 2003. . . County Road E2 and Cleveland project is moving forward. . Approved the purchase of an easement from Steve Freeman relative to Fernwood Channel. . Post Office was not approved. . MnDOT updated all signs with the assistance ofthe Public Works department. Committee Member Henry referenced the tax levy and asked, on a per person taxing basis, how it compares to neighboring communities. Council Liaison Grant reviewed the per capita taxes with the Committee noting that New Brighton was approximately $1300 per person, Shoreview and Little Canada were between $500-$700 per person and Arden Hills was $350 per person. He further explained that New Brighton has a larger economy to scale and that they also have their own police and fire departments. He stated that Arden Hills, in comparison, is closer to Little Canada. Committee Member Thompson asked for an update on the Presbyterian Homes project noting that a Public Meeting is scheduled at Trinity Lutheran. She noted that the area residents have expressed concerns regarding the density, specifically the apartment buildings and traffic density. Council Liaison Grant stated that Presbyterian Homes has some preliminary plans put together noting that Council has not reviewed the plans yet. He explained that the plans are very conceptual at this point and that nothing official has been presented to the City for review. He . stated that Presbyterian Homes has shared the preliminary plans with the residents and are encouraging feedback and suggestions. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 3 ofll . Committee Member Crassweller noted that it was his understanding that Karth Lake is now a separate tax entity and asked for further clarification. Council Liaison Grant explained that the lake continues to rise and fall with a tendency to rise more than fall noting that in some years the water level has reached the retaining walls and caused damage to the oak trees in the area. He stated that the residents have expressed concerns regarding their homes and have approached the City requesting that this issue be addressed. He explained that the City has developed a Lake Improvement District and identified the homeowners affected, adjacent to the lake and provided this information to the Board of Directors. He reviewed the process with the Committee. Committee Member Crassweller asked if the City is considering a separate district to deal with the County Road E and Highway 51 project. He expressed concerns that the residents in the area would carry the brunt of the improvement costs. Mr. Moore clarified stating that the City would share costs. He explained that Karth Lake is a unique situation that requires immediate action by tile City to address the immediate concerns regarding water levels. Council Liaison Grant noted that costs would be minimal once the pumping station is installed. The Committee held a general discussion regarding the designation of taxing districts and park costs. . 6. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATES Tom Moore - Parks Update Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities. He reviewed the following items: . He noted that the City has an extensive tree-watering program. He stated that trees, three years old and younger, located along City Park Trails and City Hall, are being watered on a weekly basis. He stated that he consulted with S&S regarding the trees and that they have indicated that watering on a regular basis would resolve any issues or concerns. . Valentine Park ditch is completed. . Completed aeration of the park system and they will begin the weed and feed next week. . Completed installation of 21 park benches. He stated that the benches were installed throughout the City's trail system and reviewed with the Committee. . URS is in the process of updating and printing the new Parks and Trails maps. He stated that they would be available for distribution in two weeks. . . Boy Scout Project - Phase II of the Buckthom removal at Crepeau Park is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2003 to begin at 9:00 a.m. and it will be an Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 4 of II . all day affair. He stated that an email would be sent to Committee Members outlining the details of the day. He stated that they intend to utilize the wood chips throughout Crepeau Park. . City is out for bid on moving the warming house at Cummings Park. He stated that they have not decided the location yet noting that it would be placed at either Hazelnut or Freeway Park. He reviewed the issues noting that it would be placed on a cement slab. He explained that they would have to cut down trees at Hazelnut to make room adding that there would be no issues for placement at Freeway Park. He stated that when the numbers are received that it would be presented to the PTRC for Committee review. . He noted that they are paving the trails along north Hamline as a part of the 2003 Pavement Management Project. He stated that they are currently in the negotiation process with MSI and Crepeau. . He reviewed the 2004 Pavement Management Project with the Committee. He noted that the Edgewater/Shoreline Lane neighborhood would be included and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that north Shoreline Lane is designated and platted as a City Street and that it could be designated as the main entrance to the park. He stated that if the Committee feels this is a worthwhile connection . that they can move forward with the paving. He stated that a meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, September 25, 2003, to discuss the issues noting that this will be the third opportunity for residents to meet and discuss their concerns. He asked the Committee to consider potential connections noting that one of the Park Committee goals has been to connect parks to the neighborhoods. . He stated that they have two Eagle Scout projects that would involve flower plantings throughout the City. . He asked the Committee to watch for brush back projects when walking the trails and to notify Public Works so that the areas can be included for maintenance. . He noted that long time tree vendor, Mike's Tree Service, has retired. He stated that the City has adopted S&S Services as the new City tree vendor noting that they provide services to both private and city owned property. He reviewed their services with the Committee noting that they would provide free wood chips for the trail system, provide safety wood fibers at $10 per square foot versus the normal charge of $50 per square foot; provide informational brochures and flyers to the residents that would educate them on how diseases develop, the steps they can take to remedy the disease or for total removal that would include recommendations for replacement plantings. He noted that S&S Services is the same group that did the tree inventory for all ofthe parks in Arden Hills. . He stated that Lift Station #2 would be black topped next week and would be . ready to go with the trail connections when the black topping has been completed. He explained that it would be a Class 5 road with black top in 50-foot sections ~- --- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 5 of II . and reviewed with the Committee. He noted that he recently attended a seminar concerning access to the trail systems stating that Cities are being challenged from an accessibility standpoint. He explained that they are pushing for legislation in the State that would require all trails to be paved based on ADA accessibility standards. He further explained that Cities would be required to develop a comprehensive plan that would bring all non-paved trails up to ADA accessibility standards. He stated that nothing has been decided yet and that this is for their information. He stated that they would continue to monitor the progress and if it comes to that decision that City Council would have to take a vote to recommend letters to the various agencies requesting their support. Committee Member Henry asked if the County is doing anything to address the railroad underpass. Mr. Moore stated that Chair Straumann is a member of the Ramsey County Parks Commission noting that the railroad underpass project has been delayed for another year. He explained that the funds are available but that there have been difficulties with the negotiations with the railroad. He further explained that City Council allocated the funds two years ago and assured the Committee that the dollars have been set aside for this project. Chair Straumann clarified that the railroad wants to design and build the railroad underpass and have the City purchase from the railroad and reviewed with the Committee. . Chair Straumann stated that he is a member of the Ramsey County Parks Commission representing District I. He explained membership requirements with the Committee noting that they toured the eastern half of the County and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that they are considering the possibility of a Parks District that would include Ramsey County, St. Paul Parks and Washington County Recreation and provided an overview to the Committee. He noted that the TCAP Advisory Panel is starting up again noting that 'parks and open spaces' has been changed to 'parks, trails and open spaces'. He reviewed changes within the goals with the Committee. Chair Straumann asked if the Library would be kept open for another year. Council Liaison Grant confirmed that the Library would be kept open for one more year and reviewed with the Committee. Michelle Olson - Recreation Update Ms. Olson provided the Committee with an update on the Recreation activities. She reviewed the following items: . She stated that the soccer season is in full swing. She stated that they have about the same number of teams noting that the age groups have changed a bit. She stated that they were running out of space at Cummings Park and decided to move . the 1 st and 2nd grade groups to Hazelnut Park. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 6 of II . She stated that after school classes have begun and reviewed the curriculum with . the Committee. . Fall softball season ended last week and reviewed the season with the Committee. . She stated that they began the hiring process for a Fall Program Instructors and reviewed with the Committee. Tom Moore - Guidant Foundation - Band Shell Proposal Mr. Moore stated that the Guidant Foundation has come to the City with a request for a $1 million dollar band shell proposal tllat includes a three year program incorporating landscaping, accessibility and funding for the program. He reviewed with the Committee noting that they have also presented this proposal to two other Cities for consideration. He stated that they are in vcry preliminary discussions and that they have asked the City to review the suggested potential sites. He stated that the City would like the PTRC to review the recommended sites noting that they do not need feedback this evening. He asked the Committee to review the recommendations for later discussion. Committee Member Henry asked who would be using the band shell. Mr. Moore reviewed . noting that it could be used for citywide events with a series of concerts. He stated that if the structure is placed at Cummings Park that Guidant could possibly use it for their own internal events. He stated that predominant use would be by the Community itself in addition to working out possible use from neighboring communities such as Moundsview. Committee Member Henry asked if there would be enough parking. Mr. Moore confirmed that there would be enough parking noting that at Cummings Park they would have available parking at Fair Isaacs. He also noted that as part of the grant, Guidant would provide parking in their ramps and a shuttle service to and from the park. He clarified that nothing has been decided yet and that he would come back to the Committee with more details at a later date. He further clarified that the dollars could not be used for anything else but the band shell, landscaping and programmmg. Mr. Moore reviewed various structure designs and types of use with the Committee. He referenced the Concert in the Park series held in Mendota Heights and suggested including this discussion as an agenda item for the next PTRC meeting. He stated that it is his hope that City and the PTRC recommendations could come together to present Guidant with options to consider. He stated that this would be a very good opportunity for the City of Arden Hills to create a close relationship with Guidant Foundation and reviewed the advantages with the Committee. Ms. Olson noted that the City of Arden Hills is not the only City that Guidant Foundation is . considering. Mr. Moore confirmed stating that Guidant Foundation is reviewing other locations adding that it is their preference to have the band shell located in Arden Hills. ------ -- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 7 ofll . Council Liaison Grant explained that Guidant wants to be a good member of the Community noting that it does provide a positive image for both Guidant and the City of Arden Hills as it benefits bOtll in terms of public relations. Committee Member Thompson referenced the changes that would have to be made at Cummings Park and asked if this would be included in the funding. Mr. Moore confirmed that the changes would be funded as a part of the $1 million allocation. Committee Member Crassweller asked for clarification of the sites currently being considered. Mr. Moore explained that initially eight sites were being considered and that after reviewing they narrowed it down to three sites. Committee Member Crassweller stated that the PTRC should give further consideration to the other locations. He asked if the band shell size would be equivalent to the band shell located at Shoreview Park. He also asked what Roseville's experience has been with vandalism, upkeep and maintenance. He stated that if they are serious about going forward with tile project that they should clarifY who would be using the band shell. He stated that a long-term plan should be created to outline long-term use and who would use it beyond the four years that Guidant would be involved. Mr. Moore agreed noting that Council has same concerns. He reviewed the groups . and organizations that the City has contacted noting that they are looking a multiple users that have not been fully identified yet. He clarified that this is in the early stages of planning and that they do not have all ofthe answers yet. Council Liaison Grant stated that the City Council is very interested in feedback and input from the PTRC. He stated that it is good to know that the PTRC has the same concerns as City Council. Committee Member Crassweller expressed concerns noting that the band shell could be great for the public in providing an avenue for concerts and theatre performances but that it might not pay for itself in the long term. He encouraged the Committee to ensure that the band shell would pay for itself noting tllat if these issues are not addressed it could incur costs to the City that could end up passed down to residents through their taxes. Mr. Moore acknowledged his concerns stating that it is their goal to have zero costs to City of Arden Hills. He stated that all of these issues would be addressed and clarified. 7. CUMMINGS PARK FACILITY UPDATE Mr. Moore stated that they recently learned that Guidant is not paying anything for the park facility. He explained that Krause Anderson, contractor for Guidant, is now responsible and provided a background history to the Committee. He stated that the plan has changed several . times noting that he briefly reviewed the final plan earlier today. He stated that if the PTRC and the City agree with the proposed final plan that work could begin as early as this Friday noting that it would be an 8-week project. He stated that the structure would look very much like the Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 8 of 11 . structure at Tony Schmidt Park and reviewed the building design with the Committee. He encouraged the Committee to tour Cummings Park adding that they were told earlier today that three pine trees would have to be removed to accommodate the structure. He stated that they have agreed to bring in a tluee-inch water main off the Wincrest Cul-de-sac that would provide a three-inch line that would supply all water to the building and allow the City to run an irrigation system into the two soccer fields. He stated that all controls would be located in the building. Ms. Olson reviewed the final plans with the Committee stating that she would provide the Committee with full copies of the plan for their review at a later date. She stated that very little has changed since September 18, 2002 noting that the City has been assured that the structure would be built according to their specs. She further stated that she has been assured by Dave Reimer at Guidant Corp. that if there is anything that the City does not like on the building that it would be addressed and taken care of promptly. She stated that it would be a tremendous building with all of the amenities that the City has wanted. She reviewed the play structure area, the hockey and the soccer areas with the Committee noting that it would also be a great location for the band shell. Committee Member Henry clarified that the design that was most recently reviewed was at a proposed cost of $450,000 and that it is now $350,000 and asked what if anything was lost. Ms. Olson clarified the differences noting that the cost actually did not go down, based on the original . design. She reviewed the design changes and grading issues with the Committee stating that they have not been given the final price on the newest design. She stated that they are moving forward because Guidant has said it needs to get done. Mr. Moore clarified that the inside and layout of the building has not changed at all. He explained that the issues were exaggerated a bit due to the grading issues, the placement of the building on a hill and the trail connections. Ms. Olson agreed stating that the original plan works better with the flmction of the park adding that it is a better looking building that would be more useable based on the area and location. Committee Member Thompson noted that the kitchen area has changed and asked for c1ari fication. Mr. Moore clarified that there would not be a kitchen prep area and that only a sink would be included. Ms. Olson stated that there is a possibility that they could put the hockey rink back into the original design and reviewed with the Committee. She further stated that there is a possibility that they could install a pleasure rink that could be utilized year round and reviewed with the Committee. She stated that this would be explored further once the building is in place and they can determine the grading issues. Mr. Moore stated that it is possible that they might not have an ice area this year due to the construction and reviewed with the Committee. . Chair Straumann asked if they were working on any roads entering Cummings Park. Mr. Moore clarified that they are not as it is not a City road. He explained that the road entering the park belongs to Fair Isaacs and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that they could discuss the Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 9 ofll . curve adding that it would be a cost to the City to straighten out the curve. He stated that they have done a great job at Cummings in creating awareness on the entrance and how to enter the park. He noted that they now have a stop light entrance to the park and that it would be labeled Cummings Park Drive. 8. PERRY PARK SCHEDULED IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Moore reviewed the immediate and long term plans with the Committee. A. 2003 FalI- ADA Work, Drainage, Berm Removal Mr. Moore explained that Council has approved a CIP budget of approximately $50,000 and that work would begin shortly. He stated that the ADA is working to provide a ramp up to the ballparks and that they plan to improve the drainage on fields #1 and #2 and that the berm would be r!oved. He stated that the recommendations would be presented at the next Council meet. g. B. 2004 - Park Facility Mr. Moore stated that a meeting was held with Hagen, Christianson and McGlynn and reviewed . with the Committee. He reviewed costs with the Committee noting that they were told nothing could exceed $350,000. He stated that as a starting point, the estimate came in at $441,000 and that based on discussions they have an understanding that the entire project cannot exceed $350,000. He referenced the timeline provided in the memo noting that this includes everything that has to be completed in order to begin construction. He reviewed with the Committee stating that it is their desire to have a facility on top of the hill that is very similar to the Tony Schmidt Park facility. He stated that there has been some resistance from HCM with respect to having a copy cat building and that HCM would like to design something a bit different that would make the building more unique. He stated that this is the beginning of the process and assured the Committee that Staff would keep them updated with timelines and progress reports. He stated that they would try to include them as an agenda item at the October PTRC meeting. Committee Member Henry noted that the exterior of the building is a siding material and asked for further clarification. Mr. Moore clarified that one of their recommendations is a siding that would be a combination of stained wood and stone noting that they have not gotten to the point where a final decision has been made regarding the exterior materials. Committee Member Henry stated that it would be nice to consider a design element that distinguishes the building but follows along the same structural design. Mr. Moore suggested that the Committee review the plans in preparation for the October PTRC meeting. He stated that construction would begin in May with the intent that it would be up and . running within 20 weeks, if the PTRC, the Parks and Recreation Department and City Council are in agreement. He noted that HCM has stated that this would be a very realistic goal to meet and has indicated that they are going to place the project out for bids in the January/February Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Miuutes September 23, 2003 Page 10 of 11 . timeframe. He stated that HCM believes that this would be a good time to place the project out for bids as this is when they can get a reasonable bid amount and reviewed the bid process with the Committee. He stated that the project would be funded from the Park Fund and that City Council has already approved $350,000 for the project. 9. PERRY PARK WISHLIST FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS A. Trail/Step connections with lower level swamp lift road Mr. Moore stated that it would be good to get an ADA approved connection to Perry Park and down to Swamp Lift Road. He reviewed the advantages with the Committee. He stated that the proposal would be reviewed by Engineering to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that they are in compliance with ADA standards. B. Berm removal, north side, fields #3 and #4 Mr. Moore stated that these are CIP items that would not come out of the Park Fund. He clarified that all of this is a part of the CIP Plan noting that Staff has submitted the proposal for City Council review and approval. . Committee Member Thompson referenced the park sign noting that they can no longer see the Lindey Park sign. She asked if there is a plan to move the plantings to improve the view of the sign. Mr. Moore explained that the plants would be moved next year to another location. Committee Member Crassweller suggested a garden area around the sign. He stated that it would really perk up the landscaping and improve the view of the sign. Mr. Moore confirmed that there is a planting project identified for this area that would take place next year. He explained that the Committee would be involved in the Adopt a Park Sign program and would be involved in planting the area. He stated that each park would adopt their sign noting that a half moon area would be used to landscape around the signs with perennial flowers. 10. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Mr. Moore stated that the following items would be included as agenda items for the next PTRC meeting in October: . Band shell Update . Cummings Park Shelter Update . Perry Park Shelter Update . Mr. Moore reminded the Committee that phase II of the Buckthorn removal has been scheduled for October 25, 2003. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 11 of 11 . Chair Straumann stated that he would not be in attendance at the November 2003 PTRC meeting. 11. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Crassweller, motioned, Committee Member Henry seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . .