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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-29-03 PTRC Minutes ~ . ~~HILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2003, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Straumann called the October 29,2003 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:04 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann, Committee Members, Don Messerly, Roberta Thompson, and Joanie Werner. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Council Liaison, David Grant; Jerry Hagen, HCM, Tim McIlwain, HCM and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. . MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Member Jim Crassweller, Bill Henry and Steve Zilmer. 2. INTRODUCE NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR - MICHELLE WOLFE Mr. Moore introduced City Administrator Wolfe. City Administrator Wolfe stated that she has reviewed the projects the Committee has been involved with and acknowledged the great job they have been doing with the park upgrades and improvements. She encouraged them to continue moving forward, adding that she is looking forward to working with them in the future. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve September 23,2003 Minutes Chair Straumann referenced page 3 line 39 and page 4, lines 3 &13, 'Kraypo Park' should be spelled 'Crepeau Park' . . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Corrnnittee Meeting Minutes October 29, 2003 Page 2 of8 . Ms. Olson referenced page 2, line 3 reads 'Commission' should be 'Committee'. She referenced page 6, line 4 states 'Special Events Planner' should be 'Fall Program Instructors'. She referenced page 10, line 22, 'Lynde' should be spelled 'Lindey'. MOTION: Committee Member Thompson motioned, seconded by Committee Member Werner to approve the September 23, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 4. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Grant provided the Commission with the following update: . Council has held four Neighborhood Meetings throughout the City, noting that the last meeting, held on October 28th sparked an interest in the trail system. He stated that the residents would like a trail access or overpass along Hamline Avenue to Floral Park. Committee Member Thompson noted that the County recently installed a paved path, with a median, at Tony Schmidt Park. She suggested installing flashers at the crossing. . He noted that there was considerable discussion regarding traffic issues in Arden Hills. . He noted that the majority of their concerns addressed speed and congestion and reviewed with the Committee. . He stated that North Heights Lutheran Church wants an addition for a 4000-seat sanctuary. He explained that they would use the sanctuary for events such as the Passion Play and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that the facility would require a considerable amount of parking and would eliminate a portion of their treed areas. . He stated that Lexington Avenue would be completed in 2005. He reviewed the project with the Committee noting that a public meeting would be held either November 6th or 7th to discuss issues and concerns with the residents. He noted that one of their biggest questions is the installation of a median. He explained that if they install a median they would have to remove two of the turn spaces and reviewed the locations with the Committee. . He stated that they are moving forward with the 2004 PMP project. He referenced the Edgerton area noting that the majority of the sewer and water system in that area is non- standard and very old. He reviewed the area with the Committee noting that they did consider vacating some of the roads. He explained that they would not be able to vacate due to several issues and reviewed with the Committee. . City Council authorized the purchase of a new Ford F-250 for the Public Works Department to replace a truck recently lost due to an accident. . He stated that the Karth Lake extension was approved and reviewed with the Committee. He reviewed the budget and costs noting that the City would be responsible for the . engineering costs. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Conunittee Meeting Minutes October 29, 2003 Page 3 of8 . He reviewed the goals ofthe TCAAP project. He reviewed the Advisory Committee . presentation to Council and reviewed Council concerns with the Committee. He stated that the proposal has been sent back to Staff for further refinement. . He stated that Staff is continuing to work through the hiring process for the Finance Director position. He stated that they are presently working to narrow the candidate pool down to three candidates, noting that nine of the applications received have previous City finance background. . He referenced the Neighborhood Meetings recently held, stating that residents also expressed interest in Welcome Signs for the City of Arden Hills. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee should be involved in the recommendation for design noting that the City has a considerable amount of brick available that matches the City Hall building. He noted that they have right-of-way access for several developments that could be considered for the signage and reviewed the locations with the Committee. He suggested that the Committee include tile Welcome Signs for future work projects. . City Council approved the Master Plan for the Ramsey County Maintenance Facility and the Sheriffs addition. He explained that the two facilities would be financed separately but both would fall under Operations and Maintenance as one facility. He reviewed the project with the Committee. . He stated that the Library was before Council for consideration. He confirmed that the Library is scheduled to close January 1,2004. He further clarified that the Library would . not be open in 2004. He stated that the Ramsey County Commissioners would consider the issues and funding for the Library on Thursday, November 6,2003. He stated that City Council has expressed a strong interest to the County in keeping a Library in Arden Hills. Committee Member Werner stated that they would begin taking testimony on Monday, November 3,2003 at 8:30 a.ill. at the Ramsey County Courthouse located in downtown St. Paul. She stated that if an individual is interested in providing testimony that they would have to call ahead for an appointment. 5. 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 stated that work has started for the improvements at Perry Park noting that they are approximately 60% complete. . He reviewed the Buck Thorn removal with the Committee noting that residents and neighborhoods have been getting together to cover their respective areas. He stated that . the help they have received from the residents has helped tremendously noting that they are averaging four to five pickups a week. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Conunittee Meeting Miuutes October 29, 2003 Page 4 of 8 . He stated that they had an Eagle Scout Troop assisting with the Buck Thorn removal at . Crepeau Park last Sunday noting that they are planning to comeback for a second phase on Saturday, November 8, 2003. . He stated that they did a final sweep of all trails and removed leaves in preparation for the winter season. . Fall fertilizing is completed adding that they did the final weed and feed for the year. He reviewed the areas with the Committee. . The insect infestation affecting all Arden Hills parks has been addressed and completed. 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 Winter Recreation Guide is complete and would be available next week. . The hiring process for rink attendants has begun. . The planning process has begun for the 'Celebrating Arden Hills' summer event. She explained that coordination of the event would be managed intemally by Staff and reviewed the process with the Committee. . . She stated that the after school programs are going very well, noting that they will begin special events for winter season in December 2003. 6. CUMMINGS PARK FACILITY UPDATE Michelle Olson provided the Committee with an update on the progress for the Cummings Park facility. She reviewed the following issues with the Committee: . Anticipate completion by November 15, 2003. . Presently working on the outside block noting that the brick is above the doors and they have the wood ready for the ceiling and roof. She stated that the bricks being used are very similar in style and appearance to what was used at Tony Schmidt Park. . Noted that the building would have two furnaces. She reviewed the locations and function with the Committee. . She stated that one light post had to be removed and would be replaced in a new location. She stated that the controls for lighting would be located inside the building and reviewed locations for outlets and fixtures with the Committee. . Door frames are in. . She stated that they would probably be able to place the boards for the hockey rink noting that they would have to take into consideration the timeframe for completion and the weather. She clarified that installation of the boards would be contingent on the weather . adding that ifthey are not able to place the boards that they could possible create a pleasure rink for this season. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 29, 2003 Page 5 of 8 . She stated that they plan to enlarge the soccer fields when they begin the installation of . the irrigation system. She reviewed with the Committee noting that the irrigation system is badly needed. She stated that the expansion of tile fields could be done in-house and reviewed with the Committee. . Mr. Moore reviewed the plumbing and irrigation infrastructure with the Committee. . Ms. Olson stated that the building would have sensor lighting around the exterior of the building and reviewed with the Committee. Committee Member Thompson noted that when the park is completed that it would be a great showcase to help gain further support for future park upgrades. Committee Member Messerly stated that the residents were very clear that they do not want a pleasure rink. He stated that the rinks were part of a discussion at one of the Town Meetings and that they were very clear they only want a hockey rink. 7. PERRY PARK SCHEDULED IMPROVEMENTS - JERRY HAGEN, TIM MCILWAIN, HCM. Tim McIlwain, HCM representative provided the Committee with an update on the proposed Perry Park improvements. He noted that the initial presentation was provided to the Committee . in 2002 addressing five parks in the Arden Hills area. He provided the Committee with a brief review ofthe overlay ofthe proposed location for the building noting that the diagram provides a conceptual example ofthe structure. He reviewed the site diagram with the Committee noting the locations for parking, grass areas and trail connections. Mr. McIlwain reviewed the site views from each area of the building with the Committee. He stated that there would be excellent views of the ball fields, grass areas, park and play structures. He stated that this would cover the picnic area, concession stands, the two restrooms and the storage and mechanics room. He noted that the most important issues that would be addressed would be the direct access points and visibility in addition to parking. He reviewed the concession space and kitchen areas noting that the kitchens would include lockdown shutters. He reviewed the architectural style noting that they have integrated the prairie style architecture preferred by the Committee. He stated that the building structure would provide a large amount of seating space that would include the patio areas, picnic areas and inside building space. He explained that the building layout was designed to provide a more direct access to the restrooms noting that the location of the restrooms would provide the least amount of disruption to anyone area. . He provided the Committee with an overview ofthe cost estimates noting that with the new layout design they were able to meet the $350,000 budget cap for tile proposed project. -- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Conunittee Meeting Minutes October 29, 2003 Page 6 of8 . Ms. Olson asked if they had considered flipping the building 90 degrees to provide better views of both fields. She stated that this would provide better view from both sides of the structure and also from the picnic area. Mr. Hagen acknowledged her suggestion noting that the proposed scheme would provide a larger presence for the building. He explained that if they were to flip the building, as suggested, it would limit the view of the building by placing it further back into the park. Mr. McIlwain suggested waiting until the survey has been completed before making any decisions on where the building would be located. He also noted that if they flip the building it would place the restrooms at the back of the building, which would make the restrooms more difficult to access. Chair Straumann suggested moving the grills and patio area forward to provide a better view of all four fields. Mr. McIlwain reviewed the proposed project schedule with the Committee stating that work could begin as early as mid-November with the intent to be completed by the first part of March 2004. He noted that the park would probably not be very functional next year adding that their goal would be to have the park fully operational by 2005. Mr. Moore stated that this timeframe fits with what the City was planning. Mr. Moore stated that he would contact URS to initiate the request for survey and borings. He . noted that he was told the hill in the park was originally created with clean fill brought in from Minneapolis and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that Staff would communicate with HCM for the next review adding that he would be their main point of contact for the project. 8. MEMBERSHIP FOR PTRC 2004 Mr. Moore stated that City Administrator Wolfe has asked Staff to provide her with an update on the membership for Committees and Commission for 2004. He explained that she would like to get a feel for the expected participation and how they go about their renewal process for membership. Chair Straumann stated that he would be willing to serve as Chair for the Committee for another year. He suggested Committee Member Henry for a Vice Chair position. Committee Member Thompson stated that she would like to remain an active member of the Committee for 2004. Committee Member Werner stated that she would like to remain an active member of the Committee for 2004. Mr. Moore stated that he would issue an email to all Committee Members polling their interest . for membership in 2004 and that he would formalize a response for City Administrator Wolfe. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 29,2003 Page 70[8 . 9. GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Liaison Grant reviewed the County work and National Park service work with the Committee. He stated that the City supports both transfers. Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update of the band shell, noting that they have not yet received a responsc back from Guidant regarding the $1 million. He stated that he would provide the Committee with an update when they receive further clarification from Guidant. Mr. Moore stated that they received estimates for the cost to pick up and transport the existing warming house to Freeway Park. He stated that the estimated cost for the transport would be approximately $4500. He stated that they would bring this issue up again for discussion in the Spring 2004. Chair Straumann asked if they knew what it would cost to rent a facility for Freeway Park. Mr. Moore stated that they are in the process of getting estimates noting that it would cost approximately $3-5,000 for tile winter season. Mr. Moore reviewed the rental options with the Committee noting that it would only be used for the winter seasons. Chair Straumann noted that the trail is now in along Highway 96. He stated that Hamline trail is . also in adding that both would be added to the map. Chair Straumann requested a status on County Road E. Mr. Moore updated the Committee noting that they are waiting for the plans. He stated that the proposal is waiting to be reviewed by City Council and that he would update the Committee further once they have had an opportunity to review. 10. Next Meeting Agenda Mr. Moorc stated that the following items would be included as agenda items for the next PTRC meeting in October: . Band shell Update - if information has been received from Guidant. . Cummings Park Shelter Update . Perry Park Shelter Update . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 29,2003 Page 8 0[8 ~ ADJOURNMENT The Committee agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . -