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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-03 PTRC Minutes ~ . ~~HILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2003, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Straumann called the December 16, 2003 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann, Committee Members Bill Henry, Don Messerly, and Roberta Thompson. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; David Grant, Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Jim Crassweller, Joani Werner, and Steve Zilmer. . APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Straumann stated that he had corrections. He stated that he was not in attendance at the November 18, 2003 meeting and the roll call shows that he was. Committee Member Messerly stated he had a correction. He referenced page four, third line from the bottom, should read Dave 'Hamernick' not Dave 'Harnmerneck' Committee Member Henry stated he had corrections. He referenced the Council Update section of the minutes and noted the following corrections: . 3'd Bullet - states 'Coullcil has approved that the charitable gambling donations will automatically be transferred into the Park Fund every year.' It should read 'Council has approved that half of the charitable gambling donations would automatically transfer into the Parks Fund every year.' . 7th Bullet - remove the following sentence 'The trail will loop citizens from Cummings Park to Floral Park.' . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Connnittee Meeting Minutes December 16, 2003 Page 2 of? . Committee Member Henry stated he had a correction. He referenced page 5, Item 6, Perry Park Update noting that 'Guidance' should be 'Guidant Corp.' Ms. Olson stated she had a correction. She referenced page 1, Council Update, reads that Operations and Maintenance Director Moore provided the 'Commission' with an update. It should read Mr. Moore provided the 'Committee' with an update. . Approve November 18, 2003 Minutes MOTION: Committee Member Henry motioned, seconded by Committee Member Messerly to approve the November 18, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Mr. Moore noted that Council Liaison Grant was not available and provided the Committee with an update: . Council approved the 2004 budget. . Council has narrowed the candidate list for the Accountant position down to two . candidates. Final interviews will be done this week. . Arden Hills Maintenance Facility is on task. They will move in to the building in October 2004, as planned. . Held a neighborhood meeting for the Lexington Avenue Project. He stated that 67 residents from both Arden Hills and Shoreview attended the meeting and that this is the first of three meetings to be held on this project. . He stated that the Council is in the process of determining the Council Liaison members for 2004. . Council Liaison Grant reviewed the Council Work Session with the Committee. He noted that the Council has directed Mr. Moore to coordinate the bridgework project and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that the order for the feasibility study would be included on the Consent Agenda for approval at the first City Council meeting in January 2004. 4. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATES Tom Moore - Park Update Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities. He reviewed the following items: . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 16, 2003 Page 3 on . . The City has denied acceptance of the ADA work at Perry Park. He explained that the blacktop is not up to specifications noting that it would be completed in spring 2004. He noted that funds have been held until the work is satisfactorily completed. . Soil borings and samples have been taken for the new warming house facility at Perry Park. He stated that tile results would be available in January 2004. . Started flooding the ice rinks. He stated that they plan to be open Saturday, December 20,2003. . Noted that there would be an ice trail at Valentine Park. . He stated that the Mayor's son, along with two other parents, plan to flood the Indian Oaks Court pond for use as a neighborhood ice rink. He noted that Indian Oaks Court had been a City maintained ice rink at one time stating that the neighborhood plans to shovel and maintain the pond, throughout the season, for use as a neighborhood ice rink. . Stated that he has received several calls for Eagle Scout projects that include plantings, gardens and buckthorn removal. He reviewed the projects with the Committee. . Continue to maintain and plow the trails throughout the City. Stated that the Residents have been very complimentary noting that they have done a great job in maintaining the trails. . Stated that he has received several calls regarding the possibility of a cross-country . ski track. He stated that prescntly they are not sure where they would place a trail like this or how it would be maintained. . Referenced the Celebrating Arden Hills event noting that there would be some changes in the process. He stated that the concept would remain the same as last year noting that it would include a food tent, music by the White Sidewalls and a fireworks display. He stated that City Staff would manage the event noting that they would also be asking Residents to contribute to the process. He stated that he and Ms. Olson would co-chair the event and that they would provide the Committee with monthly updates. . A Feasibility Study for County Road E will be officially ordered by the City Council on the January 12, 2004 Consent Agenda. He stated that this would include gathering the cost factors for the trail and bridgework and reviewed with the Committee. . He explained that they originally thought they would have to widen the bridge and cantilever noting that they found that the bridge itself is significantly wider than both roads that approach the bridge at each end. He explained that the bridge deck would not have to be changed adding that they are going to build a sidewalk out into the roadway area that would match up with County Road E. He stated that the sidewalks would also include newly installed ADA handrails and reviewed with the Committee. . He stated that they plan to hold a neighborhood meeting that would include the Lindey's Triangle and County Road E residents. He stated that they would have to take portions of some of the properties in that area and encouraged PTRC Committee . Members to attend this meeting. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 16, 2003 Page 4 of? . Chair Straumann clarified that the trail would end at Old Snelling. Committee Member Thompson asked if the businesses had been notified along this area. Mr. Moore confirmed that they had been notified and reviewed the process with the Committee. Committee Member Thompson asked if the City has received any calls regarding the snowmobilers in the area. She stated that there has been an increase of usage in her neighborhood and expressed concerns regarding safety. Mr. Moore agreed with her concerns noting that it is illegal to snowmobile in a residential area. He stated that he had not received any calls adding that he would check into it and work with the residents on this issue. Michelle Olson - Recreation Update Ms. Olson provided the Committee with an update on the Recreation activities. She reviewed the following items: . The Breakfast with Santa was held on Sunday, December 14, 2003. She reviewed with the Committee noting that they were very pleased with the turnout. . She just completed the 'Letters from Santa' project. She reviewed with the Committee noting that each letter is personally written and unique to each child and includes a . return address for the North Pole. She stated that the program has grown considerably and that this year she wrote over 60 letters. . Completed the hiring process for the Ice Rink Attendants for the season. She stated that they have IS attendants noting that 8 are returns from last year. . An Ice-Skating Clinic will be held next week over Christmas break. She stated that they have two instructors for the clinic and reviewed with the Committee. . Ice Skating lessons are scheduled to begin January 3, 2004. . After School programs are scheduled to begin January 5,2004. Presently in the hiring process for the program instructors. . Noted that due to the flooding in thc basement area of City Hall the storage area would require reorganization. She reviewed the issues and concerns with the Committee. Committee Member Henry asked if the City Hall building still leaks. Mr. Moore confirmed that they are still having problems noting that they would have to wait until spring to determine the extent. 5. CUMMINGS PARK UPDATE Mr. Moore stated that they did a walkthrough inspection of the Park and provided the Committee with the following update: . -- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 16, 2003 Page 50[7 . . Building looks really nice noting that there is still cosmetic work that needs to be completed. . Approximately two weeks out for the turnover to the City. . Punch list items have been completed. . In process of checking whether the old building is still functional, with power. Stated that they plan to clean the area and use it as a base for the ice rink until the new building is ready. . There will be a Grand Opening Dedication and Ceremony that would include Guidant, City Council and Residents. . He noted that the small soccer field has been tom up and explained that they are installing a pump for Karth Lake. He further explained that the field would be repaired and reviewed the waterline flow with the Committee. 6. PERRY PARK UPDATE Mr. Moore proved the Committee with the following update: . City Staff will meet with HCM, prior to the January Parks Committee meeting, with the intent that HCM will attend the January 2004 meeting. He stated that they would . provide the Committee with an update that would include the soil boring results. . City Council has approved the additional funding at Perry Park in the amount of $50,000. He explained tile plan is to extend the irrigation system and include fencing. . The groundwork will be completed this year noting that it would include the warming house. . The adult softball and baseball fields will be completed and ready in time for the Grand Opening of the Park. 7. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Committee Member Henry requested an update on the Railroad Bridge. Chair Straumann reviewed stating that the funding would come from the State to repair the bridge and trails. He reviewed the process noting that the railroad would design the bridge and repairs according to their own specifications. Committee Member Henry referenced the trail along Highway 51 to Old Snelling noting that the Residents have asked ifit is possible to fence Lindey's Triangle Park to use as a dog park. Mr. Moore stated that they have had a lot of interest in a dog park noting that there is a real issue regarding the parking in this area. He stated that during the neighborhood meetings, held to discuss the Comprehensive Plan, the Residents located directly across from this area clearly stated that they do not want anything but green space for this area. . Committee Member Thompson noted that Ramsey County works with neighborhood groups with respect to the maintenance of the dog parks and reviewed with the Committee. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 16, 2003 Page 6 of? . Ms. Olson and Mr. Moore stated that the City felt this was a good idea and area for the park and noted the concerns expressed by the Residents. He stated that they would revisit this issue again noting that it might be possible to tie the park in financially with the trail and bridgework. He stated that he would get a price quote from Midwest Fencing adding that this would be a great area for a dog park. Chair Straumann provided the Committee with the following update on the Ramsey County Parks: . Ramsey County is working for National Creditation and reviewed with the Committee. . Presently working with the National Park Service on the trail connections in Rice Creek. . Working to put together tours of the area for the Scout Troops and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that they are considering a scout overnight in the area for the May/Junc timeframe. . Stated that they are considering locating a Guard House at the entrance and reviewed with the Committee. . Stated that they are working to set up a Flea Market in the area next summer and reviewed. . . Stated that they have rcceived a complete contamination report of the area planned for development. He stated that he would have more information regarding thc report when the Advisory Panel begins to meet next year. Ms. Olson noted that this is a long-term investment adding that there is some funding that comes Witll Creditation for Park Improvements. Mr. Moore confirmed noting that it does make it easier to get funding in-house. Committee Member Henry suggested considering this area for the annual Arden Hills Celebration. Mr. Moore stated that they would not be able to gain uncontrolled access of the area noting that current times are too sensitive to allow that kind of access for an event. Committee Member Messerly asked for an update on the 50th Anniversary Celebration video and book. Ms. Olson stated that the projects for the video and book have been stalled. She noted that both have been in the works for a long time and explained that due to staffing issues, they are having a difficult time finding someone who could help put the book together. She noted that the book is far from becoming a reality at this point in time adding that the video is closer to being done than the book. Mr. Moore stated that he is working with Mr. Hamernick to set up a TCAP tour in the spring and reviewed with the Committee. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December 16, 2003 Page 7 of7 . 8. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Committee Member Henry referenced Roseville's historical trails stating that he would be interested in inviting someone from the Roseville Historical Society to come and discuss their process. He stated that this would provide Arden Hills with an opportunity to build community relations. Mr. Moore stated that he would contact the Roseville Historical Society to request a contact and set up a schedule for the January, February or March PTRC meeting. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Henry motioned, Committee Member Thompson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. IIEarthlAdminlCommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2003\December 16, 2003.doc . .