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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-04 PTRC Minutes ~ . ~HILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2004 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the January 27,2004 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Jim Crassweller, Don Messerly, Rich Straumann, Roberta Thompson, Joanie Werner and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Brenda Holden, Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA . The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve December 16, 2003 Minutes Chair Henry stated that he had one correction. He referenced Item 7 - Other Items for Discussion - second paragraph, second line states 'Residents have asked if it is possible to fence this area to use as a dog park.' It should state 'Residents have asked if it is possible to fence Lindey's Triangle Park to use as a dog park.' MOTION: Committee Member Zilmer motioned, seconded by Committee Member Messerly to approve the December 16, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Holden provided the Committee with a City Council update: . Council received and reviewed a letter from Charlie recommending a dog park outside of City Hall. . l\EarthlAdminlCommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutesI2004101-27-04 Minutes.doc Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes January 27, 2004 Page 2 of8 . . Council approved $50,000 in funding for repairs to the City Hall building that includes the HV AC system and mold removal. The City will recoup the dollars through a lawsuit that will be filed. . Council passed the goals and vision statement for TCAAP. . Approved two contracts dealing with infrastructure issues - Elders and Associates for impact and analysis and Kennedy and Graven for public data privacy issues. . Discussed the gateway entrance signs. Council has requested clarification of the height and asked that the Planning Commission and PTRC meet to discuss the options and make a recommendation for Council to consider. . Authorized the County Road E pedestrian improvements that will include the bridge and the trail leading up to the bridge. . Council approved the first payment for Perry Park Field improvements. . Reviewed City Staff personnel changes with the Committee. Chair Henry asked if any decisions had been made with respect to the designs for the gateway entrance signs. Council Liaison Holden stated that no decisions have been made yet. She provided the Committee with a packet of design ideas for their review. . 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: . Received some bad news from the County regarding the underpass at Tony Schmidt Park. He stated that he spoke with Larry Holmberg and was informed that there are some issues with the railroad with respect to who would build, the County Architect or the railroad. . Right-of-way issues have developed noting that the railroad is now asking for more money. The City is in the process of applying for a grant noting that there is no guaranty that they will receive it. It appears that the project will be delayed and may not be completed in 2004 unless the City receives the grant money. He noted that Rich Straumann is on the Committee and will keep the Park Committee informed of the progress. . Parks Department received a $16,000 donation from the Russian Orthodox Church Charitable Gambling Fund. . Parks and Recreation received a $4,000 donation also from the Charitable Gambling Fund. The donation has been split, $2,000 will be included in the Park Fund and $2,000 will be included in the Recreation General Fund. . . City Council has given the go ahead for a feasibility study on the Bridge/Trail project. He noted that the study is already done and will be presented to City Council at the February Arden Hill, Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes January 27, 2004 Page 3 of8 . 9th City Council meeting. He stated that they would present the Council with 3 options to consider: 0 Keep the bridge, place the trail and extend the sidewalk going towards the center lane, with handrails. 0 Lay additional steel beams along the side/edge of the bridge with a six-foot option for the trail. 0 Cantileving and adding additional archway including street lighting or the installation of outlets and electrical connections for future use. This would be the most expensive option ofthe three. He noted that handrail decorations would also be included in their proposal. He explained that any of the three options would allow them to place a safe, standard trail connection. He stated that if the proposal is approved they would hold neighborhood meetings to educate and inform the residents. He stated that they would also include information on the City Website and Cable TV, as this would have a very large impact on the neighborhoods and the overall community. . Mr. Moore reviewed the route of the trail and the connections with the Committee. He explained that this is a part of their long-range goal and is included as a part ofthe pavement management project. He noted that it would be a clearly marked, designated trail that would be completed over the next five years. . Requested that the City Engineer review the bridge to determine the possibility of placing a trail under the bridge on Old Highway 10 near Bethel College. He explained that they have asked the City Engineer to determine potential creative solutions that would address the weight bearing and safety concerns. He noted that they would also require approval from the railroad, Canadian Pacific. Committee Member Thompson expressed concerns and asked if all aspects of safety would be addressed. She stated that she is concerned because this bridge has already been identified as a safety risk and asked if the safety issues could be used as possible leverage in working with the railroad. She suggested that Mr. Moore discuss the possibilities with the City Attorney. Mr. Moore acknowledged her concerns stating that he has not had an opportunity to discuss these issues with the City Attomey. He stated that he would have discussions with the insurance company to clarify any liability issues and also discuss these options with Staff and the City Administrator to determine if it warrants further discussion with . the City Attorney. He stated that he would keep the Committee informed of their progress on this issue. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Jauuary 27,2004 Page 4 of8 . . Scheduled a joint Planning Commission/PTRC meeting in July 2004 at the annual picnic. Stated that the intent of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for each group to get to know each other and to discuss inclusion ofthe PTRC in the review process for new construction projects that would impact parks and trails. . Installation of the gateway monument signs will be a joint effort between the PTRC and the Planning Commission. . Has received a large amount of phone cal1s from the Eagle Scouts with respect to 2004 projects. He noted that the Eagle Scouts would be involved in the spring flower plantings, installing birdhouses and wood duck houses throughout the City. He stated that the Eagle Scouts would be involved in a large number of projects this year noting that their support and assistance is very welcome and appreciated. Chair Henry suggested that the PTRC meet with the Russian Orthodox Church to personally thank them for their donation. Mr. Moore agreed stating that he would coordinate the meeting for the Committee. A. Perry Park . Staff will be meeting with the HCM Architect next Tuesday, February 3,2004 to discuss . the results of the soil tests, water/sewer and surveys to determine the possibility of building. Once confirmation is received that it is ok to build they will then begin to move forward with the planning and design process. . Funds have been allocated for improvements for a trail connection from Swamp Lift Road up to Perry Park. The trail will connect the Chatham and Perry Park neighborhoods. B. Cumminl!s Park Update . The City has not taken possession of the warming house building yet. Possibly take possession in the spring. . Minimal work has been done due to the weather. . The ADA proposal for the bathrooms has been rejected and is now being reviewed. . Flooded the ice rink and have received a large amount of positive response from the residents. City Hall has received several very positive calls regarding the rink. . Received a call from Patrick Krenn stating that the neighborhood no long wants the hockey boards. Mr. Moore has requested this in writing from the neighborhood group and that he has informed them that a neighborhood meeting would have to be held to discuss the issues. . Future meetings with the neighborhood are to be scheduled to discuss the issues. . . Staff would be mailing to the neighborhood and will take great care in deciding if the boards are to be installed again next year as it is a very expensive project. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 27,2004 Page 5 of8 . Tom Moore - Recreation Uodate Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Recreation activities. He reviewed the following items: . All ice rinks are up and running. Attendance has been very good at all rinks. . The City will be installing benches at the halfway point to Crassweller's Curve. He reviewed the project with the Committee. 5. MIKE WOLF, CHAIR OF THE ROSEVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Chair Henry introduced Mr. Wolf and the Roseville Historical Society to the PTRC. He noted that the following members were present with Mr. Wolfe: Edna Resner, Eugene Richter, Roger Wright and Curt Gunard. He explained that a couple of meetings back, he had mentioned the wonderful job the Rosevi11e Historical Society has done with their Heritage Trail project. He stated that he is interested in knowing why they decided to do the project and learn about their successes. . Mr. Wolf provided the Committee with an overview of the Heritage Trail's history. He noted that the Heritage Trail was established in 1976 as a commemoration ofthe Bi-Centennial. He stated that the original map included 24 properties and has since grown to include 52 properties in the Roseville area. He reviewed the revision process and criteria with the Committee noting that the newly created brochure now includes before and after photographs ofthe various homes along the trail. He stated that they worked hard to keep the costs of the brochure to a minimum and provide them for sale to the public for $2. He stated that the brochure includes a historical background of each building and a fold out map for use when traveling along the trail. He stated that they also created a larger map of the trail that includes descriptions ofthe properties on the back of the map. He explained that they are an all-volunteer organization noting that their costs do not include man-hours. He stated that they would be receiving some assistance from the City to install the signs for each property. He stated that the overall costs for the project came to $7,500 and reviewed the breakdown with the Committee, which included the property signs - $ 1600; printed 300 brochures - $5,100 and 1,000 maps at $1,000. He indicated that they developed their own brochure utilizing Adobe PageMaker. He stated that for the next edition they would probably try to find someone who could produce the brochure as it does take considerable time and effort to put it together. He noted that each property would have a designated sign installed, unless the homeowner specifically does not want a sign on their property. He stated that the signs are the homeowners' option and not required. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Miuutes January 27,2004 Page 6 of8 . Chair Henry asked what kind of response they have received from the brochure and maps. Mr. Wolf stated that they have received a very good response from the community noting that they have already sold approximately 500 brochures. Edna Resner provided the Committee with an overview of the process the Historical Society took in developing the brochure and map. She noted that one of their best resources was from a book written by Sam Friedenberg that included a list of all the homes in Roseville that had been built prior to 1920. She explained that the Committee then determined the criteria used for homes and structures that would be considered for the brochure and forwarded copies to the homeowners located on the old trail. She stated that they also included homes not on the trail but fit the criteria for inclusion. Ms. Resner reviewed the criteria with the Committee noting that it included any unusual architectural materials, original heating and plumbing, family histories and folklore and any connections between the current homeowners and the original families who owned the home. She noted that the Committee also viewed the homes, took pictures and interviewed the homeowners for the historical perspectives. Chair Henry noted that the brochure included 52 homes in the Roseville area and asked what their target number was for inclusion. Ms. Resner stated that they had 100 homes that were . reviewed and narrowed down to the 52 currently identified on the map. She stated that they have also included two of the original churches in the area and have also considered identifying original businesses in the area for future printings. Chair Henry asked if they have any pre-settlement information on the area. Mr. Wolfe stated that presently they do not have any pre-settlement infornlation other than what they have for the original Gibbs Farm. Mr. Wolf stated that they presently do not have a process in place that assists them in determining historical value versus building and construction values. Chair Henry asked if they have any 'lessons learned' that they would like to share with the Committee. Mr. Wolf suggested, based on lessons learned, that if the Committee is considering a similar project that they include a review of the businesses of the area; hire someone to create the brochure and maps; be sure to ask the homeowners where they want the designation signs, installed; and acquire City Council approval. Chair Henry stated that they have created a wonderful model for other Communities to consider. He commended them on a job well done. He noted that the Roseville Historical Society has . recently implemented classes to educate tile Community on the Heritage Trail. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Miuutes January 27, 2004 Page 7 of8 , Mr. Wolf stated that the newly created program was recently presented to the local Lions organization and was very well received. He stated that it is their intent to present the program to students to help create and encourage more community involvement. He indicated that they have also created a program on the early schools in Roseville and the Society has also recommended creating a program that would include the trails. He stated that they have also included the information on their web site. Mr. Wolf provided the Committee with copies of their brochure and map noting that the Historical Society would be presenting their program at the Fairview Community Center on February 16, 2004. He reviewed the various activities the Society sponsors throughout the year with the Committee. Chair Henry asked Committee Member Messerly to track down the information from the 50th Anniversary to include as a part of their information gathering process. Chair Henry asked if the City Council would be interested in discussing the possibility of identifying historical sites within the City of Arden Hills. He suggested that the Committee consider this as an action item for discussion at a future PTRC meeting. He thanked Mr. Wolf and the Historical Society Committee for their time and for sharing their information with the Committee. . 6. YEAR IN REVIEW Mr. Moore explained that this is an Internal Staffing Project and reviewed the criteria with the Committee. He stated that Staff is required to list their previous year accomplishments and their goals for the coming year. He stated that he would provide the Committee with a recap of the City's perspective of what was accomplished in 2003 and the identified goals for 2004 at the FebruaryPTRC meeting. 7. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Committee Member Messerly complimented the Operations & Maintenance staff on the great job they have done in maintaining the City's ice rinks. Mr. Moore stated that he has received several calls from residents complimenting the City Staff on their maintenance of the trails for the winter season. Committee Member Straumann referenced the Trail Map stating that Ramsey County is currently working to develop a trail map for the Ramsey County area. 8. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . . Ramsey County Trail Map Project -- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Miuutes January 27,2004 Page80f8 . . Year in Review . Historical Sites in the City of Arden Hills . Lindey's Park and Trail Connections Mr. Moore suggested approaching Lindey's Park ideas at the neighborhood meetings. He stated that this would be a prime opportunity to work with the neighborhoods. He stated that City Council would review the Feasibility Study on February 9,2004 and the neighborhood meetings are scheduled for the March 2004 timeframe. He stated that City Staff and the URS would work together to develop a PowerPoint presentation for the neighborhood meetings on Lindey's Park. 9. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Thompson motioned, Committee Member Zilmer seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . . .----