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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-04 PTRC Minutes ~ . ~HILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2004 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the February 24,2004 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Jim Crassweller, Don Messerly, Rich Straummlli, Joanie Werner and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director of Operations & Maintenance; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; Brenda Holden, Council Liaison; Tim McIlwain, HCM; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Roberta Thompson . APPRO V AL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve January 27,2004 Minutes Council Liaison Holden clarified that the Council approved the feasibility study. Chair Henry referenced the Parks and Recreation Update and clarified that the third bullet is in reference to the County Road E Bridge and Trail Project. Mr. Moore confirmed that it is. Mr. Moore noted, for the record, that Committee Member Crassweller is in attendance. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer to approve the January 27,2004 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Miuutes February 24,2004 Page 2 of8 . 3. HCM Presentation on Perry Park Picnic Shelter Tim McIlwain, HCM provided the Committee with an update on the Charles Perry Park Shelter as follows: . Received the survey information from URS and reviewed the results with the Committee. . Presently working to integrate the building utilizing the prairie style design for the structure. . Provided the Committee with an overview of the layout and floor plan for the building. . Reviewed the visibility and views from the building. . Reviewed the landscaping noting that there would always be visual eye contact to the playgrounds from the building. Committee Member Crassweller clarified two items, first that the measurements are based on feet and second, that they are proposing to remove a pine trees from the area. Mr. McIlwain confirmed noting that the tree they are proposing to remove is already dead. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member . Zilmer to approve the removal of the dead pine tree at Charles Perry Park. The motion carried unanimously. . Mr. McIlwain indicated that there would be room for eleven picnic tables, noting that the tables would be provided and installed separately by the City. . He referenced the preliminary elevations, stating that they are starting to delineate the materials that were discussed during the master plan phase. He noted that the Committee had indicated that they wanted materials similar to what was used at Tony Schmidt Park but warmer, with a different feel. . He provided the Committee with examples of the bricking and woods that would be used, noting the deep reds. . He stated that they are proposing that the bulk of the building would be done in brick, as well as, the base and utilize the richness of the wood by bringing it into the piers, ceilings and gable ends. . He indicated that the roofwould be a standard, shingled roof in a timberline similar to cedar shake. . He reviewed the service window areas with the Committee. He noted that they would use items such as epoxy floors, paint, and stainless steel for any items that could be damaged or stolen, such as the sinks, toilets and floors. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes February 24,2004 Page 3 of8 . Mr. McIlwain stated what he would like to do, going forward and if the Committee likes what they see, would be to prepare a design development package for Council review and approval. He noted that the packet would include 3-D renderings for the layouts of the park and park building and if approved, provide the construction documents to begin the bid process, with the intent that construction would begin in the spring. Mr. Moore referenced the site plan, A-I, lower left corner, stating that it references the electrical panel. He explained that this is for providing power to the fields. He reviewed the sanitary sewer noting that it would run along tile west side of New Brighton Road and include improvements made at Lift Station 2. He explained that they would do a directional bore from the building, down the hill and into a manhole. He further explained that this option would save a considerable amount of money and reviewed with the Commission. He stated that their goal is to have a trail up from Swamp Lift Road to the park. He stated that the Arden Hills O&M Staff would install the water line adding that with the proposed option they would not have to tear up the parking lot and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that they would create there own fire hydrant in addition to having service to the building that would provide both hot and cold water with drinking fountains outside the building. He noted that all of the electrical lighting would be on automatic, digitally controlled sensors and timers. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member . Messerly to approve and recommend that HCM provide the necessary plans for City Council review and approval. The motion carried unanimously. 4. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Holden provided the Committee with a City Council update: . Council reviewed a presentation from Centex on housing styles. . City is working on several law enforcement issues and reviewed with the Committee. . Council discussed the street signs, noting that the City is looking to place 896 signs, one on each corner. . She stated that she provided Council with the information from the Roseville Historical Society presentation. She stated that they are very open to the idea and reviewed the Council discussion with the Committee. 5. 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 Meetiug Minutes February 24, 2004 Page 4 of8 . A. Bridl!:e on County Road E Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the information packet he presented to Council for their review. He stated that he presented three options to the Council for their consideration, noting that Council decided to move forward with Option B. He explained that Option B involves replacing the existing bridge, the north sidewalk and rail, shift the roadway center line to the north, narrow traffic lanes from IS-feet to 14-feet and construct a 7-foot walkway along the side of bridge. He stated that the estimated costs for the construction would be $80,000. Chair Henry asked how far out the cantilever would be. Mr. Moore stated that the cantilever would go out approximately 13 inches. Mr. Moore reviewed the three options presented with the Committee, noting that currently they have $150,000 in the CIP budget that would more than cover the costs of the project. He reviewed the following with the Committee: . Option B will cost $80,000 . The bituminous trail, west from the Bridge to Lindy's triangle would cost approximately $55,000. . Only item they have not decided on yet is the decorative railing. They will present . options to Council for consideration as they closer to the beginning of the project. . The project has received favorable response from the Council adding that URS will begin to move forward. . He stated that several communications would occur with residents in the area and within the Community. Neighborhood meetings would be scheduled in addition to various mailings to the neighborhood and Community. . Ramsey County has blessed the project, as has MnDOT. . Authorized plans and specifications should be available for bid in April with Construction to begin in August and a projected end date by the beginning of October. Committee Member Crassweller clarified that the traffic lanes would be narrowed from IS-feet down to 14-feet. Mr. Moore confirmed, stating that Ramsey County has approved the proposal. He assured the Committee that it would not greatly affect the traffic flow in the area and reviewed. Chair Henry clarified that the walkway would be elevated and separated by the curb. Mr. Moore confirmed that the curb would separate the walkway from traffic. He noted that they had wanted to install railing along the outside but that it is not a high-speed area and the railing would not be required. He indicated that, depending upon the bid amounts and wbether the City Council and . PTRC approve the final plan, they might consider installing a railing between the walkway and traffic. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes February 24, 2004 Page 5 of8 . Mr. Moore stated that he would keep the Committee updated noting that this is a very positive and huge project for the City as it serves a large number of the surrounding neighborhoods and Communities in addition, with would resolve the safety issues. B. Xcel Enefl!V - Clear Cuttin!! Floral Park & Surroundin!! Area Mr. Moore stated that Xcel Energy would be in the area clear cutting. He reviewed their policies noting that it states that they can clear cut in any of their easements, throughout the State of Minnesota. He indicated that it is their plan to clear cut everything in the easements including any branches from a trees outside the easement that extend out over their easement. He stated that the branches would be cut back to the trunk of the tree. He stated that City Staff and Xcel have walked and talked the area with the homeowners adding that they homeowners are aware that they would be in the area working. He stated that they would also spray a growth retardant within the easement so that nothing will grow in that area. He stated that he wanted the Committee to be aware adding that Floral Park would be impacted significantly by the clearing and reviewed with the Committee. Chair Henry noted that this is the same thing that happened along the Diagonal Trail. Mr. Moore confirmed and reviewed the areas affected with the Committee. . Chair Henry asked if there is anything fairly significant that should be addressed in Floral Park to avoid being cut down. Mr. Moore stated there are some very significant oak trees in the park that they are concerned about and reviewed. He noted that in the past Xce1 Energy did not notify the local government agencies of their plans adding that they are not required to notify the Cities. He stated that the positive news here is that they did notify the City and the affected residents this year. He noted that the negative here is that there is nothing the City can do to stop them from cutting, as it is their property. He noted that Eagle Scout Mathew Hudson would be installing up to twenty- five birdhouses in the park to be used as habitats for the birds. The Committee held a general discussion regarding the possibility of placing a trail in the area. Mr. Moore agreed that it could be a possibility noting that they should keep in mind the number of residents in the area. He eXplained that most of the residents are not used to having trails in the area and the increased foot traffic could be an issue. He suggested that they review the area once the work is completed. Tom Moore - Recreation Update Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on tile Recreation activities. He reviewed the following items: . 2004 tree sale is under way. He reviewed with the Committee and encouraged the Committee, as individuals, to consider a donation. He noted that last year the PTRC . Committee did purchase a tree for the park. He stated that information about the tree sale Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes February 24, 2004 Page 6 of8 . would be included on the City website, Cable TV announcements and in the City Newsletter. . Noted that the Bird Feeding Handbook, a guide on how to feed and recognize various bird species, would be available on the City website. . Reviewed the wetland policies with the Committee noting that the policies would be available on the City website. . He stated that they would also place information regarding buckthorn removal on the City web site. . Winter numbers were very good. Ice rinks were open an additional two weeks. Took the money out of O&M budget as opposed to Recreation. Results were very positive. Spring season is now under way. Committee Member Zilmer referenced the clear cutting in the Floral Park area and asked for further clarification on the effects from the retardant that would be used. Mr. Moore explained that it is used as a growth retardant for the brush and trees. He explained that they do not stump out the trees, they cut them to ground level and utilize the retardant to stop and further growth. 6. YEAR IN REVIEW . Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an overview of the Goals and Accomplishments for the Operations & Maintenance department as follows: . Annual review with URS noting that last year they did a total of twelve projects in the City that included: Cub, Guidant, Highway 96, the Lift Stations, Seal Coating, crack sealed the trails, Ingerson project, Karth Lake East, the extended trail in Hamline, installation of park structures, wood chipped the trails, ADA improvements at Perry Park, installation of approximately one-thousand feet of handrails along trails, the new trail entrance at Old Highway 10, the trail section at Cummings Park, ADA entrance at Floral Park, new trail sections added to Crepeau, six new benches, six new gardens, completed the first year of winter plowing, installed an ice skating trail, increased by 40 the number of buckthorn removals, planted 27 trees and completed several Eagle Scout projects. . Recreation percentage rates have stabilized in the various programs. . Increased to 250 participants over 2002. He stated that the report was also passed on for City Council review adding that it was an incredible year for the City of Arden Hills. Mr. Moore noted that from a CIP perspective they spent $1.5 million over what had been authorized in order to take advantage of the bid process. He stated that the City would have a . budget surplus this year adding that O&M is the cost leader. He explained that it appears that O&M would have the best budget numbers of any department in the City as far as maintaining Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes February 24, 2004 Page 7 of8 . their budgets. He stated that both City Staff and the City Council worked well together to make a truly remarkable year. 7. Rosevil1e Historical Trail Follow-up Committee Member Messerly stated that Tom Mulcahy has a large file of information that could be useful and suggested contacting him. He reviewed stating that it was his intent to put together a historical book but the Committee disbanded before they were able to complete it. He stated that Mr. Mulcahy has indicated that he would be glad to help out and would like to approach the Council to determine what they would like to do. Mr. Moore asked Committee Member Messerly to have Mr. Mulcahy contact him first. He stated that he would like to discuss this with him first before approaching the Council. Committee Member Messerly stated that he would have Mr. Mulcahy get in touch with him first. Chair Henry suggested including narratives that would highlight the various places and enhance the storytelling in the process. 8. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION . Committee Member Crassweller referenced an email he received from Chair Henry. He clarified his understanding noting that the email raised the issue of priorities. He stated that he is happy to see that Council is moving forward on the overpass at Snelling and suggested including trail connections in the Long Term Plan. He stated that one of their most important priorities should be the trail connections. Chair Henry stated that he reviewed the Parks, Trails and the Open Space Plan in an effort to identify two types of trail connections and reviewed with Committee. He suggested that the Committee review his list and recommended plan to determine what else should be included on the list. He stated that the Committee should spend some time discussing the priorities. Committee Member Crassweller agreed stating that he was glad that Chair Henry took the time to develop the list. He agreed that they are discussing the health and welfare of the community adding that he should have the ability to walk or ride his bike within the city without any threat of injury. He stated that this is a very important issue and the Committee should try to determine a way to improve the trail system. Mr. Moore stated that Chair Henry's email was also forwarded to City Council along with the packet for their review. Committee Member Messerly asked if anything has been done with the abandoned trail along 694 and Highway 10. Mr. Moore stated that City Council has discussed this issue in regards to . New Brighton and the bridge repair as a possible connection between Arden Hills and New Brighton. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes February 24, 2004 Page80f8 , Chair Henry urged the Committee to develop a packet of information regarding the trails for City Council to review and consider. 9. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . Trail Improvements List from Chair Henry 10. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Crassweller motioned, Committee Member Zilmer seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver OfJSite Secretarial, Inc. . .