Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-04 PTRC Minutes ~ . ~~LLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2004 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the April 27, 2004 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Rich Straumann, Roberta Thompson and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Operations and Maintenance; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; Brenda Holden, City Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Jim Crassweller, Don Messerly and Joani . Werner. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve March 23, 2004 Minutes Chair Henry suggested that they no longer include resident's/individual's names in the minutes. He stated that he did not think it was a good idea. Chair Henry referenced page four noting that they do not use plexi-glass for hockey boards. He referenced page six stating that it should read 'Tony Schmidt underpass as opposed to overpass. MOTION: Committee Member Straumann motioned, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer to approve the March 23,2004 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE . Council Liaison Holden provided the Committee with the following update: Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 27, 2004 Page 2 of? . . City Council authorized the recruitment process for the Civil Engineer and Assistant City Administrator position. . Named the new Community Development Director . Approved the use of credit cards for the collection of City fees. . Reviewed the 5-year project schedule for pavement management. . Rewarded the street sign contract. Installation of all signs will be completed by August. . Discussed what the City should do to dispose of the old street signs. Considering a possible auction or sale to the general public. The City is open for suggestions. Ms. Olson noted that Aaron's last day would be Thursday. She explained that he resigned to accept a position as the new City Administrator in Crookston, Minnesota. Chair Henry asked for clarification as to what the new Community Development Director would be responsible for. Ms. Olson clarified that the position manages anything involving planning and economic development projects. 4. 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: A. PerrY Park . City Council approved the plans. . Authorized advertisement and attaining bids for the pavilion at Perry Park. . Ads will be placed next week. . Council approved the field improvements for Fields 1 and 2 at Perry Park. The improvements include placing outfield and control fences. He noted that the work is already completed. B. Cummings Park . Getting closer to getting a punchlist developed. . Working on outside turf and the A V A trail from the south parking lot directly to the warming house. . Expect to take possession of the facility shortly. . Reviewed projects costs noting that the final cost would be approximately $500,000. He noted that a portion of the construction costs were due to the heating requirements for the building. He stated that they installed two furnaces. . l\Earth\AdminICornmitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2004104-27-04 Minutes.doc -- -------- Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 27, 2004 Page 3 of? . C. County Road E/Bridge & Trail . Second neighborhood meeting will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2004, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. . Encouraged the Committee to attend and be available for questions. . Reviewed responses received noting he has received 7 emails and 4 phone calls, all with overwhelming support of the project, which has been passed on to the Mayor and City Council . Mailing went out last week. . Completed the study for an alternative route in addition to other studies, which will be covered at the meeting. . Reviewed the project funding noting that the State Aid Fund is statewide in its' purpose and is funded by the State gas tax. He clarified that it is not dollars taken from an individual's tax dollar noting that the state only uses the funds for specific road projects within the state. . Council approved the Feasibility Study for Old 10 and the Railroad Bridge. First phase will involve a structural engineer who will determine if the project will even happen. He stated that if approved, costs would be approximately $35,000.00. D. General Parks Update . . Staff has been out grooming the trails. All paved trails have been swept and wood chips will be put down when the ground dries. . Found the two stolen park signs from Royal Hills Park and Floral Park. Reviewed with the Committee. . Staff will be weeding, aerating and fertilizing next week. . Noted that the street projects are getting closer to being finalized. Trying to blend in with the trail connections. . Red Fox/Gray Fox Commercial area is tentatively scheduled for 2005. . Ridgewood Seams Court area is scheduled for 2006 . Glen Hill with a trail out of Glen Hill to the Northwestern connection, is scheduled for 2007 . Chatham mill overlay is scheduled for 2008 . Snelling A venue and a tie in with County Road E trail and possible hookup with Glen Hill are scheduled for 2009. . He noted that the commercial area would probably be done next year. Projects could be moved up depending on findings from the PCI (Pavement Condition Index). . Received the totals for the plantings from the Ramsey County Friends of the Park. He stated that they have a total of 17 trees and shrubs to plant this year. . Reviewed the trees noting - 7-lilac bushes (5 from the PTRC); 8-oak (7 donated by City Council Member Larson); 1 weeping willow from City Council Member Rem in addition to two lilacs. . . Stated this is the lowest number oftrees they have received noting that last year they received over 30 trees and shrubs. \\EarthlAdmin\CommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2004\04-27-04 Miuutes.doc Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 27, 2004 Page 4 of? . . Plan to pick up the trees and shrubs on May 3rd and distribute throughout City. Council Liaison Holden noted that a portion of the project is tied to the runoff into the lakes and sewer and would be dependent upon the CPr. Committee Member Thompson noted that in the last newsletter the Mayor had questions regarding a dog run. She asked if the City has received any responses. Mr. Moore stated that they did receive emails expressing an interest for a dog run at Lindey's Park. He stated that the email was forwarded to the Mayor. Michelle Olson - Recreation Update Ms. Olson provided the Committee with following update: . Easter Egg Hunt was a success noting that Council Liaison Holden helped out considerably. . Used the new facility at Cummings Park for the event. . Noted that the facility is close to being done. Stated that it looks really nice adding that the residents complimented the building. She noted that she has received five calls from people who already want to make reservations. . Building will not be ready for rental until the June timeframe. . . Building area needs to be deep cleaned and landscaped. . Adult Softball starts tonight. . Have made huge strides in repairing the fields at Perry Park. Drainage is better due to repairs done last fall. . Fencing is almost completed. . Picnic structure will really add to the park and improvements will offer residents more opportunity for picnics and activities. Ms. Olson stated that Softball and Baseball Associations are coming, more frequently, to the City requesting more and more fields each year. She explained that Staff is trying to determine the best way to address the demand noting that part of their resolution is to conduct a survey to determine what surrounding Cities are doing to manage the demand. She further explained that it takes a lot of work and staff to maintain the fields noting that the Associations do not pay for any of the maintenance or for use of the fields. She stated that it appears that most Cities are charging the Associations for the use of their fields noting that the City is not for or against them using the fields. She stated that the survey is part of the process the Staff would like to pursue to try and determine the best way to manage the use of the fields. She noted that Perry Park Field #4, which was a contribution from the Little League, has not had the necessary improvements and is in dire need of repair. She stated that they do not want to spend a significant amount of money for the improvements adding that they approached the . Associations for possible contributions. She explained that the Associations are currently using the field as a practice field and Staff is now finding that they are requesting the nicer fields for \\Earth\Adnriu\CommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2004\04-27-04 Minutes.doc Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meetiug Minutes April 27, 2004 Page 5 of? . their games. She stated that they want to help the Associations and encourage their continued use of the parks but they also want the fields to be available for use by the Community. She stated that there is a real need to evaluate their use and determine a fee for use as it is a lot of work to maintain the fields and the need for maintenance is growing every year. Ms. Olson reviewed the Associations use of the fields with the Committee noting that the Shoreview/Babe Ruth Association has been very fair about it up to this point. She stated that they would like to continue working with the Associations to provide fields for their games noting that it is becoming more difficult without contributed funding. Mr. Moore stated that they would come to the Committee in June with the results of the survey. He stated that they plan to approach City Council with the results and their recommendation at the July work session adding that they plan to give the Associations a one-year notice ofthe change. 0 Celebrating Arden Hills is fast approaching. She asked the PTRC ifthey would prefer to have their own booth or share a booth and be available to volunteer for various events. The Committee agreed to share a booth and be available to assist at various events. 0 The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 26,2004,3:00 p.m. to dusk. 0 Derrek Hames is designing the poster again this year. Hope to have it ready and . completed by the end ofthis week. 0 Asked for volunteers to help posting at the various businesses. 0 Asked for assistance in selling tickets. Stated that she has to have a commitment to sell the tickets and have the tickets and money returned by the required deadline. She explained that the deadline is necessary in order for them to get an accurate count for the number oftickets actually sold. 0 Tickets will be numbered to track who has what. 0 There will be a drawing associated to ticket. The drawing will be at 8:00 p.m. noting that the holder does not have to be present to win. 0 Reviewed the evening schedule with the Committee. 5. TRAIL CONNECTIONS - OLD SNELLING; CUMMINGS LANE; OVER 51; HAMLINE TRAIL; CREPEAU PARK Mr. Moore stated they have a potential project, two years down road, which would involve a trail along Old Snelling, Cummings Lane, over 51, Hamline Trail and Crepeau Park. He reviewed the trail connections with the Committee noting that they are close to getting it to work with MSI to connect from Tony Schmidt Park to Crepeau Park. He stated that this project would be a wonderful opportunity to eliminate residential barriers and provide a safe passage over Old Snelling. He provided the Committee with an overview of the route noting that it would definitely be a . project worth exploring noting that it would not cost anything to consider. He explained that the City has a certain number of dedicated hours from the Engineer noting that they could include the \\Earth\Adnriu\Committees\Parks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2004\04-27-04 Minutes.doc Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 27, 2004 Page 6 of? . study as a part of his retaining fee. He stated that they are also considering a hookup around Northwestern and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that the project has huge possibilities and offers the opportunity to open Ingerson Park to the Edgewater neighborhood. Committee Member Thompson asked Mr. Moore to clarify how residents would get over Snelling A venue. Mr. Moore explained that there would be an overpass that would be used as a pedestrian\bicycle bridge. He further explained that it would depend upon the PMP project along Old Snelling noting that they could begin the education process for this project in an effort to allocate funding. He stated that it would be a great loop that would provide access to the various parks in the area. Committee Member Thompson referenced the Lake Johanna area noting past discussions and the lack of interest in improving County Road E. She expressed concerns stating that it is her hope that the studies will not be used jttst to show the level oftraffic that is expected. Mr. Moore agreed noting that the Lake Johanna residents have also expressed their support. Committee Member Thompson stated that the residents want their concerns regarding safety in this area to be known. She stated that if the bridge area were expanded the residents would be more willing to use it. . Chair Henry clarified that they are presently waiting to hear if the DNR is approving the grant application submitted for the Tony Schmidt Bridge. Mr. Moore clarified the issues and discussions he had with the railroad with the Committee. He confirmed that they are supposed to find out shortly if they have DNR $100,000 joint grant for this project. He stated that if they receive the funds, Ramsey County would purchase 14-acres north of railroad embankment. He noted that the railroad has stated that the only way they would sell the land and allow the bridge to be built is iftheir engineering firm, Canadian Pacific, does the work. He stated that Ramsey County does want to do the project noting that they are currently waiting to hear about the funds and the appraisal for the land. He suggested scheduling a meeting with the Ramsey County people to discuss the project. Committee Member Straumann suggested inviting Ramsey County and the Railroad people to the joint PTRC/Planning Commission picnic in July. Chair Henry asked if the underpass is hinging on the $100,000 grant. Mr. Moore stated that is his understanding that it is. Chair Henry clarified that if they had the funds, and the land is available, they would then move forward with the repairs and trail. Chair Henry noted that if the grant is not forthcoming the PTRC should try to determine where the dollars would come from to cover the costs. . \\EarthlAdmin\CommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2004\04-27-04 Minutes.doc Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Miuutes April 27, 2004 Page 7 of? . 6. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Committee Member Straumann stated that he has a scouting tour scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 2004, from 6:30 p.m. to dusk, at City Hall property. He stated that the email just went out with the date and time noting that he is not sure ofthe responses he has received at this time. He suggested a tour for the PTRC at their May 19th joint meeting. He stated that he is trying to schedule some additional daytime and overnight scouting events and reviewed with the Committee. Committee Member Straumann announced the Bird Brain/Dancing Ducks & Geese event scheduled from April 30, 2004 through May 2, 2004. He provided handouts and reviewed the events with the Committee. Committee Member Straumann noted that the National Guard might install fencing again this year and reviewed with the Committee. He stated that a property plan would also be coming up soon and would also include a public hearing. He noted that Ramsey County has also suggested installation of trails inside the National Guard area and reviewed with the Committee. He suggested that the Committee discuss the layout of the trails within the Guard area noting that there is a map available that shows the ten areas under consideration. . Committee Member Zilmer referenced the Hamline Trail up by Cannon stating that the Residents have inquired about the possibility of installing a guardrail along the trail. He stated that they are very concerned about the width of the trail and the potential safety issues it presents. Mr. Moore stated that MnDOT has already reviewed the area noting that guardrails will probably be installed. 7. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . Focus on identifYing five trail connections. . Crepeau north connections 8, ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Thompson motioned, Committee Member Zilmer seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . IIEarthlAdnriulConunitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2004104-27-04 Minutes.doc