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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-04 PTRC Minutes , . ~ . ~HILLS ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETiNG TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2004 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the October 26, 2004 meeting ofthe Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Jim Crassweller, Roberta Thompson, Joani Werner, and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Operations & Maintenance; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; Brenda Holden, City Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording S~cretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Don Messerly and Rich Straumarm. . APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve September 28, 2004 Minutes. MOTION: Committee Member Crasf.weller motioned, seconded by Committee Member Werner to approve the September 28,2004 minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Holden provided the Commission with a brief update on the following Council activities: . Economic Assistance - Reviewing funds for development . TCAAP Interim agreement ended - have a new 6-month extension for the CRR. . Passed a resolution requesting cost sharing with MnDOT for the County Road E Bridge. . Passed a motion calling for the appraisal ofthe old City Hall site. . . Approved a one-year extension for the Chesapeake property PUD. l\EarthlAdminlCommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommittecIMinutes\2004110-26-04 Minutes.doc Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Conunittee Meeting Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 2 of? . . Approved a 5 year CIP Budget . Approved a 50 feet high nitrogen generator for Guidant. Committee Member Crassweller asked in the CIP proposal if any funds were allocated to the Long-tenn Park Plan including trails. Council Liaison Holden stated that funds were allocated for the bridge County Road E; completion ofthe outfield & sideline fences for fields three and four at Perry Park; and trail signs. She stated that no funds were allocated for trails. Chair Henry stated that it is his understanding that the Comprehensive Plan identifies a vision towards which Council governs and asked ifthis is still the vision that the PTRC should be focused on. He referenced the long-term park comp plan stating that recommendations were made by the PTRC for the installation of trails noting that currently they do not have the County Road E trail; there is no trail plarmed with the new development along Highway 96 and Lexington; and no sidewalk along Highway 96. He expressed concerns and asked for clarification as to the purpose for the park plan. He also asked why the PTRC wasn't involved with the narrowing of the Lexington trail from 8 feet to 5 feet. Council Liaison Holden acknowledged Chair Henry's concerns regarding the trails adding that she believes that the PTRC's long-term park comp plan is a good plan and is a working document. She noted that there are park projects that have not been included that in her opinion . should be addressed. She referenced the Lake Johanna area's need for a trail accessing Lake Johanna stating that this should be included as a part of the PTRC's recommendation for trails. She said that she made one phone call to Ramsey COlmty Public Works and that Mark would see that the existing trail is repaired and seal coated. She noted that there are several areas that need crosswalks stating that it was her understanding these were the kinds of projects that would be identified by the Parks Committee. Committee Member Thompson referenced the projects the PTRC did identify in the Park Plan that have either not been addressed or have been voted down by City Council and asked for clarification. Council Liaison Holden explained that her only issue regarding the County Road E recommendation is the amount of traffic in the area. She clarified that she has no problems with a sidewalk adding that she wants the traffic issues addressed first. Committee Member Werner expressed her disbelief how the Council could not recognize the importance of this project. Committee Member Crassweller explained that the PTRC's recommendation in the County Road E bridge/sidewalk plan included both issues as one project and asked why it was being considered as separate projects. He expressed concerns stating that a sidewalk, going to nowhere, should not be installed ifthe City does not want people crossing the bridge due to the traffic. . Council Liaison Holden indicated that residents in the area have also complained about the lack of plowing and maintenance on the trails and sidewalks for the businesses to the east of the Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meet:ng Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 3 of7 . bridge. She stated that it was explained that as a general rule businesses are responsible for maintaining their sidewalk areas and the City did not want to agree to maintain this area, as it would set a precedent. Chair Henry asked if the Council would be willing to allow the sidewalk or trail on the south side when there is a safe pedestrian crossing at Connolly and County Road E. Council Liaison Holden stated that she would be willing to support it if the traffic concerns are addressed. She stated that the City has been requested by the Sheriffs department to bring in the Safety Engineer to initiate a study on this intersection. She explained that there has been no vote on the bridge adding that a cost-sharing request was sent to MnDOT. She expressed concerns stating that every time this proposal has been presented to City Council for consideration the information changes and thus the concerns of the City Council. Committee Member Werner asked Council Liasion Hold if her issues were properly addressed, would she support this project. Council Liasion Holden said that she would support the project, but that she was only one vote out of five on the Council. Committee Member Thompson asked if they have a status on the bridge. Council Liaison Holden stated that the MnDOT grant application deadline is November 15th. . Mr. Moore confirmed that the application deadline is November 15th adding that their application was submitted on time. He explained that MnDOT has requested further clarification on the project with respect to the trail; trail connections, the sidewalk and the bridge repairs. He stated that he was copied on a memo from the City Administrator and City Engineer regarding the extension request. Chair Henry asked if there would be enough time to bring the Safety Engineer out to the area to determine what should be done. Council Liaison Holden stated that the Sheriffs department indicated that it would take some time to pull all of the necessary information together. Mr. Moore stated that the information from Ramsey County is due to Arden Hills by Monday, November 8, and URS would be providing the specific cost breakdown between the north and south trail and the bridge options. He stated that all of the documentation would be put together and provided to Council for their review dUling the Council work session scheduled for November 15, 2004. He stated that once Council has had the opportunity to review all documentation, then the Council may decide to send the Safety Engineer out to the area to perform an analysis. He stated that the City Administrator followed up with the Ramsey County Sheriff's department this week and they were told that the deadline of November 8 could be met. He stated that Staff is currently in the process of accumulating the information to meeting the November 8th deadline. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer, to recommend that the City Council reconsider the bridge improvement to . include a sidewalk on the south side, a sidewalk cOlmection to Lindey's Park and to include a Safety Engineer's consultation for the purpose of rendering the Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 4 of7 . Connolly intersection a safe crossing intersection. The motion carried unanimously. Council Liaison Holden stated that the Mayor wants to meet with the City Council and all Commissions and Committees to jointly discuss and determine the true vision and goals for the City. She stated that an email is being sent to all participants proposing a summit meeting for next Wednesday, November 3,2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Moore stated that Staff is currently working through the particulars for this meeting. 4. PARKS AND TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Received a call from Larry Hohmberg, RC Parks & Recreation, regarding the Tony Schmidt underpass - all negotiations with Canadian Pacific Railroad have been completed. Sign off on the official documents will occur this early in 2004 and will prepare to complete the project next year. He reviewed the project noting that $32,000 has been re-allocated from the Parks Fund to cover the project. . Cummings Park . Provided a status on the warming house. . . Lavatories have been completed . Landscaping is doing fine . A Neighborhood meeting to discuss the ice rink has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 10,2004, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. He stated that a notice was mailed out to residents inviting them to attend and provide their feedback and concerns. A. Perry Park Pavilion . Roof is on . Cedar trim is being installed . Sanitary/Sewer is in. Water has been brought to the building. Plan is to have it operational by next spring 2005. . All landscaping will be done next year, per contract agreement. . Cement trail segment is in. 0 & M Department will complete the project in house next year. . Trail will be placed down the hill; ADA compliant. Chair Henry referenced the changes in lifeguards at the area lakes noting that Ramsey County has some questions regarding the placement of a lifeguard at Tony Schmidt Park and asked for clarification. Mr. Moore reviewed with the Committee stating that a letter was drafted by the Mayor and forwarded to the Ramsey County Park and Recreation department requesting that a lifeguard be placed at Tony Schmidt Park. . Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 5 of? . Committee Member Thompson stated that at a recent Neighborhood Meeting a Resident expressed concerns regarding the condition of the warming house and shelter at Freeway Park. She stated that the residents are concerned as to whether the warming house would make it through the winter and asked if the City would be placing a temporary shelter at the park. Mr. Moore stateu that they are going to try to make it through the winter. He stated that their goal is to move the old warming house from Cummings Park to Freeway Park adding that these options would be brought forward to the neighbors for further discussion. Chair Henry requested that the area be reviewed for an ADA compliant trail if they decide to do this. Mr. Moore stated that they would review the area and determine if it could be done in. house. 5. RECREATION UPDATE Ms. Olson provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities: . Soccer season ended October 16, 2004. She stated that they had great weather for the season. She stated that they had a great group of coaches this year adding that she would like to commend them all for ajob well done. . Halloween Hoopla is this Friday, October 29, 2004. She stated that they are combining this . family event with the City of Shoreview and reviewed with the Committee. . Currently in the process of recruiting for 10 ice rink attendants for the winter season. Will be hiring approximately 10 rink attendants. . She and Mr. Moore are plarming to attend the MRPA Conference at the end of the month. She reviewed the conference schedule with the Committee. Committee Member Werner asked when the rinks would be open for the season. Ms. Olson stated that the rinks would officially open December 20, 2004. Ms. Olson stated that the Winter Guide would be issued soon and would include the dates and classes offered for the winter season. She stated that they expect to send the guides out to residents within the next two weeks. 6. 2005 - 2009 PRIORITIES Chair Henry reviewed the project list provided at the last meeting noting that the Committee has been asked to review and prioritize with their plans to discuss further. . Walkway under railroad connecting Tony Schmidt Park to Perry Park and trails. . Will remain on list. Work needs to be finished on the underpass . Trail along Old Snelling from County Road E to Highway 51, Highway 51 to Highway 96. . PMP reconstruction from Old Snelling to Highway 51 is scheduled for 2007 . . Mr. Moore noted had to deal with MnDOT for stormwater management issues Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 6 of? . . Trail through Northwestern College. . Council Liaison Holden noted they are in process of working on their master plan, planning to do a lot of work on their property. . Trail from Northwestern College to Old Snelling . Trails within the Highway 10-96 re-construction. . Trail/Sidewalk along west side of Lexington from County Road E to 694. . Trail along North Snelling from Briarknoll to Highway 96. . Bridge and trail on County Road E . Warming House at Freeway . Warming House at Hazelnut . Warming House at Valentine . Off Leash Dog Park . Trail along County Rd E2 to Valentine Park . Bridge and Trail for County Road E Chair Henry suggested that when reviewing and prioritizing they should preface that if and when funds become available they should move forward with the identified project. He asked the Committee for feedback and asked if anything should be added to the list. . Committee Member Crassweller stated that he is having some difficulty prioritizing until the Committee has a better idea on the available funds and the budget for 2005. Chair Henry suggested proposing $1 million in improvements per year and prioritizing the projects as part ofthe overall $20 million within the 2005-2009 Comprehensive Plan. He suggested identifying the top ten and then begin to price them out. Council Liaison Holden suggested doing a major project one year with a two to three year timeframe in between each proj ect, and then identify another proj ect. Chair Henry stated that everything currently identified on the list is for trails. He asked ifthere were any other projects, other than trails, that should be included. Committee Member Crassweller stated that the warming houses located at Freeway, Hazelnut, and Valentine Park should be included on the list of projects. Committee Member Zilmer asked for a status on the ice rink at Perry Park. Mr. Moore stated that the City has a letter on file stating that when Gordy Martin sells his home they can make improvements to Perry Park. He has to sell his property before any further improvements can be made to Perry Park. Chair Henry asked if a dog park should be included on list. The Committee agreed. Ms. Olson . stated that at the neighborhood meetings held with the residents in the Lindey area it was made clear that th~ residents are not in favor of a dog park in their area. Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting "Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 7 on . Committee Crassweller stated that the trails identified in current developments should have the highest priority. He stated that he likes the idea of a trail over the Railroad Bridge adding that he currently does not perceive this to be a high use priority. Mr. Moore ,tated that he would work with the City Engineer to detemline a ballpark dollar figure for the thirteen projects the Committee identified as high priority and provide for their review. Chair Henry asked if there is any option to go from Tony Schmidt to Old Snelling. Mr. Moore stated that there are easement issues on the lake side of Lake Joharma Boulevard, from Tony Schmidt to Lindey's intersection. He stated that he would clarify the easements in this area and provide the Committee with an update. 7. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS Council Liaison Holden asked for a status on the Gateway signs. Chair Henry stated that the PTRC passed ajoint resolution with the Planning Commission for recommended sign placement and reviewed the locations with the Committee. 8. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . . 2005-2009 Priorities . CIP Project - Trail Signs on existing trails, Naming Process for Trails, Neighborhood meetings 9. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Crassweller motioned, Committee Member Thompson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial. Inc. . i I I