Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-05 PTRC Minutes ~ \a 0 ~~HILLS , . - ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2005 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. WELCOME - Council Liaison and Potential New Members . Council Member Gregg Larson . Mr. Lanny Baumann . Ms. Angela Hames, representing Derrek Hames . Mr. Dave McClung Chair Henry announced that this would be Committee Member Roberta Thompson's last meeting with the PTRC as she has been appointed to the Arden Hills Planning Commission and will begin her term in February. 2. CALL TO ORDER . Chair Henry called the January 25,2005 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, Joani Werner, Steve Zilmer, Lanny Baumarm, Angela Hames (representing Derrek Hames), and Dave McClung. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Beverly Aplikowski, Mayor; Gregg Larson, City Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Member Jim Crassweller. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve October 26, 2004. Chair Henry had the following correction: . . Page six, paragraph three of the 2005-2009 Priorities, first sentence reads: IIEartblAdminlCommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutes\2005101-25-05 Minutes.doc January 25, 2005 Page 2 of9 . 'Chair Henry suggested proposing $1 million in improvements per year and suggested prioritizing the projects based on that number.' Should read: '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.' MOTION: Committee Member Zilmer motioned, seconded by Committee Member Straumarm to approve the October 26, 2004 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. . Approve December 14, 2004 Minutes. Committee Member Straumann had the following correction: . Page 2, Park and Recreation Update, paragraph two, first sentence reads: 'Chair Henry asked if Ramsey County plans to place a lifeguard at Lake Josephine.' Should read: 'Chair Henry asked if Ramsey County plans to place a lifeguard at Lake Johanna.' . Mr. Moore had the following correction to the minutes. . Page three, paragraph three: The PTRC made a motion and took a vote recommending that City Council approve the proposal to name a trail within the trail system for the City of Arden Hills in honor of the late Governor Elmer Anderson. The motion should read as follows: MOTION: Committee Member Straumann motioned, seconded by Committee Member Crassweller to recommend that City Council approve the proposal to name the Diagonal Trail in honor of the late Govemor Elmer Anderson to be known as the Governor Elmer Anderson Diagonal Trail. The motion carried unanimously. MOTION: Committee Member motioned, seconded by Committee Member to approve the December 14, 2004 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 4. 2005 MEETING SCHEDULE Chair Henry reviewed the 2005 meeting schedule with the Committee. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Schedule will meet in 2005 as follows: . The fourth Tuesday of each month except February and August. . . The February meeting is rescheduled for the second Tuesday, February 15, 2005. January 25, 2005 Page 3 of9 . . The PTRC Committee will not meet in August 2005. . The July PTRC meeting is a joint meeting with the Plarming Commission. . May 21, 2005 the PTRC is schedule to plant flowers in the City gardens. . June 25, 2005, Celebrate Arden Hills MOTION: Committee Member Thompson motioned, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer, to approve the 2005 meeting schedule for the Arden Hills Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. The motion carried unanimously. 5. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Larson provided the Committee with a brief update on the following City Council activities: . Reviewed the Arden Hills City COlmcil Work Session held on Monday, January 24, 2005. . MnDOT did not approve funding for the County Road E Trail project. The project is one ofthe next four in line for consideration if one or more of the top ten identified projects does not happen. City Council reviewed several alternatives and has considered bridge repair and possible trail work. He stated that they would wait and see what happens with the current roster of projects. . . Reviewed the PTRC recommendation to name the Diagonal Trail in memory of the late Governor Elmer Anderson. He stated that the Council supports the designation and requested that the PTRC develop the guidelines outlining the trail naming and request process for future reference. . Council decided to carry forward to a Council meeting discussion for plans to spend $135,000 for landscaping on the median located at the entrance for the North Heights Church. He noted that they would receive replacement trees from Ramsey County. . Timelines for TCAAP are becoming more defined. The Advisory Committee is completing work on the vision for the development of the TCAAP area. He stated that there would be recommendations made for public financing for development of TCAAP. . Arden Hills and neighboring cities are working together with MnDOT on the improvements for the Interstate 694/35W and Highway 10 intersection. He stated that there would be some impact to the City noting that they might lose some ofthe access points to the freeway system. They expect an increase in traffic along Highway 10. He is serving on the Committee along with Council Member Grant and explained that the City wants the surrounding Cities to help pay for the highway system improvements. He stated that they are currently working through the issues and would update the Committee as information becomes available. . Pavement Management is working on plans for County Road E, Highway 51 and the Industrial Park areas. The streets will be replaced or resurfaced. The first of several . neighborhood meetings is scheduled for Wednesday, January 26,2005. January 25,2005 Page 4 of9 . Mayor Aplikowski provided the following update: . Task force for Arden Hills Library is scheduled to meet for approximately one year. A good impression was made on the County Library Board and the Board is willing to work with the Task Force. . The current plan is to demolish the old building and rebuild. Currently the plan is under review as the daughter of the original architect is a member of the County Library Board and it is her passion to save the existing building. . Members of the Task Force, Friends of the Library and the Foundation have merged into one group to work through these issues. . Rotary Club purchased a bench for Library. . The Pavement Assessment Policy Task Force has moved into the Garbage Hauling group and is currently reviewing the damage done by garbage trucks Qn City streets. 6. PARKS AND TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Currently plowing the trails after snowstonn. . Street plowing after the snowstOllli went well. Was very efficient and completed quickly. . . This is third winter that the City has plowed the paved trails noting that people do notice now when they are not plowed. A. Perry Park Pavilion . HCM found a significant error in the construction of the woodwork at the pavilion. Stopped all construction and had the builders tear it all down and rebuild. . Under no time constraints, softball season will happen as promised. . Gave HCM credit for inspecting the building and ensuring that it is being done right. B. Valentine Park . Referenced a handout in the meeting packet noting that it is notification and an invitation to the PTRC to attend the Valentine Hills Skating Party. . The event is scheduled for Sunday, January 30, 2005 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Valentine Park. e. Arden Hills Garden Clnb . Arden Hills Garden Club is a volunteer organization with a membership of25 Arden Hills Residents. . . The Garden Club has volunteered their services to help with the City with the maintenance of the City gardens this year. January 25, 2005 Page 5 of9 . . Sent a PTRC Roster to the Garden Club along with a letter encouraging them to feel free to contact any of the PTRC members with any questions. . Lindy's Triangle Park - has had seve,al conversations with Residents in the area who have expressed concerns regarding the lack of use in this park. The neighbors have expressed an interest in planting a formal garden in the triangle and have asked for feedback on the idea. 0 Committee Member Wemer indicated that Bethel does utilize the area to play games at least once a week. She suggested contacting them to determine how often they use the area. G Chair Henry suggested considering other locations and suggested Highway 96th and Lexington as potential location. 0 Ms. Hames noted that the triangle area could be a junction pe>int from the lake towards the City and suggested including benches in the triangle area as a nice resting spot. 0 Chair Henry asked Mr. Moore to touch base with the Garden Club for their input. D. Calls made to Ramsey County. Shoreview, Roseville and New Bri!!:hton PTRC for Meetin!!: Dates. . Several calls were made to arrange meeting dates with Ramsey County. Invitations were also extended to the City of Shore view, the City of Roseville and the City of . New Brighton. . Currently the meeting is scheduled for February 15, 2005. . Have not received confirmation from Shoreview, Roseville or New Brighton. . Will touch base as follow-up and inform the other Cities as to what they plan to do. The intent is work together with the surrounding Cities and the County. . Asked the Committee Members to give some thought for discussion items with the County. 7. RECREATION UPDATE Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities: . Skating lessons and open skating has been phenomenal success at Cummings Park. . A letter announcing a neighborhood meeting will be sent to the WyncrestlCummings Park neighborhood at the end of the skating season to discuss park changes. . Have not been able to finish Crassweller corner due to a considerable amount of standing water in the area. . Indoors winter recreation programs going well and have had a good response. . Spring/Summer Parks and Recreation Guide will be out shortly. 0 Committee Member McClung stated that he has heard from several of the older residents that there is a need to focus on programs geared towards a senior . recreation program. He stated that there are several alternatives and outlets within January 25, 2005 Page 6 of9 . the City that could incorporate the involvement of senior residents and suggested a volunteer committee to help address issues around the Library. 0 Chair Henry asked the Committee Members to do some research on intergenerational activities that would bring all age groups together. 0 Ms. Hames suggested contacting ,he City of Eagan noting that they have a similar program and could offer some insight. 8. Highway/Railroad Underpass - New Brighton on Old Highway 8 Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update on Railroad underpass near Bethel College: . In the process oftalking with the City of New Brighton's Park and Recreation department to determine what process they took in working with the railroad handle the problems and upgrade the area. . Took photographs of the area in order to provide a better view of what the area looks like, including the wetland areas. . Staff has been in contact with Pacific Railroad adding that they have not said no to the possibilities. He indicated that communication is open with Railroad adding that this could take awhile and referenced Tony Schmidt Park as an example. He stated that he would keep the PTRC updated. . 0 Chair Henry asked if they have any sense from the City Engineers as to the possibilities on Snelling. 0 Mayor Aplikowski noted that approximately 15 years ago grant money was received to replace the sidewalks on the New Brighton side. 9. Elmer Anderson Trail Mr. Moore stated that the PTRC Committee needs to develop the trail naming and designation request process and asked the Committee to move this project to the top of their list priority projects for ~heir 2005-2009 Project plan. Council Liaison Larson stated that there was considerable discussion at the City Council work session regarding the process that could be used to memorialize the naming of trails. He stated that some ofthe suggestions included installing a plaque that would identify the [rail name and provide a short history. Chair Henry agreed that the pt'Ocess should include installing trail designation signage and a plaque. He suggested scheduling dedication ceremonies to acknowledge the memorial and officially open the trail to public use. Chair Henry stated that the PTRC has been asked to develop guidelines for the naming and . designation process for the trails. He asked the Committee for volunteers for a Subcommittee to --------- January 25, 2005 Page 7 of9 . work on this project. Committee Members Werner and Baumann volunteered for the project. A draft proposal will be provided for discussion at the February PTRC meeting. 10. 2005-2009 PRIORITIES Chair Henry reviewed the following: . Elmer Anderson Trail . Walkway under railroad connection Tony Schmidt Park to Perry Park & trails. 0 This project will remain on the 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. 0 PMP reconstruction from Old Snelling to Highway 5 I is scheduled for 2007. 0 Mr. Moore explained that the City had to deal with MnDOT for the stormwater management issues. . Trail through Northwestern College 0 Council Liaison Holden indicated that they are currently in the pp)cess of working on their master plan with plans to a lot of work on the property. . Trail from Northwestern College to Old Snelling . Trails within the Highway 10-96 reconstruction . 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 Road E2 to Valentine Park Committee Member Straumaun asked if a play area is planned for Valentine Park. Mr. Moore stated that Valentine Park would be redesigned in 2006. 11. County Road E Council Liaison Larson provided the Committee with the following update: . City Council had hoped to receive State funding this year to pay for the most significant costs of the project adding that they did not receive the funding. . The current issue is whether the City wants to fund the project by taking MSA funds from another project or consider other alternatives to address portions of the project. . Four alternatives were considered: 0 Go forward with the project as plarmed ~ 0 Do only bridge repair 0 Install a sidewalk, I i January 25, 2005 Page 8 of9 . 0 Fund the entire cost ofthe trails and the sidewalks on both sides 0 Decided not to go forward with any ofthe options considered . Don't have a good feel for the trail costs on the north side. . Don't have a deadline for a decision, but they do recognize that there is a need to make a decision in near future. . Asked the PTRC if they would like to discuss their position on County Road E and provide the Council with t.l1eir feedback. 0 Chair Henry suggested that the Committee review this issue at the March or April PTRC meeting. 12. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS Mayor Aplikowski stated that she was contacted by an Arden Hills resident after the decision had been made for the sidewalk along Lexington Avenue. She stated that the resident expressed concerns regarding the potential impact the sidewalk could have on the State plans for bicycle trail connections. She suggested that the Committee review and become familiar with the biking paths in the area and incorporate them into the process when planning trail connections. Council Liaison Larson referenced the Ramsey County Friends of Parks noting that they could investigate a program where they could purchase trees or shrubs at discount price and consider a program where residents could purchase for themselves and\or donate to the City 'in memoriam' . for City plantings. He suggested asking Staff to identify needs and enhancements for the park areas and provide for PTRC review and recommendation. He stated that the plantings could include pine, decorate trees, shrubs or flowers. He suggested including information to the residents in the monthly City newsletter. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the Newsletter Committee is low on membership and suggested that a representative from the PTRC volunteer to help coordinate information from the PTRC with the Newsletter Committee. She suggested that the volunteer work with the Newsletter Committee as a Representative and as a Liaison. Committee Member McClung volunteered to work as the PTRC Liaison with the Newsletter Committee. 13. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . Priorities Discussion . Update on Rice Creek . Suggestions for discussion with Ramsey County . Plans for construction for Tony Schmidt . Trail connections to Elmer Anderson Trail . Review trail plan for Phase 3 . Review plans for Mounds View High School area . -- January 25, 2005 Page 9 of9 . 14. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member Zilmer motioned, Committee Member Werner seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial. Inc. . .