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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-05 PTRC Minutes , ~ ~ ~HILLS , . ~ ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2005 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the March 22, 2005 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.rn. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Lanny Baumann, Jim Crass weller, Derrek Hames, Dave McClung, Rich Straummm, Roger Williams and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Operations & Maintenance Director; Gregg Larson, City Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Member Joani Werner. . 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Committee Member Williams asked to include a discussion on buckthorn removal and what the PTRC could do to inspire the City to act on this problem. Chair Henry asked to include a discussion regarding fomler Committee Member Messerly's contributions to the PTRC and proposing a resolution to City Council to consider adopting the vision statement regarding his contributions. The Agenda was approved, by consensus, as amended. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve February 15, 2005 Minutes. Chair Henry stated that he had the following corrections to the minutes: . Page 3, fifth bullet point, last sentence reads: 'There is sufficient right-a-way.' Should read: 'There is sufficient right-of-way' . . Item B - Other County Projects - First Bullet: l\EarthlAdminlCommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteeIMinutesI2005103-22-05 Minutes.doc March 22" 2005 Page 2 of 10 . As it reads it appears that Mr. Mack is stating that the County proposed the naming of the trail as the Elmer Anderson Trail. He stated that it should state that the Arden Hills PTRC proposed the name Elmer Anderson Trail. . Item B - Other County Projects - Fourth Bullet, first sentence: Reads: The County currently has four off-lease dog areas' Should Read: The County currently has four off leash dog areas' Committee Member McClung stated that he had the following corrections: He referenced the motion statements throughout the minutes and suggested the following: . He referenced the motion on Page 7 states 'Committee Member McClung motioned' and suggested changed the word 'motioned' throughout the document, for all motions going forward to the word 'moved'. The Committee agreed. . Page 5 - Last paragraph, second sentence: Reads: 'He noted the additional housing units would increase Arden Hills by fifty percent.' Should read: 'He noted the additional housing units would increase Arden Hills population by fifty percent.' . Page 5 - Last bullet point at bottom of page: Reads: 'In order to make this site work...' Should read: 'Council Liaison Larson said that in order to make this site work...' Mr. Moore stated that he had the following corrections: . He stated that the following items were all statements made by Council Liaison Larson and should read as follows: . Page 5, Item C, Fifth bullet Reads: 'The City Council hopes to acquire the property early in 2006.' Should read: 'The City hopes to transfer the property in 2006.' . Page 5, Item C, Sixth bullet Reads: 'The City has to develop a policy on financing.' Should read: "The City has to develop a policy on public financing.' . Page 5, Item C, Seventh bullet, Second sentence Reads: 'It is a wildlife corridor...' Should read: 'There is a wildlife corridor...' MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Straumann, to approve the February 15, 2005 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 4. SELECTION OF VICE CHAIR FOR 2005 MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member McClung, that the PTRC not appoint a Vice Chair and give authority to Chair Henry to appoint a substitute Chair as needed. The motion carried unanimously. . March 22" 2005 Page 3 of 10 . 5. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Larson provided the Commission with a brief update on the following Council activities: . TCAAP - Vision Framework and public financing plan. Held good meetings. Most questions were answered. . City Council held a work session to discuss the vision framework and public financing plan. . Decided to schedule two more work sessions to discuss these issues further. The next work session is scheduled for Monday, March 28th where Council plans to continue their discussion and work on the Vision Framework. He indicated that the Council would schedule a separate work session to discuss public financing. . Council held a work session two weeks ago to discuss the joint work between the City of Shoreview and Arden Hills along Lexington, between Highway 96 and Victoria. He stated that Arden Hills has a known history for not installing street lights whereas the City of Shoreview has a policy for streetlights everywhere and asked if Arden Hills would be interested in installing streetlights along Lexington. He stated that the Council heard comments from people who do want them and also people who do not. He stated that after considerable discussion the City Council decided not to install streetlights at this time, but would consider reviewing and changing the policy. He explained tllat the struggle is in trying . to maintain consistency throughout the City. . Pavement Management project this year will be Industrial Park area. . Noted one change, referenced the two property owners adjacent to the frontage had recommended installing a cul-de-sac on Grey Fox, with an access point on Red Fox. He stated that MnDOT decided, after reviewing, that there was not enough room to get onto Highway 51. 6. BUCKTHORN REMOVAL PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS. Committee Member Williams asked if the City could implement some form of active involvement that would organize the Community and get people out to help with the buckthorn removal. Mr. Moore stated that the program currently in place provides rcsidents, who cut the buckthorn, with a City pickup service at no extra charge. He stated that they could include a notice on the City website that outlines the steps to recognize and remove buckthorn. Committee Member Williams stated that Lake Joharma Boulevard is full of buckthorn and suggested working with Ramsey County to have it removed. He suggested assigning specific areas to groups of people instead of working randomly in areas to remove the buckthorn. Chair Henry agreed adding that they should also include an educational process for the Community. . Council Liaison Larson suggested considering an annual Tee Fishing Contest on Lake Johanna. He stated that the Arden Hills Sportsman's Club has sponsored this event on an annual basis for March 22" 2005 Page 4 of 10 . a number of years noting that the event has not been very successful in the last couple of years due to the Jack of support and ability to advertise and coordinate the event. He stated that the Arden Hills Sportsman's Club has indicated that this year's event was probably the last due to the decline in attendance and membership within the Club. He suggested that the PTRC consider adding tllis as a winter event/activity. Chair Henry agreed noting that the PTRC supports the garden for spring season, Day in the Park for summer season and Buckthorn Removal in the fall. He agreed that the Ice Fishing Contest would be a good event for the winter months. He asked Mr. Moore to explore the possibilities further with Ms. Olson. Committee Member McClung referenced the band shell and current City events and suggested approaching the local businesses for donations and encourage their involvement within the Community. 7. STATUS OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING DON MESSERLY'S ROLE WITH THE PTRe. Chair Henry asked for an update on the PTRC's recommendation for a resolution acknowledging fornler Committee Member Don Messerly's involvement and role with the PTRC and Community. . Mr. Moore statcd that the resolution would be in the form of a proclamation. He stated that it has already been forwarded to Council for review and approval. 8. PARKS AND TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Currently attending a class for identification of diseased trees. . Has the buckthorn information requested and will pass on for review. . Expecting another huge outbreak of Dutch Elm, Oak Wilt and the Japanese Long Nose Beetle. He stated that the City has reacted accordingly with respect to allocating enough funds to handle the potential problems. He noted that they had $2500.00 allocated in 2004 and this year they have an addition $25,000.00, which should be enough to cover costs including removal of diseased trees. . Will have three certified people on staff to help with problems as they arise. . Is scheduled to attend a class on how Cities have organized volunteer neighborhood watch groups. Will provide the Committee with an update on the class at the next meeting. . The old City Hall site is close to being sold, which would bring an influx of approximately $40,000.00 to the Park Fund, . Perry Park pavilion will be completed by May 15, 2005 and all woodwork should be . completed by that time. . Boy Scout projects include: March 22" 2005 Page 5 of 10 . . Flower gardens and completion of the boulevard areas. . Highway 96 & Lexington gardens . Buckthorn removal at Crepeau Park. . Staff will be installing more park benches. . Sarah Thomson will help lead a Girl Scout Trail Signage project - Received $2,500.00 gift from Land 0' Lakes. The plan is to utilize the funds for trail signage that identifies the trail as a part of the Arden Hills Trail System. The signage will also include information regarding disposal of dog waste and litter. The signage will be placed on the paved trails first and then the main wood chip trails. . Arden Hills Garden Club, Glen Paul area - the club consists of approximately 30 women. The group plans to adopt the Hazel Park Garden Sign and will also be responsible for the maintenance of the garden. . Referenced the frontage road above Lindy's Triangle noting that there are seven houses, east of the park, where tlle street is technically in the wrong place. He reviewed the placement concerns stating that at this point the location of the street is not going to change, but it has created severe drainage issues for the residents. He stated that Staff is working with the Residents to resolve the drainage issues and reviewed the solutions with the Committee. Committee Member Hames stated that his noticed several different companies in the neighborhoods removing diseased trees and asked if there is any form of enforcement when it . comes to requiring clean equipment. Mr. Moore stated that the City utilizes a City preferred vendor that has been selected through a bid process. He stated that currently S&S Tree Services does all City work and complies with what is outlined in the contract, which the City can enforce. He stated that currently the City does not have any enforcement codes in place that would manage individual tree removal services. He noted that if Staff is informed of a diseased tree located on private property they turn the removal process over to S&S Tree Services. Committee Member Williams stated that he had contacted the City not too long ago with regards to a diseased tree that needed to be removed and was told that the City did not have enough Staff available to provide the turnaround service needed to remove the tree before the disease spread. He stated that they had a very short timefran1e to deal with and had to hire an outside contractor to remove the tree. He noted that many residents are not aware orthe time of year trees, such as an Oak, should be trimmed. He suggested including a pruning schedule for a variety of trees and vegetation in the next newsletter. Committee Member McClung suggested working with the Communications Committee to include information on tree care and tips on how to spot diseased trees. He stated that it might be possible to include in the April newsletter, but if not, May for sure. He stated that he would discuss this at the next Communications Committee meeting and update the PTRC in April. . Committee Member Crassweller stated that the PTRC should have a one page insert that covers information specifically from the park. He suggested including the insert on a quarterly basis to March 22" 2005 Page 6 of 10 . go with the seasons noting that it could include information or updates on issues such as buckthorn removal, tree care and maintenance, recreation updates and Park events. Mr. Moore suggested that this issue be Committee driven versus Staff driven. He stated that he would provide the information from Staff and work together with the Committee or a member of the Committee to make it all happen. Committee Member Hames volunteered to work with Mr. Moore. Committee Member Hames referenced the phosphorus issue stating that this is an enforcement issue. He expressed concerns stating that a City policy is meaningless if it cannot be enforced. He asked how they would enforce the policy with individual companies that are not contracted through the City. Mr. Moore stated that the City Council has adopted a course of action that is City Staff is reactive to versus proactive due to budget and funding issues. 9. ARDEN HILLS GATEWAY SIGN EXAMPLES Mr. Moore stated that the Task Force has chosen one location, Cleveland and County Road D, for the Arden Hills Gateway sign noting that Option 4, which resembles the park signage, was the style chosen for the sign. He stated that City CowlCil has requested that Staff consider using the Kasota stone, which is the same stone used for the City Hall building. He suggested utilizing the stone for the columns noting that the Planning Commission had indicated during their . discussion at the August 2004 Joint meeting with the City Council that their preference would be to not use the Kasota stone. Council Liaison Larson explained that the Kasota stone is a cut stone that is very similar to the color in the current signage. He further explained that the Council felt that it would be great to find a way to incorporate the stone into the design since they already have the stone. Committce Member Hames asked who approved the type of signage and logo style for Options I through 3. He noted that the signage type and logo style is not the same as the approved typeface currently used for the City logo. He asked why he had not been contacted regarding the available options or included in the decision process. Committee Member McClung stated that the City could put the $30,000 to better use for other park uses th"t are needed adding that he would vote no on the Gateway signage. Chair Henry asked where the Gateway signs would be located. Council Liaison Larson explained that when they approved the new building it was agreed that there would be room on Cleveland and County Road D for a Gateway sign. He explained that a study w<:s done to determine the best locations for the Gateway signs and reviewed the locations recommended and the decision process used with the Committee. . MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Williams, to recommend approval that the Gateway sign issues be re-designated ---.--- Marcb 22" 2005 Page 7 of 10 . to the Task Force for further consideration. Motion carried 6-1. 6- Yes, I-Abstain (McClung) 10. 2005 TREE SALE BROCHURE Mr. Moore stated that a reminder for tlle 2005 Annual Tree Sale has been included in the PTRC packet. He explained that in the past this Committee has donated at least $10.00 per person to the Ramsey County Friends of the Park for the Tree Sale and asked ifthe Committee was interested in participating again this year. He stated that all donations must be submitted by April 15, 2005. He noted that both the City Council and the Planning Commission would also contribute noting that the City of Arden Hills is the fourth highest City in the metro area when it comes to purchasing and planting trees. He noted that S&S Tree Services, who was the tree service provider for the City last year, donated $ 1500.00 in tree trimming services last year for Ingerson Park and would probably do the same again this year. MOTION: Committee Member Baumaml moved, seconded by Committee Member McClung, to recommend that the City Council accept and adopt the 2005 Tree Sale Brochure. The motion carried unanimously. 11. RECREATION UPDATE . Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities: . Completed Easter Egg Hunt last weekend. 50 youngsters attended the event. . Used the Cummings Park outdoors stmcture for the hunt and the indoors facilities for the smaller children. He noted that the event was very successful. . Recreation Program Guides have been mailed for the spring and SUlllTIler season. . Currently in the process of hiring Staff for the summer season. . For the third year in a row the City of Arden Hills Recreation Department will have a Summer Intern Student from Bethel College as an assistant for Ms. Olson. Committee Member Crassweller asked that the recreation updates, included in the monthly bulletin, include a reminder to residents cautioning them to walk against the traffic on busy roads. He expressed his frustrations stating that he has repeatedly asked that this reminder be included in tlle bulleting adding that it has not been done. He stated that it is incumbent upon the PTRC to include a statement, in bold letters, as a notice to residents that when walking on City and County roadways that they please walk facing traffic. 12. DISC - GOLF DISCUSSION Mr. Moore asked if this is something the PTRC Committee would want him to pursue, including detemlining the options and costs for the project. . Committee Member Zilmer stated that as long as they remove the pulls he would not have a problem with it. Committee Member Crassweller agreed. March 22" 2005 Page 8 of 10 . Committee Member Williams stated that the City of New Brighton has a Frisbee Park and asked if Staff has done any research with other Cities with regards to use and popularity. Mr. Moore stated that Staff has researched with a couple other metro Cities noting that it is an up and coming sport that is gaining huge popularity. Chair Henry stated that he lived down the street from a Frisbee Park in Highland noting that it did get a lot of use. He stated that whatever is done in design should be flexible enough that they can move the T's around to save on the wear and tear of the field areas. , He asked if any leagues have been established for this sport. Mr. Moore confirmed that there are established leagues and circuits within the metro area in addition to traveling leagues that visit different Cities. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Zihner, to recommend approval that Mr. Tom Moore be directed to investigate further funding for a Frisbee Park and to approve the removal of the posts used for winter sledding. The motion carried unanimously. 13. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS A. County Road E Issues . Chair Henry stated that he would rather see the County Road E Bridge and Trail become a priority for the City adding that the PTRC should work to foster support. Committee Member Crassweller agreed that it should be a unified project with a southside bridge and a southside trail. Committee Member McClung asked where the funds would come from to cover the costs ofthe project ifit is not done through MnDOT. He indicated that there is not a lot of momentum within City Staff to do this unless they can get funding from MnDOT for the project. Council Liaison Larson stated that there is general consensus from City Council that they should apply again. He indicated that the issue is which side of road the trail would go on. He stated that he does not know where the other members stand at this point, with respect to funding with or without MnDOT. Committee Member Williams stated that the PTRC Committee should recommend what they believe wou'd work best for the benefit of the City and Community and forgo the politics. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer, to recommend that the City Council consider submitting another proposal [or . 2006 funds to MnDOT for the creation of a bridge and trail connection down to March 22" 2005 Page 9 of 10 . Lindy's, along the south side of County Road E. Motion carried 7-1 (1 Nay- Hames) B. PTRC Vision Chair Henry stated that it has been suggested that each City under take a resolution urging the City Council to adopt a resolution concerning TCAAP. Committee Member McClung indicated that the Planning Commission was involved and did pass a resolution regarding the City's vision. He explained that the Planning Commission was involved because they are the planning body for the City and are involved in the TCAAP issues. He stated that the PTRC's involvement is through recreation and parks noting that the PTRC has not seen the plan or fully discussed the issues. He expressed concerns stating that he personally would not want the PTRC involved. He stated that he would vote no. Chair Henry clarified that the PTRC would be making a recommendation that encourages the City Council to adopt the vision statement. Committee Member Williams agreed stating that this is an important issue. He stated that the opportunities are there for Ramsey County to complete the linkage for the Rice Creek Corridor and to develop a sports facility on the north side that would include a new playground area as . well as water features, trails and recreational opportunities. He stated that it is absolutely essential, as a Committee, to urge the City Council to adopt the vision and concept. Committee Member Crassweller strongly agreed. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer, that the PTRC Committee strongly recommend and urge Arden Hills City Council to adopt the TCAAP vision at the next City Council Meeting scheduled for March 28,2005. Motion carried 7-1 (1 Nay - McClung). MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Zilmer, to recommend that the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to move forward in their effort for new membership that would add diverse viewpoints and perspective to the PTRC. The motion carried unanimously. e. Committee Membership Chair Henry referenced the discussions around diversity and encouraged the Committee Members to find new members that would help to add a diverse viewpoint and perspective. Committee Member Crassweller agreed and urged the Committee to keep in mind all aspects including age, race, culture and gender. . March 22" 2005 Page 10 of! 0 . MOTION: Committee Member Baumarm moved, seconded by Committee Member McClung, to recommend that the City Council accept and adopt the Tree Brochure. The motion carried unanimously. 14. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Committee Member McClung suggested: . Presentation of the draft Tobacco Policy and Presentation for PTRC review. . A discussion of the PTRC 2005-2009 List of Priorities and what the Committee plans to do including funding and process. . County Road E - Discuss the upper and lower Freeway Park access and trail cOlmections Review DNR funding request for next year. Chair Henry stated that he would not be attending the April meeting. He stated that Joani Werner would Chair the April 2005 PTRC meeting. Committee Member Straumann stated that he had received a notice from Guidant that the Band Shell proposal has been pulled. Committee Member Williams asked if the City has ever developed a map or graphic that shows Arden Hills in relationship to the surrounding communities that would show potential trails, park . linkages and relationships. Mr. Moore stated that a map does exist adding that he would provide him with a copy for review. Committee Member Williams stated that he has had the opportunity to visit most of the City parks except Crepeau. He noted the lack of parking available at the parks and asked how people use some of the larger parks. He suggested including parking availability as one of their priorities for 2005-2009. 15. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved, seconded by Committee Member Williams, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. .