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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-05 PTRC Minutes ~ 1 . ~~HILLS ARDEN HILLS APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 20057:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the September 28,2005 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Jim Crassweller, Dave McClung, Rich Straumann, and Roger Williams. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Operations and Maintenance Director; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; Gregg Larson, City Council Liaison; and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Lanny Baumarm, Derrek Hames, Joani . Werner, Cindy Wheeler, and Steve Zilmer. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Henry noted that the Buckthorn removal is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2005 at Cummings Park from 9:00 a.m. to noon. He stated that a breakfast is planned, similar to the concept of the annual flower-planting event, which is going to be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn. Mr. Moore noted that the Buckthorn removal includes both Cummings Park and Crepeau Nature Preserve. The Agenda was approved by consensus. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve the June 28, 2005 Minutes. MOTION: Committee Member Williams motioned, seconded by Committee Member Crassweller to approve the June 28, 2005 minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. . IlMetro-inet.uslArdenHillslAdminICommitteeslParks Trails and Recreation CommitteelMinutesI200519-28-05 Minutes.doc PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREA nON COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28. 2005 Page 2 of! 0 . . Approve the July 26, 2005 Minutes. Committee Member McClung had the following correction: . Members Present; Plarming Commission: add Commissioner McClung. MOTION: Committee Member Williams motioned, seconded by Committee Member Crassweller to approve the July 26,2005 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Moore stated that Committee Member Straumann has good news to share with the Committee. Committee Member Straumann stated that he was appointed the new Chair for the Ramsey County Parks Commission. He provided a brief overview of the process with the Committee. Mr. Moore noted that this is the first time a citizen from Arden Hills has held this position with the Ramsey County Parks Commission in addition to also being a member of the PTRC. He congratulated Committee Member Straumallll and wished him well with his new appointment. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE . Council Liaison Larson provided the Commission with a brief update on the following Council activities: . Reviewed the Rice Creek Corridor Event, which took place at the Armory Center. . City Council has decided to go forward with the Highway 96 landscaping between Lexington A venue and Highway 10. The plan is to landscape the median and install an irrigation system. The project will go out for bids this winter with the intent to begin the project in the spnng. . TCAAP - They are moving forward with their own appraisal in ordcr to get a better handle on the actual land value. City Council discussed this on Monday night noting that the thought was that it would be worthwhile to meet to try and determine how the highest bidder would be treated, determine the best use for the land and identify the areas that would not be developed. Indicated that it is Staffs belief that they are closer to ail agreement noting that they are still meeting. . 2006 budget - City Council approved an increase in the levy noting that they have a total of $7.9 million for the budget, which is $ I million less than last year. . He stated that they were discussing the possibility of increasing the levy by three to four percent and also discussed the possibility of the four percent increase going to the General Fund with I-percent going to park expenditures. He stated that in the context of a broader budget discussion during the work session Council discussed trying to find better ways to fund the City parks. He indicated that there was general support for it and reviewed potential . funding options. He noted that a suggestion was made to increase the levy by I-percent adding that he did not support this as it is a one-time funding option and he believes that PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREA nON COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 3 of! 0 . there is a need for sometlling more institutionalized. Staff was given tlle direction to come back with some funding ideas and options for the Council to consider that would increase the capital funds for park expenditures. Provided copies of budget for their review. . City Council adopted the Smoking Policy for public areas and parks. . City Council approved the revisions to the shade tree ordinance. . Staff Departures - Scott Clark, Community Development Director, left for opportunities with the City of Elk River; and Peter Hellegers, City Plamler, left for opportunities with the City of SOUtll St. Paul; . City Council approved a Joint Powers agreement with the city of Roseville regarding a shared engineer position. This will provide the City with the opportunity to have someone physically located at City Hall and would be available to address engineering issues on a weekly basis. He noted that the individual would work in the capacity of City Engineer. He noted that the City of Arden Hills can have up to 80-percent of their time. He further noted that it could be made a full time position if it ends up that there is any overtime and if it appears to be a good position for Arden Hills. 4. PARKS AND TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Storm Damage and Cleanup: . . Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 trees in the City were downed or damaged due to the recent storm. . He thanked everyone for the help and support with respect to the curbside pickup schedule. . Curbside pickup has started in the least damaged area of the City, north of 694. The process has been slow noting that they have already taken 34 truckloads of debris to the New Brighton drop site. The old Dahlke establishment is being used as the drop site. . The City Administrator has been informed that the cleanup could take well over two weeks. . Karth Lake East neighborhood, all neighborhoods between Lexington and Hamline Avenue and the Arden Hills Townhome Association are done. . A cutting crew has started working on the parks and trails systems beginning with Cummings Park. . Noted that in August of2000 they did a citywide inventory of parks. Sampson Park had several very unique trees and it appears that 80 to 90-percent of all of the trees have been lost in Sampson Park. . Crepeau Nature Preserve has approximately 22 to 27 trees down. He stated that the trail cleanup would the next priority for the cleanup process noting that the trees would be removed safely away from the trails. Any brush or debris will be wood-chipped and used on the trails or blown back into the woods. The trees will be cleared from the trail but will be left. The trees will not be removed down to the stump. This will be the . process for all trails throughout the City. PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 4 of 10 . . There was no water to the City because the booster station was down. He explained that they ran water to the City manually noting that the controls were fed from St. Paul through Roseville and they had to manually tell Roseville how many gallons to pump to the City. . He thanked everyone for their patience and assistance in cleaning up . Open House Dates . Cummings Park - Saturday, October 8, 2005,10:00 a.m. to noon. . Perry Park - Saturday, October 15,2005; 10:00 a.m. to noon. . 1t will be a Youth Soccer Day at Cummings Park, which should bring in good attendance for the open house. . Refreshments and activities are included at both Open Houses. . Both Open Houses will have booths and members from the Parks and Recreation Department available to answer questions about the Parks and the New Park Pavilion. . He stated that members of the PTRC could attend either Open House. . Letters will be sent to the surrounding neighborhoods of both parks armouncing the Open House and inviting them out to see all that the Parks and Recreation Department have to offer the City. . City Council has been informed of the dates and has been invited to the Open House events. . Both Open House dates will be posted to the City Website . . Buckthorn Removal - Saturday, October 22, 2005 . Cummings Park and Crepeau Nature Preserve; 9:00 a.m. to noon . The format will be similar to the annual flower-planting event. . There will be a kickoff of the day with a breakfast at the Holiday Inn. . Informational materials will be available and passed along to the residents. . Staff will be available to answer questions. . Ramsey County Update - Tony Schmidt Railroad underpass . The project is not going to happen this year. . Canadian Pacific attorneys and the Ramsey County attorneys are discussing construction. . Have had discussions with Ramsey County and rcceived a letter clarifying their timeline. . The City had expressed their disappointment regarding the project adding that it has been indicated to the City that the project would begin sometime in the spring and be completed sometime during the summer. . Update Items: . Neighborhood meetings have started including the President Homes Precinct; The Church of the Way; Precinct 3-Bethel University; and Precinct 4-Arden Hills City Hall. . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28,2005 Page 5 of 10 . . He encouraged Committee Members to attend if they have the opportunity, as it would provide them with the opportunity to receive questions and hear the feedback between City Council members and the residents. . The Storm has thrown most plans to the back burner Chair Henry asked for an update on the Old Highway 10 railroad underpass trail. Mr. Moore stated that he spoke to the URS Engineers and was told that they are still talking with Canadian Pacific Staff about the design. He clarified that Canadian Pacific does not have any problems with the City installing a trail. He explained that the City is trying to get some preliminary drawings done with a cost estimate but have not gotten that far yet in the process. He noted that the attorneys are also working with URS. Chair Henry referenced the budget funding for parks stating that when he reviewed the assessment list for the paving project he noticed that there is a vacant lot on the west side of Old Snelling, which is a remnant of the Lindy's Park grant, and asked why the City hasn't sold this piece of property. He explained that he raises the question only because he thought the land might be the size of a lot and the City could sell it as such. He asked if there are other properties within the City that are not being used that could be sold. Council Liaison Larson explained that this was discussed noting that one of the problems was . due to how it was originally purchased. He explained that there was not a lot that could be done with this piece of property, as it is a small, triangular-shaped piece of property. He stated that it would make sense to sell it to an adjoining property. He indicated that there are a few pieces of property throughout the City that could be considered and reviewed with the Committee. Committee Member Williams asked if Staff could review the properties and update the Committee. Mr. Moore stated that due to the storm cleanup he does not have the resources to do this adding that he could get a response back to the Committee in two to three weeks. Chair Henry agreed stating that he should take care of current issues first and provide the Committee with an update at a later date. Committee Member Williams asked what the relationship should be between the City Council, the PTRC and Staff with respect to forming the budget for City Parks. He noted that the Mayor removed I-percent from the Parks budget and expressed frustration that the PTRC had no input on the budget process. He explained that from his past experience decisions for the Parks budget would include input from a City's Parks Committee, their City Council and Staff. He clarified that he understands that the Park Committee would not manage the budget but they should have some input to it. . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 6 of 10 . Council Liaison Larson explained that this is the beginning of an effort to initiate discussions around the Parks budget. He stated that it was a very worthwhile discussion noting that Staff has indicated that they would report back to Council with other options for funding. He assured the Committee that the Mayor is willing to consider a more permanent dollar amount. Chair Henry agreed stating that what usually ends up happening is that when the Committee does identi fy a need or makes a recommendation it is always looked at as an extra item and is considered through an ad hoc process. He agreed that there should be discussions with the PTRC at the time budgets are being reviewed. Council Liaison Larson stated that historically this group has never been that involved in the budget process and agreed that discussions should occur in the future. Committee Member McClung noted that Council Liaison Larson did raise this concern at the Council work session and suggested that they work to solve the problem of parks funding due to the loss offunding from park dedication fees. He indicated that the PTRC's minutes also reflect that the Committee has discussed this concern and that several of the Committee Members have raised this concern on several occasions stating that the Committee wants to be involved in the budget process yet nothing has been done to include the PTRC in the budget process. Committee Member Williams agreed stating that the Council should make a decision on how the . budget process would be done. He noted that the PTRC could become a capital committee if they want to use it as such. Council Liaison Larson agreed stating that this committee does have a potential to play that type of role in the budget process. He stated that he does believe that this could become a regular part of the budget process. He assured the Committee that the Council is not against including the PTRC in the process it was just that no one had ever expressed an interest to participate until now. Chair Henry indicated that he would also write a letter to the City Council, on behalf ofthe PTRC, expressing their interest to participate and provide feedback during the budget process. Committee Member Williams stated that he, Dave and Bill managed the tree drop site yesterday noting that it was his understanding that the City of Arden Hills has one contractor and two trucks for the pickup. He stated that he stopped by the drop site today and it did not look like there was much activity or change with the Arden Hills pile. He expressed concerns noting that Shoreview and New Brighton will begin their pickups tomorrow and the Dahlke site could fill up fast. He suggested that the City increase their cleanup of the area and their pickup schedule. Mr. Moore stated that the City Administrator has been alerted that it would take them longer to complete the cleanup and that the Dahlke drop site could end up full. He stated that the City . Administrator is working with the other Cities for alternate drop sites noting that in two days they have dropped 34 truckloads of debris. ____._n_________ PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 7 of 10 . 5. RECREATION UPDATE Ms. Olson provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities: . She noted that several meetings ago, the committee discussed the possibility of working with the athletic associations to obtain user fees or find other ways to get them to help with the maintenance costs for the fields. She stated that staff worked with the secretary for the Shoreview Area Youth Baseball League to secure a $15,000 donation toward improvements to Perry Park field #4; install fencing, re-grade the infield, re-crown and sand with possible drain tile; replace the sod and outfield fencing. This is very exciting, as the field does need a lot of improvements. It is anticipated that the work will begin this fall and be completed by the end of October. . Staff is currently exploring options for additional funding from Shoreview for park improvements at Hazelnut next year. . NSSA has been allowing the Parks department to use their goals on the fields. She noted that they also use the fields and have been providing their assistance in maintaining that area. . Soccer Season is in full force. Have had good participation in the program. . Softball Season has ended and the baseball fields are being shut down for the year. . Currently there are several after school programs in progress adding that the fall sports program is going strong. . Will be recruiting warming house attendants soon. . . Cummings and Perry rental will go through the end of October. Bathrooms will be closed for the winter at that time. Chair Henry asked if they have considered bringing in portable warming houses for the winter season. Mr. Moore stated that the decision was made to keep the current warming houses in place and that portable warming houses have been put on the back burner for now. 6. PTRC VISION STATEMENT - ROGER WILLIAMS Committee Member Williams stated that at an earlier PTRC meeting the Committee decided that more work needed to be done on their vision for the trail system in Arden Hills. He stated that some of the current Committee Members were not involved in the initial plarming process and clarification of the vision statement would allow the new members with an opportunity to meet, discuss and generate ideas for the trail plarming process and what could become a clearer vision for the trails in Arden Hills. He explained that the subcommittee included Chair Henry and Committee Members Crassweller, Wheeler, Straumann and Williams. He stated that the group met about five times and came up with a document that proposes that the PTRC Visioning Sub Committee would be charged with articulating a vision for the Parks and Trails for citizens; help to provide access and develop a strategy to implement. He provided the Committee Witll an overview of the vision statement noting that the document that would be submitted for recommendation to City Council would include detailed examples and documentation. . Committee Member Williams stated that the considerations include: _________________.__u_ __n_______ PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 8 of 10 . . Enhancing citizen interest. . Arden Hills trail system is not conducive to walking or safety issues. . Arden Hills is at hub for several trails but the fragmentation restricts the access to regional resources. . Development oftrails has been adhoc. It is important to have a unified vision of the parks and trails and to incorporate trail access to all parks and trails across the City. . The City should engage with the County and others with respect to enhancements for parks and trails. . Clear policies are needed to determine how to fund future park enhancements and trails. . Should support and encourage access to natural resources. . Include and provide access to these resources to the local community and businesses Committee Member Williams stated that the subcommittee reviewed the current trail system map and tried to simplify the map to show the existing and proposed parks and trail systems. He noted that the existing trail system is done in blue and the proposed trails are done in orange. He stated that they also tried to show the major counections with trails that lead to Shoreview and New Brighton adding that they also included the two existing transit station stops. He suggested that the PTRC review the vision statement and recommendations and then discuss what they would like to do as a committee. . Committee Member Straumann asked if the map would include the Rice Creek Corridor. Committee Member Williams stated that the Rice Creek Corridor would be included and reviewed. Committee Member Crassweller expressed concerns and asked if it makes any sense to try and prioritize if they do not know how much money they have to work with. Chair Henry clarified that this would give the PTRC a place to stand with respect to their input and recommendations on the budgets. Committee Member Williams explained that the approach he would prefer is to not base this on what they think they would get but to develop and identify their priorities and present it, as such, to City Council for consideration. He stated that it is his belief that having the priorities clearly defined would be very helpful to City Council in making their decisions on the budget. Council Liaison Larson agreed that the PTRC should not wait for funding to create and clarify their list of priorities. He stated that he has reviewed their minutes and has noted at least three meetings where the PTRC has discussed and listed their priorities. He stated that a discussion around funding followed adding that he is trying to understand how it would all come together for a presentation to Council. . Chair Henry explained that the vision is an abstraction of the larger plan and that what they are trying to develop is a short and concise statement that explains why the parks and trails are - ---------- PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 9 of! 0 . important resources to the City and should be capitalized upon and funded. He stated that the idea is to position the PTRC in a way that makes it possible for the Committee to have discussions with Council and Staff regarding the parks and trails budget. He stated that what they are trying to do with the vision statement is create some form of global context where they can then assign priorities from within. Committee Member Williams agreed stating that the Council needs to decide, with help from the PTRC, as to what amenities they want to provide to the citizens of Arden Hills. He assured the Committee that the subcommittee was not trying to undo the current plan. Council Liaison Larson stated that the best thing the Committee could present to Council is a clear priority list that identifies their top five to ten items. Committee Member McClung asked ifit is their intent to include all ofthe priorities listed in the 2005 list. He noted that there are a couple of items missing on the map. Chair Henry stated that the subcommittee would like to meet a couple more times to "flesh it out" further and then come back to the PTRC with a more complete draft for their review and input. He suggested working through the draft in ajoint-working session before they present the final draft to Council. He stated that his intent would be to work through this process in the January/February/March timeframe to be ready for the next budget session. . Mr. Moore stated that Staff recently received the PCI rating for Arden Hills. He stated that it shows Snelling Avenue from Lindy's down to 51 is the worst neighborhood in the City. He stated that Staff is preparing a report to Council and this would be included in the 2007-2012 Road Project presentation. He noted that this could have some impact on trail placement in this area. Committee Member Williams stated that their priorities would be based on the highest need and where it would most likely happen. He stated that they have also discussed tradeoffs such as sidewalk placement on Lexington and reviewed with the Committee. 7. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . Benefits of a Sidewalk/Trail System - Cindy Wheeler 8. GENERAL DISCUSSION Committee Member Straumarm asked where they are at with joint recreational facility. He stated that the July minutes stated that the City of Arden Hills is not going to purchase the property and asked if anyone is doing anything with the joint recreational facility. . ------.----.....------- PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREA nON COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 10 of 10 . Council Liaison Larson stated that the City plans to get the property appraised noting that the City says it does not have any value to the City for what they have planned. He stated that it is being conveyed for a public purpose adding that the City should not be paying for it. Ms. Olson noted that there have been a lot of issues with this property including the lack of access to that specific piece of TCAAP. She stated that the problems have to be resolved before they would be able to utilize the area for a recreational center. She stated that the City has had some preliminary talks with interested parties adding that there is a possibility the City may not be interested. She indicated that they have met with the Cities of New Brighton, Shoreview, Roseville and the Mounds View School District. She stated that various associations in the area have talked about wanting to be involved and have had smaller meetings to discuss this facility and their involvement in the process. She stated that they are currently working on a survey that would help to show the Council what they would like to see included in the center noting that they have identified the main issues including access and funding. 9. ADJOURNMENT Committee Member McClung motioned, Chair Henry seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, . Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. .