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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-22-05 PTRC Minutes ~ '! . .--A~ HILLS - ARDEN HILLS MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22,20057:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the November 22,2005 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bill Henry, Committee Members Lanny Baumann, Jim Crassweller, Dave McClung, Rich Straumann, Cindy Wheeler, Roger Williams and Steve Zilmer. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor; City Council Liaison Gregg Larson, and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. . MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Member Derrek Hames and Joani Werner. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member McClung to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve the October 25,2005 Minutes. Committee Member Wheeler asked for clarification on the acronym SA YB. She suggested clarifying acronyms when they are being used during the discussion. Ms. Olson clarified that SA YB is the acronym for the Shoreview Area Youth Baseball. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member McClung to approve the October 25,2005 minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE . Council Liaison Larson provided the Committee with the following City Council Update: \IMetro-inet.uslArdenHillslAdmin\ConunitteeslParks Trails and Recreation ConunitteeIMinutes\2005\11-22-2005 Minutes - Approved.doc PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 2 of? . . Council Member Lois Rem is resigning effective December 31, 2005. The Council plans to begin a search to fill the seat, which will be to serve out the term until the next election in the fall of2006. . TCAAP - Negotiations are set to begin next week. A closed session meeting with the GSA will be held next Tuesday. We need to try to agree on a purchase price. The next step would then be to determine negotiations and formal arrangements. . A Council work session is scheduled for a final review of the proposed 2006 budget. . Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2005 . Council had a broad discussion on what the funding would be for capital improvement projects for the parks. Next steps were discussed and Council has asked Staff for alternatives and options for funding. . City ofW oodbury put out special bonding referendums to the citizens and all passed. Noted that the residents seem to recognize the need as the referendums passed by a significant margm. . Suggested scheduling ajoint Council/PTRC bus tour to help get reacquainted with the Parks and what is needed for each park. Committee Member Wheeler asked how the other' 1 s feel about the Parks budget. . Council Liaison Larson explained that the Council does recognize that there are no good sources of funding available to address park needs. He assured the Committee that the Council has discussed the need to identify ongoing funds for the parks adding that they plan to take a broader look that would include the next ten to fifteen years. 4. PARKS AND TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Buckthorn removal continues noting that they still have at least two pick-ups a day. Committee Member McClung asked for an update on the progress for storm cleanup. Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Over 2500 trees in the City were either damaged or downed by the storm. . The Dahlke trailer site in New Brighton is still open noting that it is the current dump site being used for the cleanup. . Mounds View, New Brighton and Arden Hills have teamed together to share in the costs for the cleanup. . All buildings have been winterized and are ready for the season. S. RECREATION UPDATE . Ms. Olson provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities: ------- PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 3 of? . . Shoreview Area Youth Baseball league helped complete the improvements at Perry Park; fields and low spots were evened out; fencing was installed. . All Ice Rink Attendants have been hired for the season. . Freeway Park - an infestation of mice was found during a recent winter inspection. The Building Inspector has reviewed the area noting that it is clean but there are still a few small problem spots. Met with the City Administrator to discuss the situation and it was decided that they would tear down the building and bring in a mobile unit for this winter and decide at a later date what to do for next year. . Hazelnut Park has also been inspected. Everything checked out, but does need work. The building is not in good shape but is usable. . Valentine Park also has issues and would be reviewed at a later date.. 6. PTRC Vision Statement II - Roger Williams Committee Member Williams provided the Committee with an overview of the draft PTRC Vision Statement. He provided the Committee with the following Subcommittee update: . Subcommittee met numerous times to take an expansive view of the vision statement. . A detailed map of the parks and trails system was developed to help scale things down enough to develop a plan of action for the next five years. . . Green = existing trail segments . Orange = proposed trail segments . Determined the need to develop a core system with trail possibilities that would link both within the City and to outside connections between neighboring Cities. Residents could use the trails as a means oftransportation in addition to recreational activities. As recommended by the Subcommittee tbe uncompleted portions of the system would include: . The railroad underpass on the north side of Tony Schmidt Park. This segment is expected to be completed by Ramsey County in the spring of 2006. . A connection along the west side of Old Snelling, form County Road E to Highway 51. This segment is expected to be included in the pavement replacement project planned for 2007. . Along the south side of County Road E form Old Snelling to Connelly. This should include re-design of the traffic semaphores at County Road E on either side of Highway 51 to preclude right turns on red lights. . Along the east side of Old Snelling from County Road E to Highway 96 and north into the new development. This must include a pedestrian underpass at the railroad crossing, as well as grade separated crossings of both Highway 96 and Highway 10 (considerations that would be included in the re-design of that intersection). In this regard, consideration should be given to a pedestrian crossing of Highway 10, at the present site of the public gardens, linking with north Snelling Avenue. . Along the north side of Lake Johanna Boulevard from west County Road E to Old Snelling. . The intersection of County Road E and Old Snelling must accommodate the intersection of . two arterial trails, each changing from one side of the road to the other at that point. As both . . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 4 of? . trail and automobile traffic increases at this intersection, consideration should be given to traffic signals appropriate to expected volume. . Trails should be separated from roadways, at least 8- feet wide, hard surfaced, and designed to accommodate both pedestrians and bicycles. . The priorities noted above are the core arteries of the system. Connecting trails should be added in tbe next phase. . Trail crossings of major roadways should be grade-separated or controlled by traffic signals. Council Liaison Larson asked why they did not look at the extension ofthe southerly end of 'New' Snelling. Committee Member Williams stated that the extension was discussed and it was agreed that the line should be extended. Mr. Moore suggested that the Committee think about when and how they would like to present this to the Council. He stated that this should be presented as it fits in well with the current budget discussions. Chair Henry agreed and recommended that they make sure the designs fit with the current Comprehensive Plan. Committee Member McClung asked if this is a Parks and Trails Vision Statement or a Trails Vision Statement. He expressed concerns stating that park improvements should be included. . He stated that it is his belief that the PTRC would get more of a buy-in if they were to expand the vision to include park improvements. Chair Henry clarified that this is a Parks and Trails Vision Statement that would focus on trail connections over the next five years. Committee Member McClung stated that he would prefer a document that includes as much as possible about both parks and trails. He stated that he likes the idea and framework but would like to see a broader scope. He suggested that the Committee discuss this further before making any final decisions. Committee Member Crassweller assured Committee Member McClung that the vision statement encompasses both the parks and trails. He explained that the idea is to have a plan that includes trail connections to existing parks, which would make the connections a part of the park system as a whole. Committee Member McClung stated that the Committee should consider other items to include and suggested breaking the document into two parts: Strategy and Operations. He stated that he would like to create a vision that includes the Trails and Park priorities. Committee Member Williams agreed stating that the Vision Statement establishes a context for trails, parks and any other work for recreational systems. He suggested that the PTRC include . the park proj ects. . . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 5 of? . Chair Henry acknowledged Committee Member McClung's concerns adding that it is a point well taken. He explained that this is a vision for the parks and trails for the City of Arden Hills. He stated that the City has already spent a lot of money on Currunings Park and Perry Park and the priority now should be the trail connections. He explained that this is a five-year plan and agreed that the PTRC should identify all park proj ects as they are just as important and should be included in the discussion with Council. Committee Member Zilmer agreed stating that they have focused on the parks for the last ten years and now it is time to focus on getting the trail system up and going. Committee Member Straumann referenced Rice Creek noting that the plan is currently being developed. He stated that the Arden Hills north connection would not happen unless a trail can be placed in this area. He also indicated that Tony Schmidt Park might become a regional park and reviewed with the Committee. Committee Member Williams noted that if Tony Schmidt does become a regional park it conld provide the City with an opportunity to create a partnership with the Metropolitan Council that would provide access to additional funding for park projects. Committee Member McClung stated that he is trying to find a broader tie-in for the PTRC Vision Statement that could be accomplished within a five-year timeframe. He stated that he would not . support the proposed Vision Statement at this time unless it is broader and encompasses more than trail connections. He stated that it is his belief that if they add or broaden the focus it would give them a bigger win with the Council. He suggested including Frisbee Golf at Ingerson as an option for parks. Chair Henry asked if a north/south trail connection should be placed if Arden Hills does obtain the land from TCAAP. Council Liaison Larson noted that they could also utilize the existing road system and develop the site from south to north once the underpass is completed. He suggested including this connection along with the East/West connection across Tony Schmidt on the agenda for discussion with the Council. Committee Member Crassweller stated that with the funding the City has received from Guidant, $600,000 has been invested in parks and park buildings over the last five years and nothing towards trail connections. He stated that it is time to focus on trails as a part of the PTRC vision and plan. Council Liaison Larson agreed that the argument could be made that enough has been done on the parks and that the focus should now be on trail connections. He stated that in looking over their plan, signage is currently on hold and ifthe PTRC is thinking of adding sellable items for . discussion they could include signage. , PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 6 of? . Committee Member Straumann referenced the Rice Creek Park stating that the Minnesota Amateur Sports Association has been discussing the possibilities of bringing in a recreational facility and suggested including a trail connection that could be done up to this facility. The Committee held a general discussion around varions trail link options including: . Clarify the proper locations for trail links to Elmer Anderson Trail. . Determine a trail link for Lake Johanna Boulevard - north or south side? . Discuss potential changes and improvements for Lake Johanna Boulevard with the Council. It was noted that the north side would be a good location for a connection to a trail under the railroad tracks. . Council Liaison Larson noted that the County does not have any plans at this time for any improvements along Lake Johanna Boulevard. He also indicated that the section from County Road E to New Snelling would happen and that planning would begin this year. . New Arden Hills and Old Arden Hills cannot be separated or segregated from each other. The proposed link is essential in order to make sure this does not happen. . Trail link at Highway 10 at the gardens could be either underground or over Highway 10. This would make sense due to space issues. It would divert pedestrian traffic early on. This is an expensive, but good option. . Council Liaison Larson noted that the Council has had several discussions around barriers and trail connections. He agreed that this would be a good option to include in their . discussions with the Council. . Trail system has to be done collaboratively with the Highway Department. Is important to include all individuals with decision-making power. It is critical for the City and County to work together and all projects should be addressed soon, as several are pending. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, second by Committee Member Straumann, to approve and accept the proposed PTRC Vision Statement. Motion carried 7-1 (I Nay-McClung) 7. NEXT MEETING AGENDA . Building location in the wildlife corridor and Rice Creek Park . Regional Facility and the Minnesota Amateur Sports Association Council Liaison Larson suggested that the PTRC meet in a work session to determine how they want to present their Vision Statement and Plan of Action to the Council. Chair Henry stated that he would write a note and ask for a joint meeting early next year with the PTRC and City Council to discuss park and trail issues and projects. 8. ADJOURNMENT . MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, seconded by Committee Member Williams, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. . . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 7 of? . Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . .