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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-24-06 PTRC Minutes -- ~ . ~HILLS Approved: February 28, 2006 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2006 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henry called the January 24,2006 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, Derrek Hames, Dave McClung, Cindy Wheeler, and Roger Williams. OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Director Parks and Recreation; City Council Liaison Gregg Larson, and Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Rich Straumann, Joani Werner and Steve . Zilmer; Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Supervisor. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee Member Wheeler motioned, seconded by Committee Member Williams to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion canied unanimously. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Approve the December 20, 2005 Minutes. Committee Member Baumann had the following clarification: . Recreation Update, 4th Bullet, clarified that Freeway Park could be tom down due to a mice infestation not a rat infestation. Chair Henry had the following clarification: . Recreation Update, 4th Bullet, clarified that it was the warming housc located at Freeway Park that could be tom down, not the park itself. MOTION: Committee Member Williams motioned, seconded by Committee Member Baumann to approve the December 20, 2005 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. . \\i\i!etro. ine!. us lardenhillslAdmin \CorrunitteeslParks Trails and Recreation Corrunittee\i\i!inutes\2006\0 1.24-06 Approved,doc PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24, 2006 Page 2 of9 . 3. COUNCIL UPDATE Council Liaison Larson provided the Committee with the following City Council Update: . The first City Council meeting in January will be an organizational meeting where the Council approves resolutions regarding financial matters. . The City Council met in a work session on Monday, January 23, 2006 where the Council made their decision on who would fill the City Council vacancy. He explained that the name of the individual would be made known and included on the agenda for Monday's City Council meeting. . The City Council reviewed the pavement management project schedule. He stated that some of the funding concerns would push some of the projects into the future. He indicated that the utility funds are not as healthy as they would like them to be and that the City Council has discussed adjusting the project schedule. He stated that there is the possibility that the current scheduling process used for planning pavement projects could change. . He explained that there would be one year spacing between projects with the Ridgewood project currently scheduled for 2006, street maintenance in 2007 and the Snelling Avenue project scheduled for 2008. He explained that both of these projects are very expensive adding that the Council has requested that Staff go back to review the projects, their funding requirements and the project schedule and come back to Council with their recommendations on how to address the funding issues and the project schedule. . Chair Henry asked if the Council is considering delaying the Ridgewood project. Council Liaison Larson confirmed that Council did discuss the possibilities of delaying the Ridgewood project but the neighborhood was out in force and in full support of the project. He stated that the residents made it very clear that they want this project done, He explained that the project would combine street improvements and water quality improvements that would include the installation of storm water ponds that would help manage the storm water drainage to the lakes. Chair Henry referenced a previous discussion regarding the widening of County Road E noting that the City had submitted a project application with MnDOT last year that was not successful and asked if there was any interest in filing a new application for the next cycle of MnDOT project funding. Mr. Moore stated that Staff has not discussed the possibilities of submitting a new application this year. He noted that the deadline to apply is mid-February and explained that last year Arden Hill's application rm1ked number four or five on the list, which is why the City did not receive MnDOT flIDding. Council Liaison Larson offered to bring the MnDOT funding application forward to discuss with the Council again adding that the most significant issue is the overall cost of the project. . Committee Member McClung clarified that his understmlding of the process was that MnDOT would have picked up 80 to 90-percent of the project costs had their project funding request been PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24, 2006 Page3 of9 . chosen and that a new funding application would be submitted again the following year if their project was not chosen by MnDOT. Council Liaison Larson confirmed stating that the City would still have significant costs that would have to be considered. He referenced the due date for the application stating that it would be difficult to gain consensus from the Council in time to meet the mid-February deadline, He added that he would prefer that Staff not waste their time on submitting an application this year due to the time constraints and the costs. Committee Member Williams asked if MnDOT would have this program and the opportunity for project funding available again next year, in 2007. Mr. Moore stated that he was not sure ifMnDOT would offer the program opportunity again next year. He stated that he would find out the actual deadline to apply for this year adding that he would also investigate whether this opportunity would be available again next year and would update the Committee with his findings. 4. PARKS AND TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Moore provided the Committee with the following update: . Trails are in good shape for walking and winter use. . . Staff has been out salting and sanding the hills. . Staff has been plowing the trails and sidewalks on a regular basis keeping them clear for winter use. . Indicated that Hazelnut Park experienced some vandalism due to teenagers misusing their vehicles in the area. . Valentine Park neighborhood is planning a neighborhood picnic get together for Sunday, January 29,2006 at 1:00 p.m. He stated that if they are plarming outdoor activities if the ice is decent and encourage the Committee Members to join them for an afternoon of community activities. Chair Henry asked if the City has plans to address the ruts. Mr. Moore stated that the City has plans to flatten all of the ruts in the spring and allow nature some time to fill naturally. He indicated that the City would fill any ruts that do not fill naturally. Chair Henry stated that the repaved trail along the west side of Lake Joharma is not plowed and asked would be responsible for clearing the snow and ice. Mr. Moore stated that he would check on who would be responsible for clearing the trail and put in a request to have it plowed. He stated that ifit is not taken care of within a day or two of their request he would ask City Staff to make sure it gets plowed. He stated that he would work it . through the proper channels to ensure that the trail is cleared. PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24, 2006 Page 4 of9 . Committee Member McClung stated that it was his understand that they have reached an agreement on the underpass repair and asked if it is official. Mr. Moore stated that he has been told that it would be a spring project and stressed that an actual project date has not been established at this time Committee Member Hames asked if the Trail Signage Project would be done in 2006, Mr. Moore stated that due to the budget issues this year a decision was made to put all special projects on hold, which would impact several park projects including the signage for trails and the gateway area. He indicated that the resurfacing of the tennis courts at Floral Park is also on hold. Committee Member Williams stated that he recently drove past the Freeway Park skating rink and noticed at least 40-50 people on the rink in addition to cars that were backed up for quite a ways just waiting to use the rink. He expressed concerns about the increase in pedestrian activity and the large number of parents and children that have to walk along a busy street in order to get to the park. He suggested that the Committee consider recommending a sidewalk along County Road E." Mr. Moore agreed adding that Freeway is one of the few ice rinks in the City that has decent ice . and lighting. He indicated that Hazelnut Park has the same issue noting that Hazelnut Park and Freeway Park are the only two locations in the City of Arden Hills that have hockey board setups, which is why the parks are so busy. 5. RECREATION UPDATE Mr. Moore provided the Committee with an update on the Park activities: . Classes are going well. Had very good enrollment this year . Despite the conditions of the rinks, ice-skating has been doing very well. Attendance is down but the rinks are still open. 6. PTRC Vision Statement II - Discussion Chair Henry stated that at the last PTRC meeting the Committee asked Mr. Moore to bring back park project items that could be included as a part of the PIRC Vision Statement. Mr. Moore confirmed and provided the Committee with several handouts that address issues, from a park standpoint, that include: open space; grass areas and landscaping; picnic areas and shelters; baseball and soccer fields. He also provided the Committee with copies of the Parks and Recreation Play Structure Replacement Schedule and Resurfacing Program schedule noting that Arden Hills has four tennis court locations that would be affected, Cummings, Floral, Freeway and Hazelnut. He stated that the City is in good shape with the replacement program. . Mr. Moore stated that he would like to see the Committee factor in the teardown of the existing warming houses with the installation of electrical and utility hookup for portable structures at PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24, 2006 Page 5 of9 . Freeway, Valentine and Cummings, He stated that it would cost approximately $6000.00 per location for a total of $18,000.00. He noted that the total includes the rental costs for a mobile warming house unit at each location at a cost of $1200.00 per location for a total of $3600.00. He explained that it would be more cost efficient to tear down the current wanning houses rather than repair them noting that it would he very costly to clean up the wanning house at Freeway Park due to the mice infestation; not to mention that the warming house at Valentine Park has flooded several times, which has caused the floor to rot. He stated that replacing the floor would also he very costly and that it would be more economical to install electrical/utility hookups and rent mobile units as needed. Chair Henry agreed that for the short term it might he best to remove the current building and replace them Witll a mohile warming house during the winter season and remove them for the summer months. He asked if there were any plans to huilding permanent structures. Mr. Moore stated that Staff had considered the mobile units as a temporary replacement hut found, after further research, that installing electrical/utility hookups would be too expensive because the hookups would have to be vandal proof. He stated that the mobile units could be used initially during the winter season for warming houses and placed as a mini-mobile, on an as- needed basis, for summer programs. . Chair Henry asked what the status is for disk golf at Ingerson. Mr. Moore stated that he spoke with the interested party last week and he is still on board with tlle City if funding is available. Chair Henry asked how much it would require. Mr. Moore stated that it would require approximately $20,000. Chair Henry clarified that the PTRC's Vision Statement and list of priorities would include three portable warming houses and disc golf. He agreed that it does appear that these are all items that should be factored in. Committee Member Hames asked if Valentine Park is used enough to justify the investment. Mr. Moore stated that was found that from both a summer and winter program standpoint the park is not used very much adding that in 2001 hoth the PTRC and Staff recommended to Council that the park he closed during the winter months due to low usage. He stated that the Council and the residents did not agree with the recommendation and the park has remained open. Committee Member Williams suggested incorporating signage as part of the Vision Statement. Mr. Moore stated that he included park signage under the section for Trails, which includes an approximate budget amount of$25,000. . Committee Member McClung stated that a dog park was part of the PTRC's list of priorities and is still an issue. Mr. Moore stated that the dog park is still part ofthe list of priorities noting that Staff is still unsure what to do with Lindy's. He stated that tlle biggest concern is parking adding PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24, 2006 Page 6 of9 . that currently there is no room for a parking area. He stated that the dog park could be shortened to create a small parking lot. Chair Henry stated that the PTRC has also discussed the location along Bruberry Lane as a potential site for a dog park. Mr. Moore agreed stating that it would be large enough for a dog park noting that it is approximately 12.5 acres. Committee Member McClung stated that the one possible concern with this location would be the potential contamination of the lake due to dog waste. He agreed that this could be a good location if the dog waste issue is addressed. He stated that most of the dog parks and dog runs he is familiar with are used a great deal adding that a dog park in Arden Hills would be used a lot, as the City is a very dog-friendly area, The Committee agreed, after a brief discussion, to include the dog park on their list of priorities, Chair Henry stated that he would like to include, as a third dimension to the PTRC Vision statement, a quarterly event that would bring the community together through the use of the City Parks, He suggested events that could include City gardens and flower planting; Buck Thorn removal; and neighborhood community events such as ice fishing. . Committee Member Wheeler agreed suggesting that they not be too specific in the naming of the events. She suggested considering other events such as a candlelight walk through one of the parks during the winter or holiday season, Committee Member McClung agreed stating that he likes the idea of sponsoring events that would bring the community together. He suggested considering two events that would focus the community on City cleanup, such as Buck Thorn removal; and two events that would promote community bonding, 7. February 21, 2006 City Council Work Session Chair Henry stated that the PTRC should include and incorporate the three-dimensional perspective and start their portion of the workshop with the City Council with a set of visuals. He stated that the presentation could include visuals such as the Regional Trail Map and the draft map created by Committee Member Williams, that would clarify the trail systems and where connections are needed. He suggested that the third phase of the presentation involve the Committee Members clarifying the needs within each dimension, beginning with the Vision Statement and an explanation of the basic principles. Council Liaison Larson suggested outlining the priorities and what improvements the PTRC would like to see funded in 2006 and focus on projects for 2007. He noted that a persuasive argument to make would be to show that the emphasis, in the recent past, has been on parks and . that the recommended focus now should be on improving and completing the trail systems. He stated that he would be comfortable supporting some form of referendum that could tie into the election this fall that would be used for investing in the parks and trails for the City. ---- PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24. 2006 Page 7 of9 . Chair Henry asked if the PTRC recommended pnontJes would be competing with other significant funding requests and would departmental/project competition for funding lead to larger discussions for the Council in order to prioritize projects. Council Liaison Larson explained the funding process stating that they would first look to the Parks Fund for special project funding, which brings them back to the same place, the fact that there is not a sufficient amount of revenue coming in to the Parks Fund from sources the City was accustomed to receiving, He noted that the fundamental problem is that the source of revenue from developments is no longer sufficient to cover the projects the PTRC would like to do. He expressed concerns stating that there is a true need to find other sources of revenue to fund future projects. He stated that there are several potential funding sources noting that none of them are certain at this time. He suggested that the Committee ask the Council about potential funding sources. Committee Member McClung agreed stating that the Committee should do some research for potential funding resources adding that the PTRC should also know the priority requests that they are competing with. He noted that the Fire Department has funding requirements in addition to the Public Safety projects and Capital Improvement projects that have been identified. . Committee Member Hames asked if the PTRC has ever gone to the Community in the past to ask for their support for funding. Chair Henry stated that the PTRC has discussed this in the past but nothing has ever been decided. Council Liaison Larson noted that any projects that would be introduced as part of a referendum to the Community would have to be clearly defined before presenting this as an option for Council to consider. Committee Member McClung suggested approaching Guidant for funding support on some of the parks and trails projects that would impact and benefit their connections to the City. Committee Member Hames agreed adding that they should consider approaching all of the businesses in Arden Hills to ask for their financial support. Committee Member Williams agreed and suggested giving the business community the option to support specific projects. He stated that in most cases husinesses would want the assurance from the City that the funds would be used for the specified purpose. Chair Henry summarized stating that it is his belief that the PTRC has some fairly clear priorities with respect to what they want for trails and after this evening's discussion the Committee has . also identified their priorities for parks. He stated that he would like to come out of this workshop with the City Council acknowledging or accepting the PTRC's recommendation for PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 24, 2006 Page 8 of9 . priorities and funding for at least two of the projects they have identified and the Council's approval to adopt the PTRC Vision Statement, Goals and Priorities. Chair Henry stated that it is his belief that it is critical for the PTRC to consider opportunistic partnering with MnDOT or other Cities in their effort to complete the trail system. He also believes that there would be a downside and few advantages if the City were to agree to a 50/50 share of costs with the DNR. He noted that the biggest concern is that an entire project would be in jeopardy ifthe DNR were, for whatever reason, unable to match the funds. Council Liaison Larson noted that Northwestern College is currently going through several changes and suggested approaching Northwestern again to open discussion around funding opportunities. He stated that Bethel could be another willing participant in contributing funds for trails that would benefit their student body. Chair Henry asked the Committee for their suggestions on how the PTRC should deliver their message to Council at the workshop. The Committee briefly discussed various presentation options and jointly decided that Chair Henry would present the PTRC Vision Statement to Council with the assistance of Committee Member Williams in addition to contributions from Committee Members as needed. . Committee Member Wheeler suggested utilizing flip cbarts that would be placed around the room that outlines each ofthe specific items outlined in the presentation. Committee Member McClung suggested keeping the presentation brief and to the point allowing the Committee and Council enough time to discuss the Vision Statement, PTRC Goals, project priorities and funding. He stated that he wants to come away from this workshop with some form of buy-in from the Council on their recommendations. The Committee scheduled an additional meeting on February 16, 2006 at 7:00 p.m, to review the presentation, 8. General Discussion Committee Member Wheeler stated that she did some research on the $25 million grant noting that it would be used for the Transit for Livable Communities in Minneapolis project. She provided the Committee with an overview ofthe decision and project. Mr. Moore stated that Committee Member Zilmer suffered a heart attack last week and is home now recuperating. He stated that Committee Member Zilmer had apologized for not being able to attend the meeting this month and asked him to assure the Committee that he plans to attend next month. . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING JA~ARY24,2006 Page 9 of9 . 9. Next Meeting Agenda - February 28, 2006 . Committee Member Straumann plans to present a summary of the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department System Plan. . A draft reVISIOn of the plan has been posted on the department's website: http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/docs/systemplan.pdf. Come to the meeting prepared to discuss the plan. 10. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Williams motioned, seconded by Committee Member Wheeler, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial. Inc, . .