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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-26 PTRC Chair: SJ Julius (2027) Committee Members: Dan Dietz (2026) Elizabeth Johnson (2026) Derek Hilding (2027) Nikhath Nazir Ahmed (2027) Lacy Loosbrock (2028) Kate Olson (2028) Youth Committee Member: Ted Chresand (2026) Council Liaison: Emily Rousseau Staff Liaison: Jess Skalicky Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee April 21, 2026 6:30 pm City Hall 1245 W. Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 651-792-7800 www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well-maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long-standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Some Committee Members may be participating in this meeting by interactive technology/remotely. Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 24, 2026 3. REPORTS A. Council Liaison Report B. Parks and Recreation Report C. Trails and Parks Projects Report 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Mounds View High School Cross Country & Ski Trails B. Adopt a Spot / Encroachment statement 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. REPORTS FROM SUBCOMMITTEES 7. NEXT MEETING A. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 8. ADJOURNMENT CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026, 6:30 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Committee Chair SJ Julius called the March 24, 2026, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: SJ Julius, Derek Hilding, Dan Dietz, Ted Chresand, Lacy Loosbrock, Kate Olson, Nikhath Nazir Ahmed, and Liz Johnson. OTHERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Manager Jess Skalicky, Council Liaison Emily Rousseau and Planning Commissioner Ben Lindau 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee Member Hilding moved and Committee Member Olson seconded a motion to approve the agenda, as presented. The motion carried unanimously among members present. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 17, 2026 PTRC Minutes MOTION: Committee Member Olson moved and Committee Member Loosbrock seconded a motion to approve the meeting minutes, as written. The motion carried unanimously among members present. 3. REPORT A. Council Liaison Update Council Liaison Rousseau said a member of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) suggested a bike rodeo and helmet fitting, facilitated through the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, as part of the 75th Anniversary celebration. She shared some information from the Better Bike Share Partnership that highlighted some of their programs. Council Liaison Rousseau said the Senior Communications Coordinator was hired, with one of the goals being, that position would work on grant information. Council Liaison Rousseau said she met with a member of the Dayton Economic Development Authority (EDA). An EDA can determine Tax Increment Financing (TIF). It can sell and buy property. The Dayton EDA purchased a property along the river. They moved the home off the property then sold the land to Three Rivers Park System. It was interesting to see their strategic Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 24, 2026 Page 2 planning. One of their goals was strengthening the quality of life within the city by enhancing recreational opportunities. She said the park and recreation component can build into the ecosystem. They were talking about identifying opportunities and projects that highlight family friendly activities, activities for young professionals and ethnic groups related to activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. They are preparing a quality of life brochure to provide lifestyle opportunities and benefits for businesses and workers to relocate to that area. Council Liaison Rousseau said Council has received the final draft of the Public Works Maintenance Plan. She noted over 7,000 hours, or 44% of all Public Works hours for the year are allocated for parks. Council Liaison Rousseau said she will be meeting with Rotary Club to discuss their Adopt-A- Park. It appears they need some support with volunteers. She asked if Committee Member Loosbrock could work with them on that. She said the Adopt-A-Park program isn’t ready for the next newsletter. Shoreview is posting their parks that are available for adoption. B. Parks and Recreation Report Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Adopt-A-Park framework and application packet are ready to go. We are waiting until Council gives its official approval on April 27 before promoting the program. We need direction on if this will be advertised or simply have it available for people who seek out the opportunity. The Rotary is having trouble getting volunteers for the first park. We don’t want to create a program that doesn’t have the volunteer pool to help the groups that adopt the parks. We have to find the balance. It is the adopting group’s responsibility to find volunteers. That will all be part of the discussion in April. This program will include Adopt- A-Park, Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Garden, etc. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Great River Greening Natural Resources Management Plan for Chatham, Floral and Hazelnut are about 95% done. She believes the plan will be ready to present to the PTRC at the next meeting. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said Council directed Public Works to move forward with the 2027 Park Improvement projects at Sampson, Perry and Ingerson Parks. There will be a significant amount of work at Perry, especially on the trail, the failing retaining walls and the grading needed. Additional suggestions like dog park improvements and grading were not in the plan but Council did support moving forward with the work. Council was supportive of a temporary warming house at Ingerson. The final scope hasn’t been decided. Final plans will be made when the engineering consultant can identify costs of the additional proposed work. She anticipates a consultant will be on board by May 2026. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the recreation registration system has been overhauled. It will make it easier for residents to sign up for programs. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Tree Trust tree pick up will be on June 6, 2026. Tree sales open on April 1, 2026. It will be open through May 22, 2026. It is expected that the trees will sell out. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 24, 2026 Page 3 Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said that she and a number of Parks employees attended the Shade Tree Short Course at Bethel. It is an annual conference about trees. She will get her certification to inspect playgrounds next week. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Parks System Plan will go to Council for adoption on April 13, 2026. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky encouraged committee members to watch the March 9, 2026 City Council Work Session. Ramsey County Trails were discussed. She knows PTRC are interested in knowing what trail projects are coming up. Council Liaison Rousseau said the Joint Engineers of Ramsey County (JERC) are working with the County on a new policy regarding cost sharing. It could significantly reduce the costs to the City if implemented. She said there was discussion on many trails at that work session. There may be some opportunities coming up. C. Trails and Parks Projects Update Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky noted the memo from Assistant Public Works Director Miller is in the packet. The items in bold are new. The parks projects for Ingerson, Perry and Sampson were presented at the work session on March 9. Council agreed with the budget and scope and Staff will move forward with selecting a designer and performing a Request For Proposals (RFP) for a playground vendor. She explained how the playground vendor selection process will change by putting an RFP out there for several vendors, rather than just one or two, as was the process in the past. This process will give the bidders an amount and the RFP will request the best playground for that amount of money. Vendors are aware that they are competing with other playground vendors so they will give us the most elements at the best price. Committee Member Hilding asked if the same process will happen for all three parks. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the playground at Perry will not be replaced. It is not at the end of the life cycle yet. Committee Member Hilding asked if the two parks playground replacements will be bid as a combined project. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the playground replacements specifically will be two separate projects, each with its own playground replacement RFP. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the hardcourts at Arden Manor Park were bid out and the apparent low bidder will be awarded at the April 13 Council Meeting. The ADA access trail at Arden Oaks and Freeway will be awarded to the apparent low bidder at that same meeting. Committee Member Olson noted a list of items still to be completed at Arden Oaks. She asked if that was benches. She noticed there were none. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky confirmed benches and picnic tables will be installed. She said all of the parks will have gaga ball pits. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 24, 2026 Page 4 4. NEW BUSINESS None 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2026 PTRC Work Plan Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said she misspoke during the last discussion when she said the City Council would like to hear an update in September regarding the 2026 Work Plan. What is expected is the 2027 Work Plan will be presented to City Council in September. The 2026 Work Plan will not be presented to City Council. Chair Julius asked if the Council wants any kind of update on the 2026 plan. Council Liaison Rousseau said it would be best to bring it before the last quarter at the end of the year when budget discussions start. Discussion ensued regarding if PTRC is required to volunteer. It is not required but anyone who wishes to volunteer will be greatly appreciated. B. Park System Plan Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said she has been meeting with our consultant from Bolton and Menk every three weeks. There is a steering committee, as well. Bolton and Menk assessed every amenity in every park. There was a huge engagement process with the community. The Park System Plan is ready to be adopted. This will guide improvements in Arden Hills parks for the next 10 to 20 years. Committee Member Hilding asked how the City allocates funding to implement the plan. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the City has a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) every year that outlines the capital improvements over the next five years. The items on the plan aren’t guaranteed to be completed. It is a recognition of the current status and what the needs are. The City has to decide which of the projects to budget for and implement. Council Liaison Rousseau said the CIP is an annual process and the Park System Plan is recommended to be reviewed every 10 years. She said there may be some mini park plans for individual parks that can get into more detail about what’s needed. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said Council has interest in mini plans, however the 2026 parks will not have them because the planning process for those improvements have already begun. Creating a mini master plan could delay that work. Council Liaison Rousseau said the mini park plans can help inform future councils. Committee Member Loosbrock said the mini plans can also help groups who adopt a park to know what work needs to be done there. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 24, 2026 Page 5 Discussion ensued that one of the photos is not a photo of an Arden Hills feature. Further discussion ensued that the final plan can be adopted with a recommendation to replace that photo with one in Arden Hills. MOTION: Committee Member Olson moved and Committee Member Ahmed seconded a motion to recommend adoption of the Park System Plan, with a recommendation to replace the photo on page 68 with an Arden Hills photo. The motion carried unanimously among members present. 6. REPORTS FROM SUBCOMMITTEES Committee Member Loosbrock said she has a link for volunteers to sign-up to help at the Egg Hunt. She said she is looking for photographers, two egg hunt leaders and someone to wear the bunny suit. 7. NEXT MEETING A. Tuesday, April 21, 2026 ADJOURNMENT Chair Julius adjourned at 7:23 pm. REPORTS – 3C Page 1 of 3 3C - MEMO.doc MEMORANDUM DATE: April 21, 2026 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Lucas J. Miller, Assistant Public Works Director SUBJECT: Trail and Parks Projects Update Previously Discussed Items: • Hamline Avenue Trail connection with Roseville – Lake Josephine o Arden Hills staff is coordinating trail improvements with the City of Roseville for a trail connection along the west side of Lake Josephine with anticipated construction in 2026.  An open house event took place on May 1, 2025 & February 10, 2026, at Autumn Grove Park hosted by the City of Roseville. It was well attended and provided great feedback from the community. • County Rd D Trail connection o The City of Roseville is coordinating with Ramsey County to construct a new trail segment along the south side of County Rd D from Cleveland Ave to Lake Johanna Blvd with anticipated construction in 2027. • County Rd E Trail connection o City staff is coordinating with Ramsey County to construct a new trail segment along the south side of County Rd E from the Elmer Anderson Trail to Lake Johanna. This project is postponed and no longer going to be completed in 2026 per Ramsey County. It is being proposed to be combined with the LJB Trail in 2028. • Proposed Lake Johanna Blvd Trail o Lake Johanna Blvd Trail Preliminary Design Report was completed by Ramsey County in October 2022. o City Council adopted resolution 2023-023 which is the local match commitment of $2 million for the project (Total project cost estimated $9.5 million). o Ramsey County presented in November 2023 about the project corridor with City Council. o Ramsey County applied for the Met Council Regional Solicitation “Multiuse Trails and Bicycle Facilities” grant for $5,500,000 in 2023/2024. The project did not score well in its category but funding is still being pursued. o Within Ramsey County’s Transportation Improvement Plan they have scheduled the following timeline:  Ramsey County presented information to Council in September 2025 which stated they are budgeting for the project to be completed in three Page 2 of 3 different sections of the trail along Lake Johanna Blvd. over three separate years.  RFP for Planning/Design contract: 2026  Planning/Design Phase: staggered 2026, 2027 and 2028  Construction: 2029 for the west segment, 2030 for the east segment and 2031 for the middle segment. • Old Highway 10 Trail, City staff is working with a consultant to pursue grants and state bonding funds. Estimated project cost is now projected to be $4.5 million. o Met Council Regional Solicitation – SRTS: $1,000,000 (City was awarded this grant) o MnDOT – SRTS: $1,000,000 (City was awarded this grant) o State GO Bond funds: $1,650,000 (pursuing but stuck at the state level) o Ramsey County contribution: $1,227,500 o Remainder to be paid through Municipal State Aid and PIR Funds Council has directed Staff to have the Consultant finish the design documents over this summer and then bidding the project next winter for construction in 2027 (pushed back from 2026 to 2027 due to potential cost share policies being updated for trail project that would benefit the City). • Council has negotiated with a private developer as part of the PUD for the site for a trail to be added along the west side of Snelling Ave from Highway 96 all the way down to Royal Hills Park. This work is likely to take place in 2026 if everything falls into place. This trail will be owned and maintained by the City once completed. Currently, the Developer is going through the Permitting Phase, and after that is completed, the City will start the Design phase for the trail with a consulting firm. • Staff will be working with a consultant to implement Hardcourt Improvements within Hazelnut Park. • Hazelnut Parking Lot Status Update: Cost-share and maintenance responsibility negotiations continue with the Church representatives. The City has the parking lot resurfacing project budgeted for construction in 2026. Actual timing is dependent on Agreement renewal. • The 2027 Parks Project (Ingerson, Perry and Sampson): o This may include a potential trail connection at the cul-de-sac of Fernwood Ct to the bottom of hill at Ingerson Park, if budget allows o Preliminary site conditions have been assessed and brought to PTRC at the last monthly meeting in November. o The items were compiled by Staff in preparation for the March Work Session. o These items were presented to Council at the Work Session on 3/9/26. Council agreed with the budgeted scope and Staff is moving forward with selecting a designer and performing an RFP for a playground vendor. Page 3 of 3 New/Updated Items: • MN-51 Trail Improvements o City staff is coordinating with MnDOT to construct a new trail segment along the west side MN-51 (Snelling Ave.) from Lydia Ave in Roseville to connect to the existing trail on Old Snelling Ave with anticipated construction in 2026. o There was an in-person open house that hopefully most of PTRC Members attended: Thu, Oct. 23, 2025 at Centennial United Methodist Church o PW Staff attended a preconstruction meeting this week with MNDOT and they expect the project on HWY 51 underway in the next few weeks. The Trail construction won’t likely be until later in the summer. • Arden Manor Park Hardcourt Construction – City staff has applied for the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to pursue funding for this project. The project was not awarded any funding. Council direction is to continue to pursue grant funding to fund the project. Staff reached out to CDBG representatives requesting the status of the program for 2025 which they responded that the CDBG Solicitation is postponed until a federal budget is passed. Still no news regarding this County program. o Council has directed staff to include this work as an Alternate in the bid with the 2026 PMP. The bid results will be reviewed once received and likely constructed with that project. o Bids were awarded to the Contractor on 4/13 by Council for this work in AMP for the Hardcourt. A Preconstruction meeting will be held in the coming weeks with a preliminary schedule being discussed. We do not know the contractor’s schedule at this time. • The 2025 Parks Project (Arden Oaks Park & Freeway Park), are substantially completed except: o Final restoration at both parks in green space will need final approval in the spring 2026 for warranty work and seed establishment. o The City has requested the contractor add some extra draintile to the scope at Freeway Park in some low spots to promote drainage. This work has been completed and will be assessed in the spring of 2026. o Council has directed staff to include the ADA access trail for Arden Oaks Park as an Alternate in the bid with the 2026 PMP. The bid results will be reviewed once received and likely constructed with that project. o Bids were awarded to the Contractor on 4/13 by Council for this work in AOP for the walking path. A Preconstruction meeting will be held in the coming weeks with a preliminary schedule being discussed. We do not know the contractor’s schedule at this time. NEW BUSINESS – 4A MEMORANDUM DATE: April 21, 2026 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Ted Chresand, PTRC Youth Member SUBJECT: Mounds View High School Cross Country & Ski Trails Requested Action Receive presentation and provide feedback on the proposed cross-country and Nordic Ski trail. Background Mounds View High School is located on Lake Valentine Road, near the intersections of 694 and 35W in Arden Hills. It opened in 1955 and is home to 1,800 students in grades 9-12. The Mounds View High school campus currently has less than a mile of trails suitable for either cross-country running or Nordic skiing. A concept has been proposed to develop a Nordic skiing and running trail around Farrells Lake near Mounds View High School. While much of the land is owned by the school district, portions of the lakeshore and a connecting segment to the school appear to be City-owned. The request is for the City to consider allowing use of these City-owned areas for a future natural-surface trail (e.g., wood chips), which may include limited underbrush clearing by high school teams with City coordination and approval. Existing school trails are limited in length and terrain. Expanding the system, potentially onto City property, could create a more functional route for training and recreational use over time. Attachment Attachment A: Mounds View High School Cross Country & Ski Trails Presentation Proposed Trails at Ferrell’s Lake Presented by: Ted Chresand PTRC Youth Member PTRC Meeting April 21, 2026 –6:30 PM Background Mounds View High School is built on land formerly owned by John Farrell, an Irish immigrant who came to America in 1849 and also who the lake is named after. The land was previously farmland and relatively clear, however since the school has been there the woods have grown thicker with underbrush and tree coverage. Proposed trails Map of proposed trails A possible 5 kilometer courses that Mounds View could host cross country running races at. Nationwide plot map (arces.com) Possible skiing/running trail (not including possible use of the lake)(2.3 miles on school property only Possibilities for PTRC/city involvement Maintenance and current condition The current condition of foot/animal trails is limited and would require some effort, specifically on steeper parts of the hill that leads down to the lake. However, once the initial work of leveling and clearing is done, the trail would require minimal maintenance during warm months and ideally only grooming during the winter months for ski trails. The parts of the trail on school property would be maintained by the school athletic teams who use it regularly while the parts belonging to the city would be the city’s responsibility. Ecosystem of the trail ●The proposed place for the trail resides in an deciduous forest and a wetlands. ●Many different species call this area home. ●It is important for the trail to have a minimal impact on the environment. ●To achieve a minimal environmental impact it would be helpful to not have the path be paved but rather dirt, grass or wood chips which has the added benefit of lower impact on runners or walkers using these paths. Frozen during winter (skiable) Environmental impacts of the trail ●Increased foot traffic near the lake. ●Removal of buckthorn. Current trails There are currently zero dirt cross country trails on the Mounds View High School campus and only under a mile of Nordic ski trails. Irondale trails Similar example Community impact. Some community impacts are the possibility of a low impact trail for walkers or runners in the community. Since there are currently close to zero nice unpaved trails in Arden Hills this could be beneficial for users of this trail who are injured or new to cardio exercise. Growing interest in a cross country ski trail NEW BUSINESS – 4B MEMORANDUM DATE: April 21, 2026 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Jess Skalicky, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Adopt a Spot & Encroachment Statement Requested Action Provide a draft statement for staff use that clearly defines the types of park enhancements are appropriate on City-owned parkland, trails, and natural areas, with particular focus on areas adjacent to private property. Background The City of Arden Hills has a strong history of citizen-led volunteer efforts that support the maintenance and appearance of parks, trails, and natural areas. Some groups have formally adopted park spaces, while others contribute through informal stewardship activities. The 2026 Strategic Plan includes expanding the Adopt-a-Park program, with a proposed program scheduled for Council review at the April 27 work session. As the program becomes more formalized, additional clarity is needed regarding which activities and enhancements are appropriate on City-owned land, particularly in areas that abut private property. Establishing clear expectations will support positive volunteer involvement, protect the integrity of public spaces, and ensure consistent management across the park system. Attachment Attachment A: Adjacent Property Park Use Example and Proposed Guidance Statement Public Use and Coordination – Draft Statement Adopted areas must be maintained for the benefit and enjoyment of the entire community and may not be used for private purposes. Volunteers may not install landscaping, plantings, structures, or other improvements that create the appearance of private use, claim space, or encroach into public land. The City reserves the right to remove any unauthorized improvements. Coordinate with the Parks and Recreation Department before beginning any large projects to ensure alignment with park maintenance plans. Sample of what would not be allowed: