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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-09 PTRC -----ARzEN ]HiLLs PARKS, TRAILS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009 **6:30 P.M. MEETING'S ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1245 'WEST HIGHWAY 96 * PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR PARKS AND REC FACILITY INVENTORY MANUALS AND THE CP RAIL REPORT (was included in last month's meetingpacket) ) AGENDA 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of January 13, 2009 Meeting Minutes 4. CP Rail/Trail Discussion — PLEASE BRING FINAL REPORT THAT YOU RECEIVED IN LAST MONTH'S PACKET! 5. Safe Routes to School Project Review—Deb Bloom —City Engineer will be resent p _ to present and review plan with the committee. 6. Community Clean Up Event Discussion 7. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 17th 6:30 p.m. y � 8. Adjourn Attachments: 01113109 Meeting Minutes - Safe Routes to School Specs Safe Routes to School Project Map Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes(01-13-09) Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda(02-10-09) Aquorum of the CityCouncil rn a bepresent at this meetln . y g PAAdmin\Committees&CommissionsTarks Trails and Recreation Committee�Agenda\2009\02-24-09 Agenda.doc i f AVEN: HILLS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY,JANUARY 13, 2009 6:30 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Peck called the January 13, 2009, meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Committee Chair John Peck, Committee Members Larry Jones Don Messerly,Nancy O'Malley, Harold Peterson, Garretson and Steve Scott. OTHERS PRESENT: Council Liaison Fran Holmes, Park and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson, Civil Engineer 's Giga and Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, Inc. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Members Lannyumann, Jody Hil ers and Rich �' y g Straumann. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee Member Messerly motioned to ap rove the agenda as resented th pg th � changing the next meeting date to February 24 and not February 26 ' seconded by Steve Scott. The motion carried unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—DECEMBER 16 2009 MOTION: Committee Member O'Malley motioned to approve the minutes as resented Pp presented,, seconded by Committee Member Garretson. The motion carried unanimously. y 4. NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS Ms. Olson welcomed the new members to the Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee. She indicated the Council approved the new members at their January 12{h meeting.. Ms. Olson explained that terms have been set for each member and that the PTRC was now able to have u to 12 members. P Ms. Olson explained there were still two open seats and that any interested members could be brought to staff or Council's attention. She indicated the members of this committee could serve or work in the community and do not have to live in Arden Hills, but that the majority of the J y committee had to live within the City. Chair Peck stated he received a call from Mayor Ha stead short) before Christmas and that he � Y has accepted the Chair position for the PTRC. i PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2009 Page 2 of 6 5. VALENTINE PARK DRAINAGE REPORT--Richard Hibbard and Todd Hubmer from WSB & Associates Inc. Ms. Olson explained the City Council directed staff to complete a drainage study for Valentine Park to further understand the issues surrounding the drainage in this neighborhood. She indicated WSB completed the drainage study and that Todd Hubmer was present to review the information with the committee. Mr. Hubmer presented the PTRC with background information on Valentine Park along with the current drainage report. He reviewed the existing storm sewer system and explained how current water flowed, indicating there is very little treatment to the water at this time before flowing into the lake. Mr. Hubmer stated there are a number of issues with Valentine Park at this time. He indicated the drainage ditch to the southwest corner was not adequate to handle the water flow and the ground elevation of the park was close to the normal water elevation and flood elevation of Valentine Lake. Mr. Hubmer stated there was not good drainage out of the system which was leaving water ponded in the park. Mr. Hubmer explained the parking lot was in poor condition due to the standing water and high water level. He indicated the amenities within the park are underutilized because they can't be used on a regular basis. Mr. Hubmer shared several photos with standing water throughout the park. He explained there was not enough elevation within the park to allow the water to drain to Valentine Lake. Councilmember Holmes questioned if valentine Park was supposed to be an overflow location for Valentine Lake. Mr. Hubmer indicated he reviewed floodplain documents and stated Valentine Park is not part of the lakes floodplain. Mr. Hubmer stated a public meeting was held on December 11, 2008 with eight or nine residents present for discussion regarding the park issues. He explained the residents were in favor of keeping the current ballfield as the greenspace was valued. Mr. Hubmer noted the play structure was due to be replaced in the near future. He added that the skating could be eliminated as well. Mr. Hubmer indicated the residents were in favor of the outdoor bathroom being enhanced or enclosed as well as adding a picnic shelter area for people to gather out of the sun. Mr. Hubmer then reviewed three Valentine Park options with the Committee. He stated additional information and exact park configurations will need to be decided before a final decision could be made, but that this would provide guidance for the design process. Mr. Hubmer stated the first thing that would need to be done would be to raise the grade of the park and provide proper drainage to allow the park to be used on a consistent basis while relocating the parking lot. He reviewed a revised layout of the park with its components for better form and function. Mr. Hubmer estimated Option I to cost roughly$208,000-260,000. PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2009 Page 3 of 6 Councilmernber Holmes questioned if the basketball court would remain within the park, as this was a popular amenity. Mr. Hubmer stated the current condition was quite poor and could be added into the park layout if desired. Councilmember Holmes asked if the pond area would be a mosquito concern. Mr. Hubmer explained that mosquitoes breed mostly in small low lying areas that are temporary puddles and P �' not open waterways. Holrae-5 Councilmembeu questioned if the bridge at the southeast corner would remain for pedestrian traffic on the existing trail. Mr. Hubmer stated this could be discussed before a final design was approved. Chair Peck explained this trail was important to residents for access into the park. Chair Peck stated he was impressed with the proposed park layout as it addressed the concerns of the residents and while controlling the water drainage issues. fa- 1 �--, Mr. Hubmer reviewed Option 2 as creating a ' park with a gathering area and new wetland storm water treatment feature. He indicated this option would take an active park to a more natural/aesthetic park with walking trails and additional landscaping. It was the consensus of the committee to not proceed with Option 2 due to future water mitigation concerns along with the value of the parkland. Mr. Hubmer explained Option 3 would keep the park in its current configuration with minor changes. He indicated the pavement management program would use rain gardens which would be. maintained by the residents on a voluntary basis. Mr. Hubmer stated the funding and . g installation would be provided by the City with assistance from the residents. There were a number of different ways to complete the grading and plans. He estimated the cost for each rain garden to be$6,000-12,000, with a number of rain gardens within the park. Mr. Hubmer explained that he met with the Rice Creek Watershed District while this preparing report. In meeting with them, any improvements made to the park would to greater define the limits of the wetland and mitigated for the impacts associated with it. He indicated Option 1 may mitigate the impact because new wetlands would be added. Mr. Peterson stated his concern with the pond area would be the algae growth during the g l� g summer. Mr. Hubmer stated the management of this wetland would allow the storm sewer to flow through this park to create a good flow to circulate the water to the outlet. Mr. Jones explained he has a real interest in gardening and asked if there could be community involvement in this area. Chair Peck stated there were several community gardens within the City. Ms. Olson stated there has been on-going activity within the community for gardens and that this has been advertised to gain interest from the residents. a PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES r January 13, 2009 Page 4 of 6 Ms. O'Malley questioned if the information presented tonight would be brought back to the residents. Ms_ Olson stated an additional neighborhood.meeting would be held to pass along this information. Chair Peck asked if a recommendation should be made by the Committee for the Council and when this item would proceed to Council for discussion. Ms. Olson felt it would greatly benefit �' Y the Council if the Committee made a recommendation for their consideration. She indicated this item would go before the Council sometime in February but that the park would need additional design plans and funding. Mr. Hubmer stated the City has looked at this park project wisely seeing it as an investment in the future play structure, parking lot and storm water treatment. He indicated this big picture approach allows the City to create a plan that meets all the needs of the City and the community. Chair Peck questioned if Valentine Park should be planned for future programs. Ms. Olson p p � stated smaller events could be held here, along with park rental but that the neighbors are really Y looking for greenspace and not necessarily ballfi elds. Ms. O'Malley suggested the ballf eld be removed from the center of the ark and be replaced p p with a central greenspace. She indicated this would look nicer and be more utilized by the neighbors. Mr. Hubmer asked if the Committee was in favor of keeping the ice skating rink. Further p g g discussion ensued about the possibly layout and amenities for Valentine Park. Ms. Olson explained that the ice skating rink was really addin to the water roblern in this ark c1rC& g p p g additional water for the park to drain every spring along with damaging the turf. She indicated these residents would always be able to access skating and hockey rinks at Freeway Park. Chair Peck questioned if the bulk of the expense in Option 1 was for grading. Mr. Hubmer p g g stated this was correct but that a permanent warming structure and boards would double the budget. Chair Peck stated it may be more feasible to gain Council approval if the park improvements were approved in sections and not all at once. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the Committee was in favor of keeping the skating p g g whether it be a small pleasure rink or for hockey use. She indicated she was not in favor of permanent boards at this park. Mr. Messerly stated he would be in favor of a pleasure rink. Chair Peck agreed. Mr. Jones indicated he would still e to see an area for community gardening. Ms. Olson stated there was a current space for a flower garden and stated additional plantings could be . p g made near the picnic shelter. Councilmember Holmes suggested benches and native asses be planted near the proposed � p p p pond. Chair Peck agreed with this and stated a larger garden could be placed in this area as well e PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2009 Page S of 6 Ms. Olson stated the overwhelming feeling from the residents is that this area is to remain a park and should not become a wetland. Chair Peck stated Option 2 did offer additional trails, which would be beneficial to the residents. Mr. Hubmer stated he would revise the plan to add the components discussed, such as the trails bridge, gardens and basketball court and report back to the Committee. Chair Peck thanked Mr. Hubmer for his report on Valentine Park. 6. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE—Fran Holmes Councilmember Holmes gave an update on the Council actions noting the Council discussed the pavement management project (PMP) south of County Road E and west of Old Snelling. She noted this was a controversial Issue due to the expense and the state of the economy. Ms. Holmes explained, however, that the bids may come in lower than expected and a decision will need to be made as to whether to proceed on the project in 2009. 7. PARKS TRAILS AND RECTUATION UPDATE—Michelle Olson Ms. Olson indicated the Recreation Programm Y started full-time Januar 2" Ms. Olson noted this would assist her greatly and she is now prepping for the spring rin season. Ms. Olson indicated the rinks are well attended and very have been ha with the people Y happy condition of the ice. She stated attendance records will be brought back to the Committee at a future meeting. Ms. Olson explained there were five rinks operating at thi s pleasure time two rinks and three hockey rinks. Ms. Olson stated she was :.forking on grants at this time that would be brought forward to this Committee and Council. She noted the DNR connection at Perry Park was fully executed and ready to begin. Ms. Olson was looking for additional grants to apply for as funding continued to be cut each year. 8. CP RAIL/TRAIL DISCUSSION—Final Report in Packets Ms. Olson reviewed the final CP Rail/Trail document with the Committee. She reviewed several changes between the draft and final document. Ms. Olson reported the costs were segmented out P gm for both the east and west side of the trail. Ms. Olson reviewed the estimated cost for the entire corridor with the bride crossin pointing g g� P g out that the east and west sides were very close in cost. She stated the Council made a change to the CIP to include $37,000 for Bolton & Menk to engineer the bridge with the railroad in 2009 with construction beginning in 2010. Ms. Olson stated there is a similar bridge design for the City of New Brighton and CP Rail. Ms. _ � Y g Giga Indicated CP Rail does not plan to make any improvements to the bridge at this time or the near future but were willing to look at adjustments the City was proposing to accommodate a p p g trail. PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE.MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2009 Page 6 of 6 Ms. Giga further reviewed the bridge costs along with the east corridor and west corridor expenses for the Committee. She indicated the bridge would be roughly $200,000 of the total trail expense. Ms. Giga explained that the bridge design would not change if the trail were on the east or west side. Ms. Olson reported the Council would discuss this process further on January 20, 2009 at 5.-00 p.m. She encouraged the Committee members to attend the meeting to offer additional input. Ms. Olson indicated the Committee would be making a recommendation sometime in the future about the side for this trail. She asked that the members take home the information provided tonight to begin considering a recommendation. Ms. Olson suggested the Committee Members bring their trail maps to each upcoming meeting for future discussions on this item. 9. NEXT MEETING—Tuesday,February 24,2009 The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Please note that due to the President's Day Holiday, the City Council Meeting is scheduled on our regular night. Therefore, the February meeting will be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month but may be moved up in Council action is needed for the Safe Routes to School item. 10. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Petersen motioned to adjourn and Committee Member O'Malley seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. 1 -...... : ..................... .......................... ..... ... ... .. ..-. ...KS r. .. .. .. .a...E ............. ............. ANT .... P. ::......... ..:.v..... ....- .. ......... ... ..-............... .......... 4 1 1 t Z ............ .......... I` 'U"T ......... . ........... ...- ........... .............. - 13 2 09 FY Iv { :c ION . ....y... .. ... .:... RKS .....RA EYMS ....AN C R;*Ti E Q .:. T . NQ REAT iffa� y e #t-ee : - ood sw The regular meeting of the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Straumann at 6:00 p.m., at Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department, 2015 North.Van Dyke Street, Maplewood, Minnesota. Members Present: Deb Falkowski, Gale Pederson, Candace Petersen, Richard Straumann Members Absent: Terry Huntrods, Phil Jenni, David Pettiford Staff Present: Greg Mack, Cory Hinz, Ken Wehrle, Jody Yungers APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Petersen moved, seconded by Ms. Pederson, that the agenda of the Parks and Recreation Commission be approved as mailed. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Straumann asked for a motion to approve the minutes of December 2 2008. Ms. Falkowski moved, seconded by Ms. Petersen, that the minutes of December 2, 2008 be approved as mailed. Motion carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS - Chair Straumann suggested that the election of officers be postponed until the February p p 2009 meeting. By consensus of Commission members present, the election of officers will be held on February 10, 2009. APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS Mr_ Mack distributed copies of the Parks and Recreation Commission By-laws, y , highlighting the reference to Commission meetings and attendance obligations. Ms. Pederson moved, seconded by Ms. Falkowski, that the Parks and Recreation Commission approve the 2009 By-laws. Motion carried_ DEPARTMENT 2009 WORK PROGRAM Mr. Mack distributed copies of the Department of Parks and Recreation 2009 Work Program. The program is a compilation of extraordinary work activities that will be undertaken in 2009. The Department's Work Program may help inform the Commission's Work Program which will be discussed at the February2009 meeting. g d TAMARACK NATURE CENTER DESTINATION FOR DISCOVERY FUND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Mr. Mack reported that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held a workshop on January 13, 2009 to review design development documents for the Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery project the phased budget and discuss a fund development program to implement the $12 million project. Included in the discussion was a proposal to establish of a Friends of Tamarack Nature Center as a 501 c3 entity to pend support to the Center to participate in fund-raising efforts. There was also discussion about a proposed donor recognition program. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission expressed support for establishing a Friends of Tamarack Nature Center. It was the opinion of Commission .members that the Friends group should be specific to Tamarack Nature Center. Commission members felt that there is momentum/support for the Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery and that broadening the Friends charge may not attract the attention of major donors. UPDATE ON OFF-LEASH DOG AREAS Nis. Yungers provided an overview on the history of off-leash dog areas within the Ramsey County Park System and distributed copies of the administrative policy that p Y guided establishment of the four off-leash dog areas that currently exist. At the time the off-leash dog areas were established, there was an active volunteer group known as Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets (ROMP)that participated in the site search, helped guide the development and provided ongoing maintenance of the areas. ROMP undertook fund-raising efforts, major projects and provided oversight in the management of the off-leash dog areas. Unfortunately, the ROMP organization dissolved a few years ago. Mr. Hinz used maps to illustrate the existing off-leash dog areas and explained the dog g park guardian program, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Dog park guardians are volunteers who have been enlisted to assist the Department in overseeing the Off-leash dog areas; identifying maintenance needs; and assisting in providing information to dog owners regarding area boundaries, rules and regulations. Mr. Mack noted that for the most part, off-leash dog areas have been successful and provide a valuable service for people who recreate with their dogs. Nationally, off-leash dog areas have become extremely popular facilities provide by parks and recreation departments. Standards and best practices for design and operations have evolved and are presented regularly at state and national conferences. For the most part, dog owners who visit County sites have been respectful of the rights p g of other park users and abided by the rules and regulations. However, some dog owners have disregarded the boundaries resulting in conflicts with other park users. For example, off-leash dog owners have allowed their dogs to roam east and north of the designated Battle Creek off-leash dog area. Unauthorized expansion to the east has created ongoing conflict between cross-country skiers, other trail users and off leash dog activity. Moreover, some dog owners have allowed their dogs to enter protected wetland areas, resulting in degradation of these high-quality resources. In an effort to better manage the area, signs have been installed providing an aerial view of the off-leash dog area and access routes. Other signs have been installed stating that dogs are not permitted on the cross-country ski trails. 2 Given the topography and vegetation of the Ramsey County off-leash dog areas, management and control of the boundary is difficult. Based on national best practices, it is clear that effective boundary control will require fencing of the entire perimeter. The estimated cost of chain link fencing of the four off-leash dog areas is $100,000 to $125,000. In addition, staff is assessing the possibility of expanding the Battle Creek Off-leash Dag Area to the north in order to accommodate the number of users and provide opportunity to rest and re-vegetate other areas in the site. The Commission expressed support for fencing the off-leash dog areas with the first priority being the Battle Creek site. In addition, Commission members inquired whether fees could be charged to offset a portion of the capital and ongoing operations and maintenance costs. Mr. Mack noted that the City of Minneapolis and the Three Rivers Park District both charge fees for use of the off-leash dog areas within their systems. Nationally, there are a number of agencies that charge fees for use of off-leash dog areas. Mr. Mack noted that the four off-leash dog areas within the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department are heavily used, in part because Other jurisdictions surrounding Ramsey County have not taken the initiative to establish an adequate number of off- leash dog areas. It has been reported that a number of regular users at the Battle Creek site come from more than 50 miles away. In order to maintain high-quality areas, it is critical that other agencies establish areas within their jurisdiction in order to take the pressure off Ramsey County areas. Commission members noted that Ramsey County has been very proactive in serving dog owners and recommended that no additional areas be established within the Ramsey County park system. Commission members emphasized that other jurisdictions need to take responsible action in order to serve resident dog owners. DiRECTORTS REPORT Mr_ Mack noted that the Ramse t� County Board of Commissioners has submitted a number of proposals to the 111 Congress for consideration under a proposed economic stimulus program. Included in the request are specific proposals from the Parks and Recreation Department including: Regional Trail Network, Silver Lake Trail, Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery, Battle Creek Snowmaking System, Keller Golf Course Redevelopment, and approximately $3.5 million in deferred capital asset management projects. ADJOURNMENT Upon appropriate motion, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Greg Mack 3