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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-07 P & R Minutes Approved Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 7, 2008 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Parks & Recreation Committee of the City of Centerville held the regularly scheduled Wednesday, May 7, 2008 meeting at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. Present: Chairperson Suzanne Seeley Vice-Chairperson Kevin Amundsen Committee Member Lori Harris Committee Member Patrick Branch Committee Member Mark Haiden Committee Member Savannah Lee Absent: Committee Member Kevin Selander Council: Council Liaison Tom Lee Staff: Staff Liaison Kim Stephan Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works Director __________________________________________________________________________________ I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call Chairperson Seeley called the May 7, 2008 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. II. SET AGENDA Chairperson Seeley requested adding Mr. Lynn Johnson under appearances to discuss the proposal for the Centerville Lions to erect a building in Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. Mr. Paul Palzer requested adding Mr. Andy Ross, also under appearances, to discuss the cement coloring and renovations at Tracie McBride Memorial Park. Motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen, seconded by Committee Member Branch to set the agenda as presented with the above additions. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPEARANCES Mr. Lynn Johnson, Centerville Lions Mr. Lynn Johnson, Centerville Lions, requested to be on the agenda to discuss a proposal that the Parks & Recreation Committee donate a parcel of land at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for the Centerville Lions to build a building on. With the moving of the Public Works to a new building, the Centerville Lions no longer have a place to store their trailers and will lose the storage building at the old site. Mr. Johnson said in talking to Mr. Palzer, he said he didn’t think there would be a problem storing the 1 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 7, 2008 trailers on the new site, but there would not be a storage building available. The proposed building would have a garage to store the Lion’s equipment, a meeting room, rest rooms and a kitchen. Mr. Johnson stated the meeting room could be used for many different things, such as committee and commission meetings, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and any other clubs or organizations in Centerville that would like to use it. At this time the only place in the City of Centerville for clubs or organizations to meet is the St. Genevieve’s Parish Center. The parcel being requested is in the northeast-southeast part of Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park because of the access to water and electrical, as well as access to the trail and Centerville Road. Council Member Lee stated that while in theory this was a great idea for the community, he had checked with the City Attorney and it is not possible for the City to donate public property to a private organization, so even if the committee desired to make this recommendation to the City Council, it is not legally possible. The only way this could be done would be for the Lions to donate the money to the City and the City build, and own, the building. It was discussed whether there was other City owned property available for such a purpose and while there may be, the City also cannot donate property or sell property for less than it is worth. Mr. Andrew Ross / Tracie McBride Memorial Park Renovations Mr. Andrew Ross was present, at Mr. Palzer’s request, to discuss the renovations at Tracie McBride Memorial Park, as well as have the committee select a color and product for the cement. Mr. Ross is the contractor hired to perform the work at the park. There are different options available to color cement. The committee had originally discussed having a product added to the cement mixture which goes completely through the cement so if any chipping were to occur in the future the cement would all be the same color. This option is expensive and the price goes up considerably to get a darker color, for instance a light tan is not as difficult to obtain as a primary red or a blue. Mr. Ross recommended a stain product which is applied after the cement is cured and is more cost efficient and easy to repair if it chips later. It is a penetrating stain that also seals and the colors created with stain are far superior to fully colored cement. The playground equipment is primary contrasting colors The committee discussed the options and decided the stain is more economical and would be able to achieve a more pleasing color. The committee selected a primary blue and Mr. Ross will also paint all the posts the same blue to match the cement. Mr. Ross is coordinating his preparation of the site with Game Time’s installation of the equipment and the project should be completed by the middle of June. The park will have to be shut down for a few days. In an effort to make the pump house look more appealing a false window with shutters was added. Council Member Lee brought up his concern with it being an area vandals would find enticing. Mr. Palzer, Mr. Larson and Mr. Ross discussed the option of removing the window, but because the siding would have to be removed and redone, the cost estimate for a redo would be about $1,000. The committee opted to leave it and see what happens, if it is vandalized it will be done different next time. Committee Member Harris mentioned it is muddy under the drinking fountain to which Mr. Ross replied that area is not yet completed and since it needs to be ADA accessible, it has to have asphalt or stepping stones of some kind underneath it to meet the requirements. Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer – Hidden Spring Park 2 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 7, 2008 Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer made an appearance to update the committee on the status of the work to be completed at Hidden Spring Park and to discuss options for the shoreline stabilization. Included in the packet was a proposal for the shoreline stabilization project from Mr. Gregg Thompson, Urban Conservation Specialist, Association of Metropolitan Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Mr. Statz talked to Mr. Gregg Thompson regarding the soil compaction test Mr. Thompson was going to do on the rain garden and thought it would be done yet this week. The rain garden is currently dry and some plants are coming up. Mr. Statz would like to give it a few more weeks to determine what is yet to come up before the plantings are replaced which did not survive the winter. The recycled materials for the glider bench have been ordered by Bonestroo, at no cost to the City, and will be replaced when the parts arrive. Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works Director, was also in attendance and reported the artesian well was turned on today and is running full force. The water table is probably up and the well has been filling up for 6 months while it was turned off, so it is not possible to say what this means for future water pressure from the well. Mr. Statz said one of the water falls will be adjusted, as the water is flowing behind the rocks instead of over them. Chairperson Seeley questioned whether the divots in the asphalt trails will be repaired which were damaged by equipment. Mr. Statz replied that they would be repaired. Mr. Statz stated he expected all the work to be completed by the end of May, except for the shoreline restoration, which is a lengthier process. Mr. Statz informed the committee that in reviewing the lakeshore stabilization plan from Mr. Gregg Thompson, he has a few concerns with the design plan proposed by Mr. Thompson. The committee discussed the various ideas, benefits and the possible problems with each. Mr. Statz stated that he is concerned that Mr. Thompson’s proposal may not be durable enough to work and Bonestroo would be held responsible when it was not the plan Mr. Statz had recommended. Bonestroo does not want to warranty the work if it is not done the way Bonestroo has proposed with rip rap boulders and live dogwood stakes. The committee is hesitant to use dogwood or willow as they do not want to obstruct the view of the lake and they feel rip rap is not the environmentally friendly way to show lake shore owners how to best preserve the lakeshore. Mr. Thompson’s proposal has some dogwood, but uses a variety of other lakeshore stabilization methods which the committee would like to try before resorting to rip rap. The committee ultimately agreed that it would be best to get whatever plantings in that will maintain the shoreline in the best way possible, as soon as possible, and shrubs can always be removed or cut back later if they become intrusive. Mr. Statz has full confidence that the rip rap will work and stabilize the shoreline, but stated Bonestroo is also willing to go ahead and fully implement Mr. Thompson’s plan if that is the Committee/Council’s desire. The committee and Mr. Statz also felt that if we start to see failure in the lake shore restoration project, we can step in before we lose too much and make a decision to consider going to riprap. Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen, to recommend City Council support the lake shore stabilization plan submitted by Mr. Gregg Thompson, keeping the lakeshore as natural and environmentally friendly as possible. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES April 2, 2008 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 7, 2008 Motion was made by Committee Member Haiden, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen, to approve the April 2, 2008 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes as is. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. V. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Proposal to Sponsor a Walk/Run Around Centerville Lake for the Purpose of Stimulating Community Awareness in Centerville’s Recreation Opportunities, Supporting Centerville Businesses and Raising Parks & Recreation Funding Committee Member Branch submitted a proposal to the committee to consider sponsoring a run around Centerville Lake possibly in conjunction with Fete des Lacs as a fund raiser for the Parks & Recreation Committee. Committee Member Branch has done some preliminary research and because there is a lot of organization and planning involved, this would be an event for 2009, possibly during Fete des Lacs. The committee discussed the plan and was unanimously in favor of proceeding with the research to see what would be involved. Funding will be required up front, but should be able to be recouped with the run itself. Committee Member Branch will contact running organizations to determine how to proceed and report back to the committee. Eventually a subcommittee will be formed. Potential Summer Music Program in Centerville Submitted by Mr. Fred Bailey Mr. Bailey sent information to the committee regardingtwo music groups he is involved with that are active in the Twin City Metro area and would be interested in participating in any Centerville summer music programs. Mr. Bailey’s descriptions of the groups are as follows: 1) The Men In Black acappella vocal group (5 men). We do an eclectic mix of doo-wop, early rock and spirituals. We have performed publicly for more than 15 years. Our local performances include: Como Park Pavilion, Como Park Conservatory, Hazelden and numerous other public and private events throughout the north metro area. We have a demo CD that we would be pleased to send. 2) The White Bear Big Band: a 17 piece big band with a full repertoire of swing and jazz standard. We have performed for numerous public and private events in the north metro area. Our appearances have included regular Swing Dance performances at the NE Family YMCA, spring dances for the White Bear Lake Historical Society and private parties for retirees groups. We would be happy to provide references. While the committee has discussed offering a variety of music in the parks and are excited with the idea, they do not feel they have the time or the ability to take on another project this year. Hidden Spring and Tracie McBride Memorial Parks are still in various stages of renovation, CSAH 14 will be under construction, and the event the committee is currently working on is the Battle of the Bands/Battle of the Boards for both June and Fete des Lacs. The committee would like to revisit this next winter and possibly use Mr. Bailey’s band(s) in conjunction with the Fete des Lacs Run in 2009. Ollie & Company, June Event Planning Committee Member Lee designed the flyer for the event and distributed copies at the Centennial High School. The same design will be used for the T-shirts which will be done in black and white. Colored 4 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 7, 2008 shirts will be done for the Judges and Parks & Recreation Committee Members. The event will be held June 14, 2008 from 1 to 5. There was some discussion as to how to select judges and it was suggested Ollie & Company be contacted to see if their staff would consider judging the bands as they would be neutral. Details of this event will be discussed at the June committee meeting. VI. UPDATES Tracie McBride Memorial Park Renovations Tracie McBride Memorial Park was discussed under appearances, but a few additional comments were made at this point in the meeting. Mr. Palzer explained where the drain tile is to be placed on the north side of the play structure, with the possibility of extending it in the future to the area where the tennis courts may be located. Mr. Palzer asked the committee what they would like to do with the sand area and did the committee want to just resod behind the pump house? The committee would like to see class 5 added and rolled behind the pump house to create an area for a picnic table(s). In regards to the sand the committee would like to see a sandbox area added between the pump house and the play structure using existing sand and extending the concrete border to include this area with the shovel that was previously removed installed in the sandbox. If cost is prohibitive then sod the area. Motion was made by Committee Member Harris, seconded by Chairperson Seeley to recommend Mr. Palzer authorize Mr. Ross, the contractor for Tracie McBride Memorial Park Renovations, to add a sandbox between the pump house and the play ground area using existing sand and shovel and request it be surrounded by extending the concrete border if this fits into the budget. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. Committee Member Harris questioned whether the bubble panel on the play structure was being replaced as it is in such a visible place and it is scratched and worn. She would like to see it replaced with some type of play panel. Mr. Palzer said he would look into it and have staff order a new panel. th Earth Day Cleanup April 19 – Review During the Earth Day Cleanup of the parks it was discovered that the wooded pine tree area of Eagle Park has been used for a ‘hangout’ for kids. An assortment of furniture, probable drug paraphernalia, bottles, cigarette butts, etc. was removed from a secluded area behind the trees, off of the trail. Residents have complained of hearing voices while walking the trail and not feeling safe in this park or on this trail. The committee would like to ultimately remove some trees, but for the short term, trim up the tress approximately 2-3’ from the ground opening the area up to be more visible to both the residents and the police. Vice-Chairperson Amundsen has volunteered to do the work and the question to City Council and City Attorney is would there be liability to the City to have a volunteer perform this work or does the work have to be done by Public Works Staff? This will be forwarded for City Council’s consideration at the May 14, 2008 City Council Meeting. The committee also discussed recent vandalism at some of the parks; a slide was broken and had to be removed at Royal Meadows Park and a rail was stolen and graffiti spray painted at Wheels Skate Park. The equipment will be replaced. The police are looking for information as to the theft and vandalism, but have no leads at this time. 5 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 7, 2008 YMCA Summer Program - Update from Ms. Liz Guimont The following update is from Ms. Liz Guimont: Centerville Park Play Days registration is looking great. It is definitely a GO for this summer! We haven’t had much response for the Skate Park, but we’ll keep our eye on it and keep you updated. I was wondering if there is an indoor space where we might be able to keep a few supplies in. I know there was a warming house we had used before, could we get a key for that again? Just let me know any specifics about the park and anything else you need from us. I have copied Kate Bronson on this email; she will be the main contact over the summer. Thanks so much for collaborating with us and I’m very excited for the program to start! VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen to adjourn the May 7, 2008 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting at 8:57 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. Transcribed by Kim Stephan 6 of 6