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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-03 P & R Minutes Approved Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Parks & Recreation Committee of the City of Centerville held the regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, March 3, 2009 at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. Present: Vice Chairperson Jon Grahek Committee Member Kevin Selander Committee Member Suzanne Seeley Committee Member Brian Peterson Absent: Chairperson Patrick Branch Committee Member Mark Haiden Committee Member Kevin Amundsen Council: City Council Liaison Mayor Capra Staff: Staff Liaison Kim Stephan City Engineer, Mark Statz Also in attendance were Mr. Tom Wilharber and Ms. Sonya Murray representing St. Genevieve’s Church, Mr. Lyn Johnson and Mr. Greg Keiselhorst, Centerville Lions. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I. CALL TO ORDER Roll Call Vice-Chairperson Grahek called the March 3, 2010 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting to order at 6:56 p.m. Prior to this time there was not a quorum. II. SET AGENDA Chairperson Branch requested via email tabling the discussion on Park Planning until the next scheduled meeting when he is in attendance. Committee Member Peterson requested adding an update on Movies in the Park under Updates #8. Ms. Stephan requested adding a discussion of the Accelerator Play Equipment Recall under Updates #9. Motion was made by Committee Member Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Selander, to set the agenda with above additions. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPEARANCES Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer - Update 2010 Trail & Park Project Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer was in attendance to update the committee on the progress of the Trail/Park Project scheduled to begin in 2010. Mr. Statz gave the new committee members a brief 1 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 overview of the project as well as answered questions from Mr. Wilharber and Sonya Murray regarding how the park may affect the abutting St. Genevieve property. Mr. Statz stated they are within days of submitting the project to MNDOT. This project has been in the works for over a year and was rushed through last spring in the hopes of qualifying for stimulus funding, which did not come through, but the planning continued as part of the MNDOT Federal Grant. The City has been acquiring easements, which is a lengthy process, but as that portion is completed the project will be ready to go out for bids. The committee discussed the cost estimate which is just for the two parks and only a portion of the entire project. Previously the committee had opted to remove the kiosk, which would be a trailhead map area and the pergola as the price estimates were too high. The committee felt there could be a less expensive option for the kiosk. There was space left in the plan for a future pergola. Also removed were pedestrian lights (3) along the trail. Mayor Capra questioned leaving the pergola and kiosk in the bidding process as alternates and the committee agreed that would be a good idea. Mr. Statz will add these items as alternates. Mr. Statz went over some of the features; the main focus will be the circle fountain, the concrete surrounding the fountain will be colored with one foot sections of exposed aggregate or textured concrete between the circles. The water from the fountain will flow towards the perimeter and be pumped back into the fountain. The electrical for the fountain will be located south west of fountain amongst some plantings. In the design plan labeled L504 in the upper right hand corner detail is shown of the curbing around the exterior of the fountain, it will be sandblasted and kept wavy with the intention of keeping skate boarders off the surface. It will also be posted as No Skate Boarding. The words ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in multiple languages will be added as inserts into the surrounding concrete walk (L402) instead of actually engraving the granite centerpiece. It was questioned whether the fountain would run 24/7 and Mr. Statz said it would be on a timer. A concern also was the depth of the water and whether it would be a hazard to children. Mr. Statz stated the floor of the fountain will be sloped, so that there will be no pooling. There is a grassy area to the west which originally the landscape engineer proposed planting a low grow, low mow mixture of grass, but the committee would prefer regular grass. It is a fairly small piece as far as mowing is concerned and the committee would like to make it look as nice as possible. Also briefly discussed were benches, bike racks, trash receptacles and plantings. A drinking fountain is in the plan located east of where the pergola would be located. The committee discussed the variety of trees being planted and benefits of each. Mr. Statz stated some of the larger ones are proposed to get an overhead canopy so the fountain doesn’t look so big. Mr. Johnson suggested Birch or Locust to get more of a see through effect. Mr. Statz stated the project should be out for bids and ready for construction by the end of July. Mr. Wilharber, as a trustee of St. Genevieve stated one of the things the parish is concerned about is that the church’s sign will be blocked by the fountain and by the future development of trees. Mr. Wilharber commented the Church Trustees would have liked to have had input from the beginning of the project, but moving forward they would like the committee to be mindful of the sign and perhaps consider moving it. The committee had previously discussed this item and as the project progresses there is a probability the sign will be moved. There is now a signed easement agreement between the church and the City for a trail easement for land on east side of the church property with the City providing the church with some funding for plantings along that trail to construct screening. This trail does not involve the parks, but will connect to it. The church’s annual dinner is in August and Mr. Wilharber would like to request that there is no construction equipment left in the area during that day. 2 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 Mr. Statz stated he would ensure construction is worked around that area to eliminate any problems with the chicken dinner. Mr. Wilharber voiced one concern as a citizen; what does the big picture look like to the general public with the City borrowing $400,000 against future park dedication fees to use as the matching portion of this grant when we know what the future is looking like for development. Mayor Capra assured Mr. Wilharber that this has been discussed by City Council. She stated the $750,000 grant that was received has been applied for years and while this may not be the best time to do this project, if we lose these monies they will not be available to us again. The parks are only about 15% of the total project which will connect many trails throughout Centerville. Included in the packet was the latest Sidewalk & Trail Map prepared by Bonestroo and proofed by Public Works Staff. This includes the trail and park additions for 2010. A black & white version is going in the 2010 – 2011 Business Directory so the ‘future’ part of the trails was removed and the parks were named. City Council approved the naming of Trailside and Cornerstone Parks. Mr. Wilharber reported as he was picking up trash along the trail next to his property he noticed the trail is breaking up pretty badly from tree roots and was hoping this could be looked at and worked into our maintenance plan. Ms. Stephan will pass this on to Public Works. Mr. Tom Lee, 2010 Fete des Lacs Parade/8K Run and Music in the Parks Program Mr. Lee was unable to attend the meeting but relayed to the committee the following via speaker phone: Mr. Lee stated he needs to get feedback from Mayor Capra and City Council regarding the paid participants for the parade before making a decision as to whether he is organizing the parade this year or not. Historically, participants have been paid at step off, this guarantees a performance. Last year we didn't make it to step off because of the rain, but all of the participants wanted to be paid anyway. As that wasn't the agreement, Mr. Lee did not pay them. Now, to get them to commit, the agreement would have to be made in advance to get paid regardless of if they perform or not. Without the paid participants, the parade will be pretty small, but Mr. Lee would like City Council to make the decision as he would rather not decide to spend $5,000 of taxpayer money for what could be a short parade and the only event for the day. Mr. Lee feels the money would be much better spent by the Parks & Recreation Committee, spread out over maybe a dozen evenings through out June, July and August, rather than in 45 minutes on one Saturday morning. He also said we need to talk about volunteers for the 8K Run, even if we don't do the parade. He felt it would be so much easier to focus on one event. Mr. Keiselhorst and Mr. Johnson were present to talk about Fete des Lacs, what the Centerville Lions were doing this year and how that affects the 8K Run. Mr. Keiselhorst stated the City for many years funded the fireworks, free kids rides, advertising and a good portion of all rentals, big hockey rink tent, stage, lights, business expo tent, porta-pots, tables, chairs and sound for the Battle of the Teen Bands. With City funds unavailable, and years of declining business donations, the following events will not be hosted by the Lion’s Club this year: Business Expo/Craft Show, Fireworks, Free Battle of the Teen Bands, Medallion Hunt, Free Kids Rides on Saturday, Friday Night Street Dance, Free Lorenz Dance Show, Free USA Karate Demo Show, Lion’s Car Show, Free Big Band Music on 3 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 Sunday. The Lions will host and pay for on their own, the Annual Softball Tournament and Street Dance. There will still be a hockey rink tent with stage, sound and lights, porta-pots, tables and chairs; but on a smaller scale. The Lion’s Club will still be doing concessions throughout the weekend, but the weekend will not be the traditional Fete des Lacs weekend, but instead the weekend prior (July 30, 31 & August 1). Discussion was had as to considering moving the parade to the same weekend as the Lion’s events, canceling the parade or continue to have the parade the traditional weekend with the 8K Run. Mayor th Capra said she was open to moving the parade to a different date or having it August 7, but felt there would be a lot of disappointed people with no parade. Mayor Capra said she would speak with Mr. Lee about possible event insurance. Committee Member Grahek felt the City should not pre-pay anyone. The consensus of the committee was to try and move the parade to the same day as the stth Lion’s events (Saturday, July 31) and have the 8K Run alone on August 7. IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES February 3, 2010 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Motion was made by Committee Member Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Peterson, to approve the February 3, 2010 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes as is. Ayes – 3, Nays – 0, Abstain – 1 (Grahek) Motion carried. V. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Schwan’s Super Rink ~ Skate Nights Ms. Stephan provided the committee with a copy of the complete contract from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission regarding the National Sports Center/Schwan’s Super Rink and the City of Centerville. The Special Terms for Scheduling Rights for the Centennial Cities is on page 3. The City has an opportunity to have one free skating event scheduled some time each fall and an additional 48 passes to use how we chose. We currently have 32 free passes at City Hall, probably from 2006. Ms. Stephan emailed Mr. Pete Carlson, Director of Operations and Programming, to ask him how to proceed with scheduling an ice event and requested 48 passes each for 2009 & 2010. He responded with the following: That works for us. I will send over more skate passes. To have an event this fall, we would need an ice request March 2010. We are working on fall 2010 as we speak.The only thing you have to do is let me know what date and time you would like to skate. I suggest you give me three dates that work for you. I will do my best to fit you in to one of them. Once we get a date and time set we can discuss what you want to do. The ice time is free. If you want to add hot chocolate and cookies there a charge for that. Let me know what you are thinking after your meeting. The Parks & Recreation Committee needs to pick 3 dates for a skating event in the fall of 2010 so they can be submitted to Mr. Carlson and determine how the free passes could be distributed. After discussion the committee requested Ms. Stephan request one of the following Saturday dates for a Centerville Skate Night; September 11, 18 or 25, 2010, preferably between noon and 7:00 p.m. 4 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 Music in the Parks Program Ms. Stephan received the following email correspondence from Ms. Kathi LaValle. She is unable to attend this meeting, but wanted her request brought to the committee for discussion. Does Centerville plan to offer music in the park again this year? I play with the Centennial Community Band, which is 35 member concert band in Circle Pines and they have asked me to contact you about performing a concert. Would this be a possibility? The Centennial Community Band plays classical concert music. I am not sure about how they would fit. The leader asked me to check with you. They usually play parks for about $300 to be donated to the fund that goes for buying additional percussion instruments, or music. We’ve played at Blaine City Hall Park a couple of times for that amount. (But I think they would play for less) It’s really a very good band. Maybe they would have to set up in the parking lot? It may not work. Let me know what you think…I can ask the band leader. The committee is interested in this option as well as the other bands affiliated with Ms. LaValle that played in the parks last year. They would like Ms. LaValle to attend the next meeting if possible to discuss dates, bands, availability and costs. The committee would like to use the $1,500 donation from American Family Insurance for the Music in the Parks Program in 2010. Motion was made by Committee Member Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Selander to recommend to City Council fund the 2010 Music in the Park Program with the $1,500 donation received from American Family Insurance. All in Favor. Motion carried unanimously. Park Planning (Branch) Chairperson Branch requested this item be tabled until the next scheduled Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting. Discussion of History of Parks (Future Developments, Plans, Additions, Park Overview) This item was tabled due to the length of the meeting. VI. UPDATES Review of Skate Nights The committee felt the Skate Nights went very well and were well attended. All comments received were favorable about the event. The committee would like to continue this as a yearly event. 2010 ~ 8K Run Update from Chairperson Branch via email: Mr. Allen, Vacation Sports has sent a request to Mr. Dallas Larson, City Administrator, for the use of the trails and Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Warming House for March 20, 2010 to hold a spring 5 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 run. Scheduling a new run in less than a month’s time will be difficult, but if they can get the proper permits and approvals necessary, I would support their request. It would also be an opportunity to promote Centerville’s 8K by adding fliers to their goodie bags. Flea Market / Cleanup Days The only update Committee Member Seeley had was that she had contacted the Master Gardner Program and while she had not received a confirmation at this time, she was confident that one or two Master Gardeners will be present. Sand Volley Ball Court at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Included in the packet was a Centerville Project Requirements Form -Volleyball Court, PRELIMINARY document prepared by Committee Member Haiden. The following input was from Committee Member Haiden via email. It should be noted that it appears that there is not enough room for the volleyball court between the play area and the recreation skating rink. I have outlined a few other possible places for it in this document. Per input from Mr. Tedd Peterson, Public Works on page 2 of the PDF it is marked with an X in the areas the volleyball court would not work because of existing soccer fields. The one area where it may work size-wise is marked WET as Mr. Peterson stated this area is low and always wet. The following input is from Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works Director, after reviewing the documents submitted by Committee Member Haiden: After reviewing the proposed sites, I think consideration of locating the volleyball court at Tracie McBride Memorial Park or Acorn Park should be researched. Tracie McBride Memorial Park has . drinking fountains and lots of room The committee will continue to keep this item on the agenda for review, possibly moving it to Tracie McBride Memorial Park. While there is room for the volley ball court at Acorn Creek Park, there is no parking. Parking for this park may want to be looked at in the future also. Liebel Property on Main Street (Capra) Mayor Capra stated she has been doing research with the Minnesota Archeological Society and has contacted an attorney who does work with casinos and may be able to offer help depending on the identity of the tribe(s) located in the Centerville area. Mayor Capra said this is a work in progress and she will keep the committee informed Bald Eagle Water Ski Club & Trimming/Brushing Trailside Park Mr. Dallas Larson requested and received permission from St. Paul Water Utility to brush and trim the lakeshore per request of Mr. Mark Spitzmueller, Bald Eagle Water Ski Club and the Parks & Recreation Committee. This was necessary because while the City owns the park property, St. Paul Water Utility retains the lakeshore. Public Works brushed and trimmed trees the week of February 22, 2010 and volunteers from 6 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 Parks & Recreation and Bald Eagle Water Ski Club hauled all the brush off the lake and placed in piles near the trail on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Public Works will then chip it. Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works Director sent the following concern via email: There is a concern about clearing the brush and trees in the area of the manhole and sanitary line along the lake in the park. The line is less than ten feet from the lake and if the shoreline erodes any farther, it may affect the sewer line. Mr. Tedd Peterson, Public Works, Mr. Mark Spitzmueller, Bald Eagle Water Ski Club, and Ms. Stephan discussed the issue of the sewer line, as well as erosion of the bank. The trees will not be removed, but were trimmed up as far as possible. The stabilization of this bank should also be addressed. Mr. Peterson suggested rip rap when the park is being developed and requested the committee discuss this with Mr. Statz, City Engineer. Vice-Chairperson Grahek reported he worked with Bald Eagle Water Ski Club Members and they questioned whether we can trim private property with owner’s permission, such as the rental property abutting the park. Mr. Spitzmueller’s concern is the approach for the skiers is not smooth right now; if they wanted to get closer they would have to come in really sharp. Committee Member Grahek talked to Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works who said Public Works cannot trim on private property, even with the property owner’s permission. Perhaps the Bald Eagle Water Ski Club members could approach the property owner regarding this. Mayor Capra was concerned about the Ski Club’s jump/ramp sitting right in the middle of what would otherwise be a very nice view. It was mentioned the jump is mobile, to a certain extent. Movies in Park Committee Member Peterson asked to have this put on the agenda to get direction from the committee as to whether he should continue to research this item as something the committee would like to offer either as a free park program or possibly a fund raiser for the committee. Committee Member Peterson stated rental of the equipment could be up to $2,000, but felt there were other options that would work and be more economical. It was the consensus of the committee to have Committee member Peterson investigate other options and while the committee probably could not charge for the event due to copy right issues, it would be possible to have a ‘free will offering’ or perhaps sell popcorn. Accelerator Play Equipment Recall Mr. Tedd Peterson, Public Works found the Accelerator Play Equipment being offered through the current catalog. This equipment was recalled due to a safety issue. Ms. Stephan contacted Mr. Harlan Lehman, Minnesota Wisconsin Playground, Inc., the salesperson for the equipment questioning: why is this still being offered if it was recalled? We are not happy with the piece of equipment as it is because it was altered from something the children used and enjoyed to something that is not what we ordered or intended for that playground, it is now basically a pole. We were not compensated for the change and feel the quality is less than we purchased. Any ideas would be appreciated. Through multiple discussions it was determined the new version of the Accelerator Play Equipment will be shipped to the City free of charge and Public Works will install it. 7 of 8 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03-03-10 VII. FINANCIALS Included in the packet was a Proposed Amended Budget provided by Mr. Mike Jeziorski, Finance Director with input from Chairperson Branch. Email update per Mr. Jeziorski: I am also tracking other various budget amendments throughout the general fund budget so once there is a good enough number we will put it before Council for approval--probably after 1st quarter in April. Grants to finance upgrades to certain little league parks - I have not had much luck finding anything to this point, but I will continue to look as time allows. As for a grant for the Liebel property we expect that Met Council will have a grant solicitation very shortly for enhancement grants. We will continue to watch for the solicitation, which would likely be for 2013 or 2014 funding. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Committee Member Peterson, seconded by Committee Member Seeley to adjourn the March 3, 2010 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting at 8:45 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. 8 of 8