HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-03 Minutes ��" a j ♦
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CITY OF CENTERVILLE
PARK AND RE�REATION COMMITTEE
March 3, 1999
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Park and Recreation Committee of the City of
Centerville held their regularly scheduled meeting on March 3, 1999 at City Hall, 1880
Main Street. Chairperson Michael Navin called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Present: Chairperson Michael Navin
Don Bahneman
Dale Larson
Terry Sweeney
Absent: Steve Brown
Doug Porter '
Staff: 3i11 Lien �
James Bownik ,
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ROLL CALL '
Mic�ael Navin opened up the Public Hearing by requesting James Bownik, City Intern to ��
give a brief summary of the two (2) grants offered by the DNR. The City is applyinb for
two of the same grants one to be used at the Acorn Creek Park and one to be used at the
� LaMotte Park. Mr. Bownik explained they are a 50% matching grant - each in the
amount of $50,OOG.00. The City would contribute �SU,000.00 and with the match of
$50,000.00, there would be approximately $100,000.00 for each park. The money could
be used for City park improvements such as: playground equipment, picnic shelters,
concession stand, soccer fields, benches, trash receptacles, lights, BBQ stands etc., at both
parks.
Michael Navin mentioned receipt of a packet of information submitted by the Centerville
Neighborhood Network Committee which included surveys taken the week of February
20th. The results of the surveys are in the form of graphs and charts indicating what the
neighboring residents would like to see in the park, the name of the park, other statistical
information and letters of support. `
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Aimee Fairbrother (1844 Re�oir Street) stressed her and the neighborhoods cancerns
about what was mentioned at the last Park and Recreation meeting about the vision of
�� Acorn Creek Park bein� geared more towards adults. Ms. Fairbrother mentioned how the
City is very focused on youth and a possible youth center in the City. She� went on further
to explain that ihe Neighbarhood Netwark Committee �vent to 76 homes in the immediate
area surrounding Acorn �'reek Park Out of the 76 homes, 63 u�ere available for
comment. The survey included the number of children per household which totaled 114.
Aimee went on further to explain the neighborhood (63%) wanted the park to be named
Acorn Creek Park.
Jeff Gibbons (72G3 Clear Ridge) questioned the open space - he felt Acorn Creek P�rk is a
very large park.
Loren Abrahamson (1868 Revoir) questioned what the average size park is and what is
normal in a park the size of Acorn Creek?
Intern James Bownik suggested that the City could choose to have the City Engineer do a
survey of the park. ,
Michael Navin felt the Tracey NlcBride Park is about half the size of the Acorn Creek I
Park Mr. Navin stressed the Park and Recreation Committee needs to consider what the �'�
City has in mind as far as athletics. �'
Tom Fairbrother (1$44 Revoir Street) questioned parking, and if it would be required to '
have designated parking.
James Bownik felt it would be required to have a minimunl of handicap parking / off
street parking versus no parking.
Dale Larsan stated the Park and Recreation Committee is trying to gear the City parks to �
all residents of Centeiville. Mr. Larson liszed se��eral parks and their ar��enities, adding it �
would be nice to have a park for adults and family reunions, etc. Not that the adults using
the parks will b� hobbling around with canes - we could still ha�ve ptayground equipment
for the children.
Tom Fairbrother (18�� Revoir Street} stated that the adults have the ability to drive to
any park they choose to go to. The children aren't able to drive to other pat like the
adults are, and that no matter what goes into the Acorn Creek Park, the children of the
area will be there - no matter what. Adding, the other "proposed" park by the lake could
be designed more for adults - it would be a perfect spot for adults and reunions, etc..
Jill Lien (1810 Haytield Road) questioned why the Acorn Creek Park cannot be designed
, for both adults and children. Adding, if adults use the park for reunions, then their
grandchildren will be usin� the playground e�uipment. This park is large enough to serve
all ages. Why does it have to be one or the other'�
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Monica Travis (7335 Brian Drive) was in agreement with Ms. Lien. Adding, there are 20
aeres north of Acorn Creek that are being developed - this will bring more kids. Monica
felt this park should be designed for kids and adults to use. Monica questioned if there
would be additional traf�ic and where parking would be. Adding, there is a proposed trail
and perhaps parking could be at a different location. She questioned if grant funds could
be used to secure a parking lot.
Dale Larson thought parking was planned all along at the Acorn Creek Park There are
currently three (3 ) parking spaces at Acorn Creek Park.
Loren Abrahamson (I 868 Revoir Street) added that his idea of a neighborhood park is
defined as a park for neighborhood use - consisting of some adult fixtures and ptay
equipment for children.
Dan NElson (1$28 Revoir Street) questioned iffhere would be another park north of
Acorn Creek Park, and the amenities that will offer.
Michael Navin menfioned �he City is to keep in mind that with the new developments ���
coming into town, the police department wishes to have access to the parks.
Jeff Gibbons (7203 Clear Ridge) questioned if the City will have leverage to get access to I
the parks in the future. '
Michael Navin stated that this is the perfect opportunity for citizen involvement in the
future. Adding that new developments have to �o before City Council. The City Council
takes into consideration what is best for the City, i.e.: land for parks or money. At this ����
time, it is premature to assume what the City will get - land or money - when the next �
development comes to town.
Dale Larson felt, in loaking through the information submitted by the Ne�ighborhood
Network Committee, that what the neighborhood wants would also be suitable for adults.
Nlichael Navin questioned the survey taken by the Neighborhood Network Committee.
Specifically, asking which of the items on the survey are mandatory? Is a basketball eourt
something the residents really want to see? Adding, bouncing balls are very loud, and is
this someThing that fits into what the C�ty �vants?
Lori Dorn (1836 Revoir Street) acided that basketball courts may bring more adults into
the park area.
Tom Fairbrother (1844 Revoir Street) stated the most difficult thing for the Neighborhood
Network Committee is not knowina how much money the City has to work with as far as
developing parks.
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Dale Larson uestioned if the basketball court would be a futt court or half court. Aiso
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Mr. Larson questioned the gazebo versus a pavilion or shelter.
�� Lori Dorn (1836 Revoir Street) stated the Neighborhood Network Committee was trying
to follow through with the Design Team flow.
Dan Bahneman was in agreement that Acorn Creek Park should be an adult park - not just
;eared for athleties and young children.
Aimee Fairbrother (1844 Revoir Street} mentioned the park has three (3) acres of land,
and that there should be plenty of roam ta do everything as long as the Park and
Recreation Committee take the Neighborhood Network Committee seriously.
James Bownik stated that the ne�t step would be to put an application together and submit
it for a DNR grant. James thanked Aimee Fairbrother for her efforts. Adding that the
City would have a great chance for both of the grants. The deadline is iVlarch 31, 1999.
If the City doesn`t receive the grants, it can resubmit them again next year.
Michael Navin questioned the amount of the grants again. James Bownik reiterated that �'�
they are $50,000.00 each with the City matching $SO,OQ0.00 for each park. Michael
added that the City would need a list of items for the park showing the total cost. Also, �
Michael questioned if someone from the Neighborhood Network Committee would be �
willing to meet with the Park and Recreation Cornsnittee. ,
Terry Sweeney (council ]iaison) concured with Mr. Navin regarding the attandance of a �
Neighborhood Nework liaison meeting with the Park and Recreation Committee. I
Tom Fairbrother (1844 Revoir Street) questioned who designs the equipment for the
parks. Mr. Fairbrother also questioned whether the City wouid have one person or several �
design the parks?
Michael Navin e�Xplained that the Park and Recreation Committee designs the park layout
and the playground equipment is brought in by vendors. Dale Larson mentioned that the
structures were already designed and brou�ht in, while residents dLig the holes and put
them in.
Aimee Fairbrother (1844 Re��oir Street) stated that she has been gathering information
from several vendors. Ms. Fairbrother has the name of the vendor used by the City of
Lino Lakes. She stated that they are a fantastic company and they do it all.
Dale Larson suggested letting the Neighborhood Network Committee design the Acorn
Creek Park and submit it to the Park and Recreation Committee.
1�Iichael Navin questioned who was notified, and if anybody can be on the Neighborhood
Network Committee?
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Aimee Fairbrother (1844 Revoir Street) stated that all residents within 350 feet were
included in the survey and that is how the residents were natified - by word of mouth.
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Jeff Gibbons (7203 Clear Rid�e) felt it was very helpful having the Neighbarhood
� Network Committee. He cautioned the City though - he felt if the City let local residents
design the park, that the residents should have experienced guidelines, taking into
consideration the ultimate development, future trails and the comprehensive plan.
Michael Navin questioned if the comprehensive plan was taken into consideration.
Aimee Fairbrother replied: "Yes, the comprehensive plan was looked at."
Dale Larson requested that the Neighborhood Network Committee submit a"thumb
sketch" of their vision of Acorn Creek.
Terry Sweeney agreed with Mr. Larson, adding that the Neighborhood Network
Committee should submit a concept plan to Ms. Lien who will then forward it on to the
appropriate peaple af the Park and Recreation Committee and Administrator, Jim March.
Michael Navin motioned to close the Public Hearing noting that tne Neighborhood
Network Committee submit a concept plan. Park and Recreation will need to be ad�ised
of its direction - without knowin� budget amounts.
Terry Sweeney felt that if the grant was for �50,000.00 and the City matches $50,000.O0 ��
then the Neighborhaod Network Committee and Park and Recreation Committee should
use $ I OO,OOQ.00 as a benchmark.
Jeff Gibbons (7203 Clear Ridge) commented that there may be additional grants secured
at a later date. Adding, once you come up with a plan, you can strategize getting funds
from other saurces.
James Bownik a�reed, come up with a plan, submit it, and wait to see what the DNR is
willing to fund.
Lori Dorn (1836 Revoir Street) questionec� what happened to the money� the developer
gave for Acorn Creek.
Michael Navin explained the developer for Acorn Creek gave land, not cash for this
development. Adding, we still have $25,000.00 in park dedication fees from the Buechler
Develapment in the Park and Recreation account.
Michael Navin suggested Park and Recreation give the Neighborhood Network
Committee a deadline of two (2} weeks - March 17, 1999, to submit their concept plan for
Acorn Greek Park Mr. Navin added the City will need to have a professional look ai the
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plan. Also, nating that what the City puts in for a grant will nat dictate what goes into the
park. Park and Recreation will submit the plans to the City Engineer.
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Jeff Gibbons (7203 Clear Ridge) recommended writing a narrative explainin� why the
� Neighborhood Network Committee put things where t�ey did and the logic behind the
concept.
, Dale Larson added that Mr. March will be eX lainin wh the City wants things where it
P g Y
does. A narrative will help him °flower it up".
Michael Navin mationed to close the Public Hearing for Acorn Creek Park, further
questioning if anyone had anythin� to say about LaNlotte Park Mr. Navin explained
LaMotte Park is approximately 15 acres. The City is pursuing a Trail Linkage Grant
offered by the DNR in the amount of $31,800.
Jeff Gibbons (7203 Clear Ridge) commented that he is very interested in the Trail Linkage
Grant. Adding, Wayne LeStanc who is veiy invol��ed in the sub-committees of the Design
Team wants to submit a letter to the DNR supporting the grant.
Michael Navin ended the Public Hearing on a positive note .... "Our rnission is to be the '��
good stewards of the 1and." I
CONSIDERAT[ON OF MINUTES ���
A. January 6, 1999 Park and Recreatic�n �Zeeting Minures - tabled �,
B. February 3, 1999 Park and Recreation Meeting Nlinutes - tabled I
APPEARANCES I
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PETITIONS AND CON7PLAINTS '
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Consider Park Names for Acorn Creek and Eag�e Pass Develo�ment
Motion b�Don Bahneman to recommend to Council the establishment of the name �corn
Creek Park for the Acorn Creek II Develo�ment Seconded b� Dale Larson A�1 in favor
Motion carried.
Motion b� Dale Larson to recommend to Council the establishment of the name Eagle
P�rk for the Eagle Pass Develobment Seconded b� Don Bahneman All in favor
Motion carried.
St Paul Water Utilit� Sur Ib us Pro�ert� A raisal
No news to report at this time - the City is still waiting on the appraisal.
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Undate on DNR Grant A�nlication
i 7ames Bownik spoke earlier on the Grant Applications.
7eff Gibbons (7203 Clear Ridge) questiQned plans that had been submitted years ago by
Carol Pelton, and if there was resistance from the Park and Recreation Committee to use
those plans. �Vere any of her plans adopted? Mr. Gibbons also suggested that the City
check with the designer responsible for Rice Creek and the Anoka County Park System to
� see if the City could get a look at any drawings available.
Michael Navin explained that none of Caroi Pelton's plans had been adopted; however,
the City has used a lot of her ideas.
NEW BUSINESS
Michael Navin mentioned receipt of a letter from the Chain of Lakes Little League
requesting a contract be signed by the City. Michael explained that the Chain of Lakes
Little League wants to help develop LalYlotte Park, but would like some type of guarantee
that they u�ill be able to use the park in return. Adding, we have already approved the
Chain of Lakes Little League's use of the field, we are just finalizing it on paper.
Terry Sweeney commented that the Chain of Lakes Little League wants a place they can
count on using. Lino Lakes doesn't have much for the Little League. The Littie League is �
� willing to purchase and donate equipment for the City to use at the park - including ligilts.
The Little League is looking for field use primarily during the week.
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DISCI7SSION ITEMS
1. April Agenda
2. DNR Grant A�plications
3. Acorn Creek Park - Neighborhood Network Committee Concept Plan
ADJnURNMENT
Motion b� Don Bahneman to a�journ the 147arch �, 1999 Park and Recreation Meetin�
�e�onded b� Dale Larson All in favor Motion carried Meetino�,a��ourned at 8�00 p m
Respectfully Submitted,
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�ill Lien
S�cretary
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