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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-05 P & R Minutes Approved Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December7, 2005 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Parksand Recreation Committee of the City of Centerville held the regularly scheduled meeting on December 7, 2005, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. Present: Chairperson Tedd Peterson Committee Member Suzanne Seeley Committee Member Linda Merkel Committee Member Kevin Amundsen Committee Member Kathy Peil Absent: None Council: Jeff Paar Staff: Kim Stephan __________________________________________________________________________________ I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call Chairperson Peterson called the December 7, 2005 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. II.SET AGENDA Committee Member Amundsen added under Updates #4 a discussion of the ponding within the Downtown Revitalization Project per a question from Chairperson Peterson at the last Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting. Motion was made by Committee Member Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Peil to set the December 7, 2005 Parks & Recreation Committee Agenda with the above addition. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPEARANCES Mr. Jay Peterson, Centennial Soccer Club, made an appearance to request a change in the usage of the soccer fields at Laurie LaMotte MemorialPark. Currently the fields are set up as U13, U10 and U9, which are bigger fields used for older teams. These fields are used for practice fields and are not dedicated specifically to the Centennial Soccer Club. Mr. Jay Peterson stated 1 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December7, 2005 what the club would like to do is to turn the one field closestto the parking lot into two (2) micro-fields for U8 and U6 teams, which are 6-8 year olds. The dimensions of the current field, which runs north & south, would fit the two fields at 20 x 30 yards or maximum of 25 x 40 yards running east & west. The club would provide goals and nets which would be smaller at 4’ x 6’ and they would remove the larger nets to utilize elsewhere. The Centennial Soccer Club has the same area as the Centennial School District and of the 1,600 participants, approximately 300 are from Centerville. Mr. Jay Peterson has been making appearances at other Cities in the district and has also met with the school district regarding use of additional fields. The City of Lino Lakes is used heavily for soccer and the city is encouraging the Centennial Soccer Club to utilize the other City’s parks in addition to the ones used in Lino Lakes. Some parks are only sufficient for practice, not games. The fields don’t have to be as groomed for the younger groups of players. The Centennial Soccer Club would like to request dedicated time Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to dusk beginning early in May 2006 through mid-July. Committee Member Peil questioned whether the soccer fields would interfere with the outfield for the Little League ball fields to which Chairperson Peterson replied it would not interfere with the ball fields. The Centennial Soccer Club would be responsible for laying the fieldout, striping it and scheduling the usage. Committee Member Amundsen questioned whether the additional cars in the parking lot would cause problems with Little League parking. Mr. Jay Peterson stated there are about 12 players on each team with two teams who playfor an hour. Chairperson Peterson said the parking lot is designed for either 96 or 112 parking spots and parking should not be a problem. Chairperson Peterson stated another representative from the Centennial Soccer Club made an appearance at Parks & Recreation a year or so ago regarding the possibility of the club installing an irrigation system on the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park soccer fields with the idea of improving the turf. At the time the committee was open to the idea and the possibility of involving the Centennial Little League. Mr. Jay Peterson said it was determined that the cost of re-establishing the turf and installing irrigationwas too high and they would like to see how it works this next season before discussing the possibility of improving the turf or irrigation. Motion was made by Chairperson Peterson, seconded by Committee Member Peil to recommend to City Council the approval of the Centennial Soccer Club altering the existing soccer field, closest to the parking lot, to accommodate two (2) east/west U8/U6 micro-soccer fields. The Public Works Staff will ensure the area is mowed. The Centennial Soccer Club would be responsible for supplying the nets & goals, laying the field out, striping it and scheduling the usage with a list of the coaches supplied to Public Works Staff. The Centennial Soccer Club would have dedicated use of these fields Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to dusk beginning early in May 2006 through mid-July. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES November 2, 2005 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Committee Member Seeley made two (2) typo corrections on page 4 under Hiring of Rink Attendants. Committee Member Merkel made one (1) typo correction on page 5 under St. Paul Water Utility Property on Centerville Lake. Also under this section the sentence ‘Mr. Meyer has 2 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December7, 2005 said the Park Dedication Fees associated with the downtown redevelopment could be substantial.’ was modified to ‘Mr. Meyer has said the Park Dedication Fees associated with the to help defer the above costs downtown redevelopment could be substantial ’.This was added for clarification. Committee Member Seeley also changed the word ‘replaced’ to ‘replenished’ in the following sentence on page 3 under Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Play Structure:The shredded tires cannot be mixed with existing wood chips, they are considered ADA accessible, and only need to be replaced every 5 years opposed to wood chips which decompose and need to be replaced every 1-2 years currently. Motion was made by Committee Member Merkel, seconded by Committee Member Seeley to approve the November 2, 2005 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes with the above corrections/modifications. Ayes – 4, Nays – 0, Abstain 1 - Peil. Motion Carried. VI. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Play Structure Chairperson Peterson brought samples of play structure catalogs and said while he doesn’t have a preference, the brand of equipment the City has used in other parks in recent years has been Game Time (Royal Meadows) and Landscape Structures from E.F. Anderson is in multiple parks. E.F. Anderson is a local company based in Bloomington. Chairperson Peterson reminded the committee that while $45,000 is budgeted for this play structure, that entire amount cannot be used for the play structure itself as there are other costs associated with this project such as; border, concrete, trail accessibility and wood chips. He stated that wood chips, for instance, at $12 per yard, with multiple semi truck loads needed, could be as much as $4,000, more if the committee opts to go with recycled shredded products. To get an idea of what play structures cost, Chairperson Peterson said the play structure in Acorn Creek Park was $90,000 for the play structure equipment alone. For that particular park a grant was applied for and received for matching funds of $45,000. Realistically, the play structure for Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park can only be about $25,000. The committee discussed whether or not they should consider a theme for the park and the structure. Committee Member Peil said, in her opinion, the committee should stick to just the basic equipment trying to maximize the number of kids who would be able to use the equipment at one time, opposed to trying to have a theme like Acorn Creek’s Dinosaur Park. She stated that there are so many kids in the park while siblings are playing Little League that there could be 30- 50 kids utilizing the equipment at one time. It was discussed that the structure should be geared towards kids 10 years of age and under. There are two structures at Acorn Creek, one for children 3-5 and one for children 5-12, it was felt LaMotte Park should fall in the middle age range. There is also a donation from Dead Broke Saddle Club to be used for this purpose and charitable gambling funds were requested a few months ago from both Dead Broke Saddle Club and the Spring Lake Park Lions, though a response has not been received from either at this time. Committee Member Seeley did some additionalresearch on the recycled products, but needs depth and dimensions of the area to be covered to get cost estimates. E.F. Anderson now carries the recycled shredded rubber product that was not available in Minnesota in 2003. The shredded comes in multiple colors, but she suggested the earth tones look the best in mass. Committee 3 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December7, 2005 Member Seeley has a sample of a chunkier recycled product being sent from the distributor, though the committee felt a chunkier product would probably be thrown by children at the park. Committee Member Seeley also supplied the committee with a Comparison Chart of Organic Loose Material (wood chips, bark mulch, engineered wood fiber, etc.), Inorganic Loose Material (sand & gravel), Inorganic Loose Material (shredded tires) and Unitary Synthetic Materials (rubber or rubber over foam mats or tiles, poured-in-place urethane and rubber compositions). The committee will review this and discuss at the meeting being scheduled to specifically discuss the play structures. It was questioned as to whether the shredded rubber or wood chips had to be replaced or replenished and how often. Both would need to be replenished, the wood chips decompose and should be added to yearly. The shredded rubber would not decompose, but would need to be replenished approximately every 5 years, though it would compress some and would settle, the issue would be the material would slowly go off in people’s shoes and some would possibly be spread by the lawnmower. The recycled rubber cannot be added to existing wood chips without removing the wood chips, but could be used for Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park and for Tracie McBride Memorial Park when it is redone. The committee would like to set up a meeting at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Parkingwarming house specifically to discuss the play structure, type and placement. It was decided to meet Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Stephan will ensure this meeting is posted. Skating Nights with Horse Drawn Hayride & Bonfire Ms. Stephan informed the committee the funding was approved at the November 9, 2005 City Council Meeting and monies will be taken from the EDC Frozen Fete des Lacs Budget. The Horse Drawn Hayrides were booked for Friday, January 6 and Friday, January 27, 2005 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Chairperson Peterson stated he has acquired some wood for the bonfires from Northern Forest Products, but will probably need to find some more. Chairperson Peterson stated the popcorn and hot chocolate supply should be sufficient for both events. The committee did not schedule specific members for each night as all members felt they could be in attendance at both events. VII. UPDATES St. Paul Water Utility Property on Centerville Lake Ms. Stephan passed on the following comments from the November 9, 2005 City Council meeting minutes to the committee members;‘Mr. Larson said a purchase agreement would be provided within 60 days and closing would be scheduled soon thereafter, Council Member Lee asked if the fence could be removed once the purchase agreement is received. Mr. Hoeft answered the fence should remain until the closing, Mayor Capra asked if the seller could be required to certify that no toxic materials have been stored on the site. Mr. Hoeft answered the seller is only required to disclose what they know, Council Member Paar thanked the Mayor and Mr. Larson for all of their work on this issue and Mayor Capra suggested that the Parks and 4 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December7, 2005 Recreation Department consider names for this parcel prior to spring. Perhaps a citywide contest to celebrate the sesquicentennial.’ Naming of Park The committee discussed various ideas for namingthe park; a contest of some sort, naming it after a past Parks & Recreation Committee Member, a Veteran’s Memorial theme or a French Heritage theme. What the committee decided they would like to do, with Council’s approval, would be to have a contest or a raffle of sorts, and tie it in with the summer festival and the parade. A contest with a winner was one idea, but the committee would like to ultimately choose the name from ideas suggested by residents. The committee liked the idea to tie it in with a raffle and have all the ideas put in a hat and prizes drawn from those who entered. This would give the committee ideas of what the community would like to see the park named as and the contest could be announced during the festival. The committee also briefly discussed the idea of having a float in the parade. The committee still has concerns over what is the urgency in tearing down the house on the property. If the City owns the property, the St. Paul Water Utility would not have liability so how can the St. Paul Water Utility specify in the purchase agreement what the timetable is for the City to remove the house. The committee doesn’t necessarily want the house to remain, but it has yet to be explained why it must come down within 6 months of the purchase. Committee Member Amundsen stated the Downtown Task Force also has some concerns over the timing of removing the house as well as other houses/property in Centerville when County Road 14 is widened and the City owned property is developed. The timing may affect the possibility of receiving grant money. Mr. Meyer had said they would try and work with the county to coordinate the removal of the buildings to maximize the possibility of receiving grant money. Commercial/Industrial Park Dedication Fees – B & R Properties Ms. Stephan informed the committee of Council’s discussion and motion regarding th Commercial/Industrial Park Dedication Fees for B & R Properties, 6805 – 20 Avenue South. Following is an excerpt from the November 9, 2005 City Council Meeting: Mr. Larson presented information on the B & R property and the amount of land required by the Rice Creek Watershed District to be set-aside as wetlands. The building permit considered the entire parcel for park dedication, so the developer is requesting that the dedication fees be reduced based on the determination that half of the acreage is unusable. Council Member Terway expressed his concern about making an exception for this development, but went on to say this request is reasonable. Mr. Hoeft answered the reason for exception here is that the Watershed District, as a third party, has made the determination that the property is unusable. Motion by Council Member Lee, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the park dedication for 3.9 acres based on the recommendation from the Rice Creek Watershed District. With the stipulation that the Parks and Recreation Department be made fully aware of the action of the Council. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 5 of 6 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes December7, 2005 Ms. Stephan reported to the committee that the building permit was issued and Park Dedications Fees of $8,430.00 were collected. Chairperson Peterson stated that there is some confusion over the interpretation of the feeschedule as faras Commercial Park Dedication Fees are concerned. Residential Park Dedication Fees are done per lot. Commercial Park Dedication Fees are done per acre. B & R Properties have 12 acres with 8 acres of it not developable at this time. The building may not have been built without a compromise on the Park Dedication Fees. Chairperson Peterson also stated there will probably be issueswith each landowner who builds in commercial/industrial areas and each case will have to be negotiated, City Council will have to look at each situation as it comes up. Council Member Paar felt in this particular case the owner has land in flood plain and can not do anything with it.In the future if the property is developable, Park Dedication Fees will be calculated per acre, if portions of the property are not developable, then it will be negotiated on an individual basis. The Parks & Recreation Committeewould like monthly financial statements from Mr. John Meyer, Finance Director, to be included in theirpackets.Ms. Stephan will pass this request on to Mr. Meyers. Council Liaison to the Parks & Recreation Committee Council Member Jeff Paar was in attendance and was welcomed by the Parks & Recreation Committee. Downtown Revitalization Project Update Regarding Ponding Committee Member Amundsen is the Parks & Recreation Committee representative with the Downtown Task Force and was asked at the last Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting about the drainage and holding ponds on the plans for the Downtown Revitalization and whether Rice Creek Watershed District would require additional rain gardens. CommitteeMemberAmundsen reported the drainage on the schematics has been reviewed by the architects/engineers involved in the project and nothing will need to be added to satisfy Rice Creek Watershed District. City Engineer, Mr. Tom Peterson,had said that a high percentage of the drainage ties in with the changes to CSAH14. Chairperson Peterson stated when the road constructionproject was completed on Heritage Street & LaMotte Drive, the Rice CreekWatershed District required the City to install a rain garden and filtering system at the end of Heritage Street, this was an additional, unexpected and expensive change which was partially funded by a grant. It was also noted that St. Genevieve’s new building will have rain gardens installed. Chairperson Peterson added that as of January 1, 2006 there are new storm water rules, regulations and statemandatesgoing into effect, but it is not known exactly what that means for Centerville at this time. It was also mentioned that Anoka County is looking for property to build a new 25,000 square foot library in 2008 and one of the cities being looked at is Centerville. IX.ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Committee Member Merkel, seconded by Committee Member Seeley to adjourn the December 7, 2005 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting at 8:15 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. Transcribed by Kim Stephan 6 of 6