051402 PK AgPCITY
OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SCMNED
PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2002 7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
L
CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
A. Roll Call
Meyer
Young
Bartlett
Callies
Palesch
Amst
B. Review Agenda
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Minutes of April 23, 2002 (Att. #2B Draft Summary)
B. Park Commission Work Session Minutes of April 23, 2002(Att. -#2C Draft
Summary)
3.
MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
4.
REPORTS
A. Report on City Council Meetings of May 13, 2002 (Council member)
B. Update on Park Management (Larry Brown)
C. Update on Parking lot and Road Closure at Freeman Park (Larry Brown)
D. Update on Smithtown Road (Larry Brown)
5.
MANOR PARK — SHIRLEY RICE MEMORIAL GARDEN PROPOSAL BY
SOUTHSHORE GARDENERS
6.
DISCUSS REQUEST FROM MINNETONKA GIRLS SOFTBALL REGARDING
SOFTBALL FIELD CHANGES
7.
MASTER PLAN REVIEW — FREEMAN PARK (Mark Koegler)
8.
SOUTH TONKA BASEBALL — FREEMAN PARK DUGOUTS (Att. #8- Planning
Director's Memorandum)
9.
REVIEW SIGN PERMIT FOR SKATE PARK
10.
REPORT ON CONCESSION STAND OPERATIONS (Larry Brown)
11.
NEW BUSINESS Council Liaison:
May: Meyer
12.
ADJOURNMENT June: Palesch
W
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2002
CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Arnst; Commissioners Callies, Bartlett, and Palesch; City Engineer Brown;
City Council Liaison Lizee; and Mark Koegler of Hoisington Koegler Group
Late arrival: Commissioner Young
Absent: Commissioner Meyer
B. Review Agenda
Palesch moved, Bartlett seconded, approving the agenda as submitted. Motion passed 4/0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• A. Park Commission Minutes of April 9, 2002
Palesch moved, Callies seconded, approving the Park Commission Meeting Minutes of April 9,
2002 as submitted. Motion passed 4/0.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
4. REPORTS
A. Report on City Council Meetings of April 15 and 22
Lizee reported that public comment forum was held regarding Truth in Taxation last evening, the 22nd. The
Council approved the purchase of a black and white video surveillance camera for Eddy Station. The Ward
system discussion will be continued until next Tuesday night during the regular meeting. She added that a
work session meeting was held to discuss the possibility of a trail or sidewalk along Smithtown Road, west of
the LRT.
Chair Arnst interjected with history regarding a trail along Smithtown. She stated that in 2000 initial trail
planning was initiated, a trail and neighborhood walk took place, an open house to collect neighbors feedback
was held, informal surveys were given, and WSB performed a feasibility report. At the time, the cost of the
trail system was approximately $400,000, much more than available funds allowed, therefore, the project was
• put on hold until the redevelopment of the road could take place. Today, Chair Arnst continued, City Council
is revisiting the project and the potential for using MSA dollars to help offset the cost as Smithtown road is
-00?)
1
PARK COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 23, 2002 T
Page 2 of 3
refurbished.
5. REVIEW BUSINESS PLAN FOR EDDY STATION •
Engineer Brown referred to the attached business proposal for "The Depot" at Eddy Station. As he reviewed
the proposal, he encouraged the Commission to give him their feedback and stressed the urgency in
proceeding to Council due to the impending sporting seasons.
Commissioner Young arrived at 7:20 P.M.
Brown reviewed the proposal with the Commissioners, beginning with the various demographics, users per
the calendar, labor costs for the City, and initial startup costs.
Brown stated that, based on the analysis of information provided by Mr. Koegler's parking study and roster
data from previous years usage, anticipated demand or number of users expected within Freeman Park during
spring, summer, and fall seasons was generated.
Based upon the demographics and facilities used on a daily basis Monday through Saturday by Tonka United
Soccer, Girls Softball, Adult Softball, and Little League, it is estimated that approximately 138,021 users of
Freeman Park are served each "non- winter" season conservatively. Brown explained that in addition to a
number of reasonable assumptions, staff took averages based on rosters to come up with the users per the
calendar.
Allowing for 156 days of operation, Brown broke out the labor costs for the City of Shorewood. Along with
the Park Secretary, Twila Grout, and the Public Works Employee, Charlie Davis, Brown pointed out that a
lead concession worker and other concession sales staff would be required. Bringing the total estimated labor •
costs to $29,869.72.
With regard to the initial startup costs, Brown identified initial one -time costs of approximately $2,750, which
could reach about $4,000 with the purchase of a hot dog roaster.
After interviewing several vendors, who stated that the average consumer spends $3.00 - $4.00 per trip to the
concessions, staff felt that $1.50 per trip average appeared more reasonable and conservative. Chair Amst
and Lizee stated that the $3 to $4 averages were probably close to the mark but appreciated staff's intentions.
Commissioner Bartlett left the meeting at 7:37 P.M.
Brown went on to explain that if 35% of the users at Freeman were "trapped" by a sale, assuming a 40%
profit on sales, a gross profit of $38,645.76 would result. Discounting initial startup costs, the net profit year
one is still $8776.04. Brown maintained that staff is in the process of talking to people in the concessions
business to find out what realistic profits on sales are. After discussions with Bennett Park, Brown learned
that they go through about $8,000 in sales a week, earning over $120,000 during the course of year.
Callies questioned whether the Little League concession booth would present competition. While admitting
that the Little League stand has a significant number of products to sell, Brown stated that a number. of
profitable items could be considered, including, snow cones, coffee and cappuccino, etc: for the Depot.
Chair Amst asked Brown what more he needed from the Commission to move this to Council. Brown stated
that if the Commission is comfortable with the numbers and assumptions he used while developing the
proposal, and a general consensus exists to move this to Council that is all that is required. While the •
concession start up will cut into the season, Brown maintained it could still be profitable this year.
PARK COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 23, 2002
Page 3 of 3
• Chair Arnst voiced her support, and the Commission agreed, complimenting Brown on his research and
conservative posture.
Palesch encouraged Brown to purchase the hot dog roaster up front in order to compete with the other vendor
booth.
6. REVIEW DRAWING FOR FIELD 2 - 3RD BASE DUGOUT
Brown reported that no application or drawings have been submitted to date but he expects to see them on an
upcoming agenda.
7. NEW BUSINESS
None.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Palesch moved, Callies seconded, adjourning the Regular Park Commission Meeting of April 23,
2002, to Work Session at 7:52 P.M. Motion passed 4/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kristi Anderson,
Recording Secretary
•
• CITY OF SHOREWOOD
PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2002
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:30 P.M. OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
s�
Chair Arnst called the Work Session to order at 7 :52 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Arnst; Commissioners Callies, Young, and Palesch; City Engineer Brown; City
Council Liaison Lizee; and Mark Koegler of Hoisington Koegler
Absent: Commissioners Bartlett and Meyer
B. Review Agenda
2. MASTER PLAN REVIEW - FREEMAN PARK
As part of the Shorewood Parks Master Plan Review, Chair Arnst asked the commissioners to assist her
in analyzing Freeman Park as they move on to Step 2.
• 1. Current Emphasis of the Park
Callies stated that the obvious current emphasis of Freeman Park is sports and recreation. Chair Arnst
added that some cross - country skiing occurs during the winter season. As a regional park, Freeman
focuses generally on organized activities, with opportunities for individual users.
Facilities Include: hiking and ski trails
ball fields - 2 little league, 1 Babe Ruth, 3 softball, and 6 soccer fields
Eddy station - 2 picnic shelters
Little League Concession stand
Parking facilities for approximately 314 cars
Volleyball and horseshoe pits
2 Tot lots
Community Garden at the main entrance
Open Space used for driving range, kite flying, and dog exercising
2. Population Served
It was noted that Freeman serves a very diverse population. Primarily, the emphasis is on youth sports
and recreation, however, due in part to the close proximity of the senior housing facility, many seniors use
the park and trails on a daily basis.
3. What are the deficiencies in service and/or opportunity
Although no concession stand currently exists at Eddy Station, the City hopes to rectify this deficiency
soon.
The Commission recognized that winter activities as a whole are lacking. Chair Arnst noted that at one
• time, a free skating rink had been discussed. Young questioned the need for another skating rink in
Shorewood given the expense and difficulties in recruiting quality rink attendants. Brown indicated that
the need had not been warranted to date. Palesch suggested investigating the opportunity for the future.
: ��q 46
PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES
April 23, 2002
Page 2 of 3
Chair Arnst agreed stating that a family open free skate rink and opportunity to rent Eddy Station could be
valuable to the community. Young reiterated his concern with regard to the state of the Commissions •
budget and cautioned any further expense. Brown stated that while flooding and upkeep can be costly, he
urged the Commission to simply not let costs turn them away from their goals.
Koegler identified several deficiencies in service: the fact that Freeman Park has been segregated and
separated in the first place, is one; others include encroachment by fields with neighboring developments;
parking quantity and surface, including parking etiquette and management; and finally, visibility,
Freeman Park is somewhat difficult to find.
Chair Arnst pointed out that one other concern at the park is the number of dogs and their lack of
restraint. Lizee agreed, stating that there are too many unleashed dogs among too many people and
children. While she maintained that, fortunately, no incidents have occurred to date, it is not necessarily a
good combination at public events. Koegler suggested the City investigate the possibility of creating a
"dog park" within the park itself. These have become increasingly popular and offer a fenced area to
allow pets and owners to socialize.
In addition to a dog park, Koegler recommended the City considers investigating areas for other new and
upcoming activities including, Lacrosse fields and frisbee golf space. These would be worthwhile
interests to examine for the future. With that, Brown presented the Water park suggestion once again, as
he has in the past, or even a community pool, which could be linked to the new Depot Concessions.
Brown went on to report that whenever he visits Freeman Park, he stops and asks residents for their
impressions. Many have stated that when sports are going on, they stay away. One suggestion he has
heard on a number of occasions has been to lay a walking trail in the northeast area of the park which
would link to the LRT and other trails in the area. Lizee liked this suggestion and recommended that the
passive user be considered. Brown went on to report that the expanded parking lot plans, which include a
walking trail, have been shipped to the state and he hopes to have a written agreement for $76,000 in
funding soon. He was pleased to announce that the funds had been expanded from the original $50,000
for the access closure to an estimated $76,000.
Koegler reiterated that the most effective marketing tool is a community event. While Chair Arnst noted
that each park will be featured in upcoming newsletters, a community activity as the focal point at
Freeman Park was once envisioned. She said that years ago, the Park Commission dreamed of winter
sleigh rides and skating at a winter festival put on by the City of Shorewood. Palesch concurred, pointing
to the draw for Excelsior's Art in the Park festival during the summer months. Discussions continued
ranging from community walks and bike rides, to music in the park.
Young stated that he had a problem purposely drawing more people to Freeman. During the summer, the
park is getting maximum use a fair amount of the time. He had difficulty encouraging more passive users
to come to Freeman while many other smaller parks were underutilized. He asked if the passive use or
new use activities should be considered for the other parks in Shorewood.
Brown reminded the Commission to consider what they want the park to be. He asked if the master plan
or its use's should be changed, and if so, now would be the time to do so. Again, he encouraged the
Commission to choose the goals they wish to achieve and work from there.
Chair Arnst asked whether Freeman is trying to be too many things to too many people. Callies stated
that the Park now performs a useful purpose that other parks do not, it is Shorewood's premier sports
park. 0
PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES
April 23, 2002
Page 3 of 3
• Chair Arnst emphasized the need for balance. Koegler believed that balance might be achieved to a
degree through answering the parking and future management questions. Callies questioned whether
every park has to have a balance of everything. She continued by addressing the idea of putting some of
the new activities to use at other parks to achieve an overall balance.
4. Recommendations for further Action
Palesch suggested inserting an informal survey in the newsletter polling people of what they would like to
see, use or not use, in their parks in order to give us a lead to follow -up. Brown stated that designing and
analyzing surveys requires much manpower and expense. Lizee suggested an open house forum to obtain
this information.
Chair Arnst asked what the next step would be in order to wrap up this discussion. Brown felt a
consensus was not forthcoming and asked Koegler if he had enough of a framework to put together a real
comprehensive plan from this evening's discussion. Koegler proposed that he put together several
scenarios based on the directions he had heard this evening, i.e., one scenario would go in the passive user
direction, another in the active use direction etc. Based on this alternative scenario foundation, the
Commission could examine on paper several tracks for discussion.
Chair Amst stated that she believes the position the Commission finds itself in to be indicative of the size
of Freeman and the lack of previous direction. Koegler encouraged the Commission to think more broadly
about the Park. He emphasized its importance as a central gathering place and identity in and for
Shorewood.
• Further action would also include the completion of the walking trail; investigation over horse shoes and
bocce ball; dog park; frisbee golf; lacrosse; a rink and archery.
Brown reported to the Commission that he is in receipt of a letter of interest and proposal from Kristi
Anderson and Sally Keefe regarding scheduling and he will be discussing it with them and bring an
update to the Commission at its next meeting.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Palesch moved, Callies seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Work Session of April 23, 2002,
at 9:17 P.M. Motion passed 4/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kristi Anderson
Recording Secretary
•
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
FILE NO.:
• BACKGROUND
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • SHOREWOOD, MINNESOTA 55331 -8927 • (952) 474 -3236
FAX (952) 474 -0128 • www.ci.shorewood.mn.us • cityha1I@ci.shorewood.mn.us
Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council
Brad Nielsen
9 May 2002
South Tonka Baseball — Conditional Use Permit (Revised)
405(02.12)
Last year the City granted South Tonka Baseball a conditional use permit to construct
dugout shelters in three locations on Fields 1 and 2 at Freeman Park. A fourth location
that required a setback variance (third base side of Field 2) was not approved (see
Exhibits A -D, attached). The structures that were built did not conform to the approved
plans and were required to be removed.. Representatives of South Tonka have now
requested approval for seasonal awnings in place of the permanent structures.
ANALYSIS/RECOMMENDATION
The proposal is relatively simple. Dark green canvas awnings will be stretched and laced
between a framework of fence rail pipes. These awnings will be very similar in
appearance and installation to the boat dock canopies that are quite common on Lake
Minnetonka. An example of the awning is shown on Exhibit E. These awnings are
seasonal and would only be up during the baseball season (the Planning Commission has
recommended 1 April through 31 October).
The seasonal nature of the shelters may shed a different light on the variance required for
the third base dugout for Field 2. Since fencing is allowed to be six feet high along the
property line, the awning can be stretched from the fence to some taller poles at the front
• of the dugout. Given the amount of existing vegetation behind the dugout, the awning
would be very difficult to see.
4 0® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Memorandum
Re: South Tonka Baseball CUP and Variance
9 May 2002
•
This concept has previously been presented to the Park Commission. Since plans were
not available at the time they did not make a recommendation. Now that the plans (photo
on Exhibit E) are available, the matter has been schedule for their 14 May meeting.
Consequently, the recommendation by the Planning Commission was contingent upon
review and approval by the Park Commission. Their recommendation would then be
forwarded to the Council for a formal decision. The Planning and Park Commission
recommendations will be considered by the Council on 28 May.
If you have any questions relative to this item, please feel free to contact me prior to
Tuesday's hearing.
Cc: Park Commission
Craig Dawson
Brian Tichy
•
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Exhibit E
PROPOSED AWNING