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100587 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987 M I N U T E S :7 CALL TO ORDER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. Chairman Jakel called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Jakel, Commissioners Lindstrom, Vogel, Laberee, Christensen, and Weatherly; Council Liaison Brancel; and Park Assistant Niccum Absent: Commissioner Andrus (called) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vogel moved, Laberee seconded, to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 21, 1987, as written. Motion carried - 6/0. NEW COMMISSIONER WELCOMED The Commission welcomed Angela Weatherly of 19435 Vine Ridge Road to the Park Commission. SILVERWOOD PARK DISCUSSI Chairman Jakel welcomed the representatives from the Covington Vine Ridge neigh- borhood. Those present were: John Cleveland 19575 Vine Ridge Road Harold Ness 19605 Vine Ridge Road John Bruggeman 19565 Vine Ridge Road Dale Schneider 19585 Vine Ridge Road Chairman Jakel told the residents from Covington Vine Ridge that the Park Commission had received their letter and would need time to review it. He said they would be happy to listen to the residents concerns and comments but would not make any decision at this time. Staff explained that all dumping and grading has been stopped at this time due to the concerns of the residents. The residents said they felt that the suggested idea of putting their concerns and ideas in writing for review by concerned parties was a good one. They thanked the Commission for their time. They also felt there should be a 2 -4 week wait to give the Commisson, Council and Staff time to answer their letter (see attached). They said they would appreciate a more precise plan, for instance ball field measure- ments. Christensen asked the residents how representative they are of the community? They replied only Covington Vine Ridge but they would be glad to contact the other areas also if the Commission requests it. They felt because they directly overlook the park, it is a major concern to them, that there are 35 residents at this time in Covington Vine Ridge and 31 -32 of these signed the letter. They don't understand why there is so much open space going unused, thats why they are suggesting moving the tennis courts to the knoll west of the pumphouse, the existing trees would not have to be removed. -1- PARR COMMISSION MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987 page two Laberee explained that because the tennis court is so physically evident, it was placed in that area for low profile purposes, also that due to terrain the unaccess- ibility of getting equipment to the area had been discussed. The.residents expressed concern over the park becoming so "athletically organized" that their children would not be able to use it. Regarding the hockey rink, they mentioned the difficulty of maintaining the boards. The safety factor of not having boards was brought to their attention. A resident then mentioned that perhaps hockey should be centralized in an area, possibly Freeman Park, where if injuries occurred there would be more competent and qualified people to handle it. The residents also mentioned putting in something other than a hockey rink that could be utilized for a longer period of time during the year. One of the Commissioners stated that area residents might not wish to trans- port their children clear to Freeman Park when there could be a rink within walking distance. He also mentioned the fact that the hockey rinks are used in the summer for soccer. Lindstrom mentioned the way the hockey rink was built in Excelsior's Studder Park, with different boards and landscaping, and suggested that the residents take a look at it. Lindstrom referred to the Comprehensive Plan, the research done on it, and what was found to be needed in basic neighborhood parks. Jakel reviewed the hockey and free skating rink counting procedure used by rink attendants to determine amount of use in other parks, and said they were used a lot. He also mentioned their idea of cutting back on parking, using as an • example Cathcart Park and the fact that the church parking lot was sometimes not enough parking space. He thought the residents might prefer cars in a lot rather than up and down their streets. Laberee pointed out that no structure would be needed if there was no hockey rink. He also explained why the hockey rink and ballfield are arranged facing the directions shown. The Commission reviewed the City's current lighting policy, that they had only planned lights for the hockey rink, not the tennis courts (unless there was an overwhelming request) or the ballfield. Lindstrom explained that when the land for Silverwood Park became available, the City had used the entire park fund+ to buy the park because they needed land in that area. He said that the other parks have been developed "piecemeal" and the Commission worked bery had to develop what they thought was a good complete plan for this park. Residents mentioned the park in Minnetonka that already has most of these facilities and is within walking distance. Residents reviewed the items in their letter and explained what had instigated it, the dumping of fill and removal of trees. They said they would like to work with the Park Commission. The residents will attend the meeting of November 2nd to see if the Commission has reached any decisions. -2- PARK COMMISSION MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987 page three • MANOR PARK - POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL PARK LAND The property being discussed belongs to Mr. Walz at 5125 Suburban Drive. He wishes to divide off the back (east) if the City is interested in buying it (30,454 sq ft), otherwise he will divide the property the other way and come up with a buildable lot that he can sell. Mr. Walz, who was present, said he has talked to several real estate people and they felt that $30,000 was a reasonable price. The Commission is to visit the property (individually) before the next meeting. At the October 19th meeting they will make a decision on whether or not they are interested in pursuing the sale, if so they will give Administrator Vogt their top purchase figure and let him negotiate. The Commission would like imput from the Council before that meeting on buying the property. CATHCART WELL Christensen moved, Lindstrom seconded, to recommend to Council that Public Works Director Zdrazil continue to proceed with the well repair as per his recommendation. Motion carried - 6/0. MANOR PARK WARMING HOUSE /PAVILION Lindstrom talked to one contractor who said the plan as it is would be approximately $25,000. If the utilities were not subbed in and the footing under the sidewalks is removed it will lower the cost. A flat ceiling would be about $1000 cheaper. • He also said roughing it in and finishing it later would be cheaper. Another contractor will be returning the plans because neither he nor his cement contractor have the time to send on it. One will be bringing figures in to Sue this week, and the fourth could not be reached. The Commissioners would just as soon go with portable bathrooms, handicap ones are available if necessary. However they request staff recommendations regarding building codes and state laws regarding portable facilities. The Commission would also appreciate Council feedback on this at this time so they can keep moving forward in the proper direction. A gable roof instead of a Hipp roof was also discussed. FINANCES The total in the PCIF is $132,531.00. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR LAWCON Grant The Commission asked Sue to review her material and see if she can apply for the grant. Project Manager for Parks • Commissioner Christensen suggested hiring a Project Manager for parks to oversee everything and to handle the budget. -3- PARR COMMISSION MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987 page four 10 MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR- continued Freeman Park - Grading and Seeding Staff reported that Engineer Norton is still working on the grading plans and nothing can be done until they are finished. Freeman Park - Sewer Line It was reported that the new grass seed on the line is ruined because a truck has driven up and down the line and left deep ruts, tearing up the new seed. The Commission would like to know if Mr. Johnson would be responsible for regrading and reseeding, and if not, who is? There was also a question about replacing some trees or shrubbery along the line. Freeman Park - Trails Commissioner Lindstrom said while walking the trail with his family, he dis- covered brush stubble in spots and was worried that if someone tripped over them, as his son did, that it might result in an injury. He asked if the brush stubble could be clipped out when there is time. Cathart Park - Lights Estimate Staff reported one estimate has been received from Frontier Electric, another one will be in soon. • Cathcart /Manor Parks - Tennis Backboards Staff reported Public Works is working on the backboards in the shop. Badger Park - Football Field Niccum said Public Works Director Zdrazil had reported to her that: 1. The first game of the season the football players, wearing spikes, climbed all over the salt pile and punched the $150.00 tarp full of holes, ruining it and allowing salt to get wet and drain into the park, killing the trees. 2. There were about 50 beer cans on the field. 3. One of the lights is being fixed, for the second time, because a rock was thrown through it. This is expensive and involves a lot of work because the light is so high the City does not have the equipment to reach it. Niccum has asked the police to patrol the area. She also passed the above information on to Tom Bartsch who will see that the coaches and parents are aware of the problem. Manor Park - Volleyball Court The court will be built this week. ADJOURNMENT Christensen moved, Vogel seconded, to adjourn the meeting of October 5, 1987, at 10:00 P.M. Motion carried - 6/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Sue Niccum -4- MEMORANDUM DATE: September 23, 1987 TO: Mr. Marty Jakel Chairman -Parks Commission City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 FROM: Covington Vine Ridge Residents SUBJECT: Silverwood Park Preliminary Plan and Development The Park Commission should be commended for the amount - of time, effort and responsibility it takes in the development and management of the Shorewood Park System. Whenever a resident has had a question regarding this park, the city staff and park commission have readily provided answers and assistance. However, the present Silverwood Park Preliminary Plan raises a number of concerns to the residents of Covington Vine Ridge. This memo contains a list of those concerns as well as ideas on how the park could be developed in manner that preserves the existing natural environment. We are also interested in how this park fits into the context of the long range plan fcr the entire Shorewood Park System. Our major concerns are as follows: 1. The preliminary plan appears to require removal of over 50% of the • existing trees on the parcel of land to be developed. The specific tree removal areas are: -large willows along Covington Road adjacent to the proposed hockey enclosure - proposed tennis court location (which appears to be already occurring) -east half of the parking area - proposed shelter location - sliding hill In addition to destroying the natural beauty of this land, the removal of these trees will disrupt the natural wildlife habitat and deer path that connects the Sweetwater, Silver Ridge, Waterford and Covington Vine Ridge areas. 2. As laid out on paper, there seems to be too many facilities planned for an area this small. 3. This park was described as a "Neighborhood Park" when earlier inquiries were made to both the Rottlund Co. and Shorewood City staff. We are very Concerned that the design of some of the facilities is going to invite "organized activities" from outside the neighborhood. For example, the softball fied is suitable for league practices as well as adult pick up games. We also suspect the softball field, hockey enclosure, and tennis • courts will be lighted. The adjacent homes are close enough to be easily disturbed by the lights and noise that often accompanies organized league play. In addition, organized play will likely result in increased neighborhood traffic, parking spillover and reduced availability to neighborhood residents. Mr. Marty Jakel September 23, 1987 Page 2 of 4 4. It is our understanding that there are not adequate funds, budget, or schedule to develop the park right now. That when started, it will Probably be completed in bits and pieces over several years as money becomes available. A tour of the existing parks shows that they are in need of further development. We are afraid that the Silverwood Park land will be cleared of many existing trees, the marsh will be filled in and will then sit for years as an empty eyesore. We are therefore recommending that Silverwood Park plans be put on hold until the current parks in Shorewood are completely developed. We are also requesting that a new plan, budget and schedule be drawn up that retains the natural beauty of the land and is acceptable to the area residents. We do not want the park started without agreeing on when and how it is going to be completed. In addition to expressing our concerns, we would like to offer the following suggestions that would save money by eliminating tree removal, unnecessary grading, and landscaping. 1. HOCKEY ENCLOSURE - Eliminate the hockey enclosure from this park and include it with other hockey facilities at Freeman Parka This will centralize hockey practices and reduce the high maintenance these enclosures require. Neighborhood pick -up hockey games could still be played by separating one end of the free skating area with a snow bank. This is commonly done in other neighborhood parks. 2. TENNIS COURTS - Move the tennis courts to the open knoll area just west of the pump house. This will eliminate the need for removing a major amount Of trees that the preliminary plan indicates. 3. SHELTER - Move the shelter to either the west of east of the existing trees. Again, this will prevent tree removal. 4. PARKING - Omit approximately one -half of the parking spaces and concentrate them by the pump house. This will also prevent tree removal. If this is a true neighborhood park area, most residents can walk to it. 5. SLIDING HILL - Move the sliding area to the north of the existing tree line. This area is already void of trees and makes for a longer and more natural sliding hill. Changing the preliminary plan to incorporate items 1 -5 would save money by eliminating tree removal, unnecessary grading, and landscaping. Also, it distributes the planned facilities more naturally over the entire park area whereas the preliminary plan reforms the land to accommodate about 90% of the facilities on 50% of the land. 6. HOLDING POND AREA - Adjust the configuration to a more interesting and elongated shape that will serve as a natural buffer between the park and the adjacent neighbors. Include an aerator to minimize the weed and algae growth. 7. NEW LANDSCAPING - By changing the preliminary plan and minimizing the removal of existing trees, concentration of new trees could be along the east, northwest and southwest boundaries, and the parking and pond areas. Mr. Marty Jakel September 23, 1987 Page 3 of 4 8. SOFTBALL FIELD - To keep it a neighborhood park for use by the area residents and not by organized leagues the following should be done: - reduce the playing field to 200' down each foul line. -erect a backstop that is straight and minimum in size. -shift the field to the south and west to minimize the need to excavate into the into the existing hill and remove trees. -grass in rather than skin the infield. 9. PICNIC /PLAY /OVERLOOK - This area would be in the three knoll areas, at mid -point along the northernly boundary, which are the highest areas in the park. County parks such as Carver, Baker, and Hyland are more suitable for larger gatherings. We cannot overemphasize the need for a final plan, budget and schedule before any physical development starts on this park. Everyone of the residents of this area has built their home using a plan, budget and a schedule. We prefer this neighborhood park be developed in the same manner. The schedule would not need to be tied to specific years but instead to areas and phases of the park development. An example would be to develop the park in two phases using the natural tree line and topography of the site. The first phase could be the area west of the natural line, which is on the west side of the existing marsh. Facilities that could be included are; pump house, parking, picnic /play /overlook area, sliding area and the tennis courts. The second phase could be the area east of the natural tree line in the existing marsh. Facilities that could be included in this phase are; shelter, holding pond, and the softball field. On the attached copy of the Silverwood Park preliminary plan GREEN indicates existing trees to remain, RED indicates existing trees to be removed and ORANGE indicates existing trees that do not exist The undersigned residents of Covington Vine Ridge respectfully request that you and the park commissioners, city council members, and city staff review these concerns and suggestions. We also request that the Parks Commission discuss them with us at the October 5, 1987 Parks Commission meeting. Respectfully submitted by the following Covington Vine Ridge residents: RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS ADDR RESIDER ADDRESS Mr. Marty Jakel September 23, 1987 Page 4 o RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENTlk� ADDRESS KUALA RESIDENTJ LL ADDRESS r' o RESIDENT,4 1/11. ADDRESS / r 5 S glx& 7,C- RESIDENT ADDRESS c� RESIDENT / ADDRESSz RESIDENT - ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT Z '- ADDRESS ; ' RESIDEN f /4' . ADDRESS yU .4� car RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT J2 W-- ; ADDRESS • 11 I RESIDENT ADDRESS Nv:� k ��(- e. CL RESIDENT 0,/rt� ADDRESS RESIDENT - �L ADDRESS / s ;C c= RESIDENT / o` 9e'! o> ADDRESS 7= < . ,.' �W ADDRESS ' RESIDENT 3 6 CWc ADDRESS 1 t o 'c r r- RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS RESIDENT ADDRESS )RESIDENT ADDRESS I.ri w w ,�,�• _ Jr GREEN indicates existing trees to remain RID indicates existing trees to be removed ORANGE indicates existing trees that do not ex ist Q i i ntvtm+ow IMC r[" CITY OF MAYOR Robert Rascop COUNCIL Jan Haugen Kristi Stover Robert Gagne Barb Brancel ADMINISTRATOR Daniel J. Vogt SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • SHOREWOOD, MINNESOTA 55331 • (612) 474 -3236 MEMORANDUM TO: PARK COMMISSION AND LIAISON BRANCEL FROM: SUE NICCUM RE: VARIOUS PARK ISSUES DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 1987 NEW COMMISSIONER • The Commission welcomes Angela Weatherly of 19435 Vine Ridge Road as their newest Commissioner. SOUTH TONKA LITTLE LEAGUE /BABE RUTH FIELDS The Council approved work to be done on both fields. However the fence is not to be moved, agreement would have to be given by the Babe Ruth Organization, a new agreement with the City reached, and the City has to decide if they want to decrease the size of the field. MANOR PARK WARNING HOUSE /PAVILION Nothing has been received from contractors at this time. Brad is in the process of having the plans checked at this time. FREEMAN' PARK SIGNS Council approved the signs. A check for $688.50 has been sent along with the order. GALPIN LAKE PARK DEDICATION Council approved the recommendation to accept money in lieu of land. A Residential Community on Lake Minnetonka's South Shore PARK MEMORANDUM SEPTEMBER 18, 1987 page two FREEMAN PARK WATER Staff is checking into a water connection to Shorewood Oaks. Council did not approve of running the line between the two ballfields as it would involve tering up already existing curb and gutter, and also involve taking down trees in a future residential area. Staff is looking at running a line out of the cul -de -sac in the NE corner of the development. THE FOLLOWING ISSUES ARE EITHER IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING WORK DONE ON THEM OR /AND FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION OF THE PARK COMMISSION Silverwood Park Discussion with residents regarding their concerns Freeman Park Grading Water Eureka Road Entrance Manor Park Walz property Volleyball Court Warming house /pavilion Seeding Tennis backboards Cathcart Park Well Landscaping Parking Other Lawcon Grant Trails Benches Trail Signs Tennis Court Playground area Parking If you are not able to attend the neat meeting on October 5th please let me know. Liaison for the September 28th Council meeting is Vogel. Your minutes will be included with the October 5th packet. If you have any questions or suggestions for the neat agenda please call me at 474 -3236. Please review your packets before the meeting, it gives you a chance to make your decisions, or list questions you may have, and makes the meeting move faster so you can go home earlier!