010891 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PARK COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1990 7:00 PM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Andrus called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Andrus, Commissioners Lindstrom, Vogel, Dzurak,
Laberee, and Wilson; Administrative Assistant Niccum;
Council Liaison Lewis; and Park Planner Koegler
Absent: Commissioner Christensen
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Laberee moved, Vogel seconded, to approve the minutes of Tuesday, 1990,
as written. Motion carried - 6/0.
MAYOR BRANCEL INTRODUCED NEW COUNCIL LIAISON
Brancel introduced Dan Lewis, a new Councilmember, as the new liaison
to the Park Commission.
COUNCIL MEETINGS WILL START AT 7:00 PM
Brancel said Council meetings will now start at 7:00pm instead of
7:30pm. She said they are going to try to hold meetings only twice a
month, hope to end them by 10:00pm, and hope to televise all meetings.
COMMISSION SUPPORTS REAPPOINTMENT OF LABEREE AND ANDRUS
Lindstrom moved, Wilson seconded, to recommend to Council that Mark
Laberee and Jim Andrus be appointed to another term, to run from
January 1, 1991 to December 31, 1993. Motion carried - 4 ayes, 2
abstain.
THANK YOU TO AMERICAN LEGION POST #259 FOR PARK CONTRIBUTIONS
The commission asked Niccum to put an article in the paper and the
newsletter. It is to state what contributions have been made by the
Legion to the Park System, and to thank them.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1991
Page Two
1991 LIAISONS TO COUNCIL
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH
DZURAK VOGEL VOGEL
APRIL MAY JUNE
CHRISTENSEN CHRISTENSEN WILSON
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
WILSON LABEREE DZURAK
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
LINDSTROM LABEREE LINDSTROM
CHRISTENSEN DZURAK LABEREE
APRIL JANUARY AUGUST
MAY SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER
LINDSTROM VOGEL WILSON
OCTOBER FEBRUARY JUNE
DECEMBER MARCH JULY
*CHAIRMAN ANDRUS WILL FILL IN IF NECESSARY
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1991
Page three
TRAIL PLAN DISCUSSION
Park Planner Mark Koegler reviewed his report of 12/28/90, "Trail
Plan", with the Commission. He asked the Commission why they want the
"Trail Plan", and what they hope to achieve.
Laberee said he liked Koeglers goals:
1. Provide a local trail system that safely
connects neighborhood areas, parks, schools,
commercial centers and other points of
interest throughout the community.
2. Create a multi-modal trail system that
accommodates pedestrians, bicycling, cross
country skiing and horse back riding.
3. Cooperate with state and regional agencies and
adjacent municipalities to create a
comprehensive trail system.
Laberee said his major concern was safety.
Lindstrom and Wilson expressed concern over horse back riding.
The Commission discussed horseback riding and snowmobiling, stating
that they are interim uses. They discussed maintaining them as long as
they are feasible uses.
Koegler, in answer to a question, said a bike trail is usually an 8'
bituminous path, but can be concrete in a residential neighborhood.
The Commission asked Niccum to check with the cities of Victoria and
Chanhassen to see if they allow horses/snowmobiles.
The Commission discussed the types of trails: Regional, Walkways/
Bikeways, and Pedestrian. They asked Koegler - what is the best way of
putting in bikeways along roadways? He said the most economical way is
to put them in along with major road repairs. He said it is hard to
figure the cost on these because there are so many factors to consider
(i.e. acquiring easements). He said a feasibility study should be done
for this type of path.
Koegler said the City of Excelsior is also working on trails, and are
at approximately the same stage as Shorewood. They will keep in touch
and work together.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1991
Page four
The City of Chanhassen is working on a trail that could cross Highway 7
near Cathcart Park. He said an intersection would be the only safe
place for a crossing.
Koegler will also check with the City of Minnetonka to see what their
plans are in the Vine Hill Road/Covington Road vicinity.
The Commission mentioned the area between Country Kitchen and the
Shorewood Shopping Center, saying they see quite a bit of activity
along the highway, and it is dangerous.
The Old Market Road Intersection area was discussed, and whether it
would ever be bridged across Highway 7. It was felt that perhaps the
wayside rests could be incorporated into the trail system.
The Commission also discussed the proposed trail from Silverwood Park
to Highway 7, and other possibilities in this area.
The Commission felt that a bicycle/walking trail was definately needed
along Smithtown Road/County Road 19 some time in the future for safety
purposes.
The Commission also reviewed a trail plan presented and explained
by Koegler. Niccum was asked to get a plan of "Collector Streets".
MASTER PARR PLANS
The Commission discussed neighborhood input, including how and
where to hold meetings, and how to present written information.
It was felt that the input should be a matter of record.
They also reviewed and discussed the Finance Director's report.
They are concerned over how much of an extra tax load residents are
willing to bear. They will have figures available for the
residents.
They are still planning on Spring, April, for the referendum.
The Commission reviewed the master plans:
Shady Hills Park
There is no master plan for this park, however, the Commission
would like to know if the drainage project currently being
considered in the Shady Hills area will have any affect on the
park. They also discussed whether it would be possible to divide
it into 2 buildable lots. They need drainage information on this
area.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1991
Page five
Freeman Park
It appears on all maps of Freeman Park, that the Little League Field,
Field #1, is not all on City property. A corner of Bob Osha's property,
25840 State Highway 7, is involved. Although there has not been a
problem with this, there is a concern that if the property is sold, it
could become a problem. It was felt that perhaps the City should
attempt to buy this piece of property.
An additional play area belongs in the vicinity of the picnic shelter.
Koegler said it was lost in transfering plans, and will be put back on
the map.
Laberee felt that the configuration of the parking lot by the
volleyball courts should be changed.
Cathcart Park
It should be stated that the fence installed by the City of Chanhassen
along the east boundary of the park remain.
There appears to be ample parking, 38 spaces.
There will be quite a few trees removed when the ballfield is moved.
Wilson and Laberee said the trees are not the best, and can be cut out.
Landscaping along the south property line was mentioned, to define the
park boundary to the new residents along this line.
Manor Park
Define and enlarge the parking lot.
Badger Park
Show possible trail and picnic area on east side of park.
Using the present Public Works site was mentioned. Niccum said the
Ordinance will not allow it. Lewis said it would probably cost more to
bring it up to code, than to replace it.
Silverwood Park
Lewis asked about the willow trees in the area of the proposed tennis
court. He said the people across Covington Road, and the Covington Vine
Ridge residents appreciate the screening. Koegler
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1991
Page six
said the trees are scheduled for removal, but can be replaced with
landscaping.
Wilson had to leave at 9:45pm.
The Commission discussed the trail system/park completion cost. The
trail system could cost up to an additional $1,500,000. The Commission
discussed it at length and decided to only do the parks. The total
amount for parks shown in the PCIP is $1,640,000. The
Commission felt there had to be a "Contingency Fund" included for
unforeseen items.
Koegler asked the Commission to make a decision this evening so the
information can be presented to the Council on Monday, January 14.
Laberee moved, Dzurak seconded, to recommend to the Council that the
City go ahead with the bond referendum this Spring for a gross total of
$1,940,000 for the purpose of implementing the Park Capital Improvement
Plan and completing the improvements identified in the Park Master
Plans. Motion carried - 5/0.
The Commission requested that Finance Director Rolek present figures to
the Council for houses in the following ranges, at 10 year and 15 year
ranges, so they have a better picture of costs:
$75,000 $150,000 $250,000 $350,000
ADJOURNMENT
Lindstrom moved, Laberee seconded, to adjourn the meeting of Tuesday,
January 8, 1991, at 10:43pm. Motion carried - 5/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
Susan A. Niccum
Park Administrative Assistant