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102594 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Jennifer McCarty called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chair McCarty; Commissioners, Dzurak, Bensman, Martin and Colopoulos; Administrator Hurm; Council Liaison Benson; and Recording Secretary McLaurin. Absent: Commissioners Fuller and Wilson. REVIEW AGENDA There were no changes. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Colopoulos moved, Martin seconded, to approve the minutes of Tuesday, September 27, 1994 as printed. Motion carried unanimously. 5. REVIEW CONCERNS OF SILVERWOOD TURF TRAIL NEIGHBORS Chair McCarty welcomed those in the audience and indicated this was not a public hearing, but was an opportunity for neighbors to express their opinions of the Silverwood Turf Trail. McCarty encouraged residents to make points brief and not repetitive. McCarty indicated Hurm would first make a presentation reviewing the history of the Turf Trail. McCarty indicated her personal recommendation would be to delay construction of the trail until further study has been done. James Hurm gave a brief review of the proposed Turf Trail that was on the original plans of 1984 to be a part of Silverwood Park. Hurm indicated on a city wide map the location of the trail and its path. Hurm indicated the Park Commission held a public hearing approximately two years ago, at that time the trail was included in the plans for Silverwood Park and in the adopted Trail Plan. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 Page 2 of 6 Hurm indicated he had received phone calls from residents neighboring the proposed trail. They had indicated concerns for this trail. Hurm recommended to these residents to formally present a petition to the Park Commission to note their concerns. Hurm indicated some of those residents are here tonight. Steve Dzurak asked what the current status of the trail is. Hurm indicated only the property lines have been established and no other work has been done. McCarty opened the floor to the residents and encourage them to make comments brief. Ms. Chris Halvorson, 19750 Waterford Place, was a spokesperson for the residents. Halvorson indicated she is not a professional speaker, but would like to present a petition in opposition to construction of the Nature Trail from Highway 7 south to Silverwood Park. Halvorson read the petition, attached and made a part of these minutes, indicating 130 residents representing 110 households have read and signed the petition. The petition indicates the opposition to the trail based on safety, security, and the residents feel the trail is unnecessary. Halvorson also presented a letter from Richard and Vicky Rossow, commenting on the trail, they also indicated opposition. Halvorson indicated residents are concerned for safety due to the trail's seclusion, promoting unlawful acts. Halvorson also noted the trail would provide a fire hazard due to the amount of brush and tinder, with the trail mostly inaccessible to fire fighters. Halvorson indicated she reviewed this situation with Police Chief Rick Young who commented it would be hard to patrol the area. Fire Chief George indicated difficulty in protecting and fire fighting in this trail area. Mr. Vijay Kumar Sood, 19655 Waterford Place, reiterated concerns for safety and indicated the trail would be too dangerous for children, who would try to use it to reach the park. Mary Bensman asked if we have information on crimes or fires on current trails in the City. Hurm indicated none have been reported in Shorewood to his knowledge. Ann Copeland, 19650 Chartwell Hill, inquired if an environmental impact study has been done. McCarty indicated there is a process by which a study is done, at this time a study has not been done. Hurm indicated a study was not planned due to the fact the trail would be grass and they hope to not remove trees. Corrin Wilder, 5365 Shady Hills Circle, inquired if the plan was still not to remove any trees. Hurm indicated the plan would be to clear an 8 foot trail by clearing brush and scrub growth. It is the intent to not have to clear trees of any size. Wilder then asked the estimated cost of the trail. Hurm indicated the cost would be minimal. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 Page 3 of 6 Catherine Gac, 19705 Chartwell Hill, inquired if there would be a parking lot at the start of the trail at Highway 7. Hurm advised there would be no parking, unless they use the present business parking. Hurm indicated two posts would perhaps be at the end to designate the trail. Gac asked for the definition of "in the area ". Hurm indicated the southeast area. Dzurak indicated also Christmas Lake and Highway 7 area. Sood inquired if the trail was included in the plan along with the permanent trail already established. Dzurak indicated yes this trail was on the plan, but at the same time the residents wanted a permanent trail along Old Market Road, therefore that trail was established. Kevin Touway, 19495 Vine Ridge Road, reiterated concerns that the area would be hard to police. Gac indicated recently a man dressed in camouflage was cited in the area acting suspiciously and frightening the residents. Gac indicated the trail would provide a place for this type of individual to lurk. Halvorson indicated the master plan of the park has changed dramatically from the current park due to public opinions during the process. Halvorson feels the residents have provided their opinion and would like to be heard regarding this trail. Vergil Smeltzer, 19600 Waterford Court, indicated that adults who use the trail would actually prefer the permanent trail along Old Market Road. Smeltzer feels the nature trail is unnecessary. William Colopoulos thanked the residents for the informative meeting and presenting their concerns. Copeland inquired as to what the Park Commission will do next. McCarty indicated the Commission would review the petition and most likely have a public hearing for the area. Hurm indicated also the area involve would need to be officially notified of a hearing regarding the trails. Halvorson indicated on the map the residents that are on the petition are a majority. Bensman indicated it has been the Commission's practice in the past to have a public hearing and the process should be consistent. Hurm indicated proper notice and opportunity for communication should be given to all in the area south to the City border. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 Page 4 of 6 Dzurak moved, Bensman seconded, to suspend further construction of the Silverwood Turf Trail pending a formal public hearing which would determine further construction and establish recommendations to the City Council. Motion carried unanimously. 6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM DEEPHAVEN ON PLATFORM TENNIS Hurm indicated Sandy Langley, Deephaven City Administrator, provided information regarding their court. Langley had indicated the court had originally been donated and maintenance done to date has been handled with Deephaven buying the material and the users doing the work. Langley had stated in 1993 the users approached the city about reconditioning the paddle tennis court. The users guaranteed a contribution of $1,000 towards the cost. Users also organized a volunteer team to rebuild the surface of the court. The cost to Deephaven was approximately $4,000. Hurm indicated the cost of the project would vary from $40,000 - $75,000. Bruce Benson indicated perhaps if the users would come up with a portion of the cost, Shorewood could review a site for construction. Discussion was held on the use, cost and location of the court. Colopoulos moved, Martin seconded, to communicate to the petitioners via letter, that the Commission has reviewed their request and if the users donate the money for the project, the Park Commission would aid in locating the court in one of the City parks. Motion carried unanimously. 7. SNOW PATROL REPORT Hurm introduced Dan Puzak of the Snow Patrol. Puzak presented a report indicating during the 1993 -94 season, the South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Officers and the Shorewood Snow Patrol reported fewer citizen complaints, speeding violations, and curfew violations. Puzak indicated the new more restrictive trail curfew brought increased surveillance, still the number of violations did not increase significantly. Puzak noted that in addition to the police surveillance the Shorewood Snow Patrol conducted both separate and joint patrols. Puzak indicated this patrol reported two curfew violations. No curfew violations were observed by police. One speeding snowmobile was stopped. This 27 mph offense, was cited after the Shorewood Snow Patrol requested extra surveillance following a charity event in Carver Park. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 Page 5 of 6 Puzak indicated that this year the Snow Patrol also marked off four properties in Shorewood and one in Greenwood. He noted the Snow Patrol was also able to follow the tracks of one snowmobile that trespassed. The driver was made aware that the short -cut he used was not in the best interest of the sport. Hurm also indicated he, the owner of the Carpet Store on Highway 19, and a member of the Snow Patrol should meet to cover any safety concerns. Puzak indicated perhaps if the snow pile on the edge of the property was removed the safety issue would not exist. McCarty said that during last winter she noticed at various gatherings, snowmobile owners leaving early to stay within the curfew. Puzak noted snowmobiling in Shorewood is becoming a recreational activity with few complaints and even fewer violations. Puzak commented signage for the trails will be up by November 1, 1994, and the noted speed limits of 20 mph on the trails and 50 mph during the day on the lake. Hurm asked if training with the Police Department had been scheduled. Puzak indicated it is. McCarty thanked Puzak for the Snow Patrol report. Dzurak inquired if there was any concern of Hennepin County regarding the trails. Hurm indicated Hennepin County had no real concerns for snowmobiles, but did have a concern regarding horses. 8. REPORT ON HENNEPIN COUNTY TRAIL OPERATIONAL PLAN Hurm continued, noting that the head of the program from Hennepin County was gone for a few weeks, but he did speak with an assistant and they did not foresee any concerns with snowmobiles, but perhaps with horses which they have prohibited on the Regional Trail. 9. REVIEW OF 1994 PROJECTS Hurm indicated the gravel trail is completed near Silverwood Park. Hurm indicated Don has concern for the pea rock at the base of the slide, the rock is getting on the path and kids are falling on the path. Discussion was held and it was a consensus that perhaps sand could be used instead of the pea - rock. Hurm indicated this could be reviewed. McCarty inquired if at Freeman Park the swing on the north could be moved over. Hurm indicated he thought this had been done and would check on this issue. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 Page 6 of 6 McCarty inquired as to drainage on Field Five, there is standing water. Dzurak asked that the gravel under the swing farthest to the west at Silverwood Park be moved and the hump of dirt removed and the gravel replaced. 10. SHOREWOOD PARKS FOUNDATION REPORT Report on October 13 meeting McCarty noted the minutes from the meeting had not yet been typed. Plans continue for the Spring Festival and subcommittees have been organized and will report back to the Foundation. Hurm indicated he met with the Director of Services, Principal of the elementary school and Brad Nielson to discuss Minnewashta School plans. A partnership with the Soccer Association to add soccer fields might be a possibility. Hurm indicated the plans are unsure at this time and he will review the project with Jim Jones and others. Colopoulos wanted to propose to the Foundation have the various sports pool their efforts together regarding scheduling and use of the parks and fields. Colopoulos suggested perhaps the soccer association could better utilize the fields available at Freeman, the land is there available for use. Bensman asked that perhaps the Foundation could also involve winter sports. Hurm indicated the Foundation has the capability of expand Executive Board membership. 11. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1994 Page 7 of 6 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Bensman moved, Martin seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Ruth McLaurin TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial ATTEST: James C. Hurm City Administrator . TO SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS PE TITION IN OPPOSITION TO CONSTRUCTION OF NATURE TRAIL FROM HWY 7 SOUTH TO SILVERWOOD PARK.. We, the undersigned, being residents of the Waterford and Shady Hills areas of the city of Shorewood, strongly oppose the City's current plans for a nature trail / walking path through our communities. According to documents provided by your offices, these plans indicate a path originating from the frontage road on Highway 7 and running south through the woods to the new Silverwood Park on Covington Road. We understand that the concept of this path has been part of the Parks Commission view for this area for quite some time. However, given the facts that plans for Silverwood Park underwent substantial changes from inception to completion, and that many current residents were not involved in, or aware of, initial plans for the path, and that other trails of this kind in recent years have been proven to be an additional liability to neighborhoods and the police and fire departments which serve them, we request you to reconsider this project. We believe that the proposed trail is unnecessary. Access to the park is already provided for by handicapped - accessible sidewalks and marked bikeways along Old Market Road. We believe that the trail would be a safety/security hazard for our neighborhoods. • - Accessibility to the trail would join our neighborhoods directly with major roadways and a strip mall (with a liquor store tenant), and have few other access points other than through private property. - The trail would provide seclusion for unlawful activities. Our neighborhoods currently gain some sense of security by neighborhood networking, but this trail would be unmanageable to oversee on our own. The trail would be almost impossible for police or other security patrols to oversee. - The trail would be a serious fire hazard due to the amount of brush and tinder, with major portions of the trail inaccessible to fire fighters should the need arise. We believe that the proposed trail would interfere with the habitat of wildlife in the nature preserve, and most likely require destruction of trees and other natural growth to construct. We commend the Commission on its ori ginal intentions to provide this path. However, we, the residents this path was intended to serve, do not desire this path to be completed. We do not feel that this is a necessary or prudent expenditure of taxpayer dollars. We request you to cancel plans for completion of this project. 0 Thank You. • WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, SUPPORT THE ATTACHED PROPOSAL TO CANCEL THE PLANNED NATURE TRAIL THROUGH THE WATERFORD AND SHADY HILLS COMMUNITIES. NAME. ADDRESS: t �' °L_ J —� `.:�._.d � tea; � �=- lu 0 WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, SUPPORT THE ATTACHED PROPOSAL TO CANCEL THE PLANNED NATURE TRAIL THROUGH THE WATERFORD AND SHADY HILLS COMMUNITIES. NAME. ADDRESS: & o 1,0 a / ".S. +r�.6i a /�..IV r;,.j l t�C �/ ('d. �:. _. 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