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052897 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1997 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Colopoulos called the meeting to order at 8:02 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 8:00 P.M. Present: Chair Colopoulos; Commissioners Puzak, Dallman, Arnst, Wilson and new Commissioner Packard; Council Liaison McCarty; City Engineer Brown; and Charlie Davis from the Public Works Department. Absent: Commissioner Bensman. 3. REVIEW AGENDA Chair Colopoulos moved Item #10 "Soccer Discussion" to Item #6 because Missy Carbonneau, Tonka United Soccer, was in attendance. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Arnst had several changes: page 2, 6th paragraph, "materials" changed to "designs "; page 2, 10th paragraph, "the tennis court be deleted from" changed to "since the tennis courts were not subject to "' and page 2, 10th paragraph, "Chair Colopoulos" changed to "Commissioner Puzak". Dallman moved, Arnst seconded, to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried 510, with Packard abstaining. 5. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER Chair Colopoulos introduced Ann Packard to the Park Commission. She was appointed by the City Council on May 27, 1997. Ann stated that she has lived in Shorewood since 1980. 6. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1997 page 2 7. REPORT ON PICNIC SHELTER PUBLIC HEARING Councilmember McCarty reported that the proposal for the picnic shelter at Freeman Park was approved by the City Council on May 27, 1997. Chair Colopoulos noted that one of his neighbors, John Krueger, had relayed a concern during the public hearing regarding a potential noise problem, as the location of the shelter is adjacent to his property. Mr. Krueger requested the creation of a natural barrier of trees along the berm, between the park and his property. City Engineer Brown noted that he was finalizing a report of the picnic shelter quotes received for consideration by the City Council. He clarified that this project does not have to go out for bids, as it will be under $25,000. Once approval by the Council is received, Engineer Brown will place the order. Commissioner Puzak inquired if any electrical outlets will be provided at the picnic shelter. Engineer Brown said that electricity was not considered. He estimated that to supply the shelter with electricity would cost $3,500. Commissioners agreed that electricity was not necessary at this time. Commissioner Dallman requested that the contractor stub in one empty conduit in the floor for future electrical service. Engineer Brown will add this request to the picnic shelter plans. City Engineer Brown reported that the Health Department conceded to not require sewer service with the City's request for the drinking fountain. Commissioner Arnst noted that the June newsletter invited residents to call City Hall for reservation details and costs. She inquired what the fees were for a party to use the shelter. Commissioner Wilson replied, per the municipal code, a $50 fee is charged for residents, and $150 charge for nonresidents to use the picnic pavilion at Freeman Park. The fee should be paid at City Hall. Commissioner Arnst suggested that a small, tastefully -done sign be placed at the picnic shelter noting to call City Hall for reservations; as well as notification that the picnic shelter is reserved for a specific time. 8. DISCUSSION OF FREEMAN PARK TENNIS COURT PLACEMENT Chair Colopoulos explained the history of the hockey rink request. The Park Commission was approached approximately one year ago by the Hockey Association, requesting permission to build an open- sided, refrigerated hockey rink at Freeman Park adjacent to the parking lot serving the softball fields. Financing this project was the sole responsibility of the Hockey Association, and was estimated to be $500,0004800,000. The Hockey Association later approached the Park Commission stating that funding was not available, and that they were also reviewing alternative locations. They asked if their request could be put "on hold ". Commissioner Arnst inquired if this request locked the Park Commission into reserving a specific amount of space for this "on hold" project. The estimate for the size of the proposed hockey rink was 100' x 200'. Chair Colopoulos was also concerned about the indefinite "on hold" status. He suggested moving forward with the concession stand and tennis court placement. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1997 page 3 Commissioner Dallman suggested placement of the tennis court near the Eureka Road entrance to Freeman Park. Commissioner Puzak stated that the tennis court belongs closer to the softball parking lot. Commissioner Puzak requested that City Engineer Brown compose a letter to the Hockey Association informing them that the Park Commission is considering tennis court placement at a specific location (provide a map), and to request feedback from them. Note in the letter that the tennis court is proposed for construction in the spring of 1998. Allowance for response time from the Hockey Association may range from two weeks to one month, depending upon when their next monthly meeting is scheduled. City Engineer Brown suggested preparation of the tennis court site begin this fall by bringing in dirt and letting it settle until next spring. The City would also need to hear from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. 9. DISCUSSION OF PARK TOUR #2 Notes from Park Tour #2 are attached to, and made a part of, these minutes. Commissioner Wilson recalled the "Magic Square" from his childhood: this hard surface area served multi -uses including basketball, shuffle board, tennis, and skating. Commissioner Wilson also inquired if the colored surface area on the tennis courts was necessary. City Engineer Brown stated that tennis court surfaces were different from the typical asphalt driveway material. The Commission requested the Engineer to research the different surfaces available. Commissioner Puzak requested the Engineer to inquire if any "Magic Squares" exist in other cities. Commissioner Puzak noted that tennis courts are "high- ticket" items within a park, both for construction and maintenance costs. He inquired if there is any way to collect data on the demand for additional tennis courts. According to Councilmember McCarty, there is a high demand for tennis courts. Commissioner Arnst inquired if one tennis court at Freeman Park would meet the demand, or if two would be better. She suggested the possibility of one tennis court and two basketball hoops to meet a more diverse demand for recreational activities. A question was raised regarding the replacement of two damaged /dead trees at Manor Park. It was noted that $10,000 is scheduled for grass, trees, and reseeding in the parks. Engineer Brown will check into the tree replacements. Another issue raised during the park tours was the marking of City property at Silverwood Park. City Engineer Brown said that a survey would be necessary for legal reasons prior to staking out the property lines. This surveying would cost approximately $3,000. Commissioner Packard suggested that a letter be prepared for adjacent homeowners explaining that the City is surveying the property lines of Silverwood Park. This communication may ease the concerns of homeowners prior to the surveyor's appearance in the park. Commissioner Arnst SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1997 page 4 requested that the Park Commission receive a copy of the letter, and that a follow -up report be prepared for the Park Commission. 10. SOCCER DISCUSSION NOTE: This item was discussed following Item #5. Missy Carbonneau, Tonka United Soccer, addressed the Commission regarding soccer usage at Freeman Park. She stated that a letter had been sent to all soccer teams which utilize Freeman Park, suggesting that the starting time of the second game be moved to 7:30 p.m. thereby easing the flow of traffic and parking congestion problems. This suggestion was very well received by all participants and parents. Missy Carbonneau also noted that the current members of the soccer board are in favor of Saturday games for next season, which will further ease the parking congestion. Ms. Carbonneau reported that their intention was to not utilize one patch of ground each evening. She explained that the soccer teams are using six modified fields, in that the children play on a 30' x 50' field instead of the marked 110' x 70' playing field. Full usage of the fields occurs 34% of the total playing time; 54% of the time they utilize only four fields in an evening. She also noted that there are 1,434 enrolled soccer participants. Regarding the numerous soccer nets and the related maintenance problems, Ms. Carbonneau suggested that a mowing schedule be shared with her so that the nets could be removed the prior evening. Engineer Brown said that this option may not be feasible due to rain, changes in scheduling, etc. Commissioner Puzak noted that some soccer nets may be tilted for mowing instead of completely removed. Ms. Carbonneau will research this suggestion. In a letter to Tonka United Soccer from Administrator Hurm, he suggested one -third of all playing fields at Freeman Park be removed from sports activities each year for three years in order to reconstruct the fields. This maintenance program would be done in August of each year. Commissioners thanked Ms. Carbonneau for her willingness to answer their questions and concerns and her cooperative efforts to comply with their requests. Commissioner Arnst requested a schedule of soccer activities at Freeman Park to be issued to the City each year. Ms. Carbonneau supplied the Commissioners with a listing for this season. 11. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember McCarty reported that the Council approved an additional $2,000 in matching funds for sod at Badger Park football field. Donations of $5,500 have been pledged; $3,500 had been budgeted for this project from City funds. The total amount of $11,000 will cover the cost SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1997 page 5 of larger sections of sod to be installed with professional equipment instead of volunteers laying the sod. This will insure football scheduling this fall at Badger Park. Councilmember McCarty also reported that Council approved a request from the South Tonka Little League, pending a favorable recommendation of the Park Commission, for an announcement board to be placed near the concession stand. This sign will not be lighted. It will also be a free- standing sign, and will only be used during the baseball season. Engineer Brown inquired if it could be attached to the concession stand, and Chair Colopoulos stated that Little League desired a free - standing sign. Commissioner Puzak moved, Dallman seconded, to recommend approval of installation of an institutional sign to be placed in Freeman Park. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Colopoulos reported that his neighbor, John Healy, 26040 Shorewood Oaks Drive, has property abutting Field # 2 at Freeman Park. Mr. Healy inquired about a solution to children trespassing into his yard every evening chasing foul balls. Chair Colopoulos said that an effective way to alleviate the problem would be to use one uniformed player at the end of each evening to retrieve the balls from his property. This method would ensure coverage by the Little League's insurance. Commissioner Wilson suggested an angled net over home plate to curb the amount of foul balls into his property. This solution would not completely alleviate the problem, however it would decrease its occurrence. Commissioner Puzak believed that the need to lower the incidences is important. Commissioner Packard inquired if the field is too close to the adjacent property. Chair Colopoulos explained that the fencing of the baseball field is the property line as well. Chair Colopoulos discussed the possibility of the overhang netting. Moving home plate back 2 -3 feet could thereby contain more foul balls within the playing area. Commissioner Arnst moved, Dallman seconded, to enlist Councilmember McCarty, Chair Colopoulos, Commissioner Puzak, and Chairman of Little League Dave Anderson, to meet with Mr. John Healy to discuss settlement of the trespassing situation in his backyard. Motion carried unanimously. Another new business item was an inquiry by Commissioner Arnst about the status of the concession trailer at Freeman Park. Commissioner Dallman remarked that a report is expected at the end of the first month's business. Status of the Trail Plan Review process was mentioned. A meeting will be scheduled soon with Park Commissioners Puzak and Arnst and Administrator Hurm for information gathering and planning a time frame. Commissioner Arnst reported a Hennepin County Advisory Committee is conducting a meeting for the LRT corridor. She would like to attend the June 4, 1997 meeting. Councilmember SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1997 page 6 McCarty stated her concern that the opinions of Commissioner Arnst not be confused with the Park Commission's opinion of trail activities. 12. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Packard moved, Arnst seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M. RR�PFC'.TFT TT .T .V !�T TRMTTTFD