Loading...
062497 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1997 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Colopoulos called the meeting to order at 7:31 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:30 P.M. Present: Chair Colopoulos; Commissioners Puzak, Dallman, Arnst, Wilson, and Bensman; Council Liaison McCarty; and Administrator Hurm. Absent: Commissioner Packard. 3. REVIEW AGENDA There were no revisions to the agenda. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wilson noted he was absent on June 10, 1997; Commissioner Dallman clarified an item on page 1, Item #4, paragraph 2, to change "electricity" to "water "; and Commissioner Puzak recommended a change in wording on page 1, Item #5, paragraph 1, to delete "is located near this pond" and replace with "has been used by a local homeowner's association ". Commissioner Dallman moved, Puzak seconded, to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried 4/0, with Wilson and Bensman abstaining. 5. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. 6. REPORTS A. MEETING WITH MR. HEALY REGARDING TRESPASSING FROM LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD #2 SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1997 page 2 Commissioner Puzak reported that Chair Colopoulos, Councilmember McCarty, himself, Mr. Healy, and one other neighbor met on June 11, 1997 to discuss the trespassing issue during the Little League games at Freeman Park, Field #2. Team members or patrons trespass into Mr. Healy's backyard to retrieve foul balls. Commissioner Puzak stated that Mr. Healy has a legal right to stop the children from trespassing into his yard. Mr. Healy has purchased and placed two "No Trespassing" signs on his property, which have been destroyed. Commissioner Puzak recommended that the City replace the signage with a City sign, utilizing its own wording, and to write a letter to South Tonka Little League regarding trespassing issues. Chair Colopoulos suggested an official sign be made stating: "Park Boundary - No Trespassing Beyond This Point ". He also requested that City staff research costs for putting up bonnets and /or additional netting at home plate on Field #2 to reduce the number of foul balls flying outside the playing area. Commissioner Wilson stated that he attended a baseball game on Field #2 just prior to this meeting. Coach Dave Anderson spoke to both teams stating that there would be NO retrieval of balls that land on private property. Commissioner Wilson said that during a game last Sunday, nine balls were not retrieved from private property. Balls cost approximately $75 /dozen. He questioned if this cost may be a Park Fund expense or should continue to be covered by the Little League. Commissioner Bensman said the Park Commission should make a good -faith effort to remedy this trespassing problem. Commissioner Puzak moved, Dallman seconded, to recommend that the City purchase and install a sign which states "Park Boundary - No Trespassing Beyond This Point "; an official letter be sent to South Tonka Little League regarding this trespassing issue and cc: Park Commissioners; and for City staff to research costs of installing bonnets and /or netting on Field #2 to reduce the incidence of foul balls flying into private property. Motion carried unanimously. B. PARK "TO -DO" UPDATE Administrator Hurm reported that one park bench has been placed near the playground equipment at Freeman Park North, Freeman Park South, Cathcart Park, Manor Park and Silverwood Park. Administrator Hurm reported Cathcart grass conditions are improving. Administrator Hurm gave permission to the Little League for a tournament game at Cathcart Park on June 26. C. FINANCIAL REPORT - FREEMAN PARK CONCESSION TRAILER Todd Strot, Minnetonka Community Education Services, reported to the Park Commission that the concession trailer has not been as successful as anticipated. One reason for this shortfall is the absence of "treat tickets ". The trailer approval by Council was too late for mailing information to the sports organizations informing them of the concession trailer and announcing a "treat ticket" SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1997 page 3 program whereby a minimum of 10 tickets at $.50 each could be purchased, and each ticket is good for $.60 in food sales. Educating soccer and baseball associations will help tremendously next year. Mr. Strot further noted that posters are on a bulletin board explaining the purpose of the concession trailer, a list of the sponsors, and an explanation of the Park Foundation's purpose. When opportunities arise for Mr. Strot to describe the proposed permanent building, complete with bathroom facilities and running water, park patrons are very enthusiastic. Chair Colopoulos noted that a suggestion of prohibiting coolers in the park in order to encourage use of the concession stand is not an appropriate way to increase concession sales. Mr. Strot reported that $1,204.31 is the estimated profit for the concession trailer through June 20, 1997. He has made arrangements to have the concession trailer at the City of Excelsior's July 4 -5- 6 celebration activities; and will also operate during the July 19 -20 soccer tournament at Freeman Park. These two additional activities should make up for the poor sales in May. Mr. Strot requested volunteers to help with the "treat ticket" idea. He suggested that the Park Foundation may be able to help with this project. It would involve composing a letter to educate the sports organizations, mailing it, and keeping financial records. 7. DISCUSSION WITH MARK KOEGLER - PARK PLANNER Administrator Hurm introduced Mark Koegler, Hoisington Koegler Group, to the Park Commission. Mr. Koegler had worked with the City of Shorewood for a number of years, and is invited back to advise the Commission on the last 10 -15% of the park planning and implementation. Chair Colopoulos stated that the Park Commission needs direction with the expensive park items, and to insure that we have a process in place to determine which options are the most cost effective. Commissioner Bensman noted that the Park Commission would like to know that they are maximizing the space and money available and balancing the recreation needs of the entire community. Mr. Koegler requested the Park Commission to give him their perceptions of current issues and /or concerns, and if they were park specific or system wide concerns. Chair Colopoulos noted that comments on the maintenance of Freeman Park are very good, due in large part to the SandPro machine for the baseball fields. He also brought attention to future budgeting issues, noting that consideration of both short -term and long -term maintenance issues need to be addressed. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1997 page 4 Administrator Hurm stated that the biggest complaint is parking at Freeman Park, however, this issue has been somewhat addressed by later starting times of the second soccer game of the evening. Commissioner Bensman said that many residents have expressed a high level of satisfaction with Silverwood Park facilities. Mr. Koegler had designed Silverwood Park, making a "scrap piece of land" into an ingenuous, creative park. Commissioner Bensman also noted that during communications to residents near Manor Park informing them of the proposed light for the skating pond last winter, residents were very complementary of the Manor Park facility. Commissioner Puzak commented on several sensitive concerns with the proposed trail system, including right -of -way issues and front yard encroachments. Commissioner Arnst spoke about her concerns regarding a balance of park improvements with leaving a park in its natural state. She said the Park Commission needs to provide diversity for all groups of citizens. Administrator Hurm referred to the proposal of an elderly housing project adjacent to Freeman Park that will be coming before the Planning Commission in July or August. This may be an opportunity to work with the developer for shared amenities regarding Freeman Park. He suggested that a Park Commission representative be present during that public hearing. Following a brainstorming session, the following issues were given to Mr. Koegler to guide his proposal to the City for park planning services: • Trail Issues. • Magic Square, Manor Park — (Multi -use fenced area which may include uses in winter such as hockey and free skating; summer uses may include basketball, tennis, shuffle board). • Reassess Freeman Park facility and completion of amenities — address issues such as reservation of green space for possibility of hockey rink, future lighting of the fields, alternatives for addressing disgruntled homeowners on west side of park, and options to be negotiated in Development Agreement with elderly housing unit on east side. • Smithtown Road/Marsh Pointe Development — Land which was acquired along Smithtown Road in this Development Agreement needs to be identified for the Park Commission and alternative uses may include a bird watching area and bench. • Badger Park — Check age appropriateness of park. Inquire into the possibility of different types of trail surface which could be accessible by wheelchairs, walkers and people with canes. • Possibility of purchase of additional green space in Shorewood to preserve it for future uses. • Determine Freeman Park tennis court demand. • General Needs Assessment. • Fees — how is park funding handled by other communities (parking fees, user fees, admission fees, Park Dedication fees, etc.). SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1997 page 5 Administrator Hurm noted that the previous Park Chairperson, Roxanne Martin, and Dr. Noren were Park Commission and Foundation liaisons to work with seniors to plan for the area north of the parking lot at Badger Park. There is currently a tin building there, and will be replaced with a better - looking building with picnic shelter. The area west of that could include horseshoes, shuffleboard or a flower garden. The noise issues from hockey and football games will need to be addressed. Mr. Koegler summarized the Commissioners' comments, and noted that he will respond in a formal letter to Administrator Hurm listing options available from his company and prices. Commissioner Dallman inquired if Mr. Koegler had the ability to produce computer - generated drawings of proposed trail systems. A previous survey indicated that 67% of those surveyed would support off - street trails in Shorewood. A visual aid such as this may enhance the positive reception of a trail system. Mr. Koegler replied that his company does have the ability to produce computer drawings of trail plans. Commissioner Wilson inquired if rollerblading facilities were being considered by any city. Mr. Koegler responded that an in -line skating facility is being considered by the City of Shoreview, but this kind of facility is just in its infancy stages. He further explained that hockey rinks are being considered with bituminous surfaces, however a flat surface does not provide the challenges requested by rollerblading enthusiasts. 8. NEW BUSINESS Covington Road Trail — Administrator Hurm reported that Mayor Dahlberg has been conducting meetings with homeowners' associations. One issue raised during a meeting with the Waterford area homeowners was a request to separate the trail from Covington Road. This item will be discussed at the next Park Commission meeting. Thank Yous — Chair Colopoulos wanted to personally thank Administrator Hurm for his proactive efforts in getting bituminous chips placed on the gravel road at Freeman Park. The entire neighborhood thanks him. Councilmember McCarty wishes to thank Administrator Hurm and his family, Commissioner Wilson and his family, and her family for helping to pick up rocks from the football area at Badger Park. Liquor at Picnic Shelter — Commissioner Dallman inquired about the possibility of allowing liquor at the new picnic shelter at Freeman Park. For family get - togethers or tournaments, he requests that the Commission consider changing the policy. Councilmember McCarty mentioned that the City parks of Long Lake, Orono, and Minnetonka allow liquor with permits. Park Fees — Commissioner Arnst questioned whether the park fees are reviewed each year, as required in the City Code book. Administrator Hurm replied that fees have not changed for about a year and a half. Commissioner Puzak said that the policies and fee structures would need to be reviewed soon, due to the picnic shelter at Freeman Park. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1997 page 6 Administrator Hurm noted that there would be an article in the July newsletter clarifying the fees for the picnic shelter. 9. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. 10. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Bensman moved, Arnst seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 PM. Motion carried unanimously. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Wendy Anderson, Parks Secretary