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070997 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Colopoulos called the meeting to order at 7:33 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:30 P.M. Present: Chair Colopoulos; Commissioners Wilson, Dallman, Arnst, and Packard; Council Liaison McCarty; Administrator Hurm; City Engineer Brown. Absent: Commissioners Bensman and Puzak. 3. REVIEW AGENDA Chair Colopoulos stated that Mark Koegler would not be in attendance at this meeting. He requested this item be forwarded to the next meeting's agenda. However, Mr. Koegler's memo may be discussed and reviewed during this meeting. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Arnst had one correction of the minutes dated June 24, 1997: page 2, item 6C, paragraph 4, last sentence, change "will" to "should ". Chair Colopoulos inquired about an item on page 1, item 6A, last sentence, with regard to Commissioner Puzak recommending replacement of Mr. Healy's damaged signs. Chair Colopoulos requested tabling approval of these minutes until the next meeting to clarify with Commissioner Puzak what he meant by this recommendation: either to replace Mr. Healy's store - bought signs or to replace them with the Commission's recommended park sign ( "Park Boundary - No Trespassing "). 5. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. 6. REPORTS PARK "TO -DO" UPDATE Engineer Brown reviewed the "To -Do" list for the Park Commissioners. Items regarding arborvitae plantings and fencing for satellite stations will be completed in the fall. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 page 2 Freeman Park — Verbal communication regarding the removal of one field per year for renovation has been conducted with the sports organizations which utilize Freeman Park. Chair Colopoulos has spoken to several Little League members concerning the major renovation efforts. There were two reactions: 1) "Great idea, go ahead and do it "; or 2) "We're short field space now. How will this affect our program next year ?" Administrator Hurm noted that past conversations recommended that 1/3 of the soccer field be removed for renovation first. Missy Carbonneau, Tonka United Soccer representative, is aware that this may be scheduled and is in favor of it. Chair Colopoulos noted that this would create more of a hardship for baseball from a scheduling perspective. Commissioner Packard inquired why a one -year rest period was recommended. Chair Colopoulos responded that one complete season was necessary for the grass seed to get a strong foothold to withstand activity the following spring. The theory is that the field will have to be rebuilt less frequently if an entire year is allowed for grass growth. Engineer Brown stated that it would be the City's desire to seed in fall and have great grass in the spring. However, a determination if the field could be utilized in the spring would hamper scheduling for the sports organizations if it were to be removed from available playing fields. Engineer Brown stated that taking one field out of commission for an entire season is a more conservative approach. Chair Colopoulos said the Park Commission should make preparations to begin this process. Chair Colopoulos stated Freeman Park Field #3 does not need massive renovations. Field #2 could need major renovation. Field #1 has the rough outfield and infield. He noted that Freeman Field #1 is the primary draw for the concession stand. Taking this field out of commission for one year may severely impact concession sales. Little League may consider the advantage of donating funds for sod instead of grass seed. Chair Colopoulos suggested that if the City were to level and roll the field, Little League may be willing to raise funds for sod. Commissioner Dallman suggested this item be placed on the Park Foundation agenda for August 4, 1997. Dave Steinkamp is a member of the Park Foundation. Commissioner Dallman stated planning would have to go quickly because action should be taken in August. Missy Carbonneau is on the Park Foundation Board, and will be able to address this issue with regard to Tonka United Soccer. Chair Colopoulos suggested asking Ms. Carbonneau how many soccer fields would she be willing to take out of circulation for one year for re- seeding. Engineer Brown has estimated that cost to provide a 6' fence overhang on Field #2 at $2,100. Chair Colopoulos reminded the Commission that a high net option needs to be explored as well. Administrator Hurm suggested other options such as moving home plate back or to move the backstop closer to homeplate. Chair Colopoulos noted that by moving home plate back, you would move the shape of the infield and the arc of the grass would need to be moved closer. This would reduce the foul ball territory by moving it closer to the fence. Chair Colopoulos stated that the option most attractive to prevent foul balls from coming straight back over the backstop may be the overhang. Colopoulos also suggested building the fence up one level. Councilmember McCarty noted that movement of the fence /overhang only takes care of part of the problem; as children were running in the woods this evening even when no foul balls were hit. Chair Colopoulos stated that the Park Commission is acting in good faith, and there is a point where parental responsibility steps in. Administrator Hurm suggested an invitation to South Tonka Little League to the next Park Commission meeting to discuss options for remodeling Field #2. Chair Colopoulos suggested mapping out a field configuration for Freeman Park for the future. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 page 3 Administrator Hurm reminded the Commission that a public hearing for the proposed senior housing project adjacent to Freeman Park is scheduled for August 5, 1997 at the Planning Commission meeting. A member of the Park Commission may want to attend this public hearing. There is a possibility of land donation to the City in lieu of Park Dedication funds. Another issue to be addressed with this development is a buffer zone. The preliminary proposal has a 20' easement as a buffer between the park and the development. Administrator Hurm also noted that the timing of this development, if approved, would allow improvements to the park to be scheduled in the Capital Improvement Program for next year, including the possibility of asphalting the road through Freeman Park. Crescent Beach — Engineer Brown spoke about the request for an umbrella on the lifeguard chair. City staff has contacted Minnetonka Community Education Services (MCES) to see what they are doing in other facilities. MCES does not provide umbrellas. The lifeguard would be responsible for their own sunscreen. Tonka Bay was not interested in providing an umbrella because of maintenance issues. Engineer Brown envisioned, if the Park Commission requested an umbrella, that a tube be mounted alongside the rack which would be removable. Costs for this type of umbrella would be exorbitant. Umbrella sizes would need to be addressed, for it would have to rotate to adjust to the sun's movement. Councilmember McCarty also noted that they may have site -line problems when monitoring water activities. Commissioner Wilson did not think the umbrella would be used, and they could use sunscreen. General consensus of the Park Commission was to delete this item from the "To -Do" list. Engineer Brown stated that paving of the Crescent Beach parking lot will be scheduled next year with other sealcoating projects. There are very few cracks, and it was sealcoated 2 -3 years ago. Manor Park — Arborvitae will be planted in the fall. Tennis court remodeling and the Magic Square will be discussed with Mr. Koegler. The wiring issues will be completed in the fall, in conjunction with preparation of the new lighting for the skating area. A bituminous swale has been constructed for containing the drainage, and the seeding will be done soon. Following an excellent repair of the crack in Badger Park tennis court, Engineer Brown felt confident that the Tennis Court Doctor's proposal to scrape the surface with a high pressure washer, resurface it with a new acrylic material, provide a one -year warranty, and at a cost of $2,600 would be acceptable to the Park Commission and has ordered this work to be completed. Silverwood Park — Regarding City property marked and posted, Engineer Brown requested OSM and Associates for a quote. The quote was about $7,000. They are trying to decrease the scope of this project by increasing the distance between markers; and by designating what type of marker will be unobtrusive. Another issue to be resolved is how to get surveying instruments into this area, and how much foliage will need to be removed for a clear line of sight for surveying purposes. A plan will be in place prior to notification of the neighbors. Chair Colopoulos suggested surveying the property in the fall when leaves are off the trees. Engineer Brown noted that removal of four tree stumps has been slated with Mr. Chips. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 page 4 Badger Park — The tennis court crack has been repaired. Following discussion, determination of location for the satellite station at Badger Park will be deferred to City staff. 7. DISCUSSION OF PARK AND TRAIL PLANNING A memo dated July 7, 1997 from Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. was discussed. Mark Koegler outlined five general areas encompassing the work activities requested: 1. Trails — review and modify trail plan 2. Magic Square — review concept /examine issue of green space preservation 3. Freeman Park — modify master plan for completion 4. Badger Park — modify master plan for completion 5. Smithtown Road — prepare master plan for green space along Smithtown Road Chair Colopoulos requested the addition of a Needs Assessment Survey to Mr. Koegler's proposal for the trail issue. He also suggested the separation of green space preservation from the Magic Square concept as listed in item #2 of the memo. Discussion of purchasing additional green space for future parks is a different issue from utilization of existing green space. Administrator Hurm suggested adding the issue of new green space to item #5 in the memo. These may involve discussions of the Marsh Pointe Development and Latterner properties. Administrator Hurm also questioned whether the Park Commission is seeking additional park property (which is not consistent with Comprehensive Plan goals) or just green space to set aside. Chair Colopoulos noted that green space preservation activities are being seen in other parts of the country. Commissioner Arnst questioned rumors regarding the property located at the corner of Eureka Road and Smithtown Road which may be going into tax forfeiture. She questioned if this land is capable of being developed, and if not, would it be appropriate for the City to acquire it for a picnic table. She requested that staff research this property. Chair Colopoulos said that if the City were to purchase this property, many interest groups may lobby for specific use of this area - i.e. snowmobile trailer parking. Engineer Brown stated that this property may be utilized as a natural ponding site, and a wrap- around trail may provide an attractive amenity to the park system. Administrator Hurm requested that as- builts for all five parks be furnished to the City by Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Commissioner Packard recalled the Park Commission's request to determine tennis court usage and demand in Freeman Park, as well as other parks. This item should be addressed by Mr. Koegler. Commissioner Wilson added up Mr. Koegler's proposal, totaling approximately $6,000. Computer image costs range from $250 -$500 each. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 page 5 Chair Colopoulos requested a fee schedule from other cities (admission fees, user fees, etc.). This item should be added to Mr. Koegler's memo. The Park Commission will meet with Mr. Koegler at the next meeting to decide if they wish to contract for his services. An amount of $1,500 has been budgeted for a park planner in 1997. A line -item transfer within the Park budget may be done this year at the request of the Park Commission to the Council. Administrator Hurm suggested that the Park Commission budget for Mr. Koegler's guidance next year, as well as this year. Commissioner Wilson inquired how much money is set aside for trails. Administrator Hurm responded that approximately $100,000.00 is in the trail fund. Financial options are still available for street improvement in conjunction with trail construction. Commissioner Wilson also inquired about the implementation portion of the trail plan outlined in Mr. Koegler's memo. Administrator Hurm clarified that prior to implementation of the trail plan, a revision of costs from the 1992 Trail Plan is necessary, and questions of on- street or off - street trails need to be addressed through a needs assessment survey. Further discussion concerned the motivation for a trail system, and the probability of finding a compromise solution. Council - member McCarty said that one motivation for a trail system comes from petitions, and the school district letter with specific locations for safe, off - street trails. Engineer Brown said the consultant may be able to provide the answer as to what is a sufficient master trail plan system with the least amount of impact. Chair Colopoulos concluded this discussion by stating that Mr. Koegler will be invited to the next Park Commission meeting. Engineer Brown suggested listing specific items under each category which the Park Commission wants addressed by Mr. Koegler. Commissioner Arnst requested Engineer Brown's suggestion regarding minimizing impact be added to the specific list for trail issues. Also to be included is the needs assessment. 8. DISCUSSION OF COVINGTON ROAD /OFF - STREET TRAIL REQUEST Administrator Hurm reported that a suggestion from a meeting of Mayor Dahlberg with Waterford residents was to separate the trail along Covington Road from the road surface. Engineer Brown listed three alternatives: 1) curb; 2) grassy area; or 3) landscape and rock. Other alternatives suggested by Engineer Brown were posts with ropes, as may be seen in some Minneapolis parkways; or moving the trail back to create a physical separation from the street. Engineer Brown suggested that this project be included with other items for Mr. Koegler to address in his proposal. He also noted that Covington Road is not scheduled for improvements in the near future. This item was tabled until the next meeting, to allow time for the Commissioners to physically look at this area in order to offer educated suggestions. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 page 6 9. DISCUSSION OF LIQUOR USE AT FREEMAN PARK Chair Colopoulos said that the Ordinance clearly states that liquor consumption is prohibited on public property, including parks. An Ordinance amendment will be necessary if a decision to allow liquor at Freeman Park is recommended to Council. Additional data from other cities (Excelsior, Victoria, Chanhassen, and Minneapolis and Hennepin Parks) for liquor permit fees and application information will be supplied to the Commissioners at the next meeting. Commissioner Arnst requested information about enforcement from other cities. Questions to pose to surrounding law enforcement agencies include enforcement of regulations for liquor consumption, specific places for consumption (at picnic shelter, baseball tournaments, etc.), liability issues, general comments, and the consequences for violations (misdemeanors, etc.). Chair Colopoulos noted that the consensus of the Park Commission is to review other policies. 10. DISCUSSION ON MUTT MITTS FOR LRT Following a discussion, Commissioner Arnst suggested that one Mutt Mitt be ordered for the entrance to Freeman Park from the trail, near the soccer area. Cost would be approximately $150. A trash can will need to be placed securely near the Mutt Mitt post. This will be on an experimental basis, and if it is deemed to be effective, more Mutt Mitts dispensers will be ordered. 11. NEW BUSINESS Recycling Can Bin — Commissioner Arnst inquired about a garbage can being designated for aluminum can recycling at the parks. Engineer Brown stated that the cans are retrieved from trash containers by several individuals on a daily basis. Therefore a need does not exist. Picnic Benches — Commissioner Arnst inquired if consideration was given to recycled plastic benches. Engineer Brown stated that replacement parts were less costly and easier to obtain for the standard benches versus the recycled plastic benches. Also the initial cost for recycled plastic benches is higher than standard benches. Overgrown Brush — Commissioner Arnst noted that at the intersection of Wedgewood and the LRT the grass, brush and shrubbery are overgrown and are posing traffic problems. Engineer Brown noted that a right -of -way dispute exists on the Bache property. He will look into this request. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997 page 7 Freeman Park wooded trail — Chair Colopoulos has had requests to trim and chip the trail in the backwoods area at Freeman Park. He suggested that tree services provide free wood chips. Engineer Brown noted that several years ago the City of Chanhassen placed wood chips on their trail system, and the chips became infested with beetles. The City of Chanhassen had to remove all the wood chips. He will research this and report back to the Park Commission. 12. OLD BUSINESS Cathcart Park — Commissioner Packard inquired if Cathcart Park ballfield was functional yet. Engineer Brown reported that the area looks great. Treat Tickets/Freeman Park Concessions — Commissioner Arnst inquired if this item will be discussed at the next Park Foundation meeting. It was confirmed that this item is on the agenda for the Park Foundation meeting on August 4, 1997. 13. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Packard moved, Arnst seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. RFSPFC',TFTTT.T.V STTBMTTTFD