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021898 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS PARK COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1998 7:30 P.M. MINUTES CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING 1. Chair Puzak called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Puzak; Commissioners Colopoulos, Bensman, Dallman, Arnst, Themig and Cochran; Administrator Jim Hurm; Engineer Larry Brown; Council Liaison McCarty Council Liaison McCarty left at 9:30 p.m., Commissioner Bensman left at 10:04 p.m. B. REVIEW AGENDA Chair Puzak read the agenda for February 18, 1998. Hurm asked that ice rinks be added under Reports. The agenda was accepted with this addition. Chair Puzak went over the changes in the format. The time is now listed on the left of each agenda item, each attachment is a different color and the attachment number is now in the upper right corner. The Commissioners noted their approval of the changes to the agenda and the packet format. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. A. Park Commission Minutes of January 28, 1998 Bensman moved, Colopoulos seconded to approve the minutes as amended: on Page 2, Paragraph 3, change Kroegler to Koegler. Motion passed 7/0. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR 3. None REPORTS 4. A. STATUS OF SOCCER GRANT PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 - PAGE 2 Administrator Hurm advised that we have not received anything official regarding the $10,000 grant. The only information he has received is the press release and a phone call. The City will be the grantee and will need to work out details. B. RESPONSE TO INQUIRIES Administrator Hurm stated that Marilyn Pike had called about the Hockey Association using Badger hockey rink the following from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. She feels neighborhood kids should be able to have more pick up games during these times. Engineer Brown commented that he had only one other complaint this season, and felt the season went well. Administrator Hurm also commented that the picnic table had been removed from the Freeman woods as indicated on a Shoreline message. C. FEBRUARY 12 YOUTH OPEN FORUM Administrator Hurm handed out the Mission Statement for the South Lake Youth Coalition. Hurm stated that that only about two dozen people showed at the Youth Open Forum. There is no written report as of today. Hurm explained that the YMCA considers meeting areas such as churches, and schools to function as an outreach for the YMCA. Hurm noted the Minnetonka School District has applied for a grant to help the community develop in this area. The South Lake Youth Coalition’s mission is to identify activities for middle school age children. He encouraged Park Commission members to attend those meetings. D. PARK & TRAIL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) Administrator Hurm reviewed the trail portion of the CIP. He pointed out that the CIP refers to a letter received by City from the Minnetonka School District Transportation Department encouraging the City to develop a trail system for school children. Commissioner Arnst asked for a copy of the letter. E. RESCHEDULING OF MAY 26 PARK COMMISSION MEETING DATE Regular meeting was changed from May 26 to May 27. The Commission will not have a meeting March 24 unless the planning process would require it. F. ICE RINKS Engineer Brown stated the ice rinks were closed for the season on Friday, February 13, 1998. Engineer Brown informed the Commission of complaints he had received regarding the odor at Cathcart Park. He explained placement of the ice caused gases to be formed under the ice with a strong odor. Because of the thin ice and warm weather, and ordinate amount of odor or gas made PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 - PAGE 3 it to the surface. Therefore, it was noticed by more residents. Other cities have experienced the same problem DISCUSSION OF NEXT STEPS ON CONSIDERATION OF SKATE PARK 5. Chair Puzak questioned the Commission’s next steps with regard to this issue. Commissioner Arnst stated that the Mighty Kids grant news release showed that three cities were awarded grants for skate parks. She suggested staff research what is happening in these cities. Commissioner Dallman suggested we wait and see the outcome of the park/trail forum. Chair Puzak suggested this item be tabled to the April 14 meeting and Matt Pike be invited. Commissioner Themig suggested that this should be on the work plan. Themig moved, Dallman seconded to table the skate park until April 14 Park Commission meeting and to invite Matt Pike. Motion passed 7/0. Administrator Hurm will show a video prior to the April 14 meeting (7:00 p.m.) on skateboard parks. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 - PAGE 4 REVIEW PARK FEES 6. Administrator Hurm reviewed the fee schedule items relating to parks. There was discussion on charges to reserve the picnic shelters. Chair Puzak suggested reservations be made at the City Hall. Themig moved, Colopoulos seconded, recommended amending the Following discussion, park shelter reservation fees to be $25.00 residents, $50.00 non-residents for all parks. Motion passed 7/0. CONTRACT FOR CONCESSION SERVICES FOR 1998 SEASON 7. Administrator Hurm advised that as of today he has not received information from Community Services regarding the concession stand. REVIEW 1998 WORK PLAN 8. Commissioner Themig asked if the Work Plan could be set up by month, showing what items are to be reviewed each month. Commissioner Arnst asked if the City will be going forward with plans to host a Park Festival. Hurm explained it is on the Council list of work session items. All agreed to remove it from the Commission 1998 Work Plan. Commissioner Colopoulos inquired about green space. It was determined that the Park/Trail Open Forum may provide information regarding green space. PREPARE FOR FEBRUARY 19 OPEN FORUM 9. Administrator Hurm stated that all preparations have been made for the meeting. REVIEW STARTING TIME OF PARK COMMISSION MEETINGS 10. It was agreed that the starting time for the Park Commission meeting will remain at 7:30 p.m. DISCUSSION ON LITTLE LEAGUE ITEMS 11. A. Proposal For A Scoreboard At Freeman Field #3 John Walden of Lyman Lumber Company explained the company would like to donate and install a scoreboard at Freeman Field #3. South Tonka Little League approved the scoreboard. There would be no cost to the City, except if public works could help with the trenching. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 - PAGE 5 The scoreboard would be four feet in height and thirteen feet long, raised about eight feet off the ground. It will be blue background with white letters. It would say “South Tonka Little League, Donated by Lyman Lumber Company.” The scorekeeping controls are removable and would be kept in the concession stand. The scoreboard would be in left center field and should be positioned so it does not back up to homes in Shorewood Oaks. Chair Puzak asked that Engineer Brown be the contact person with Lyman Lumber Company for the installation of the scoreboard. Colopoulos moved, Dallman seconded, to recommend acceptance of the offer by Lyman Lumber to donate a scoreboard for Freeman Park Field #3 per the specifications discussed earlier. Motion passed 7/0 Administrator Hurm will check on any sign regulations. Chair Puzak asked that Engineer Brown work with Lyman Lumber on placement. B. FOUL BALL PROBLEM AT FREEMAN FIELD #2 Gordy Lindstrom on behalf of Little League suggested we work together to relocate Freeman Field #2. He went over Freeman Field, #2 existing problems: 1. Foul balls in neighbors property 2. Pedestrian safety on road by right field, Field #3 is used by 11 and 12 year olds 3. Frost heaves under fence post 4. Drainage problem in center field 5. Infield needs to be sodded Benefits of relocation of Field #2: 1. Homeplate at right field 2. Noise away from Shorewood Oaks 3. Closer to concession stand 4. Park more user friendly, spectators can watch both Field #2 and Field #3 5. Opportunity for bull pen areas and batting cages. Lindstrom said that the existing fence would stay in place, separating pedestrians from vehicles, which has created safety concerns. He said the fence could be 16’ high to help with the foul ball problem. He noted they would like to work with the City on the drainage problem in center field and added Little League could provide volunteers for installation of the sod. Lindstrom noted the cost for fencing would be between $10,000 to $15,000 with no bull pens or dugouts Engineer Brown felt it would cost approximately $40,000 to correct all the problems listed above. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 - PAGE 6 A subcommittee of Commissioner Colopoulos, Chair Puzak, Gordy Lindstrom, Brian Tichy, and Dave Anderson was established to review the current problems, research solutions and report back to the Commission. C. OTHER LITTLE LEAGUE IMPROVEMENT PLANS Lindstrom, Tichy and Anderson stressed the necessity to ensure safe facilities on Field #3. Little League rules require a safe throwing area. A bull pen would help when another team is waiting to play the next game. It would prevent them from standing on the berm throwing the ball. Suggested improvements as indicated in the drawing attached to and made a part of these minutes could be funded by the Tonka Men’s Club prior to the season. Lindstrom asked that the Commission consider changes to the parking lot and installation of a bull pen. Chair Puzak expressed concern for foul balls and asked if netting could be provided within a one year time frame. Engineer Brown will work with Lindstrom to provide the best options for safety improvements. Dallman moved, Cochran seconded, to recommend approval of the changes as proposed to the parking lot at Freeman Field #3. Motion passed 7/0. CONSIDER SAMPLE SIZE FOR TRAIL/PARK TELEPHONE SURVEY 12. Chair Puzak reported that he, Hurm, Koegler, and two gentleman from Decision Resources met on February 17 to discuss costs. They felt a 300 sample size with more questions would be most appropriate. This was the consensus of the Commission. Decision Resources will formulate the questions and bring back to the Park Commission for review and approval. RECOMMENDATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO PARK FOUNDATION 13. Commissioner Bensman left at this time. Colopoulos moved, Dallman seconded, to recommend appointment of Chuck Cochran to the Shorewood Park Foundation. This will go to City Council for their first meeting in March. Motion passed 6/0. COMMISSIONER REPORTS 14. Commissioner Arnst asked if new business could be put back on the agenda. Commissioner Arnst asked if we could follow up on the County’s request last year for the City to stripe streets at trail crossings. She felt this would provide more safety for pedestrians. Engineer Brown will check into the legal/liability regarding this. He will report back at the next meeting. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 - PAGE 7 ADJOURNMENT 15. Colopoulos moved, Dallman seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Motion passed 6/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Twila Grout Parks Secretary