Loading...
041498 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS PARK COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 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 Colopoulos; Commissioners Puzak, Bensman, Dallman, Arnst, Themig and Cochran; Administrator Jim Hurm and Public Works Director Larry Brown Absent: Council Liaison McCarty Also present: Matt Pike, Jake Sawinski, Buddy Kamrath, Excelsior Park and Rec Commissioner, Kathy Livolsi-Schultz; Representing the Little League Association, Gordy Lindstrom and Brian Techy B. REVIEW AGENDA It was agreed to move Item #5 to Matters From the Floor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. A. Joint meeting with City Council and Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 2, 1998 Corrections made noted as follows: Page 3, item 2, paragraph 4 - Remove the word “which.” Page 3, item 2, paragraph 4 - Add the word “from” after the word “Council.” Page 4, paragraph 7 - Begin with “Carmel Rehwalt asked whether different terminology should be used.”. Colopoulos moved, Themig seconded, to accept the minutes as amended. The motion passed 7/0. B. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 10, 1998 Corrections were made as follows: Page 4, item 10, paragraph 1 - Change the word “liter” to “litter.” Page 4, Item 10, paragraph 2 - Add the word “new” before the word “location.” Page 4, paragraph 4 - Replace the word “towers” with the words “appropriateness of the towers in a park setting.” PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 2 Bensman moved, Arnst seconded to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed 7/0. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR 3. It was agreed to move agenda item #5 to this point in the meeting. Shorewood resident Mr. Pike addressed the Park Commission, asking for the City’s support in building a safe place for bikers, skateboarders and inline skaters to practice their sport. He cited other sports activities, such as tennis that are provided for by area parks and explained the need for a facility to accommodate skaters and bikers. He would like to see a structure with an area of about 10,000 square feet that would be appropriate for those from beginner to the more difficult levels of ability. He estimated the cost to average around $50,000 and suggested possible revenue sources such as donations, fund raisers, user fees and commercial sponsorships. Other area communities are in support of this idea and Ms. Livolsi-Schultz agreed. Pike named Badger, Freeman, Manitou, Studer and other area parks as possible locations and described potential times of operation and admission costs. Pike recommended that such a facility would be staffed and would include a small building to house a telephone, first aid supplies and possibly concessions. The preferred occupancy limit is up to 100 people. There would be strict behavior expectations and required safety, protective gear such as helmet, kneepads and wrist guards. Chair Puzak asked Mr. Pike to report on developments since he first approached the Park Commission with this idea. Mr. Pike has talked with friends at school and checked on the Internet for information. He described the informational video which addresses costs, design and insurance considerations. Commissioner Themig asked where people currently go for this sport. Because of the need for a hard surface, the only nearby options are parts of downtown Excelsior, the Commons Park and residential areas. He said these all present problems for the skaters/bikers and others involved. There are other skate/bike parks in Burnsville, Minneapolis and Chanhassen. Mr. Pike has not yet addressed other Park Commissions or organizations such as Rotary or Lions Club with his idea. Administrator Hurm asked if the facility can be used by bikers and skaters or skateboarders at the same time. Mr. Pike replied this is not a problem if overcrowding is not allowed. Commissioner Themig asked about admission fees. Pike gave the example of fees at Third Layer, a facility in Minneapolis. The cost is $10 for skaters and boarders and $20 for BMX bikes because of the extra wear on equipment. He pointed out that concrete ramps are more durable than wood, but more likely to cause injury. Mr. Pike prefers a wood surface and described the materials that work best. He also suggested the idea of seasonal passes along with daily fees. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 3 Ms. Livolsi-Schultz reported that Excelsior had a town forum in February which resulted in around 80 responses from the community in which a need for this type of recreational facility was repeatedly expressed. These parks are found all around the country and are growing in numbers. After seeing the response from parents and kids, Ms. Livolsi-Schultz feels that a skate/bike facility would fill a great debit. Chair Puzak asked Ms. Livolsi-Schultz if there is an organized group of adults to begin the process. She explained that there is a core group with plans to assemble in the near future, but that nothing is officially formulated. Chair Puzak summarized that it is back to the question of past months. There is support of the idea, but not a focus to move from there. He asked for suggestions as to the next step and the role of the Park Commission at this point. Discussion followed about the scope of such a project and the business aspect which goes beyond the City’s realm of involvement. The suggestion was made that because this could involve a large range of communities, perhaps it is appropriate to include Community Services. Chair Puzak stated that the idea needs an organizational structure around it from a chartered organization with legal and financial longevity. Mr. Sawinski suggested contacting large corporations who sell skateboards and inline skates for sponsorship. Chair Puzak commended Mr. Pike, Mr. Sawinski and Mr. Kamrath for the manner in which they have taken action on their idea. Ms. Livolsi-Schultz will approach Community Services with the idea. Administrator Hurm will bring this information to the other City managers. Commissioner Themig moved that the Park Commission, through Administrator Hurm, initiate a resolution to City Council supporting further investigation of a skate park. Administrator Hurm made a technical suggestion to move that the Park Commission would prepare a resolution for the City Council to take initiative. Commissioner Themig moved, Commissioner Bensman seconded, amending the motion to prepare a resolution to Council that the Park Commission initiate a partnership with surrounding communities to further investigate a skate park. The motion passed 7/0. Chair Puzak clarified for the three boys that a process has begun, but will take time. They were asked to present their information to Park Commissions for Tonka Bay and Excelsior. Ms. Livolsi-Schultz offered to assist them. REPORTS 4. A. Engineer Brown Report on Legal/Liability of Street Crossings at LRT Engineer Brown reviewed reasons for study of this topic and results of his inquiries. In calling the County and other City offices, he was given several explanations for absences of signage at crosswalk areas. Some of those are: not every state law is posted, signs may give pedestrians a false sense of security, and typically pedestrians have had a pattern of yielding to traffic. At this time Engineer Brown is not recommending signage for all crosswalks. Each location needs to be PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 4 looked at individually to make sure there are appropriate site distances, etc. There was discussion about the presence of small stop signs at intersections for LRT trail users, which will remain in place for the summer season. Engineer Brown added that the purpose of striping is to bring attention to special situations and it is recommended that it not be overused. One of the troubling spots being looked at for striping is at Eureka and Smithtown. Commissioner Arnst recommended three crossings to be looked at closely: Wedgewood, Strawberry and Cathcart. She asked if at least there could be some trimming of vegetation which currently restricts visibility at these intersections. Engineer Brown noted that this could require gaining easements or permission of the property owners. The point was made that the railroad bed was pre-existing and the trail was therefore not designed with pedestrian or bike traffic to be crossing streets as they are. This is a problem all along the LRT. It was suggested that letters could be sent to adjacent homeowners to ask that they keep sitelines as clear as possible. Commissioner Colopoulos asked if this is in the jurisdiction of the Park Commission or is it a traffic safety matter? Engineer Brown will review and analyze each crossing, check again with the League of Minnesota Cities and report back to the Commission after discussion with staff. B. Arbor Day Plans Administrator Hurm reported that the formula established by the Park Commission for declaring a day of observance has been followed and Council has chosen to celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 25, 1998. A tree will be planted at Manor Park at a 9:00 a.m. ceremony. Engineer Brown explained that resident Mary Babcock has offered to donate a large tree, but that it comes with many conditions about the exact scheduling of care and feeding of the tree which the Public Works crew may not be able to honor. Commissioners asked about the hardiness and origin of tree being considered and whether there is some way to create a partnership with neighbors to assist. Engineer Brown stated that in his opinion, it seemed there is quite a bit of attention needed for this tree and he has a problem with such a dead set commitment to its survival. After further discussion it was decided that Engineer Brown would revisit the idea with Ms. Babcock, suggesting that the City would do its best to ensure the trees survival and replace the tree if it dies. SKATE PARK 5.(See Item #3, Matters from the Floor) REVIEW OF A REVISED PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM- CIP 6. Administrator Hurm explained the differences from the previously presented CIP, saying that this one is starting from scratch with new balances. The first item discussed was the work to be done on the soccer fields at Freeman Park and the $56,000 allocated over the next three years. Administrator Hurm explained that the donation from the soccer association is traditionally $3,000 annually and the status of a possible grant for soccer improvements is still unknown. Commissioner Dallman asked if the projected costs will be a final solution to the poor field conditions. Engineer Brown said the renovation work covered by the $56,000 should resolve the major problems and that fields will require only maintenance level of attention after that. He added that the ongoing compacting that will always reoccur can be minimized by a lighter play PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 5 schedule and not using fields during a rain. Mr. Lindstrom noted that the problem is mostly with the initial construction and design. This would be resolved with reconstruction of fields, which would include better drainage. Commissioner Colopoulos pointed out that the project was being considered with the anticipation of grant money in mind and now the possibility of increased fees will need to be addressed. Chair Puzak noted that the money offered by the City was based on a match of grant funds and if the grant money is reduced by half, then the City’s contribution should be cut by half. Administrator Hurm said that some athletic clubs take care of the ongoing expense of field maintenance and some do not. This is also true of the cost of original development of fields. The City built the softball and soccer areas, but the Little League paid for their own fields and concession stand. They, however do not pay a yearly contribution to the City. The soccer association did pay for a portion of a playground structure and provided manpower to install it. Commissioner Arnst asked if there was a formal agreement for users of the City parks and asked how other cities address this issue. Commissioner Themig stated that there should be a consistent policy. Commissioner Bensman explained that the topic of user fees has been discussed and agreements been informal until now. Perhaps it is time for a policy to be developed. There were questions about who is responsible for the handling of ongoing maintenance costs and paying for potential damage to park property. Commissioner Arnst agreed that it makes good business sense to have a policy in place for dealing with park costs. Chair Puzak suggested the idea of charging a fee (perhaps $5 to $10) per registered participant to be collected by each of the sports organizations to cover field and facility repair and maintenance. Commissioner Themig was in favor of saying that the City would provide a certain level of service and needs but beyond that point it would be the responsibility of the sports organization. There was discussion about pros and cons to each approach and it was suggested that policy decisions will be saved for another meeting. The handling of soccer field repair will be determined after the outcome of grant money allocation is known. This may result in the soccer association being asked to contribute more to the field reconstruction or to delay the project. Two representatives of the Little League Association were present to ask if electricity could be brought to the ball field for hooking up a pitching machine at both Freeman and Cathcart Parks. Mr. Lindstrom described the process for safe installation and added that the $3,500 donation from the Little League will cover the cost. Puzak moved, Colopoulos seconded, to authorize the addition of electrical outlets and conduit to support a pitching machine at Freeman Field #1 and at Cathcart. Motion passed 7/0. Engineer Brown continued itemizing the CIP. Commissioner Dallman explained that the Park Foundation has long discussed the construction of a park building at Freeman and the idea of developing a plan to raise $60,000 was recently considered, with the thought that the City would match that amount for a total building cost of $120,000. He asked if the Commission is still behind the plan to build a structure in light of the difficulty of finding a concessionaire. Chair PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 6 Puzak directed the topic back to the CIP and said that the line item of $60,000 does not indicate a commitment to build the structure. Such a decision would need to be made at another time. Engineer Brown finished the list of projects and allocations for Freeman Park. The overlay of tennis courts at Badger and Cathcart would be done with the same process used at Manor Park. He concluded by saying that the $31,000 designated for a warming house at Silverwood is a rough estimate for 2002 and that the lighting project at Manor Park is a reduction from $8,000 to $6,000. As there were no further questions, Engineer Brown went on to explain the Funding Source Summary, noting a correction for the heading of the second column to read “1999” rather than the printed 1998. Also the $3,500 from Little League has now been earmarked for the electrical work as described above. It was pointed out that by the year 2002, the fund balance would be very lean ($496) if the soccer restoration project is handled as forecast. Chair Puzak stated that this indicates a need for an increase in user-based funding as the community develops. Administrator Hurm reminded the Commission that there is nothing in this plan to cover potential plans for tennis courts at Freeman, or contribution toward expenses of a skateboard/bike park or play equipment at Minnewashta Elementary. With questions remaining about the funds that may or may not be provided by the soccer association to help with the repairs at Freeman, and the future of policies regarding user fees, it is not yet possible to approve or adjust the budget as presented. Nor is it yet possible to earmark money for any additional projects. At this point, Engineer Brown would need to begin the process of obtaining survey and design information so the work on the soccer fields can be done before it’s too late in the season. There was discussion about how to work around an assumption of grant money or matching funds. Administrator Hurm will meet with the soccer association representatives to address the money issue and clarify the outcome of grant money. B. Engineer Brown Report On Design And Cost Of Netting And Pole Construction For Foul Ball Problem At Freeman Field #2 After considering the options and talking with fence companies, Engineer Brown recommended the installation of power poles and netting. The vendors have listed several cities that have successfully utilized this approach. NSP has offered to donate and install the four poles at no cost. The netting is 1 1/4” x 1 1/4” square mesh and would be placed high enough to prevent vandalism and low enough to address the problem. The estimated cost is about $2,500 (after the NSP donation). Commissioner Colopoulos has checked with owners of adjacent properties and they look forward to this plan. Colopoulos moved, Themig seconded, to recommend to Council that they authorize the City to spend $2500 to install poles and netting to solve the foul ball problem at Freeman Field #2. Motioned passed 7/0. There was a question from the floor about exploring the possibility of relocating the ball field and whether this action would prevent that possibility. The response was that the foul ball problem PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 7 needs immediate attention and the netting and poles could be removed and reinstalled if needed. Chair Puzak verified that the outcome of a recent subcommittee meeting on possible field reconfiguration would not disagree with the decision to go ahead with the pole and netting installation. (There will be a report at the next Park Commission meeting about the results of that committees discussion.) Brown will update the neighbors who are waiting to hear the results of this decision. A. Report On Available Resources To Help Minnewashta Elementary School With Playground Equipment Chair Puzak called for a recommendation on this item. Bensman moved, Themig seconded, to table this item until the budget issue is straightened out. Chair Puzak directed Administrator Hurm to approach the soccer association to see about financial assistance with field reconstruction and put this topic back on the agenda for the next meeting. Commissioner Arnst asked Administrator Hurm to give a status report to the people at Minnewashta School who are waiting for a response to their request. He will let them know that the Park Commission is still exploring the matter. The motion passed 7/0. Administrator Hurm asked if there were parts of the revised Park Capital Improvement Program that could be followed up on before the next Park Commission meeting. Commissioner Dallman asked if there could still be adjustments made to the budget on those items later on. Chair Puzak asked Administrator Hurm to specify which projects he would like to accomplish before the next meeting. Administrator Hurm replied the electricity to the park shelter ($1,500), the drinking fountains and grills ($3,000), the landscaping ($4,000), grills and pads ($1,000), foul ball problem #2 ($2,500), parking lot relocation ($5,000) and benches at Cathcart ($1,000). Chair Puzak clarified that the big question that remains is the soccer field projects at $20,000, $18,000 and $18,000, which Administrator Hurm will have further input on for the next meeting. REVIEW PARK SHELTER POLICIES 7. It was noted that this policy has been reviewed and is ready to adopt. Themig moved, Arnst seconded, that the Park Commission adopt the proposed Park Reservation Shelter Policy as is. The motion passed 7/0. REVIEW THE PARKS DOG ORDINANCE 8. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 8 Chair Puzak started out by saying that the overwhelming opinion expressed through the Shoreline voice mail was a positive, “Do it.” Commissioner Arnst asked how this ordinance would be enforced. Commissioner Themig suggested that the requirement be stated that a person who has a dog in their custody must be in possession of a device to handle dog feces. The Park Commission would not be able to pass any ordinance, but could make a recommendation to Council. It was noted that according to the municipal code, the Park Commission may only deal with what relates to parks as they do not have an official role in the area of trails. Administrator Hurm made the point that the Council would still be interested in the Commission’s recommendations regarding trails. Commissioner Arnst asked who would enforce the new ordinance being considered. This would be the responsibility of the South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department The point was also made that with a change in policy, some people may alter their actions. Commissioner Bensman stated that education would need to be a part of this, such as signage and, communication through the Citizen Informer. There was discussion about the value of “mutt mitts” and the responsibility of the dog owners. Chair Puzak noted that an ordinance that does not exist cannot be enforced or communicated and he recommended that the draft of an ordinance be passed on to Council for consideration and further development. Themig moved, Cochran seconded, that the Park Commission recommend to City Council that they include in our current nuisance ordinance the following wording ”Animals in Park and Recreation Areas: No person in a City park or recreation area shall: Subd 7. Have custody or control of any pet in a park without possessing and using an appropriate device for cleaning up pet feces and disposing of the feces in a sanitary manner. It was again noted that this would need to be accompanied by an education plan. Chair Puzak suggested that it would not be a problem to do this through the City newsletter, local newspaper or letters to owners of licensed dogs. It may also include adding some signage in parks and on trails. Themig amended the motion to include the wording “plus public land plus an educational and communication component if the ordinance is passed that would go along with that. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 7/0. TRAIL PLAN UPDATE - REVIEW FINAL SURVEY DOCUMENT 9. Chair Puzak pointed out that there has been consensus on the nature and purpose of this draft and that the discussion at this point is to clarify the wording if needed and not to change the purpose of the question. Administrator Hurm reported that the City Council has some recommendations after their review at last night’s meeting. Their suggestions were in areas of questions 33 and 34. Wording of the paragraph after #32. There was concern that the statements were unrealistic scenarios, which is okay if the word “hypothetically” is inserted as a first word in the second PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 9 sentence. The sentence would then say: “I would like to read you a list of six types of recreational developments. Hypothetically, if each would cost approximately the same amount . . .” The second item is that there is frequent reference to the trail system and the Council suggested that words trail or trail spur should also be used. Commissioner Bensman suggested that just the word trail should be used throughout the survey. The other members of the Commission agreed. Administrator Hurm noted another area to clarify. Question #53 implies a picture of an on-street trail. The Council asked for wording that does not lead to that assumption. Commissioner Bensman suggested using the words “if the trail were next to your property” rather than “if the trail were running along your side of the street.” The Commission directed staff to check with the consultant about that idea. Administrator Hurm asked about changing the words “preservation” and “preserved” in questions #34 and #38. Commissioner Themig brought up a question about the phrase “If the City were to acquire land” because it could be a distracting or misleading thought. He suggested using the phrase “If there was undeveloped land would you prefer it to remain undeveloped or used as recreational areas. Commissioner Bensman asked again about questions #33 and #34, wondering if the word “hypothetically” solved the concern. She suggested the phrase “Setting aside concerns about cost or tax increases for a moment . . “ as the introduction. Themig suggested leaving out that sentence and just saying “I would like to read you a short list of six types of recreational developments. Which one if any would you choose as your top priority.” It was concluded that Administrator Hurm will take this list of suggestions along with the comments from City Council to the consultant for creating a final document. Commissioner Arnst asked about the status of selecting a Citizens Review Committee. Administrator Hurm said that it is temporarily on hold. Commissioner Arnst then asked about the outcome of discussions about a trail along Strawberry Lane. Administrator Hurm explained that the City Council is not willing at this point to go to the Watershed District about widening Strawberry Lane beyond the current 22 feet allowed. Therefore, there is no plan for a trail along Strawberry at the present time. REVIEW TOURNAMENT POLICY 10. Chair Puzak asked if the policy is ready for approval or if the Commission needs further discussion time for approval. Because of the late hour, it was decided to table this item. PARK COMMISSION ROLE WITH LAND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE 11. ACTIVITIES AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING Chair Puzak reported that when the ad hoc committee was formed to look at stormwater management. He and another commissioner felt that the Park Commission was taking a back seat. After discussing their concern with Administrator Hurm, it became understood that this PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 10 committee will simply outline tools for the community. Once developed there may be a process, at which time the Park Commission would become involved and have a voice. He pointed out that there is a video available with additional information. Administrator Hurm added that the City Council didn’t want to set up another committee and have hired a professional to study this issue. The Council has asked that there be a representative from both Commissions as well as the Council to act as liaison during this process. Commissioner Dallman volunteered to be liaison from the Park Commission. There was discussion about the interest and role of the Park Commission with stormwater management. Chair Puzak noted that the Park Commission has an interest in trails, but not an official role according to the municipal code. Council has asked the Commissions about trails and that is what involves them at this time. The Park Commission may want to suggest a change in the Charter, defining the Park Commissions official role in trails. OLD BUSINESS 12. There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS 13. Commissioner Bensman has composed a letter to the Editor to publicly thank Jennifer McCarty on behalf of the Park Commission. Members of the Park Commission expressed agreement with the wording and sentiment of the letter, adding that Jennifer’s contribution to the City is appreciated and that she will be missed. Bensman moved, Puzak seconded, that the Park Commission agree to sign the letter and send it on to the local paper for publication. The motion passed 7/0. Chair Puzak thanked Commissioner Bensman for taking a leadership role on behalf of the Park Commission. Commissioner Arnst asked if some thank you letters should be sent to the recently departed members of the Commission, also acknowledging their service. She asked if the policies for dealing with the sports organizations will be on the next agenda. Chair Puzak said it will go on a future agenda, but there are few items that need to be focused on at the next meeting. Administrator Hurm reminded the Commissioners that the park tours are scheduled for the next two meetings with Call to Order planned for 8:00 p.m. Commissioner Arnst added a few housekeeping items: a large tree house has been constructed at the edge of Freeman Park, the Mutt Mitt dispenser is empty, and there is are some posts and timbers laying at the entrance from the LRT to Freeman that could be dangers. There was discussion about adding a second Commission meeting to the month of April. It was agreed to have a special meeting on April 28 from 7:30 to 9:30 to address the items that were PARK COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 14, 1998 - PAGE 11 tabled at this meeting, including the skatepark update, soccer field report, trail survey and sports organization and tournament policy. ADJOURNMENT 14. Arnst moved, Colopoulos seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:44 p.m. Motion passed 7/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Connie Bastyr Recording Secretary