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071498 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS PARK COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1998 7:30 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Puzak called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Puzak; Commissioners Colopoulos, Dallman, Cochran; Administrator James Hurm. Also present: Officer Jeff Keller, South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department. Later arrivals: Commissioners Themig and Bensman. Absent: Commissioner Arnst and Council Liaison Roger Champa. B. Review Agenda There were no changes to the Agenda. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of June 9, 1998 Commissioner Themig asked for an addition to Item #6 on page 3, paragraph #4 to note: “Colopoulos did not feel it was appropriate, given the tax burden, to give tax dollars to an agency (the School District) which is already taxing residents for its operations”. Colopoulos moved, Cochran seconded to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed 4/0. A correction was mentioned later in the meeting that the word “rescues” at the end of the above referenced paragraph should be replaced with the word, “resources.” Correction noted. B. Park Commission Work Session Minutes of June 23, 1998 Because there were only two commissioners present at that meeting who were also present for this approval, it was agreed to postpone approval until the next meeting date. It will be placed on the August meeting agenda. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE2 - 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. It was decided to move Agenda Item #6 to this point in the meeting because Officer Keller was present to give his report. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE3 - 6. REVIEW SNOWMOBILE REPORT Administrator Hurm previewed the report by explaining that Officer Keller’s report is a part of the Police Chief’s letter and report to the City. The Park Commission’s role at this point is not definitive beyond reviewing the report. Commissioner Colopoulos stated that the final disposition of the Snowmobile Task Force was that the Park Commission would recommend to the City Council that they look at the reports after the Commission does their review at the end of each season. The question then was in what format should data be presented. Chair Puzak suggested looking at the report in the context of past years and watch for trends. Administrator Hurm said that “trends” may be difficult in that snow, conditions and other elements make each year very different from the next. Commissioner Colopoulos agreed that while the report is well done, the vision is different this year. This report speaks to an overall improvement in compliance. He added from personal observation that compliance with the lower speed limits are indicated by better trail conditions in Shorewood than conditions found in parts west of the City Limits. Officer Keller agreed. Chair Puzak recommended listening to the report and then decide on an action. Administrator Hurm mentioned two points: 1) The City Council did ask that a large, bright sign be posted at each end of the Shorewood section of trail. This will be done before the next season begins. 2) The City did get a call at the beginning of the season from Hennepin County Court. They had received the communication from the City about adjusting fines and are still considering the request. 7:45 Commissioner Themig arrives. Officer Keller began by saying that there was a focus on training this past season. Another officer has been certified and 45 youth, mostly from this area, were licensed. There were 35 complaints logged during this past season, compared with 57 in the previous year and 99 during the 95/96 season. Officer Keller acknowledged that the lack of snow this past winter was a factor, but also increased enforcement certainly played a big part in the improvement. A total of 50 citations were written which is down from 99 during the previous year, which included a number of preseason citations. A total of $4,337 was spent on enforcement, of which $1,000 was supplied through a DNR grant. (It is hoped that this grant will also be provided for the upcoming season.) There were 187 hours logged, which Officer Keller described as a significant amount of time. There are now 4 officers interested in snowmobile enforcement. He went on to say that he echoes Police Chief Young’s recommendation for a second snowmobile to provide back up as a safety measure. The sled from the Fire Department was sometimes used, but it needs some work. Overall, Officer Keller felt that it was a good year. 7:49 Commissioner Bensman arrives. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE4 - Chair Puzak asked if snowmobilers were respectful of pedestrians on the trail or crossing. Officer Keller said that there seems to be a consensus that this is much better. The word is out that when snowmobiling through Shorewood, there is a high risk of getting in trouble for speeding. The signs are effective, along with the handing out of copies of a summary of the Shorewood Ordinance and State Regulations to people using the trail. Officer Keller added that daytime riders are mostly families and those riding at night now understand curfews, which make for fewer violations. Yet, enforcement continues to be strict and William’s Towing did tow a number of sleds this past season. Officer Keller reiterated that he personally thinks that things are much better overall. Commissioner Themig asked about the range covered on the LRT and whether they patrol outside of Shorewood. Officer Keller said that they do travel Tonka Bay, Excelsior and Greenwood, but the lions share of their work is in Shorewood. Officer Keller added that ordinances passed in other cities have now created a more standard speed limit resulting in less confusion in passing from city to city. Chair Puzak commented that, as a snowmobiler, this is a very helpful change. Commissioner Themig asked if Hennepin County patrols the trail. Officer Keller responded that the County considers the trail closed after November 15 and focus their time on winter activities in the Hennepin County Parks. The Sheriff’s Department helps along the trail until the lakes freeze. The topic went back to officer safety and whether back up help is useful from an officer in a patrol car. The need is not for additional staff, but for a second sled. The cost would be approximately $7,000, fully equipped. Officer Keller stated that a half price offer is available through a special program. Commissioner Colopoulos summarized that enforcement efforts have reaped results but that safety has continued to be a concern. He felt that based on the report and the police department’s perceptions, the City should respect this request. Chair Puzak agreed that there is a strong argument in favor of a second sled, especially at night when snowmobilers travel in groups. He suggested the idea of a joint effort and looking into all resources such as other cities which benefit, the snowmobile club, the Legion, etc. Administrator Hurm offered to approach the administrators of the other three cities involved. Colopoulos moved, Dallman seconded that the Park Commission recommend to the City Council that they approach the Police Coordinating Committee to explore the possibility of a cooperative purchase of an additional snowmobile for use by the South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department for patrolling the cities of Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Excelsior and Greenwood, referencing the letter of Police Chief Rick Young, requesting relative to officer safety. The motion passed 6/0. Administrator Hurm asked if the Park Commission had suggestions for other ways to present the data contained in the snowmobile report to the City Council. Chair Puzak suggested that Officer Keller be included in the meeting agenda to present the report to the City Council. Commissioner Bensman suggested that the information be summarized and presented in the context of last years report for comparison. Chair Puzak thanked Officer Keller for his report. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE5 - 4. REPORTS A. Status Report on “To Do List” Administrator Hurm reported that some additional things have been completed and checked off as of June 8. Public Works hopes to be finished with chipping wood later this week and get back to these items. Things are still somewhat behind due to the summer storms. B. Trail and Park Planning Process Update Administrator Hurm described the first session which was on July 9, 1998 as being a very good meeting. There were 15 residents present, plus Park Planner Mark Koegler and Administrator Hurm. They reviewed the past developments and identified new things to discuss relative to parks and trails. There will be two more meetings of this group. It was agreed by the Park Commission that it is best to not attend those meetings and let the group continue independently to add credibility to the process and the results. Commissioner Bensman asked if survey results are on the web site and if the press has shown interest in the subject. The survey is shown in its entirety on the City’s web site and an article was published in the local paper. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE6 - C. Report on Work Session on Developing a Policy on the Use and Improvement of Park Land for Organized Sports Administrator Hurm reported that the Commissioners who were at the Work Session did make headway, and that another Work Session is needed. Commissioner Bensman noted that those who met did a nice job and went a long way to make a good start. Chair Puzak added that, the group was tentative because of the fact that they were a minority of the Park Commission. 5. REQUEST TO PROHIBIT GOLFING IN FREEMAN PARK Administrator Hurm stated that the resident making this request was not able to attend this meeting. Chair Puzak asked for suggestions on how to respond. Commissioner Colopoulos reported that he is consistently at Freeman Park during the morning hours and does not have the impression that this is a significant problem. Commissioner Bensman asked if there is evidence of damage from golfing. Commissioner Colopoulos replied that there are no divots. When asked if someone had been hit by a golf ball, he reiterated that golfing has not caused a problem in his estimation. Chair Puzak asked if the matter should be pursued or left alone unless the resident persists with the request. Commissioner Themig asked if the City’s maintenance personnel could observe the situation and Administrator Hurm replied that their start time is 7:00 which is after the golfing is happening. Commissioner Themig was not comfortable with leaving the matter be and it was agreed that the resident will be invited to attend another Park Commission meeting to present her concerns. 6. REVIEW SNOWMOBILE REPORT This was covered after Agenda Item #3. 7. 1999 PARK OPERATING BUDGET Administrator Hurm explained that the Parks and Recreation portion of the 1999 Operating Budget does not reflect any major program changes. One item to note is on page 101, line item #63 which is the proposed improvements of $5,000 (a new furnace and duct work at the Badger warming house). There was discussion about miscellaneous needs and they would be covered by “General Supplies.” There is also the request for a General Fund transfer of $10,000 again in 1999, which was originally to be at zero by then. Both of these items are reflected in the draft operating budget. Commissioner Themig asked if the estimated 1999 revenues from the Sports Organizations was included. Administrator Hurm agreed that it needs to be added. The amount estimated from the CIP was $12,000 in donations, which will be added to Program Revenues under Cost Indicators for 1999. The topic went to reviewing the list of objectives for Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Colopoulos interjected that he has spoken to neighbors near Freeman Park about the foul ball PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE7 - problems and trespassing issues. They have noted an improvement and understand about the delay in installing poles and nets to resolve it. The realignment of the ball field may eliminate a need to install netting. That objective may take care of itself. The question of repairing the soccer fields was considered and falls under policy development. It was suggested that a new objective for 1999 should be to implement general use guidelines. Commissioner Bensman said that the Commission has done a lot to “clean up” things that have not been official in the past. She prefers the word “policy” to “guidelines” because it is a stronger word and means that things have been agreed upon. Commissioner Themig suggested that an objective be to: “Implement a policy for use and improvement of park land for organized sports organizations.” The objective to “Increase knowledge and use of Shorewood’s parks” has been partially accomplished through the city newsletter. Commissioner Themig suggested adding the phrase “to continue promotion of Shorewood’s parks” i.e. through brochures, etc. Commissioner Bensman suggested adding the objective: “Improve relationships with sports organizations.” Bensman moved, Colopoulos seconded that the Park Commission recommend that Administrator Hurm submit to the City Council as part of the 1999 Budget document, the proposed 1999 Park Operating Budget with changes and additions as discussed and recorded above. The motion passed 6/0. 8. REVIEW TOURNAMENT POLICY After quiet consideration and no further discussion, Themig moved and Colopoulos seconded that the Park Commission accept the Tournament Application as proposed as Attachment #8. The motion passed 6/0. 9. UPDATE ON ANY COMMUNICATIONS WITH TONKA UNITED SOCCER ABOUT SOCCER AREA IMPROVEMENT PLAN Chair Puzak asked, in light of the newly added objective to improve relationships with sports organizations, to invite (or entice) the Soccer Association to meet with the Park Commission for discussion about Freeman Park. Commissioner Colopoulos recommended waiting until the end of their season. It was agreed to contact them after the upcoming week of tournaments. 10. DEEPHAVEN PARK BOOKLET All Commissioners present (and some of their spouses) agreed that the park booklet is a good idea. Commissioner Themig asked if there may be a civic group such as historical society or seniors group who could take on this project for Shorewood parks. One suggestion was the Rotary which looks for projects such as this to be done at the High School. Chair Puzak asked for a member of the Park Commission to champion the cause and approach someone to pull PARK COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 14, 1998PAGE8 - together the resources. Commissioner Themig volunteered himself and Commissioner Arnst to assist. Commissioner Themig will take the project on in September. 11. OLD BUSINESS Commissioner Themig asked about the status of the request for funding of the Minnewashta playground equipment. Administrator Hurm reported that the City Council, after thoughtful discussion, decided to approve the request of $1,000 in kind and $3,000 in cash from the City. Administrator Hurm updated the Commission on progress with the Ad Hoc Land Conservation Committee which has met three times. He distributed a copy of the meeting minutes to the Park Commissioners to keep them informed and suggested that Intern, Erica Johnson may attend a Park Commission meeting to discuss an appropriate role for the Commission in the future. Commissioners were also invited to attend the committee meetings. There will be some issues to keep abreast of. Commissioner Dallman asked about the work of the water committee. Administrator Hurm replied that they are currently waiting for data from the topography study. 12. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Colopoulos complimented the City on the recent brochure regarding pet policies. Chair Puzak asked about the transcript from a voicemail message requesting a trail near Silverwood Park. Administrator Hurm said that she was informed that her request is being considered as part of the trail requests. Chair Puzak would rather it be documented as an action item because of the safety issue. Administrator Hurm said it could be put on the schedule. Chair Puzak also asked that it get on the Park Commission meeting agenda to address it specifically. Note: Badger Park tour comments are attached to these minutes. 13. ADJOURNMENT Colopoulos moved, Themig seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 6/0 and the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Connie Bastyr Recording Secretary