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041100 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2000 7:30 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Arnst; Vice-chair Themig; Commissioners Puzak, Dallman, Berndt and Young; Director of Public Works Larry Brown; Planning Liaison Callies Absent: Commissioner Bix Later Arrivals: Council Liaison Scott Zerby B. Review Agenda Puzak moved, Themig seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed 6/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Themig moved, Puzak seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed 6/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR Commissioner Berndt said that a member of the Land Conservation & Environment Committee has requested that the Cathcart Park tennis courts have a white stripe painted on the practice board (like the one at Badger Park). Brown will follow up on that request. Chair Arnst introduced Planning Commissioner Paula Callies, explaining that a representative from the Planning Commission will attend Park Commission meetings when needed. This meeting will include discussion about a public hearing for the proposed skate park. 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meeting of April 10, 2000 Commissioner Puzak reported that the Council approved to put out to bid the Freeman Park multipurpose building with the modifications as suggested, and with bid alternates for a picnic shelter and for stainless steel fixtures. The Council also voted to put the Vine Hill/ Covington trail project out to bid. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 2 APRIL 11, 2000 - PAGE The Council did not take action on the request to approve a $5-per-athlete user fee for the sports organizations. Brown explained that the reason for no formal action is because it requires an ordinance draft to be first approved by the Park Commission. (To be discussed under item 10.) LCEC Report - Commissioner Berndt reported that the Land Conservation & Environment Committee has been preparing for their April 29 community open house. Also, the Committee is considering a citywide ban on phosphorus in lawn fertilizers. The Mayor attended their last meeting and expressed support for that idea. The Committee has been checking with a few other Cities that have a no-phosphorus policy. On another topic, there were 22 responses to the question of deer problems within Shorewood. About half were in favor of some type of deer control and half opposed. 5. DISCUSSION OF PLANNING COMMISSION’S PUBLIC HEARING FOR SKATE PARK (MAY 2, 2000) Chair Arnst explained that Planning Director Nielsen recommends that the Park Commissioners attend the public hearing. All residents within 500 feet of the property will be notified. One resident has already expressed concern about safety in the crossing of Highway 7. Planning Commissioner Callies described the public hearing process. Arnst said that Nielsen will put together a staff report and would like to meet with Park Commissioners on April 29 before the Smithtown neighborhood meeting. It will be noticed as a work session. Themig asked if the kids who are requesting a skate park will attend the public hearing. Puzak asked why this project requires a C.U.P. Brown explained that it is considered a more intensive use of the land. Puzak asked what the proposal would have to accomplish in order to be accepted. Callies described the general requirements, stating that there are no specific criteria for a skate park. The City can add conditions that are appropriate for the use being proposed. Dallman asked if it is a two-part process—first for the dedication of the land and second, for its use as a skate park. Puzak asked about zoning of the land. Brown said it is zoned R-2A, which is Single and Two-family Residential. He further explained that it was formerly interpreted as just parkland, which is allowed in residential use. It is because of the intensification of use that a public hearing and C.U.P. are required. Puzak said the issue seems to be the addition of apparatus and asked if a C.U.P. would be required if we were adding a swing set. Callies said she is not sure it is just apparatus, but found no definition in a quick check of the code book to clarify the issue. Puzak asked what are we doing that is different and how do we prepare. Commissioner Young reported that he has received calls from neighbors of the property. He said that in the absence of specifics, there will be negative reaction. Some residents of the Seasons development are not favorable to the idea of a skate park. In terms of preparation, he suspects that neighbors would have a concern about parking and about minimal supervision. Puzak didn’t think parking would be a problem. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 3 APRIL 11, 2000 - PAGE Callies offered to ask for clarification of conditions that would require a C.U.P. Puzak agreed that a public hearing is necessary to address concerns, but questioned the purpose of a C.U.P. Dallman asked if the property has been dedicated as parkland. Brown said it would be a separate motion to formally dedicate it as parkland. Dallman said that even if it does not become a skate park, he would still want the site to be dedicated as parkland. Brown said that two meetings ago, the Park Commission made a motion recommending that it be parkland. Staff has recommended that it be brought in as full package in the public hearing phase. Callies will talk with Nielsen for clarification. The Commission will meet with him on Saturday, April 29 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., which will be noticed as a work session. Callies added that some of the Planning Commissioners have asked about the possibility of a future cell antenna at Freeman Park. Themig, Puzak, Arnst and Dallman all expressed support for that idea as it is on the Park Commission’s list of possible revenue sources. Puzak added that two additional sites may become options—the Highway 7 picnic area pull-off and the picnic area on the north side of highway 7. Both are high points in the City. Themig added that the Park Commission would not be opposed and would like to be involved in location decisions. Brown pointed out that the Planning Commission went through a long process with the Comprehensive Plan to determine likely sites and it is best to work with those sites first. They are not locked into those, but should try and make use of the foundation that has been laid. 6. CONSENSUS FOR DATES AND FORMATS OF PARK TOURS Chair Arnst asked if the schedule proposed on the agenda outline will work for everyone and explained the park tour process to the new Commissioners. All agreed to the May 9 and May 23 dates with June 13 for a rain date. 7. APPROVE LOCATION OF ARBOR DAY TREE TO BE PLANTED ON APRIL 29, 2000 AND DETERMINE TIME Arnst said she has discussed this with Acting Administrator Nielsen, explaining that some residents are donating a red oak tree in memory of Cynthia Krieg. City Hall property has been proposed as the best site, and the exact location and preparation will be up to staff. The Commission agreed to hold a tree-planting ceremony at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 29. 8. DISCUSSION IN REGARDS TO THE TRAIL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) Brown explained that this item is on the agenda because the City Council approved authorization of advertising for bid on the Covington/ Vine Hill trail. With that in mind, he wanted to alert the Commission to the fact that the last CIP was approved in September of 1999. At that time, there was a different scenario and trails were a definite part of the picture. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 4 APRIL 11, 2000 - PAGE Brown referred to Page 3 of his memo to point out that this project will drain the trail fund. It is estimated that it will take until the year 2005 to bring the trail fund balance back up to where it is now, assuming there is no change in philosophy or approach. Arnst said she thinks the Commission knew that and she is happy to see that some balance will remain. Brown noted that it is contrary to the last CIP approved by the Park Commission because the last CIP had a number of other potential funding sources listed. This does not mean the other projects are out the window, but staff is trying to work with real numbers. Brown said he wanted to show a reflection of that in this report. 9. FINALIZE FORMAT FOR OPEN HOUSE FOR SMITHTOWN ROAD WEST NEIGHBORS REGARDING TRAIL/ SIDEWALK SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 29, 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. AT CITY HALL Arnst explained that Planning Director Nielsen will be available for this meeting and Brown will try to attend as well. The plan is to display the map, showing the result of the rights-of-way study and to let neighbors know that the project is a much bigger issue than originally thought. The Commission also wants to communicate (as they promised to keep residents informed) that they are still interested in the project and are making efforts toward that end. Arnst said that all neighbors on both sides of Smithtown Road from the LRT trail to the west end will be noticed. Brown explained the map and reviewed the results of the study for the Commission, saying that overall, it was good news for the Council. Themig asked about the intent of the public hearing and if there is a future direction for the project. Arnst added that neighbors will ask what’s next. Brown said it comes down to 2 options—either there will be no trail or we seek MSA funds for a trail. Berndt asked about individuals who own right-of-way and are opposed to a trail. Brown cited the example of Mn/DoT, saying even they move on to another project because it is too expensive and complicated to acquire the land. It may mean we would choose another, unopposed project. There was discussion about how to address the possibility that some residents may donate their easement to the City. Brown explained what would have to take place before that could happen. Dallman added that even donated land will cost the City money, but if this is an option, the City will need to be prepared to accept it. Puzak pointed out that MSA funding was part of the picture even before the map was created. The map didn’t lead us to MSA and state funding should not be a new issue. He recommended going back to basics and simply be honest and open with the facts, both positive and negative. He said the reason we are having the meeting is to communicate new information about the need to acquire easement right-of-way on 40% of the area. Brown clarified which parts of the street easement the City owns. He suggested giving residents the facts of the research. The question is, if the City is faced with the burden of acquiring parcels, PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 5 APRIL 11, 2000 - PAGE a trail may not happen. Dallman asked if the road will eventually have to be built with MSA funds and Brown said yes it would. There was discussion about the timing of that process as it relates to a future trail. Brown asked what is the goal of the meeting. Puzak said, to tell neighbors where we are at and what it would take to complete a trail along that corridor. If asked what kind of trail, it would be designed around the issues along with the MSA standard of an 8-foot width. Berndt said there will be a lot of different responses between old-time and newer residents. 8:37 P.M. Councilmember Zerby arrived. There was further discussion on how to handle possible donations of land and the idea of using roadway funds toward the project. Brown pointed out that there is a tax benefit for donations of land, which may be a consideration for some people Arnst stated that the purpose of the neighborhood meeting is to update citizens on where we are. With that in mind, she asked what information the Park Commission can prepare for the residents. Themig suggested a simple 1-page handout that shows where we are, where we have come from and where it leads. Brown cautioned that we do not have design plans and can’t quantify things. People will want specifics and it’s too early to address those details. He added that it is valid to generate discussion on the need of the residents’ cooperation if it were ever going to work. Themig suggested asking the general question of, “Would you be willing to offer land?” Puzak said he would also want to explain the probability of an 8-foot wide trail. Arnst said she will work with Larry Brown to create a draft and get a copy to each Commissioner for review before the meeting. There was discussion on how to handle the question of land donations. The message for now is that the City wants to work with the residents and ask them for their perception for a trail. Would they be interested in someday donating land? Ask them how they feel and if this is a project we should pursue. 10. DISCUSS SPORTS ORGANIZATION POLICIES RELATIVE TO USER FEES Arnst explained that a $5 per athlete charge has been decided upon, but the Commission has deferred on the question of how to implement the user fee. A plan should be in place before contacting the sports organizations. Dallman asked what he should report at the next Parks Foundation meeting. Puzak suggested saying that the Commission has passed a motion and presented this plan to City Council. Brown pointed out that the motion was for the City Council to draft an ordinance, which has not been approved. It’s not a done deal. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 6 APRIL 11, 2000 - PAGE Themig suggested meeting with the athletic associations first and then formalizing the plan with an ordinance. Arnst said the policy should be finalized before meeting with the organizations. Puzak recommended they at least prepare an intended policy to present to the sports associations. The Commission discussed how the fee would be assessed, collected, and documented and what to do if anyone does not want to pay. The role of Minnetonka Community Education & Services in field scheduling and park use also was reviewed. Brown pointed out that, once the sports organizations have a copy of the new policy, they can react to it and decide if they wish to use the fields. Arnst added that they do have the option to play on other fields. Puzak stated that the point is that we are assessing the cost of park maintenance to each of the organizations. Some will embrace it and some will question it. There was further discussion about the timing of noticing the sports organizations. It was agreed to have the policy in place by the end of September 2000. The effective date of the policy change is yet to be determined. Brown said it would be wise to see a policy draft before committing to a meeting date. It will require a public hearing. The Commission agreed that there is plenty of time to work out the details. 11. REVIEW 1999 “TO DO LIST GOALS” Chair Arnst recommended they close out the 1999 list and move to 2000. She asked the Commissioners what they would like to include on a new list. Ideas were listed as: ? Plastic recycling in the parks. ? Implement user fees. ? Meet financial goals. ? Build the skate park. ? Investigate a skating rink at Freeman Park to go beside the new building. ? Continue to meet and communicate with residents. Puzak reported that Brown has negotiated with the Gas Company to install a gas line to the multipurpose building at no charge. This allows for economical gas heat and a less expensive electrical system for lighting, etc. Brown also noted that a future ice rink location needs to be considered now because of its proximity to the building plan in order to ensure visibility from inside the multipurpose building. 12. NEW BUSINESS Puzak asked Councilmember Zerby why a C.U.P. would be required for the proposed skate park. Zerby asked about the step to first adopt the property as parkland. Puzak said the Commission has asked, but Council has not taken action. Brown explained that it would probably require a resolution and both proposals would be incorporated as one package. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES 7 APRIL 11, 2000 - PAGE Puzak said he is a little concerned about naming it as a skate park because the property has other potential. He listed other possible amenities and pointed out that the property is larger than Silverwood Park. Brown said a request could go to Council at one of the next meetings. Zerby preferred that it be dedicated as parkland first. Brown reported that the DNR grant application for the multipurpose building was submitted. Themig reported that there is a bill moving through committee to dedicate a percent of tax dollars for natural resources and it has potential to do something for parks. He offered to get the bill number for anyone who wants to contact his or her representative. This could have a long-term impact on parks and recreation in the State of Minnesota. 13 ADJOURNMENT Puzak moved, Young seconded to adjourn. Motion passed 6/0. The meeting adjourned at 9:17 P.M. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Connie Bastyr RECORDING SECRETARY