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061102 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 25800 STATE HIGHWAY 7 PARK COMMISSION MEETING FREEMAN PARK EDDY STATION TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2002 7:00 P.M. OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PARK TOUR MINUTES PARK TOUR OF FREEMAN PARK The Park Commission met at Eddy Station at 7:00 P.M. along with Mark Koegler, of Hoisington Koegler Group, and Engineer Brown to tour Freeman Park. The Commission toured the park noting the many amenities at the park for all age groups. The Commission noted the fine turf in the open areas, the well-maintained play equipment near the Depot, and the looped pedestrian trail through the park. In another area of the park, the Commission observed the pavilion, volleyball court, batting cages, pitchers’ mounds, bleachers, and concession stand near the Reutiman Lane access. The Commission heard plans for the proposed parking lot and access closure off the Highway 7. After walking the trail to Eureka Road, the Commission returned through the parking area to The Depot to continue with the meeting for the evening. As part of the park tour, many questions and suggestions were heard, such as: ? Question regarding adverse possession of park property ? Removal of buckthorn undergrowth to maintain healthy wooded area and potentially open up the wooded area for additional picnic areas ? Ownership and liability of the concession stand near Fields 1, 2 and 3 ? Completion of the trail as per the development agreement for the segment near Park Lane ? Potential for pedestrian trail along Eureka Road from north of Park Lane to main entrance ? Examine possibilities for a paved perimeter trail of the park ? Options for placement of the paved perimeter trail inside the easement area ? Consider a one-way circulation pattern for traffic through the park and/or through the main parking area ? Reinstatement of picnic tables within the wooded area near the main parking area The Commission thanked Engineer Brown and Public Works Staff for its outstanding maintenance and continued efforts to beautify Freeman Park. 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 7:38 P.M. Roll Call A. Present: Chair Arnst; Commissioners Bartlett, Callies, Meyer, Palesch (arrived 7:45 P.M.) and Young; Engineer Brown and Council Liaison Lizée Also present: Mark Koegler and Ken Dallman Absent: None Review Agenda B. There were no noted changes or corrections to the Agenda for this evening. Callies moved, Meyer seconded, Approving the Agenda as presented. Motion passed 5/0. PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2002 Page 2 of 5 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Minutes of May 14, 2002 Callies moved, Bartlett seconded, Approving the Park Commission Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2002, as presented. Motion passed 5/0. B. Park Commission Work Session Minutes of May 14, 2002 Callies moved, Bartlett seconded, Approving the Park Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2002, as presented. Motion passed 5/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor presented this evening. 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meetings of May 28, 2002 and June 10, 2002 With the arrival of Park Foundation member Ken Dallman, and without objection from the Commission, Chair Arnst proceeded to Item 4B. B. Update on Water Fountain Mr. Dallman reported brick sales to be sporadic as part of the fundraising efforts designated for Eddy Station. He also reported the Park Foundation would be organizing an Arts and Crafts Fair on November 2, 2002, at the Minnetonka Senior High School. Booths remained available for rental with proceeds of booth rental also designated for Eddy Station. With regard to a water fountain being placed at Eddy Station, Engineer Brown reviewed the history of fountain usage at Freeman Park. He stated the cost to plumb the fountain to be approximately $9,000. Engineer Brown also questioned where the bricks might be placed that were being purchased as part of the fundraising efforts of the Park Foundation. Commissioner Palesch arrived at 7:45 P.M. Mr. Dallman stated he liked the idea of the bricks being functional, rather than decorative, and suggested the bricks be laid in a pattern around a freestanding water fountain area. After a brief discussion, the Commission determined the fountain might best be suited as a mounted fountain on the exterior of Eddy Station. Commissioner Meyer questioned the amount of bricks needed for this project. Mr. Dallman stated he was uncertain, however, corporate sponsors were also being discussed in addition to individual sponsors as a means of stimulating brick sales. PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2002 Page 3 of 5 Commissioner Young commented, while he liked the idea of a drinking fountain, he was concerned about the ongoing vandalism at Eddy Station and noted people were already in the habit of bringing drinks with them to the park as there was not an external fountain for use. In response to Councilmember Lizée’s question, Mr. Koegler, of Hoisington Koegler and acting as consultant/facilitator for the parks’ Master Plans, stated most fountains were mounted rather than freestanding in parks having been redeveloped. Council Liaison Lizée questioned Engineer Brown as to his opinion on the matter. Engineer Brown responded the surveillance would be utilized to deter vandalism toward the fountain mounted on the exterior. He noted all drinking fountains to be a continuous maintenance item and somewhat troublesome. Engineer Brown also noted it was important to be able to cast a vision as to the exact use of the bricks when marketing their use. Commissioner Young suggested the use of a project where the bricks could be added over time. Commissioner Meyer and Chair Arnst agreed, noting the Commission would continue to consider brick use as part of its considerations and discussions in the near future. Chair Arnst then returned to Item 4A on the Agenda for the evening. Council Liaison Lizée reported on matters considered and actions taken at the May 28, 2002, and June 10, 2002, Regular City Council Meetings (as detailed in the minutes of that meeting). She noted approval was granted for signage at the Skate Park, and a Conditional Use Permit granted for temporary seasonal use of the awnings on the fields at the south end of the park. In addition, she explained Council had indicated support for the proposed Public Safety facility and its funding mechanisms, as well as directed Staff to prepare Findings of Fact for approval of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for redevelopment of the Shorewood Village Shopping Center to include a CUB Foods store. C. Update on Concessions at “The Depot Engineer Brown explained the process regarding opening The Depot for concession patronage was moving at a brisk pace. He noted the Health Department had imposed a number of regulations limiting the kinds of food items to be served and encouraging the sales of healthful snacks. Engineer Brown stated June 17, 2002, was a potential date for beginning concession service at The Depot. Update on Park Management Status and Job D. Engineer Brown reported progress continued on this matter, noting guidelines were being gathered for performance standards for the position, and an advertisement would need to be placed in the official city newspaper with a request for proposal as part of the process for park management. Update on Freeman Park Access Closure and Parking Lot Improvement E. Engineer Brown reviewed the plan for the access closure and parking lot improvement in the Reutiman Lane area of the park. He noted the parking area would have curb and gutter with a mountable curb to allow emergency vehicles to access the park grounds. He stated discussions continued regarding the separation methods used to segregate the pedestrian trail from the parking area. Also, he noted PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2002 Page 4 of 5 discussions continued with the Minnesota Department of Transportation with regard to funding of this project, however, he explained the Council had approved a resolution to enact the bidding phase of the project. 5. MASTER PLAN REVIEW – FREEMAN PARK Mr. Koegler presented and reviewed the discussion sheets used at the previous Commission meeting to determine needs and opportunities for growth within Freeman Park. Commissioner Palesch suggested the entrance from Eureka Road on the north lot be designated a one- way entrance. Mr. Koegler complimented Engineer Brown and Staff for the fine turf and stated the City should be proud of its accomplishments, as he believed this was one of the nicer parks in the metropolitan area. In addition, he questioned the amount of pedestrian movement in and around the park. Engineer Brown explained the park was used by a variety of users; however, a significant amount of pedestrian use came from the seniors in the nearby housing development. Chair Arnst commented on the seemingly improved timing of the field use and parking as well as the usefulness of the organizational meeting with the sports organizations. Members of the Commission agreed. Commissioner Young also commented he thought it important to continue to try to work with the sports organizations to work out a cooperative scheduling arrangement between teams rather than issue directives from the Commission. Mr. Koegler suggested surveying the seniors in the immediate vicinity to determine additional improvement opportunities for passive park users. The idea of inviting the seniors to Eddy Station for an open house style meeting to discuss the matter was suggested and desired by the Commission. Chair Arnst thanked Mr. Koegler for his efforts in the Master Plan for the park. 6. DETERMINE VICE CHAIR FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2002 Palesch moved, Bartlett seconded, Recommending Commissioner Howard Young as Vice-chair for the remainder of the Year 2002. Much to the delight of the Commission, Commissioner Young accepted the nomination for the position. Motion passed 6/0. 7. NEW BUSINESS A brief discussion continued regarding the use of the brick pavers in various projects near Eddy Station, such as near a landscaped garden area, or picnic area. 8. ADJOURNMENT PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2002 Page 5 of 5 Palesch moved, Bartlett seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of June 11, 2002. Motion passed 6/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Sally Keefe, Recording Secretary