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051303 PK WS MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY HALL TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2003 7:30 P.M. OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Chair Arnst convened the Work Session meeting at 8:20 P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Arnst, Commissioners Young, Meyer, Davis, and Gilbertson; Engineer Brown; Engineering Technician Bailey; and City Council liaison Turgeon Absent: Commissioners Callies and Palesch B. Review Agenda 2. MASTER PLAN / CIP A. Discussion of Implementation of Master Plan Recommendations and Allocation of Funds Chair Arnst stated that the Commission had the opportunity to evaluate the CIP for the first time in over two years, due to a positive balance in the budget from recent park dedication fees. She indicated that the fund had a $27,000 balance, less $1,000 for the purchase of concession equipment. She asked the Commission to consider whether they wished to spend some of the budget this year or prorate it over the next few years, since little money is generated each year. Although not included in the budget, Brown noted that the Park Fund would likely be receiving funds from the Linden Hills subdivision and the Capestone developments at a later date. He stated that, typically, the city sees 8-10 simple subdivisions per year from which park dedication fees are required. Brown suggested the Commission consider pursuing other opportunities for generating revenue down the road, including cellular and liquor committee funds. Turgeon suggested the Commission evaluate liquor committee funds after the stores are redeveloped and updated this year, since revenues are down. While the park master plans recommended no great sweeping changes for any of the parks, Brown noted that certain needs or deficiencies had been identified which portions of the $26,000 could be used for. He stated that $5,000 was already budgeted for resurfacing the Badger tennis courts, whereas, the Cathcart courts would be slated for next year. Turgeon stated that representatives of the senior center had requested that the City change the curve accessing the center from the City Hall parking lot, since it is difficult to maneuver. Brown stated that the current lot configuration was due to the proximity to the neighboring property. While he would take a look at it, Brown indicated that a new layout would cost parking near the hockey rink. Due to the expense, Brown stated that he would push for this project to come out of the roadway fund versus park fund. PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Page 2 of 5 Turgeon recommended he consider whether this would have an adverse effect on the park or provide the senior with additional parking for their buses. Chair Arnst asked if they could identify any additional immediate needs in the parks. Bailey suggested they consider updating the park signs at the entrances to the parks, at an estimated cost of $1,500 per sign. Young recommended they consider updating the combination basketball/tennis backboard and surface at Silverwood Park. He noted that it was in rather shabby condition during a past park tour. Chair Arnst suggested Brown evaluate its condition and make a recommendation to the Commission about its repair and costs. She asked Brown whether Badger Park was in need of updating. Brown stated that the Badger well house was slated to be reconstructed this year as part of the preliminary design. He added that, while lighting was also a need, it was an expensive option, costing approximately $40,0000 to relight the area. He stated that the drinking fountain at Freeman was always an issue. Chair Arnst agreed that Silverwood was a highly used baby buggy park. Brown stated that the erosion near the slide was an ongoing issue and acknowledged that the park was well used. Chair Arnst inquired whether the signage was posted at the Skate Park. Brown indicated that the rules and signage was posted, but had recently been defaced. He stated that they were working to resolve some altercations that had ensued between bikers and bladers/boarders at the park lately also. Brown pointed out that a new sign encased in plexiglass had been ordered. He indicated that the Minnesota League of Cities had visited the park and had positive comments for the City. While the City had made a commitment to the neighbors not to expand the park, Brown asked what else the Commission could do to enhance the park. He commented that, early on, the American Legion had committed to donate $1,000 annually to the park for picnic tables, benches, etc. if they were allowed to sponsor the park. Chair Arnst asked Brown to pursue the Legion and ask whether they wished to continue with that commitment. Turgeon asked whether the police department, SLPD, would be continuing to spend time at the skate park this year. While the police department has changed its opinion, and thinks the park is a great asset, Brown stated that he has not seen Officer Hanson, or others, at the park as much as they’d like. PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Page 3 of 5 Chair Arnst asked whether the City could provide the bikers with an area to call their own in order to avoid problems at the skate park. She noted that Chaska had built a bike spot right next to their skate park and questioned if there was a small spot near Shorewood’s skate park to do the same. If not the Skate Park, Meyer suggested they consider Manor Park for a small bike area. Chair Arnst recommended that they investigate this option and, in the mean time, landscape around the signs. As part of the original commitment, Brown agreed that landscaping around the Skate Park entrance was necessary. Chair Arnst pointed out that Manor Park provided many things to many people and little more could be done there. Brown stated that aerating the pond would cost approximately $3,800, and he questioned the benefit. With regard to Cathcart Park, the Commission agreed that there were no pressing needs at this time. Freeman Park, on the other hand, was unique and Chair Arnst questioned whether the Commission supported the brick oasis proposed by the Park Foundation. Young and Meyer indicated that they did not support providing any financial assistance with regard to the brick oasis. Since the City Council forgave the Park Foundation its commitment and debt for Eddy Station, Young questioned why the Commission would feel inclined to give them money for this project they have proposed. From his understanding, Young stated that they have gone back to the drawing board with the brick project they initiated for the park. Meyer suggested the Commission focus on the identified needs of the park, including a perimeter trail for the seniors. Chair Arnst suggested that Turgeon relay an invitation to the City Council to attend the joint Park Foundation meeting with the Commission, so that they can make some recommendations to the Park Foundation as well. She suggested the Commission offer the Foundation other opportunities to put up the bricks, for instance on the side of Eddy Station. Having just received a phone call, Brown reported that the Concessions ran out of everything this evening and during the first week, sales topped $800, less costs. PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Page 4 of 5 Brown summarized, stating that, while the Commission could accept the brick oasis, the Foundation would need to bear the entire burden, including any furniture. Young suggested the Foundation consider building the oasis in phases and indicated that he had seen no timeline or clear commitment from the Foundation as to their plans. Chair Arnst indicated that the Commission does have a request for the completion of the outer perimeter trail to be beefed up, and questioned how the bricks could be used in some way there. Brown stated that, while the Park Commission should focus on what’s important to fit the needs of the people, the Park Foundation has focused its efforts on completing this dream of theirs to contribute an oasis at the park. Gilbertson suggested that the Commission explain this difference in philosophy or vision to the Foundation at the joint meeting. Brown indicated that he would obtain an estimate for the outer trail using City labor and investigate options for incorporating the bricks along the trail. Davis pointed out that the Arboretum incorporates bricks along a wall that people can sit or rest upon. While the outer trail should be considered as an improvement for Freeman, Young suggested staff touch base with Mr. Davis, of public works, to identify any further needs the Commission should consider. Chair Arnst suggested that members of the Park Foundation be provided with copies of the park master plans prior to the meeting. She advised the Commissioners to be prepared for additional discussions put forth by the Foundation, including paved trails, another ballfield, expanded parking, and an additional youth size softball field. Brown indicated that he would submit the ‘car pooling’ parking signage option to the City Council at the next meeting for a trial basis of 10 spots. B. Freeman Park Wetland Area Davis reported that, with a modest amount of clean-up and minimal planting, the wetland area could provide a desirable passive use space. She stated that the wetland could be a beautiful destination along the trail walk. Brown suggested Davis contact MCWD, who has the ability to provide grant dollars, for wetland restoration projects. Since this was not a political issue, he felt that they could obtain some funding for the restoration project rather readily. Davis indicated that the educational component of the rain garden could support the idea to MCWD. She stated that there were not too many desirable trees left in the wetland area. PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Page 5 of 5 Chair Arnst believed that the restoration of the wetland and passive space for the trail both fit the criteria for Freeman park, and could also offer benches or sitting spots where the bricks could be installed. 3. DOG OWNER EDUCATION A. Discuss Motivational/Education Steps Since the new dog ordinance was recently passed, Chair Arnst felt the City should do more to educate dog owners of City policy. She suggested they send out a dog policy brochure, sample mutt mitt, and dog biscuit, each time we renew a dog license. She shared with the Commission signage that the City of Chanhassen attached to its trail signs in an effort to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. Chair Arnst asked if Shorewood should post similar signs along the trails. While she believed they were ‘preaching to the choir’, and that responsible dog owners already . follow the ordinances, Davis asked how the City could reach those who don’t care Bailey suggested the City attach a fine to the offense. Meyer felt the Chanhassen signage to be clever way of educating the public. Brown agreed that, while the good owners already pick up after their pets, other people will see these signs as well. He pointed out that Shorewood was not the only City to face this problem and commented that, in Colorado, one City has gone so far as to hire a service to pick up dog feces in their community on a regular basis. He stated that he would have Twila Grout investigate to find out what other communities have done to curb this problem and report back to the Commission. Chair Arnst suggested that the City begin by updating the brochure with the new Ordinance and send out the package they discussed with each dog license. 4. OTHER BUSINESS Brown reported that the Shorewood Market would be vacating the property, since it was not making a profit. As ICO is the lease holder of the property, consideration will be given to the best use of the site. He indicated that the American Legion had approached the City regarding a joint venture for liquor operations. Brown continued, noting that Cub Foods was slated for its grand opening in October sometime and that he would be meeting with property owners along Lake Linden in the coming weeks to discuss the trail. As the trail has already gone thru the public process, Brown indicated that he would continue to speak directly with affected owners, if the Commission could support that. The Commission concurred with Brown. 4. ADJOURN PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Page 6 of 5 Meyer moved, Young seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Work Session of May 13, 2003, at 10:05 P.M. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary