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120903 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2003 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Arnst called the meeting to order at P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Arnst, Commissioners Meyer, Davis, Callies, and late arrival Gilbertson; Engineer Brown; Technician Bailey; Planning Director Nielsen; and City Council liaison Turgeon Absent: Commissioner Young B. Review Agenda Meyer Moved, Davis seconded, to approve the Agenda as submitted. Motion passed 4/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2003 Meyer Moved, Callies seconded, approving the Park Commission Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2003 as presented. Motion passed 4/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. REPORTS A. REPORT ON PARK FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES Commissioner Callies reported on the recent Park Foundation Meeting. Callies stated that while the accounting had not been fully completed from the Arts for the Parks event, it is anticipated that the Foundation profit from the event would be $5,000-7,000. Callies stated that there were mixed reviews regarding the event, as the exhibitors had expressed disappointment in the traffic levels. Callies stated there was considerable discussion regarding whether to continue the event, as it is very time consuming from a planning perspective. The Foundation will discuss this issue in more detail at its next meeting. She also stated MCES had questioned their role as part of this event, as they did not want their involvement to be that of only providing the facility. Callies informed the Commission of an upcoming seminar, open to anyone wishing to attend, relating to methods of tapping into organizations for raising funds. Commissioner Gilbertson arrived at 7:45 p.m. 5. DISCUSSION REGARDING COUNTY ROAD 19 CORRIDOR STUDY Engineer Brown explained that the corridor study itself is a tool used by the City as a planning document which lays out some of the specific technicalities of the design, including lighting, PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 9, 2003 Page 2 of 5 landscaping, and land use issues. Of specific interest to the Park Commission would be the walkway, trails, and pedestrian ways within the study. He pointed out that the document does a good job of laying out the land use and engineering design elements. Brown introduced Planning Director Nielsen to review the details of the Corridor Study. Planning Director Nielsen presented an overview of the County Road 19 Corridor Study. Nielsen stated that while the Park Commission had initially reviewed the plan in 2000, plans could not be finalized until the Tonka Bay Liquor store transaction had been completed. That transaction has been completed and plans for the County Road 19 corridor can now be finalized. While a major element, he pointed out that what triggered the study, beyond the intersection, were the Gideon Glen project, the Public Safety Facility, and the potential for redevelopment of properties in Shorewood and Tonka Bay. Director Nielsen stated the Study had been prepared in a format similar to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. It included physical planning elements related to Natural Resources/Environment, Land Use, Transportation, and Community Facilities/Services. The Corridor Plan specifically described plans for Gideon Glen, Billboards, the Xcel Energy Site, the Shorewood Market, Non-conforming Multiple Family Use areas, “Stranded” Single-Family Residential areas, the Public Safety Facility Campus, Substandard Parking lots, and Landscaping in this area. The Transportation section included a brief outline of the plans for the intersection, pedestrian/bicyclist circulation patterns, and the trail crossing at County Road 19. Director Nielsen went on to explain information regarding the Public Safety Facility, Storm Water Management, and Street Lighting. Director Nielsen then explained the proposed Streetscape Concept Plan related to elements such as Landscaping, Pedestrian Circulation, Street Lighting, Intersection Semaphores, Retaining Walls, Community Identity issues, and Street Name Signs. Nielsen stated that the City received good news regarding the undergrounding of utilities from the consultant George Watson during the Council meeting the night before. The City learned that the utilities would be moved to the Shorewood side as a result of the construction and would then be put underground. Nielsen added that this news would also be of interest to the shopping center property owner, who had voiced interest in getting the utilities put underground to improve the aesthetics of the area. Director Nielsen reviewed the concept plan and proposed draft of the County Road 19 Corridor Study. He noted the Study had been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its most recent meeting. He stated the Corridor Study included information pertaining to the various elements found in an area bounded on the north by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority trail, and on the east by the Excelsior Municipal boundary, and the South by the Shorewood City Hall and Badger Park; and to the west by the Minnetonka Country Club; American Legion, Gideon Glen, and the town homes located immediately adjacent to County Road 19 just north of Glen Road. While drainage issues at Glen Road and the Gideon Glen property will be corrected, in conjunction with the construction, Nielsen noted that the County will, in essence, be picking up the tab for the grid chamber and the nur pond. Due to this contribution by the County, Nielsen pointed out that the money committed to by the watershed and Met Council can be directed to wetland restoration which would coincide with the County Road 19 intersection project. Nielsen requested that the Park Commission comment on the circulation system. He pointed out that the Concept Plan recommends pedestrian/bicycle routes within the Study area and the route along County Road 19 which is consistent with the Trail Concept Plan as part of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, he noted that three additional trail segments were proposed to create loops within the Study area. One connects the sidewalk on County Road 19 with the H.C.R.R.A (LRT) trail and extends along the east PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 9, 2003 Page 3 of 5 side of the public safety site. Another connection is proposed between the County Road 19 and LRT trail on Timber Lane, and finally, a trail which is shown running through Badger Field. Nielsen mentioned that staff would recommend against an at-grade crossing at County Road 19 or even a tunnel, which would not be feasible. One option for further exploration might be the potential to install an island, which would enable people to cross one lane of traffic at a time. With regard to the segment east of the public safety facility, Nielsen indicated that this would likely be more difficult to construct as it would run along County Road 19 toward Excelsior. He mentioned that while the potential of removing the existing residential buffers to construct a sidewalk is questionable at this time, it would be a good subject for the trail planning process at a later date. Chair Arnst asked if it would be wise to schedule a meeting with each of the residents along Timber Lane. Brown suggested that contact be delayed since rate adjustments were being made in that area east of Shorewood and the residents might be upset at this time. Chair Arnst asked where the funds would come from for trail planning. Brown stated that staff has attempted to convince the County to contribute to the trail process, which the County committed to originally, but has since put a halt to. He believed that after the construction project is complete, the City should consider approaching the County a second time to gain their financial support for the trails. Brown noted that the trail fund is typically transferred from the General Fund. Chair Arnst asked whether they could approach the Three Rivers Park District with regard to financial support to connect to the LRT. Chair Arnst was of the opinion that trails should be constructed during the course of construction rather than trying to return to them at a later date. She encouraged staff to explore any funding options available to assist with the construction of the trails during the major construction of the intersection. Nielsen was skeptical about adding a trail which would run through Badger Field and cause an unnecessary crossing on County Road 19. Chair Arnst concurred, stating that the crossing along 19 and the parking lot within Badger would be deterrent enough. Nielsen stated that an implementation plan would be assembled and presented to determine priorities in a later planning phase. He added that the pedestrian ways were being planned for 6’ widths, at this time. The Park Commission endorsed the proposed pedestrian circulation concept, in general, which maintains the trail along the rear of the Public Safety Facility and the other piece that connects the intersection to the LRT in a loop. In addition, they agreed that the at grade crossing could be eliminated. Nielsen mentioned the idea of a corridor monument or arbor which would delineate the entrance to Shorewood here and other locations as well, in order to establish an identity. He added that the lighting is still in question and under consideration. Chair Arnst and Callies questioned whether the identity question has been resolved with regard to the Visioning process. Chair Arnst inquired why they would delineate themselves as a “South Lake Minnetonka Community” and encouraged staff to give this further consideration. PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 9, 2003 Page 4 of 5 As a guide for landscaping, Nielsen pointed out that a list of proposed trees would be attached as an appendix, which includes salt tolerant species. While businesses don’t wish to obstruct themselves entirely, additional landscaping would be recommended spaced accordingly to the road. 6. POND AREA IN FREEMAN PARK A. CONCEPT PLAN ONE While this was the first of many, Brown pointed out that there would likely be approximately 5 more plans presented for consideration as the process continues. Brown reported that the concept for Freeman Park Pond is to create a water feature, try to place a trail around the feature, try to get some undulating shoreline where aquatic species could be planted, and try to provide an educational element via kiosks or overlook area which will meet many of the grant qualification they are pursuing. Since the depth of the pond is currently between 0-6 feet, the area of open water is approximately 1.5 acres. Brown noted that he would be recruiting Charlie Davis, of Public Works, to assist in creating a tree inventory, since it has come to his attention that there are several phenomenal examples worth preserving in the woods. 7. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR JANUARY CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS th January 12, 2004 – Paul Gilbertson th January 26, 2004 – Mary Lou Meyer 8. NEW BUSINESS No new business. 9. ADJOURNMENT The Park Commission adjourned to the Work Session. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi Anderson Recording Secretary