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041304 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Arnst; Commissioners Young, Davis, Gilbertson, and Farniok; City Engineer Brown; Technician Bailey; and City Council liaison Liz é e Absent: Commissioner Meyer B. Review Agenda Items 5 and 6 were moved up on the agenda to precede Item 4. Under Reports, letter F, an Update on the Park Commission Seminar Series, and letter G, an Update on the Legal Opinion Requested th at the March 9 Meeting, were added to the Agenda. Davis moved, Gilbertson seconded, to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 5/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2004 Davis moved, Gilbertson seconded, Approving the Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2004, as submitted. Motion passed 5/0. B. Park Commission Work Session Minutes of March 9, 2004 Park Davis moved, Gilbertson seconded, Approving the Park Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2004 as presented. Motion passed 5/0. C. Commission Work Session Minutes of March 23, 2004Park Commission nd Farniok moved, Gilbertson seconded, Approving the 2 Park Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2004 as presented. Motion passed 5/0. D. Work Session Minutes of March 30, 2004 Davis moved, Gilbertson seconded, Approving the Park Commission Work Session Minutes of March 30, 2004, as submitted. Motion passed 5/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. EXPLORE SKATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS AND INCORPORATE IN CIP IF APPROPRIATE A. Presentation by Will Kelsey PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE 2 OF 6 Will Kelsey, a 10 year old avid skateboarder, assisted by his father, Mr. Kelsey, gave a powerpoint presentation based on his recommendations and observations for ‘Changes and Improvements to the Shorewood Skate Park’. Will Kelsey recognized the value of the Skate Park as it is used by many kids, both young and old, who find the Park a great place to come, play, and relax. He cited two problems he’d observed at the park, older kids using bad language on occasion, and younger kids riding bikes around the skate park area which posed a danger to boarders and bikers alike. With regard to repairs, Will Kelsey pointed out that the park itself ‘tilts’, the blacktop surface is cracked and worn, as are the ramp surfaces, and the coping edge is missing from the Quarter Pipe (posing a danger to boarders). In addition, he recommended that a railing be installed on the ½ Pipe and Quarter Pipe Deck to minimize danger. In conclusion, Will Kelsey stated that the Park is valuable to a lot of kids who like to use it close to their homes; however, the Park could use more ramps and a bigger sign which states “Do Not Leave Younger Children Unattended”. Council member Liz é e asked Kelsey if the unattended children posed a danger or problem. Kelsey stated that, oftentimes, the younger siblings of boarders bike around on their small bikes with training wheels and pose a danger to themselves and the boarders who are using the equipment. Davis asked what ramps Kelsey would suggest for the Park. Kelsey pointed out that the Park used to have a box with rails on its edges, which was a great piece, until it was stolen. He also suggested that a lower grind rail about a foot off the ground might be more useful to boarders. Mr. Kelsey suggested a rail about 9” off the ground, versus the current 18-24” high rail, or at least one that would gradually incline from that height. Chair Arnst asked Will what age ranges he notices frequenting the park. Will Kelsey stated that mostly kids between 10-13 frequent the Park, while some older kids use the equipment also. Mr. Kelsey suggested the City look at the Chanhassen Skate Park for additional ideas regarding the layout or added pieces, like the contours and half pipes. He also felt that the traffic flow could be spread out with additional pieces at either end. Gilbertson thanked the Kelsey’s for coming and asked Will which piece from the Chanhassen Skate Park he would most like to see here. Will Kelsey stated that he liked Chanhassen’s half pipe, and would also wish to see a new box and bike rack, which are both missing from the Park. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE 3 OF 6 Mr. Kelsey stated that, as a parent, he would like to see a pay phone available for use at the park so that kids could call for rides if they wish to leave or for emergency use. Chair Arnst explained that the Commission had investigated the potential of placing a pay phone at the site and found it to be cost prohibitive, with the advent of cell phones, and a subject of vandalism. She thanked the Kelsey’s for their efforts and asked if the Commission could contact them with questions as they formulate a plan based on the City’s budget. Mr. Kelsey asked what the budget for new equipment was set at. Brown indicated that $8,000 was set aside for Skate Park improvements. He noted that the City had considered anchoring down the fun box at the outset; however, the kids liked the flexibility of moving it around, until someone absconded with it. Brown suggested the City might look into building a box, finding a center ramp, and adjusting the height of the grind rail. Gilbertson asked whether it was worth it to resurface or change the pitch of the lot if those improvements would eat up the entire budget. Brown stated that, since the lot is an old rest area, the City used the surface that was there with a MnDOT overlay after the Highway 7 road project was completed. Although he would prefer to see money spent on new equipment, Brown indicated that he would work up a cost estimate to see what could be done. Mr. Kelsey suggested that the tilt could be offset with minor leveling efforts leading up to and including each piece of equipment, rather than tearing up and resurfacing the whole lot. By mitigating the approach to the equipment and squaring up the pieces themselves, the costs could hopefully be contained and a solution found. 6. DISCUSS PROPOSAL FROM LITTLE LEAGUE REGARDING ARTIFICIAL TURF IN THE BATTING CAGE AT FREEMAN PARK (Tim Beduhn) Tim Beduhn explained that, 6 months ago, Little League put a bid in for astro turf from the Metrodome and recently found out that they got it, which they hoped to install in their large batting cage at Freeman Park between fields 1 and 2. He indicated that it would be their intent to remove the grass and junk within the cage and replace it with the turf this fall. Chair Arnst asked what the surface of the smaller cage was made of. Beduhn stated that the slab of concrete is covered with indoor/outdoor carpet. Davis asked how long the astro turf was expected to last. Beduhn stated that, if tacked correctly, he was told that the life expectancy was 12-15 years. Chair Arnst asked how they’d keep the surface level and who else uses astro turf. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE 4 OF 6 Based on recommendations from engineers with the Metrodome, Beduhn indicated that they would dig down and fill the cage with 6” of ag lime and lay the astro turf on top of that. The turf would have a cleaner appearance than the overgrowth of grass in the batting cages that currently exists. He pointed out that both Eden Prairie and Plymouth use some astro turf. Davis stated that she felt this was a good idea and would defer to Brown to figure out the particulars. Brown stated that, out of ignorance, he would need to get answers to several questions, including where the moisture will drain, whether a wet season would wreak havoc on keeping the turf clean, whether timbers along the base of the batting cage might become unsightly and a safety hazard, etc. He indicated that he would contact Plymouth and Eden Prairie to get their feedback. Since the installation would not be slated until fall, Chair Arnst recommended Beduhn submit a plan to the City and allow staff time to research their questions. She added that, in her opinion, the piece of carpet in the smaller batting cage should be removed, as well as the dirt piles near the concession stand. Beduhn stated that it is their intent to move the piles of ag lime and dirt within the fenced area. He stated that he would pass along the names of his contacts at the Metrodome, Plymouth, and Eden Prairie to Engineer Brown. 5. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meeting of April 12, 2004 Liz é e reported that the Council adopted many items on the Consent Agenda and appointed Julie Westerland as a new Park Commissioner. Liz é e expected Westerland, an employee with the DNR, to be a good fit and asset to the Commission. Brown distributed a memorandum assembled by Administrator Dawson, and approved by Council, which delineates the Roles/Responsibilities of the Park Commission and Shorewood Parks Foundation. While there are a number of issues yet to be resolved, including how the two entities interact with one another, Brown suggested that the Commissioners take the time to review the document at home for future discussion. Brown urged the Commission to recognize that, although there are differences in philosophies, once the roles and responsibilities are laid out the two groups can move on with the clear direction they’ve been looking for. Brown reminded everyone that each group is made up of volunteers, who’ve come together for the purpose of the parks, and encouraged the Commission to be mindful of this as they reviewed the document. With regard to the legal question, Brown stated that staff believes an opinion to be forthcoming, as the City Attorney has yet to respond. B. Report on Park Foundation Meeting There was no formal report, as the roles and responsibilities memo was touched on in the previous section. C. Update on Water Garden Brown stated that WSB has expressed their enthusiasm and is working on a proposal, as well as grant suggestions, which he hoped to present at the next meeting. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE 5 OF 6 D. Update on Music in the Park Chair Arnst pointed out the press release in the packet and indicated that the Committee is currently compiling a number of potential groups. E. Update on Concession operator solicitations Brown stated that he would be meeting with a potential concessionaire on Thursday who seems to be favorable to running the concessions; however, they will be out of the country for 3 weeks in Italy and more details will be discussed on Thursday. While this is one complication, Brown did not feel it to be an impossibility. Young asked if the City had received any response from the Police or Fire departments. Brown stated that they had not received any response. Chair Arnst asked if MGSA would be able to provide volunteer support for the Concessions again this year. Brown stated that Jeff Bailey, of MGSA, was busily recruiting volunteers currently. F. Update on Park Commission Seminar Series Chair Arnst reported that Michelle Snyder, of the Mn. Recreation and Parks Association, contacted her to see if the seminar series would continue this fall. Chair Arnst stated that she agreed to an October timeframe and shared the comments and feedback from the last meeting with Snyder so that she might prepare an outline for her board regarding the next seminar. G. Update on the Legal Opinion Requested at the March 9, 2004 Meeting Addressed by Brown earlier. 7. DISCUSS FREEMAN PARK/BRICK WALL CONCEPT (Davis) Davis explained that she had assisted the Community of Jordan to design a wall of granite, in which names were sandblasted into the stone as part their volunteer firefighter recognition. She suggested that the City consider doing something similar with the buy a brick program which has never been completed. Liz é e stated that the Foundation was addressing the buy-a-brick project, although they had been surprised by the additional expenses associated with the program. She suggested that the Commission assist the Foundation in a positive way by sharing their ideas, such as laser cutting names into granite as an option to the brick program for the plaza. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE 6 OF 6 Young questioned where the plaza proposal for the buy a brick program stood. He pointed out that the Foundation presented this idea long ago to the Commission, who wholeheartedly supported the idea, though he’d heard nothing of it since. Brown explained that, to his knowledge, every buy-a-brick program starts out with the best intentions and always runs into the same obstacles. Costs are more than expected and the number of bricks needed is more than first expected, thus frustrating everyone involved. He stated that the frustration associated with the program has grown between, and among, both organizations. If alternatives exist that may be more efficient, Brown proposed that this might be the opportunity for the two organizations to work together to get past the buy-a-brick program itself and come to a common goal. Davis stated that, she felt the buy-a-brick program should be scrapped, the plaza built with a granite stone slab recognizing contributors, and concluding the project. Gilbertson suggested that a letter be sent to those individuals who purchased a brick and ask them if they would support a plaza with a granite wall versus a brick. Brown stated that he felt it might be appropriate to pitch an idea to the Foundation; however, leave the decision to them, as it was their initiative. He reminded the Commission that they are an implementation vehicle; whereas, the role of the Foundation is that of a fundraising vehicle. Liz é e pointed out that the centerpiece of the Foundation fundraiser breakfast in May is the plaza area at Freeman and the brick path. She reminded the Commission that the Foundation is focused on this for the May event. Young stated that he was unaware that the plaza was part of the Fundraiser breakfast, or in fact, that it was still part of their plan. He indicated that this was great news. Brown distributed a computer concept plan for the Plaza area. Gilbertson voiced his support, stating that he was unaware of the Plaza project altogether. He was pleased to see a vision that was tied to the breakfast, encouraged the Commission to help the Foundation with their fundraising initiative, and put this all to rest. 8. NEW BUSINESS Chair Arnst suggested that the April 27, 2004 Meeting and mini-work session focus on discussing the Music in the Park samples and making a formal recommendation to the City Council. In addition, she suggested they continue to discuss the park activity mapping initiative. May 11, 2004, the Commission will meet at City Hall at 5:50 P.M. to car pool to Freeman Park for a short Park Tour, a walk of the gardens, etc. prior to the regular meeting. 9. ADJOURNMENT Gilbertson moved, Davis seconded, to Adjourn the Regular Park Commission Meeting of April 13, 2004, at 8:19 P.M. Motion passed 5/0. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE 7 OF 6 RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary