Loading...
061306 PK TOUR MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION TOUR SHOREWOOD CITY HALL & REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. OR IMMEDIATELY TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 FOLLOWING PARK TOURS MINUTES 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING The Park Commission met at City Hall at 5:45 p.m. to depart for their Park Tour. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis, Commissioners Young and Westerlund; City Engineer Brown, later met by Commissioners Moonen and Norman. Absent: Commissioner Hensley and City Council liaison. PARK TOUR 1.EUREKA ROAD & SMITHTOWN ROAD TRAIL The Commission was met by Three Rivers Park District Planning Manager, Jonathon Vlaming, who explained the impending trail kiosk program proposed along all trails. Identified as the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, Vlaming stated that the trail would be marked every 2 miles by an informational kiosk containing two panels. One of the panels would contain an aerial photo map showing trails and directional signs, while the other panel would provide a trail system map, safety tips, and contain points of interest. In addition to the kiosks, Vlaming noted that 10’ tall directional street signs would be posted every mile designating points of interest. Vlaming indicated that the kiosk panels would be made of aluminum sheeting with a vinyl application and photos that could be easily replaced as updated. Young asked about bike safety and passing. Vlaming stated that the park district hopes to start a bike safety education campaign by the end of the summer. Brown pointed out that the police department has requested that signs be posted at Smithtown and County Road 19 informing pedestrians that the cross traffic does not stop, as this is not an official designated crosswalk. He asked Vlaming if there was an opportunity for the District to participate in a link from the LRT in Tonka Bay to the shopping center at Smithtown and County Road 19. Vlaming stated that the connector trails are the responsibility of the local municipalities, though funding is sometimes available through the county. Moonen arrived at 6:20 p.m. st Vlaming noted that the kiosks should be completed by August 1 and that the anti-graffiti surfaces should help deter maintenance issues. In addition, daily patrols monitoring the trails should alleviate some vandalism issues. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 PAGE 2 of 5 2.SKATE PARK Brown pointed out that the public works staff was replacing the old sheeting now and that the sides would be replaced with an all black covering as well. Since the quality between the two manufacturers is so significant, Brown stated that the City may ask the new contractor if they would replace the older wood rails with the metal ones they provide. He noted that the average life span of the equipment is typically 5 years. Brown asked the Commissioners whether they had any additional visions for the park. Norman arrived at 6:30 p.m. Westerlund stated that it would be nice to have an interpretive kiosk placed at the site to explain the history of the location. In addition, a water fountain would be appropriate. Norman suggested additional seating for parents to watch their children other than in their vehicles. Young asked why the water fountain, mentioned in the past, has not been possible. Brown stated that, while vandalism is always an issue, there was never water available for the site until the recent water extension. With the recent extension, Brown pointed out that the City does have the ability to provide a fountain at this location. He indicated that he would investigate where the $1,000 annual donation from the American Legion has been going and see if it could be used to install a fountain. Westerlund suggested the City consider installing a fence along the Highway as a safety precaution. 3.MANOR PARK Brown reported that the public works staff had been trying to keep a buffer of long grass near the shoreline of the pond to deter geese, until the most recent mowing in which they mowed to close to the shore. With regard to the tennis courts, Brown reported that the quotes to repair them have come in at roughly $30,000. He indicated that he would continue to determine which method to pursue, repair, rip up, or overlay. The Commission admired the recent garden planted around the maple tree and reviewed the proposed tree donation locations for the park. Adjustments to the tree locations were made slightly so as not to interfere with the activities of the park. CRR Consultant Anderson gave a brief overview of the sports use at Manor Park. Anderson pointed out that the ball field and lacrosse fields almost overlap, but noted both organizations have been sensitive to the others needs. She explained that if the athletes using the ball field were any older, there would be additional safety issues to consider. Anderson pointed out that due to the requirement that Badger Park rest this year and the ongoing conditions of that field, lacrosse was unable to use the facility this year. She suggested that the Commission make considerations to Badger this year so as to avoid a PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 PAGE 3 of 5 similar situation next year. She commented that it is unfortunate that a beautiful and sizable field should be sitting empty while users compete for space elsewhere. Chair Davis suggested the Commission should not deny a request and donation opportunity to reforest its parks and asked about the pond planting project. Westerlund suggested the City recognize the Babcock’s for their donation of trees. Brown indicated that WSB was drawing up an RFP for the pond planting project, as staff has not had the ability to do so. He agreed that the City should recognize the donation and noted that the policy does not address this. 4. SILVERWOOD Brown reported that staff had found a web product that can be staked down to aid in erosion control around the slide. He stated that WSB is looking into it for the City for installation in the fall. Brown stated that they chose to keep the grass on the sliding hill longer to deter erosion there as well. Young noted that the tennis practice board had been painted and asked about the surface. Brown stated that, while the board had been painted, the practice surface had not been seal coated last year and that it would be this year. Westerlund questioned the hard sand surface at the base of the slide. Brown stated that the sand is dug out 2 – 3 times a year with the addition of sand as needed. 5. BADGER PARK Brown stated that lights and drainage continue to be major problems at the park. He indicated that new lighting and the installation of tile lines under the field soil would help tremendously with field conditions. He pointed out the addition of a small parking area. Westerlund strongly recommended the City make those things happen. She stated that she would support getting it done for sure as soon as possible. Young asked when the field could be reintegrated into use. Brown pointed out that the field would be used for football this fall and with new tile the field could be used again in the spring. Again, he pointed out that the current light system is inadequate at best, and dangerous at the least, since the light mounts themselves are unsafe. He indicated that 1-2 new banks of lights for the area should be adequate, but they are expensive. He indicated that they were putting together a study to determine what lighting contracting should be done. Westerlund asked if the City could get the lighting issue resolved by the fall. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 PAGE 4 of 5 Brown indicated that the lights could be done by fall. Neighbor and park user interjected that the lights are oftentimes on at odd times. Brown stated that the City sets the lights to go on at 4:30 pm before he leaves for the day to ensure that they come on at all, as they are unreliable. He stated that while the city has put money into a timing system and electrical controls, the lights themselves continue to be the issue. Young asked when the Commission could make the call to get this completed. Chair Davis stated that she would like to see this park’s needs move to the top of the list. The Park Tour adjourned to the regular Park Commission Meeting at 7:45 p.m. 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Review Agenda Item 6B, New Business, a Watershed update was added to the agenda. Moonen moved, Westerlund seconded, approving the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 5/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of May 9, 2006 Young moved, Norman seconded, approving the Minutes of the May 9, 2006, Park Commission Meeting as submitted. Motion passed 5/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. REPORTS A.Report on City Council Meeting of June 12, 2006 Brown reported that the City Council focused on the public hearing on the Wedgewood watermain topic and voted 4/1 to approve the watermain extension the entire length. In addition, Brown stated that the homesite across from the Three River Trail area will be subdivided into three parcels. Chair Davis stated that this old homestead is truly a treasure and that was sorry to see it go. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 PAGE 5 of 5 5. DISCUSS PARK TOURS The Commission agreed that the immediate needs included lighting and tile options for Badger. Chair Davis urged staff to create a laundry list of other priorities that the Commission could discuss and make recommendations for at its next meeting. 6CONSIDERATION OF SHELTER AT FREEMAN PARK FOR SOUTH . TONKA LITTLE LEAGUE Brown explained that a new larger shed to store equipment in has been donated to the STLL and they wish to replace the existing shed with this and are locating a spot which meets setbacks. He suggested the Commission make a recommendation to help staff with the placement of the shed. Westerlund moved, Moonen seconded, to recommend approval of the request for the auxiliary equipment shed, subject to staff recommendations and removal of the existing shed. Motion passed 5/0. B.WATERSHED NEW BUSINESS UPDATE As an informational update, Westerlund stated that an RFP has been sent out for interpretive signs to be posted throughout the watershed. This would include three signs within Gideon Glen, one Wetland Sign, a Big Woods designation sign, and Nurp Pond sign. She indicated that at some point, the Commission may be asked to review the proposed signs prior to installation. 7. LIAISON FOR JUNE 26 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Since the Commission would be meeting earlier with the Council, the Commissioners could stay if necessary. 8. ADJOURN Young moved, Westerlund seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of June 13, 2006, to Work Session at 8:15 p.m. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recorder