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030607 PK WS MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION SHOREWOOD CITY HALL TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. AGENDA 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING Chair Davis convened the work session meeting at 6:10 pm. A.Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Young, Norman, and late arrival Moonen. Director of Public Works Brown; and City Council liaison Turgeon Absent: Commissioners Hensley and Trent B. Review Agenda 2. PARK PRIORITIES AND EXPENDITURES A. Woodhaven Brown explained that a contract had been awarded for the removal of the old well house and well cap for the city owned Woodhaven parcel, at the northwest corner of Stratford Place and Apple Road. He asked for Commissioner comment on what to do with the parcel, whether it be turning it into green space, a tot lot, or selling it to the neighbor, who had once expressed interest in purchasing it. Norman asked if the parcel was zoned residential and if anything could be built on this small parcel. In addition, he noted that the City provides little in the way of play structures in this part of town. Although there is little curb appeal now, Brown stated that the hazardous material survey had been favorable and that there is potential for this spot. He suggested they create and distribute a survey of the neighborhood to determine the needs of the area. Moonen arrived at 6:26pm. Chair Davis stated that green space with a garden would be nice addition, as opposed to development, if deemed unnecessary. She suggested adding the site to the spring park tour. Davis furthermore contemplated cutting a deal with the neighbor’s to maintain the garden. Young asked what time frame the clean up was slated for. Brown indicated that the destruction, cap, and clean-up would likely be slated for a May st 1 start-up. He stated that staff could make contact with the neighbors in the interim. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 2 OF 9 3. COMMUNITY REC RESOURCES END OF YEAR REPORT A. Address Suggestions from CRR Report with regard to Badger Park Chair Davis maintained that the Commission may be at a point to readdress the function of Badger Park altogether, especially in light of the proposed future City Hall improvements, Southshore Center garage structure, and a request by seniors to construct a walking trail around Badger Park. Brown applauded the Commission for initiating a discussion to evaluate the highest and best use of Badger Park. Chair Davis suggested that, before any additional improvements or additions be done at Badger, they pull an aerial photo and consider bringing in planners to put together an entire site plan in coordination with the City Hall renovation in the future, as so much needs to be done in this area. Brown asked if she felt the football use should also be reconsidered. Chair Davis stated that this was not necessarily the case, but that it was worth thinking about since Badger is such a great location for the community in general. A trail access alone could be joined to the intersection. She felt the whole area was getting tired and in need of much improvement and asked what better time than now to create a new vision for this park. Norman asked if the critical elements with regard to the field were drainage and lighting, or if there were other elements to consider. Chair Davis noted that the addition of the senior center garage, which in her opinion was a mistake, especially without an overall plan. Brown stated that the Commission could bring in Mark Koegler to assist with the planning. Chair Davis suggested the City use their WSB contacts to assist with the design service. Young asked where the seniors were looking for a trail. Chair Davis pointed out that the seniors seemed to be looking for a loop around the park, but since trails are an aspect of the planning process for Parks she thought they should look at the big picture with regard to trail planning overall. Brown interjected that he had put the approval of plans specs and estimates for the lighting for the next City Council meeting, but asked if he was hearing that this needs to be postponed for awhile. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 3 OF 9 Although this is the only lit football field, Chair Davis asked how disappointed the Commission would be if the City did not have one. Norman asked how much time before the start of fall football they would have to consider their options. Anderson, of CRR, interjected that, on behalf of both the City and the football association, CRR had been under the impression and relayed to the organization for the past several years that these field/lighting improvements would be something the City was going to address last year, yet alone this year. She pointed out that it would be difficult now to go back to the association after leading them down this golden path and inform them that the improvements have been pulled completely and a new park plan may be in the works. Although she acknowledged that it was entirely up to the Commission how it wished to proceed, Anderson was concerned that this would be a poor public relations move on the City’s behalf. Moonen asked for more detail on the drainage issues. Brown stated that the drainage issues stem from the clay soils that trap water. He noted that the field was in even worse shape prior to the construction of the senior center, at which time they raised the field by adding top soil and sod. Though it retains water, many other fields have some of the same issues in the center portions of the field. He noted that they have reseeded and have had turf consultants come in and try to assess how to establish better turf there. What would help most would be to run tile lines down the length of the field and add more top soil and sod. Moonen asked whether it might be more economical to add about 10 inches more top soil to the field and create a crown to the field and aid in the run-off on its own. He suggested the City talk to a landscape consultant to find a way of achieving a drain of its own as opposed to the drain tile. Chair Davis asked if they did this, whether they would have a fairly good field. Brown acknowledged that this would definitely provide them with a high quality field, for a price, but he felt some drain tile would still be necessary. Chair Davis asked if this could be done in coordination with the City Hall improvements. Brown stated that the proposed improvements to City Hall were somewhat contentious and that a cap was placed on the improvements with no date for them to be implemented. He indicated that the question is not just when, but if, they will move forward and what impact that might have on the tennis courts as well. Chair Davis stated that she felt like they have some work to do, as part of an overall site plan, the whole park, City Hall, senior center, and parking issues to examine at Badger. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 4 OF 9 She asked, if they chose to move forward with the lights, whether the light poles could be relocated if changes to the site were necessary. At this point, Brown asked what the Commission suggested he do with the issue of lighting before the City Council. Young asked if it was realistic to think the football field would go away or change. Chair Davis maintained that the entire park will suffer if the Commission is not part of the planning process, with regard to parking, curb and gutter, the City Hall etc. She maintained that the park could become many things if not a football field. Young stated that he felt uncomfortable leading all of these organizations who have used the park for the past few years down this trail that we are on the threshold or verge of doing something lighting wise and then send the message that we are back in limbo doing nothing reappraising the whole thing. Chair Davis asked how long it will likely be before the City Hall is complete or how much it might be to move the lights at a later date. Brown stated that it would be many years before the City Hall proposals move forward in any shape. He stated that he would contact the consultants with regard to moving the lights and get park planners on board right away to get something rolling on a site plan. Norman stated that, given, the unknown timing factors, the Commission needs to be proactive no matter what the potential options for the park are. He felt they needed to move forward with the lights with the knowledge of their current shape and failure each year. As the lights have been an ongoing issue each year, with continual failures, he felt this must be immediately addressed. Young asked how lacrosse and football manage to cooperate and whether they are compatible on wear and tear. Anderson, of CRR, indicated that the two organizations can peacefully coexist as their seasons are complimentary and they can adapt to the space well. She commented that it makes sense that, given the investment, that this space not be sitting idle half the year. Chair Davis stated that she agreed the City must fix the lighting situation and, as the park site plan evolves; additional improvements or repairs can be considered as part of the overall plan. Brown stated that he will check into the costs of relocating lighting and get the planners on task. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 5 OF 9 Norman asked whether the drain tile could be laid as the lighting contractors are digging up the ground for the light installation. He could justify installing the drain tile for a bit more if the ground were being ripped up. Brown stated that the public works staff would likely wait until the lighting contractor finishes up and then go in and install the drain tile themselves under the electrical and fix the turf at that time. Moonen suggested they look at the requirement for an irrigation system. Brown noted that this would be a good idea to help manage the field conditions. Chair Davis asked what was proposed for hockey lighting and tennis courts. Brown noted that the costs for the tennis court improvements were $85,000 and that the hockey lighting was not quite as bad as the football lighting situation and could be delayed. City Council liaison Turgeon arrived at 6:57pm. Chair Davis asked if there was room or a need for bleachers at the football field, especially if the field is to be a premier facility after all of these improvements are made. Brown stated that there used to be bleachers, prior to new standards. He stated there would not be room for bleachers on both sides at this time. Chair Davis stated that going forward; the sports communities are going to have to take more responsibility for amenities in the parks. In order to maintain and make improvements, she felt they will need to help out. Brown stated he could check into pricing, but he noticed that most people use their portable chairs. Young stated that CRR could talk to the sports organizations to see if they felt this was a priority, and if so, they could help out financially to install these. Norman felt a trail connection would provide some synergy to Gideon’s across the way. Brown stated that, if he understood the direction of the Commission, he would be getting the park planners on board right away to create a plan that incorporates Badger Park as a premier facility and how it is to fit into the overhaul of City Hall. Turgeon commented that the City Council has pretty much come to a consensus to move forward with the lighting at Badger Park and make the much needed improvement there, especially before the costs go up considerably more. She noted that grant money could PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 6 OF 9 possibly be available via Blue Cross Blue Shield to connect a trail to the trail system, as lots of money is available for such improvements for walking and biking trails. Although the Badger tennis courts are the most heavily used in Shorewood, Brown pointed out that a total reconstruction would run $85,000 and last approximately 20 years. He noted that the last time the repair company patched the tennis courts they made it perfectly clear that this would be the last time this was possible. 4. 2007 WORK PROGRAM As Badger Park was addressed in the previous item, the Commission moved on to the next park. Cathcart Park : Brown stated that the trail should be repaved and widened at a cost of $2450; a new swing set installed for $4,500 Turgeon suggested approaching our neighbors in Chanhassen, who have just put in a large development of folks who will make use of Cathcart, and ask them to create a partnership with Shorewood to improve the park. As Shorewood is providing a neighborhood amenity, it would behoove them to help offset the costs of improvements. Brown agreed that approaching Chanhassen and asking for a donation to update the swing set and magic square, as well as, other improvements would be a good approach. Chair Davis asked that, going forward, would they wish to update and improve the tennis courts as well. Brown pointed out that the tennis court improvements are big ticket items, and it would make sense to ask Chanhassen to assist with those costs as well. Freeman Park: Building maintenance. Manor Park: In addition to reshingleing the building, Brown noted that the goose droppings did not seem to be as big a problem as in previous years. He also asked for comment with regard to the pond improvements. Moonen and Young both acknowledged that they would prefer to let the grass grow near the shoreline to deter goose from entering the play area than going to great expense for plantings. In addition, Chair Davis suggested a garden group of some kind plant a mix of native grasses at the shoreline at a substantial savings. In fact, she suggested they ask for donations of grasses and native plants from residents’ gardens for the shoreline. Moonen also mentioned that there is an inexpensive grass plant mix, Mn DOT 30, uses along roadways to improve views. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 7 OF 9 Turgeon asked if the pond could be chemically treated to control the green algae. Brown explained why he felt this might not be the solution for this pond as presented to the City Council. Turgeon suggested that they monitor the results of the fountain installed at Gideon’s Glen for future reference at Manor Park. Brown suggested keeping the pond treatment budget of $5,000 in the budget this year in case they find a solution. Brown commented that public works staff has even noted that the undergrowth has even wreaked havoc on the ice conditions at Manor Park this year. Brown suggested bumping out the tennis court improvements until 2008. Turgeon felt it might be worthwhile surveying the residents around Manor Park to see what they would like to see happen with the park. Silverwood : Brown stated that he would be meeting with WSB to address the slope at Silverwood with regard to run-off. He noted that many kids use the slide in the summer and the hill itself for sliding in the winter. Brown suggested the Commission consider touring some other community parks during their park tour to see what’s hot. He asked if the Commission had other suggestions they’d like to see in this or other parks that haven’t been discussed. Badger Park Ice rink : As an aside, Brown commented that the rink often has an awful smell due to the rotting grasses below the ice and suggested the Commission consider putting down a chemical treatment to kill the grass prior to laying the ice in the fall. He added that they could consider purchasing a zamboni type machine to manage the ice, or look into other options for maintaining Shorewood’s ice rinks. Other : Norman interjected that it would be his dream to see Shorewood implement some type of summer programming in its parks for children and youth. He recalled, as a child, how the warming houses served double duty in the summer by providing a location for arts and crafts, games, and activities for him and his friends. Norman suggested they investigate funding options via Kellogg grants and others. Turgeon suggested the Commission contact MCE, Minnetonka Community Education, to see if they would like to help coordinate events in the parks. Norman commented that it would be a great partnership to the various summer programs to the structure the music in the park series has created. Brown stated that the Commission has approximately $312,000 in its budget and can count on $10,000 per year from the Council and general fund. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 8 OF 9 As development is past its peak and funding will become more difficult an issue, Chair Davis maintained that the Commission must first address the pressing issues discussed this evening, check into adding to our park services, and then consider at what point the city will have to charge for more services. Brown acknowledged that the Commission had some significant improvement goals which will chisel away at both the budget and necessary long term improvement projects. Turgeon observed that the Commission had spent little on improvement projects in recent years, adding that if some of these projects are not addressed the costs will only continue to sky rocket. Chair Davis questioned how the Council would receive the Commission’s recommendation to spend in excess of $125,000 on improvement projects this year. Norman stated that the Commission must relay to the City Council that it is putting a plan into place that will make some major improvements in the parks. In addition, as it looks forward, the Commission is aware that revenues will be dwindling and would urge the Council to readdress funding for Capital improvements in the parks in coming years. 5. MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES PLANNING A. Entertainers Chair Davis reported that the Shorewood Blues Festival, along with a couple of kid’s events, will consume much of the summer projects this year. She encouraged the City to support the summer events with a greater advertising commitment, especially to residents further west. Brown concurred, noting that by focusing its efforts on one big single summer event, the blues festival with Big Walter and Famous Dave’s, the City could dedicate more of its budget for advertising and promotion. Norman agreed that promoting one big summer event and one big winter party, with several smaller kids’ events, made good sense. B. Set Dates PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007 PAGE 9 OF 9 th Chair Davis suggested they confine their activities from approximately June 25-July 26, as this time frame allots the most reliable weather. In addition, MCE could compliment the summer event with a weeklong program in the parks. On a different topic, Chair Davis reported that the Diamond Sports group would like to come before the Commission to ask for a donation for a sports facility for MGSA, girl’s softball. Davis stated that, in her opinion, she did not feel the city should contribute to the construction of fields outside the community. Although they would like to make a presentation, she noted that the City does provide sports facilities within the confines of the city, contrasted by the Commission’s support of the dog park which was a service that was lacking within the community. Turgeon summarized by noting that the proposed facility must have $160,000 pledged by mid April to get the fields built in the proposed complex. She noted that the fields would be used by older girl’s youth and allows them the opportunity to host a tournament. Norman asked if there was public access to these facilities. Turgeon believed that it would be available for public access and that it would be a very nice facility, not as nice as the boys but a great spot. Young stated that, in his recollection, the neighborhood did not support the addition of the dome in the first place. He indicated that he was uncomfortable with the school underwriting this with the intention that the funds be paid back, especially in light of the enormous class sizes and other priorities that schools should be addressing. Chair Davis concurred, stating that she was uncomfortable that it was costing up to three times more than it would be to build this facility here than anywhere else. She added that the diamond sports group had mentioned that they were hoping to receive a commitment by the city of $2,000 per year for the next ten years. Chair Davis maintained that, with the priorities the City faces and limited funding challenges in coming years, this did not appear to fit within the City’s comprehensive plans as far as she was concerned. Turgeon stated that it would be up to the Commission whether they chose to allow the group to make a presentation and vote to support their recommendation. In fact, she noted that the Commission could send a recommendation to the City Council to not support this proposal and if the City Council felt they wanted to support it they could do so out of the general fund, as opposed to the Park Fund. 6. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 830 pm. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recorder