Loading...
51308 PK MIN AND TOUR CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION TOUR SHOREWOOD CITY HALL & REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. OR IMMEDIATELY TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 FOLLOWING PARK TOURS AT EDDY STATION 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 Trent, Norman, Quinlan, and DeMers;.Public Works Director Brown; Engineer Landini, and City Council liaison Bailey. Absent: Commissioners Young and Hensley joined the group at Eddy Station for the Regular Meeting at 7:30pm. PARK TOUR 1.BADGER PARK Brown reported that the installation of the lighting and drain tile are complete; however, additional soil was brought in to improve the field conditions. He indicated that the field would be ready for use by the fall football season. The Commission toured the warming house facility and tot lot with Brown pointing out some minor vandalism to the shelter. In addition, Brown stated that the tennis courts, though have held up well, are in need of repair. 2. CRESCENT BEACH Landini reported that the City of Shorewood shares ownership of the beach with Tonka Bay and dredges the channel near the beach. The Commission noted that the phone booth had been removed. Landini stated that the parking lot would be seal coated this spring. 3. CATHCART PARK Though located within the Chanhassen City limits, Landini explained that the park itself is owned by Shorewood. He stated that he had scheduled a meeting with the Chanhassen Parks Director next week to discuss an agreement made in 1993 which set up parameters for the shared use of the park. He noted that the tennis courts are second only to Badger Park and that they, too, are in need of dire repair. Commission observations included: -Lack of a park like setting or feel and in need of creating a state park feel -Flat appearance -Could be laid out more efficiently and user friendly PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 PAGE 2 OF 6 -The back side of the tennis court back board needs to be painted to match the entire board -Swing set needs to be replaced or removed -DeMers stated courts are used quite a bit, but in need of repair -Neighbors have voiced desire for shelter or covered picnic area -Repaving of park trail is necessary -Consider adding a row of pines mixed in with the buffer of trees on the south side to add aesthetic appeal and separation -Rink lights are in need of replacement -Speak to Chanhassen about sharing the expenses to make park improvements -Consider rearranging park and putting in a warming house -Update park signage Chair Davis suggested the courts be removed and the park be rearranged as discussed with the addition of a picnic shelter and/or warming house. 4.FREEMAN PARK At the suggestion of a resident, the Commission stopped along Shorewood Oaks Drive to follow a path to Freeman where it ends in a wet drainage area behind the little league fields on the south end of the park. Brown explained that the path leading between the homes was installed to act as a drainage area in an effort to direct runoff away from the quote muddy and well worn. Brown pointed out that, as a high traffic area, the City could use a red rock base to continue the trail to the parking lot, though it might be costly to do so. He indicated that he would check into trail options and the expenses associated with each to report back. As the Commission made their way towards the little league fields, Brown acknowledged the addition of the scoreboards and batting cages, which are well used. Continuing on, the Commission requested that staff urge the association to clean up the area around and behind the concessions stand which was cluttered with debris , wheelbarrows, and other items not needed for upkeep. It was also noted that the old shed near field 2 was to have been removed with the construction of the new shed at that site. As the Commission headed towards the picnic shelter near field 2, Brown pointed out that roof work, sealing and staining were necessary to maintain this shelter. He commented that this shelter is highly used and rented most of the summer. As the Commission entered the north end of Freeman Park, Brown pointed out where the proposed prairie grasses would be planted at the top of the hill near the back parking area. He pointed out the fire pit installed near Eddy Station as the Commission walked the plaza area. Brown explained that Council member Woodruff suggested the $100 Badger Park grant given to the volunteer gardeners to maintain each of the park gardens be shared amongst the other gardens this year, since the City Hall project will interfere with their efforts at Badger Park this season. Chair Davis suggested that each of the volunteer gardeners be contacted to determine whose need is the greatest this year for the additional funds. She indicated that Cathcart garden could PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 PAGE 3 OF 6 use some edging and Silverwood was in high need of boulder edging to keep the gardens in tact. Commissioners Young and Hensley joined the group at 7:25pm. The Park Tour adjourned to the regular Park Commission Meeting at 7:30 p.m 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING A. Review Agenda Trent moved, Norman seconded, approving the Agenda as submitted. Motion passed 7/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2008 Norman moved, Chair Davis seconded, approving the Work Session Minutes of the April 2, 2008, Park Commission Meeting as submitted. Motion passed 7/0. B. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2008. Norman moved, Chair Davis seconded, approving the Park Commission Minutes of April 8, 2008, as submitted. Motion passed 7/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. REPORTS A.Report on City Council Meeting Council member Bailey stated that there were few items of concern to the Park Commission, other than the reallocation of some spending, including the reallocation of the garden funds from Badger Park as mentioned. Brown added that the City Council approved the prairie plantings along Highway 7 with the addition of a space near the water tower which currently is a maintenance issue for public works. Trent asked when the City Hall construction process would begin as well as be completed. Brown stated that the groundbreaking is slated for July with substantial completion estimated for November. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 PAGE 4 OF 6 Trent questioned, if the construction was not due to begin until July, whether the gardens and landscaping would look poor for the next few months if it was not maintained properly. Young asked whether the senior center would be impacted by the construction. Brown stated that there would be little disruption in accessing to the community center. B.Subcommittee Report on Children’s Summer Programs Chair Davis stated that REI has joined forces with Shorewood to run an orienteering program in August for one of the Free Fun Fridays in Freeman this summer. In addition, the DNR will be offering a fishing demo for groups of kids on a Friday this summer rewarding each child with their own free tackle box. She noted that REI may also put together a kayaking demo at Crescent beach. Brown indicated that REI was very excited to participate with the City this summer and commended Park Secretary Grout for her incredible work finding these activity partners for Fun Fridays at Freeman. Chair Davis stated that there would be a link set up on the City website to see what’s happening Fridays at Freeman this summer. C. Update on Arctic Fever Chair Davis stated that REI will also be participating with the City for Arctic Fever this winter giving snow shoe exhibitions and other activities. Norman added that the new Excelsior business group representative is very excited to link the Arctic Fever event to their ladies nights this winter and plans to play a bigger role in the event. D. Report on Adopt-a-Garden Volunteer Meeting Chair Davis stated that she had met with the volunteer gardeners and a new member, Mary Donohue, volunteered to start a children’s vegetable community garden site next year if we can find a spot which is easily accessible to water, security, and storage for the garden equipment. 5. DISCUSS PARK TOURS Brown reminded the Commission that it is their charge to determine whether the parks are meeting their proposed purpose as intended by the Master Plan, and if not, should this plan be amended or what changes need to be made to the parks themselves. Chair Davis stated that what concerns her is when the Commission sites things during park tours to be addressed and they are not fixed year after year. She also urged the Commission and staff to come to a conclusion with regard to the tennis courts. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 PAGE 5 OF 6 Young interjected that large scale decisions like the removal of tennis courts were not going to be made until the survey was completed. Brown pointed out that the City Council requested that a professional survey group be hired to compile the questions for the survey. Staff is seeking bids by professionals at this time; therefore, the survey will not be complete as soon as hoped. Brown noted that even without the survey results, it is clear to all that Badger has the highest used courts in Shorewood which are in need of rehab. He indicated that they could get a contractor to the site to make some recommendations. Chair Davis stated that the Commission liked the idea of rearranging Cathcart and adding a warming house or picnic shelter, as well as, updating the lighting. Trent urged the Commission to be tactical in it’s laying out a plan. Brown noted that Council member Wellens had put out a challenge to the Commission to see what should be done, on the other hand, there are other maintenance items as well as the Mayor’s suggestion at the previous meeting to think long term when considering parks. Norman stated that with the survey in the planning phase, the Commission should focus its efforts on some of the minor improvements that need to be addressed. Bailey suggested the Commission create a punch list of priority items with their assigned dollar amounts. Trent noted that a list has already been created and suggested this list be brought back to the next meeting with bid estimates for discussion. Hensley stated that a picnic shelter for Cathcart was a great idea but an overall plan for the park is necessary. He also wished to see a concept plan for Badger Park and the City Hall renovation in order to see what else might be missing as the area is being addressed. Young encouraged the Commission to narrow down the priorities to certain items that they can take to the City Council for their support. Chair Davis pointed out that if the City chooses to replace or expand the Badger tennis courts, it would make sense, based on economies of scale, to do so during the grading phase of the City Hall renovation. She urged Brown to investigate this as an option. Brown stated that the item could be added as a bid item alternate. He indicated that he could speak with the surveyors, noting that the public works staff knows better than anyone what the soil requires. Hensley stated that concept plans should come first. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 PAGE 6 OF 6 Young reiterated that he would like to see a very specific plan regarding Badger courts and Cathcarts by the end of the summer season rather than continuing on this same vein of discussion another year regarding tennis courts. Chair Davis concurred stating that if the City is going to have grading done, they may as well prepare for the future courts also. She asked staff, at minimum, to put together a site plan. Hensley stated that the Commission needs site or concept plans in order to manage their resources more effectively. Chair Davis requested that staff put together an estimated or bid for rink lighting in all three parks, including Manor, Badger and Cathcart. Brown stated that staff would try to put together a plan and bring it back to the Commission with regard to the highest and best uses including Badger and Cathcart tennis courts, hockey rinks, and summer fields as soon as possible. SIGNAGE Brown pointed out that the sign costs staff had investigated were somewhat staggering. Despite the staggering costs, Trent maintained that a city must create an identity as a reflection of its community and believed other options were available as a way of giving the redwood signs a facelift. The Commission concurred and urged staff to further investigate some options. Brown stated that they would at least explore establishing an identity via signage and a logo for the community. Hensley suggested individuals find signs they like and have staff check to see if we can revise these slightly to reflect our needs. DeMars stated that he would check to see if there was lottery money available via grants for signage. TH 6. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON MAY 27 th Trent volunteered for liaison on May 27. 7. ADJOURN Norman moved, Trent seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of May 13, 2008, at 8:40p.m. Motion passed 7/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recorder