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61008 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, JUNE 10, 2008 FOLLOWING PARK TOURS MINUTES 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING The Park Commission met at the skate Park at 5:45 p.m. to begin their Park Tour. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis, Commissioners DeMers, Norman, and Quinlan;. City Engineer Landini. Commissioners Young and Hensley, and Council member Bailey, joined the group at City Hall for the Regular Meeting at 7:30pm. Public Works Director Brown joined the group at 8:30pm at City Hall. Absent: Commissioner Trent was absent. PARK TOUR 1.SKATE PARK Demers suggested that some of the edging and bulges on the surfaces of the skate equipment be screwed down tighter. With some noticeable graffiti remains on one of the surfaces it was suggested that a surveillance camera be placed on the water tower with signage posted to deter such offenses. Norman pointed out that the equipment seemed to be in fairly good condition considering its exposure to all elements. Chair Davis mentioned that it would be nice to put up a shelter or picnic tables so that there is a place for parents to sit who are watching their kids at the park. Landini explained that Council member Woodruff proposed that the well be capped, as required by law, for environmental and safety reasons referring to the accompanying estimate. Chair Davis stated that she would support the abandonment if the expense was paid for by the City Council, and not the Park Commission budget. 2. MANOR PARK Landini reported that Communications person, Julie Moore, could investigate the Cynthia Craig Grant opportunity for shoreland restoration and water management if the Commission wished to pursue such endeavors. In addition, Landini stated that a resident had requested the Park PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 2 OF 8 Commission consider installing a path near the rear north eastern edge of the park. New residents in the development to the rear of the park have voiced interest in addING trees on the parks back side as well. Kristi Anderson, of CRR, suggested the City refer those residents to the donation policy for parks, the vehicle to which other neighbors have volunteered and paid for plantings in the parks if they wish to line the back edge of the park with trees or screening. Norman noticed that the tennis courts were not in as bad shape as he first thought. It was also observed that the overall geese population has been down due to natural predators in the area. The Commissioners accompanied Landini into the warming house to discuss a new shelter for the site with restrooms and water, as well as, a slightly expanded picnic area. They urged Landini to put together plans and specs for shelters as well as rink lighting at Manor, Cathcart, and Badger, if economies of scale would play into it. Quinlan also suggested they obtain warranties for the lighting. The Commission took note of a leaning light pole near the shelter to be repaired. 3. SILVERWOOD PARK Chair Davis pointed out where volunteer gardeners were hoping to place some landscape rock in order to stabilize the entrance sign garden. She supported giving the one time $100 additional funding to this park to stabilize the garden and mulch with rock which might match that which is across the street currently. Commission observations included: -Need to stabilize the slide slope with planting -Using Round-Up on the grass within the tot lot -Tilling up the pea gravel in the tot lot and adding additional rock to it -Add more sand at the base of the slides – consider an edged area filled with pea gravel or sand so that it does not wash away onto the sidewalk -Rebuild retaining wall near bottom of slides -Add decals to the basketball hoop back board -Add lines and markings to the half court on the ground -Power wash the play equipment – paint – showing some wear -General Sprucing up – trimming of trees – the Ash near parking lot and tree near swings -Remove the three ‘trimmed’ bushes and debris within landscaping between parking lot/tot lot/swings – clearing path or view to swings -Design concept plan for small covered shelter with or without slab near grill where trimming and debris to be removed The Commission agreed this park needed some ‘TLC’, as it was looking tired and in need of some upkeep. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 3 OF 8 4.MINNEWASHTA DOG PARK Chair Davis gave a brief history explaining how the City of Shorewood got involved in this project for its citizens. Davis stated that, for many years, residents of Shorewood have asked for a dog park. By partnering with Carver Parks, the City matched a $5,000 donation by the Park Foundation to make it possible, with additional funding from Chanhassen and private donors. She pointed out that the park is comprised of 23 wooded acres which are used by many Shorewood residents or anyone who has a Carver Parks sticker. The Park Tour adjourned to the regular Park Commission Meeting at 7:30 p.m 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING A.Review Agenda Item 7A, Skate Park Well, was added to the Agenda. Young moved, Norman seconded, approving the Agenda as amended. Motion passed 6/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2008 Chair Davis added a comment under Item 5, Discussion of Park Tours, that she, “Chair Davis requested that staff put together an estimate or bid for rink lighting in all three parks, including Manor, Badger, and Cathcart.” Hensley moved, Chair Davis seconded, approving the Park Commission Minutes of May 13, 2008, as amended. Motion passed 6/0. 2.REPORTS A.Report on City Council Meeting Council member Bailey stated that there were no items pertaining to Parks on the agenda. He noted that wards were eliminated after much discussion and public comment at the meeting. Commissioner Hensley asked if anyone knew when the Smithtown Road project thru Victoria would be completed. Landini stated that, from his understanding, the project has suffered several delays, and is three months behind, with an expected completion date in August. He stated that they are waiting for Met Council to complete their ‘big dig’ project before the end is in sight. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 4 OF 8 B.Subcommittee Report on Children’s Summer Programs Chair Davis was pleased to report that the final two weeks for Fun Free Fridays in Freeman have been booked and include a ‘pot painting’ activity in August and a Hennepin County Master gardener’s program in July. C.Report on Badger Rink Lights Landini passed around a rotted piece of wood from the rink light post that fell last week in a wind storm at Badger Park. He asked whether he should proceed with direction by the Commission to complete the plans and specs for rink lighting at Badger. The Commission urged Landini to move forward. D.Update with City of Chanhassen Representative Regarding Cathcart Park Landini explained that Chanhassen Park Director, Todd Hoffman did not show last week for the meeting. Hoffman indicated that the Chanhassen Park Commission would be visiting Cathcart Park in July for their Park Tours and that he would get back to Landini with their thoughts at that time. Chair Davis suggested that Landini contact the City of Chanhassen to find out when the tour is scheduled so that several members could meet their Commission at Cathcart Park to have a friendly discussion about the park. 4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 5. 7:45 – DERMCO LAVINE PRESENTATION ON TENNIS COURTS Landini explained that he only learned this afternoon that the Dermco representative would not be joining them this evening and would try to attend their July meeting. 6. REVIEW TRAIL OPTIONS AND EXPENSES TO CONTINUE TRAIL IN FREEMAN Landini explained that during the Park Tour in May the Commission visited the drainage swale trail from Shorewood Oaks to Freeman Park observing the muddy poor conditions of this access. The Commission directed him to provide some options for consideration. Landini stated that the three options include either laying new chip seal rock at a cost of $1700., putting down fabric and new 1/2” rock at an estimated cost of $1500., or using used chip seal rock removed from road projects slated for July at no further expense than staff time. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 5 OF 8 Hensley voiced his concern over the need and aesthetics to run a trail all the way along between the two fields, approximately 272 feet. He suggested the baseball association be contacted to obtain their feedback on this proposal. Anderson, of CRR, interjected that this area between the fields has always been an issue, which the City, as well as the association, has tried to address via multiple attempts at planting grass. Norman suggested they consider taking care of the critical area now, the first 50-75 feet or so which is the worst mess. He asked Landini which option he would suggest. Landini stated that, although it would be a bit loose this year until it is worked in, he would suggest using the free used chip seal rock this year and follow-up with another application next year if need be. Chair Davis moved, seconded by Norman, to ask CRR to share the City’s plan for a sidewalk/trail for the area between the fields at Freeman Park from Shorewood Oaks, with the baseball associations. Given their positive feedback, staff is directed to lay the used chip seal rock in the area as proposed. Motion passed 6/0. Hensley interjected his observation of how nice the prairie grass planting signs posted near the test sites are. 7. REVIEW PRIORITY ITEMS 1- Chair Davis stated that it is still a priority to meet with Chanhassen regarding Cathcart Park and reiterated the idea to meet them on their park tour. 2- Chair Davis urged staff to investigate the opportunity of painting crosswalk stripes and crosswalk signage near Eureka and Smithtown Roads as there are already stop signs. Hensley stated that it would be nice to understand where cars and bikers are required to stop or yield in crosswalks. He agreed Hennepin County should be contacted about adding stripes as this is a controlled intersection. 3- Chair Davis voiced her support to install rink lighting at all three parks, Manor, Badger, and Cathcart. DeMers concurred. Quinlan agreed that, as a safety concern, Badger must be done. She urged Landini to use the CD she supplied to the City for planning purposes. Hensley voiced his hesitation to move forward with lighting in all three parks until there are plans or specs for some of the proposed improvement ideas brought up at the last park tour of Cathcart and renovations slated for Badger that could be associated with the City Hall improvements. He asked for a time line. Landini stated that completing light projects for all three parks could be done concurrently and would probably take a month to complete. He noted that if the installation was to be complete for PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 6 OF 8 the upcoming winter, plans and specs would likely need to be approved in July with bidding to follow. Chair Davis acknowledged that if the overall rink lighting at Manor is adequate, merely straightening the pole at Manor Park might suffice. Hensley asked whether the rink lights at Cathcart are of the same vintage as those at Badger and could be a safety concern. He reiterated his hesitation to move forward on all three parks until plans or a vision is laid out of where rinks could go. Landini stated that he would prepare plans for Badger, and complete a rough estimate for Cathcart for their reference. 4- Chair Davis urged the Commissioners to look at the new prairie planting signs, as well as, other signs in surrounding communities for ideas. She asked staff to locate the powerpoint presentation prepared by a previous Commissioner which showed signs throughout Shorewood and beyond to share with the Commission at an upcoming meeting. She asked for Commission volunteers to assist on a sign subcommittee, Quinlan volunteered to take pictures and help with the task. Landini stated that bids can be all over the board, he noted that his bids would accommodate 2X8’ molded plastic signs with the words routered out. 5- Status of Tennis Courts was to be determined at the next meeting. Landini stated that he would confirm with Dermco further in advance to remind them. He pointed out that Dermco had visited the courts and acknowledged that Cathcart was the worst; whereas Badger could withstand another year. Quinlan asked what would need to be done to Manor courts to improve them. Landini noted that the Manor courts would need to be dug out and re-laid. Hensley asked whether there would be room for expansion at Badger Park for additional courts if the parking lot was rearranged. Landini stated that the parking lot would not be changing and that no additional grading was proposed. Young urged Landini to ask the Dermco representative to put together a sketch plan that we could examine for Badger Park containing ideas of how we might improve the tennis facility at Badger and share that with us at the next meeting. 6- With regard to the Manor Park shelter, Demers felt the Commission should direct staff to get it done. Brown arrived at 8:30p.m. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 7 OF 8 Young agreed that a shelter at Manor Park has been discussed for several years and would be of far more benefit than the warming house presently. Norman agreed that the improved shelter would open up Manor Park to more opportunity for the east side of Shorewood including MCE programming and more. He believed the cosmetic updates, reshingling, as well as, adding water and bathrooms were warranted. Hensley stated he would like to see a drawing to approve before moving forward. Chair Davis agreed that she was all for the shelter improvements for the east side. Brown interjected a comment urging the Commission to be mindful of the Park Master Plan of this neighborhood park. He questioned whether they felt this fit the park plan currently or whether the plan itself should be reevaluated or updated. Chair Davis stated that she did not see the proposed improvements as a misfit. Hensley agreed that it did not appear to be an intensifying use to make improvements to the structure that is there and is consistent with the plan as he was aware of it. He suggested the master plan be brought to the next meeting for review. Young also urged staff to supply them with plans and specs for a sketch at the next meeting, as well as, the park master plan. 7- Hensley believed item 7 was missing – which would encompass a goal to obtain concept plans for Cathcart, Manor, and Badger Parks so that the Commission can visualize and make plans based on this new concept plan. In fact, Hensley felt this was a higher priority than many other items since many of these other issues hinged on the concept plans themselves. Chair Davis maintained that she has asked to see plans and overall grading plans for Badger Park and City Hall as well as the other parks for up to three years now and would really like to see those. At the risk of losing ground at Badger by waiting for new concept plans, Young strongly urged the Commission to move forward on the tennis facilities at Badger now. After years of discussion and running on the same treadmill over and over, Young was frustrated by more delays with regard to this one item once again. Brown stated that staff could whip up a concept plan readily. Chair Davis reiterated that these items make up the Priority List for 2008, as extensive as it is. She reminded staff to sketch up plans for a Silverwood Park shelter as well. The Park Commission was in consensus to allow the $100 one time grant to go to the volunteer garden at Silverwood for the purchase of landscape rock. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 PAGE 8 OF 8 7A. SKATE PARK WELL Chair Davis moved, Quinlan seconded, to recommend abandonment of the well at the Skate Park and that it be capped off at City expense as opposed to the Park Commission expense. Motion passed 6/0. Brown asked the Commission to give staff rationale for them to take to the City Council of why the expense should not come out of the Park Commission budget. Chair Davis stated that she believed the bid to be very high and without record or history of the well she did not wish to see Park money spent on its abandonment. In addition, the land with the well was MnDOT property prior to becoming park land. Norman stated that the larger issue at hand is that of water quality management which is a City responsibility to protect the underlying aqua for, and therein, is a larger issue than where it resides. rd 8. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON JUNE 23 Quinlan volunteered as liaison. 9. ADJOURN Chair Davis moved, Norman seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of June 10, 2008, at 8:55p.m. Motion passed 6/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recorder