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Pk.03.14.2023CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 7:00 P.M. MINUTES CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Hirner convened the meeting at 7:01 p.m. Roll Call Present: Chair Hirner, Commissioners Levy, Garske, Wenner, Czerwonka City Council Liaison Sanschagrin; Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield; Planning Director Darling; and City Engineer Budde Absent: None Review Agenda Chair Hirner noted that he would like to add election of Chair and Vice-Chair to the agenda as item 5.C. Levy moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Garske seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Park Commission Meeting Minutes of February 14, 2023 Garske moved to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2023 meeting, as written. Levy seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Mill Street Trail Project Planning Director Darling gave background information on the Mill Street trail project and noted that the City had been working with the County since about 2018. She stated that plans became a bit stalled due to COVID-19, but have begun moving forward once again. She stated that there are plans for right-of-way acquisition to move forward beginning in 2024 and construction in 2025. She stated that the City completed a feasibility report which was essentially the first look at where to put the trail in and its impact. She introduced Luke Sandstrom who is the project manager who has been assigned to this project from Hennepin County. Luke Sandstrom stated that the conversation about this project has been happening for over ten years, so he is happy that it has finally moved its way into the County’s CIP and budget. He gave a brief presentation about the location of the Mill Street Trail Project that will go from downtown Excelsior through Shorewood to, and possible a bit past the County line. He explained that the intention is to connect to the regional trail that comes up through Chanhassen along the east side of Mill Street. He reviewed some of the design details and features and noted that there will need to be accommodations made for things like utilities, mailboxes, garbage cans, and snow removal. He stated that their plans call to shift the centerline of the roadway to the west a bit in order to provide more space on the east side for the trail and reviewed two of the design possibilities. He stated that beginning in April, they will begin public engagement and will host a series of open houses and pop-up events in addition to an on-line open house that will be live for the entire month. He stated that the final layout and design will be compiled based on all the feedback they receive. He reviewed the proposed schedule and timeline for construction and explained that they are looking to build this project in the summer of 2025. He highlighted some things that were included in the City’s feasibility report that impacted 17 trees and explained that in their two alternates, they are looking at impacting up to 10 trees with Option 1 (no shoulders), or up to 20-24 trees with Option 2 (with shoulders) but noted that the County forestry department will be completing a tree inventory of the corridor. He encouraged people to contact him if they had any comments or questions about the project. Chair Hirner stated that he has driven down this roadway quite a bit and on the Chanhassen side the shoulders are a bit wider. He asked about the numbers of people using the shoulders versus the pathway that is alongside the roadway. Mr. Sandstrom explained that they have some pedestrian/bike counts that both counties have done, but they were done in the midst of the pandemic. He explained that they plan to do some more counts this spring that they hope will be helpful. He stated that they will also do counts once the trail is open to see the most common crossing points to determine if they need to be upgraded or enhanced. Commissioner Levy stated that she drives through this area frequently. She stated that there is a speed change that goes from 45 mph to 30 mph which is sometimes hard to remember. She asked if there was a plan to make this more consistent through the area. Mr. Sandstrom stated that the City of Shorewood already restricts parking on their shoulders and Excelsior does not. He stated that they would be looking to perhaps remove parking in Excelsior and noted that he believes at that point the County would be supportive of lowering the speed limit to make it consistent, but it would have to be done in agreement with the cities. Commissioner Levy stated that the bridge has no leeway and asked if the plans were for it to remain the same. Mr. Sandstrom explained that they are limited by the current bridge of Highway 7 but have made a note about widening it when there may be re-decking in the future. Commissioner Levy stated that there is a section where people have put in stone retaining walls and asked how those would be navigated. Mr. Sandstrom stated that there are two block walls in Excelsior just south of 3rd and explained that the current plan was to look at narrowing down the roadway to just the travel lanes, because in this area, they are essentially stuck between the two walls. Commissioner Garske asked if this was the only location where the bike lanes would have to be restricted in this manner. Mr. Sandstrom stated that because of site constraints, the only locations it would be restricted in this manner would be this area as well as the bridge. Commissioner Garske asked if the two options were essentially the same cost for construction. Mr. Sandstrom stated that they have a cost participation policy with the partner cities. He explained that from the cities point of view, the option with the non-bikeable shoulders would be a bit cheaper. He explained that if there is a narrower road section, less right-of-way acquisition is needed. Commissioner Wenner asked about the west side and if there would be any right-of-way or infringement on properties. Mr. Sandstrom stated that it would all be on the east side. City Engineer Budde stated that the City is trying to add watermain in and along this corridor in conjunction with this project. He stated that the idea is to get in while the County is doing their work so the area is only disturbed once. He stated that in order to do this, the City may need some permanent easements and may potentially have watermain on the west side. Chair Hirner asked if there was a desire on this project to continue bikeable shoulders as far as they can. Mr. Sandstrom stated that was why they are trying to get input from the cities and the public to see what their preference is. Commissioner Wenner asked if the 11 foot travel lane was a minimum width. Mr. Sandstrom explained that for the speed and for the type of road, because it is one-way, both ways, they would not go below 11 feet. Chair Hirner asked City Engineer Budde about the additional traffic near the Catholic church and if the City had any thoughts on what the impact of a trail may be, with or without bike lanes. City Engineer Budde stated that there have been a few meetings and they have given some initial feedback but does not think they have been able to dive into some of the very specific details at this point. He stated that his perspective is that when you think about the larger context, a lot of Chanhassen roadways are generally pretty healthy, with wide shoulders, so he would envision a fair amount of people wanting to use bikeable shoulders. He stated that if they get to the City and neck it down with no bike lanes, it will be a very abrupt change and feel. He stated that he understands that everybody, in theory, wants less pavement, however it will be important to think about how it will be used and the potential consequences of really narrowing it up to 11 foot lanes. Commissioner Wenner asked how much contact there had been with the residents who will be impacted. City Engineer Budde stated that when the feasibility study was done, there was some public engagement but thinks that Mr. Sandstrom and his team are really trying to push a lot more of that contact with things like the open houses and other public engagement. Mr. Sandstrom referenced the feasibility lead by the City and noted that it was just exclusively within the City limits and the 2020 study that the City of Excelsior led was in conjunction with Hennepin County which showed the entire section. Commissioner Levy asked what would be planted within the 6 foot boulevard space. Ms. Sandstrom stated that at this point they are just planning for grass but there has been some discussion about putting in trees. He stated that they are open to options other than grass but it would have to be confirmed with the power authorities to see what would be allowed. Commissioner Garske asked if this trail would eventually connect to the arboretum or if there were plans to connect it to other parts of the trail system. Mr. Sandstrom stated that with the north end of the project it could be taken all the way to the five corner area, but if you go a block short and take a left, you can get to the Minnetonka Regional Trail as well. Planning Director Darling stated that she knows that it also goes all the way down to Highway 5. Chair Hirner thanked Mr. Sandstrom for attending and noted that today’s presentation has been very informative. There was a consensus of the Commission that their initial preference for bike lanes to be incorporated into the project. B. Movie in the Park Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield stated that because last year’s event was a rain out, this would be a reschedule of the same movie. She stated that the movie will be Jungle Book and noted that they are working to schedule a date. OLD BUSINESS A. Freeman Concessionaire Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield reviewed the options for concessions at Freeman Park. She explained that the first option would be for the Athletic Association to operate an initial pilot phase between April and June, Monday through Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. She stated that they would plan to hire their own site coordinator to be the point person between the City and the concession stand. She explained that they were proposing a $500 building usage fee and noted that they would also need to enter into an agreement with the City that would need to be approved by the City Council. She noted that there may be the need for updated refrigerators and freezers. The reviewed the other possible options and noted that staff was recommending that the City enter into an agreement with the Athletic Association. Chair Hirner asked which Athletic Association this would be with. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield explained that it would be Tonka United. Chair Hirner asked if the City would also give them rights to offer concessions for weekends when there are tournaments since they only mentioned operating Monday through Thursday evenings. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield explained that they had only expressed interest in running it from Monday through Thursday and noted that they may have different plans for tournaments. Commissioner Levy asked what types of events there would be where there would be no concessions available. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield stated that there would not be concessions for baseball because they run their own concessions out of the south part of the park. She stated that Tonka United believes that their biggest demand for concessions will be on the weekdays. Chair Hirner asked about the $500 building usage fee and how it compared to what was charged for the previous user. Planning Director Darling stated that she believes it is a slightly more than what was charged in the past. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield noted that the $500 fee was proposed by the Athletic Association. She reminded the Commission that this is a proposed pilot program so the Athletic Association would evaluate whether or not they wanted to continue running it for the remainder of the summer at the end of the initial period. Chair Hirner suggested that the City look into the possibility of coming to an agreement with Pepsi or Coke in order to help pay for some of the necessary equipment, but offer their products for sale. Commissioner Levy asked if there were general rules for the use of the facility, such as not playing loud music. Planning Director Darling stated that they could make sure they have a copy of Chapter 902 that contains the rules for the park. Garske moved to recommend approval of the City entering into an agreement with the Athletic Association (Tonka United) with payment of a $500 building use fee, to offer concessions through a pilot program Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from April through June. Wenner seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. B. IPM Plan Phase 2 Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield stated that because there was a lack of quorum on the Parks Commission, Phase II of the IPM went straight to the City Council for discussion but had wanted to formally share the information with the Commission. She noted that the Council discussed this at their recent retreat and she anticipates that they will be giving further direction to the Parks Commission at some point in the future. Planning Director Darling suggested that the Park Commission become familiar with the plan and what the consultant has suggested. She noted that the City’s budget does not allow for everything to be implemented all at once so the City Council may ask them to weigh in on possible alternatives. Chair Hirner asked if Silverwood would now be added into the IPM since the construction had been completed. Planning Director Darling stated that she believes that they lumped some of the smaller parks together so she did not know if they would re-evaluate Silverwood at this point. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield noted that she was disappointed that they had not done soil studies like they did at other parks, at Silverwood, because it would have been nice to get their input. She noted that in her opinion, Silverwood is not like the parks that it has been grouped with. She stated that it would be nice if the consultants would go out and do a soil study and take a look at the grass since it wasn’t done simply because the park was under construction. Planning Director Darling stated that she will talk to the consultants and see what that may involve. Chair Hirner suggested that the Parks Commission make sure that they have also ready the Phase 1 information as well. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2023 Garske moved to appoint Mike Hirner to serve as Chair. Levy seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Levy moved to appoint Commissioner Wenner to serve as Vice-Chair. Garske seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. 2023 Work Program and Schedule Chair Hirner reviewed the proposed 2023 Work Program and schedule put together by staff. Commissioner Wenner noted that she is a Minnesota Master Naturalist and Tree Care Advisor and stated that she would like to see the Park Commission become more acquainted with City policies with regard to trees. She noted that would also overlap with the IPM and things like Buckthorn removal. She stated that it may also be a good idea for the Commission to take a closer look at the City’s tree survey so they have a better understanding of what the City’s tree make-up actually looks like. Planning Director Darling stated that it may be possible to bring some of this information to the Park Commission but noted that the private development side of tree preservation was handled by the Planning Commission. She stated that they could bring information to the Commission for those that are on public property. Commissioner Wenner stated that she could take on working with the Parks survey and the tree survey and let the Commission know what she finds. Planning Director Darling stated that may be possible. Commissioner Wenner asked what kind of resources the City has for residents who are dealing ash trees or buckthorn. Planning Director Darling stated that the City has a program for disease evaluation through Davey Resource Group. She stated that the City contracts with them to provide a certain number of evaluations on private properties. She explained that they would not provide a quote for removal of the trees. She stated City does not require buckthorn removal and noted that per State rules it is not supposed to be transported or planted new. She stated that if people want to remove it from their private property, the City has some wrenches available, that require submitting a deposit and then they can keep the equipment for a week at a time. She stated that they are pretty effective, but it is hard work. Chair Hirner stated that the City has had goats in Freeman Park for a few years to help with the buckthorn issue and asked if they were once again considering that as an option. Planning Director Darling stated that the City actually had received a grant from the Minnesota DNR for $50,000 to restore part of the forest in Freeman Park. She stated that she believed the follow up plan following the mechanized removal and daubing was to maintain it with non-chemical means such as the goats, however, this is currently on hold pending details related to the IPM plan. Commissioner Wenner asked whether this grant would expire and if pausing the program could mean the City loses those grant funds. Planning Director Darling stated that it does expire in 2024 and noted that the City could lose the funds depending on how long things are put on hold. Commissioner Wenner stated that she would like to see the Commission take a look at tree information and policies next winter. She noted that they could also take a look at becoming a Tree City U.S.A. and noted that there are programs where the City could have college interns come and take over some of this type of work. She stated that the City could also take a look at holding Arbor Day events, tree sales, and find other ways to be more proactive. She reiterated that she would like to see the Park Commission take a closer look at the current tree preservation policy. Planning Director Darling stated that the Planning Commission discusses tree removal when they consider most projects. Commissioner Levy stated that she recently read through the bee resolution implementation plan and noticed two things that she did not think the City was really doing. She stated that one was efforts to plant pollinator plants and asked if that was something that Parks Commission would look for. She stated that she wonders if there should be signs at the parks so residents can look and see things and find out the names of things that they could grow in their own backyard. She asked if this type of communication fell under the responsibilities of the Parks Commission. Planning Director Darling stated that it would depend on what the City Council decides is the Park Commission role and noted that she thinks that they are still awaiting more direction from them on that issue. Wenner moved to add an item to the 2023 Work Program and Schedule for the month of December regarding trees in the parks. Hirner seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Garske moved to approve the 2023 Work Program and Schedule, as revised. Levy seconded. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS / UPDATES City Council Councilmember Sanschagrin introduced himself and gave an overview of recent Council discussion and actions. Staff Silverwood Park Grand Opening Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield stated that she had sent out a poll and it looks like the majority of the votes were to hold the Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. She stated that staff will move forward planning for the Grand Opening for that date. Commissioner Wenner noted that she had looked into the possibility of Ben & Jerry’s, but they will be too expensive. She noted that they had directed her to Big Bell who may be a better option for the City. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield stated that Recreation Specialist Vassar has been researching local ice cream vendors to try to find an option that would work, but will pass along this information to her. Planning Director Darling stated that the City Council will be looking more in depth at the IPM plan and ways to move forward at their March 27, 2023 Work Session meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield noted that Shore Report is in the works and there will be some Parks and Recreation programs and services that will be promoted. 7. ADJOURN Garske moved to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of March 14, 2023 at 8:33 p.m. Levy seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.