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092804 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Meyer, Young, Farmok, Westerlund, and Wagner; City Engineer Brown; and City Council liaison Zerby Absent: Commissioner Gilbertson was absent B. Review Agenda Item #9, Signs, was moved to the goals and priorities section of the agenda item #7. Farniok moved, Meyer seconded, Approving the agenda as amended. Motion passed 6/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of August 10, 2004 Westerlund asked for a review of the motion under item 47 and that revisions be made to clarify the motion more clearly. Westerlund moved, Meyer seconded, to approve the Minutes of the August 10, 2004 Park Commission Meeting subject to review of the taped motion under item #7 and revisions so noted. Motion passed 6/0. B. Park Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 31, 2004 Young moved, Meyer seconded, to approve the Minutes of the August 30, 2004 Park Commission Meeting as presented. Motion passed 6/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR Meyer asked if the Commission would be getting an update regarding the Freeman Plaza. Brown indicated that they would give an update under the Capital Improvement Program. 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meeting of September 13 and 27tn Brown reported that on September 13th the City Council amended the Park Foundation by-laws to reflect that they are an autonomous entity from the City, removing the directive that directors of the Foundation be appointed by the City Council. Accordingly, the requirement was also removed from the City Ordinance as well. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 2 OF 8 On other matters, the City Council approved the sign permit for the South Tonka Little League, the Donor Policy, and the Freeman Park Plaza Plan per the Park Commissions recommendations. In addition, Brown stated that the amendment that revised the term for the Park Commission to three years beginning March 1st running through the last day in February was approved. Brown reported that the September 27th meeting contained an amendment to the Ordinance that the Chair and Vice -Chair for both the Planning and Park Commission be chosen by the Commission itself. While this has been the practice, the Ordinance was revised to reflect this policy. In addition, work sessions have been held in which residents discussed concerns regarding overflow drainage near Freeman Park through the Shorewood Oaks neighborhood. Since this time, Council has directed staff and representatives of WSB to take a look at the area to determine the most practical method of addressing the drainage concerns and overflow of that area. Recommendations were made by WSB which included an option to pave the walkway area and create a drainage swale, which would also formalize the entrance to the park. A second option, would be for the City to consider covering the cost of installing a pipe from the property boundary of Freeman Park all the way to Shorewood Oaks to the north. The pipe eventually would spill out into the proposed Freeman Wetland area project. With neighborhood feedback, the City Council recommended staff proceed with the outflow swale through the side yards of the homes via the City outlot at a cost of roughly $15,000 and that the City continue to monitor the situation. If it is determined that this solution does not function well, then installation of a pipe would be considered through the Shorewood Oaks neighborhood at a cost of nearly $60,000-70,000+. Brown stated that the downside to the pipe installation would be that the neighbors in Shorewood Oaks would be responsible for gaining easements through the very back yards of some residents in the Shorewood Oaks development. Wagner asked what the collection point would be. Funded out of the stormwater fund, Brown stated that the 6' bituminous path would run as far as the fire hydrant and ultimately end up in the gutter of Shorewood Oaks Drive. He noted that the future improvements to the Freeman Park Pond will improve the water quality immensely. 5. UPDATE FROM CARVER COUNTY PARKS ON DOG PARK Lenny Schmitz, of the Carver County Parks system, updated the City on its progress in partnering with several communities to further the off leash dog park in Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. Schmitz informed the Commission that the City of Chanhassen Park Commission has passed a recommendation to their Council to allocate $20,000 in their 2005 CIP for the development of the off leash dog park and the City of Victoria has passed a recommendation to their Council to commit $5,000 to the project. He noted that the City of Excelsior did not express much interest in participating in the project at this time, nor did the City of Chaska. He indicated that Carver county Parks has begun the process of directing Brauer and Associates, a landscape architects specialty company, to look at a couple of alternative site plans. Davis asked how the Park system plans to contact dog owners to gauge their interest. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 3 OF 8 Schmitz indicated that they have been contacted by a minimum of several hundred dog owners who support the dog park and will spread word of the project. While most emails have been favorable, there is always controversy when it comes to designating an area for off leash dog parks. Westerlund asked whether dogs on leashes would be allowed within the rest of the park. Schmitz stated that the off leash dog park would consist of approximately 15 acres; however, leashed dogs would be allowed within other areas of the park. While the estimation for the initial investment for the dog park is $40,000, the park would take over costs for running the park. Davis indicated that she wished to be kept abreast of the progress the County makes. She inquired how the park would raise funds and charge for the parks use. Schmitz encouraged the Shorewood Park Commission to consider pledging an amount or making a recommendation to its Council supporting a partnership with the Carver County Park System. He explained that Carver County Park would bill the partner cities once the plans have been determined based on the amount of money available from its partners. While enforcement gets to be an issue, Schmitz stated that the dog park would have a separate entrance and honor boxes. Farmok asked if the Park was going to go forward with the level of support it has been given to date. Schmitz reiterated that they plan to proceed with the initial steps of working with Brauer and Associates on some initial site plans for the dog park. He promised to keep the Commissioners informed of upcoming meeting dates. Ann Nye, 1641 West 63rd Street — Excelsior, owner of the Wayzata Book Store, presented the Commission with a petition containing over 150 names of residents from the lakes area who support the construction of a dog park. She stated that there are a large number of people within the lakes area that are excited about the potential of a dog park in the Minnewashta Regional Park. She encouraged the City of Shorewood to participate in the partnership, especially since little room remains within Freeman Park for this addition. Meyer asked for ideas of how to raise money for the construction of the dog park. While she did not have immediate ideas, Nye stated that she would be willing to assist in the fundraising efforts for the dog park. She believed that most people would be willing to purchase an additional permit to use the dog park, which would also raise funds for dog parks construction. Tom Akins, 603 Glencoe Rd - Excelsior resident, stated that he would love to see the dog park delineated in the park; however, pointed out that the terrain of the current area used for dogs is not really suitable for another use than a dog park area. He explained that the park is used most by dog owners, in contrast to any other use at the park, and did not want to see limits set on the area used by pet owners. Davis asked what Mr. Akins was proposing. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 4 OF 8 Akins stated that he did not see why the park needs to identify a dog park area at all, `if it ain't broke, don't fix it' was his philosophy. Due to the rough terrain, he maintained that it is the dog owners and not recreational users who are using the park now; therefore, additional expenditures to put up fencing or parking are unnecessary. From a community point of view, Meyer indicated that it would the City's intention that other users be given the opportunity to use the park. She believed that the overall `community' demand warrants the need to open up the park to more users. Westerlund asked how much space would be added to the park for the dog park. Schmitz stated that the Park would hope to add another mile of trails within the approximately 15 acres designated for the dog park. He pointed out that people who are uncomfortable around dogs, such as families with small children, tend to avoid the 80 acres of back trails where dogs are free to roam. Schmitz stated that the proposed 15 acres, the dog park would be the third largest dog park in the metro area. As a dog owner, Davis stated that her concern would be that someday dogs might be banned from the park; therefore, owners should do all that they can to retain as much real estate of the park for dogs today as possible. Patty Feeney, 5630 Christmas Lake Point - Shorewood resident, stated that she visited the park this morning with her grandson in a stroller and her dog. She stated that this park is a very special park and different than any other park in the system and it would be her desire to walk the entire park area and not just be limited to 15 acres. As a responsible pet owner, her proposal would be to require pet owners to pay a bit more to use the entire park for their use, and let them decide when to put their pets on a leash. Young commented that this attitude sounds very idealistic, when the papers all the time site many irresponsible dog owners who don't leash their pets when others are around and this leads to problems. Julie Eisraney, frequent visitor of Lake Minnewashta Regional Park who trains hunting dogs, stated that she has never had an incident at the park in the past 25 years, but was given a ticket this summer for not having her dog leashed at the park. When she asked the judge where she could go with her pet to let him run, the judge suggested she try to change the law. Since June, Eisraney indicated that this is what she has been attempting to do. Westerlund questioned how changing the law to a leash or off leash law was relevant to the City of Shorewood voting to support the dog park. Eisraney stated that she would leave a copy of her proposed changes for review and suggested that the park consider instigating a permit for use of the park. Young asked if the leash law was a safety issue. Schmitz stated that dogs are not allowed to roam unrestricted without leashes; therefore, this supports the need for the dog park. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 5 OF 8 CONCESSION STAND REPORTS AND OPERATIONS FOR 2005 Brown reviewed the sales information provided by Scott Qualle, Freeman Park concessionaire, noting that the report was incomplete due to Qualle's computer crashing. Young asked why many dates were excluded from the report and how the initial figures compared to the sales of the previous year. Brown stated that the date exceptions were due to rainouts. In contrast to last year, Brown indicated that the concessions had sold approximately $11,000 worth of goods last year. Westerlund suggested that staff compile more information to compare the two years and report back at a future meeting. Brown indicated that he had asked Qualle whether he might have any initial interest in running the concessions the next year, to which he replied he would. 7. DISCUSS GOALS, PRIORITIES AND WORK PROGRAM Brown reviewed the 2004 Shorewood Park Commission Goals and the 8 additional items that the Commission wished to see added to the list. Brown asked for feedback from the Commission regarding the priority these items should be addressed in. Westerlund stated that she would support immediate consideration of a park signage discussion, followed by examination of a larger issue like water quality. Davis noted that many of the goals and issues could be separated into several categories; first, some fall under the big items such as drainage, horticulture, and trees in our parks; others consist of immediate issues like buckthorn control, signage, and vandalism that would provide more `instant gratification' if resolved; and finally, further educational efforts or programs in our parks should be investigated. She felt the Commission should try to pick one big item to try to accomplish over the next year, as well as, addressing the smaller instant gratification items. Since it is extremely visible, Wagner believed that park signage should be the first issue addressed by the Commission, followed by the vandalism issue, and finally the larger issues such as water quality and managing wetland and water in our parks. Meyer felt the water quality issue might involve a presentation from an educated source. Farmok stated that several of the items are short term `clean up' items, such as reviewing the concession operation numbers and signage; whereas, other items meet the long term items to work on. She pointed out that the educational piece should come first, before the Commission tries to tackle some of the big items. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 6 OF 8 Brown indicated that he had a general direction of how to proceed, including signage, vandalism, concession numbers, and a water quality presentation. 8. DETERMINE INVOLVEMENT WITH MN REC AND THE COMMISSION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Davis stated that she would love to invite a wetland expert or DNR representative to a Commission meeting to discuss water quality and some of the other items on the goals list. She asked Brown and the Commission whether they felt they were getting their money's worth via membership of the Mn Recreation and Parks Association. As mentioned in his memo, Brown stated that the initial first annual Commission Development Program was somewhat successful; however, more time might have been useful for the Cities to share ideas. Although members for just one year, Young stated that the association still appears to be a rich resource for the Commission and went virtually untapped by the Commission last year. He believed that it might be worthwhile to renew the membership for a second year as they might have access to some of the liaisons or expertise we'd like to pursue in some of the issues we are dealing with. He suggested the Commission revisit the membership next year if they have not proven their value to draw our support. Meyer concurred, stating that it was likely the Commission's own fault that it failed to use them as a resource, since they have been very responsive to our needs. Davis suggested staff invite representatives of the Association to make a presentation to the Commission as to their ability to assist the City with its list of goals and issues over the next year. 9. DISCUSS SIGNS FOR THE PARK This item was incorporated into the goals item 47 and would be addressed at a later date. 10. REVIEW OF THE 2004 AND 2005 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) A. Review Schedule of Improvements Brown reviewed the CIP for the 2003 Park Fund from Park Dedication Fees which equaled roughly $86,902, with an additional $27,900 in park dedication fees in 2004, for a balance of $114,800. He pointed out that an additional $33,000 was anticipated from the Barrington development. While fewer and fewer lot splits will continue to occur, Brown encouraged the Commission to spend its budget wisely. On the up side, Brown pointed out that when the levy limits were backed off recently, the Council, spearheaded by Council member Zerby, reacted to this by reinstating the $10,000 for general park improvements back into the budget each year. Wagner questioned what sort of balance in its contingency account the City expected to keep in their Park improvements account. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 7 OF 8 Brown stated that $20,000 had been earmarked for the skate park equipment, thus leaving an account balance in excess of $80,000. In recognition of the Public Works Department, Brown pointed out that the trail around the north end of Freeman Park was over 2/3 complete as of today, and was coming in under budget. Meyer asked whether the City Council would be helping to offset expenditures for the Minnewashta dog park if the Park Commission made a recommendation for this investment or whether the Park fund would be used to offset that expenditure. Brown stated that, as a staff member, he would assume that this expenditure would likely come out of the CIP plan for the Park Commission. Zerby indicated that it would be a much easier sell to the City Council if the Commission was straightforward with the Council and said the Commission found additional money in the Park budget and would like to use a portion of it for the dog park. While he felt the dog park was a good idea, he commented that he had not seen a ground swell of support to warrant the Council paying for it. Wagner asked what action the Park Commission was expected to take this evening with regard to the dog park. He indicated that he thought it set a bad precedent to support City's contributing to County parks and asked if this was common practice to contribute to County Parks. Brown stated that the Commission was under no obligation to make any commitment to the dog park this evening, and based on the comments from the public, he believed more consideration must be given to the subject. Meyer pointed out that consideration of a dog park was one of the Commission's identified priorities for several years. With the Carmichael development, Brown noted that water service would be brought along Highway 7 and staff would be demanding that service be provided for the skate park as well. B. Accept Proposal for Southshore Community Park Brown shared the recommendations by Tim Hughes and the quotes supplied by Ramptech and True Rides for upgrading the skate park equipment. He explained that it would be his recommendation that the surface be repaired; the existing equipment would remain, with the addition of a 4' high ramp and quarter pipe, as well as, resheeting the existing equipment. Davis agreed that the upgrades were necessary and the addition of the first two items acceptable; however, she was hesitant to invest a great deal more without knowing whether the trend was waning. Meyer pointed out that the investment for the first two items would be approximately $5,300, with additional shipping and handling. Westerlund moved, Wagner seconded, to approve the top two items of the Ramptech bid which include the 4' Quarter pipe and 4' Bank Ramp, with the addition of shipping and handling charges as staff deems reasonable. Motion passed 6/0. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 PAGE 8 OF 8 11. NEW BUSINESS Davis suggested that staff obtain pictures of the current signs for discussion of the signage issue for upcoming meetings. Meyer concurred, urging Commissioners to visit various parks to view the signs prior to the discussion. As a review of the Park Plaza design, Davis reported that the landscape architect had rearranged the tree placement slightly and access walk. Brown reported that, while the City Council approved the plans moving forward for the plaza, the Foundation was reminded that no construction will take place until the funds were in an escrow account with the city or letter of credit filed. Westerlund voiced concern regarding the potential for cut through traffic from the corner of Eddy Station to the corner of the plaza without additional plantings. She also suggested that the use of native plants be encouraged. Having visited the site, Farmok felt the cut -through traffic would not be as big a concern as one might first think. Brown stated that he would bring the Commission's suggestions back to the landscape architect for insertion into the plans. Davis requested that the November meeting be moved to an alternate date, since neither she nor Gilbertson would be available to attend. After discussion, the Commission agreed to hold the meeting on November 3, 2004. Council Meetings: October I LDavis October 25: Westerlund 12. ADJOURNMENT Meyer moved, Westerlund seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of September 28, 2004. Motion passed 6/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary