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072302 PK OH MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD FREEMAN PARK EDDY STATION PARK COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE 25800 STATE HIGHWAY 7 TUESDAY JULY 23, 2002 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE The Open House began at 7:00 P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Arnst, Commissioners Bartlett, Callies, Young, and Meyers; City Engineer Brown; City Council Liaison Zerby and Mark Koegler of Hoisington Koegler Group Absent: Commissioner Palesch Public: Approximately 25 attendees Engineer Brown welcomed the public and invited them to share their comments with regard to Freeman Park, its uses, and amenities. He introduced Mark Koegler to facilitate the discussion. Koegler shared a brief history surrounding Freeman Park and its development. He pointed out that during the past 10-15 years Shorewood has been on a journey of developing its parks. He explained that over the last 1-2 years the Park Commission has been revisiting the parks master plan and committed themselves to ensure access for all aspects of Shorewood’s community. As they revisit the Freeman Park Master Plan, Koegler stated that the Park Commission would like to obtain comments from its closest neighbors in Shorewood Ponds, some of which who were not present at the Parks conception, and along Eureka Road on the west side between Park Drive and Reutiman Lane. He indicated that, since the master plans were first completed, the area demographics have changed, people’s interests have changed, youth interests have changed, etc. After sharing an aerial photograph of Freeman Park dated approximately 2000, Koegler asked guests to explain how they use the park and/or things they might like to see as a part of the park or accessed here. GUEST COMMENTS Ruth Nowman, Shorewood Ponds resident, stated that she uses the park for walking and loves the trails. She felt the trails and park made a great addition to why she moved to Shorewood Ponds and thanked the Commission. Her one suggestion was to add tennis courts to the park. Koelger asked the neighbors how many others were interested in tennis courts. Six people rose their hands. Koegler stated that, like many activities, tennis interest has been cyclical over the years. PARK COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE July 23, 2002 Page 2 of 5 Woman 1 stated that she uses the trails often for biking and suggested the City lay a trail, paved preferably, along the soccer fields to link up to the trail system and west perimeter. Koegler polled the audience for the number of bikers and asked what sort of movement pattern they prefer. Over half of those present were bikers and indicated they enjoyed biking thru the woods but would prefer paved trails to gravel. Gentleman 1, pointed out that, on occasion, small cars or snowmobiles would insist on driving on the trail. Koegler encouraged residents to call the police or City Hall if they notice operational problems. Dog owner from Shorewood Ponds, stated that he walks the parks with his dog four times daily. He stated what wonderful walking trails they are and complimented the City for providing plastic bags. He indicated that, oftentimes, he picks up after other peoples pets in fear that the City might outlaw dogs altogether if owners are not responsible. He felt this was a great feature. Meyer thanked him for using the plastic bags. Woman 2, stated that she would even like to see benches placed throughout the trails for a spot to sit, rest, and appreciate the scenery. Woman 3, voiced her concern with regard to the speed limit signage along Park Drive. As of yet, the street is not marked and she hoped it would be soon, especially with the impending Highway 7 access closure. Woman 4, asked if it were possible to make the post barrier more effective to stop small cars from sneaking down the trail in the Park. Koegler indicated that Engineer Brown would address this question. Gentleman 2, stated that Eureka Road is a speedway. New resident, asked why the City was closing the Highway 7 access. While Brown would address this question later, Koegler stated that Highway 7 improvements and safety issues necessitate the closure. Gentleman 2, pointed out that the Park Lane/Eureka Road signage at the corner blocks drivers views at the intersection and could be hazardous. Many agreed this was unsafe. Woman 5, voiced her concern with regard to parking issues and amount of traffic created due to soccer tournaments. PARK COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE July 23, 2002 Page 3 of 5 Koegler explained that the Park Commission had spent a great deal of time over the past year or so examining parking, and while a new lot will be developed this fall, the staggered start times for sports activities had helped alleviate some of the problems. Brown acknowledged that tournaments are difficult, in fact, he stated that the tournament last year was the straw that broke the camels back. Brown continued that the Park Commission has been diligently working on its evaluation of Freeman Park. They’ve examined the utilization, its use or overuse, discussed whether its managed properly, what groups its missing, and what can be done to provide for those groups. The culmination of 1 1/2 years of analysis, combined with your input, will direct the Freeman Park master plan for years to come. With regard to tournaments, Brown indicated that the City has put tougher controls into effect, prompting the soccer folks to go elsewhere. He added that the City will be and has been taking dramatic steps to regain control of field usage, traffic, and other issues, including the installation of video surveillance cameras at Eddy Station. Woman 5, asked what the current dog regulations were. Brown encouraged the woman to call City Hall to verify, but he believed the ordinance required that dogs be under voice control within 10 feet and owners pick up after their pets. With regard to the walking trails and loops, Koegler asked how far and where residents went. Woman 1, stated that it often depends on the mosquitos. Typically, she avoids the woods during the evening hours, but walks along Park Drive, down the trail, through the fields, the trail, and home. Gentleman 3, suggested further trail maintenance within the woods. There are low branches and low spots in the gravel, which need attention. He added that horseshoes might be a nice addition to the park. Koegler stated that horse shoes is gaining in popularity once again, and asked if there were other activities users would like to see. Woman 5, inquired about the proposed skating rink in the works for several years. Brown stated that the master plan had included a free skating rink outside Eddy Station and the building and flooring was intended for that purpose. He believed that with the installation of the video surveillance equipment, which has reduced vandalism, this might be pursued. Brown asked to talk about the Eureka Road trail, access closure, and parking. With regard to the trail segment along Eureka Road, Brown indicated that the City has taken on the developers commitment to construct a trail. He explained that the access closure is the result of a Highway 7 safety corridor study. Over the years, MnDOT has threatened to shut down the access to Highway 7, however, only recently have they agreed to compensate the City to do so. Brown reported that the City has been accepting bids for the parking lot construction, only to be surprised by the contractors PARK COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE July 23, 2002 Page 4 of 5 high bids. While the lowest bid came in at approximately $247,000, the City had estimated a cost of $168,000, considerably less. Brown stated that, when asked, the contractors blamed the high prices on the impact high fuel prices has had on everything they do. The City will attempt to rebid this in January. Brown had hoped that, by constructing the parking lot at Freeman, using that contractor we would finalize the contractors obligation to putting that trail along Eureka Road. The bids were rejected by the City Council the evening before, and Brown stated that he now has to weigh whether he should find another contractor or evaluate if his own crew can complete the work. Brown stated that when he had been in the Park, the comments he had received favored a perimeter trail. He asked, if there were a proposed perimeter trail up to the Eureka Road entrance, would the guests favor this as part of the comprehensive plan. Woman 5, asked why there are stakes marking a trail along Park Drive. Brown indicated that the stakes had been placed to mark utilities. Woman 5, asked how they would handle the culvert if a trail were constructed. Brown stated that they would extend the culvert in order to get the Reutiman Lane connection. Gentleman 2, asked what the time line for the perimeter trail would be. Brown stated that the first segment, along Eureka Road, would be done this year, however, the rest would have no specific time line. With the lack of available funding and the need for more creativity, the Park Commission would put it into the comprehensive plan for future development. Woman 3, Shorewood Ponds, stated that the trail they expected has not happened yet. Brown replied that, as most of the Shorewood Ponds residents were aware, there has been a long sordid past with the developer. He stated that the City recognizes this has been a sore subject with everyone, and assured them that there would be re-grading and dressing up of the pond. Applause from the residents. Woman 6, questioned the possibility of a trail along the development and swamp. Brown indicated that this was misinformation, stating that MCWD does not allow the construction of trails so close to wetlands. Brown thanked everyone for their comments, stating that their feedback was vital to the park planning process. Brown stated that there is a real challenge with regard to the earlier question of blocking off a larger portion of the roadway or trail to discourage people from driving on it. The issue is how to keep unauthorized vehicles off the roadway and still allow emergency vehicle access. Brown maintained that the City must leave 9 1/2 feet open to allow room for emergency vehicles and they are in the PARK COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE July 23, 2002 Page 5 of 5 vprocess of evaluating creative ways to deter other vehicle access. They have installed signage, will have a standard barrier curb, and use landscaping instead of ballards to deter access. Woman 6, asked if they should take licenses and call the police. Brown encouraged them to do so. With regard to the speedway on Eureka Road, Brown indicated that residents might be surprised to find that drivers are not moving as fast as expected. He stated that he would commit to doing a speed study class, using a radar gun or speed cart to test and monitor speeds. Woman 7, noted that the no parking signs were not posted on Pondview Drive. Brown stated that they have the signs and those will be put up. The Open House finished at 7:50 P.M. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi Anderson, Recording Secretary