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Parks Commission Agenda Packet 10-25-2007 AGENDA PARKS COMMISSION October 25, 2007 - 4:30 p.m. 'To enhance community pride through developing and maintaining city parks with a high standard of quality" 1. Call to Order 2. Approve minutes of September 27, 2007 Parks Commission meeting. 3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. 4. Citizens comments and requests. 5. Park Maintenance 6. Open Air Shelter - West Bridge Park 7. Review of conceptual drawings for park at Sunset Ponds. 8. Review of draft Chapter 4 (parks) of Comprehensive Plan. 9. Meeting Date for November 10. Other Business, if any II. Adjourn NOTES TO PARKS AGENDA #6 Open air shelter for West Bridge Park Tom Pawelk is hoping to bring this item to the Council on their October 2200 meeting. The initial proposal from Flanagan Sales had not been acted upon because the Council felt the cost was too high. Since that time Tom Pawelk has been working on other options, including contracting out the building of the shelter. Tom Pawelk will update the commission on the Council's action. #8 Review of draft Chapter 4(Parks} of Comprehensive Plan Some of the Parks Commission members sat on the Task Force Committee for the Comprehensive Plan Update. Hoisington Koegler has submitted a preliminary draft of the plan for staff review. A copy of the section relating to parks is included for Parks Commission review and discussion. It was noted that with the budget restrictions, it is more difficult to get the manpower and equipment to maintain the existing parks as well as handle the development of newly acquired park land. The Park Commission may want to comment on whether the reality of the situation should impact the philosophy of the comprehensive plan. The last Park Comprehensive Plan was done in 1996 so a review would be worthwhile. #9 Meeting Date November The Parks Commission meeting in November would fall on Thanksgiving Day. Does the Parks Commission want to meet on the 15th or the 29th? Park Minutes: 9/27/07 MINUTES PARKS COMMISSION Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 4:30 p.m. "To enhance community pride through developing, maintaining City parks with a standard of quality" Members Present: Ben Hitter, Nancy McCaffrey, Larry Nolan, Rick Traver, Gene Emanuel and Council Liaison, Tom Perrault. Members Absent: None Others Present: Tom Pawelk, Park superintendent 1. Call to Order. Chair Larry Nolan called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present. 2A. Approve minutes of AUlrnst 23. 2007 rel!Ular Parks Commission meetinl!:. RICK TRAVER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 23, 2007 REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING. BEN HITTER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2B. Approve minutes of Julv 26. 2007 relrnlar Parks Commission meetinl!:. GENE EMANUEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 26, 2007 REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING. RICK TRAVER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Consideration of addinl!: items to the al!:enda. a) Recognition of Tom Pawelk as Park Superintendent 4. Citizens comments and requests Rick Traver, Larry Nolan and Nancy McCaffrey have all observed lots of kids enjoying the new play equipment at Hillcrest Park. The sidewalk is a great addition, and will be extended for ADA accessibility. The mulch will be leveled and the swings will be added next week. Some undesirable trees will be replaced and under story trees will be planted beneath the power lines. The Boy Scouts were recognized for their help in this project. The Scouts singled out park employee, Leo Schroden, for turning this project into a wonderful educational opportunity for everyone. Larry Nolan thanked and complimented the parks department stafffor their help on the condition of the park when the Nolan family recently rented the West Bridge Park pavilion for a family gathering. 5. Park Maintenance Tom Pawelk submitted the monthly task list. He also reported that the Parks Department is short handed with one worker having a back injury and one with a foot injury. A newspaper ad Park Minutes: 9/27/07 has been placed for an additional the opening of a full-time position in the Parks Department. Top priority is being given to Meadow Oak, Hillcrest and Groveland Parks. The Meadow Oak Pathway has turned out to be more difficult than originally thought. It is expected to take about 3 weeks work rather than the previously expected 4-5 days. After meeting with the Sunset Ponds developers, it was decided that the City will take over the preparation of the new park using the monies previously collected from the developer. A contractor will be hired to haul in and grade the 4 inches of topsoil necessary for the park this fall. Notification will be sent to residents to attend an upcoming Park Commission meeting so they can preview and comment on the park's design. Tom Pawelk was asked to bring some conceptual plans to the next October Park Commission meeting for discussion. Park Commissioners will be receiving via U.S. mail and invitation to attend Embrace Open Space on Oct. 11. See the invitation for details. The tour of the YMCA Park has been rescheduled for I :00 PM on October 24, led by Tom Pawelk. Attendees will include Dept. of Finance commissioner Tom Hanson. Four-wheel vehicles will be provided by Moon Motors. Funding for the YMCA Park should fit in with the Governor's bond issue. Park commissioners are invited. Tom Pawelk distributed a brochure that details options for the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Program. There have been several consumer calls to public works and the City web site. Larry Nolan has volunteered to weed and care for the shrub area along Riverside Cemetery and West River Street. Basketball hoops have been installed at Groveland Park. Park staff will join the East Bridge Park volunteers Monday, Oct. 8. The open-air shelter for West Bridge Park was not approved by the City Council, who requested a new set of bids which will put the installation of the shelter into 2008. Replacement of the play structure in River Mill Park is due in 2008. Residents will be petitioned as to what they wish to have in their neighborhood park. The Yz mile long pathway through Pioneer Park should be completed by the end of October. Larry Nolan will verify where the funds will be taken from. The fishing dock in Ellison was badly damaged by a vehicle driving on it. Repairs will be made over the winter. 6. Adiourn. NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 5:25 P.M. RICK TRAVER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Nancy McCaffrey, Acting Recording Secretary Comprehensive Plan Although it may seem like things are at a stand-still on the comp plan, much work has been happening behind-the-scenes. City staff have reviewed and recommended revisions on two drafts of the comprehensive plan. The reviews have resulted in a much more detailed plan that better reflects the outcomes of input to-date. The plan includes a new chapter specifically related to Economic Development and a new methodology regarding land use planning, which gives City policy-makers more discretion in determining ultimate land uses. The land use plan relates future uses specifically to the goals referenced in the community and task force meetings. The plan also incorporates next steps, which provide definitive items needed to support and carry-out the comp plan objectives. HKGi will be providing the latest draft directly to the City Council and Planning Commission NO LATER THAN October 31 st. City Council and the Planning Commission will have about two weeks to read through the plan, and then will be asked to attend a joint work session regarding the draft. At that time, they will be asked to provide direction for further input from other City Commissions (Parks, HRA, etc.) and from the task force. The goal is to have the public information meetings and public hearings on a final draft after January 1. Erosion Control The Erosion control ordinance draft is complete and will go before the Planning Commission at a public hearing on November 6th. For a draft of the ordinance, please contact Angela Schumann. Introduction The park system represents one of the basic public investments that ac- companies the development of the community. The park system is an essential part of the quality of life in Monticello. ~ Parks provide places for the community to gather and play. ~ Parks are integral parts of Monticello neighborhoods. ~ Providing recreational opportunities is an important element of mak- ing Monticello a complete place. ~ The parks system provides a means of preserving the natural features that are part of Monticello's character and heritage. ~ A system of trails connects the community. Parks, recreation facilities and trails are essential components of a com- munity. A direct link exists between a city's amenities and its quality oflife. The future of Monticello, to a degree, will be determined by its ability to attract new residents. People will view Monticello and assess what it has to offer compared to other area communities. Maintaining and enhancing an already strong park system is one measure that can be taken to ensure Monticello's reputation as an attractive place to live. The process of preparing the Comprehensive Plan did not seek to duplicate previous efforts of the City in park planning. Rather, the Comprehensive Plan builds a strong link between community development and the provi- sion of parks and recreation facilities. Park Classifications and Standards Parks and trails are classified according to their use and function. The infor- mation below is a summary of typical park characteristics: classifications, park sizes, and service areas. This section is intended to act as a general guide to park planning, acquisition and use. The standards are designed to assure that Monticello residents have convenient access to neighborhood parks and that the community has a range of active and passive recreation facilities to meet current and future needs. 2007 Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT - 9/07) Parks I 4-1 Mini-Park ~ Use: Specialized park that serves a concentrated population (i.e. tots or seniors) or geographic area. Used in areas where geographic barriers prevent access to a neighborhood park. ~ Service Area: Less than \i mile radius ~ Size: 0.5 to 2 acres ~ Location: Typically near higher density housing that does not have access to a neighborhood park or as a supplement to a neighborhood park. Neighborhood Park ~ Use: Basic unit of the park system, developed for both active & passive activities. Design criteria should anticipate the changing demographic pro- files of the neighborhood served, as to provide appropriate facilities. Focus on informal and un- structured activities. ~ Service Area: 1/3 mile radius ~ Size: 4-10 acres ~ Location: Easily accessible to the neighborhood population with safe walking and biking access uti- lizing trail networks. Parking facilities limited to a minimum. Site should have well-drained soils and not include topography of excessively steep slops. Community Park ~ Use: Area designed for community scale recreation either active (athletic fields, etc),. passive (picnic facilities, nature study, etc.) or a combination of both. ~ Service Area: Community wide ~ Size: 20-65 acres ~ Location: Site should be suited for community use, be easily accessible to the population it is intended to serve. Located near high traffic areas such as schools and maj or thoroughfares. School Park ~ Use: Depending on circumstances, combining parks with school sites can fulfill the space requirements of other classes of parks, such as neighborhood, community, athletic complex and special use. ~ Service Area: Driven by the location of the school property. ~ Size: Variable - depends on function. ~ Location: Land should typically be suited for ac- tive recreation use, but may also include natural areas. Linear Park/Greenway ~ Use: Trails incorporating ROW widening and land acquisition long rivers and natural areas. ~ Service Area: Community wide ~ Size: Varies .... Location: Along major river corridors, sensitive areas and exiting roadways. Incorporate multi-use and multi-modal trails. Current Park System Planning for the future begins with an understanding of the park system in 2007. Monticello's park system currently includes _ parks totalling approximately _ acres. The location of each park is shown in the map in Figure 4-1. The section that follows summaries the basic characteristics of each park. 4th Street Park ~ Shelter ~ Rest rooms ~ Ball diamond ~ Tot lot ~ Skating facilities (with lighting) - recreational skating and 2 hockey rinks ~ Off-street parking Balboul Park ~ Play facilities ~ Picnic facilities ~ Natural area/open space Battle Rapids Park ~ Natural area/open space Cardinal Hills Park ~ Volleyball courts .... Picnic area Cardinal Hills Park Tot Lot ~ Tot lot play area - City of Monticello Figure 4-1 - Existing Pork and Trail System -,--, LL- ! r1)h,-' /1 ,- 1< l ~ ~ ti Jl ~ ~ .~ <> j if I ---"t------ ~ i l <l ,. ~ ] ~ ~ g , e !l .. ~ s .. '; j ~ . ~ I .. l!; . I ~ III J is " 0 'u ~ v ~ 0 ~ " m m m of . ] ~ . . . . . u i . " ~ . .. .. ~ ]j ~ ~ ;; . "0 ., Jl Jl ;, & <t ! & ~ ~ " w .. < < <....? ~~ ~ <:II ~ T I ! i I I . I ! ~ ~ - ~ 1: .;. ., . ~ I 0 ! , . ~~ ., ~~ H r~_ ~ ~ ~~ 2007 Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT - 9/07) - City/Xcel Ballfields ~ Lighted softball fields (4) ~ Bleachers ~ Shelters ~ Restroom ~ Concession stand ~ Picnic facilities ~ Ball field Meadow Oak Park ~ Picnic tables ~ Nature trail ~ Basketball court Country Club Manor ~ Playground ~ Ball field ~ Volleyball ~ Picnic tables Meadows ~ Natural area/open space Mississippi Drive ~ Natural area/open space East/West Bridge Park ~ Play lot ~ Picnic facilities ~ Skating rink ~ Warming house with rest rooms ~ Sliding hill ~ Off-street parking Oak Ridge Park ~ Open space Otter Creek Park ~ Natural area/open space Ellison Park ~ Shelter ~ Rest room facilities ~ Creative play area ~ Tot recreational equipment ~ Swings for the handicapped ~ Parking ~ Boat launch Par West Park ~ Playground ~ Disc golf area (3 hole) ~ Basketball court ~ Picnic tables Fallon Park ~ Open space Freeway Fields ~ Soccer/football field ~ Basketball court ~ Little league ball field ~ Softball field Pioneer Park (Lions Park) ~ Play area ~ Community building with rest rooms ~ Picnic area with shelters ~ Off-street parking ~ Nature trails Groveland Park ~ Youth football fields ~ Softball diamond ~ Play area ~ Shelters ~ Parking Hillcrest Park ~ Skating facilities ~ Play lot River Mill Park ~ Playground ~ Lighted sliding hill ~ Ball field ~ Shelters ~ Basketball court ~ Volleyball court ~ Soccer field Rolling Woods ~ Playground area ~ Basketball court Montissippi Park ~ Picnic facilities ~ Rest room facilities - City of Montic.llo ~ Playground equipment ~ Fishing pier ~ Paved hiking trails ~ Boat launch Comprehensive Plan Initiatives The process of preparing the Comprehensive Plan identified a variety of initiatives related to the future park system in Monticello. These initiatives should be considered by the Park Commission in its planning efforts. Neighborhood Parks The map in Figure 4-2 illustrates the areas served by the existing park system. Each circle on this map represents an one-half mile radius. This map suggests that there are no critical gaps in the distribution of city parks. All neighborhoods have reasonable access to some form of park. The Comprehensive Plan does not show individual neighborhood parks in areas guided for new residential development. Instead, it is assumed that neighborhood parks will be added as property is platted. The following policies will guide City actions in the de- velopment and maintenance of neighborhood parks. 1. Neighborhood parks are essential elements of Monticello neighborhoods. Neighborhood parks are intended to be two to six acres in size. 2. The Comprehensive Plan seeks a service area of one mile or less for a neighborhood park. This service area must account for barriers created by natural and man-made features. The goal is to have a neighborhood park within walking or biking distance of every home. 3. There is a clear nexus between development and the need for additional parks. The City will use the park dedication powers convey by State Law to acquire land (or cash) to implement this Plan. The City will require the dedication of desirable locations for parks in all new subdivisions, unless the subdivision is adequately served by an existing (or planned) neighborhood park. Land received by the City through park dedication must have the capacity for park use. Dedicated land should not 2007 Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT - 9/07) Parks I 4-5 Figure 4-2: Existing Park Service Areas ~ ~~ be encumbered by steep slopes, poor soils, utility easements and other impediments to intended park uses. 4. Parks should be connected by trails and sidewalks to provide walking and biking access for both neighborhoods and the broader community. 5. The development, improvement and maintenance of the park system requires careful financial planning. With park dedication providing a key resource, this planning must be tied to ongoing projections of future growth. This planning should work to ensure that funding plans for the acquisi- tion and development ofthe regional park do not deplete funding for the rest of the system. 6. Timely development of neighborhood parks is es- sential. Funding of the park system should provide for both acquisition and timely development of neighborhood parks. This objective may require - . . ~.>{ i~ I . .I..n-+ ;-,/'\,i~.'j ~l ~ <c. '/ ... - ~ / . new financial strategies. Finance tools such as special assessments and housing improvement areas would allow a park to be built at the outset of residential construction. City of Monticello 7. Planning for neighborhood parks should also con- sider the needs of rural residential subdivisions. A less dense development pattern does not remove the need for neighborhood parks, but may alter the service area and location. Community Parks The acquisition and development of YMCA Camp Manitou is the sole new community park initiative pro- posed in this update of the Comprehensive Plan. The illustration in Figure 4-3 shows a preliminary concept for the development of this regional park. This initiative meets a wide range of community needs. ~ Acquisition of this property protects and preserves critical natural areas. As Monticello grows, it is important to preserve these areas for future gen- erations. ~ The recent and future growth of Monticello creates the need for more community recreation facilities. The regional park provides the space to meet these needs. ~ The park provides a wide range of amenities that will attract new development to Monticello. The park brings community-scale assets that benefits new development and enhances the quality of life across the community. These amenities create the setting that should be a catalyst for the quality of neighborhood and housing stock desired by the City. These factors help to create the nexus between de- velopment and this regional park initiative. The City anticipates using monies received from payments in lieu of park land dedication to pay for acquisition and improvement of the regional parle The Park Plan iden- tifies two types of parks designed to meet the needs of the broader community. The Land Use chapter describes how the park will relate to adjacent development and connected to the broader community. Community Greenway 2007 Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT - 9/07) Parks I 4-7 Figure 4-3: Concept for Development of Regional Park YMCA REGIONAL PARK April 10, 2006 . Monticello, Minnesota """ Adjacent Use: Low Density Residential and Golf Course . ENTRANCE Achvp. p"," II... In!; ~,,,..~l Phase I a) Parking lot lor approximally 100..ehides b) 4 Sollball fields 300 base pads c) 5 Internalional size soccer fields 100-120ydsx 70.80yds aIParkingl<:(exp'''",ion b) 4 Softbell fields 300' base pads c) 3 Intemational size soDCerfields . HlO-121'lydsx70-80yds Adjacent Use: Industrial Adjacent Use: Low Density Residential \ , , P~.oivAII...(4n","",.\ '\ Nursery \. P~ss".. P~rk lisp '1' ..".....l '\.. PrimiliveCamping Adjacent Use: Low Density Residential Adjacent Use: Low Density Residential AdiIlP.P"rXlIs"(?fi,,r:rMI Environmental Learning Canler Horseb.ackRiding Slable Parking Lot w o ~. " ~ Adjacent Use: Commercial Nursery Adjacent Use: Low Density Residential .5 .25 o .5 ml1e$ o - . . City of Monticello As Monticello continues to grow to the west and south, it has the opportunity to establish a commu- nity greenway, Monticello has a history of protecting natural features as growth occurs, A greenway builds on this commitment to create a connected system of natural areas that ring the community, The intent of this initiative is: ~ The corridors are a tool for preserving important el- ements of the natural environment in Monticello, ~ The corridors provide public access and use to these areas. ~ Greenway corridors become part of the defining characteristics and identity of Monticello, ~ The corridors provide routes for the trail system and a means of linking parks, community facilities and neighborhoods, ~ These areas provide habitat for wildlife, A key next step in this initiative is to conduct a Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) , A NRI determines the type, quality and location of natural features in Monticello and the orderly annexation area, The NRI can be used to identify key property to acquire for the greenway, It will also be useful in identifying potential gaps in the greenway that must be bridged with some other form of public space, Trails A system of trails is an essential part of the Compre- hensive Plan, Trails build connections, allowing people to move through the community without a car, Trails provide the means for using area wide parks and other natural areas, Trails offer recreational opportunities for Monticello residents, For the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, continued planning and development of the trail system should be guided by the following objectives: ~ Trails must be viewed as a system, Individual seg- ments must combine into a network that connects places within the community, These connections facilitate the movement envisioned by the trail plan, ~ Trail development should be incorporated with street construction. The construction and improve- 2007 Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT - 9/07) Parks I 4-9 ment of streets provides an excellent opportunity to build new segments of the trail system. Where possible, the trail should be detached and separate from the roadway. ~ Integrate trails into new subdivisions. Focusing on trails at the platting and site planning stage of development allows for routes that serve the neighborhood and link with other elements of the trail system. - City of Monticello