Parks Commission Agenda Packet 02-19-1998
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AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING. PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, February 19, 1998 - 4:30 a.m.
Call meeting to order.
Welcome Jennifer Fearing!
Consideration of approving the mintues for the January 15, 1998 meeting.
Add items.
Discussion on the Comprehensive Park Plan - Steve Grittman/Dan Sjordahl
Discussion on the design for West Bridge Park - Dan Sjordahl
Discussion on Highway 25 Project Pathway Planning - Steve Grittman
Discussion on the final draft of the adopt-a-park guidelines - Wanda
Discussion on the Tree Planting Project - Wanda
Update:
A. Islands across from Bridge Park - Wanda
B. MCP Events - Fran
C. Community Center - Jeff
D. Irrigations Systems - Roger
E. LCMR grant
11. Added items
12. Adjourn
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING. PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, January 15, 1998 . 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Larry Nolan, Fran Fair, Earl Smith, Rick Traver
Staff Present: Steve Grittman, Dan Sjordahl, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call meetine- to order.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Nolan.
2. Consideration of aDDrovin~ the minutes for the meetin~ on
December 18. ] 997.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EARL SMITH TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE
DECEMBER 18, 1997 MEETING. SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. Add items.
A. Discussion on pathway along Hwy. 25/Chelsea Road Project.
B.
Irrigation in river parks
C.
Islands across from Bridge Park
4. Interviews for parks commission applicants.
Jennifer Fearing and Roy Popilek were interviewed for the vacancy on the Parks
Commission. After interviewing and discussing each candidate, FRAN FAIR
MADE A MOTION TO SELECT JENNIFER FEARING TO FILL THE VACANCY,
SECONDED BY RICK TRAVER. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Discussion on the Comprehensive Park Plan.
Dan Sjordahl and Steve Grittman, City Planners, divided the city into sections and
discussed each area. Sjordahl explained that each area was reviewed for
neighborhood parks, accessability to community play fields, safety of crossing areas,
future park location needs, and pathway connections.
The Commission did discuss the safety of crossing areas in depth. The intersections
of main concerns were as follows: Highway 25/River Street, School
Boulevard/Fallon, School Boulevard/County Road 117, West BroadwaylPrairie
Road.
Sjordahl explained there are two large field complexes at NSP and the new High
School. Sjordahl would suggest another large ball field in the southwest area
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/15/98
(south of the intersection of Hwy. 25 and Oakwood Drive).
Bridge Park will be a main focus area for this year and in the future. The
Commission directed the City Planner to continue with the design for this park
which would include the specific items from the past subcommittee meetings.
6.
Discussion on adopt-a-park euidelines.
Wanda Kraemer, Development Services Technician, reviewed the guidelines for
adopting parks, pathway, and/or public areas in the city limits with the
Commissioners. Kraemer would revise the draft for the next meeting.
7. Discussion on user fees for the parks.
Earl Smith and Fran Fair reported on the suggested changes made by the
subcommittee. The sub-committee's recommendation was to charge for the use of
all buildings and shelters in the parks. This was recommended because of the
increased use causing a need for sprinkler systems and increased maintenance
8.
Discussion on bud~et items for 1998.
Pathway Bids - Chairman Larry Nolan requested the pathway segments in this
year's budget be bid in February or March. Nolan requested City staff to contact
John Bondbus regarding the pathway because of his office in this area.
9.
Consideration of submittin~ a LCMR Grant Proposal. Discuss ~ant application
ideas. (Klein Farms, Montissippi, eeL)
Wanda Kraemer, Development Services Technician, asked if there were any
preferences or ideas for the LCMR Grant Proposal. Kraemer stated that Jeff
O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, had suggested reviewing Klein Farm Park as a
good example for a LCMR Grant Proposal. The Commissioners were interested in
the grant and suggested staff proceed.
10. Update:
A. Tree planting project - Wanda Kraemer, Development Services Technician,
reported the project was on schedule for April 25, 1998. At the end of
January letters were going to be mailed to organizations, church and school
groups to be returned by March 16, 1998. The parks maintenance crew
would soon be mapping the blocks where trees would be planted. NSP had
"officially" volunteered to dig all the holes for the trees. Tree Trust would be
available for training the volunteers.
B. Community Center - This item was not discussed in detail but would be
added to the next meeting.
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11. Added items
A.
Pathway alon~ the Hi~hway 25/Chelsea Road Project - Wanda Kraemer,
Development Services Technician, stated that the City Engineer was
requesting a recommendation from the Parks Commission regarding the
pathway along Highway 25/Chelsea Road Project. The project was being
submitted to MnDOT in the near future and direction on the design of the
pathway in this section was needed. The Commissioners discussed the
pedestrian traffic from Kjellbergs Mobile Home Park combined with the
speed and volume of traffic in this area it was decided to recommend
construction of pathway on both sides of H wy. 25. Also discussed, was the
location of the pathway along Chelsea Road. EARL SMITH MADE A
MOTION TO RECOMMEND CONSTRUCTION OF PATHWAY ON BOTH
THE EAST AND WEST SIDES OF HIGHWAY 25 FROM KJELLBERGS
MOBILE HOME PARK TO OAKWOOD DRIVE, THE SOUTH SIDE OF
OAKWOOD DRIVE, AND THE NORTH SIDE OF OAKWOOD DRIVE.
SECONDED BY RICK TRAVER. Motion passed unanimously.
B.
Islands across from East Brid~e Park - Fran Fair inquired if there was a way
the storm damaged trees could be cleared from the islands across from Bridge
Park. Fair stated that the river parks were the main focus for the 1998
budget and the islands across from Bridge Park were in need of attention.
The Commissioner's discussed the possibility of the National Guard assisting
in this project. Wanda Kraemer, DST, would contact Bob Quady, DNR, and
inquire as to any restrictions with the City clearing the island of the fallen
trees.
C. Terracin~ the bride-e on Hi~hwa.y 25 - Fran Fair requested staff check with
the MNDOT Office for procedure on acquiring permission to change the
landscaping along the bridge. Wanda Kraemer, Development Services
Technician, would call MNDOT to get the information.
12. Adjourn
EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED
BY FRAN FAIR. Motion approved.
Wanda Kraemer
Development Services Technician
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The final phase of the Comprehensive Parks Plan
establishes a process of projecting land acquisition
and park/pathway improvements, setting priorities.
and scheduling for their provision and financing
over a period of time. This process produces a
long range guide for recreation and requires that
the City look toward the futW'e to anticipate
capital expenditures and to provide revenues to
meet them. This section does not take the place of
a. capital improvements plan in that precise costs
are beyond the scope of this document, however,
the City must begin thinking about establislunent
of a five year priority list, analyzing their financial
situation, and obtaining cost estimates for the
desired improvements.
CONCEPT PLANS
Following completion of the Policy Plan, the third
. level of recreation planning is the physical Concept
Plan. Usually prepared in a series. concept plans
are site-specific and seNe as the basic documents
for the layout, facility mix, landscaping, and
construction details for a park or recreation
facility. For this reason, they are best prepared
once the Comprehensive Parks Plan has been
completed and location of individual park sites
detennined. They are based upon a well"defined
program of recreation facilities and services to be
provided and the overall physical arrangement of
such.
LAND ACQUISITION
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Park and trail land dedication will playa major role
in acquiring and developing park/pathway
facilities> although is not possible in all cases.
Acquisition through dedication is a long term
process since land can only be obtained as the
abutting land is developed. While the outright
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purchase of land is many times prohibitive due to
investment costs and anticipated benefit per capita
through the City> it will be necess81)' where
developments are already in place and lack
recreational facilities or to acquire special, distinct
pieces of land which would otherwise be difficult
or impossible to obtain through park dedication.
While portions of Monticello contain
developments that are already in place where
several of the pathway corridors are proposed and
will likely require land acquisition through
purchase or the establishment of easements, the
utilization of road rights-of-way can also provide
an easy alternative for establishing public trail
routes.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROCESS
Capital improvementprograrmning provides an
instrument for canying out the objectives and
recommendations of the Monticello
Comprehensive Parks Plan. Through prioritization
of five year capital needs for the City's park and
recreational facilities and identifYing the amount of
money available to . finance the improvements
during this period, the City will be able to
determine which improV'emeo,ts are necessary in
terms of their ability to pay. The capital
improvement program (CIP) is a flexible process,
in that as the social, physical and financial
conditions change within the City, the priority of
the scheduled projects may also change. In
response to the changes in the City, the CIP must
be an ongoing process. Each year the CLP should
be re-evaluated for consistency with the plan,
current recreational needs, and fiscal condition of
the City.
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The following process should be utilized by the
Park Commission and City Council when
reviewing potential park capital improvement
projet..1s.
1. Establish a five year priority list of
park/pathway capital improvements that
reflects current and projected. recreation
demands.
2.
Analyze the City's current financial
situation.
3.
Obtain up.to-date cost estimates for high
priority items.
4.
Develop project descriptions and plans for
the desired improvements which include
proposed scheduling and phasing.
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Make copies available of the CIP for
public inspection prior to the City
Council's presentation of the annual
budget at the required public hearing.
6.
Begin the process over again following
approval of the CIP and the beginning of
another calendar year.
It is recommended that a specific annual eIF
review schedule be established for the review of
potential park/pathway projects. This will enable
persons who wish to request consideration of new
items to present their position in ample time to
change the CIP, if necessary, in a manner
consistent with conununity needs and reducing or
eliminating financial commitments being made for
projects which might not proceed to the final
construction stage in the event that they are
deleted or moved back on the priority list.
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CONSISTENCY WITH PLAN ELEMENTS
AND ORDINANCES
Parks and pathways have a positive, but often
intangible, effect on the economy and quality of
life in suburban areas. A healthy attractive
neighborhood results when a combination of
factors are present, for example, well kept homes,
adequate jobs, quality public services, including
well planned. and maintained recreation facilities.
In this regard, it is important that the Policy Plan
contained herein is followed in association with the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Policies.
Implementation programs involving capital
outlays, exactions such as levied fees. zoning and
related actions must be consistent with the plan's
policies. Arbitrary departure from adopted or
endorsed policy statementS could lead to litigation.
The focus of attention on a broad policy
framework provides more flexibility for guiding
governmental response to rapid physical,
economic and social change. Since the plan
documents a continuous planning process and
records this evolution only for a given segment of
time, regular review and updating are critical.
Along these lines, the City's Zoning and
Subdivision Ordinances must also be consistent
with established plan elements or they will be
difficult, if not impossible, to conunand and
execute. Ordinance amendments are a critical part
of the implementation process which should
directly follow completion of this plan. Without
update of existing code requirements, tbe City may
miss opportunities to realize potential benefits of
newly established policies, particularly during the
development season and the rate of growth is
accelerating throughout the community. Specific
ordinance criteria to address includes: park
dedicati.on requirements, pathway width and
location standards. tree planting requirements, etc.
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1998-1999 PARK PRIORITIES
Parks shall be constructed on a priority basis,
according to the City's capital improvement plan
and available funds. The following park projects
represent the top priorities (in the order listed) as
determined by the Parks Commission at the time
of document completion in the Spring of 1998.
The projects shall be budgeted into the eity's five
year capital improvement plan and shall be
completed as time allows.
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1998--1999 PATHWAY PRIORITIES
Pathways shall be constructed on a priority basis,
according to the City's capital improvement plan
and available funds. The following pathway
projects represent the top priorities (in the order
listed) as determined by the Parks Conunission at
the time of document completion in the Spring of
1998. The projects shalt be budgeted into the
City"s five year capital improvement plan and shall
be completed as time allows.
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LOCAL FUNDING SOURCES
Park Dedication Fees
For the most part, it is this plan's intention to
provide parks and pathways which will not burden
the City with high acquisition and construction
costs. Land and right-of-way for construction of
recreation facilities will be acquired as part of the
dedication process of a subdivision, as
donations/gifts. or as an improvement (in the case
of trails) to be included as roads are built or
upgraded wherever possible. Due to the obstacles
that may arise through acquisition of land for
parks and pathways, the Comprehensive Parks
Plan provides a general layout of proposed park
locations and trail routes which may need to be
altered at the time of property development and
acquisition.
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At the present time, park land dedication
contributions required of developers as a cash
donation is based on the raw land value of the land
to be developed. This fee is charged in those areas
where no park land is required. and is used for
acquisition and development throughout the City.
While this is fairly consistent with neighboring
communities, the amount as it stands makes it
more advantageous for developers to pay the park
dedication fee rather than dedicate land.
Furthermore, the current park dedication
requirement does not take into account the
resident needs and expanded facilities shown in
this plan, both of which will be used as the basis
for construction of recreation elements. Without
an increase in the park dedication fee, the source
af funds for development and improvement of
parks will be partially consumed for pathway
purposes at a time when population and
development is on a continual rise. Based on
recent analysis of developer costs and park
dedication requirements in neighboring Wright
County municipalities, as conducted by Northwest
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Associated Consultants, Inc., it is recomm.ended
that the City look toward raising the park
dedication fee in future years. For reference
purposes, the inventory of fees has been attached
as Appendix B.
This recommendation is made in an effort to
provide equity between those land developers who
arc required to donate land and those who pay the
fee. Currently, the low level of cash payments
result in an unequal burden placed on those from
whom land is required. The higher fee is intended
to accommodate the cost of land and its
development, and the opportunity cost of being
deprived of that land through park land dedication.
The additional effect of this tee increase would be
to accelerate the accumulation of funds for
acquisition and development. Adequate levels of
park funds would be available for use sooner to
catch up and keep up with the pace of
development, presnming that the fee itself does not
affect such. as it is natcxpected to do so. This
assumption is made in light of the fact that new
development has continued in those areas where
land dedication has been required, and the fee is
recommended at a level which approximates the
cost of land dedication to the developer.
User/Service Fees
Although historically limited to special use
recreational facjJities, such as hockey arenas or
swimming pools. the use oruser/service fees as a
financing tool is being expanded by many
communities to include other facilities an
programs. User/service fee revenues can be
generated on a user basis for such activities as
golf, tennis. swimming. and team sports such as
softball, baseball, soccer, football" etc. A key
component required for instituting user/service
fees as a revenue source is having a defined and
identifiable user population. The decision to use
these types of fees will generally reflect
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considerations such as projected costs, availability
of other sources of funding and local recreation
policies. Rates for residents may differ from those
outside the City and should be set at a level which
will, at least in part, offset the costs of developing
and maintaining public facilities.
PROGRAM ASSISTED FUNDING OPTIONS
While park land acquisition and development are
capital outlays that are typically financed with the
revenues from City dedication or general funds,
there are other methods available to assist the City
in raising necessary money for large projects. The
following grant programs may be available to the
City if the intended project(s) comply with the
submission criteria.
DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
. (LAWCON - Land and Water Conservation
Fund)
The goal of the Outdoor Recreation Grant
Program is to assist communities in acquiring,
developing, and/or redeveloping facilities for
outdoor recreation use. The grants can fund up to
50 percent of a total project cost, while the
remaining local share can consist of local funding,
materials, labor, and equipment through local
sponsors or donations. The land must be owned
by the applicant and must be developed completely
within three years from the date of fund
acquisition. One or more of the following facilities
must be included in a proposed project:
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Baseball/Softball Fields
BasketballJHard Courts
Boat Launching Sites
Campgrounds
Canoe Access Sites
Cross Country Ski Trails
Fishing Piers/Shore Fishing
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FootbalVSoccer Fields
Nature Study/Observation Areas
Picnic Shelters
Playgrounds
Skating/Hockey Rinks\
Swimming Beaches
T cnnis Courts
Trails
V ollcybaU Courts
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In addition, support facilities are also eligible for
funding provided at least one facility from the
above list is provided. Support facilities include
drinking fountains, fencing. fire pits/grills,
landscaping, lighting, roads/parking, benches!
seats, trash receptacles, restroom/shower/storage
buildings, signs, sledding hills, warming houses,
utilities., and design/engineering costs (up to 10
percent).
DNR Cooperative Trail Graut Program
This program. aims to increase the importance of
bicycles and pedestrians as part of an internodal
transportation system.. It provides financial
assistance for the development and maintenance of
recreational trails and trail-related projects. The
following types of projects are eligible for funding:
1. Constroetion of new trails on federal (with
limitations), state, county, municipal or
private lands.
2. Development of lJfban trail linkages near
homes and work places.
3.
Maintenance of existing recreational trails,
including snow grooming and
maintenance,
4.
Restoration of areas damaged by
recreational trail use.
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Development of trail side and trail head
facilities (i.e., drainage, crossings,
stabilization, parking, signage, controls,
shelter, and utilities).
6.
Provision of features that facilitate access
and use of trails be persons with
disabilities.
7.
Land acquisition from willing sellcrs when
consistcnt with the State Trail Plan.
8.
Environmental awareness and safety
education programs relating to the use of
recreational trails.
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This program requires a SO percent local funding
match of between $5,000 and $50,000, Costs
must be incurred and paid for before
reimbursement can take place. Furthcr
infonnation may be obtained from the Recreational
Services Section of the DNR in St. Paul.
DNR Regional Trail Initiative Grant Program
(ISTEA .. Bicycle Transportation and the
Internodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991)
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This program is intended to promote local
development of trails and encourage utilization of
federal ISTEA enhancement funds. No less than
60 percent of the funds would be directed to
regionally significant trails, no more than 40
percent of the funds would be directed to trails
withinlbetween communities. Priority would be
given to ISrEA enhancement projects. Eligible
projects include land acquisition and pathway
development, however, the acquisition of right..of-
way will only be eligible when it is proposed in
conjunction with pathway development. This
program requires a 50 percent local funding match
of between $5,000 and $250,000. Costs must be
incurred and paid for before reimbursement can
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take place. Further information may be obtained
from the Recreational Services Section of the
DNR in St. Paul.
Legislative Commission on Minnesota
Resources
The LCMR program works toward enhancing and
protecting Minnesota's natural resources. One or
more of the following strategies must be met in
order to be considered for available funds. The list
is a partial list of strategies and represents the
order of priority in which funds are given. A
complete list of project components, application
requirements, and funding cycles can be obtained
from the State Offices.
1.
Rehabilitate state and regional parks! trails.
2.
Acquire and develop state and regional
parks and trails.
3.
Acquire, protect, and enhance critical
habitat, native prairies, unique and/or
sensitive areas,. scenic bluffs. aquatic
resources. old growth forests, and historic
sites.
4.
Expand rural and urban fe-vegetation with
native species. including community shade
tree programs. Implement native species
tree planting for energy coose1Vation.
carbon dioxide abatement, erosion control.
wildlife habitat., and other benefits.
s.
Research and demonstrate ecologically
sound methods to control or eradicate
exotic species of plants or animals which
are or may become a threat to the
environment.
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Accelerate the implementation of measures
to reduce non..point source pollution.
7.
Provide for all types of wetland purchase,
restoration and easement acquisition to
enhance wildlife habitat, erosion control,
water storage, flood contro~ and water
quality.
8.
Accelerate the use of farming practices
consistent with wildlife habitat and
environmental and human health
protection.
9. Create qualitative and quantitative
benchmarks, including biological
indicators, for key natural resources to
permit effective monitoring and assessment
of emironmental trends,
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
One of the final levels of recreation planning
addresses the operation and maintenance plan for
parks, pathways, and recreation and open space
facilities. Part of the implementation process is to
provide tools for the development offacilities and
delivery of services necessary for the provision of
recreation experiences. These action plans include
capital improvement programs, operations
manuals, personnel tracking plans, zoning,
scheduling and maintenance standards.
Monticello, along with professionals in the field,
must combine the art and science of park
management in order to balance park and open
space resoW'ce values with the provision of needed
recreation facilities. The park and recreation
standards which were utilized herein selVe as one
of the benchmarks against which the quality of life
within a community can be measured.
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COMMUNITY EDUCATION
An important aspect of park and pathway
development is user knowledge of the recreational
facilities. To promote the use of the community
recreational system, the City should provide
informational material to residents as the facilities
are implemented. A newsletter and map mailed to
each household or an article in a local newspaper
are probably the best means by which to
accomplish this. At the same time, the City should
work to establish a list of rules and encourage
conununity awareness of such.
PUBUC PARTICIPATION
The development or improvement of parks and
pathways in the City is an excellent way to
energize and direct the resources and talents of
community volunteers. This approach can result
in higher quality recreation opportunities at a more
reasonable cost to the taxpayer. Under this
scenario, it is essential that the City organize
projects and cooperate with the volunteers of non-
profit, private. industrial, commercial, or religious
groups in the planning. financing, maintenance,
and scheduling of projects.
IDENTIFICATION AND SIGN AGE
A clear and concise system of park and trail
signage is beneficial in any recreational system to
assist users in finding and using the facilities.
Many times signage is also beneficial when
installed to identify future park or pathway
improvements as a means of infonning
prospective owners of adjacent/nearby property
and for general public knowledge to let citizens
know of work in progress. Most commonly
associated with existing facilities, directional
graphics may be in the form of painted pavement
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symbols/lettering or any variety of regulatory,
warning, or guidance signage. Signage should
include general identification of an area, layout and
types of facilities present. directions for specific
points of interest such as handicapped areas,
restrooms~ or connections to destinations, pathway
distances, and user/safety rules. The best location
for much of this information is near the entrances
to parks/trail segments or near parking areas. The
signage should be consistent throughout the City
and should be easily understandable and
maintainable. The u.s. Dept. of Transportation's
Federal Highway Administration has outlined size,
shape, and color criteria for signs in the Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
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ADOPT-AN-AREA
GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATELY-FUNDED IMPROVEMENTS TO
CITY PARKS, PATHWAYS, OR OTHER PUBLIC PROPERTY
WHEREAS, from time to time, private groups or individuals (volunteers) may recognize an
opportunity to improve public park areas, pathways, and/or a public property and seek to
provide free labor and supply materials necessary to complete an improvement project, and
WHEREAS, the City of Monticello appreciates the willingness and efforts made by
volunteers to beautify and improve city parks, pathways, public property and
WHEREAS, city park improvement projects, maintenance, or activities undertaken by
volunteers will be conducted on public lands and, therefore, need to be coordinated with
City park planning and operations, and
WHEREAS, a common understanding must be established between the City and
volunteers regarding each city improvement project in terms of project design, financing,
maintenance, etc.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MONTICELLO, that the following guidelines shall be followed in regulating city park,
pathway, or public improvement projects completed by volunteers:
1. Eli~bility. Anyone interested in undertaking a park improvement project is
eligible.
2. PrQject Duration. Volunteers shall commit to maintaining the project site for a
period of two years with renewal each year. (See lIB)
3. Plan Preparation.
A. A set of plans shall be prepared that provides detail necessary to understand
the scope and design of the project.
B. A maintenance plan providing details of maintenance, repair, and
appearance. This should also include a vandalism plan.
4. Pathway Benches. Pathway benches must meet city specifications. Benches shall
be placed along the pathway at locations in accordance with the City's Pathway
Plan. Anyone interested in donating a bench can obtain the required specifications
and costs at City Hall. A plaque or inscribed message can be placed on the back of
the bench stating who donated the bench.
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Guidelines for Adopt-An-Area
SiliP1s. The following signs may be allowed after review by the City Staff and
the Parks Commission:
A. Plant identification signs.
B. Area identification sign
C. Adopt-a-Park signs that state the name of a business, logo, or slogan are
allowed. (This will be below the main park sign)
D. Adopt-an-area signs allowed for maintenance projects will be 6" x 8"
temporary signs for recognition.
6. Review Process. Park project plans shall be submitted to City staff for review. If
plans are complete as defined by City Staff and the Park Superintendent the
proposal will be submitted to the Parks Commission for review. At the discretion of
the Parks Commission and/or City Administration the project will be reviewed by
the City Council.
7.
Financin~. Generally, the total cost in terms of materials and supplies shall be
paid entirely by the volunteers; however, the City has the option of cooperating
financially through separate funding, labor, and/or materials on a case-by-case
basis. If City financing is being requested the amount should be requested at the
time the plans are submitted.
8. Maintenance PrQjects It shall be the responsibility of the volunteers to maintain
the areas according to the maintenance agreement agreed to at the beginning of the
project.
9. Vandalism. A plan for vandalism will be addressed under the main maintenance
plan.
10. Termination ofPrQject.
A. Since the project is located on public property, any labor or materials placed
on the property becomes the property of the City of Monticello. The City
reserves the right to terminate the project after a 30 days notice without
reimbursement if it is deemed by the City Council to be in the public interest
to do so.
B.
Each volunteer group shall appoint an individual responsible for coordinating
group installation and maintenance of the project. The responsible volunteer
shall also be responsible for understanding and complying with city
guidelines. Each year in January a renewal letter will be sent to the contact
C:\OFFICE\P ARK\ADOPT2.POL
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Guidelines for Adopt-Au-Area
person for each project that has been "adopted. This will determine if there is
still an interest to continue the project.
C.
The Park Superintendent shall be responsible for overseeing that the
maintenance plan is being followed. Consistent failure to properly maintain
the project as defined by the agreed plan may result in the project being
deemed abandoned. If the project is found to be abandoned, then the City
Administration and/or the Parks Commission may at its discretion remove all
or a portion of the improvements installed with the project.
(Adopted this 9th day of September, 1991. REVISED JAN. 1998)
City Administrator
Mayor
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TREE
TRUST
MONTICELLO PARK
RESERVATION POLICY
1.
Reservations
A. January through April only city residents can make advanced
reservations. In May reservations will be open to anyone.
B. A list of people and times the shelter has been reserved will be posted
on the shelter the beginning of each week by the Parks Maintenance
Department. The person scheduling the reservations will prepare the
typed list for the Parks Maintenance Department and place it in the
Park Superintendent's mailbox.
2. Fees
A. City Residents ($50 per 4/hours)
B. Non-residents ($100 per/4hours)
C. Non-resident commercial ($200 per/4 hours)
D. Churches ($10 per 4/hours)
3.
Exempt from fees
A. Organizations that are supported indirectly or directly through annual
appropriations.
(Examples: Community Education, Monticello Community Partners, Senior
Center)
B. Large community events (Riverfest, Art in the Park)
4. Maintenance
The Parks Commission requested the Park Maintenance department include
a person to keep the shelters and restrooms clean on a daily basis. This
would include more than one visit on the weekends.
RESERVE.POL 1/1198
8-4
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TREB.I1 TRUSI'
TREE MAINTENANCE
Mulchin2: Add woodchips to a depth of 4 inches on top of the planting circle. Keep the mulch 4 inches
away from the trunk to prevent fungus from growing on the tree trunk. Mulching benefits the tree by:
. retaining moisture in the soil (which saves time watering and conserves water)
. keeping the soil cooler during hot summer months
. suppressing weed growth
. reducing lawn mower and weed whip damage to trunks
. nourishing the tree as mulch decomposes
WateriDlZ: Water is very important to a newly planted tree. A slow root saturating one hour trickle once
a week is a good rule of thumb for a new tree. This provides the new roots with sufficient moisture without
drowning them. If it rains or is very dry the watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly.
Prunin2: Pruning at the time of planting should be limited to the removal of broken or dead branches
and roots. Any cosmetic pruning should be delayed for 1 year. Prune the second year to:
. Remove broken or damaged branches
.. Remove dead or dying branches with disease problems
. Remove rubbing branches
. Remove narrow-angled branches from the main trunk
. Remove suckers and water sprouts (succulent vigorous shoots coming from the trunk)
Special Notes:
Make sure your pruning shears are sharp so you can make clean cuts. Never prune oaks between April and
July. Prune apples, flowering crabs, pears, mountain ash, hawthorns and cotoneasters after they lose their
leaves, AND ALWAYS DIP PRUNING SHEARS IN BLEACH SOLUTION TO PREVENT THE SPREAD
OF DISEASES.
Stakin2: Generally, it is best not to stake trees. Possible situations would include extremely windy
areas, or locations with high vandalism rates. If staking is necessary use two supports stakes with flexible
padded support ties attached near the top of the stake (web belting works well). The ties will keep the tree
upright while allowing the tree some movement to increase its strength.
Tree Maintenance Calendar
April
May
June
July
August
Q Plant, mulch
. and water trees
Q Water weekly
as needed
Q Do not prune
trees - especially
oaks
Q Water weekly
as needed
Q Do not prune
oak trees
Q Control weeds
Q Water weekly
as needed
Q Control weeds
Q Water weekly
as needed
Q Control weeds
q-L
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Tree Maintenance Calendar
January February March
Winter pruning Winter pruning Winter pruning
Hazard tree inspection
April
Wash salt off trees in grates and
on medians while the groWld is
still frozen
Remove sun protectors from tree
trunks
Stake tree planting locations
Finish pruning trees by the 15th
Start planting trees when the frost
is out of the groWld
Celebrate Arbor Day
Hazard tree removal
May June
Plant trees Inspect depth of mulch
Finish planting bare root trees before Order mulch as needed
their buds break open
Water weekly as needed
Celebrate Arbor Month
Do not prune trees
Water weekly as needed
Inspect for insects and diseases
Control weeds
Plant B&B and container grown
trees
Do not prune oak trees
July August September
Water weekly as needed Water weekly as needed Water as needed
Control weeds Control weeds Remove stakes and ties from trees
planted before fall of the current year
Inspect for insects and diseases
Add mulch as needed
Prune for clearance over streets
and sidewalks and near signs
October
Water YOWlg evergreen trees
before the groWld freezes
Fertilize trees as the leaves fall
Install SWl protectors on YOWlg
trees with thin bark
Inspect for insects and diseases
Inspect new trees
November December
Inspect rodent guards before the snow Winter pruning
flies--be sure that there is no way for
mice to crawl in through the bottom
Begin winter pruning after trees are
bare of leaves
Based on Landscape Calendar and Maintenance Activities by Heartwood Forestry.
9-3
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The Right Way to Plant a Tree.
.
.
Select the Rieht Plant for the right site.
Prepare the Site by digging a hole 3 to 5 times
larger than the root balL Remove sod or grass. Till or
break up the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.
Dil! a Hole in the center of this circle that is 1 foot
larger in diameter than the root ball and is exactly as
deep. Maintain undisturbed soil beneath the root ball
to prevent the tree from settling.
Place the Tree carefully in the center of the hole and
double-check that the trees root collar (the bulge right
above the root system) is just above the top of the
soil.
Back fill when the tree is standing straight up. Back
fill the hole with the soil that was removed. As the
back fill is added, lightly pack or water the soil to
eliminate air pockets. Back fill to the height of the
root ball, but do not pack soil on top of the root ball.
Mulch Add woodchips to a depth of 4 inches on top
of the planting circle. Keep the mulch 4 inches away
from the trunk to prevent fungus from growing on the
tree trunk
Water is very important to a newly planted tree. A
slow root saturating one hour trickle once a week is a
good rule of thumb for a new tree. lbis provides the
new roots with sufficient moisture without drowning
them. If it rains or is very dry the watering schedule
should be adjusted accordingly.
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TREE" TRUST
6300 Walker Street
St Louis Park, MN 55416-2382
612/920-9326 -FAX 612/920-4558
Notes For Planting Balled & Burlapped Trees
Balled and burlapped (B & B) trees have the root ball
held together by burlap that is encased in a wire basket.
B & B trees are generally larger than containerized trees
and can weigh hWldreds of pounds.
. Carefully place the tree in the hole and cut around the
bottom of the wire basket with a bolt cutters, and
then up the sides. Remove the sides of the wire
basket.
. Cut and remove all twine and rope from aroWld the
ball.
- Remove the nails holding the burlap together and
gently fold the burlap back.
. Gently cut away burlap.
. Either remove or lay burlap in the bottom of the
planting hole.
Note: The basket and burlap should not be removed until
the tree is positioned in the hole. lbis keeps the root ball
intact.
Notes For Planting Containerized Trees
Containerized trees can come in plastic or paper
containers, and wooden bushel baskets.
. If the tree is very difficult to get out of the pot at the
planting site, lay the tree on its side and press the pot
to free it from the soil baiL
. If the tree is too large or the root ball is loose, place
the tree & pot in the planting hole and adjust for final
position. Next carefully cut arOWld the base of the
pot then make a slice up one side of the pot. Gently
back fill and remove the sides of the pot.
Note: Unless the tree is foot bound, remove only the
bottom of the container until the tree is in the hole. This
helps keep the root ball intact.
Note: If the trees roots are wound tightly inside the pot,
remove the pot and then make a vertical slice up each
quarter of the root ball. Make a X cut across the bottom
of the soil ball and continue planting in a normal manner.
9~ll
The Right Way to Plant a Tree.
. Bare Root Trees
. Select the Rieht Tree for the right site.
. Prune broken root tips with a sharp hand pruner.
Prune branches that are broken.
. Prepare the Site by removing the sod or grass. Till
the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches and three times
the diameter of the roots.
. Check the plantine hole dimensions. The plants
root system should easily go into the hole without
circling around. The hole should be one foot beyond
the root tips. The root tips should not touch the
planting hole.
. Keep the roots moist at all times. Store plants in a
cool shaded area. Cover the roots with moist straw
or saw dust
.
.
Sweat bareroot trees in a warm shaded place such
as a garage. Some plants including (birch,
hackberry, oaks, hawthorn, and ironwood) need help
breaking dormancy this is called sweating. Keep
warm and moist until the buds open. Soak roots in
water one hour prior to planting.
.
o
~"'"
6" Compacted ~
Backfill
Place the Tree carefully in the center of the hole and
double-check that the trees root collar (the bulge right
above the root system) is just above the top of the
original soil line.
.
. Back fill when the tree is centered in the hole and the
root collar is at the soil line. Back fill the hole with
the soil that was removed. As the back fill is added,
lightly pack or water the soil to eliminate air pockets.
Back fill to the height of the root collar, but do not
pack soil on top of the root collar.
. No fertilizer is needed after plantine. Fertilizer
stimulates top growth and does not allow the roots to
establish themselves after planting. Fertilize the year
after planting.
Mulch using woodchips to a depth of 4 inches on top
of the planting circle. Keep the mulch 4 inches away
from the trunk to prevent fungus from growing on the
tree trunk.
. Water is very important to newly planted trees. A
slow root saturating one hour trickle once a week is a
good rule of thumb for a new trce. This provides the
new roots with sufficient moisture without drowning
them. Check to see if the soil is moist by inserting
your fingers two inches into the soil. Trees in sandy
soils will need to be watered more frequently than
clay soils. If it rains or is very dry the watering
schedule should be adjusted accordingly.
Graphics used with pennission from the Minnesota
Department of Transportation Publication: Inspection and
Contract Administration Guidelines for MNIDOT Landscape
Projects.
9--'5'