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Parks Commission Agenda Packet 10-15-1998 . . . AGENDA REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION Thursday, October 15, 1998 - 4:30 p.m. Members: Larry Nolan, Fran Fair, Earl Smith, Rick Traver, Jennifer Fearing 1. Call meeting to order. 2. Consideration of approving the minutes for the September 17, 1998 meeting. 3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. 4. Citizens requests. 5. Report from Brad Johnson/Lotus Realty Services regarding development in Bridge Park. 6. Planning items - Jeff O'Neill A. Rolling Woods 7. Park Maintenance items - Gregg Engle 8. Discussion on City Council decision for playground equipment at Ellision Park. 9. Review of River Mill neighborhood park meeting. 10. Discussion on budget cuts. A. Review of updated 5 year plan 11. Updates A. Park land purchased by the water tower 12. Adjourn. . . . MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION Thursday, September 17, 1998 - 4:30 p.m. Members: Larry Nolan, Fran Fair, Earl Smith, Rick Traver, Jennifer Fearing 1. Call meeting to order. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Larry Nolan. 2. Consideration of approving the minutes for the August 20. 1998 meeting. EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE AUGUST 20, 1998 MEETING. SECONDED BY JENNIFER FEARING. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. There were no items added to the agenda. 4. Citizens request. Two members of the Hockey Association, JeffFrancisNice President and Tom Bitzer/4th Street Coordinator reported to the commission that Greg Engle, Park Superintendent and his crew had done an excellent job of cleaning up the 4th Street warming house building. The inside and outside had been painted and larger shelving was added. Mr. Bitzer gave a history of the progress made in the last year working with the city and sharing responsibilities of the rink maintenance. Each year, in the fall, the agreement between the City and the Hockey Association is reviewed and updated thus keeping everyone aware of what is expected of each group. Greg Engle had not seen the contract and wanted to read it before suggesting any changes. Mr. Engle will meet with the Hockey Association and update the agreement for the 98-99 hockey season. Page 1 . . . Parks Commission Minutes - 9/17/98 5. Discussion on soccer fields at 7th Street - Report Steve Grittman, City Planner, discussed the following possible sites for a soccer complex. I. NSP City Fields - IfNSP agrees, there could be fields added to the complex. If NSP does agree, the Commissioners discussed whether the fields should be only for baseball/softball or mixed with soccer. 2. West River Street - There is acreage along West River Street that is privately owned that could be purchased for a soccer complex. 3. Montissippi Park - This is a county park with ample room to add soccer fields. The park has been more of a passive park in the past and the addition of soccer fields would need county approval. The Parks Commission agreed it would be worth discussion with the County on a partnership to add fields. The City would maintain the fields. 4. 7th Street - The City currently owns this property and the Commission liked the idea of the view from the freeway and that the land was already owned by the City. There have been developers interested in this property for commercial use. The question is whether it would be better for the City to sell the property for commercial use and purchase park land in another location or add soccer fields in this area. 5. Minnesota St. - There is property for sale in this area. It is adjacent to Ruffs Auto Repair so it is not ideal for residential housing. 6. Freeway Fields - There is already a soccer field in this location. It was discussed to purchase additional land to the west of the existing park for soccer fields. This land is for sale at this time. 7. River Mill Park - Construction will start in the spring of 1999 on the River Mill Park. There would be room for one full sized field in this location. 8. Future Regional Park - The southwest area is an area in the comprehensive plan marked for a regional park. A soccer complex like NSP City Fields has baseball fields. 9. Church land - There is a church on Hwy. 25, across from Kjellberg's that might be interested in letting a portion of their property to be used as a temporary field. Page 2 . . . Parks Commission Minutes - 9/17/98 The Commissioners discussed all of the sites and seemed to agree that either Montissippi or the 7th Street area would work the best. Jeff O'Neill, as a member of the soccer association, stated that there are over 600 kids playing soccer this fall and within the next two years there will not be enough fields to accommodate the program. The Commissioners discussed the issue and agreed the City will need to plan for the increase in the near future. Jeff O'Neill will call and talk to the Wright County Park Supervision to discuss the possibility of soccer fields at the Montissippi Park. 6. Planning items I. Discussion on Bridge Park changes. Steve Grittman, City Planner, discussed the purchasing ofthe Carlson property along the river. The HRA requested the Parks Commission's opinion regarding purchasing this property. The Parks Commission agreed that the purchasing of river property for public use has been a priority. EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO THE HRA AND CITY COUNCIL TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS OF PURCHASING BLOCK 64. THE PARKS COMMISSION IS INTERESTED BUT DOES NOT HAVE THE FUNDS A V AILABLE THROUGH THE BUDGETARY PROCESS AT THIS TIME. SECONDED BY RICK TRAVER. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Park Maintenance items - Gregg Engle. Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, reported on maintenance items that had been priority. Mr. Engle reviewed the plan developed by Jean Emmonds, intern with the DNR. He stated that Jean Emmonds had completed her plan for an interpretive area in the Prairie West Addition and wanted the Commissioners opinion on the plan. The interpretive area would be a 20 to 25 foot circle with sections of native grasses and flowers identified. It was discussed that it was important to keep the park a groomed area but the interpretive center would be a good way to identify the native plants and then continue the identification with signs along the pathway from Jerry Liefert to West River Road. JENNIFER FEARING MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE INTERPRETIVE CENTER PLAN COMPLETED BY JEAN EMMONDS. SECONDED BY EARL SMITH. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Engle explained procedures for a more efficient process regarding grass cutting, tree Page 3 . . . Parks Commission Minutes - 9/17/98 trimming, and weed control in the next season. There have been measures taken at Bridge Park to help with vandalism and safety. One of the measures taken was to install a video camera under the bridge to record any action. He reported on each park where maintenance had been completed. It was suggested to promote the watering of the trees planted in spring of the year by placing an ad in the Times.. 8. Discussion on budget cuts. Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, suggested the following budget cuts. He deferred the following items to the 1999 budget: $10,000 for bleachers and goals and $3,000 for landscape rake and leveler bar for skid loader. Mr. Engle reduced the $50,000 to $25,000 for ADA improvements, $7,000 to $5,000 for Prairie Creek Park improvements, $7,500 to 2,000 for surveys of existing parks, $10,000 to $4,000 for park signs, and $80,000 to 65,000 for River Mill Park. The Commissioners requested the five year park plan be revised to show a more realistic total. They requested a line item for future park development as it is unknown how many subdivisions will be added to the City in the next five years. This will be provided at the next meeting. 9. Discussion on format for River Mill Park meeting. The format for the neighborhood meeting for the River Mill subdivision was discussed. Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, explained that he will be opening the meeting by showing his sketch for the park. He will emphasize that this is only a concept and the neighborhood can add or remove items according to their ideas. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 1998 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 10. Adiourn. EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED BY RICK TRA VER. Motion passed unanimously. Page 4 I:. _ _ ~ r ~ _,_ _ _ . . ? . - - - . . . ~ - - :t This is a loca,'tion map for R II' o:J.-ng Woods. 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'6':: iil'&~~G 1.4N'Il'ING ~50ll~~I!.~' ~~; ~\z~~;I:; ~$;\OII Silln.d; OQ~i!I:____________ R.ljI NQ. DATE: 9/28/98 ~~ OESIGN a'f:~ bAAWN BY;~ CHECKED BY: ~ OWG ~L!,~ _ rILE NO.:~ (lA" DESCRIPTlON VI . . . 15. DRAFT Council Minutes - 9/28/98 Review of proposals for the delivery and installation of a new playground unit for Ellison Park and award of contract. City Administrator Rick W olfsteller reported that he was concerned about the recommendation from the Parks Commission to purchase playground equipment from a company that did not submit the lowest bid. Since there was a question as to whether the specifications were adequate to allow making a determination that the lowest bid didn't meet the specifications, the City Administrator requested that the City Attorney give his opmlOn. Park Superintendent Greg Engle explained that the criteria used for selection of the playground unit was that the structure must coordinate with the park theme of water or river as well as the existing park's surrounding environment. Four proposals were received on September 22 for delivery and installation of a new playground unit for Ellison Park. Although Bob Klein & Associates submitted the lowest proposal at $30,031.15, the Parks Commission and Park Superintendent recommended contracting with Minnesota Wisconsin Playground, Inc., whose bid amount was $35,000 for Game Time equipment. This unit was preferred for its unique ship design, appearance, and proven method of installation of the fiber system with drainage barriers. The design from the low bidder was not favored due to a high tower that would take away from the appearance of the nearby log shelter, it didn't appear to have the creativity for the younger age group of2~5 years, and the proposal didn't include a clear description of the installation of the play surface. City Attorney Dennis Dalen stated that the two issues that needed to be determined were bid responsive to the specifications and responsible bidder. If the materials bid varied from the specifications, the bid can be rejected. If not, the Council can either accept the low bid or reject all bids, amend the specifications, and rebid the project. Since it was difficult to determine that there was a material variance, the City Attorney recommended that the Council reject the bids and rewrite the specifications. However, the Park Superintendent noted that he preferred to complete the project within the 1998 budget. AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO ACCEPT THE BIDS AND A WARD THE CONTRACT TO THE LOW BIDDER, BOB KLEIN & ASSOCIATES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,031.15. Motion carried unanimously. <Iff\.. --- ,~~G . . . ~c..': ~!'>, .'", ."'J ~\....' ; '-. . . \~!+ . . . RIVER MILL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING September 22, 1998 - 7 p.m. A meeting was held with the residents of the River Mill Subdivision on September 22, 1998 at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was well attended by the area residents. Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, began the meeting by explaining the type of park that was targeted, in the Comprehensive Plan, for River Mill. It is intended to be a neighborhood park which is defined as an area designated for active and passive recreation, one-half to one mile radius to serve a population of up to 5,000, with focus on ages 5 through 39 and with emphasis on ages 5 thorough 18, and a desirable size of approximately two to five acres. The meeting was held as an open forum with questions encouraged throughout the presentation. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss and note the ideas of the group. Mr. Engle started the meeting by showing a sketch he had made of a plan for the park. The plan included a soccer field, sliding hill, two small playgrounds, picnic shelter with picnic tables and a minimum amount of landscaping. The residents disagreed that a soccer field was the best use of the park. Instead of a soccer field, the residents requested the following; walking trails, a full size basketball court with two baskets, sand volleyball, and a skating rink. The skating rink would not have an enclosed shelter. Also many residents requested a pathway through the park, it was felt that it is important to have a safe place to walk and ride bike. Gregg Engle asked whether two small playgrounds, one targeted for ages two to eight and the other five to twelve, was a concept they would prefer or whether one large play structure would be a better idea. The neighborhood preferred the idea of two playgrounds each with a different age group targeted. Mr. Engle also brought catalogs and brochures that residents could look at and get ideas. Numerous comments and discussions were made on the parking lot area with some residents feeling the parking lot was not necessary. Mr. Engle explained some type of parking lot would be needed to accommodate off street parking especially if there was a sliding and skating area. Residents in River Mill might also want to drive to the park. A request was made to plant as many trees as possible in the area by the picnic shelters and playground. Mr. Engle agreed this was a nice idea but added landscaping requires more maintenance than the City crews can keep up with. However, if the neighborhood was interested in contributing their time to planting and watering this might be a workable partnership. An important safety issue is adequate lighting in the park and especially on the sliding hill. The lighting would help with the safety of the children sliding and snowmobiles that travel though this area. Page 1 O(~ ---- . ;It'< 'f t .; ~. .... ..... '""".: I 1" ~\ .0.:,1" " . . --- . . . River Mill Park Neighborhood Meeting 9/22/98 Gregg Engle will add irrigation to the list of items in the first phase. The restroom facilities would be portable satellites as residents agreed there would not be a need for a permanent structure for restrooms at this time. There were other ideas mentioned that could be added over time such as: bird houses, frisbee golf, firepits, flower gardens and signage. It was agreed by, City staff and the residents of River Mill, that Mr.Engles will work with the Parks Commission and develop a plan and a budget to phase-in the park improvements over the next few years, Wanda Kraemer will mail the phased plan and the notes from the meeting to the residents. Residents of River Mill will contact Wanda Kraemer if they are interested in working with landscaping and/or gardening at the park. Page 2 q,<6 ~ ..." 1"'. '~~ t ~ ,f'" '~f' <1\". :".." ~ l' , " . . . 1 0108198 Capitallmrovement Items - Monticello trail and park system Updated for Parks Comm ission Septem ber 25, 1998 - 1999 budge! not modified, Funding Sources PARK/GENERAL 'ACTIVITY COMMENTS IVr I Cost ISTEA !street Pathway Park Budget ! Const 99-2003 !Budast Mai nt fu nd 1997 : 1998 ; 1999 2000 20011 2002 2003 I , Adopt A Park Seed Money for Communrty PaI1c Continue per vision statem ent all $25,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 : $5,000 Comm un itv Ce lebrations Mise Funds lor Community GatherincslcelbiOnoolno 'all $25 000 $5 000 $5 000 $5 000 $5 000 ! $5 000 , $5 000 Maintenance I mprDlled Weed - Contract sprayi ng 'Onoolno iall $25,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 i $5,000 , $5,000 Park Land Awuisrtion Fund Purchase oortion Ern merich Scul:h 20Acres '8u ild war chest 'all $150000 $30 000 $30 000 $30 000 : $30 000 $30 000 Play structu re mai nt. Safely a nd ADA improvements to existing 1998 - EI ison - future undetermined all $175,000 $1 0,000 $40,000 $15,000 $40,000 $40,000 ; $40,000 $40,000 ,Meadow Oak Park Basketball Court ne ar olav structures Complete in 1998 1997 $0 $2000 , ,Freeway Fields storage/Concession build i ng Complete in 1998. Dress-up 1997 $0 512,000 Prairie Creek Park General developm ent exoenses Budee! more lor 1999 1998 $13 000 $3 500 $5 000 $2 000 $2 000 : $2,000 $2 000 'Cardinal Hills Tot Lot Pia vstructu re/grading landscaping Move Fallon Avenue Park Equipment 1998 $0 $20,000 Meadow Oak Outlot A Parkino lot Complete in 1998 1998 $15,000 $13,000 $13,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 Klein Farms Pa rk Pioneer Park Construct in 1998 - 99 1998 $53,000 $12,000 $40,000 $23,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10 000 NSP Ball field Lie ht two field at exi sti ng park Ug ht fleids 1998 $100,000 , $40,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 520,000 Park Swveys - Srte Plans ; Estabjlsh site plans lor existing )larks Three parks to be determ ined 1999 $17,000 $5,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 :ti3,000 , General Equ i pment : Fi~d equipment etc Bleachers (3) 1999 $40,000 510,000 $10,000 $10,000 510,000 ; Sions Good looki ng park mon u ment signs Location to be determil1led 1999 $30,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 " River Mill Park Playg roo nd/Ball Fiel ds and parkirlo Construct in 1999 . resident in put in 98. 1999 $114,000 $85,000 $40,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 I Scccer Fred Development Field development 1999 :ti150,000 : $30,000 $30,000 ] $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 ! R iver/Briclae Parks River Park Enhancements - MCP Implmnt iPendin 0 - perhapS refocus on East 1999 $100,000 $80,000 $20,000 $20,000 . $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 New Parks - New subdivision Undetermined - bas ad on deveJopment .Use Gen fu nds and boosted park fund 2000 $70,000 $67,000 New Parks - New subdivision Undetermined - bas ed on development Use Gen fund sand boosted park fund 2001 $104,000 I New Parks - New subd ivision Undetermined - based on development Use Gen fun ds and boasled arlc: fund ; 2002 , $104,000 , New Parks - New su bd ivision Undetermined - based on devela pm ent Use Gen funds and boasled park fund 2003 , i , $114,000 i , I Total i I I $01 $01 $0 I $54,000 1$231,500 1:ti23f,000 1~296,UW :ti296,OOO, $296,000 i :ti296,OOO $1,102,000 Pathway I River Walk - Connect Ellison to Miss Dr 'move to street budget iike other crties 1997 $75,000 1$15,000 $30,000 1 $15,000 $15,000 !Pathway Riverwalk - Wastewater treatmalt plant Construction In 1998 1998 $40,000 1$40,000 1 $40,000 , Pathwav 'Meadow Oaks to the Middle School move to street b udoet like other crties 1999 $30 000 $20 000 $10 000 ' ! Pathway River Road Plaza to Middle School move to street budget like other crties ; 1999 $60,000 $35,000 ,$10,000 $15,000 i . Pathwav - General General pathwav development Pathwavs not fu nded bv develooers IAII , 1 $30 000 $30 000 $30 000 $30 000 I ICSAH 75 UNDERP,~SS - MIDDLE SCHOO move to stfe;1t budget like other cities 1 1999 $80,000 , 1 I $80,000 1 I . . }.\Y~ -------------' --. ; \ ~:~> :,". "" . ~',\:::"'~ It""" f"~; " _ .....fi /" '.J:", . ., . . . Council Agenda - 9/28/98 THIS WAS APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON A 3-2 VOTE. 13. Consideration of purchase of 4 acres on the Monte Club Hill near the water tower for park purposes. (1.S.) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: At the September 14 Council meeting, after discussion about the possible purchase of 4 acres from Kenny Schultz on the Monte Club Hill near our water tower for park land, staff was directed to contact Mr. Schultz in an attempt to negotiate a purchase price some place between $12,000 per acre for which the Methodist Church property was purchased, to $20,000 per acre for which Mr. Schultz indicated is his asking price. After discussions with Mr. Schultz, he indicated the minimum purchase price for this property would be $16,500 per acre for a total of $66,000 for the 4 acres, with the payments to Mr. Schultz spread out over a mutually agreed period of time. The purchase would be funded from park dedication funds from The Forest & Wildwood Ridge, with the balance coming from reserves until such time they are replaced with park dedication funds. B. AL TERN A TrVE ACTIONS: 1. The first alternative would be to purchase the property from Mr. Schultz for the negotiated asking price of $..,.... 2. The second alternative would be to counter Mr. Schultz' asking price with a lower offer. 3. The third alternative would be not to purchase the property at this time. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of the Public Works Director and City Administrator that the City Council approve the purchase of the 4 acres from Kenny Schultz to be used as park land at a purchase price of $66,000 as outlined in alternative #1. It should also be noted that the Parks Commission has unanimously voted in favor of this purchase. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Please refer to the supporting data provided at the September 14 Council meeting. 19 \y~, . . . DRAFT Council Minutes - 9/28/98 13. Consideration of purchase of 4 acres on the Monte Club Hill near the water tower for park pur:poses. Public Works Director John Simola reported that at the September 14 Council meeting, staff was directed to negotiate the possible purchase of 4 acres from Kenny Schultz on the Monte Club hill near the City's water tower for park land. This property would create a centralized park for the area, and the Parks Commission recommended unanimously that the City purchase the property. Mr. Schultz indicated the minimum purchase price for the property would be $16,500 per acre for a total of $66,000 for the 4 acres, with payments spread out over a mutually-agreed period of time. The purchase would be funded from park dedication funds from River Forest and Wildwood Ridge, with the balance coming from reserves until such time they are replaced with future dedication funds. Councilmember Clint Herbst stated that he felt this property was better suited for development of houses and that there was already an enormous amount of park land in the city. Councilmember Bruce Thielen responded that the City may never have the opportunity to obtain this type of land again and that it should be preserved for future generations. In addition, a major portion ofthe cost could be funded immediately through park dedication fees obtained from recent developments. Councilmember Carlson added that when researched in the past, Monticello's amount of park land was not excessive and was comparable to the national standards. AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN AND SECONDED BY BILL FAIR TO PURCHASE 4 ACRES FROM MR. SCHULTZ FOR $66,000 USING PARK DEDICATION FUNDS AND RESERVE FUNDS UNTIL REPLACED WITH FUTURE PARK DEDICATION FEES. Voting in favor: Bruce Thielen, Bill Fair, Roger Carlson. Opposed: Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf. Motion carried. \'<~ l:tAS\Q . t> ~"l',,\, , ", "'ij, ,,.. t ,,"" ,....' f , /II ,..~,.~",,~~"'i: / ~ ( ~ . .