Parks Commission Agenda Packet 11-15-2001
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AGENDA
P ARKS COMMISSION
November 15, 2001-4:30 p.m
1. Call to Order
2. Approve Minutes of October 18,2001 Parks Commission meeting.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
4. Citizens requests.
5. West Bridge Park-Progress Report - Pn::...,I\.~'1.J... - p. eoc~k:... - /A..)C;C)~c-t....tr;
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6. Pioneer Park - Progress Report ':)v- "'-u .oJ . 0---
7. Park Maintenance Items
8. Review of park and trailway system for Groveland Addition
9. Park Superintendent Replacement - Update
10. Report on Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Conference
11. Adjourn
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, October 18, 2001
Members Present:
Larry Nolan, Fran Fair. Nancy McCaffrey. Earl Smith. Rick Traver
Council Liaison, Roger Carlson
Members Absent:
None
S tatI:
Gregg Engle, John Simola
1. Call to Order.
Chair Larry Nolan called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
2. Approval of minutes of the September 20. 2001 re~ular meeting:.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 20.2001
REGULAR MEETING. NANCY MCCAfFREY SECONDED THE MUfrON. MaTTON
CARRIED UNANlMOUSL Y.
3. Consideration of adding: items to the ~H!enda.
Larry Nolan added the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Conference.
4. Citizens requests.
Earl Smith noted that he had received a number of compliments about how good the parks were
looking. Gregg Engle responded that they have been trying to get the entrance areas to the City
spruced up.
5. West Bridge Park - Update.
Gregg Engle reported that the play structure is in place. They will be replacing some beige
panels with red panels. which should take about Y2 day. There were some drainage concerns
which have been corrected. John Simola asked what kind of treatment was being planned for
the area between the play structure and the boulders. Gregg Engle stated that some additional
boulders would be placed and the balance would be sodded. Gregg Engle emphasized that he
did not want to erect anything that would impede the drainage flow in the area. It was noted
that the North Anchor group felt the corner of Walnut and River Street would be a significant
area and the park development plan tried to make that an attractive corner.
It is proposed to landscape the area around the play structure so that it looks like a ship docked
at a pier. Fran Fair suggested that in the plantings for the park they include some wavy sea
grasses. Gregg Engle stated that he planned to look at landscaping plans for the area over the
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Park Commission Minutes - 1()/18/0l
winter or possibly have an landscape architect look at it. Fran Fair asked if anything was going
to be done along TH 25. Gregg Engle said that would be looked at further and 'vvould be
subject to MnDOT regulations. Fran Fair asked if they would consider duplicating what was
done at East Bridge Park. Gregg Engle said that because of the slope of the area, the
construction of the retaining walls might be more than the park department could do on their
own. The old play structure will be removed and the ice rink relocated to that area. There was
some question whether that would get done yet this year. If the rink was relocated it would
mean a little greater distance for the skaters to go from the warming house to the rink. They
could make the rink smaller but since this was the family skating area they didn't feel that
should be done.
Nancy McCaffrey asked about grants for West Bridge Park. Gregg Engle indicated that
because they were proposing to include a pier on the river. it involved the Army Corp of
Engineers and they could not get corp approval in time to make the grant deadline for 2001.
They will be applying again for 2002 and will be allov"ving enough time for the Army Corp of
Engineers to complete their review. Earl Smith felt there should be a path in East Bridge Park
because there was no way that bicycle could use the steps. He asked about the area east of the
steps but Fran Fair indicated there was specimen trees planted there. John Simola indicated
that there has been discussions about the state closing the crosswalk at River Street and TH 25.
Gregg Engle stated that perhaps the in order to build up points for their grant application. the
Parks Commission might want to consider combining a number of park development elements.
such as the pier. trail. etc. and include it all in one application. Larry Nolan felt they should go
for the grant based on what they have now and if they don't get the grant apply again next year.
6. Pioneer Park - Shelter Update.
Gregg Engle informed the Parks Commission that final plans for bids for materials were sent
out and County Lumber got the bid for materials with a quote of $11.346.51. The bid for the
metal roof was $12,000.00. Fred Patch. the Building Official stated that the facility had to
have attached restrooms. Thcre was some discussion on what was the basis for this requirement
since it will mean that the plans will have to be redravvn and there will be additional costs for
the attached restrooms. Paul Wurm from Landmark Excavating was hired to start the
excavation work. Due to the need to rcdo the plans, it is proposed that the excavation work.
sauna tubes. posts. trusses and roof be done this year yet. Next year assuming the plans have
been redrawn, the balance of the work would be completed. It was noted that there is a sewer
and water service installed for the site but the line is a little distance from where the shelter is
being built and will have to be extended. It is anticipated that the excavation work will start on
Mondav ( 10/22/(1) and the Lions will be in doing work the follovving weekend.
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Gregg Engle stated that he had walked through the wooded area of the park and one of the long
term projects for the park will be clearing the underbrush from the area. It is not proposed to
anything else with the wooded area.
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Park Commission Minutes - 10/18/01
7. Discussion of Gillard Avenue/CR 39 Pathwav Loop.
The Parks Commission was informed that the City Council did approve the preparation of plans
and specitications for the segment of trail from River Forest Drive to 9Th Street and the
engineer should be bringing this back before the Council in the future. At the last meeting, the
Parks Commission was told that information for loopinglconnection options for the Gillard
A venue trail would be available at this meeting but no inf(mnation was prepared.
The Parks Commission asked about the segment of trail to be completed as part of the River
Mill 6th Addition. They were informed that the grading will be done this year and the blacktop
placed next spring. The Parks Commission also asked about the ISTEA Project (98-02C).
John Simola indicated that the contractor was about a week behind. He noted that 1-94 \\ould
be closed on October 22. 2001 at midnight to allow the contractor to place the beams. The only
portion of trail not yet blacktopped in this project is Cram Chelsea Road to County Road 75.
8. Park Maintcnance Items.
Gregg Engle stated they are wrapping up their summer projects and starting to get things ready
for winter. They intend to tinish the West Bridge Park work yet and have planted about 27
trees in various parks, including the River Mill Parle Nancy McCaffrey asked if the trespassing
problem had eased. Gregg Engle indicated that the fencing seemed to have taken eare of the
problem.
Ellison Park - RiverFest group had given $1,000 Cor use in Ellison Park. Gregg Engle thought
that may be it should be used to upgrade the bathrooms but there was also a push to use that
money le)r the Community Center Parle
4th Street Park - Community service people painted the rink. Gregg Engle noted that the roof
needs to be replaced on building there and that this was in next years budget.
Mississippi Drivc - They have been trying to keep the bank cleaned up and the park has been
utilized more.
River Mill - The park is pretty much complete and it turned out well.
Battle Rapids - StalT has been clearing this area and keeping it trimmed down. Parks
Commission felt this was a passive park and should have maintenance only.
Mcadow Oak - Next year it is proposed to do paving and upgrading of the pathway which may
require replacing the base of the existing pathway. John Simola advised that when the pathways
arc constructed they need to allow sufficient room so that maintenance equipmcnt can get in
and once in the equipment has room to maneuver.
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Park Commission Minutes - 10/18/01
Freeway Fields - Parks Commission discussed the proposed interchange and how that could
impact the park. John Simola that there are three different alignments proposed for the
interchange but which alignment will be used has not yet been finalized. It was felt the east
area of the park most likcly would be affected but the extent was unknown. Gregg Engle
pointed out that the ballfield situation is very tight and if fields are lost they need to be
replaced. Gregg Engle also noted that they have aerated the fields and the turf appears in good
condition..
Cardinal Hills - The tot lot had been vandalized and an estimated $600 worth of damage was
done. It was suggested that both the vandals and the parents of the vandals be required to do
some community service in the parks. This park is basically fully developed.
Country Club - Gregg Engle felt this park should be updated and revitalized but it was not
done this year.
City Ballfields - Gregg Engle and City Administrator. Rick Wolfsteller have met with the
groups who use the ball tie Ids as to what is happening with the tields. Gregg Engle felt there
were a lot of issues regarding the ballfield use and encouraged the Parks Commission to keep
the communication link open with these groups.
Balboul Park - Not much is being done with this area. It was noted that the holding pond arca
needs to be dredged.
Par \Vest - Disc golf and new playground is in. Sl)me additional treeS'lleed to be planted.
There is irrigation in to the site but it has never been activatcd. It was noted that the park sign
had been stolen. Gregg Engle thought he had the art work that was used for the original design
of the sign.
Hillcrest - Gregg Engle reported that the ballfield \Vas getting a lot of use. The playground
equipment was older but in good shape. However. it is a wood structure and should be
monitored.
Otter Creek - The plantings at the park turned out well but it was not anticipated that there
would be much further development in this park.
Wildwood Ridge - A number ofresidents had commented that they would like to see the park
there include open area for the children to play in. No development plan has been prepared yet
for this park.
Tower Park - Nothing proposed yet for this park. The staff. when time is available, has been
working on clearing out the undergroV\-1h.
Cemetery Committee - Rick Traver reported that the committee had tinalized rules and
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Park Commission Minutes - 10/18/0 I
policies for Riverside Cemetery which will be going before the Council for their approval. A
mcmorial plan is being implemented. It was felt there may bc one or two more mectings of the
committee to deal with some long term planning issues. There was discussion on replacement
of stones at Hillside Cemetery. It'the stones are not replaced the int(Jrmation contained on
them will be lost f()rever. Since there are no burials or sale of lots at Hillside these issues were
not address by the Cemetery Committee. Once the Cemetery Committee is done. which is
expeeted shortly, the issues relating to cemetery practices and long term planning will come
under the jurisdiction of the Park Commission.
Forestry Program - Great strides have been made against the spread of Dutch Elm disease and
also providing the chipping program for residents. Gregg Engle urged that this program be
continucd to keep the disease under control. The trees in Riverside cemetery are being tagged
and inventoried to allow for better management.
Other - Discussed Groveland area, Shultz property, Kjellberg area as possible sites for
additional balllields. John Simola asked that Gregg Engle summarized his interaction with the
various groups who usc the ballfields and provide a list of contacts. John Simola providcd an
update on the proposals for test wells. He noted that the arsenic standard is 10 ppb and
Monticello is at 8-9 ppb. The test wells most likely will be drilled this winter.
9. Resi2:nation of park superintendent.
Gregg Engle has submitted his resignation as Park Superintendent to take a similar position for
the City of Coon Rapids. John Simola indicated that thc City is look at revising the Park
Superintendent job description before advertising. He did not expect that a new person would
he in place until late November or early December. John Simola will be attending the Park
Commission meetings until such time as a new person is hired. Larry Nolan stated that he felt
that planning and development areas were very important and felt that this should be something
that is looked for in the applicants applying for the position. It was felt that the current staff
has hands on skill to do the 'vvork but the conccrn was with long term planning and
development. Grcgg Engle encouraged the Park Commission to keep active the vision for the
parks for the City, plan for the growth of the community and always try to meet the needs of the
community. The Park Commission thanked Gregg for getting the park department started.
preparing plans for developmcnt of parks and seeing them through and for having a vision of
the parks that he sharcd with the Commission. They wished him success in his new position
and thanked him for all he gavc to the Monticello.
Added Items: Larry Nolan asked that the Parks Commission look at the conference schedule for the
Minnesota Recreation and Park Association in Duluth on November 6-9,2001 and if possible attend.
Information about the park dcdication fees for Harstad and Cyr proposals were requested for the next
meeting. Also thc a map showing the location of the park land in the Groveland development was
asked to be provided.
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Park Commission Minutes - 10/18/01
10. Adjourn.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 6:30 P.M. FRAN FAIR SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y.
Recording Secretary
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