Parks Commission Agenda Packet 02-18-1999
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AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, February 18, 1999 - 4:30 p.m.
1.
Call to order.
2.
Consideration of approving the minutes for the January 21, 1999 meeting.
3.
Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
4.
Citizens requests.
A. The Baseball association will be at the meeting to discuss the needs of their
organization.
5. Discussion on the information provided by the subcommittee for naming the parks.
6. Discussion on providing trees to residents at a reduced cost - JefT/Gregg
7. Discussion on park needs for the Kjellberg expansion. - Jeff - verbal
8. Discussion on playground equipment for River Mill Park. Gregg - verb report
9.
Updates:
A. Meeting time for North Anchor (Rick Traver, Earl Smith)
B. Garden Projects - Wmlda - written report
C. Baseball/Softball Associations - Gregg - verbal report
D. Soccer Fields on 7th Street - Jeff - verbal report
E. St. Henry/Fallon Park
10. Discussion on maintenance items. - Gregg
11 . Added items
12. Adjourn
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, January 21, 1999 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Prcscnt:
Chairman Larry Nolan, Fran Fair, Earl Smith, Rick 'f'raver, Jennifer Fearing
Staff Prescnt:
Gregg Engle, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call meeting to order.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Larry Nolan.
2. Consideration of approving the minutes for the meetine: on December 17. 1998.
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER
17,1998 MEETING. SECONDED BY RICK TRAVER. MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSL Y.
3. Add items.
The following items were added to the agenda:
a.
b.
Update on the tree planting and City clean-up for April 24, 1999.
List the top five priorities for the North Anchor and select two committee members.
Communications between commissions.
c.
4. Discussion on construction ofthe River Mill Park.
Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, reported on the site plan for River Mill Park. The budget
for the first phase will include:
a. Earth moving and engineering;
b. Two open air shelters;
c. Partial landscaping;
d. Plaza and sign.
Mr. Engle presented exmnples of playground equipment displayed on a poster. The
Commissioners requested more time be spent at the next meeting on this item. There was a
request to select playground equipment that provides an opportunity for more creative play
and interaction.
It was also suggested to clear a path to the sliding hill and add a drinking fountain. Mr. Engle
stated he would get bids on drinking fountains for the next meeting. However, he did not
think it would be possible to keep a trail cleared to the sliding hill until the pathway was
constructed.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/21/99
5.
Discussion on construction of the Pioneer Park.
Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, reported on the site plan for Pioneer Park. Mr. Engle
displayed ideas, for the Commissioners to view, of items in the park such as fire pits, grills,
shelter ideas, and playgrounds that followed a pioneer theme. He also stated he would be
meeting with Mike Lundquist, Lion's Club member, to discuss their involvement in this
year's project. Mr. Engle stated he would report back to the Park's Commission in February
on the meeting with the Lions.
6. Update on discussions with the Baseball and Softball Associations.
There has been discussion in the past regarding constructing a separate baseball field. Earl
Smith stated that he had been asked if a baseball field could be constructed at the NSP site for
use by the town team if private funds were used.. It was recommended that Commissioner
Smith refer the inquiry to the NSP grounds supervisor. The Commissioners also requested
information on selling concessions to be on the next agenda. One question they had was
whether or not the softball league was the only association that could sell concessions or if it
was open to other groups.
7.
Goals and/or obiectives for 1999.
The Commission members discussed the goals and objectives for this year and listed as
follows:
a. Complete all ofthe items listed in the Park Department Budget;
b. Continue to follow ADA guidelines and renovate the old equipment as time and
budget allows;
c. Work with Public Works on completing the pathway connection between Mississippi
Drive and Hart Blvd. on the west side of the Wastewater Treatment Plant;
d. Spend more time planning for long range goals;
e. Promote more volunteer help;
f. Continue to have topographical maps completed for each park;
g. Research ways to improve the appearance of Bridge Park while waiting for the plans
for the North Anchor to be completed. A subcommittee of Earl Smith, Rick Traver,
and Gregg Engle was formed to complete this goal.
8. Update on subcommittee reports.
Wanda Kraemer, Administrative Assistant, reported that the committee on researching park
names would be meeting January 25, 1999 at 1 :00 p.m.
Commissioner Rick Traver reported the entire subcommittee had not met regarding selecting
a location for a park on 7th Street in the Church of 5t. Henry's Plat. There was discussion of
constructing more of a rest area for people using the pathway by widing the path and adding
a bench. There was concern that the park would appear to be private park because of the
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/21/99
loeation next to St. Henry's Church. After the subcommittee meets Commissioner Traver
stated he would report back to the Parks Commission.
9.
Update on Maintenance items.
a. Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, reported on the Freeway Fields Park. The original
site plan for the park had the shelter on the west side next to the parking lot. This
location will not work because of the water draining from the parking lot will run
through the shelter. The Commissioners asked ifthere could be an open shelter in this
location and a small shelter in another area for storage. Mr. Engle stated he would
review the plans for an alternative and bring baek to the next meeting.
b. The maintenance agreement with the Hoekey Assoeiation should be reviewed before
the next season.
c. The iee is in good shape at the hockey rink and the skating rink in Bridge Park.
d. Snow removal on the pathway is going good.
e.
Mr. Engle also discussed the Trumpeter Swans on the river. He advised against the
City getting too involved with promoting the swans. If there is a campaign to
promote the swans there should be a program to educate people first.
f.
A picture was shown of a 14 ft. mower that will be purchased to eut the grass on a
more timely schedule this next year.
g. There will be two interns that will be working on their edueation requirements by
surveying and eharting all of the trees in our parks.
Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent, stated that Tom Pollack was hired to work in the Parks
Department. Mr. Pollaek was working for the Buffalo Sehool Distriet.
10. Added items.
a. Tree Planing and Spring Cleanup- Wanda Kramer, Administrative Assistant, reported
that Project Take Pride, the annual spring elean up project will take place on April 24,
1999 from 9 a.m. to noon. Gregg Engle and Wanda Kraemer will be meeting to
discuss options for planting trees or providing trees to residents at a redueed rate.
b.
Selecting the top five priorities for the North Anchor area - Wanda Kraemer,
Administrative Assistant, explained that after the joint meeting with the City Council,
BRA, Planning Commission, DA T, and Parks Commission, it was agreed that each
commission would select their top five priorities for the north anchor and select two
members to attend a subeommittee meeting regarding the North Anchor. Rick
Traver and Earl Smith volunteered to attend the next meeting to discuss priorities for
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this area. There were many ideas discussed but the following were the five top items
the Parks Commission selected:
1. Keep Bridge Park the same size or larger (It is important to keep a large area
for public gathering however, a lineal area for a boardwalk along the river
would be a plus).
2. Encourage the HRA and the City Council to purchase land along the river for
public use.
3. Strong Pathway links: through East/West Bridge Park (under bridge)
Pathway/pedestrian links from South Anchor to North Anchor/Bridge Park
4. Promote recreation components in the park. Add more opportunities for
recreation on the river - overlook, fishing pier, band shell, canoeing, tubing,
kayaking (Canoeing, tubing, kayaking, could start at Montissippi continue
to Bridge and then to Ellison) while maintaining the present recreational use
of the park (playground, skating, picnic).
5. Utilize the park space in the best manner. (Example: The present enclosed
shelter could be moved to another location if the space could be used in a
better manner).
The others that were discussed but not on the top five list were as follows:
1. Open Walnut Street to park,
2. Develop a theme for the area so the residential and commercial mix
(Riverboat Park-steamboat idea, Heritage Park-mixture, Boom Park -
logging),
3. Create a more distinct entrance landmark in the park,
4. Research closing River Street and using the hill for more commercial use,
5. Promote the project to other developers,
6. Clean up the island.
c.
Communication between commissioners. Chairman Larry Nolan stated he would like
to see more communication between commissions. In talking to other commission
members he did not think the information was being passed along. This is especially
important when the Parks Commission supports or doesn't support another
commission's actions. Wanda Kraemer, Administrative Assistant, explained that the
minutes are mailed to the chair of each commission after the minutes are approved.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/21/99
This means, with the Parks Commission minutes, it is the following month before the
minutes are mailed. Ms. Kraemer also added that the minutes are only sent to the
chair at this time. The commissioners discussed this and realized it would involve a
large amount of copying and mailing if everyone received the minutes from all of the
other commissions. It was suggested that when a motion was made regarding action
of another commission the Park Chairman would call the chairman of the other
commission. Larry Nolan, Park Chairman, agreed to do this in hopes of
strengthening communications between the commissions.
11.
Adiourn
A MOTION WAS MADE BY JENNIFER FEARING TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
AND SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR. Motion passed unanimously.
Wanda Kraemer
Administrative Assistant
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The Parks Commission should discuss if they would like to name each park after the
subdivision or a select a separate name. Gregg Engle, Park Superintendent is in the
process of have signs constructed and this decision will need to be made soon. The notes
that follow will give you an idea of the subcommittee recommendation. Thanks- wk
NAMING PARKS
Monday, January 25, 1999
Committee: Fran Fair/Parks Commission, Susie Wojchouski/MCP History Committee,
Cheryl Fuller/MeP Park Project, Wanda Kraemer/Staff
1.
Discussion on ideas for theme or !!uidelines
At the January Parks Commission meeting the commission decided to form a
subcommittee to discuss options for naming the city parks. One of the goals of the
commission for this year was to start constructing signs in many of the parks. In the past
the parks have been referred to by the name of the plat and have never been officially
titled. The committee discussed guidelines for naming parks. There were three areas
chosen: historic, descriptive, and people.
It was recommended that the most emphasis should be placed on using descriptive
names.
Whenever possible the history of the area should be included in the park name, plaque or
markers. Susie Wojchouski/MCP had many interesting facts about the history of
Monticello. She also had information on where to order plaques that could be used to
display the information in the parks.
The category of people should be used very cautious. This area can be very controversial
topic. One of the suggestions was to name areas or items after people however, not entire
parks. (Example John Doe Walkway).
It was also recommended to add art to the parks and pathways. (One example would be
to have a troll under the bridge by the Prairie West Addition. This could be carved or
painted on a large bolder and placed under the bridge. The committee knew of local
artists that could be contracted to paint or carve the troll. In the future a metal troIl on
thc bridge might be added. There could be a mural of bat and balls, etc. This would be
an inexpensive way to start adding art and as the budget allows do morc.
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Naming Parks - 1/25/99
2.
How would a Dark name be announced:
Wanda Kraemer, City Staff, stated that shc had checked with thc Steve Grittman, City
Planning Consultant, and a public hearing would be needed to officially name a park.
The name could also be included in the City Ncwsletter and Monticello Times.
3. What type of policies would need to be written:
The committee did not decide specific policies at this meeting except the
rccommendations in the first question.
4. A list of the current Darks:
A.
4th Street Park - Riggs Field
This is after Ashley Riggs one of the early setters that mapped out the east end of
town (at that time called Moritzious). There was a dispute over what the name of
what is now the east end of Monticello should be. It was between Monticello and
Moritzious. Ashley Riggs also had a ferry boat business at Ellison Park.
B.
Mississippi Drive Park - (Maxwell bench) no sign
c.
River Mill Park - same name
D.
Battle Rapids Park - same name - (site of an early Indian battle)
E.
Freeway Fields - same name
F.
Meadow Oak Park - same name
G.
Cardinal Hills Park - Aviary Park (use name to do with birds)
Sign could have some of the birds that are on the street signs.
H.
Cardinal Hills Park - (tot lot) Chick-a-Dee Park
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Naming Parks - 1/25/99
L
Klein Farm ParklPioneer Park (sign is done)
There should be history markers in this park. Massachusetts Colony settlers were
in this area.
1.
Country Club Manor - Horseshoe Park (This park could have horseshoe pits
added.)
K.
Par West Park - (Parks Dept. wanted this to be same name because of disk-golf.)
L.
The Meadows & Balboul - undecided as to name - wait until what is going to be
done with the park
M.
NSP Ball Fields - Monticello City Ball Fields (sign being made)
Energy Park
N.
Hillcrest Park - same - sign being made
O.
East and West Bridge Park - if change use name that a theme could be used. -
Riverboat Park, Heritage Park
There could be many things used in the park that would use the riverboat idea.
There could be art work and possible parts of riverboats. Duluth does many
things with the ship parts that work well with the parks, benches, and walkways.
P.
Prairie West Park - Creekside Park
This park has many names. The addition is Prairie West Addition, the creek
running through the park is Otter Creek. In the history books the creek is Mill
Creek. The subcomittee thought Creekside was descriptive.
'rhere could be many fun and educational things done in this park. It was
mentioned to have a troll under the bridge (painted on a rock or carved), the wild
flower interpretive area with identification signs along the pathway, work with the
school on seed harvest and ecology projects with the stream.
Q. Water Tower Park - Spotter's View
During WWI and WWIl there were people that watched for enemy plans on the
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Naming Parks - 1/25/99
top of the hill by the wastewater treatment plant. They were called spotters. The
committee thought this might be a historic name that would fit the water tower
hill park when completed.
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. THIS IS THE ITEM WRITTEN FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING ON FEE. 22, 1999
1. Update on a Tree Planting Program for 1999 (10. WK)
A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The Parks Commission would like to continue with the objectives in the Park and
Pathway Comprehensive Plan to "provide a context for planting trees". Last year there
was a concentrated effort on the Original Plat portion of the City to plant boulevard trees
in response to the wind storm. City Hall did receive numerous phone calls with the
request to continue planting in other areas of the City. It was recommended by the Parks
Commission and city statT to this year offer residents trees at a reduced cost. It was
determined that we should wait a year before doing another large planting because of the
city maintenance timc still involved with the new trees. The 99 program will be the sole
responsibility of the property owner. The City has the opportunity to purchase trees in
bulk and this would also help lower the costs for property owners. The program
recommended is modeled after a similar program operated successful in Buffalo.
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In order to take advantage of this tree program residents would be required to register and
attend a tree planting workshop. The workshop would be conducted by thc Parks
Department and Tree Trust. Tree Trust is the organization that helped Monticello with
the tree planting education last year. There would be two seminars held the end of
March; one would be on a week night and one on a Saturday morning. The seminars
would provide information on the types of trees being offered and how to plant and care
for them. At the conclusion of the seminar residents will have the opportunity to sit down
with a tree specialist and go over a sketch of their lot and ask questions to help determine
where and what types of trees would be best in their location. Those who wish to
purchase trees will need to sign an "Adopt-a- Tree" agreement which states that the
purchaser agrees to plant the trees according to the guidelines provided at the workshop
and to water and maintain the trees. Residents would order and pre-pay ($10) for their
trees at the conclusion ofthe seminar. $10 represents 1/4 % of the cost of the tree. The
balance of the tree would be funded by the City via budgcted funds. Each resident could
order up to two trees. It was decided to order 120 trees that could be ordercd through this
program at a cost of$4,800 (trees) - 1,200 (residents cost share) = $3,600. There will be
additional costs for training and information. 120 trecs will be on first come first serve
basis at the workshop. (There is a budget of $1 0,000 for planting and boulevard trees.)
The distribution of the trees would be on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The
date of April 24 was chosen to coincidc with the city wide clean project being conducted
from April 19-April 24. The Monticello Parks Department would handlc the distribution
of the trees.
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98.
Update on the Garden Project - (wk)
r will not be at the February meeting so I have prepared a written report.
The Monticello Merchants have met with a Master Gardener and are currently working
on a plan for a garden on the north side of the Chamber Office. They will bring their site
plan to the March Park Commission meeting. I will mail their site plan out before our
meeting so everyone has a chanee to review the design. I did attend the February
Merchant's meeting to discuss the Adopt an Area Program and also explained the budget
is allocated between the number of requests the Parks Commission receives. T did
encourage them to pursue this project because it is exactly the type ofprojeet that would
fit the criteria of the program. The Merchants were very enthusiastic about the projcet
and working togcther with the Master Gardeners and the Parks Commission.
Girl Scout Troop #181 has been picking up the litter in the Hillside Cemetery for the last
two years. They are also meeting with Master Gardeners and are working on a small
planting project for the cemetery. They will also bring this to the March meeting.
Monticello Community Partners will continue with the gardens at East Bridge Park.
They will be requesting an amount about the same as last year - $850.00.
qg,
PROJECT "TAKE PRIDE"
April 19-ApriI24, 1999
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Yes, we would like to volunteer to help with spring clean up!
Our group/business is very interested in helping with Project Take Pride and
would like the committee to select a project for us according to the time we
have indicated below. (Please complete which day and time works the best
for your group/business)
Monffues/WedjThurslFri
(day)
(time)
Saturday, April 24, 1999
(9:30 a.m. - Noon)
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Our group/business has already planned a project during this week and would
like to have it included in the advertising for the day. (Please describe the
project on the back of this form.)
Name of Group/Business:
Contact Person:
Phone:
Contact Address
Our group will include
people.
Note:
The contact person will be contacted in the second week in April to confirm the group
number and time. If there are any questions please call Wanda Kraemer at City Hall 295-2711
or Kitty Baltos at the Chamber Office 295-2700.
The form will need to be returned by March 31, 1999 and can be faxed, dropped off, or
mailed to:
. Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 192, Monticello, MN 55362/ Fax #295-2705
City Hall, PO Box 1147, Monticello, MN 55362/ Fax #295-4404