Parks Commission Agenda Packet 05-23-1996AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING-PARRS CONIMISSION
Thursday, May 23rd, 1996 - 430 p.m.
1. Call meeting to order.
2. Consideration of approving minutes for the regular meeting March 21, 1996.
3. Consideration of approving minutes for the regular meetings February 16
and May 18, 1994.
4. Consideration of adding agenda items.
5. Discussion of Pathway Grand Opening. (Wanda's report)
A. Summary of the day's events
B. Tree planting
C. Ride on Heartland Express Bus
6. Discusion of the NSP tour.
7. Update on the Prairie West Addition. (Jeffs report)
` 8. Update on a Lion's park. (Earl's report)
` 9. Added items.
10. Adjoum.
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Parks Meeting
Thursday, Apirl 2606 1998.4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bruce Thielen, Larry Nolan, Steve Andrews,
Fran Fair, Earl Smith
Staff Present: Jeff O'Neill, Roger Mack, Wanda Kraemer
The Parks Commission toured the NSP land adjacent to the Wright County
Montissippi Park. The tour was to discuss the possibilities of a connecting trail
system going from the City, through the County Park, and connecting with the NSP
property. Bob Grabinski, NSP representative and tour guide, stated NSP would
like to work together with the City and the County to develop trails and nature
areas through the NSP land. The land is similar to the parkland at the Montissippi
Park with many beautiful areas along the Mississippi River bank that would be an
asset to the public park and trial system for the Monticello community. Bruce
Theilen, Chairman of the Parks Commission, would contact NSP as to the next step
in the process of the NSP land becoming a part of the city -county trail system.
MINUTES
C REGULAR MEETING - PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, March 21, 1996
Members Present: Bruce Thielen, Earl Smith, Steve Andrews,
Larry Nolan, Fran Fair.
Staff Present: Jeff O Neill, Roger Mack, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call meptinp, to ord r.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Theilen.
2. Consideration of approving the minute-% for thp r mil r meeting February 21
1996.
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE
FEBRUARY 21, 1996. SECONDED BY EARL SMITH. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. Co sideration of ad ine aeon a items
There were no agenda items added.
4. Report from Shade Tree S 1h Co mittee.
(Roger Mack, Larry Nolan, Earl Smith)
A. Tree Ordinance: Trees and Shrubs
Larry Nolan reported that the subcommittee had revised the Tree and Shrub
ordinance that each of the Park's Commissioners received. The committee
made somo word changes and reviewed the list of accepted trees. Roger
Mack stated the list in the ordinance was derived from a troo school
information list that he had received. The following trees were deleted from
the list: Ohio Buckeye, Horso Chestnut, Russian Olive, White Ash, Ginkgo,
Imperial Honeylocust, Skyline Locust, Radiant Flowering Crabapple, Red
Splendor Flowering Crabapple, Various Flowering Crabapple, Iron Wood,
and Amur Corktree. These trees were added to the list: Amur Maple, Amur
Chokecherry, Evergreen, (and the words others subject to review).
The trees will be required to be planted on the boulevard 4 to 8 feet behind
the curb. Trees dug out of the wild will not be accept. The Commission
strongly suggested a trunk diameter of at least 2 inches be enforced. The
City Forester will be notified and inspect the trees before a certificate of
occupancy is given for a now home.
EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE TREE AND SHRUBS
ORDINANCE BUT TO HAVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE COMPARE OTHER
Parks Commission Minutes • 03/21/96
ORDINANCES BEFORE TH FINAL COPY IS SENT TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL. SECONDED BY FRAN FMR.
Motion passed unanimously.
There will be a tour of the NSP property on April 25, 1996 at 4:30 p.m. to
discuss the trail system from the City, to Montissippi Park, to NSP.
Commission Nolan would arrange the tour with NSP. Darrin Lahr and Bob
Grabinski would be invited to tour also.
.. . • ► Tt71EST•�
The need for additional ballfields was discussed and decided to add this to
the 1997 budget planning agenda.
Earl Smith reported that the Lions are looking for a park their club could
adopt. The Commissioners discussed the water tower area and thought this
might be an ideal opportunity for the Lions. Earl Smith was not sure what
size park the Lions were interested in. Jeff O'Neill stated he would send an
adopt a park policy to Earl Smith for the Lions. The water tower area would
be a great picnic area but is not large enough for a ball field. Earl Smith
thought the water tower area should be dedicated as park land and then
presented to the Lions as an option. EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION TO
PRESENT THE WATER TOWER AREA TO THE CITY COUNCIL AS A
FUTURE PARK SITE. SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR. Motion passed
unanimously.
The Commisison discussed a fishing pier at Bridge Park. The bank is steep
and it would be difficult to have a pier at this site. Ellison Park was also
discussed. There is still the concern that the water depth is not adequate for
o pier at this site. Commissioner Theilen reported that Wright County is
adding a fishing pier to Montissippi Park. Theilen stated if the
Commissioners are interested it would be wise to apply because it does take
time once a City is on the list to actually get a pier. By the time
Parks Commission Minutes - 03/2V96
9, Briar Ogkpc Second Addition-
Parks
d i ion
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, reported that the second phase of the
Briar Oakes development will begin this year. He explained the pathway
system through the development and the connection to the present system.
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The Parks Commission reviewed the request from the MCP Design
Committee to conduct tree trimming at East and West Bridge park by the
public works department. The trimming request is intended to improve the
appearance of the park and open the view of the river. Roger ,Clack, Park
Superintendent suggested that he meet with a subcommittee to determine
the amount of time involved in the trimming. If the public works department
does not have time this spring other volunteers will be "recruited".
Commissioner Fair added that the Design Committees intent was to show
that citizens and city staff are willing to spend time to volunteer in the
redevelopment process. A meeting was set up for the following week at
Bridge Park.
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This will be discussed after the City Council decides if the pathways should
be kept open all winter.
12. Qthcr.
The Parks Commissioners were asked to recommend projects for the
Monticello High School Connect Four students. Mary Jepson, Connect Four
instructor. has a number of students willing to help the city with clean up or
planting projects.
MEIN.T. ..
STEVE ANDREWS MADE A \MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
SECONDED BY EARL SMITH.
Pago 3
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PARKS COMMISSION
Wednesday, May 18, 1994 -4:34 p.m.
Members Present: Dick Frie, Larry Nolan, Bruce Thielen, Roger Carlson
;Members Absent: Fran Fair
Assistant Administrator O'Neill requested that the Parks Commission review
the current rules limiting league play at Country Club Manor and determine
if it would be acceptable to allow structured practices to occur on a reserved
basis at Country Club Manor Park. O'Neill informed the Commission that
some years ago, structured league play by girls softball and adult leagues
was prohibited at the park due to the size of the park, lack of parking, and
poor access to the park.
O'Neill noted that a new dispute has arisen which stems from the use of the
field by a Willie Mnys kids team for practice purposes. Apparently, certain
neighbors have objected to allowing Willie days practice to occur at this field
because it constitutes structured league play and, therefore, should not be
allowed under the agreement reached between the City and the residents
some years ago (see attached letter). The Parks Commission was asked to
consider whether or not it would be acceptable to allow the field to be used on
a reserved basis for practice only for kids teams. O'Neill noted that under
the proposal by the Willie Mays team, they need the field only two days a
week for 1 1/2 hours.
Bruce Thielen felt that the City should not be overly restrictive regarding the
use of the park by people from outside of the neighborhood. The field should
be available to all residents of the city on a first-come, first -serve basis.
Dick Frio mentioned that we need to place some restrictions on the use of this
field. This field is unique in that it is imbedded into a neighborhood, and the
size of the field is suited for children. For instance, there should be a set
time that the park would be closed to the public. Bruce Thielen mentioned
that under the County rules, parks are closed U2 hour after sunset.
The group discussed regulations relating to limiting the use of the ballfield
by children. It was the consensus of the group that the small size of the
facility itself discourages the use of the facility for adult play; therefore, it did
rr not appear that specific rules were needed in this regard.
1.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 5/18/94
After discussion, a motion was made by_Bruce Thielen and seconded by Larry
Nolan to allow structured practice at the Country Club Manor ballfield for
kids teams to be limited to 1 1/2 hours per session per team, use of the field
to be allowed on a first-come, first -serve basis. The field should be available
for prnetir only by these kids teams seven days a week. The park is open
and available for use up until 1/2 hour after sunset. Park users from outside
the neighborhood should be encouraged through signage to park on the park
property, the parking location to be at the entrance to the park where the
park intersects with Fairway Drive. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Review Community Fel,um ming,
Duane Gates was in attendance to review the summer recreation program.
Gates' attendance was at the invitation of the Parks Commission. The
Commission desired to learn more about how the City contribution ($16,500)
is being utilized for recreation programming.
Gates reviewed the summer recreation financial summary, which showed
that the total summer recreation expenses amount to $77,491. Funds to
finance this expense are derived as follows:
Program fees by participants $32,403
City of Monticello contribution $16,500
Monticello School District $28,587
Following is a summary of the number of people participating in the various
programs.
Swimming lessions 1,165
T-ball/baseball 493
Basketball 200
Track clinic 45
Volleyball 27
Kids golf 27
Elementary gymnastics 36
Tumbling 68
Tennis 46
Soccer 42
Physical fitness 38
Arts and crafts 162
Other 349
Trips 481
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Parks Commission Minutes - 5118/94
He also noted that open swim and open gym generate 54,449 and 795
participants respectively. Special events such as Wednesdays in the Park
featuring various performing groups generate 1,050 participants. The total
for non -registration activities amounted to 6,994. The grant total of
participants amounts to 10,172.
It was the consensus of the group that the Community Ed program is doing
an excellent job of providing recreation services to the school district
community and that the City would be hard pressed to replace the level of
service provided.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill mentioned that city residents are paying
twice for the activities, once through school district taxation and once
through the city taxes. He noted that since each resident within the school
district appears to have equal opportunity to participate in these activities,
he wondered why the City is supplementing the fund. Duane Gates
mentioned that the formula used to fund the summer recreation program
started in 1955 and has not changed much since.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the group to investigate the usage of
the summer recreation program and determine the level of participation in
the program by township versus city residents. The goal of the research
would be to determine the ratio of city versus township use of the
programming. If it appears that a disproportionate share of the use of the
programming is by city residents relative to area population, then the
additional funding by the City is justified. If it is found that the use of the
programming generally reflects the level of population in the city versus
township areas, then perhaps the City contribution to the program needs to
be examined.
The Parks Commission requested that information on the usage of the
programs by city versus township residents be collected and analyzed at the
end of the 1994 summer recreation program. The group went on to request
that a follow-up report be provided sometime late in the summer or early fall.
Jeff O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PARKS COMMISSION
Wednesday, February 16, 1994 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Dick Frie, Fran Fair. Larry Nolan, Bruce Thielen
Members Absent: Roger Carlson
3. Consideration of aaoroval of December 15. 1993. meeting minutes.
Dick Frie noted that it was his understanding that the $20.000 left by City
Council in the Parks Commission capital improvement budget could be
spent at the discretion of the Parks Commission without further review by
the City Council. Assistant Administrator O'Neill indicated that he checked
with the City Administrator and found that this is the case: however, the
Parks Commission should be providing updates to the City Council as the
improvements are made.
After discussion, a motion was made by Bruce Thielen and seconded by
Fran Fair to approve the meeting minutes as submitted. Motion carried
unanimously with Roger Carlson absent.
Citv Engineer update on status of pnthwav proiect.
City Engineer. Bret Weiss, was present to update the Parks Commission on
the status of the project. He noted that it was his goal to have the pathway
memorandum approved by March I with plan submittal to occur thereafter.
The time line culls for a May I plan approval and a bid opening sometime
in June. The goal is to complete construction of the project by October 21,
1994.
The Parks Commission reviewed the plans sheet by sheet. At the end of the
review, it was the consensus of the Parks Commission to request that the
plans and specifications be written to require a full complement of
landscaping to be planted in the fall of 1994.
5. Update on status of Cardinal Hills park alnn--disposition of south pond.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed Council action on the Cardinal
Hills, phase 1V, preliminary plat. He noted that the Council split the pond
into two sections, the south half to be defined as an outtot to be combined
with a future park to the south, and the north half of the pond to be
encompassed by the lots to the north. No action taken on this matter.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 2/16/94
6. Review sketch clan --residential development of the Klein farm and proposed
park location.
Sketch plan review, no action taken. However, it was the consensus of the
Parks Commission to take a strong stand with regard to taking only usable
land for park area. No swamps or power line encumbered territory.
Review status of comprehensive plan for park development.
O'Neill noted that a significant amount of work has been done on the plan:
however, due to other work load pressures, it seems impossible to find time
to complete the project. He noted that he would copy the work that has
been completed to date and look to the Parks Commission for ideas on how
to get the work done. O'Neill also noted that perhaps he could utilize the
services of the City Planner to alleviate some of the work pressures in
community development and planning which would free up time to work on
the comprehensive park plan. He noted he would discuss this possibility
with the City Administrator.
&. Review fundins status of hallfield improvements identified at previous
n eeting.
It was the consensus of the Parks Commission that the commission is at
liberty to spend any portion of the $20,000 allocated for park improvements
on the bailfield improvements as identified at the previous meeting. No
further fiction taken on this matter.
9. Consider increasine tournament, fecs for use of the NSP bnllfield comolex.
Roger Mack reported that the City Council asked the Parks Commission to
review the fee structure fur tournaments at the bailfieid complex. It was
noted that the fee structure should take effect in 1995, which would give us
some time to develop a fee structure that is consistent with what other
communities charge. No further nction taken on this matter.
It was the consensus of the group, however, that it would be a good idea to
re-examine the fee structure at the NSP balifield complex for the 1995
season.
10. Review winter parks plan operntion,
it was the consensus of the group that the winter parks plan went well.
When weather was tolerable. attendance at West and Fast Bridge Park was
excellent. The City has received numerous compliments about the park
\ operation.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 2/16/94
It was also noted that the 4th Street Park general ice skating area should
be enlarged and divided into two skating areas, one for general skating/no
hockey. and the other for hockey.
11. Discuss oarticioation in the outdoor recreation erant process.
No action taken.
12. Discuss methods to imorove communication between the public works
deoartment, and the Parks Commission.
The group discussed problems associated with mixed input coming to
Council from the Parks Commission and public works department on park -
related ideas. It was the consensus of the group that the public works
department and Parks Commission need to work together to discuss items
and come to common conclusions prior to presentation of issues to the City
Council.
After discussion. it was the consensus of the group to ask John Simola to
attend r'arks Commission meetings. Dick Frie and Bruce Thielen
volunteered to talk to John Simola about attending Parks Commission
meetings on a regular basis.
13. Review status of community arena develoomen,,.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed the summary of a recent meeting
of a community arena planning and management committee. He noted that
the next step in the process is to define a method for establishing a facilities
plan and budget. From this document will spring an operations budget and
agreements between the City and School District regarding ice time rental
and an agreement between the City and Township regarding payment of the
debt service.
14, Review oroonsal for orivnte onrk develooment with Outlot A of Country
Club Manor.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that a request for proposals has
been submitted to various developers for development of Outlet A of
Country Club Manor. The request for proposals included a provision that
required development of a park at least I acre in size in addition to a 3.1-
ncre storm drainage area.
The Parks Commission reviewed the availability of parks in the area and
noted that there is a lack of park facilities for residents in the area. This
section of town does not have a park except for the Country Club Manor
Park, which is very small and nearly inaccessible.
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Parks Commission Minutes • 2/16/94
After discussion, a motion was made by Larry Nnlan and seconded by Fran
Fair to request that the park area dedicated with Outlet A encompass at
least 2 acres rather than 1 acre and should provide sufficient land area for
a tot lot and an active play field. Motion carried unanimously.
15. Consider alternate uses for summer allocation of $17.000 to Communitv
Education.
It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to request that Duane Gates
attend the next meeting to discuss the use of the $17,000 allocation made
toward Community Education for summer recreation programs.
16. There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
2 f) A'j L
Jeff O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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