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Parks Commission Agenda Packet 05-26-2005 . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. . 9. 10. 11. AGENDA PARKS COMMISSION May 26 2005 - 4:30 p.m. "{n enhance cnmmunity pride through developing and maintaining city parks with a high standard a/quality" Call to Order Approve minutes of April 28, 2005 regular Parks Commission meeting. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. Citizens comments and requests. Review of Hidden Forest/Sunset Ridge Revised Park Plan - Mark Woolston Eagle Scout Project Update - Phillip Simondet Discussion of informal bike/skate park Discussion of establishing area for racing of electronic cars Proposal from Public Works for Cost of trail work by Riverside Cemetery Park Maintenance Updates/Discussions, if any a. Report on Walk and Roll Event b. Video - Parks c. Battle Rapids Area - Discussion on allowable work d. Update on Hunter's Crossing e. Monti Villa Update 12. Adjourn. . . . . Park Commission Minutes - 4/28/05 MINUTES PARKS COMMISSION April 28, 2005 - 4:30 p.m. West Prairie Room "To enhance community pride through developing and maintaining city parks with a high standard of quality." Members Present: Fran Fair, Ben Hitter, Nancy McCaffrey, Larry Nolan, Rick Traver and Council Liaison, Tom Perrault Members Absent: None Others Present: Park Superintendent, Adam Hawkinson; Councilmember Wayne Mayer; Assistant City Administrator, Jeff O'Neill. 1. Call to Order. Chairman Larry Nolan called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present. 2. Approve minutes of March 24. 2005 reeular Parks Commission meetine. The minutes did not show who had seconded approving the February 24,2005 minutes. Rick Traver who was present at the February 24th meeting but not at the March 24th meeting, seconded the minutes. Upon vote being taken the minutes of the February 24,2005 meeting were approved. A clarification was made on the portion of the minutes relating to the plan review for Jefferson at Monticello development. Language was added to clarify that park dedication funds from the Jefferson at Monticello development could pay for the sports complex proposed in the area ofthe 1-94 interchange at Orchard Road. A typographical error was also noted for correction. FRAN FAIR MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 24, 2005 REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING WITH THE CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS NOTED. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Consideration of ad dine items to the aeenda. Fran Fair added to the agenda a discussion of the long range plans for East Bridge Park. Larry Nolan added discussion of the park map in the Monticello guide book. Adam Hawkinson added an update on Hunters Crossing park elevations, an offer from the Rotary Club to install benches along the pathway, Hillside Park ballfield improvements and an equipment swap with the Street Department. Jeff O'Neill added an update on the Poplar Hills development and whether the Parks Commission wanted to make a formal motion on their discussion of the Sunset Ridge/Hidden Forest development at the previous Parks Commission meeting. Park Commission Minutes - 4/28/05 . 4. Citizens comments and reauests. No one spoke under citizens comments. 5. Review development plan for Monte Hill Villas. Jon Bogart, engineer for the development, Skip Sorenson, architect and Butch Lindenfelser, developer were present at the meeting to review the proposed development. The ten acre site includes the five acre parcel that the Monte Club is situated on and another five acre parcel lying between the Monte Club and City park land. The development would consist of 29 units with a portion ofthe units being built on the City owned park land. . Jeff O'Neill stated that City Planner, Steve Grittman suggested this creative way of using the City park land to better use the density of the development. Jon Bogart reviewed a preliminary drawing of the proposed development. He noted that although the drawing shows housing units on the City's park land, the City would still have approximately four acres of park land but instead of one parcel it would be broken into smaller pieces and located throughout the development. The proposed trail layout was also reviewed. In addition to the trail a sidewalk is being proposed along the north road into the proposed development. The engineer stated that the development was laid out in an attempt to save as many of the trees as possible. It was stated that the County also had concerns about the proposed road access to the development. Jon Bogart stated that developer, initially started out with 32 lots and it is now down to 29 lots. They cannot go with any fewer lots and still have an economically feasible project. The discussion reverted back to the proposed use of park land in the development. It was noted that the City purchased this parcel of park land outright in order to preserve this area as well as serve as a buffer to the water tower site. Adam Hawkinson stated he was somewhat confused by this proposal in that Jeff O'Neill has said the Parks Commission should be acquiring more land to meet the park demands of the community but this proposal is using park land for residential purposes. He added that instead of the City having one large parcel of park land which requires minimum maintenance, this development would have fragmented pieces of park land throughout a residential development. The number of small park parcel would add more in the way of maintenance time and cost. At the present time the property is in the township and the site ofthe Monte Club is zoned for commercial use. When it comes into the City it would be rezoned for residential use. Wayne Mayer asked what the residential zoning would be. Jeff O'Neill indicated that it would be R-2 but based on the number of units proposed it would meet the R-l density standards. Tom Perrault asked about the radio tower and the fall zone. This property is not located in the fall zone of the towers. . Fran Fair asked if there was any precedent for making this kind of trade off of park land. Jeff O'Neill said since the property was not dedicated park land there is more flexibility with how the City can use it. Jon Bogart also suggested the option of having the developer purchase the City's park land. Adam Hawkinson stated if that City park land is sold it would have to be at 2 Park Commission Minutes - 4/28/05 . current market value. Larry Nolan stated he dido't like the idea of the park land consisting of a number of smaller pieces. Nancy McCaffrey asked about having one tier of lots. The engineer indicated that design would not allow for enough lots to make for a profitable development. Rick Traver said just the concept of giving up park land or trading it for what was proposed was not something he could support. He also felt the Parks Commission needed to look at the other properties in this area so that the Parks Commission could see the whole picture and better determine park land needs. The engineer noted the road width is proposed to be 26 feet. Tom Perrault stated that with the pathway and the relatively small amount oftraffic that would be generated he didn't think the sidewalk that is proposed would be necessary. There was continued discussion on the value of the City park land. The Parks Commission felt this parcel of land was central to the development of properties around it. The park when developed could serve multiple neighborhoods. The Parks Commission did not feel it was a good idea to give up the park land. Tom Perrault stated he was not opposed to working out an agreement with the developer on the park land. 6. Eaele Scout Proiect. . Phil Simondet came before the Parks Commission with a proposal to install either a fishing dock or a viewing dock near the boat launch at Ellison Park as his Eagle Scout project. He showed proposed design drawings to the Park Commission. Larry Nolan asked ifthe Department of Natural Resources would have to review this. Adam Hawkinson stated the DNR would have input on this and he suggested that Phil Simondet contact Tryg Hanson of the DNR to get his suggestions. The Park Commission encouraged him to proceed with the project but did note it required approval of the DNR as well. The Park Commission asked that after he talked to the DNR he come back to the Parks Commission on this project. Added Item-Sunset Ridee/Hidden Forest. Mark Woolston and Rick Lewandowski came back to the Parks Commission to ask for clarification on the preferred park design for their development. The Park Commission indicated they preferred concept #1 which had the circular playground design located centrally in the park but they would like to see the overlook shown in concept #2 included in the concept # 1 layout. . The developers stated that their proposed land dedication is 8.6 acres and in lieu of any remaining park dedication being a cash payment, they were proposing to construct the park in addition to the land dedication. They added that since the park would be a marketing tool for the development, the park construction would be done early on. The Parks Commission felt this was a reasonable proposal but specified trail construction and playground equipment installation would have to meet design criteria. They suggested the developers work with Adam Hawkinson to make sure that all design standards are met. The Parks Commission was encouraged that the developers felt the park was a significant amenity to their development and planned to have it constructed early in the development process. Mark Woolston stated the developers have been meeting with a wetland specialist and indicated that a number of wetland issues will be resolved when the county ditch outlet has been determined. Mark 3 . Park Commission Minutes - 4/28/05 Woolston asked to be placed on the agenda for the Parks Commission's May meeting. At that time he will have a list of equipment to be installed in the park. Wayne Mayer suggested that the Parks Commission get a commitment from the developer as to what will be constructed in the park. 7. Park Maintenance. Adam Hawkinson submitted a list of the work completed by his staff. He indicated that the tree planting event was Successful. Approximately 285 trees were planted by staff and volunteers. There was a slight problem with Gopher State One Call not having all the utility locates done in time. The trees that are remaining will be used in the parks and some were planted by the wastewater treatment plant as requested by the Council. He noted that this event took a considerable amount of staff time and some other projects were delayed because of it but they are hoping to catch up. Larry Nolan asked about the ballfields. Adam Hawkinson indicated the fields have been aerated and they are looking a little better. They are waiting for the Street Department so that they can get the blade on the tractor and use that for the ballfields. Adam Hawkinson has met with the Youth Baseball Association about the proposed improvements for the Hillcrest ballfield. There was some discussion the demand for fields and how that can be met. It was noted that the lighting at the high school ballfields should help out the situation. . Nancy McCaffrey asked about the retaining wall at the Meadow Oak Park. Adam Hawkinson replied that it should be done shortly. 8. 2005 Capital Improvement Proiects. The Parks Commission reviewed the capital improvements list. Larry Nolan asked which playground structures needed to be brought into compliance with ADA requirements. Adam Hawkinson noted that there are a number of parks that do not have ADA compliant access to the play area. Adam Hawkinson report the surfacing of the Pioneer Park is being bid and should be done this year. Rick Traver asked what worked was proposed for the Cardinal Hills Tot Lot. Adam Hawkinson stated that there are a number of different pods at this location but there is no access going to the different pods and no opening going into the pod. Larry Nolan asked about the status ofthe Ellison Park restrooms. Adam Hawkinson stated he is working on the bid/contract documents and once they have been reviewed by the City Attorney the project can be advertised. 9. Updates/other items. . Walk and Roll- Larry Nolan stated the route for Walk and Roll had changed and he wanted to know where the Park Commission wanted to be located on the route. Parks Commission decided to be at Pioneer Park. Larry Nolan, Rick Traver and Nancy McCaffrey would be available to work at that event. There was some discussion on handouts that the Park Commission would distribute. Park Dedication Handout. The handout containing specific information on park dedication requirements was reviewed previously. Larry Nolan suggested if the Parks Commission had no other changes this should be given to the Community Development Department so that it 4 . Park Connnission Minutes - 4/28/05 could be distributed to the developers along with other development information. Adam Hawkinson will supply the Community Development Department with this information. RICK TRAVER MOVED TO APPROVE THE PARK DEDICATION HANDOUT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPERS PROPOSING TO DEVELOP PROPERTY IN THE CITY. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. . Fencing. Adam Hawkinson submitted a price quote for fencing proposed for Riverside Cemetery. The Parks Commission discussed funding for this project. The plan is to submit this to the City Council for their direction. Wayne Mayer asked if this was a high priority for the cemetery. Adam Hawkinson felt getting the roads by the cemetery paved was a greater priority especially since the roads on the hillsides wash away. Wayne Mayer felt the fencing and trails should be coordinated with the road improvement being done. The 2005 Core Street Project initially covered this area but the Council scaled back the project to cover the area between Chestnut Street and Otter Creek Road. It has not been determined yet when the balance of River Street would be completed. Rick Traver felt it would be appropriate at this time that Adam Hawkinson send a letter to J 0 Havel who had chaired the Cemetery Committee and let her know the status of these cemetery improvements. Since the City has a paver and roller it was suggested that the Public Works Department come up with a proposal for doing the cemetery project and bring it back at the next meeting. Items Added to the Ae:enda. Monticello Guide Park Map - The Parks Commission discussed a fold out park map that would be in the Monticello Guide with additional copies of the map being given to the City. The cost for this is $500. FRAN FAIR MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF $500 FOR PLACING THE PARK MAP IN THE MONTICELLO GUIDE. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Hunters Crossing. Adam Hawkinson stated that the Parks Commission had agreed to a 962 elevation in this development. After grading, the developer has indicated there is not enough soil to make the 962 elevation and is proposing a 958 grade. Adam Hawkinson stated this elevation should be okay for the proposed Soccer fields. . Rotary Club Benches for Pathway. The Rotary Club has offered to purchase 5-6 benches for placement along the City's pathway. Adam Hawkinson supplied them with a number of possible locations for placing the benches. The Parks Commission discussed whether all the benches along the pathway were to be uniform in design. It was felt that ifthe benches were uniform in quality and size other elements of design could vary. The benches proposed to be placed by the Rotary Club would be recycled plastic. The Rotary Club will also install the benches and if it is determined that any of the benches need a cement pad that would be installed by the Parks Department. RICK TRAVER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE OFFER OF THE ROTARY CLUB FOR PURCHASING AND INSTALLING BENCHES ALONG THE P A THW A Y. FRAN FAIR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5 . Park COmmission Minutes - 4/28/05 Larry Nolan stated that the Rotary Club is celebrating 50 years of operation in Monticello. East Bridge Park ~ Since East Bridge Park is not on the Walk and Roll route this year, they would like to have an open house for the park. Fran Fair suggested this be done in conjunction with the Wright County Horticultural Society and would likely take place in July. Fran Fair would like to use the excess tree planting funds for the event and will talk to Susie Wojchouski about this. Fran Fair asked about adopt-a-park and expenditures for that. Adam Hawkinson will check into it and verify the amount set aside. He suggested that they do what had been done in previous years. Poplar Hills Development ~ Jeff O'Neill who had added this item to the agenda had already left the meeting. The Parks Commission was infonned that the City Council had approved the preliminary plat and development stage planned unit development for this project. Phase I of the development includes the city park land. The Parks Commission directed Adam Hawkinson to contact the developer concerning the grades for the ballfields. . Hillside Ballfield Improvements ~ Adam Hawkinson reported that $8,000 has been committed to repair the fences and backstop at this field. This will be coming before the Council for their authorization to proceed with the work. Wayne Mayer stated at the previous Council meeting John Simo!a had commented that this field would be hard to keep in shape because there is no irrigation system in place. There was some discussion on what work is needed on this field. The field was constructed 30 years ago and is in need of repair and upgrading. It is proposed this field will be used by the 9-12 age group. Adam Hawkinson stated there is a need for more ballfields to meet the demand. Equipment Swap ~ Adam Hawkinson reported at the last Council meeting the Public Works Department had requested authorization from the Council to purchase two Yz ton pickup trucks; one for the Sewer/Water Department and one for the Street Department. The Council authorized the purchase of one truck and directed that the truck that Adam Hawkinson currently uses be given to the Sewer Department and the 1994 % ton truck be given to the Parks Department. Adam Hawkinson stated that he didn't care which truck he used, but he did take issue with some of the other comments made such as the truck being locked all the time. He stated there are boxes on the side of the truck containing tools and items such as the locator which he did keep locked since there were occasions that tools were taken without permission but the truck itself was not locked up. Adam Hawkinson stated another problem the equipment swap creates is with tracking the fuel use by the various departments. Since the program that is in place for tracking fuel use tracks it by the vehicle number not by department, it is more difficult to track and budget costs. He noted that there has been a certain amount of tension between the Parks Department and Street Department and he felt it important that both sides are heard. Wayne Mayer stated that the Council in making this decision considered it a resource reallocation rather than a personnel issue. Wayne Mayer stated there should be no feuding between departments. Fran Fair commented that sometimes these things come about because someone is agitating it. Wayne Mayer suggested that Adam Hawkinson makes the Park Commission aware of these types of situations. ~ ,.,. Meeting - Larry Nolan infonned the Parks COmmission that he bad received a letter about a meeting being held Thursday, May 5, 2005 in Buffalo relating to a study done by the Public Health and Human Services Department covering community health in Monticello. 6 . . . Park Commission Minutes - 4/28/05 10. Adjourn. RICK TRAVER MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 6:40 P.M. FRAN FAIR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Recording Secretary 7