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Parks Commission Agenda Packet 03-25-2004 . 1. 2A. B. 3. 4. 5. 6. . 7. 8. 9. . AGEN A PARKS CO MISSION SPECIAL METING March 25, 200 - 4:30 p.m. West Prair e Room "To enhunce community pride through developing amI maintaining city parks with a igh standard of quality" Call to Order Approve minutes of February 26, 2004 r gular Parks Commission meeting. Approve minutes of February 23, 2004 s eeial Parks Commission meeting. Consideration of adding items to the age da. Citizens comments and requests. Park Maintenance Report on survey of Groveland area resi ents Review of proposed ordinance amendme t relating to park land Title XI, Chapter 6. lJpdates, if any Adjourn . . . MINU ES SPECIAL MEETING - P RKS COMMISSION Monday, February 3,2004 - 9 a.m. "To enhance community pride through developing and maintaining city parks with a high standard of quality." Members Present: Fran Fair, Larry Nolan and ick Traver Members Absent: Ben Hitter, Nancy McCafTre and Council Liaison, Robbie Smith. S taif Present: Adam Hawkinson, Park Sup rintendent; John Simola Public Works Director and Jeff O'Neill De uty City Administrator. 1. Call to Order. Chair Larry Nolan called thc special meetin.T to order at 9 a.m. and declared a quorum present. Also present at the meeting were. im and Sheila Lawrence and Susie Wo.ichouski. 2. Discussion of Mississippi Park. 'rhc purpose of the special meeting was to discuss the present situation at Mississippi park with the public coming to view the tru lpeter swans. The Parks Commission did schedule an informational meeting with resifents of the area at 4:30 on February 26, 2004. The Parks Commission felt it would be beneficial to meet prior to that informational meeting to discuss improvem nts to the site that could lessen any ncgative impact by the extra tramc or to consider alt rnative sites f(n the swans. Park Superintendent, Adam Hawkinson dis ussed the possibility of using two city owned lots in that area as parking for the tratIic ge erated by the viewing of the trumpeter swans. It was noted that there are springs runni ng t rough these lots and areas of unsuitable soil. In addition the Council had directed that these lots be sold for development. These factors make it questionable whether these I ts would be usable for parking. Sheila and Jim Lawrence, who are the property owners that feed the trumpeter swans, suggested utilizing the park itself for vehicle parking. John Simola indicated that they would have to look at the drainage and whether suitable soils would have to be brought in to the site. If a parking lot was constructed in the park i could probably only handle 6-7 cars. Sheila Lawrence explained when the newsp per article first came out regarding the swans, it generated a lot oftraftic in the are',. The amount of traffic has since died down. At the peak of viewing there may have been as many as ten cars on the street at one time now it is three at the most. Initially the vehicles coming down to view the swans did not realize it was a cul-de-sac street and turned' round in the driveways of the residents. Another concern that was voiced was vehicl s parking along County Road 39 to view the . Special Parks Commission Minutes - 2/23/04 swans. Adam Hawkinson stated that if th y wanted to encourage swan viewing along County Road 39 it would seem appropriat to construct a pier and some terracing which would get the cars off the side of the road. Jim I,awrence stated the swans select the s te and just because the City may want them at a difTerent location, does not mean the sw ns will gather there and {()od alone is not enough to attract them to a site. Since th yare clumsy on land, the trumpeter's swan security is water. The particular site by M'ssissippi park has a shoal area which attracted the swans initially. The Lawrence's cited number of factors to consider in looking at the situation. At the present site, the activi ies of individuals who come to view the swans can be monitored and the feeding of the birds is done by a private party. If the swan viewing is moved to a ditTerent site y u lose these assets. Jim Lawrence felt the key to the situation was trying to control th activities of the people who come to view the swans. He noted the birds are easily spook d and therefore it is important that there is a separation between the swans and the peop e viewing them. The present set up with the fencing does that. Adam Hawkinson state that the DNR also expressed the concern that the birds do not become too friendly with t e people viewing them. The Lawrence's indicated that the residents had not complained to them of any problems. The viewing period for the swans runs frol October to March and the traffic was not that bad. The plus to the present location was hat the activities of the viewing public could be monitored and it was a secure spot for tI e swans. Adam Hawkinson stated that he had received a comment about the noise. Jim Lawrence indicated that the noise should be minimal because the swans are there ov r the winter months, a time when most residents would have their windows elosed. He stated that when the birds arc startled and they attempt to fly off there is some noise . Jeff O'Neill asked about the width of Missi sippi Drive and whether there was sufficient right-of-way for sidewalk. He also questiOl ed whether the viewing of the swans created a situation where there was conf1ict between edestrian needs and vehicle needs. Susie Wojchouski stated that on their wehsite the have pointed out that the street is a cul-de- sac and that seems to have helped. She also noted that people who have come to view the swans have also shopped and dined in Monfcello so there is economic benefit to the City as well as the aesthetic pleasure of viewing he birds. Jeff O'Neill stated that the land at the end of the cul-de-sac is part of the waste ateI' treatment plant and questioned whether some parking could be put in there. Susie ojchouski stated that would be too far for people to park and then walk to view the sw. ns. She noted that many of the people who have come to view the swans are elderly or landicapped and that is why parking within the park itself would be a better option. .Til Lawrence felt that trying to educate the public about the site and appropriate behavi I' around swans would go along way to eliminate any problems caused by the swan iewing. Susie Wojchollski also noted that she is talking to Xcel Energy on grants that re available that could be used in making . 2 . Sped I Parks Commission Minutes - 2/23/04 improvements to the site. The Parks Commission discussed other sit s that were proposed. One site is the Battle Rapids Park along County Road 39. This s'te would require construction of an ofT ramp feJr parking in order to view the swans. Th's would be a more costly site because of the need for a ramp and the need for DNR pen its for construction. In addition there would be no in place monitoring of the people wh. come to view the swans and also provisions would have to be made for the feeding of t e birds. The plus to the site is that County Road 39 can handle the amount of traflic a d if in the future the County has a bike trail in that area the swan viewing would be an ad ed attraction for the bikers. West Bridge park was also considered. Th re was concern about parking since the park is also used for skating. Again feeding would then have to be provided f(x the swans. There is a town home development in the ~ ea that could provide some monitoring of the activities in the area. Ellison Park - Adam Hawkinson noted the roblems with the geese at the park and the efforts the Parks Department has made in tr ing to control the problem. Since this is a premier park and the site of the River Fast ctivities, there is a reluctance to encourage a goose population growth in this area. . Montissippi Park - While this is a county p,rk the county was willing to have an area established for the swans. A couple of sites were noted on a sketch submitted by Adam Hawkinson. The Lawrence's noted how e sily the birds are spooked by human activities and how in their haste to nee the swans hav injurcd themselves. With all the activity and traffic at Montissippi Park it was felt tll t this would not be the bcst location. In addition the monitoring of the public and pr visions fl1r feeding the birds would have to be resolved. It was suggested that some kind of shuttle b IS arrangement be set up for those individuals wishing to view the swans. This would eli ninate some of the concerns on traffic and parking. It was also noted that since there re elderly and handicapped people coming to the view thc swans some consideration ShOlld be given so that any improvements made to thc park on Mississippi Drive are ADA a cessible. After discussion of the matter, the Parks Co mission felt there was a lot oflogistics to consider before making any decision. Ther was somc long term issues to look at as well such as what happens if the power plant clo es and the river is no longer open in that area or theL,awrence's no longer can provide the feeding of the birds. Fran Fair asked for a cost estimate for a parking lot at the park sit. John Simo/a indicated that depending on the elevation of the site and whethcr the Cit had to put in any pathway or viewing pad, the cost could run $17,000-$18,000 . 3 . Speci I Parks Commission Minutes - 2/23/04 There being no further discussion, the Park Commission thanked Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, Susie Wojchouski and stall for t cir input and then adjourned the meeting. Recording Secretary . . 4 Parks Commission Minutes - 2/26/04 . MIN TES PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING February 26, 2 04 - 4:30 p.m. "To enhance cOnlnl/lni(I' pri Ie through developin/: allil nIaintuining city purk.~ with high standard OflJl1ll6ty" Members Present: Fran Fair, Ben Hitter, Nancy cCaffrey, Larry Nolan and Council Liaison Robbie Smith Members Absent: Rick Traver Staff Present: Adam Hawkinson, Parks Sup rintendent and Jeff 0' Neill, Deputy City Administrator (present fi)f a portion of the meeting) 1. Call to Order. Chair Larry Nolan called the meeting to ord rat 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present. i Park . An informational meeting was scheduled by the Parks Commission with the residents in the area of the Mississippi Park, the site inhabit d by the trumpeter swans. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss any issues or concen s relating to the trumpeter swans and the impact their presence has on the neighborhood, Jim and Sheila Lawrence, 117 Mississippi rive, who arc doing the feeding and care of the swans, were present at the meeting It was n ted that the Parks Commission had met in a special meeting and discussed alternative sit s for the swan viewing as well as tranic and parking concerns at the present site. The La rences felt if there were concerns voiced by residents, the concerns were not about the p esence of the swans but rather traffic concerns generated by the people coming into the arc to view the swans. They also pointed out that the swans selected this site because of features nique to the site and not just because of the feeding. There is no assurance that the SWat s would be attracted to another site. Jim Lawrence reiterated that the problem was 0 e of trat1k in the area and not the fact that the swans were in the area. Ron Adkins, 201 Mississippi Drive, stated t ere has been no trouble with any of the visitors who have come to view the swans and cone rred with the Lawrences that if there was a problem it was a parking problem. He was ot in favor of moving the swans as the swans arc flourishing at this site. . The general feeli ng of those present was th t posting of signs restricting parking to one side of the street improved the parking situation. fter the news media hit on the swan viewing at this location there was an onslaught of people w 10 came out to the site. 'f'hat has since died down and the traffic situation has cased up but the parking issues still need to be addressed. The possibility of having a shuttle to bring viewrs in and out of the site was discussed and while the shuttle could alleviate some traffic cone rns it would also require some improvements to the area, such as a shelter for those waiting 0 be picked up by the shuttle bus. Ron Adkins pointed out that a large number of the peopl coming to view the swans arc elderly or Parks Commission Minutes ~ 2/26/04 . handicapped and navigating the path to the iver is difficult since it can be icy. This creates the potential for falls. Ron Hackenmueller, 113 Mississippi Drive oncurred with comments made and brought up the issue of the signage and whether improved ignage could hclp alleviate the problem. He particularly noted the sign indicating the tur around was not being seen soon enough by those vehicles coming into the area. Larry Nolan stated that the city did own two lots on the opposite side of the street from the park but it was questionable whether the lots wOlld be suitable for USe as a parking lot. The lots have underground springs and unsuitable soils that would need to be removed. In addition the Parks Department had been instructed by th City Council to see if the lots could be sold to a party who would be interested in developing them. It had been suggested that a parking lot be constructed in the park itself. This idea nee s to be looked at further as far as how many parking spaces the park area could contain, t e cost of making such improvements, and the long term use of that park. Robbie Smith as ed the residents how they would feel about the presence of a parking lot adjacent to their pI' perty. Jim Lawrence stated that the parcel of land is not big enough to be a usable park an because it was not a buildable site so the developer gave it as park land. He felt maki g the area into a parking lot might be the best use for the land. Bonnie Scadden, 112 Mississippi Drive, stat d that the park, though it was small, was the only open area the kids have to play in. Susie W jchouski suggested a basketball hoop be installed with the parking lot whieh would still allow n activity there that children would utilize. Ron Adkins questioned whether the area would h ve to be blacktopped. Larry Nolan stated that it is a requirement of city ordinance that the parki Ig lot be paved and have curb and gutter. . Karen Larson, 241 Mississippi Drive, stated. he enjoys the presence of the swans, even though their residence is a little further away from th viewing site. She asked whether there was any possihility of parking on the city owned land t the end of the cul~de-sac. The Parks Commission indicated that had been consider d but they felt there might be a prohlem of people trying to come up the river bank to vie the swans which could spook the swans. She also asked if there were any long terms plans or the time when the Lawrences might cease doing the feeding for the swans or Xcel's pIa t closes and the river is no longer open in that area. In summary, those present felt that the swan viewing site should not be moved but that the city should look at options for improving the park ng and traHic issues. These options include improved signage designating parking and tur 1 around areas and construction of a parking lot within the Mississippi park. Ron Hackenmu lIer felt the benefits derived by the local businesses from the swan viewing activity jus ified this type of investment in the park. Bonnie Scadden, asked about some of the alternative ites that had been considered. Adam Hawkinson briefly noted the sites and issues relating to ea 'h site. The DNR is concerned with any swan viewing location that would allow a close inte action between the birds and the people viewing them. This is more difficult to control if the iewing area is spread over a larger land area Jim Lawrence suggested that either improvements should be made to the existing site or the swan viewing should be discontinued. . 2 . . . Parks Commission Minutes - 2/26/04 Fran Fair suggested establishing a task fore including a representative from the Parks Commission to see what can be donc and w at thc city can afford to do. FRAN FAIR MOVED TO SET UP A T AS FORCE CONSISTING OF RON ADKINS, JIM LA WRENCE, SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI, BO IE SCADDEN, ROBBIE SMITH, FRAN FAIR, ADAM lIA WKINSON AND JOHN SIMO A. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIM USL Y. Larry Nolan felt because of the time frame fi r thc city budget, the group should have their recommendation to the commission by the end of June. Susie Wojchouski will coordinate thc meetings of the task force. The informational meeting was closed and t e Parks Commission continued with their regular mccting. 2. A rove minutes of the Janua 22 2004 re ular Parks Commission meetin . Nancy McCaffrey questioned in the minutes whether it was thc backstop at the Country Club Manor park that was being removed or the fI nce. Adam Hawkinson indicated the backstop would be remaining but thc fence was prop scd for rcmoval. NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO APP OVE THE MINlJrES OF 'THE JANlJAR Y 22, 2004 REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION EETING WITH THE CORRECTION THAT TI-IE BACKSTOP IS NOT BEING REMO ED FROM THE COUNTRY CLUB MANOR PARK AND CORRECTION OF SOME T POGRAPIIICAL ERRORS. BEN HITTER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION C RRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Consideration of addin items to the a enda. Adam I lawkinson addcd the following itcm, : 1) Iocttcr from ON R on fishing pier; 2) Lcttcr to Xcel Energy regarding additional ballfield s ace; and 3) Revisions to the city ordinance rclating to park dedication. 4. Citizens comments and reauests. No one was present under the citizens com ent portion of the meeting. Added Items: DNR Letter: This letter was in response to concer s the city had to cCliain itcms in fishing pier agrccmcnt, including who would replace thc picr if amagcd. Thc letter was reviewed by thc Parks Commission and they felt the concerns had been ad ressed. Letter to Xccl Energy: Adam Hawkinson submitt d a copy of the lcttcr hc scnt to Xcd Energy outlining the city's request f()r use of additionallanc adjacent to the present site of the ballfields. The amount orland being requested would be about hal of what the city already uses. Verbally Xcel Energy has responded positively to this request. 3 Parks Commission Minutes - 2/26/04 . Revisions to Ordinance on Park Dedication Fees: Adam Hawkinson submitted a copy of the current ordinance on park dedication with some sugg sted some changes. The Parks Commission reviewed the proposed changes. One change that wa discussed was the requirement that park dedication land be one foot above the hundred year h gh water mark. The Parks Commission felt the proposed changes were satisfactory. 5. Park Maintenance: Adam Hawkinson submitted the work compl ted for the month and answered questions from the Parks Commission about the work done. 6. Review Hunter's Crossin!! Park Area: Adam Hawkinson submitted a sketch showin the proposed park area and pointed out the ballfield area which had a storm sewer runni g through the middle of it. The map also showed a wetland delineation area encroaching into t e field area. Adam Hawkinson felt this area should not be classified as wetland. City staf was looking for input from the Parks Commission on the grading needed for the p rk area and they will bring it up with the developer. Adam Hawkinson recommended hat the finished elevation be at 962. It was also pointed out that one house is very close to th parking lot and that might be a concern for the owner of that lot. 7. tJ date on 28 unit townhome develo ment located at the intersection of Prairie Road and 1-94 (Mike Schneider). . It was reported that there would be no land g'ven for park dedication on this development. "l"here will be a cash dedication and the devel per will be making improvements to the road which would include sidewalk or pathway w'th a possible connection to the Prairie West Park. Larry Nolan stated that the would like to see sketch of the proposed layout. 8. A. Public Hearin Equipment. Count Club Manor Park and Pia 'round Chair Nolan explained that the public hearin was a requirement of the grant application process. Parks Superintendent, Adam Haw inson made a presentation on the application for playground equipment in the Country Club anor park. The playground equipment at Country Club park was installed in 1985 and docs not meet ADA standards (Americans with Disabilities), With new development taking place in the area, the park will be getting more use so the Parks Department was looking at l1aking improvements. The estimated price of the playground equipment is $24,000. In additi n the present fence will be removed and some changes will be made to the volleyball court. The ballfields would remain but thc pathway would be upgraded. . The play equipmcnt would be age appropriate> for ages 5-12. Adam Hawkinson noted that having the equipment in one area rather than separate pods made maintenancc easier. Larry Nolan stated that some funds had been budg tcd fix the improvement and the grant would supplement these funds. 4 Parks Commission Minutes - 2/26/04 . Audrey Kappel, 12 Fairway Drive, had some uestions on the type of play equipment that would be installed. Adam Hawkinson showe her the preliminary information on what was being proposed. There being no other comments, Chair Nolan closed the public hearing. B. Public Hcarin - Grovcland Park R stroom Facilities and Picnic Structurc. Again it was noted that this public hearing w s being conducted to comply with the requirements of the grant process. Chair La y Nolan opened the public hearing on the grants application. Parks Superintendent, Adam R wkinson made a presentation on the purpose for the grant which to install restroom facilities nd a picnic structure at the Groveland park. Adam Hawkinson noted that some improvem nts have been made to the park area such as the installation of the playground equipment. In he development plan for the park, it is proposed to add a hard court and other amenities inclu ing restrooms. Since this is the only park in the Groveland development which covers approx'mately 350 lots, it was felt that for the convenience of the residents using the facilit that restrooms should be installed. Because restrooms alone would not qualify for grant f nding, it was proposed to add a picnic shelter as part of the structure. . Chair Larry Nolan then opened it up for com ents from the floor. Chad and Michelle Brandt, 9988 Innsbrook Drive, whose property is adj - cent to the park, stated that since the play structure has been installed in the park there has been constant series of incidents that raised issues of concern for the safety of others who use the p rk. They cited noise generating from the park, swearing, bullying and vulgar behavior. "rhe felt the park was a haven 10-15 year olds who intimidated other children in the park. They lave had to constantly call out the Sheriffs Department. They indicated that had they kl own what kind of park was going in, they never would have purchased the lot. Jackie Fallon nd Chris and Dawn Oveson, also residcnts of the Groveland area concurred that there are child en at the playground whose behavior has ruined the park for many people. One resident asked if the only the picnic shel er could be installed at this time. Adam Hawkinson stated that because the facility seves such a large residential area he felt it was important to have restrooms installed. In add'tion it would also be convenient for anyone outside the development who came to use the park. That generated some discussion by the residcnts that the park was meant for those in that development only. Larry Nolan pointed out that Groveland is a public park which means nyone can use it. It was asked if the restrooms would be locked and Adam Hawkinson expl ined that it would be set up like the restrooms at other city parks where they open during the ti l1e the park is opened and locked at all other times. It was also stated that the area would e lighted which is a deterrent to questionable activity. . There was a long discussion on the bchavior fthe people who use the park and how that behavior has made the presence of the park il tolerable for residents in the area. The Brandts would like to see the play structure taken out nd the area be a passive park only. The Brandts statcd when they purchased their lot, they we e told by the developer that the park would be a passive parle Other comments were that the lay area should be moved further away and that the proposed ballfields should be placed furtl cr away from the homes so that there is no risk of 5 Parks Commission Minutes - 2/26/04 . a ball hitting the residences. Adam Hawki son explained that the City has been making efTorts to secure adequate ballfield area to eet the needs of the residents and cited the efforts to secure additional land from Xcc\ Energy. Some parents however, would prefer that their children could play on ballfields closer to tl e development where they actually live. The development of playing fields in the reside tial parks is to meet the demands. There was continued discussion relating to ehavior of the people using the park. Besides calling the Sheriffs Department, it was als suggested developing a neighborhood watch group. The residents also felt that the park development should be laid out before the lots arc sold that way people know what type of par it is going to be and how close to the park their lot would be. It was also suggest that parks b located in a more remote area of the development and not so close to the residences. It was al 0 suggested that if possible the play area structure should be lighted with a motion sensor. T ey also felt there should be more of a police presence at the park. and maybe the squad c r could park in the area when they take their breaks. Fran Fair stated that the Parks Commission nay be premature in trying to do something more in this parle and maybe they should wait un il the neighborhood watch group is in place. Then after a period of time to try to curb the pro lems, the Parks Commission could look again at the situation and if it has changed towards t e positive, they could consider further development. . Ben Hitter asked if the application is applie for does it have to be used this year. Adam Hawkinson indicated the grant applied for i 2004 would actually be utilized in 2005. Those residents present felt the Parks Commissio should hold off on the grant application. FRAN fAIR MOVED NOT TO APPLY F R THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE GROVELAND PARK IMPROVEMENTS 'OR 2004. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UN NIMOUSL Y. Chair Larry Nolan closed the public hearing. C. Public Hcarin - River Mill Park athwa Construction. Chair Larry Nolan opened the public hearin on the grant application to complete a segment of trail in the River Mill Development. Adam Hawkinson pointed out the segment ftrail that is proposed to be completed. Deanna Kunkel asked about the long term plans for he trail system and whether there would be something done where there would be a co nection from the River Mill area to other areas of the city. Right now to get to other trails in t e city it requires traveling on or crossing over heavily traveled roads such as County Road 39 or County Road 75. Without appropriately designed crossing points, trying to get to ot er trails segments is dangerous.. Adam Hawkinson concurred that the Parks Comm ssion needs to look at the crossings needed to connect the trail and pathway system. . Chair Larry Nolan closed the public hearing on the grant application for the River Mill trail construction. 6 . . . 9. Adiourn. Parks Commission Minutes - 2/26/04 NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO ADJ URN AT 7:30 P.M. FRAN FAIR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Recording Secretary ---------."'~.~,~ 7 . MONTICELLO P S DEPARTMENT Work list February 25, 2004 February 27th, 2004 thru March 25th, 2004 . · Chipping orders - park pruning · Riverside Cemetery - sweep gravel and sod into roadway and pick up debris · Xcel Ballfields - raised roofs on du outs · Xcel Ballfields ~ building enclosure ound dumpsters · Dumpsters at W.B. and Ballfields 10 ked up - a lot of unwanted dumping · General park and building mainte ce · Sweeping of pathways and sidewalk / blvds. · Playground inspections · Pioneer done until gas comes this sp . g / Rental rate? . Working on grants · Equipment maintenance and repair · Respirator fitting for the parks staff · Cleaning of shop and vehicles · Start of switching over from winter t summer equipment · Shade Tree Conference . Inspect buildings · Looking at updating park regulations signs/ looking for more feedback · Pathway tree pruning . . . . I I CITY OF MO NTICELLO GROVELAND PARK SURVEY RESULTS Survey Deadline: March 22, 2004 Total Surveys Received: 56 QUESTION #1 : Please place a number in the box of the amenitiE s you would like to see constructed in the park. Number one for the first pick and two for the sec ':md and so on. (The results are as follows): CHOICE DESCRIPTION .' #1 ....... #2 1....#3' .#4- .....#6 ...... #6 ., ':##7> ' ....... NO FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS 5 1 1 2 1 3 ~ BASKETBALL COURT 15 16 4 4 3 1 ~ SA THROOMS W/PICNIC SHELTER 19 10 2 4 2 3 1 PICNIC SHELTER ONL Y 6 5 7 2 5 4 1 GAZEBO - 10 17 6 2 1 - PARKING LOT 2 4 6 6 6 3 ~ bTHER* 9 8 7 5 1 2 1 *NOTE: HOTHER" CONSISTED OF THE FOLLOWING: ICE SKATING RINKlWARMING HOUSE 9 BALLFIELDS 8 TENNIS COURTS 6 BENCHES 4 PET/DOG AREA 2 TREES 2 ARCHERY RANGE 1 GRILLS 1 HORSESHOE PITS 1 MORE EQUIPMENT 1 PLANTINGS 1 SAND IN PLAYGROUND 1 SAND VOLLEY BALL COURT 1 TIRE SWING 1 TOT LOT (6 & UNDER) 1 QUESTION #2: When would you like to see these amenities addE d to the park? (The results are as follows): CHOICE DESCRIPTION VC ,TES AS SOON AS FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE 4~ OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS 7 OTHER* E F:IBETH<;IWORDPROClPIIRKSlFORMSlGROVElIIND-PIIRK.SURVEY_2004; 03l251:!OO4 ~ PAGE 1 OF 5 . -. _.on -- -- -- n "'NOTE: "OTHER" CONSISTED OF: . NEVER WAIT AND SEE HOW IT GOES AS LONG AS TAXES AREN'T RAISED QUESTION #3: 4 1 1 There are concerns of some children's behavior t the playground. What are your concerns and what can we do to help? (The responses afi as follows and are in no particular order of importance) : 1. No teenagers hanging around with their foul/ang age. 2. The older kids are very intimidating to the smaller hildren and their parents. Climbing on top of equipment, foul language and rough housing. My children wi I not be able to go to the park with a baby sitter unless I see improved behavior. They will only be going ith me or my husband. Concems are unattended children swearing and th wing wood chips and destroying playground equipment. 3. 4. 5. . 6. 7. Strongly against any kind of picnic and shelter are . People who live in this neighborhood would then have to deal with all the additional traffic and many oth r problems it would bring. Have not had concerns. I think parents are over- eacting. I don't have kids but kids over 12 have to go someplace too. I think parents with younger child n don't want older kids there. Have not been able to utilize facility due to the wi ter months. Will monitor. Vandalizing houses around park, noise level, safet and lighting around playground and bathrooms. Motion lights on buildings or lights on at night. More trees Provide safety at the park such as have a side on the park. 8. My concerns are about the children in the 9 - 13 ye r range. There were several times we were at the play equipment and the older children were using foul I nguage, fighting and riding their bikes on some dirt hills they had made. I'm worried they will vandalize the lay equipment because they don't have a "spot" to ride and play. 9. I would love to get an area for a baseball field or b sketball courts set up to keep them busy. 10. No smoking signs. Recycling for bottles. 11. We have none. We think the park is a great idea. There is always going to be behaviors with children at parks. We can't let one person and their opinion sto stuff at the park. It's a great thing for this area, a place for kids to go and be kids. Please still add the par . 12. Neighborhood Watch! 13. I would prefer to keep the park "as-is". I feel that it i an invasion of strangers and possible predators to our neighborhood. I also feel the Park Board should b i1d a fence around the areas they want to invade. 14. .1 I have heard from other parents about the concerns f older children swearing and throwing rocks at the play equipment. These children were reported to be old r than the maximum age for the equipment. You could try posting some signs or have the park monitored eriodically to keep a limit on this type of behavior. The play equipment should be for younger children to s fely enjoy and not a "hang out" for teenagers I F;IBETHQ\WORDPROCIPARKSlFORMSlQROVELANo.-PARK.SURVEY"2004; 0312512004 - PAGE 2 OF 5 - 15. I have read the concerns that were distributed bu believe the benefit far outweighs the issues presented. . 16. Hours should be posted and if any issues arise, t at may require further community involvement. 17. Noticed confrontations between teenagers and y unger children. 18. Not encourage further problems by constructing a ditional amenities. It is insane to expect anyone to have to listen to screaming, swearing kids all day from un up to sun down, all summer long. We do not want this outside our windows! How would you like it? The e are not called improvements... they are called NOISE MAKERS AND DISTRACTIONS!! Instead of mor amenities, use the money to move the playground to a location where fewer residents will be bothered b noise. 19. I am concerned about increased traffic in my yard nd increased noise. You can keep the number of items built away (200 ft) from property lines. Which w uld keep people in the middle of the park. If basketball courts, bathrooms and more are built, help me pa for a fence. 20. Kids will find other areas to cause "trouble" in. Th t's a given, so parents should take responsibility on that. I'm only worried that the wrong kind of people willi rk inside a bathroom facility. Also, how often would they be cleaned? A parking lot would look funny in au small neighborhood. It would also stink to live right by it! 21. Please remove the three large items in the grass. We are not sure what they are (they look like a roof of something) but they are an eyesore and could pot ntially be dangerous for children. They have been there since we moved here in July 2002. 22. Don't think there is much that can be done other th n police patrolling every once in a while - it really is the parents responsibility. Please don't put in perman nt bathrooms, it usually creates safety problems. Porta- potties would be better - people don't "hang out" t ere. . 23. Traffic, a 4-way stop, controlled intersection ne ds to be in place at InnsbrookIWoodside Drive and Savannah Dr. Also with traffic, the speed limit sh uld be dropped to 20 mph. 24. Children that are a problem in the park should be b rred from the park. Some say that it should be for pre- schoolers. If this is the case then the park should b removed altogether. There are some people here that want the park ruled to them. Children will alwaysight and they get over it, adults don't. 25. Need to provide basketball, etc. for older kids so th y don't bully other younger children. They will take over the play equipment. I feel they have a right to be here too but they need something to do! 26. Kids will be kids, it is the parents responsibility to w tch their kids. My one concern is people drive fast down Innsbrook and Park Place Drive. We need more igns telling people to slow down "Children At Play" and more speed limit signs. Otherwise, thanks for the ark! 27. I'm afraid kids will hang out and cause trouble if th re's a restroom. Kids might paint graffiti on walls, over- flow toilets and burn garbage cans. Kids might co e from far away to hang out at a parking lot to party, drink and smoke pot. 28. Unsupervised childrenl 29. No concerns at this time. 30. I have seen older (10 - 13 years old) boys/girls just eing plain wild on the playground equipment. Crawling on top of the equipment, not caring about the youn er children playing on the playground equipment. This equipment may be destroyed if this happens often. This park should be patrolled in the evenings. I'd like to see the park close at 9 p.m. . 31. Parents need to quit using it as a baby sitter and supervise their own children. F;\BETHG\WOROPROC\PARKSlFORMSlGROVELAND-PARK_SURVEY_2004; 0312512004 . PAGE 3 OF 5 - . . . 32. No bathrooms please. I feel that by having a plac for older kids to hide out that they might do worse things. 33. Last summer whenever I went to the playground ith my 2-year old, there were older kids running around playing tag. They would jump over my son and m de the trip to the playground a lot less enjoyable. Also, they would run up and down the slides, not paying ttention to the kids who were there to use them the right way. I heard a lot of swearing too. I did tell the once that I was concerned about the safety of small children but they kept playing. 34. Parenting issues. You can't make parents care bout their kids. Parents should go with their kids to the park. Maybe distribute a notice on expected beha ior at the park and actions that will be taken (Le., littering - clean park; damage property - fix it) call police - neighborhood watch. 35. Signage. 36. No concerns at all. We think it is an excellent idea and would add to the appeal of Groveland. It should be up to the parents to control their kids, it's not the ity's problem. 37. I am concerned about older children "hanging out' there and bothering younger kids. I've heard stories of swearing, loud music, etc. What we can do to hel' ... I think parents need to be responsible for their own kids. You can't always be there but keep an eye n the situation. Other parents watching also. My kids won't go alone. It's a great park. 38. As parents we just need to monitor our children b tter. I am very irritated with some of my neighbors who want to stop the park project just because kids mi behave. A park is a huge benefit to the neiahborhoodl 39. I want to express my concerns about a bathroom. I eel there is no need for one. Most people using the park live very close by. I think having any enclosed or rivate area is asking for trouble. It's a place where kids can be lured into without anyone noticing. I think bathroom would be dangerous. 40. Our concerns are that people who live close to the ark (which they knew was going in) will complain about everything and nothing else will be added. 41. Just the above mentioned children. 42. Some of the older kids use foul language and disre pect adults. However, I have told the kids I will call the police and always have my phone. Maybe a sign with the police non emergency number listed so they understand more people will do the same. 43. Don't know. Low light levels? 44. Make the parents responsible. 45. No adult supervision, disrespecting adults present indecent exposure, pulling down shorts of other kids, destruction of property, offensive language and 10 d music, rock throwing at children, roller blades/skate boards on equipment. F:I8EniG1WORDPROC1PAAKSlFORMSlGROVELANo.PARK.SURVEY-2004: 03f.2512OO4 - PAGE 4 OF 5 - . . . QUESTION #4: How often do you use the park? (The results ale as fOllows): CHOICE DESCRIPTION DON'T USE IT 1 ~ 2 TIMES A WEEK 3 ~ 5 TIMES A WEEK 5 ~ 7 TIMES A WEEK VOTES 13 14 21 3 COMMENTS ON THIS QUESTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: *With a basketball court will use it 3 - 5 times a week *When it's complete will use it 3 - 5 times a week *Don't use it yet *Just moved, will use park in summer *Once per month *During warmer weather use 1 - 2 times a week *Have a toddler and expecting a baby, plan to use it a lot in the future *Haven't gotten to use it yet but expect to use it 3 - 5 time a week *Currently don't use, but expecting a baby so will use in th ~ future *Don't use but would if there were grass and trees to relax *Use it with child but leave when older children are there *Use it 1-2 times a week in winter and more in summer ml nths *No kids yet *Haven't used it yet but plan to use it a lot in the summer *Park is in back yard *Have not been able to use yet due to winter months *Use 5 - 7 times a week in summer *We're new, haven't used it yet. Will in the spring *This is an irrelevant question *Didn't know it was there F:IBE1J.IGlWOROPROCIPARKSlFORMSlGRO\IElANo.PARK-SURVEY.2004: 03/2512004 ~ PAGE 5 OF 5- . City of Montie 110, Minnesota Wright County Ordinance No. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 11 0 KNOWN AS THE SUBDIVISION ORDINAN STANDARDS AND PROCESSING RELATED FILING, AND SUBDIVISION DEVELOPM THE MONTICELLO CITY CODE, E, BY PROVIDING FOR CHANGES TO TO PARK DEDICATION, FINAL PLAT NT REGULATIONS. The City Council of the City of onticello hereby ordains: Section 11-3-3 is hereby amended by adding the following subsections: 11-3-3: . (C) lat is a roved shall record it (D) RECORDING OF MULTIPLE-P lat is final latted i rovided for in the dev . . Section 11-6-1 (A) is hereby ame ded to read as follows: 11-6-1 (A) . utes 462.358, Subdivision 2, ello shall require all ting or replatting of land in contribute an amount of land ur oses. The location of said etion of the Cit Council. The be reasonabl commensurate with n or re lattin laces on the ibed in the Com rehensive Plan. on, an amount of land e ual to tal ross land area of the lat ined as "reasonabl nt that the subdivider ob'ects tandard, the Cit shall, at the ense, conduct a s ecific rk s stem and the demand laced sed lat. Prior to conduct in obtain a waiver of statutor al durin the conduct of the al lats, nor construction of cur until the ark dedication eu of land dedication, the Cit contribution in accordance r a combination of both. The land and/or cash shall be made from the Cit 's Park Commission ith the Com rehensive Plan ten Secti n 3. . Section 11-6-1 (B) is hereby ameded to read as follows: . (B) In accordance with Minnes ta Statutes, where the Cit Council determines that t e ark dedication re uirement shall be aid in a cash c ntribution, the amount of said contribution shall be bas d on the market value of the land no later than at the time of final lat. The Cit ma re uire that the subd'vider rovide an a raisal to determine the market valu. In the alternative, the Cit ma , b Ordinance, establ'sh a fee er residential unit that will meet the cash d dication re uirement. The determination of the a r riate fee calculation shall be made by the City Council. read as follows: Section 11-6-1 (D) is (C) The Cit Council shall no acce t for credit a ainst a subdivider's ark dedicat'on re uirement an of the following: open other land . 1. 2. 3. 4. t lands in the dedication ur oses if it deems blic benefit. No credit shall ark dedication Cit determines that the ublic ark, trail, or . Section 11-6-1 is hereby amended 0 add the following subsection: . . . (F) In addition above, each $200.00 for ark and trai surchar e shall a lication and of Section 11-6-1 (E) lS read as follows: (D) Land dedicated for park p the City of Monticello by said land shall occur at final lat. For multi Ie ark dedication land show Section 11-5-3 is hereby the fallowing: (M) SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE 8. This Ordinance shall take effect after its passage and publication in full force from and Bruce Thielen, Mayor ATTEST: . . . AYES: NAYS: Dawn Grossinger, City Clerk . . . In a perfect world where children and adults b have and respect public and private property we would still argue against a park at this location. The city's own ordinance on noise and public disturbance states: It is recognized that loud, unpleasant, r ucous, or prolonged noise has a harmful, debilitating, and detrimental e feet upon human beings, adversely affecting their mental and physical hea th, safety, and wel1-being. Such loud, unpleasant, raucous, or prolonge noise is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. In an endeavor to pro ide for the mental and physical health, safety, and wel1-being and for p aceful repose of the citizens and neighborhoods of the city, it is hereby eclared to be in the public interest that loud, unpleasant, raucous, and unn cessary or prolonged noise be abated. One could argue that this park is in violation o' the city's own public policy on noise. The noise and activity that has been generated at this location carries into the peace and privacy of people's homes who live nearby it. The sound of children at play, cars coming an going, basketbal1s bouncing on a hard court, and exterior lighting shining in our win ows is an invasion of our peace and privacy. We want a park for our children. We just don't want it so close to our homes. We respectful1y request that the Park's Commissio work with the residents to relocate the park to a location where it is sufficiently situat d away from people's homes and property. Paul and Jackie Fal10n Chad and Michel1e Brandt