Parks Commission Minutes 04-18-2002
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - PARK COMMISSION
Thursday, April IS, 2002 - 4:30 p.m.
"To ellhlll/Ce cO/1/Jllllllity pride through del'e/opillg IIl1d
/1/ailltllil/illg ci~v pllrks with a high stlllulartl Ollflla1i(I'''
Members Present:
Larry Nolan, Earl Smith and Rick Traver
Members Absent:
Fran Fair. Nancy McCaffrey and Council Liaison, Roger Carlson
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Parks Superintendent, Adam Hawkinson
1. Call to Order.
Chair I ,arry Nolan called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
2. Approve minutes of March 21. 2002 Parks Commission meeting:.
3.
RICK IRA VER MOVED TO APPROVI,: THE MINUTES OF THI': MARCIl 21, 2002 PARKS
COMMISSION MEETING. EARL SMITH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y.
Consideration of adding: items to the agenda.
The following items were added to the agenda: a) Review of proposed Shultz and Bruggeman
property developments for park dedication requirements; b) Budget; c) West Bridge Park; d) Walk
and Roll Update; e) Be Active Minnesota meeting; 1) Correspondence received by Park
S uperi ntendent.
4. Citizens reuucsts.
Adam llawkinson informed the Parks Commission of a letter he had received from an individual
who frequents Ellison Park with her dog. While in Duluth she noted that the city had a dispenser
with bags to use to clean up pet droppings and she suggested the City of Monticello look into
somethiilg silnilar. Adam Hawkinson submitted pictures of the dispenser set up and showed a
sarnple of the hag which is hiodegradable. I Ie indicated that the dispenser and bags were rather
costly and if the City decided to go this route they would need to hudget for it. It was noted that
the person making the suggestion was not a resident of the city. Rick Traver offered to send a letter
of response to the individual.
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Park Commission Minutes - 4118/02
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OIlie Koropchak, Economic Development Director - Update on Hans Ha1!cn Development
along Front Street.
Ollie Koropchak updated the Parks Conunission on the Hans Hagen development along Front
Street noting there was a change from the original proposal from two story structures to one story.
Ollie Koropchak stated even though the HRA was somewhat disappointed by the change, they still
felt the end product would be good. The developer indicated that market was not there for two
story dwellings which was the basis for their making a change. The price range for the ten row
houses is $200,000-$225,000. A public hearing on the project relating to density and possihle
impact of the scenic river ordinance on the development is scheduled for May. The development
contract with I-Ians Hagen calls for construction to begin July I sl with the City providing a finished
bui Iding pad for the developer. The contract states the Carl sons ean remain at the site until July 31,
2002. The HRi\ then has until August 31, 2002 to demolish the structure. The property should be
ready to be deeded by the end of September. Ollie Koropchak informed the Parks Commission
that the area needs to either be seeded or sodded a responsibility that she felt would f~lll to the
Parks Department.
Earl Smith asked whether the Locust Street right of way was included in the plat. She indicated that
the Carlson property was part of the plat but not the street right of way. There was also a brieI'
discussion on the Block 52 c1evelopnlent. Adam Hawkinson asked about the alignment of Front
Street. Ollie Koropchak responded stating that just a few feet at the corner of Locust alld Walnut
would need to be realigned. There was some concern about how the street realignment would
impact the utilities located in the area
6.
Review and discussion of trce planting policy.
Adam llawkinson submitted pictures he had taken of trees planted in the boulevard area. I Ie was
concerned about the maple trees being planted in such close proximity to the power lines because
they would grow into the power line. He pointed out that at the conllnunity center site the trees
were planted too close and overmulehed and that should be corrected. The ordinance requires the
property owner to plant trees in the boulevard area between the sidewalk and curh. Adam
llawkinson felt that was not ideal and that either the sidewalk should be placed further back in the
right of way or Inove it to within 2' of the roadway and have the trees planted behind the
sidewalk. It was noted that the joint trench utilities are usually placed between the sidewalk and
curb. The area specified in the ordinance for planting is also an area of stress t{)l" trees which is
another reason the ordinance should be reviewed. l,arry Nolan agreed that the ordinance should be
revie\ved but felt that bef{)l'C any changes are made it was important to get the documentation in
place to support a change. Adam I lawkinson also felt that the ordinance should contain some
language about multiple plantings and how closely one species of tree could be planted to another
tree of the same specie. There was discussion on enforcement of the tree planting policy and it was
felt that you would have to deal separately with new developments and existing properties.
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Park Commission Minutes - 4/1 R/02
7.
Pathway and steps at East Bridgc Park.
Adam Hawkinson stated he felt that either the steps or the pathway at East Bridge Park should be
111oved. He noted the steps arc in bad shape and are very steep. lie suggested taking out the steps
and paving down the hill using it as a pathway. Larry Nolan asked about ADA requirements and
the Parks COlnmission discussed coming up with a pathway alignment that would not be so steep.
Adam Ilawkinson will look at some possible alignments and bring it h;:H:k to the Parks Commission.
The Parks Commission felt the steps should be removed and replaced with a pathway but were
uncertain as to what would be the best alignment. In coming up with an alignment impact to the
existing plantings and the sliding hill would have to be taken into consideration.
8.
Park Maintenance Items.
Adam llawkinson submitted a list of maintenance work completed by the staff. He noted that the
stall had worked on the backboards at Par West. Earl Smith suggested that something be done
about the sign at the Par West park. Adam Hawkinson suggested that in the long term instead of 3
hole frisbee golf at this park it could be enlarged to 9 holes with the trees along the park edge
serving as a butTer for the residenees. In keeping with the theme of the park, Adam Hawkinson
suggested that a new park sign contain a frisbee in its design. The Parks Commission noted that at
one time there was a group who had express their interest in and support of frisbee golf at this
location. Adam Hawkinson responded that he did have a contact for that group.
9.
Updates.
A. Entrance Signs: Adam llawkinson submitted drawings for the proposed entrance signs.
He reported he had met with Nancy McCaffrey and discussed her concerns about having a
consultant brought in. They also discussed the need to get cost estimates for the sign. The
tentative drawing shows boulders at the bottom of the sign which would raise the sign height by 15".
In addition there would be 18" between the boulders and the sign. The sign could be lighted.
Adam Hawkinson stated they moved the "M" which had been located on the side to the interior
which would make it more vandal proof. The Parks Commission felt the yellow lettering did not
provide enough contrast but they did like the message. "Monticello weleomes you." Thc Parks
Commission dirccted that a more t~)rmali7ed drawing be prepared along with cost estimates. Then
this could be presented to thc City Council. MCP and others. Earl Smith said they had talked
to John Simola about placing one sign out at the Xcel Training Center where there is presently a
..wildlife.' sign. John Simola will chcck with the county on this. Adam Hawkinson said a lnachinist
would nced to be contacted about making some of the elements of the sign. Once the elcrnents
wcrc complcted, it would take Park Department stalTabout a weck to assemble and install the sign.
As br as lighting for the sign Xcel could bring the power down the pole but an electrician would be
needed to take it from there to the sign. The Parks Commission commended Nancy McCathey and
Adam Ilawkinson on their work thus I~lr.
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Park COlnmission Minutes - 4/1 8/02
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B. Subcommittee on A TV Use: The subcommiltec looking at A TV use in the City Inet earlier
in the day and concluded that there was not any property within the City that they could suggest ll)r
an ATV track. They also felt that the ordinancc Inay need to be revised to address ATV's going in
and out of town. John Simola will be looking at state statutes as to where ATV's are able to go
and whether there are any A TV clubs in the area. It was also noted that the ordinance covered
more than just ATV's which was something they Celt should be looked at. They also felt there could
be something in the newsletter eoncerning ATV use. John Simola will eheck with the Sheriffs
Department about the number of complaints received relating to A TV use.
Added Items:
Adam Ilawkinson presented intormation from a shade tree eourse which listed species of trees, shrubs and
grasses not be planted. It was discussed whether this list should be made part of the ordinance.
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West Bridge Park:
Adam Hawkinson submitted a sketeh of West Bridge Park and where a swing set and digger could be
located. They tried to locate the equiprnent some distance from the boat structure. Cost estimates f()r the
swing were presented. The single pole swing was $1,8X5 and the double pole was $3,SOO. It was
suggested to go with the colored galvanized chains because it does allow for accurate gauging of wear and
tear. The swings come in various colors and the Parks Commission felt they should go with a color that
would not detraet Crom the boat. Adam Hawkinson will check \vith the manufacturers and get their
recommendation. Adam Ilawkinson also proposed installing 3 diggers tor the area, one of which would be
handicapped accessible. The price range for the diggers was $57S-$S90. The Parks Commission okayed
procecding with the installation of the swings and diggers. Adam Hawkinson also informed the Parks
Commission that the existing boulder wallll1ay need to be rebuilt. It was suggested mulching the area
around that and putting in some picnic benehes so that parents could have the sun to their backs when they
are watching their children.
The Parks Commission then discussed the hard courts being proposed. The hard court area will be madc
as big as possible without disturbing the trees. Adam Hawkinson had measured out an area 3S' x SO' but
hcindicated that it could made wider and at least 10' longer. This area would be blacktopped, painted light
gray and lines would bc added. It will have a dual use, skating rink and hard court. Besides the dual use it
would also eliminate the need to re-establish the turC in that area eaeh spring. There was some discussion on
how the area behind the hard court eould be utilized. Larry Nolan mentioned that Walk and R_oll is coming
up soon (June I Sl) and thc park should be spruced up t~)r that event. Adam Hawkinson suggested that
irrigation 1~)1" the park be delayed until development oC the park was complete.
Waste:
Adam Ilawkinson subrnitted pictures and prices for new trash receptacles. I Ie recommended Model TR 32
. tapered because it casier to remove the full bags from the receptacle. The receptacle will be placed in a
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Park Cormnission Minutes - 4/18/02
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concrete platform. $4,000 is in the budget and approximately haJfthis amount would be used. There was
also discussion on the big green dumpsters located at the parks. The Parks Commission fell the dumpsters
were obtrusive and sOlnewhat unsightly. It was suggested that a dog cared fence be constructed as an
enclosure for the dumpsters including those at the balltields as well as those at the parks.
Special Mccting:
The Parks Commission set a special meeting for Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 4:00 to tour Wildwood Ridge
Park, East and West Lhidge parks, Par West and Balboul parks. Adam Hawkinson inf(lrmed the Parks
Commission that they were looking at purchasing some soccer goals for use at Balboul parle I Ie also noted
they are working on getting the contractor to complete the roofing at the shelter at Pioneer parle
Misccllaneous:
Larry Nolan noted that he will be attending a meeting of the Be Active group which emphasizes health and
activity concerns.
Larry Nolan has also been in contact with a representative from WSB, the City's engineering firm,
concerning the dedication for the pedestrian bridge and pathway.
. The Parks Commission discussed the ice arena proposal presented to the Council. Earl Smith noted that at
onc time there were plans for additional fields in the JI" Street area but if the ice arena gocs in it was felt that
there wouldn't be adequate space for the fields and the parking needs.
Pal"k Dedication - Dcvelopments
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The Parks Commission reviewed a plan for the Carriage House development showing the trail layout and
park lanel. The Park Commission did not have a favorable response to the proposed layout. The drawings
stated that Outlots A, B, C and D were being designated as park land. The Parks Comlnission fell that this
was just a number of small fragmented parcels that the City would have to maintain and that there was not
sufficient area for developmcnt of a park. The small parcels would be difJicult to develop ttJr parle The
Parks Commission discussed the concept of a neighborhood parle In reviewing the drawing, the Parks
Commission felt the park should be more centrally located and suggested that the park be located in the
area of [,ots 3 and 4. Block 7 on the drawing. In addition this area would be bordered on two sides by a
street which they felt was better. The Parks Commission also discussed bringing the trail closer to the gas
line and extending the lots out. I-Iowever, they did not reel thc trail location was as big an issue as not having
a park site. Rather than have thc City own and lnaintain the smaller outlots. the Parks Commission felt it
would be better to just have a trail casement f(lr 20'-30' in the area shown. The Parks Commission also
felt that the elevation of 982-984 in the area of I,ots 3 and 4, Block 7 would be suitable f(lr park. Adam
I lawkinson stated that while the trail need not be absolutely straight. the meandering of the trail should be
kept to a mininllH11. 'The Parks Commission was adamant that they did not want the outlots as park land.
The Parks COlnmission felt someone from the Parks ConHnission should attend the Planning Commission
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Park Commission Minutes - 4/1 8/02
meeting when this plat was being considered to lnake certain the Planning Conunission was aware of the
Park Commission's position. Discussion of the concepts ofneighborhood/cOtnmunity parks made the
Parks COtnmission feel that the comprehensive plan should revisited.
The Parks COlnmissionthen discussed a preliminary layout of the Bruggeman development. Adam
Hawkinson stated he did not like having the trail run between residences noting that it generates a negative
response frOtn homeowners and can create problems. Earl Smith questioned the drainage in the area noting
since there was no outlet the area could be too wet. Thc Parks Commission also questioned having to
construct a trail across what appeared to be ponding areas. They noted that again the trail and open space
were placed within UP A and Northern Natural Gas casements. The Parks Cornmission felt the only
reason the trail/park land was being given was that thc developer was unable to utilize it for anything else.
The Parks Commission had serious reservations about the suitability of the land proposed for park/trails and
again emphasized the need for the Planning Commission to know thc position of the Parks Commission on
this.
10. Adiourn,
RICK TRA VFR MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 7:30 P.M. EARL SMITH SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Recording Secrctary
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