Parks Commission Minutes 01-22-2004
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/22/04
Members Present:
MINUTES
P AI~KS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 22, 2004
West Prairie Room
"To enhance commlllli~V pride through del'elopill!: IIlld
mlli/l1ainillg ci{F parks with a high s(ll/ldard olquali{F"
Fran Fair, Ben Hitter, Nancy McCaftrey, LaITY Nolan, Rick Traver and
Council Liaison, Robbie Smith.
Membcrs Absent:
None
Staff Present:
JeifO'Neill, Deputy City Administrator (for portion of the meeting)
1. Call to Order.
Chair Larry Nolan called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
2. A rove minutes of December 18 2003 re uJar Parks Commission meetin s.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 18, 2003
REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING. FRAN FAIR SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSL Y.
3.
Consideration of addine items to the aeenda.
The following items were added to the agenda: 1) Procedure for noti(ying residents of
changes in parks or park policies; 2) Parking for West Bridge Park; 3) Time table for
completion of work in East Bridge Park; 4) Final budget.
Larry Nolan suggested that the Parks Commission should give some thought to the first item
that was added to the agenda and this will be discussed further at the next Parks Commission
meeting. The budget was also discussed and the Parks Commission specified the type of
format they would like to see. It was recommended that an update on the budget be done at
each meeting.
4. Citizens comments and requests.
No one appeared under citizens comments.
5.
Park Maintenance.
A list of maintenance work completed by the parks department was submitted. The Parks
Commission asked that Adam Hawkinson place straw mulch in the tulip bed at East Bridge
Park. Nancy McCaffrey asked about the entrance signs and if locations had been finalized
for the two signs remaining to be installed.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/22/04
6.
Countrv Club Park Diaeram.
The Parks Commission asked about removal of the backstop at the Country Club Park. They
reviewed two proposed options for placement of new play equipment at Country Club Park.
The Parks Commission preferred the layout, which had the play cquipment further away from
thc vollcyball court. Rick Traver asked if the play equipment was too close to the trees.
Aner further discussion the Parks Commission recommended Option #1 with the Parks
Department checking on how close the play equipment was to the trecs and requiring that the
backstop rcmain but the fence be rcmoved.
7.
Tree Plantine.
The Parks Commission discussed the information submitted by Park Superintcndent Adam
Hawkinson regarding the tree planting for 2004. Fran Fair stated that when the MCP donated
the moncy for the tree planting they envisioned a community wide planting rather than just a
localized area. The Parks Commission noted that coordinating such an event would he a
considerable undertaking that because of work load and time constraints might not be able to
be done by a staif person. Fran Fair suggested that may be the Chamber of Commerce would
help in coordinating the event. She felt that there may be some MCP money that could be
used to hire an individual to coordinate thc event and referred to a letter the MCP sent to the
City on the use of the funds they donated. It was also suggested that a college student might
have some interest in possibly coordinating the event.
The Parks Commission discussed the use of ball and burlap trees noting the higher cost of
such trees. Rick Travcr suggested going with "park grade" trees. Responsibility f()r
watering the trees was also discussed. Rick Traver suggested tabling discussion ofthis item
until Adam Hawkinson could be at the meeting and the City could locate a copy of the Mep
Ictter.
Review sketch plan of the Insil!nia Residential Subdivision.
Jeff 0 'Neill submitted a preliminary layout of the proposed 250 acre development. He
reported that the staff was asking for 40 acres of park for a ballfield complex. Since the
development is 250 acres, 10% of land would provide the City with 25 of the 40 acres needed
for thc ballfield complex. Park dedication funds could be use to purchase the additional 15
acres needed. '['he proposed layout had the park fronting School Boulevard. A portion of
the park land does lie within the power line easement and on the sketch this easement area
was shown as parking arca. On the preliminary sketch four ballfields were shown as well as
two soccer/youth foothall fIelds. On the other side of the parking lot was an open area where
play equipment could be placed.
The question of whethcr the developer should receive park dedication credit for that area
lying with the power line easement area was discussed. The Parks Commission felt that if the
developcr put in a paved parking lot within that easement area they would give full credit.
Otherwise only partial credit would be considered f()r the parking area and no credit would be
given for any open space or green space lying within the easement area. The wetland area is
on the southeast side of the development and lefT O'Neill indicated a pathway betwcen the
wetlands and the baUfields is being proposed. JeffO'Ncill stated that the property has not
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Parks Commission Minutes - 1/22/04
been annexed into the city so the Parks Commission still has some time to study the layout
and comment on it further.
Ben I1itter expressed concern about having a ballfield complex so close to residential
developments especially if the fields were lighted. The Parks Commission felt the lighting of
the balltields would have to be considered carefully in order to minimize complaints from
residents about the glare from the lights. The Parks Commission was also concerned that the
ballfield complex might generate more noise that one would usually find in a residential
neighborhood so it is really important for people who look at lots in this development to know
that a ballfield complex is being proposed for the site.
Jeff O'Neill will present to the developer the Parks Commission position which is that there
should be 40 acres net of park land; 100% park dedication credit given if the park land within
the power line easement is paved.; no park dedication credit given for open space or green
area within the power line easement. The Parks Commission reserved their right to comment
again on the detail layout for the park when the developer had it ready. It was suggested that
the Parks Commission look at the pathway layout and how it will connect with adjacent
properties.
The developer would like start the development this summer pending the resolution of the
annexation issues. The proposed development has mixed uses consisting of single family
homes, townhomes and some commercial
Updates:
Jeff O'Neill reported to the Parks Commission that in discussing collecting park dedication on
commercial property with the City Planner, the City Planner cautioned that additional
research should be done before imposing that fee. It was felt that the City needs to show that
the commercial development derives a bcnefit trom the parks and pathway system. Jeff
O'Neill updated the Parks Commission on commercial activity proposed to take place within
the City.
The Parks Commission directed that Adam Hawkinson select dates for the public hearing for
the various grants he is applying for. The Parks Commission also wanted more detail on the
number and type of grants being applied for as well as what improvements were being
proposed.
The Parks Commission reviewed the draft agreement for the dock at the West Bridge Park.
The Parks Commission pointed out that the City would not own the dock structure but would
be responsible for mai ntenance. 'Chere was some discussion on what happens if the DN R
does not have funds for major repairs to the dock and if there were any liability concerns
about the City doing maintenance on structures they did not own. Larry Nolan pointed out
that the agreement calls for the City to construct and pay for a hard surfaced, accessible
sidewalk/path which meets ADA requirements within one year of the date of the agreement
and questioned whether the City was willing to commit to that.
The review orthe various segments of the Comprehensive Plan was discussed. The
commission members will continue to work on the revisions.
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