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Parks Commission Minutes 07-22-2004 . . . MINUTES PARKS COMMISSION .July 22, 2004 - 4:30 p.m. West Prairie Room "To enhance communi(v pride through developing ami maintaining ci(V park.~ with II /righ standard of quali(v" Members Present: Fran Fair, Nancy McCaffrey and Rick Traver Members Absent: Ben Hitter, Larry Nolan and Council Liaison, Robbie Smith. Staff Present: Adam Hawkinson, Park Superintendent 1. Call to Order Rick Traver called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present. 2. Anprove minutes of June 24. 2004 regular Parks Commission meeting. FRAN FAIR MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 2004 REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING. RICK TRAVER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Consideration of addiU1! items to the a2enda. None. 4. Citizens comments and requests. None. 5. Mississiopi Drive Park (Swan) - Recommendation on parking Susie Wojchouski was present to report on the parking plan for Mississippi Drive Pm'k. The main issue is vehicle traHic and its flow and the limited parking area. She estimated that last year 8000 people came to view the swans. The initial parking plan was opposed by the adjacent property owner who felt it devalued his property and spoiled the view horn his residence. It was suggested that head in parking be utilized for this area. Allowing for a handicapped parking stall, this would result in 7-8 parking spaces. Susie Wojehouski noted the need to address signage for the area so visitors were clear on where to park and where to turn around. The Parks Commission questioned Susie Wojchouski on the number of parking spaces needed mld the time of heaviest use. She indicated that there was a maximum of 30 ears there at one time and noted that many of the visitors to the site are the elderly and handicapped. Because of that it was felt that a hard surfaced pathway from the parking area to the viewing area should be installed as well as a pad at the viewing area for wheel chair users. Adam Hawkinson stated that head in parking is not by allowed by ordinance and would need . . . Park Commission Minutes - 7/22/04 Council approval. He noted that the head in parking would only add 1-2 spaces over what already exists. He suggested making a ramp and a pathway to the viewing site. Fran Fair asked if plantings or fencing could be used to screen the parking lot from the residence. It was pointed out that in the winter because of the snow, the cars can't park as close to the curb which restricts the flow of traffic. The consensus was that parking would need to be restricted on one side of the street. Adam Ilawkinson suggested with the handicapped space that there should be a pathway right behind the curb so that the individual ends up disembarking from their vehicle directly onto the pathway. Adam Hawkinson indicated he has been approached by an Eagle Scout who is looking at doing this as a project. The Eagle Scout would do the prep work and the City would do the paving. Susie Wojchouski cautioned that the pathway installation should not adversely impact drainage. Nancy McCaffrey asked about the using the cuI-de-sac area. John Simola had indicated that because that area is adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant there would be some security concerns. Also utilizing the cui-de-sac area would mean that parking would be a block away from the viewing area. After discussion it was determined to restrict parking to one side of the street; install the pathway and ramp for the handicapped and work on better signage for the area. Susie Wojehouski stated it was a bad location for a park with an activity but they will make the improvements noted and monitor how it goes this year. The final plan for parking would have two handicapped stalls with two additional non-handicapped stalls on either side on the park entrance side and allow parking on the north side of the street only. Susie Wojchouski will work on this with John Simola and also keep the neighborhood informed of what is happening. 6. Cemetery - 1) Improvements 2) Land ACQuisition. Adam I Iawkinson submitted a summary of recommendations that the Cemetery Committee had proposed for long term improvements. It was suggested that money be budgeted fiJr the acquisition ofland for future cemetery use. Since there is not land available at the present cemetery site for expansion, the City would have to look outside that area for land. The Parks Commission discussed the monies that were available in the cemetery funds. Since these funds are very limited it was felt that funding for major improvements such as land acquisition would have to come through the park funds. The Parks Commission discussed whether the City should continue to operate a cemetery with the feeling of the Parks Commission being that cemetery operation is more of a church function than a city function. The Parks Commission suggested getting additional information on how many cities operated cemeteries. Fran Fair suggested getting the ministerial association involved in this process. Rick Traver suggested going to the church group with specific numbers as far as lots available at the present cemetery, annual burials and an estimate of when the cemetery would be filled. Adam Hawkinson will review this with John Simola, the Public Works Director. Rick Traver 2 . also suggested that different fee schedules for residents and non~residents be established. Park Commission Minutes - 7/22104 Since River Street is proposed to be improved as part of next years Core Street Reconstruction area, John Simola asked that the Parks Commission look at making certain improvements to the cemetery as part of this project. One of the proposed improvements is a pathway along the cemetery which would be connected to the sidewalk proposed for West River Street. Normally part of the pathway cost would be assessed but in this case since the cemetery is city owned, the funds for the pathway would need to come from the parks/pathway fund. Parks Commission also felt that the entrances and exit from the cemetery should he paved as well. There was Some discussion on the condition of the existing fence and what options to consider for replacing it such as a hedge or plastic fencing. 7. UP Develonment Tabled until the next meeting. 8. Acquisition of land- Ballfield Complex. . It was briefly discussed whether any progress had been made in acquiring land for a 40 acre ballfield complex. Possible sites that were discussed were Schluender, Gold Nugget and Our Backyard. Rick Traver suggested getting the various softball and baseball groups involved in the selection process. Adam Hawkinson updated the Parks Commission on the City's request to obtain additional land from Xcel Energy for ballfield use. 9. 2005 Buded Discussion. Adam Hawkinson stated that some items that had been proposed as part of the 2004 budget had been eliminated due to budget cuts. Items that were going to be considered for 2005 included replacement of the Bolens tractor, fenee at the Xcel Ballfields, ADA structure upgrades for the playgrounds and $30,000 for land purchase for ballfields. Adam Hawkinson also noted changes in the budgeting process and how that would impact the Parks Department. 10. Park Maintenance Adam Hawkinson submitted a list of the work completed and noted some improvements being proposed for the Park West Park and the Cardinal Hills Tot Lot. He also reported that the pathway along CR 18 has been paved. 11. Updates, if any . Fran Fair asked that tree planting be placed on the next agenda. 3 . . . Park Commission Minutes - 7/22/04 12. Adiourn. NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 5:35 P.M. FRAN FAIR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. \, )cu....~ ~A--O?~'~ Recording Secretary (f 4