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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCAgenda_03Mar10 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2003, 7:00 P.M. AGENDA Conference Room Falcon Heights City Hall 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave. Donna Daykin_ Denise Deen_ Patrick Dolan_ David Duckler_ James Evans_ Chuck Long_ Council Liaison Laura Kuettel_ Staff Bill Maertz_ 1. Call to order • 2. Approval of agenda 3. Approval of minutes of January 14, 2003 4. Policy Item: facility rental fees 5. Director's report a. Recreation programs b. Trolley path project 6. Adjournment • ~ Minutes City of Falcon Heights, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting January 14, 2003 City Hall Council Chamber 7:00 PM Meeting Chair. Chuck Long Minutes By. Bill Maertz Present: Denise Deen, Patrick Dolan, David buckler, Jim Evans, Chuck Long, Bill Maertz Absent excused: Donna Daykin, Laura Kuettel Copies to: Commission members, council members, Heather Worthington -City Administrator, Recreation Coordinator Diane Meyers • Meeting called to order 7:00 PM 1) Review of 2002 Accomplishments A. Developed design for improvements at Curtiss Field. Using input from two neighborhood meetings, plans were finalized for drainage and aesthetic improvements. Several park commissioners attended the neighborhood meetings. B. Installation of a new picnic shelter at Community Park. The park commission worked with the Lauderdale/Falcon Heights Lions to choose a shelter design. The Lions contributed $6,500.00 towards the construction of the new shelter. C. Established the Falcon Heights Friends of the Parks Fund to raise money for various park projects. The Friends of the Park has raised $1,4 55.00 since April, 2002 D. Installed a new swing set at the Grove Park. E. Received a grant from the DNR to have a consultant do an assessment of handicap accessibility in Falcon Heights Parks. Staff developed a written • action plan to implement needed changes. The Curtiss Field designs, Community Park picnic shelter and the new swings at the Grove meet current • accessibility standards. F. Participated in a youth service project that involved 85 students from RAHS cleaning up city parks and helping with a city wide tree inventory. G. Community events -Ice cream social and dead of winter event. Park commissioners staffed a Friends of the Parks Fund booth at the ice cream social. Dead of winter event had a website display and preview of summer. recreation schedule. H. Summer and fall recreation programs had 270 children enrolled. Initiated a quilting class that received an award for their finished quilt. 2) Presentation on Folwell Corridor path Discussion of upgrading the Folwell corridor also known as the old trolley line. The park master plan identifies this wooded path as an underutilized recreational resource within the city. Maertz stated that the section of the path between • Coffman St. and the Lauderdale nature area would be a good first phase of this project. This section has the gentlest grade and minimal drainage issues. This section is 1800 feet long. Many students who live in the Lauderdale Hollow apartments use this trail currently. There is a substantial amount of buckthorn in this area. Maertz showed pictures of graffiti and erosion. Maertz stated that a paved trail with a 911-call button at the halfway point near the old trolley stop was one option. Evans asked about the process for moving ahead with improvements. Maertz and Deen agreed that the Grove neighborhood association and the University real estate office should be approached as partners. Deen said that she would put a notice in the Grove neighborhood association newsletter asking for input. Maertz said that he would make contact with the U of M real estate office and research grant opportunities. 3) Dead of Winter Event A. Winter park event will be held on February 2, 2003 • B. Sleigh rides, treasure hunt, indoor games for kids, skating lessons etc • 4) Friends of the Parks Update A. $1,455.00 has been raised since inception in April B. Maertz stated that he would have a new brochure design for approval at the next commission meeting. 5) 2003 Goal setting A. Get council approval and funding for Curtiss Field improvements. B. Work with Lauderdale, Grove neighborhood and University to plan improvements to the old trolley line path. C. Increase recognition and fundraising for the Friends of Parks Fund. D. Create a new field reservation policy to ensure that Falcon Heights based groups have priority on field use. E. Increase recreation program revenues. F. Pursue grant opportunities for Curtiss Field and Folwell Path • G. Dolan suggested the addition of a 911 phone at Curtiss Field as part of the park improvements; there was unanimous agreement from commissioners. Meeting ended at 8:00 PM Minutes respectfully submitted by Bill Maertz if there are any corrections or additions please contact Bill Maertz at (651) 917-1285 or a-mail him at bmaertz(a~ci.falcon-heights.mn.us. • Park and Recreation Commission Policy Item POLICY ITEM: Field Rental Policy Change SUBMITTED BY: Bill Maertz, Parks and Public Works Director REVIEWED BY: Heather Worthington, City Administrator EXPLINATION/DESCRIPTION Summary and Action Requested: The existing field reservation policy permits rental of athletic fields by any group. This policy permits groups not associated with Falcon Heights to reserve fields for $10.00 a day. This makes the fields less available to Falcon Heights residents. An increase in fees for non-resident groups would raise revenue and keep fields available for local use. Staff Recommendations: 1. Increase field rental charges for non-resident groups to $50.00 for a maximum of three hours. 2. Increase field rental and bathroom rental for non-resident groups to $75.00 for a maximum of three hours. 3. Use the definition of Falcon Heights based groups that was established in the 1994 Facility Use Ordinance. This ordinance sets the criteria that a minimum • of 25% of participants should be Falcon Heights residents. 4. Keep rental fees at current levels for Falcon Heights groups. 5. Require an address list of participants to qualify as a resident group. Background: The low cost of field rental has made Community Park field popular with various athletic associations from throughout the metro area. This increased use means that the fields are less available for neighborhood children and resident athletic groups. Under the current policy a group can reserve the field and hold an all day tournament at a cost of $10.00. ACTION REQUESTED The Park Commission is being asked to make a recommendation to the City Council to increase field rental fees for non-resident groups. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Current rental policy and rates 2. 1994 Facility Use Ordinance CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS • INFORMATION FOR PERSONS RENTING PARK FACILITIES CAPACITY OF MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM AT CONIMUNITY PARK: 100 PARK CLOSING TIME: 10:00 PM RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE: Park Facilities Occasional Use (each timel Seasonal Use (one day/week) Ball field, soccer field, rink, tennis court Communi Park Fee: $20.00 + tax (w/bathroom) $100.00 $10.00 + tax (w/o bathroom) Curtis Field $15.00 + tax (w/bathroom) $ 50.00 $10.00 + tax (w/o bathroom) Universi Grove • $10.00 + tax $ 50.00 Park Building. at Community Park FEE: $100.00 + $6.50 State tax. Up to 6 hours use. $35/hr. after 6 hours. Full kitchen equipped with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher. Fee also includes use of ballfield, 2 grills outside the building. Curtiss Field Shelter FEE: $30.00 + $1.95 State tax (up to 6 hours) Deposit: $200.00 (for key, clean up and/or damages). Please make two separate checks. One for the amount of the rental fee and another for $200.00, which will be held as a deposit. Deposit check will be returned to you when key is returned and facilities have been checked. Key should be picked up at City Hall, a day or two prior to use of the facilities. The key should be returned the next work day following rental of the building, or it may be placed ui the droop box by the front door of City Hall, in which case we will mail your deposit check to you. Equipment:_ 7 tables for indoor use, 48 adult chairs, 18 kid chairs. Outside shelter area with outside picnic tables. 2 grills. Furnish own charcoal. (Community Park). 1 table, 8 chairs (Curtis Field). 1. Permit holder is responsible for facility clean up. Waste paper and trash should be deposited in refuse barrels. A charge may be imposed if the facility is not left clean. 2. For safety reasons, glass containers are not allowed in any Falcon Heights parks. . 3. Parking is allowed in parking lots only. No vehicles allowed on the grass, sidewalks, etc. 4. ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED IN ALL FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS. Falcon Heights Park and Recreation 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue Falcon Heights, MN 55113 PH: 651-644-5050 FAX: 651-644-8675 Email: ci.falcon-heights.mn.us 2003 PARK FACILITIES USE PERMIT Applicant: Organization: Phone: (Ii) (~ Request to use facilities at Park. Date(s) facility desired: Time: to Communi Park Curtiss Field U Grove 2050 W Roselawn Ave. 1551 W Iowa Ave. Coffinan St Ballfield Ballfield Hockey rink Picnic area Park shelter Pleasure rink Tennis court Hockey rink Park building Kitchen 2 Grills (outdoors) Rental Paid: $ Bathrooms only (outside entrance) Deposit: $200.00 Paid: • Key returned/Deposit Returned: REGULATIONS: PLEASE BE SURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND FULLY BEFORE SIGNING The person making this application and the organization assume individual and joint obligation for replacements or payment in case of losses or damages resulting from their use of the building facilities, and agree to abide by the rules established by the City Council of Falcon Heights. Signature of Applicant Organization Represented Address U Phone Number _~ No. 0-94-04 •. CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDINANCE Date: Feb. 9. 1994 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5-4.01(E) OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING FACILITY USE BY MUNICIPAL OR PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY FALCON HEIGHTS HEREBY ORDAINS: Chapter 5-4.01(E) E. Facility use by municipal and public service organizations, neighborhood, and community groups and local hobby clubs with specific criteria. 1. Public facilities are available for use on a reservation basis. • 2. The following shall be allowed free use of public facilities: a. Specifically listed local service organizations: • League of Women Voters • Senior Citizens (Falconeers, Roseville Area Seniors) • Ramsey County League of Local Governments • League of Minnesota Cities/Association of Metropolitan Municipalities • Watershed management organizations • Scouts, Brownie Troops, 4-H, Campfire • Neighborhood groups (e.g. Grove. Association, Maple Knoll Courtyard Homeowner's Assoc. • 55 Alive Mature Driving Class • Cable Commission • Developers when presenting to neighbors • Legislators- for informational (non-campaign) meetings except after the filing date and before the November election of a legislative election year unless requested by a majority of the city council • Northwest Family Youth Service Bureau • Ramsey County Anti-Violence Initiative • Area Youth Athletic Associations ti • • Lauderdale and Falcon Heights Lions Club • Party precinct caucuses, legislated district conventions and county conventions under the requirements of MN. State Statute 202A.192 • Groups which the City of Falcon Heights is a member of including the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's Commission Against Drugs b. Falcon Heights neighborhood or community based groups whose activities are open to all and for the sole purpose of developing, fostering and strengthening. neighborhood and community well-being. c. Hobby groups or clubs that meet all of the following criteria: 1) Falcon Heights based. (A minimum of 25% of Falcon Heights residents are on-going members or participants.) 2) Non-profit 3) Open membership 4) Founded on a hobby 5) Actively reaches out to include people of different ages, especially youth, to encourage inter-generational exchanges of information 6) Encourages a community service and/or benefit component d. The organization or group cannot be a private, business, political, or religious organization e. Any organization denied free use under this policy as defined in this section may appeal to the city council. 3. The Roseville Area Schools will be charged their own prevailing rates for use of city facilities. Moved by: Gehrz BALDWIN 5 In Favor GEHRZ GIBBON TALBOT HUSTAD 0 Against JACOBS Approved by: ~ _ Mayor Feb. 9. 1994 Date Attested by: City Administrator Feb. 9. 1994 Date ~-/ L~) Falcon Heights Recreation Fees Problem The percentage of total program costs covered by user fees is lower than the north metro average. What explains this and how can we increase this percentage while still providing quality recreational services? Metro Standards The recreational programs that are offered by Falcon Heights are classified as youth recreational and playground programs. A study recently undertaken by the city of New Brighten indicates that the North metro average fee support for these type of programs is 48%. (See table 1) In 1995 the city of Maplewood hired the firm of David M. Griffith and Associates to do a cost/revenue analysis of their recreation programs. The youth recreation and playground programs had the lowest level of fee support, averaging 20%. The recommendation of that analysis was to reach 60% fee support through a combination of raising fees and dropping programs with low attendance. This goal has not been reached in all programs. Roseville Park Director Lonnie Brokke stated that youth and senior programs in Roseville average 50% fee support. • Falcon Heights Fee Support Since 1995 fee support for youth and playground programs in Falcon Heights has fluctuated between a high of 38% and a low of 24% (see chart 2) Reasons for Level of Fee Support • Prior to 2000 the supervisor's wages did not come out of the recreation special revenue fund. Charging these wages to the recreation special revenue fund gives a more accurate picture of the true cost of the program. • .Demand for programs is elastic and revenue can vary as much as 25% over a two-year period. • The recreation program has offered a scholarship for families that are unable to pay for youth recreation. This program was designed to be covered by donations. The cost of scholarships now exceeds the amount of donations. • The time in playground program and hotshots basketball have been offered at no cost as a means of introducing families to Falcon Heights recreation programs. Cost of these programs is approximately $2,400.00 per year. Options 1. Continue program as it is and subsidize youth recreation at a higher level than the north metro average. 2. Raise fees so that they cover the total cost of the program. 3. Use a combination of fee increases, cost cutting and selective cutting of • unprofitable programs to reach a 50% fee support level. • Evaluation of Options Option 1 Continuing to subsidize the recreation programs at a level higher than neighboring cities will cost too much and doesn't subject the program to market efficiencies. Option 2 Any increases that raise our program fees higher than neighboring cities' fees will lead to loss of market share and will result in lost revenue. Option 3 A combination of fee increases, cost cutting, and dropping unprofitable programs that gets fee support to 50% will force the program to be more responsive to the marketplace, lead to more efficiency and be more responsive to the elastic demand. Recommendations • Increase fees for all programs by five dollars. • Initiate policy that cancels programs if enrollment fees will not meet the payroll of assigned coaches. This will synchronize our coaching payroll with demand. • Eliminate the Near-ball Plus and Teen Tennis programs because of low enrollment. • Add a beginner Lacrosse program. This fast growing sport has been added • by several cities recently and has been popular and profitable. • Begin charging for Hotshots Basketball-and the Time-In program. Hotshot's Basketball has been very popular as a no cost class and staff believes that people will be willing to pay for it. The Time-In playground program will be cut to four weeks instead of six and a fee of $10.00 per week will be charged. • Cut the budget for supplies and printing by $2,300. • Cap scholarships at the level of donations received from the previous year. In order to prevent any child from being excluded because of need, staff will increase efforts to raise awareness of this scholarship fund. Goal • Cut costs and raise revenues enough so that the recreation program fees equal 50% of the total program cost. This will put the recreation program at slightly above the north metro average. • Cut and add programs more aggressively so that the programs more accurately reflect market demand. • Foster a sense of community by providing quality recreation programming in a neighborhood setting that is competitive with surrounding communities. • Incremental implementation of these measures over the next two years. Budget Implications • Reduction of total program costs by $8,750 per year by 2004. • $6,000 of those reductions can be achieved in 2003 and the remaining savings will take place in 2004. This avoids "sticker shock" which might reduce enrollment revenue. • Total program cost reductions over the next two years will be $14,750 • Reverses trend of increasing total program costs by linking program offerings to revenue and demand. • • ~ ~ ~ Fee Suunort by City Information obtained from interviews with respective program supervisors 'v Brighton Fridley Shoreview Moundsview Arden Hills Lino Lakes Blaine St. Anthony • ,, • Table 2 -Falcon Heights Recreation Fee Revenue as Percentage of Total Program Cost 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 GOAL -r • Local 'T'rail Connections Probram APPLICA'I'I®N 2003 All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., February 28, 2003. Please deliver 8 copies of the application to: Department of Natural Resources Recreation Services Section Trails and Waterways Division 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4052 General Information: Date: 2-25-03 Applicant (Unit of Government required): City of .Falcon Heights Applicant ContactPersan: Bill Maertz Title: Director of Parks & Public Wor~~tiine Phone: (651) 917-1285 Applicant Mailing Address: 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave ~~,. Falcon Heights State: ~ Zip Code: 55113 Trail Organization Project Partner (If applicable): Trail Organization Project Partner Contact Person & Phone Number. Project Title: Trolley Line Trail Project lfnformation: Total Project Amount Local Match Source of Matching Funds Cost Requested $117,338 $ 58,669 $ 58,669 City of :Falcon Heights Will other non-local funds be used for If yes, give amount Source of Non-local Funds this project? Yes No X Checklist: ~ Project Description X Project Location Map(s) X Readable when reproduced Site Map X Responses to each Requirement X Responses to each Evaluation Criterion X Signed Certification by Trail/ Park administrator X Signed Certification by Grant X Signed Certification(s) by all Administering Authorities of Public Lands ~_Signed Certification by Grant Applicant • Proposals must specifically and directly address each requirement and evaluation criterion to qualify and receive points. • Pages in each proposal should be numbered with this page as number 1. + Proposals are limited to eight pages excluding maps, drawings, and/or photos. • All pages must be 8 % by 11 inches and not be dependant on color or be otheravise Estimated Date of Completion October 2004 (Must be NO later than December 31, 2004) • • 2003 Trail Grants Program -State of Minnesota Required Certifications For trail and park administrators "I substantially agree that the proposed trail linkage will be mutually beneficial to the local community, as well as to the goals and purposes for which this recreation unit was established. I w~].l~co'opera itF~sp~Qvision if the project proposal should be funded." Signed: ~~ Name William Maertz Position Director of .Parks and Public Wo>e 2-25-03 For all administrators of public lands crossed/utilized in the proposed linkage "I preliminarily agree with plans to develop the proposed trail linkage on land administered by my agency, and I will cooperate in seeking more formal authorization in the event tb project proposal is authorized for reimbursement." Signed:e . ~/~ • Name Heather Worthington - Position City Administrator Date 2-25 03 (Add additional certification blocks as necessary for this project.) For grant applicants "In the event that this proposal is accepted for reimbursement, I recognize that all work must be completed by December 31, 2004." Signed: Name GJilliam Maertz Position Director of Parks & Public WorksDate 2-25-03 • 3 Qualifying Requirements Project Description The City of Falcon Heights proposes to improve an undeveloped dirt path that runs between Falcon Heights' Grove Park and Lauderdale's Nature Reserve. This portion of the trail is 1300 feet long. The Grove Park is a neighborhood park with a playground, basketball court and skating rink. Lauderdale's Nature Reserve has a small playground, picnic area and undeveloped walking trails. This nature reserve is a part of Breck's Woods a high quality remnant of oak savanna. This trail is one of two portions of trail that would connect Breck's Woods to the future site of the Bell Museum of Natural History. This project would initiate this connection by improving the western half of the trail and preparing a master plan for the entire corridor. Recreational Sites Connected by Sidewalk within a Quarter Mile of Proposed Trail: ^ Les Bolstad golf course ^ University of Minnesota golf driving range ^ Gibbs Farm Museum ^ University of Minnesota recreational soccer fields ^ Tennis courts ^ Planned site for the new Bell Museum of Natural History Goals 1. Connect two parks with a path that can be snow plowed for use in winter. User Groups: ^ There is a large concentration of rental housing near the Lauderdale end of the path. University of Minnesota students who live there use the existing trail to walk to the Grove Park and the University campus. This trail is too narrow and muddy to plow in the winter. ^ This path would give residents of Falcon Heights "Grove" neighborhood year round access to the Lauderdale Nature Reserve. ^ A large senior citizen condominium is within 300 feet of the Falcon Heights end of the trail. The uneven, eroded trail limits use of this connection by residents of this condominium. 2. The new Bell Museum of Natural History is scheduled to be built on a site adjacent to Grove Park.. This trail would link the Bell Museum to the Breck's Woods. User Groups: ^ Thousands of school children attend the Bell Museum each year for field trips. This trail would enable them to hike to remnants of oak savanna for nature observation. • 4 Preliminary Specifications and Costs Trail Specifications: ^ 1300 feet long ^ 8 feet wide ^ 6 inches of class 5 base ^ 2 inches of asphalt Costs ^ Clearing and Grubbing - $2,888.00 ^ Minor Grading - $7,150.00 ^ Base and Paving - $27,300.00 ^ Additional site features $55,000.00 ^ Environmental Master Planning - $25,000.00 ^ Total - $117,338.00 Proposal attached Evidence of Local Support 1. Falcon Heights City Council resolution 2. St. Anthony Park Community Council Environment Committee letter of r support 3. Roseville Parks Director letter of support 4. Bell Museum of Natural History letter of support 5. Ramsey County Sentenced to Serve letter of support Availability/Access to 50 percent matching funds 1. Falcon Heights Parks and Public Facilities Capital Improvement Fund has a current balance of $286,000. 2. Falcon Heights has MSA road funds available, which in some cases, can be used for public paths. Sponsoring Unit of Government 1. City of Falcon Heights Acknowledgement of Reimbursement Policy The grant applicants acknowledge that neither the DNR Trail grant funding nor the 50 percent matching funds supplied by the two cities can be used for in- house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll. Site and Project Quality • 5 ^ This project will connect a large concentration of apartment buildings to a neighborhood park. • This project will provide access to residents of a senior citizen condominium to a nature area with a firm and stable path that has a gentle grade. ^ This trail is routed through high quality remnants of oak savanna. ^ The trail is currently a dirt path that is eroding. It becomes unusable after heavy rains and during the winter. Public Need and Benefit of Project ^ The location of this trail is a natural route for hundreds of students who use it daily to walk from Lauderdale to the farm campus of the University of Minnesota. The narrow isolated path has been the site of various forms of sex crimes. Improving the trail would allow police squads to drive through and create a safer pedestrian route for the many students who use this trail. ^ Population within one mile: 10,000 people living in the cities of Lauderdale, St. Paul, Roseville, Falcon Heights, and Minneapolis. The west end of the proposed trail has a-very high density of apartments and town homes which lack a year round pedestrian access to the neighborhood park on the east end of the proposed trail Applicant Capability ^ Falcon Heights has completed the addition of eight miles of public paths in the last five years. Maintenance of these new paths has been integrated into our capital improvement plan. The city has completed infrastructure improvements totaling 5 million dollars since 1998. ^ Five-year plan for maintenance: This trail will be added to the Falcon Heights sidewalk inspection and repair program. Each year all public paths are inspected and given a rating based on trip hazards. Currently this program has a budget of $10,000 per year for repairs and replacement. If this trail is built it will part of our path-plowing route. The city routinely plows ten miles of public paths when a-two-inch snow thresh-hold has been reached. This service is funded by the- public works street maintenance budget. The addition of 1300 feet to our plow route is estimated to cost an additional $180.00 per year based on ten minutes of plowing per two inch snowfall. Community Commitment to Trail Use In 1989 Falcon Heights commissioned the firm of Barton/Aschman to develop a park master plan. This plan identified key pedestrian routes that should be developed. Since 1989 the city has added public paths along the majority of these routes. Paths have been added to Larpenteur Ave, Cleveland Ave., Roselawn Ave. and Hamtine Ave. This project would complete one of the last pieces identified in our 1989 park master plan as desirable for a walking trail. A survey of recreation preferences was taken while preparing the park master plan • 6 and the survey indicated that walking was the number one recreational activity in Falcon Heights. • Impact on Adjoining Landowners The location of the proposed trail is a quiet wooded setting with the University of Minnesota Les Bolstad golf course on the north and private homes on the south. The majority of these private homes are separated from view of the trail by a steep wooded hill. There are three homes that would have a view of the path and these residents would be offered the option of vegetative screening. The City of Falcon Heights is committed to a planning process that involves all stakeholders and is sensitive to property values, safety, and privacy. There is a forty-foot buffer of trees and brush between the golf course and the proposed trail. Neighborhood meetings will be an integral part of the planning process so that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to have input. Project Readiness The Kestrel Design Group Inc., 5136 Hankerson Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55436, has completed initial cost estimates. This location is a nexus between Lauderdale, Falcon Heights, St. Paul, the University of Minnesota, and will require public meetings to reach consensus on final design. The availability of a matching grant will be an incentive to these various groups to cooperate on this project that has broad general support. It is estimated that meetings would be held in late summer of 2003 with final design, master planning, and construction to take place in summer 2004. Provides for Year Round Use Improvements to this trail will permit the use of snow removal equipment. The City of Falcon Heights routinely plows ten miles of public path when two inches of snow has fallen. This proposed trail is within 30 feet of a plowed path making it cost effective to add to our plow route. Attention to Potential Environmental Impact The City of Falcon Heights is committed to a planning process that takes into account any environmental impact. The removal of woody invasive species from remnants of oak savanna will be included in this project. This work will be in conjunction with this project but is not included in the proposed budget. The City of Falcon Heights would do this work 7 in-house with the assistance of the St. Anthony Park Garden Club and the Ramsey County Friends of the Parks • All plans will be submitted to the Capital Region Watershed for assessment of he impact on water quality and stormwater management. While the proposed trail is adjacent to remnants of oak savanna, the previous existence of a trolley line created a corridor that is currently filling in with buckthorn, mulberry, and honeysuckle. No oak trees would be removed as part of this project and a plan to reintroduce species appropriate to oak savanna would be developed. • • • VIEW FROM GROVE PARK TO THE WEST • • _ _ ~~~ ` T ~` ~' d ~;~aY x Y~ 9 • OLD TROLLEY TRAIL SEEN FROM GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD (TROLLEY PLATFORM) • • 10 • VIEW OF BRECK'S WOODS FROM LAUUtKUHLt NH i urct HrccH i• 11 • • • 12 • APARTMENTS LOCATED IN LAUDERDALE NEAR THE WEST END OF I Ht PROPOSED TRAIL 13 List of Attachments • 1) Falcon Heights Park Master Plan Map 2) Map of Proposed Location 3) Aerial Photo of Area 4) City of Falcon Heights Resolution 5) Cost estimate and master plan proposal 6) Agenda from St. Anthony Park Community Council Environmental Committee 7) Letter of Support from St. Anthony Park Community Council 8) Letter of Support from the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History 9) Letter of Support from Keith Feldbrugge, Director of Ramsey County Sentence to Serve 10)Letter of Support from Lonnie Brokke, Roseville Park Director • • GREENWAY CORRIDORS • LINDIG MINI AND FALCON HEIGHTS . LARPENTEUR COMMUNITY LINEAR PARK GARDEN ELEMENTARY s AVENUE PARK PARK SCHOOL 1 ~vwialrx•, i UNIVENSRY OF WNNESOG UNIVEi18t TY OR N ENN ..J:. OOLF COUIISE 1 1 1 t 1 1 1 uaN~am t Or MNNaOTA rtv NAu s NNN 0000000 1 ~..... NN.... ~ uNmam or MINWWTA ~ OOV m11NN ~~ W 9 m G mmi •• ••• • .•••••• •'• UNIVERSITY GROVE PARK • FOLWELL LINEAR PARK 2 N ®' UNIVERSNY OF MINNESOTA I~ SCHOOL OF AONIGULTUNE _ ~ ~ ~ y Q ~ ~ IDAHO/SHELLING a0 1 PARK . 1 0 ' I-~ o 1 1 QI i ~ ° ,~il ~ MWNESOTA 6TATE FAIR 1 n S ~ i e 4 ~ (~ .a ~cAU ~ wnrt °°~°JI 1 00 u ~O °~o__ - ~ ~ ~, ~ ~ ~ a®~ ~ ~ FALCON HEIGHTS jo ~ ~ ~o- 0 0 ®'~ L® U©Ua ~~ ° 1 LJ 1 ~ ° ~° SHELLING AVENUE FIGUREI5 PaY'k erica. I~ecre~tiOri Plan PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota si • • • Old Trolley Path Project J v _ ~ _-~ ,~ << ~~~ __ j Lauderdale. NAfI IYP flrpa ~ _ ~ Golf bourse Driving ~ __Cihbs ` ~I Range , ~I ~ ~, ~'anri _ Pedestrian Tunnel . ~ Museum ~ - ~ Les Ba~stad ~ ~ ~Po#ential sit o golf Co~Ur~ ~ _ ~, ;Bell Mt.u ; I Propad Tr~tL ~ ~; .: ~ ~ -.: ~ ~ . ~ ~. ' ~ i ---; ~ ~~ ~ - _ ~ ! _ ~ ~ ~ i l _I' ~ I ~ ~ ~ 1. I ~I J - J ~ _ ~~ ~, I ~~ -~ - - _~ ~ - -1 - l _ al - __ I ~ E - ~ -_ III, i L ~ _ ~ _ _ i --~ I ~~ ~ i ,_ ~~ Paths and Trai Is City Boundary ~ r , ..-1 Old Trolley Right of Way ~~ Parklands • • • No. 2003-05 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION Date: February 26, 2003 • A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO APPLY FOR A DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LOCAL TRAILS CONNECTION GRANT BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights that a trail connecting Falcon Heights' Grove Park and Lauderdale's Breck's Woods Nature Area would be a benefit to the people of Falcon Heights and the neighboring communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks/Public Works Director is authorized to apply for a Department of Natural Resources Local Trails Connection Grant. Moved by: Talbot Approved by: ~,~„~ ~`~,: Susan L. Gehrz, Mayor In Favor GEHRZ X February 26, 2003 KUETTEL X LAMB X ,, :~~; ~_ LINDSTROM X Attested by: TALBOT X Heather M. Worthington City Administrator Opposed: None Februarv 26, 2003 • As you requested we roughed out a construction budget for the Falcon Heights portion of the Greenway from the western city boundary with Lauderdale to Coffman Street (1,300. A 10% contingency can be expected: Item Unit Unit Cost # Of Units Subtotal Clearin and Grubbin 1 acre 8250 .35 2 888 Minor Gradin LF 5.5 1300 7 150 Base and Paving LF $21 1300 $27,300 8' wide Trail Additional site features (Benches, $20,000- Emergency Station, Signage, bike rack, $55,000 lantin s stairwa etc. $57,338- $92,338 I have included a few relevant services sheets, which document our expertise in this area of work. Please contact me if you need any additional material or information. Thank you for your time and consideration, • is L. Peter MacDonagh -Vice esident • THE KESTREL DESIGN GROUP, INC. -A Woman-Owned Business 5136 Huiker;on Avenue, Suite 1 • Mumeapolis, Muinesota 55936 (9.52) 928-9600 Fax (952) 928-1939 www.kestreldesigigroup.com • -THIS PROPOSAL REFLECTS THE PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES AND FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DESIGN OF THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE "TROLLEY LINE GREENWAY" FROM LAUDERDALE'S CARL STREET TO FALCON HEIGHTS' COFFMAN STREET -EXCEPT FOR THE MASTER PLAN WHICH WILL ENCOMPASS THE ENTIRE REACH FROM LAUDERDALE'S CARL STREET TO FALCON HEIGHTS' CLEVELAND STREET. - THIS PROPOSAL IS VALID FOR 90 DAYS - THE MASTER PLAN COULD BE COMPLETED WITHOUT THE LAND SURVEY 1) MASTER PLANNING SCOPE (PROMOTIONAL AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PACKAGE) • Contextual Biological and Physical Inventory and Assessment • Concept Plan • 4 "typical" cross-sections (before and after for Lauderdale Section and before and after for Falcon Heights Section) • Illustration Details (5+/-) • Itemized Budget • Allotment for two meetings (Staff and City Council Review) Master Planning Design Fees Supervising Professional, Principal 12 @ $90.00/hr $1,080 Senior Professional I 0 @ $80.00/hr $0 • Senior Professional II 25 @ $65.00/hr $1,625 Associate Professional I 35 @ $50.00/hr $1,750 Junior Professional 10 @$40.00/hr $400 Secretarial 0 @ $37.00/hr $0 Subtotal $4,855 2) LAND SURVEY Property Boundaries; 1-foot contours; Location of structures (walls, inlets, $4,200 outlet, etc.) Location of all trees > 6" dbh within 15' $1,800 of likely trail centeriine Subtotal $6,000 3) CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS SCOPE • Constructions Documents • Allotment for two meetings (50% and 90% review) • Bidding and Construction Contract Administration Subtotal 10-15% of Construction C • TIIE ICFSTREL DESIGN GROUP, INC. -A Woman-Owned Business 5136 Hazikerson Avenue, Suite 1 • Muineapolis, Mumesota 55436 (952) 92f3-9600 Fax (952) 928-1939 www.kestreldesigngroup.com • 4) MEETINGS AND PERMITS • Additional meetings (citizens/public review, promotional, etc.) will be billed hourly • Because permit requirements are an unknown all permit application and review time will be billed on an hourly basis per rates given above Subtotal $TBD 5) NATURAL AREAS AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN • Detailed plan for managing and improving natural areas site issues such as, invasive species, habitat, etc. . Detailed plan for managing and improving stormwater quality and quantity issues such as, erosion control, filtration, infiltration, etc. Subtotal • $2,400 6) CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN OBSERVATION • Construction Observation (Acting agent for client) • Contractor Payment Review • Because the snipe of the project program in an unknown at this point the fees associated with this service will be negotiated upon agreement of the scope of the project's program Subtotal $TBD THIS AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO AS OF THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE. CLIENT • By Its On this Date KDG REPRESENTATIVE By Its On this Date 4 THE KESTREL DESIGN GROUP, INC. - A Woman-Ovmed Busuiess 5136 Hankeison Avenue, Suite 1 • Minneapolis, Mumesola 55436 (952) 928-9600 Fay (952) 928-1939 www.kestreldesigngroup.com St. Anthony Park Community Council • Environment Committee February 26th, 2003 7:00 p.m. South St. Anthony Park Recreation Center 890 Cromwell Avenue (Territorial and Cromwell) AGENDA Terry Gockman, Chair 7:00 Introductions Volunteer minute taker steps forward Approval of January minutes Approval of February agenda 7:05 Presentation: Jon Steadland, Program Director of the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization .will present on the 2003 Stewardship Fund Grant 7:15 Presentation: Bill Maertz, City of Falcon Heights Public Works Department will present on grant application they are submitting to pave the Trolley Path walking trail that links the Grove to Lauderdale. Bill would like a recommendation letter • from the St. Anthony Park Community Council 7:30 Joint Environment Committee Meeting in March: agenda, attendees, etc. 7:40 Report back from Full Council on budget crisis: Terry 7:50 DNR Grant Update - Emily Time for turtle basking sites Kasota Pond cleanup: what needs to be done 8:00 Community Organizer Report Rock-Tenn Update-possible move clarification: Emily Excel Energy issues update: Emily 8:15 Old/New Business 8:25 Announcements 8:30 Adjourn • `~'`'~~~ ~ St. Anthony Park Community Council Bill Maertz Parks and Public Works Department 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue Falcon Heights, MN 55113-5594 February 27, 2003 Dear Mr. Maertz, On Thursday, February 27, 2003, the St. Anthony Park Community Council unanimously approved a resolution regarding the recommendation of application by the City of Falcon Heights for a trail grant. The resolution is as follows: • "The St. Anthony Park Community Council supports the City of Falcon Heights' application for a trail connection grant for the area between Coffman Street and the Lauderdale nature reserve with the understanding that St. Anthony Park will be involved in the planning process. The St. Anthony Park Community Council appreciates the efforts of the City of Falcon Heights in involving the community in the planning process and looks forward to working with the City of Falcon Heights in the future. Sincerely, J / (` Emily Farell Community Organizer St. Anthony Park Community Council 651-649-5992 • 890 Cromwell Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114 -C~ 651/649-5992 voice ~ 651/649-5993 fax FEB~.27.~003 .B ~~bPM BF_L.L .~1USEllM N0. 136 P.2i2 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA • 7tiytn Cities Ca-npKa February 2?, 2{343 Jarne~t F~id ~sll Mressum of Natrrrad flostory College Narura(Resasrtts Bi11 IVlaertz Parks and Public Works Director City of Falcott I~eights 2077 W. Lazpenteur Avenue . Falcon Heights, MN 55113 Dear Mr, Maertz: • Thank you for cotttacting the Bell Museum application to the Minnesota Department of Connections grant, We understand that fife awarded, is the old trolley line roadbed west and south of the University of Minnesota ga On behalf of our Director, Dr. Scott Lanyo~ My understanding is that fife rojcct will in` honeysuckle and mulberry) along that pa~li, elirrunate muddy spots and erosion from ru. As you know, the Bell Museum hopes, withi the intersection of Larpenteur and Cleveland of the propoFed ptb~ect. The woodland alorl Breclc Woods at the west encl of it are popul life in University Grove and other parts of P Lauderdale, Ott occasion, the azea is used fc Minnesota. The path also adjoins the backy Section of Falcon Heights. 'We imagine usiq from our new facility when it ib built, 13ecause we lrnow that many in the area are s' through which it passes, wo look forward to ~ stakeholders to help determine the bast ways protect its usefulness as an area that sgppotts those who walk it or. live a]oztig xt. I believe tl expressed by the St. Anthony Park Cammuit; meeting last night. 1(1 Church Srrttr S,E. Minrrea{~nlts, MN 55455-U104 612.624.7083 Fax: 612-626-7704 Natural History about Falcon I~ieights' aural Resources for a Local Trail ;a you proposo to address with the funds, i#' Coffman St, up to the Lauderdale city limits course. T write to lend our support to your application. lve retnoYal of invasive species (buckthorn, nd work oft the pathway to minimize or ,ff to malts the path more useable by walkers. the next few yeazs, to build a now facility near -venues, about a block east of the eastern end that old trolley roadbed and the so-called walking and binding spots for peopie who .con Heights, in St. Anthony Park, and in field trips by classe$ from the University of ~ds of many houses itt the University Grove that area for educational walking tours based lceholders in that path and the woodland orking with you and with those other treat floe pathway to improve wallcability and ,adve plants and wildlife for the enjoyment of ,t our interest is essentially the same as that Council Environment Committee at their Thank you for including the Bell Museum iul your planning. We look forward to working with you on this project. Yours truly, ~ i Gordon R. Murdock, Ph. D. Curator of Education cc: Dr. Scott ];anyon Saint Anthony Park Community Co cil • • FR: Keith Feldbrugge Ramsey County Sentence to Service 357 Oneida St. St. Paul, NIN 55102 RE: Sentence to Service crews assistance Dear Bill, Ramsey County Sentence to Service would be pleased to assist the City of Falcon Heights with the removal of woody invasive plants in the projects proposed on their DNR Conservation Partner grant applications. It is my understanding that our supervised crews would assist your neighborhood volunteers with the cutting, hauling and disposal of the cut woody invasive plants. We feel this project will benefit both the neighborhoods, and the individuals who are scheduled to work on the Sentence to Service crews. So often our crews are stuck doing trash pickup along roadsides. With this project, they will be receiving education, acquiring skills and be able to see a definite site improvement from their efforts. Plus, a single experience with woody invasive's removal may convince individuals to never again put themselves in a situation where their consequence will be • assignment to a Sentence to Service crew. Sincerely, Keith Feldbrugge Ramsey County Sentence to Service Director • • William Maertz Director of Parks and Public Works City of Falcon Heights 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave. Falcon Heights, MN, 55113 Re: Local Trails Connection Grant Application Dear Bill, I was excited to hear that you are considering a trail connection between Falcon Heights Grove Park and Lauderdale's Nature Reserve. This trail connection is less than one mile from Roseville and would provide a safe, paved, accessible route to Lauderdale's Nature Reserve. This letter is to let you know that I am very supportive of your efforts and that I • believe that the trail connection will definitely benefit the entire areas citizens, including Roseville. I also applaud you for recognizing the need to provide safe and alternate modes of transportation for our citizens. I understand that the City of Falcon Heights is committed to a planning process that involves all stakeholders while taking into consideration all environmental concerns. Thank you for all your efforts! Sincerely, Lonnie Brokke Director, Roseville Parks 1910 West County Road B Roseville, Minnesota 55113 •