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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCAgenda_92Mar9i • 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 9, 1992 7 P.M. ROSEVILLE ACTIVITY CENTER 2~8 0 0 ARONA ST . A. CALL TO ORDER B. Huso Jacobson McLoon Nicholson Schugal Thatcher Weisberg Wickhem Gehrz Kriegler C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES OF FEB. 10, 1992 D. REPORTS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Consider support of "The Friends of the Parks & Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County" in their effort to preserve abandoned railroad corridors 2. Consider support of MRPA (Minnesota Recreation and Park Association) in their effort to petition for the continued funding for the state outdoor recreation grant program and to increase the state side allocation for federal land and water conservation funds 3. Proposed parking lot improvements at Community Park -- Discussion 4. Bathroom facilities at Community Park -- Discussion. E. INFORMATION ONLY: (a) Feb. 25 City Council Minutes re Brimhall Play Equipment Request F. ADJOURNMENT ` MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 1.992, 7 p.m. Members Present: Carol Weisberg, Jyneen Thatcher, Carol Huso, Morris Nicholson, Lloyd Jacobson, Linda McLoon, Carol Kriegler, Parks Director, Sue Gehrz, Council Liaison Members Absent: Dave Wickhem, Steve Schugel 1. City of Roseville Teen Center Sue Gehrz gave a presentation on the Teen Center that opened in Roseville on January 11. It was an outgrowth of the Commission Against Drugs. It is open several afternoons every week, with buses running from RAMS and RAHS to the center on Monday and Tuesday. There are special activities on Saturdays. There is one staff person assigned to the Teen Center. The teens themselves plan the activities and decided the type of things they wanted in the center. There are two rooms, one with a stereo and the other with games, etc. Sue passed around a wish list of items for the center. Morris suggested that they try to get some publicity for the ongoing good works that are being done by the teens there (buddies for elementary kids, etc). We thought it might be nice to hold our next meeting there. It is at 2800 Arona. 2. Request for Funds for the Brimhall Elementary School Playground Carol W gave a presentation for a request for funds to assist in the fundraising efforts for the Brimhall playground. They are trying to raise 575,000 all through the work of parent volunteers. They are 50% towards their goal at the present time. In the spirit of cooperation between cities, and considering the large percentage of Falcon Heights children who attend or will attend Brimhall, this request was made. A great deal of discussion followed. Sue Gehrz made the following points 1) that in tight fiscal times a little bit of money from a number of sources is the only way to fund certain types of bigger projects and 2) the increase in the reputation of Brimhall would reflect back on the house values in Falcon Heights. Jyneen made the points 1) that this school is outside the boundaries of Falcon Heights. She uses the city parks, but as anon-parent would never make use of a school playground and 2) would the donation be made in the spirit of increased cooperation between the two cities? Linda made a motion to support the concept of making a financial contribution to the Brimhall Elem. School Playground. Morris seconded. Vote: Yes, 5; No, 0; Abstain, 1. This will be passed on to the city council for their decision. We will continue this discussion at our next meeting in light of the city council's decision. Carol K will try to put it on the February 26 agenda. The commission was able to identify 52,500 saved in putting new hockey boards at the Grove park that might be used for this purpose. Because of the Cleveland Ave. project and the redo of the running path at that time, there might be funds from this area that could be used for the playground also. We might be able to use funds from the Parks Capitol Improvement Fund or the city's Contingency Fund. Further discussion was tabled. 3. Community Park Play Equipment Carol K reminded us that we have 530,700 for replacement of the old Big Toy play equipment at the Community Park. We unanimously agreed to request permission from the city council to put out an RFP to the various playground structure vendors. Hopefully this will be on the agenda their last meeting in February. The RFP would include removal of the old equipment, the play equipment itself and its installation. Linda, Carol W, Carol H and Carol K will get together this Thursday to go over specific play elements that we would like included in the play structure. We will also specify that we want it to be handicapped accessible with transfer points and ground level play activities, (panels etc) rather than lots of decking. We would like to make sure bikes and roller blades can't get up into the structure. We would like to ensure installation at the earliest possible date this spring. Sue G suggested that we talk to someone on the Human Rights Commission,-because they are talking about how the city can better meet the objectives of the American Disabilities Act. Carol H will call the chair of that commission. ~` 4. Cleveland Avenue Rd Improvement Update The county send back plans for the placement of new wetlands and the running path in the Community Park. Carol K sent them to Scott Midness for his reaction. She felt they were unnatural in shape and placement. We would like something that is more natural. The road construction will disturb most of the trail on the west side of the park, so this will be replaced during the road work. 80% of the cost is paid for by the county and the city covers the last 20%. Terry, the city engineer, and Scott, our park planner, will spec the trail so it won't be a water runoff path, as the current one is now. It is possible to elevate the trail to prevent this. We would also like to ensure that we have natural prairie plantings in the disturbed areas. Jyneen will look over the list of possible plantings from the DNR. Hopefully we can redo the south end of the park at the same time as the west side is done, to save money for the city. 5. As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ~~~ Linda McLoon, Secretary Meeting Date: 3/9/92 Agenda Item: D-1 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Consider support of "The Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County" in their effort to preserve abandoned railroad corridors SIIBMITTED HY: Carol Kriegler, Park & Rec Director REVIEWED HY: N/A EBPLANATION/SIIMMARY: The "Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County" are concerned about the loss of abandoned railroad grades that has occurred over the past sixty years. Another 800 to 1000 miles of railroad grades are proposed to be abandoned in the next decade but there is no coordinated effort by state and local governments to preserve them for public use. Because of their concern, the friends passed the attached resolution which they would like to present to the state legislature. They have requested that the resolution be brought before the commission for discussion and approval. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution `re Qarks a~d~ o ~• H N Li {a. ~ •.. SQt~},I,Q~W rW~N' •~•~'' A` 1621 Beechwood Ave. St. Paul, MN SSll6 698-4543 President Neil Franey Vice Presidents Mark M. Nolan Marsha Soucheray Treasurer Jeanne Weigum Directors James R. Bricher Perry R. Bolin Thomas T. Dwight Bernard Edmonds William Frank Otis H. Godfrey, Jr. Milton Krona David Lilly Marilyn Lundberg Paul Mandell Robert Nethercut Joan O'Brien Marj Prokop Vice President Emeritus Samuel H. Morgan Ez Officio Dennis Asmussen John Caroon Greg Mack Robert Piram Executive Director and Secretary Peggy Lynch Whereas, over 50% of Minnesota's railroad grades have been abandoned (over 5000 miles) in the last sixty years and another 800 to 1000 miles of railroad grades are projected to be abandoned in the next decade, and Whereas, Minnesota's railroad grades have maximum value for transportation and recreation purposes and the potential to host communication lines only so long as they are intact, and Whereas, the public cost of acquisition is increased once grades have been sold off in small parcels, and Whereas, abandoned railroad grades often provide the only feasible route for new trail development particularly in highly urbanized areas, and Whereas, these grades often contain remnant prairie species and provide significant wildlife habitat, and Whereas, abandonments are often unpredictable and time for public acquisition can be relatively short, and Whereas, engineering of railroad grades meets the needs of walkers, bicyclists and others with their gentle grades and turns and separation from automobile traffic, and Whereas, substantial public interest exists in preserving these grades for public use. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the _ following recommendations to the State Legislative: forward the 1. That all abandoned railroad grades be expediently preserved until such time that the future public use can be detemuned. 2. That a fund be established for the preservation of abandoned rail corridors if public use is deemed desirable. 3. An interagency panel of state agencies and local units of government be established to decide interim and ultimate use of abandoned rail corridors and to assist with conflict resolution if needed. Meeting Date: 3/9/92 Agenda Item: D-2 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Consider support of MRPA in their effort to petition for the continued funding for the state outdoor recreation grant program and of increase the state side allocation for federal land and water conservation funds. SIIBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Park & Rec Director REVIEWED BY: N/A EXPLANATION/SUMMARY: The MRPA (Minnesota, Recreation and Park Association) has requested local councils and commissions to support their efforts for (1) continued funding for the state outdoor recreation grant program and (2) to increase the state side allocation for federal land and water conservation funds. These programs provide funding for outdoor recreation opportunities. Both programs are in jeopardy of being adequately funded. MRPA is asking for support in the form of passing the attached resolution. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution ~ `~ t~utdoor Recre~.tioo Fu>~d~ng Action Alert , Federal. funding for state:and local park projects is being severely eroded and this affect the quality of life for all Minnesotans:. Following is the background on the decreases in funding and facts you can use when contacting: your: congressional representatives and President .George Bush. Act now to help preserve local park facilities. For more than a quarter century the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (L&WCF) _ has provided. much needed funding for federal, stabs and local governmant outdoor- recreation projects. Nationally, almost 32,000 state and local government park pmjccts have ~, bexn assisted with over $3 billion in grant funds. Minne~ta has' received nearly 557- million in L&WCF funds over the years. Projects have been funded in every county and in hundreds of cities and townships throughout the state. Through the years, .this program has quietly. touched. the lives of Minnesotans of all ages, from rural communities to inner city neighborhoods. It has been one of the "cleanest", Est effective federal. programs in existencx. Best of all, it has not cost the taxpayer a dime.. Why? Because the program is .funded through revenues received from federal off-shore oil leases arxl from sales of surplus. federal property. ~ . During the past several years, the benefits provided local governments by this popular program have been sharply reduced. Originally, over one-half of the available funds were e~umarked for local .government and state park projects. This formula has been drastically altered over the years,. however, so that today less than 1096 of all funds are directed toward local and state government park projects, Most of the funds are now allocated to federal land managen~nt agencies. In Minnesota, for example, annual funding has fallen from a high of almost X6.5` millon in 19'79 to a low of just over. $300,000 in 1988. This year's funding will likely approximate that of .1988. Since Minnesota divides its allocation equally between local and state government projects, the remainder available for local parks is minimal. Meanwhile, the demand for local park grants remains very high. In 19901oca1 governments in Minnesota submitted grant applications for projects with an estimated total cost of over $7.5 million. What can be d©ne to cornect this inequity? First, Congress and the President must recognize the contribution local park projects make to our health and well-being, economy, and overall quality of life. Second, they must understand that the demand for local park facilities and the need. for federal assistance remains high.Present allocations to the states .fall far below the required levels! ....continued on reverse side Local governments can play a key role in getting this message across. C1no way is through kacal government associations, such as the National Association of Counties and National .Conference of Mayors. Another is through direct contact with members of Cong~tss. The. individoai citizen, who is often the main catalyst for park projects, can al$o play an importantrole in influencing his/her elected official in Congress and the White House.. Tf you would like more information about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how you. can help, Please contact: ~tdoor Recrentiun Unit Community Development Division Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development 9th Flooa~, Aa~rican Center Building 150 East Kellogg Boulevard St. Paul, MN SS101-1421 Telephone: (612) 296-5005 RESOLUTION NO. EXTRACT OF MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MINNESOTA HELD ON FEBRUARY .1992 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the (Board/Commission/Council) of (City/County), Minnesota, was duly held at the (location) in said municipality on the (day) of February, 1992, at (time). The fdlowing (Board/Commission/Council) members were present: introduced the following resdution and moved its adoption. RESOLUTION OF THE (Board/Commission/Council) OF (City/County), MINNESOTA, URGING THE EXPANSION OF THE FEDERAL LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Program LAWCON has provided greatly needed grant assistance for local government and state outdoor recreation and open space projects. WHEREAS, in Minnesota almost $57 million in (LAWCON) funds have been provided for over 1,100 projects in every county and hundreds of cities and townships throughout the State. WHEREAS, the program supported by revenues from offshore oil leases and sale of surplus federal property does not cost additional tax dollars and has left an important legacy for future generations. WHEREAS, in recent years the allocations available to local governments have been drastically reduced while the needs have remained as great as ever. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the (Board/Commission/Council) of (City/County), Minnesota, that the (Board/Community/Council) urges the increase in the allocation of LAWCON funds for local government and state park projects to help provide adequate outdoor recreation opportunities, acquire and protect open space areas and improve the quality of life for present and future generations. The motion for the adoption for the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by and upon roll call being taken thereon the following voted via voice: ;, Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted and was. signed by the and attested to by .Passed by the (Board/Commission/Council) of (City/County), Minnesota this day of February, 1992 Attest: (SEAL) Meeting Date: 3/9/92 Agenda Item: D-3 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Proposed parking lot improvements at Community Park SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Park & Rec Director REVIEWED BY: N/A EXPLANATION/SUMMARY: Parking lot rehabilitation at the Community Park is a budgeted $20,000 improvement scheduled for 1993. The existing parking lot consists of 63 parking stalls at 90 degrees to the curb. The existing configuration makes parking extremely difficult when the park is at moderate to high use. Susan Hoyt requested the city's engineering firm review the parking lot and determine if there might be a way of simply re-configuring the lot at what would be a lesser cost than complete rehabilitation. This less expensive alternative might allow us to make an improvement at an earlier date. Attached is a report and proposal from the city's engineering firm, Maier Stewart & Assoc. .. ~ ~i`' ., ••/ . ~ • ~ :~ ..Y,b M • . • ?+r~ ~tiw 1. •,,!! PICNIC AREA ,.-°. • •, t ~ ~~ . .• ~ ~' ,~ •~ ~~ t .. ~ `. .•• ~ •• ~ ~ • ~ ~ ' •. ...P ARK .BLD(~~, . T T'~ I~ i ~ ~ i 11 ~~~NIS` COURTS. ,~ n IK I ~~ • .b m Z 0 U • _ ~' ' _. ~~ ~rG/~~i February 12, 1992 File No: 330-000-00 CONSULTING ENGINEERS Maier Stewart & Associates Inc. ~~ ~ 1 8 1992 Ms. Susan Hoyt City Administrator City of Falcon Heights 2077 Larpenteur Avenue West Falcon Heights, MN 55113 RE: ROSELAWN AVENUE CITY PARK PARKING LOT Dear Ms. Hoyt: As requested, we have reviewed the parking configuration in the City park on Roselawn Avenue. We offer the following comments regarding the existing configuration as well as a new parking configuration. 1. Description of Present Parking Lot Configuration: A. Parking stalls aligned at 90 degrees angle with the curb. B. ~63.,park~g s:'1"alts~9 l0 ;:feet :-wide. C. Traffic pattern in parking lot is 2-way from both entrances off Roselawn Avenue. D. 56 feet wide from face of curb to face of curb. With the above parking configuration, 65 feet is requited from face of curb to face of curb to provide 2-way traffic flow through the parking lot. 2. Description of Proposed Parking Lot Configuration: A. Please find enclosed a copy of plan showing proposed parking lot configuration. B. Parking stalls aligned at 60 degree angle with the curb. C. ~~54~~arkng~`stalls~9 feet~iwide. Two 13 foot handicap parking stalls. One - 16 foot van accessible parking stall. 1959 SLOAN PLACE, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55117 612-774-6021 9800 SHELARD PARKWAY, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55441 612-546-0432 Equal Opportunity Employer CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS FEBRUARY 12, 1992 PAGE TWO .. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was approved January 26, 1992, a minimum of 3 stalls is required for 51-75 parking stalls. One of the three stalls must be a van accessible parking stall. This information was provided by Ms. Shannon McGurran with the Hennepin County Office. of Planning and Development. D. The existing 56 foot wide parking lot will provide a 24 foot wide aisle. E. Traffic flow through the parking lot shall be in -one direction from the west to the east. The proposed parking configuration will reduce the total number of stalls from 63 to 57. However, three of the proposed stalls will meet guidelines for handicap accessibility. The angled parking will provide easier access and better traffic flow with the one-way traffic into and out of parking lot. If you have any questions or require further information, please call. Sincerely, MAIER STEWART AND ASSOCIATES, INC. ~~ ~.. William K. Westerberg, P.E. WKW/ks enc. Meeting Date: 3/9/92 Agenda Item: D-4 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Bathroom Facilities at Community Park - For Discussion SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Park & Rec Director REVIEWED BY: N/A EXPLANATION/SUMMARY: Carol Huso recently forwarded a complaint she had received regarding the lack of bathroom facilities at the Community Park during a significant part of the year. Carol Kriegler will provide information regarding the city's existing practices in providing bathroom facilities at the parks, (dates of satelite arrival, removal, costs, etc.). ~, MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 1992 Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Baldwin, Ciernia, Gehrz, and Jacobs. Also present were Chenoweth and Hoyt. ABSENT Gibson Talbot. MINUTES OF 2/12/92 APPROVED Council approved the Minutes of February 12, 1992 by unanimous consent. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Council approved the following consent agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements: a. General Disbursements through 2/20/92, $30,125.31 b. Payroll, 2/1/92 - 2/15/92, $11,687.12 2. Hiring of John Akins as After School Basketball Skills Instructor 3. Approval of Variance Request from Raymond Kinney, 1447 Idaho, to Construct Garage 4 1/2 ft. from Side Lot Line 4. Resignation of Robert Tapp from Solid Waste Commission 5. Adoption of Resolution R-91-55 Reclassifying Fund Balances 6. Appointment of Election Judges for~April 7, 1992 Presidential Primary 7. Licenses: Image Premastering Services #0944 and Larpenteur Tan Line #0943 REQUEST FOR $5,000 FOR BRIMHALL SCHOOL PLAYGOUND EQUIPMENT Carol Weisberg, representing the Brimhall PTA, explained that Brimhall Elementary School which is attended by many Falcon Heights children (one-third of the student population), has a playground which was constructed in 1960s and needs to be replaced. The school district is unable to assist in financing the proposed $75,000 project and the PTA is pursuing funding. Ms. Weisberg commented on the fact that the city did participate in purchasing equipment for the Falcon Heights School playground ($5,000) and requested that the city give an equal amount to Brimhall School. The cities of Lauderdale and Roseville will also be requested to participate and she felt the decision made by Falcon Heights would impact the decisions made by the other communities. MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 1992 PAGE 2 ,"•~. I'i:~,t~ ~'~ f'ua l !Y . '~:y ~~ ~' Fred Storti, Principal of Brimhall School, presented three reasons for the proposed improvements; 1) safety, 2) equipment needs to be developmentally appropriate for physical education classes, and 3) needs to be handicap accessible and usable. He explained that any funds received will be turned over to the school district, equipment will be purchased and installed by the district, and become district property. Baldwin commented on a letter from Parks and Recreation Commission member Steve Schugel expressing his objections to the funding. Ciernia expressed concern regarding the possibility of setting a precedent for future requests, likely upcoming reductions in local government aids which would negatively impact the city's finances, and the fact that the Falcon Heights School project was considered an investment in the city's park system. He stated he would like to help but did not feel it would be prudent as the city has similar needs and funds should be invested in recreational areas in Falcon Heights. Gehrz expressed concern regarding playground safety and that by denying the request the city has given an advantage to one area of the city over another. She stressed that Falcon Heights children attend Brimhall not by choice but due to boundaries established by the district. Baldwin commented on the fact that the goal of the city is to cooperate with the school district in providing educational/recreational facilities and stressed that the city does not deal with schools but with the district. He indicated he was in favor of assisting in the financing as it works toward the goal of cooperation in the recreational area. He felt that the request for funding should come from the school board and that a contract should be drafted similar to the contract addressing the Falcon Heights School equipment. Jacobs did not feel that rejecting the request would impact decision making in Roseville and Lauderdale. He stated he shared Ciernia's concerns, felt the city must be prudent in expending funds, must take care of city needs, and felt the school district should look at funding for the project. He stated he could not endorse the proposed funding. Baldwin indicated he had no problem with expending the funds however felt that it might be best to hold the-vote over to the next meeting when all members would be present if it was acceptable to the other members. All members agreed to the suggestion and the item will be placed on the March 11th agenda. MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 1992 PAGE 3 ~Rp~~ Baldwin suggested that the petitioners go to the school board and ask that the board request the city donate to the fund. The matter could then be brought up for discussion again. BOULEVARD TREE PRUNING CYCLE TO BE IMPLEMENTED Forester Linda Treeful reviewed the reommendation that a neighborhood boulevard tree pruning cycle be implemented, explained the purpose of the program, the proposed funding source, and gave a slide presentation showing the advantages of a proper pruning program. Following a brief discussion Jacobs moved approval of the implementation of a pruning cycle. Motion carried unanimously. CITY TO APPLY FOR AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL CHALLENGE GRANT Treeful explained that if awarded, the America the Beautiful Challenge Grant would provide funds to purchase a tree inventory software program to assist with documenting the city's boulevard tree resources. She explained that a thorough inventory will be necessary to document the size of trees to determine the cost of pruning. Ciernia moved approval of applying for the grant which carried unanimously. NO ACTION TAKEN ON POSSIBLE BOND REFUNDING Council briefly discussed the financial consultants report and agreed there was not a great deal of profit in refunding the bonds. No action was taken. COUNCIL WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR 3/14/92 Council scheduled a workshop for March 14, 1992, 8:00 - 10:00 A.M. to plan community meetings relating to the Falcon Heights/Roseville cooperative study. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 P.M. Tom Baldwin, Mayor ATTEST: Shirley Chenoweth, City Clerk