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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-2019 Park Board Minutes Approved April 01, 2019 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES Park Board Minutes DATE: April 01, 2019 TIME STARTED: 6:30 PM TIME ENDED: 7:19 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Huelman, Abby Haworth, Andrew Levi, John Nordlund, Richard Jensen, Clark Gooder, and Andrea Schmidt MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Rick DeGardner (Public Services Director) & Kellie Schmidt (Administrative Assistant – Public Services) 1. Call to Order and Roll Call The October 01, 2018 City of Lino Lakes Park Board Meeting was called to order by Park Board Chair Pat Huelman. 2. Setting Agenda The Agenda was approved as presented. 3. Approval of Minutes October 1, 2018 & January 7, 2019 Park Board Minutes Clark Gooder made a MOTION to approve the Meeting Minutes from October 1, 2018. John Nordlan supported the MOTION. All in favor and MOTION carried. Richard Jensen made a MOTION to approve the Meeting Minutes from January 7, 2019. Clark Gooder supported the MOTION. The three members that were at the meeting were all in favor and MOTION carried 4. Open Mike There was no one present for Open Mike. Open Mike was closed. 5. Review Recreation Department Website Kellie Schmidt, Public Services Administrative Assistant, provided an over of the Recreation Department website and Facebook page. Approved April 01, 2019 Page 2 Kellie reviewed the recreation tab of the City website pointing out the online recreation guide, the quick links that are offered, the different information on each page, how community events and information are being promoted, etc. Gooder stated that he liked the big bold links on the website. Stated it was easy to see and find things. Stated he likes the simplicity of it. Huelman agreed. Kellie also reviewed the Lino Lakes Recreation Facebook page pointing out that the number of follower (over 1700) and how that number continues to grow. She also stated that a lot of the relevant information regarding program updates, events, etc. is also posted on there and pointed out that it is another resources for residents to get up to date real time info. She also stated that the Recreation Facebook Page is predominantly liked and followed by the average 34 year old woman and that when photos of kids in the programs are posted the page receives more followers and the post receives a lot of shares. Gooder asked if there was an area on the Facebook page where people could comment on things that needed to be fixed or where they could comment on what they would like to see in the community, etc. Kellie stated that the public is able to comment and provide feedback on the page. She also stated that a survey using Survey Monkey (which is usually free) could be added as a link on the page to collect information about the parks and residents thought. The information could be reviewed in graph form, printed responses, etc. Kellie also suggested that surveys could be done at community events using an IPad or survey box. 6. Consider Shenandoah Park Little Free Library Proposal The Park Board Members reviewed the proposal from Cora Rost regarding placing a Little Free Library at Shenandoah Park (see April 1 memo regarding Shenandoah Park Little Free Library Proposal). The proposal provided the construction details, time line, ongoing maintenance, and preferred location for the Little Free Library. Nordland asked DeGardner, Public Services Director, how far the proposed Library would be setback from the Road? He was concerned about snow plows. DeGardner stated it would be about 25ft back so people would not be near the road and it would not hinder snow removal. Nordland asked if there was a trail near the proposed location and DeGardner responded that there was not. Approved April 01, 2019 Page 3 Andrea Schmidt asked DeGardner if the proposed spot by the resident was a safe spot for residents to access the library and DeGardner responded that they were looking to place it closer to the Park so that the people would not be close to traffic. Gooder asked if the size was about the same as the other Little Free Libraries. DeGardner responded that he believed it was relatively the same size. DeGardner stated resident was not certain of the color of the library as of yet and stated that they would want to know and see the color prior to the full approval of the library but stated that he thought the resident has good intentions and a good plan in place for the library. DeGardner also stated that the resident was looking to have it installed sometime in June. Gooder inquired about whose land the library would be installed on and DeGardner responded that it would be on City property/Shenandoah Park property. Huelman stated that he thought the library would be a nice added benefit especially for parents who are watching their kids play they could grab a book and read a chapter. Andrea Schmidt stated that she thought it was a good idea as long as the maintenance and upkeep is done by the resident. Richard Jensen shared his concern about vandalism. Stated that although it was a concern they had good success with the other two and didn’t see why this one wouldn’t work. Andrea Schmidt pointed out the proposal addressed the ongoing maintenance and pointed out that the resident stated it would be the residents responsibility to maintain the library. She stated that the resident seemed to understands and take responsibility for the library and that she is ok with the library as long as it is far enough from the road. States she thinks this is really a nice and sweet idea. DeGardner did state that there is some uncertainties right now as the libraries are relatively new. One being how long they last depending on what they are built with. He stated that the library could last 3, 5, 7 years but will not know until further down the road whether there could be some light maintenance needed on them. Jenson stated that he agreed with Andrea that any maintenance needed would be the responsibility of the resident who put it up. DeGardner states that the City could certainly request that, however at the end of the day the structure is still on City property. He believes that the intent of the resident is to maintain the library but people move and such. He states that he is cautiously optimistic that this is something we should continue to support. Approved April 01, 2019 Page 4 Gooder stated it wouldn’t cost much if the resident left and stopped taking care of the library and the City just needed to pull a post out to get rid of it if needed. DeGardner concurred. Huelman stated that as long as the proposal meets the requirements of the staff it’s a good experience and he thought the City should allow it and see how the three go. He stated that down the road we may notice if one design or material works better than the other that they could provide insight to others that propose doing this depending on how it works out for our City and what construction materials for the libraries work best. Levi suggested adding a latch to the library. He stated that the Little Free Library located at Lino Park did not initially have latch and many of the books were exposed to the elements and were wrecked. Stated that when proposals are reviewed, we need to make sure there is a latch in their building plans. Gooder also suggested using plexiglass vs. glass. All in all, the Park Board Members were all on board with allowing the resident to place a Little Free Library at the Park. 7. Parks Department Updates: A. Arena Acres Park The City Council authorized staff to proceed with construction of a tennis court at Arena Acres Park during the October 1, 2018 City Council Work Session. The paved trail has been included to provide accessibility from Andall Street to the tennis court, playground area, and basketball court (see April 1, 2019 Memo to Park Board Members regarding Arena Acres Park Update for more information). Funding for this project is provided by the Park & Trials Improvement Fund. Jenson inquired what they currently put on the tennis court for material surface. DeGardner responded that it is acrylic paint. Jenson then asked how long it lasts and DeGardner stated it typically lasts about 7 years. DeGardner stated that they did look into versa court tiling and but a cost analysis showed that it was not financially feasible so the court will be made out of asphalt. Gooder asked what the timeline for the court was. DeGardner stated it would be soon. It’s a small project and we already have the tennis courts and nets in possession so just waiting for contractor to schedule the work. There is a cure period 30-45 days before they could paint, but it is technically about a 1 day project for the work once scheduled and then another day to paint stated DeGardner. Approved April 01, 2019 Page 5 Andrea Schmidt mentioned that in the past there was a City park that was installed and we asked for volunteers. States she understands that for this project it’s more construction work but asked if there would be opportunity for some kind of volunteering or scheduling a grand opening for Arena Acres Park once project was completed to celebrate the project. DeGardner stated that we could post photos and post an announcement on the Recreation Facebook page and City website. Stated once we get some dates we could give some thoughts to a mini grand opening. Gooder stated he agrees that at least it would be a good photo opportunity to show residents where some of the Parks & Trails money has been spent on. Nordland asked DeGardner if there would be benches. States he does not see it on the plan. DeGardner stated that there are looking into installing benches inside or outside the tennis court but that hasn’t been decided yet on where the best place would be. Haworth stated that there is a bench in the playground area and Gooder stated that he thought there was some type of gazebo type area as well with seating. Huelman stated it was good progress and that it will be one of the more visible pieces of their first project regarding Park & Trails Improvements. B. Woods Edge Park The City Council approved resolution 19-15 (Ordering the project, approving plans, and specification, and authorizing advertisement of bids for Woods Edge Park Project). See April 1, 2019 Park memo regarding Woods Edge Park Update. Huelman asked if the playground equipment was included in the bid. DeGardner clarified that it was not. Huelman states that this will be a fun project as it is a different theme then some of our parks. C. Sunrise Park Playground Equipment During the January 29, 2019 City Council meeting the Council approved a contract with Northland Recreation Inc. in the amount of $95,000 for the design, equipment, border, safety surface, and installation of the Sunrise Park Playground Project (via Resolution No. 19-13). Public Services Department staff will process and perform the necessary site work. Intent is to have the playground ready for the Summer Playground Program which starts June 10. See April 1, 2019 Park Board Memo regarding Sunrise Park Playground Equipment Update. Huelman states it will be great to have this new playground for the Park Program and for all our summer events. Huelman inquired if the company working on this playground was the same company who installed the playground at Birch Park. DeGardner identified that it was, and that the same company also did North Pointe. Huelman states the company has been very workable and DeGardner agreed adding they have good quality equipment. Approved April 01, 2019 Page 6 Gooder stated that this project is another good example to be able to show the public what they are doing with their dollars. He suggested that maybe there could be a recreation table at the corn roast and they could staff it to be there for community members to stop by and hear from community members. D. Recreation Complex The City Council discussed this topic at the January, February, and March City Council Work Sessions and directed staff to place this on the April 1st work session agenda for further discussion. The total estimated cost for Phase 1A Base Development is $592,232, including contingency and design fees. The proposed development includes six pickleball courts, two tennis courts, parking lot, trails, and landscaping. See April 1, 2019 Park Board Memo regarding Recreation Complex Update. Huelman asks if there is any funds left over for the Apollo trail and DeGardner responded that the City Council did approve the Apollo Drive trail from Lake Drive to Lilac. The trail didn’t extend along Lilac, but the trail work will be done this fall. DeGardner also stated that the trail from Lake Drive to Park Court will also be completed. Gooder mentioned the 12th Avenue Trail and stated that he was glad to see that that project/information was moving and that it was to be discussed at the next Council Work Session. Gooder asked DeGardner if there was anything in place for the one resident that might want to sell, or if his family would want to sell, their land in that area of Lino. He inquired if the City would have access to the rest of that land, estimated it was about 10 acres. DeGardner states that there has not been any discussion in that. States if that land was to come up for sale the City Council might further the discussion on that. Gooder suggested that when approaching Phase 2 of the complex, and as they approach it, that maybe they should consider working, or discussing, Phase 2 with the Little League and residents. DeGardner states that there are many possibilities but Phase 1A allows for more development and any further development of that area would require a more in-depth discussion with residents. Huelman stated it will take time to build the community support and reach out to the organization that might play a role or use the facility. 8. New Business Gooder asked Public Services Director, Rick DeGardner, if the Park Board/Park & Trails was allotted funds for the fiscal year. DeGardner responded not at this time, but when he hears that they do he will inform them. Gooder stated that whether they have the funds now or not they need to work on identifying where funds should go for improvements just like they did this past year so they have a plan moving forward. Approved April 01, 2019 Page 7 Levi asked DeGardner if there were signs at the picnic shelters stating you could rent the shelter. DeGardner stated that there was not signs and that there were very few that could be rented by the public. DeGardner went on to state that the City has not concentrated on that being a huge revenue generator as they are not really destination parks, however the City could consider it for the future. He also stated there really hasn’t been a demand for the park shelter rentals either. It was determined that this could be a future agenda item. 9. Old Business There was no old business 10. Next Scheduled Park Board Meeting – Monday, May 6, 2019 11. Adjourn John Nordland made a MOTION to adjourn, Abby Haworth supported the MOTION. All in favor MOTION carried. Meeting was adjourned. Submitted by, Kellie Schmidt Administrative Assistant Lino Lakes Public Services