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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-2019 Park Board Minutes Approved October 7, 2019 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES Park Board Minutes DATE: October 7, 2019 TIME STARTED: 6:32 PM TIME ENDED: 7:24 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Huelman, Andrew Levi, John Nordlund, Richard Jensen, Clark Gooder, Abby Haworth, and Andrea Schmidt MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Rick DeGardner (Public Services Director) 1. Call to Order and Roll Call The October 7, 2019 City of Lino Lakes Park Board Meeting was called to order by Pat Huelman, Chair. 2. Pledge of Allegiance All meeting attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Setting Agenda The agenda was approved as is. 4. Approval of Minutes August 5, 2019 Park Board Minutes were approved as is with no changes. 5. Open Mike There was no one present for Open Mike. Open Mike was closed. 6. Wood of Baldwin Lake Park – Master Planning Process: Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, addressed the Park Board Members and Community Members regarding the Woods of Baldwin Lake Park Master Planning. DeGardner stated that during the August Park Board meeting, staff recommended the Park Board undertake a master planning process for the redevelopment of Woods of Baldwin Lake Park. He stated that he had attached the letter that he sent out to the residents in the Park Board members Park Board Packets. He continued to state that Ms. Candace Amberg, Senior Landscape Architect from WSB, would present two concept plans and seek feedback from the residents and Park Board. Based on the input received, WSB will develop a preliminary master plan. Area residents and the Park Board will then Approved October 7, 2019 Page 2 have an opportunity to review the preliminary master plan during the November 4th Park Board meeting. Ms. Candace Amberg, Senior Landscape Architect from WSB, reviewed 2 concept plans with the Park Board and the residents that were present at the meeting. She noted to everyone that it’s never just the two options presented, items in concept plans can be changed, massaged together into one plan etc. Below are the concept plans and feedback received from area residents. Approved October 7, 2019 Page 3 Items in the Master Plan that residents were in favor for: • Basketball Court • Updated Playground • A second entrance to the park – they thought this would be nice for those who walk their dogs and jog in the neighborhood to have 2 access to the park. Items in the Master Plan residents where split on (some opposed & some in favor): • The looped Trail - Some residents were concerned about the foot traffic the looped trail would bring to their backyards as well as how close the trail would be to their property line. Others, those with young toddlers, liked the looped trail as they liked that the kids/toddlers could bike in a safe looped path. • Some residents were against putting any money into the park. They didn’t want to update it and would rather see it go. Items residents did not want at the park • Park shelter. They felt it was a waste of money and not needed. Approved October 7, 2019 Page 4 Items requested by residents: • Added Dogi Pots – The one that was installed years ago had really improved the issue with dog droppings. They would like a second installed if the second entrance to the park is made. • Park Bench – Residents stated that they need a place to sit close to the park and the trail but do not see the need for an entire pavilion. Would like a park bench (and picnic table) underneath a tree. • They requested a picnic table in the park but reiterated that a park shelter/pavilion is not needed. Would like a picnic table, and park bench, underneath a tree. • A youth resident requested more adult/teen swings (not the baby type) to be added to the new park. • A youth resident requested the basketball court double as a hockey rink or to make the pond skateable. • A youth resident requested a drinking fountain be located in the park. Items residents were concerned about: • The mosquitos at the park (state the mosquitos make it unusable). • Would like more lights at the park in the evening (state young teens smoking at the park and hang out there at night making it a place to avoid at night. Would like more light and a street light at the entrance of the park. • The overgrowth of the weeds and buckthorn. • The condition of the pond. Residents stated that the pond use to be more “user friendly” for pond hockey before all the weeds and brush grew up all over. • Residents request an added street light at the entrance of the park – Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services stated that this request would need to go to City Council and encouraged residents to start a petition and have neighbor’s signs it for this item. Andrea Schmidt, Park Board Member, asked Amberg if it would be possible to put the 2nd additional path to the park closer to the road instead of having the board walk. She wanted to explore another possible option as it was mentioned that the boardwalk and bridge would be expensive. She thought this way they could have another entrance to the park, keep people safe by not walking on the road, and not have the added expense of a board walk. Amberg stated that it could be an option, however residents stated that it is a “sleepy eyed” road and doesn’t see much traffic and didn’t think a path was needed. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, made a point to inform those residents in attendance that the park planning process has 2 parts, and that one does not necessarily insure the other. 1. To commit to a Master Plan that the community can get behind and support. 2. To obtain funding for the plan. He stated that the first step is to get a master plan that is comfortable for all. He went on to say that as far as the size, in years past developers would only give the City a small Approved October 7, 2019 Page 5 piece land, usually whatever was left over or unusable, but since those times the City has done a better job on obtaining better land or getting cash from the developer to put in the equipment or components of a park that can serve that community. He stated that because that is what it used to be (the small left over land from the developer) they have to make the best of what they have (these comments were made in response to a few residents inquiring why the park is so small and why it was built in such a bad area/bad land). DeGardner added to Huelman’s response to the residents by stating that if any resident knows of any land acquisition for a park they could let the City know, typically it is a difficult process for that. He stated he agreed this land (the land of Woods of Baldwin Lake Park) would not have been his first pick if he had been in that position when this development came to the City. Stated unfortunately this is what the City has to work with. With the Lyngblomsten development coming in, this is the closest neighborhood park to that development. If that development actually occurs there will be some significant Park Dedication dollars that the City is going to get, so the thought is if we are going to be getting the money, let’s make this Park more functional and user friendly. DeGardner then went onto address a few of the comments/concerns residents had while sharing their thoughts, concerns, and requests for the park. DeGardner shared that the existing park equipment was installed in 1994. It should have been replaced many years ago. Assuming that the Lyngblomsten development goes through and the Master Plan has been made he anticipates that the first thing to be replaced would be park playground equipment. DeGardner pointed out that this Preliminary Master Plan is to get resident feedback and have it act like a guide and that is the purpose of tonight’s meeting. He stated that they can’t accommodate or address everyone’s concerns but they can certainly take a look at the concerns and see what is reasonable. The goal is to get a guide as to what this park should be once the dollars start coming in rather than piece-mealing it together. He understands there has been some concerns about the maintenance and the pond and those type of things can certainly be looked at. When it comes to the pond, the pond is a storm water retention pond. The City has hundreds of ponds they must maintain and a lot of it is based on function, etc. The current condition and function of the pond does not even come close to justify spending the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars that it would cost to do a complete dredge. However, the inlets and outlet areas when you have the over growth and the vegetation that is something we can put in our storm water and maintenance budget so that it can be dealt with sooner than later. He also stated that request to remove the dead trees and such is something that Public Works can look at however, some people would argue that the dead trees should stay there to help with the turtle habitat and so forth so there must be a balance. We will need to consult and work with our Environmental Department to make sure that what the City is doing is environmentally responsible and makes sense. A resident asked if there would be lights at the park. DeGardner stated that they do not typically light neiborhood parks. He said it is a huge cost and he heard someone mention before that they would like lights to detour evening teen’s behavior at the park, however Approved October 7, 2019 Page 6 DeGardner stated that sometimes lights have the opposite effect (meaning it draws more unwanted night life in). Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, addressed the crowd of residents at the end of the discussion. He thanked everyone for coming and told them it was fun and interesting to hear from all of them. He stated that he knows there are some difference of opinions perhaps, but it was still nice to see the neighborhood show up, get behind this, and put in their thoughts. He stated often they (the Park Board) need to make decisions without a lot of input so it was nice to have everyone’s input. A resident asked the Park Board that if the Lyngblomsten development comes in, if there would be a path from their development/houses that would go along Woodridge and into “this” park (Woods of Baldwin Lake Park). Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, stated “yes” as well as a trail on the north side of County Road J over to Hodgson. This trail would be within the County Right of Way. He then clarified that the Lynbloomsten trail would attach to Woodridge Lane. He stated that he foresees a lot of people using the trail to get to the Lyngblomsten development rather than vice versa. 7. Parks Update: A. Apollo Drive Trail Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services updated the Park Board regarding Apollo Trail. He said that as discussed during the August Park Board meeting, the City Council recently approved funding for the construction of a pedestrian trail along Apollo Drive between Lake Drive and Lilac Street. It was also mentioned that staff working with WSB Engineering to prepare plans and specifications. The proposed design documents were submitted to the Anoka County Highway Department for review/approval. Through the review process, Anoka County identified that a north pedestrian crossing at Apollo Drive intersection would require signal upgrades. In addition, the existing signals have obsolete components requiring replacement. Anoka County is currently completing a feasibility study evaluating the signals. Concurrently, the City solicited and received quotes for the trail project (excluding signal work). Only one quote was received in the amount of $235,000. This quote was substantially higher than the engineer’s estimate of $165,000. Staff is recommending re-bidding the project once information about the signal is received. The option to construct the trail on the south side of Apollo Drive may be recommended pending signal upgrade costs. It is also recommended to obtain quotes during a more favorable bid climate. DeGarnder stated that the project had run into a few stumbling blocks and that he would keep the Park Board updated on the project. Andrew Levi, Park Board Member, stated that the Council dedicated money for this. He questioned if this is something that the City should still move forward with. “Is this something they still wanted to do?” he said. He stated he is asking this because it would just be that connection to Lilac. He stated it sounded like the main trail on Lilac wasn’t going to happen due to easement cost and everything else and if this is going to cost over Approved October 7, 2019 Page 7 $200,000 and it’s not really going to get anywhere (nice for that little stretch of Apollo) but asks if at this point if dollars are better spent some place else given the added costs associated with this project and the fact that it is not going to connect to what they thought it would. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, stated the intent was to get at least all the way to Sunset. He recognized the safety concern trying to get everyone over to the commercial development and other recreation opportunities. He went on to state that it was a bit concerning how much they would be spending to get to Sunset and stated/asked if that corridor is a high priority how will they get funding. Levi stated that he agreed with what Huelman stated about constructing the trail on the south side as that seems like the more dangerous side. The gas station going in and out, then the bank, and open lot. There is not traffic like there is on the south side. DeGardner stated that is why they originally wanted to construct it (the trail) on the north side to avoid trail users conflicting with vehicles at the gas station. He stated it may not be practical. He thinks the signal upgrades might be more than we think. Levi asked if the City would have to come up with the money for the signal upgrades and DeGardner stated he believed it was up to a 50% match, assuming Anoka County has funding for it. He said that if they build on the south side there is an existing pedestrian crossing there but it isn’t the ideal location. DeGardner went on to state that there are some funds in the Park Dedication Fund for this project however, if the Park Board would like to have the discussion about whether the funds could be better used for a different project that is a discussion they can have with the City Council. DeGardner did state that he still thought that this trail was an important connection to get people off that busy road, but stated that there were some good points and that ideally the intent was to get the trail all the way down to Lilac and make that a complete connection, but that won’t be happening anytime soon. This is all something for the Park Board to consider as more information about the cost comes in. Huelman stated at this point, it seems like Lilac is way off. He stated that if Lilac could be filled in it would be nice to eventually have this trail on the north side with no crossing? DeGardner stated that then the crossing would just be at the 4-way stop at Lilac and Apollo. Levi asked if everyone (Anoka County and the City of Lino Lakes) signs off and they have the money for the signal upgrade if the upgrade has to happen prior to the trial going in. He stated he assumes so. DeGarnder stated that their permit allows them (the City) to construct the trail up to the bank entrance and then stop. John Nordland, Park Board Member, asked if it was correct that if they rebid the project in the Winter/Spring that the cost would go down. DeGardner said “correct” and went on to state that in the past projects the Spring is usually cheaper because construction crews do not have a full schedule as of yet, but by the fall they are filled up and trying to finish projects so they come in with higher bids because even if they don’t get it they still have a lot of work, or at least that is what the engineers had been saying. Abby Haworth, Park Board Member, clarified if the City would be getting a bid for the south side trail. DeGardner stated that they are working through the design phase to see what that would look like and get some quotes to what that might cost. But first they will find what the signal upgrades will be and then submit everything to Anoka County for Approved October 7, 2019 Page 8 review. Haworth stated that if she were walking from her house she would almost rather cross at the 4-way stop than at the lights, because there is so much traffic at the lights and people turning right to try to get onto the highway. DeGardner clarified that she was talking about the 4-way stop at Apollo and Haworth replied “yes” as the gas station and such aren’t as busy as the restaurant area. Huelman thanked all the Park Board Members for their input and states they will wait for more information, designs, and quotes. 8. Recreation Update: A. Hopefest Event, September 28, 2019 Kellie Schmidt, Public Services Administrative Assistant, updated the Park Board regarding the Hopefest Event that was held on September 28th. She stated that the Alexandra House shelter hosted their annual Walk for Hope (renamed Hopefest) in Lino Lakes. The Lino Lakes Parks & Recreation Department and Police department were fortunate enough to have a promotional table at the event, among all the other organization and businesses, in order to support the Alexandra House and to offer community resources and information to those in attendance. It is estimated that 325 people were in attendance on the beautiful, and brisk, Saturday morning and that the event raised $35,000 for the Alexandra House shelter. The Alexandra House is a 501c3 shelter located in Blaine and serves residents of Anoka County. Their services include emergency shelter, hospital based advocacy, legal advocacy, safety planning, support groups, youth services, gaining services, community education, etc. The center is able to house 35 women and children (including males to age 18) who are seeking shelter and safety. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, commented that it seemed like it was a very successful event based on the number of people in attendance and dollars raised. Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, asked if they could expect this event to be held next year again in Lino Lakes. Kellie Schmidt, Public Services Administrative Assistant, responded that the event went well and that the organizers were discussing coming back again next year. 9. New Business There was no new business to review. 10. Old Business Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, asked Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, if there was an update regarding the park over by the YMCA. DeGardner responded that Woods Edge Park is moving right along and that they (the contractors) would be pouring concrete tomorrow morning (October 8th) and that they have done all the grading and roughed in the trails. He added they (the contractors) did all the clearing and put in all the drainage pipes already. It is moving along, he noted. DeGardner also stated that in the Approved October 7, 2019 Page 9 winter there will be a playground design and installation for this park and in the spring doing an install. 11. Next Scheduled Park Board Meeting Monday, November 4, 2019 12. Adjourn Richard Jensen made a MOTION to adjourn, John Nordland supported the MOTION. All in favor MOTION carried. Meeting was adjourned. Submitted by, Kellie Schmidt Administrative Assistant Lino Lakes Public Services