HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-2019 Park Board Minutes Approved November 4, 2019
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CITY OF LINO LAKES
Park Board Minutes
DATE: November 4, 2019
TIME STARTED: 6:30 PM
TIME ENDED: 7:24 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Huelman, Andrew Levi, John Nordlund, Richard
Jensen, Clark Gooder, and Abby Haworth
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrea Schmidt
STAFF PRESENT: Rick DeGardner (Public Services Director) & Kellie
Schmidt (Public Services Administrative Assistant)
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The November 4, 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
October 7, 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 Plan:
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 October 7th Park Board meeting, Ms. Candace Amberg,
Senior Landscape Architect from WSB, presented two concept plans and received
feedback from the residents and Park Board. Based on the input received, WSB has
developed a preliminary master plan that they will present now at the meeting.
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Jordan Gedrose from WSB presented the new Master Plan with the changes that had been
made based of the feedback received from the community at the last meeting. A few
things to note are:
Main access point will be off Oakwood. The entrance will have a sign and
a doggie pot station.
There will be bituminous trail that will lead to the play equipment (play
equipment will be located where current play equipment is now).
A half-court basketball court adjacent from the play area.
Benches will be placed in the concrete plaza that connects the playground
equipment to the basketball court.
A split rail fence will be placed between the park and the nearby
residential properties as there was some concern that people were entering
those residential properties when entering or leaving the park.
A picnic table on a concrete pad has been added.
A picnic table has also been added to open turf area near the playground
for additional seating.
A boardwalk has been added to connect the play area to a second entrance
on White Pine Road. There will be an entrance sign and a doggie pot
station at the boardwalk entrance.
The wetland in the area will be thinned and cleared to offer better views
into the park from Oakwood Lane and to improve the overall look for the
park.
The looped trail that went around the playground area has been removed
from the concept plans due to residents concern that it would be too close
to their property line and people would cut through their yard.
Cost estimate will be $155,000 (this does not include the boardwalk). There are two
options for the boardwalk:
A. A boardwalk that is 8ft wide with toe rails and footings on each side
$200,000
B. A boardwalk that is a 3ft simple board walk with 3 wooden post that run
in segments through board walk with metal stands that rest on the surface
with no footings. Cost estimate is $25,000
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Below are the concept plans and feedback received from area residents. The cost estimate for the
project has been attached at the end of these meeting notes.
Richard Jensen, Park Board Member, stated that some residents at the last meeting commented
that the pond was full of junk and stuff. He asked Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director, if
the pond will be cleaned? DeGardner stated that the pond is functional so it would not be
dredged, however there will be some select clearing of the vegetation to open up the area and
clean it up a bit. He stated that as for the rest of it would a be a surface water management
project and not a Park Dedication Project. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, also mentioned that it
would be a costly project to do.
Andrew Levi, Vice Chair, had some concerns about the boardwalk. He stated that there were
some boardwalks in the City that were no longer usable. He asked how stable would the $25,000
boardwalk be? He questioned if it would heave.
Gedrose with WSB stated that boardwalk “B” (the $25,000 Board Walk) would not be as
structurally sound without the footings and would probably need to be adjusted every spring.
Levi asked in regards to boardwalk “A”, the more expensive of the two, does that need to be 8ft
wide? Could it be 4ft wide or whatever it needs to meet ADA compliance… would that cut the
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cost (going less wide)? Gedrose, stated that the boardwalk could go a bit more narrow just so you
get the most for your money with the footings, and get the support but the footings would be the
same if it was 4ft or 8ft.
DeGardner stated we should think about the intent and use of the boardwalk. A 3ft simple board
walk (option B) would allow one person to walk on the boardwalk to get from point “a” to point
“b” but would not allow for biking or walking with a stroller, etc. Just big enough for one person.
The 8ft boardwalk with the toe-rails would allow for the strollers and the biking. The Marshan
boardwalk is basically what that 8ft boardwalk would be and the one at Marshan is 25 years old.
8ft wide is what a typical trail section would be. Keep in mind that the cost of the boardwalk is
basically the cost of the rest of the Master Plan without it, but we (the City) wanted to include a
boardwalk in the plan to identify it. Maybe at some point in the future, if it’s something that the
residents want and the Park Board wants, the City could look more into putting it in they could
do so at that time and maybe we do reduce it to 6ft or something. This plan just shows to types of
boardwalks that could be put in there.
Huelman opens up the floor to residents at the meeting to comment on the presented Master
Plan. He asks them how the plan presented fits with their expectations and what concerns they
might have.
One resident asked it the split rail fence is a 3ft fence or just 2 – 3 rails? Gedrose replied it would
be a 3ft fence with 2 rails.
Resident # 3 stated she like the idea of the separation of the park with the fence, but likes the the
wild life that comes around and into the yard. Worried that a fence would prevent the wild life
from coming close. Wondering if just putting up some signs would be better.
DeGardner stated that the split rail fence was put into the plan based on a residents concern at the
last meeting as she had a daycare and people coming into the yard. The resident stated that that
was her (Resident 3 above). DeGardner continued that it sounded like from the last meeting that
she had concerns that for some reason park users would trespass on her land.
Resident #3 stated that it was correct that that is what did happen, however she is split between
wanting to put it in or not due to the wild life.
DeGarnder stated that the split rail fence was put into the Master Plan based on her request. As
the time gets closer to move forward with the plan he would need to check back with her to find
out if the fence is still needed as it was only being done per her request.
Resident #3 stated that her concern before was that it looked like the City would be removing
some of the tree and brush from that area but if they are leaving it that it might be enough
separation if the tree line and brush stays.
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DeGardner stated that they will be surveying the area this fall to determine if there is any
buckthorn or anything out there that would need to be cleared and how much and what the useful
purposes of clearing that area would be. By moving some of the brush it would enhance some of
the views. He stated that the fence would be there to clearly define the park property from
resident property and that would be the main purpose, however any additional screening or
privacy fencing would be up to the home owners as the park was there when the residential
housing was built.
Huelman clarified with Resident #3 if she would prefer more of a natural buffer than putting in
the fence and she replied yes probably as her and her neighbor are huge animal lovers. Jensen
stated that a fence would probably not detour deer from coming into a yard as they have been
known to hop a fence.
Clark Gooder, Park Board Member, asked what the cost of the split rail fence wood be?
DeGardner stated it would be $7,000.
Levi asked if just putting 3-4ft tall/stakes with a sign that says “End of Park Property” would be
ok to do for now. He stated it could be a cheaper alternative and as anyone can hop a fence and
cross a boundary but this would inform people that this is the property line. It would be simple
and let people know where the park boundary is and see if that fixes the problem and it would be
low cost. Resident #3 stated that she has put up the signs and it has stopped people from letting
their kids or dogs come into their yard.
Resident #1 addressed the Park Board stating that the park was not there when the development
was started stating that was private property. He continued that the asphalt half of the drawing is
misleading as the other day the survey markers show that the asphalt is right on the property line.
Resident asked if the asphalt would be repaired and stay where it is or moved as the Master Plan
shows it a few feet from the property line. DeGardner stated he had two questions for the
resident. One being, how was the park acquired if not given to the park dedication from the
developer? Resident stated that it was private property when he was there. He went on to state
that there was a house there at one time, the dome house he believe, and they owned that
property and the pond. He stated the park was put in about 25yrs ago and he was there for 29yrs.
DeGardner stated regarding the other thing the trail and the property stakes (the survey) it is
actually two separate projects. He stated that the Master Plan depicts where the current trail is.
They do not anticipate moving it. The actual physical survey was just to know for certain exactly
where the property lines were. DeGardner went onto state that he will look into how the park in
that area was actually acquired so he has more information on that.
Resident #4 (young resident) wanted to clarify if when they talk about clearing the vegetation to
the left of the pond (referring to the left side of the Master Plan layout) is that just the trees there?
She states that when you are heading toward the park you can’t even see the pond. DeGardner
stated that yes they would be removing some underbrush and buckthorn and open up the view.
Walking down the street you will be able to see the water and wet land. Huelman stated that the
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clearing of the vegetation will not just improve the view but also the safety as you will be able to
see that area and monitor things.
Resident #5 ask the Park Board to elaborate how the budget works and what that looks like. She
asked what percentage would be given and how that works. Huelman stated that DeGardner
would have to fill in the details, but basically when a development comes in they will either give
land or give a cash value per housing unit toward park dedication. That funding is then used to
create a park. If the developer gives only the land there is no money to develop the park and if
they give cash and a little bit of land they can usually work with that. After a while when the
park ages, like Woods of Balwin Park, there is no city funding to upgrade or maintain the parks
(well some of it) but there is no funds for new playground equipment. Two things have changed,
recently, the City Council gave one time funding to the Park Board so that we (the City/Park
Board) could look into some of our greatest needs and prioritize the things that need to be done
and upgraded. Resident #5 asked if that was the $500,000 and Huelman replied, “yes”. He
continued, the thought is if a development when in on County Road J and Hodgson that there
would then be Park Dedication Fees associated with that development and some park needs for
that development but then take that Park Dedication money and put some of that into this park
(Wood of Baldwin Lake). “So that is how it works”, he said. He stated that there isn’t an
ongoing budget process where the Park Board can assign dollars to highest priorities. So the
money for this project would have to be generated by the City Council or by a development to
pay for these upgrades. He then passed the floor to DeGardner who stated that he was correct and
the reason for this meeting it that the Lyngblomsten development had already submitted plans
and it has been approved and the developer is in the process of getting all the documents and
doing the surveying and such. DeGardner continued that once all document are finished they will
submit them back to the City for approval and once that happens the development is a done deal
and that’s where the City would be getting some of these Park Dedication dollars for this park.
With those Park Dedication dollars they will get credit for trails. He stated that there is a trail
going in along the north side of County Road J along the development and they
(LyngblomstenDeveloper) will get credit for putting that in, but the dollars left over he
anticipates will be able cover most ,if not all, of the stuff for the park with the exception of the
boardwalk. He reiterated again to everyone that until things are signed and it’s a done deal we
need to wait, but we (the City) are in the process. He stated that this should evolve in the next
few month as long as the City Council approves them (Lyngblomsten Deveopers).
Resident #5 asked if they would expect all that to be done within the next year (the
Lyngblomsten deal and the park work) and DeGardner stated if it is approved in January or
February and once the money is in the bank they can move forward with getting the process
started. He then stated to watch for the announcement in the paper the Lyngblomsten
development final plat has been approved and the process should start soon after that. So the
purpose of this meeting was to have a plan for when those dollars come in so we do not spend
the time then developing this plan.
Resident #5 asked if there was any indication of what the dollar amount would be (amount
coming from the Lyngblomsten development). DeGardner stated at this point it would be
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significant but one of the exercises that goes along with this is the credits. So what they will be
putting in for trails and working with WSB as to what they believe the costs of those trails to be.
If you watch the City Council Staff Reports you will see the dollar amounts and such as soon as
things are signed.
Resident #4 inquired if there would still be a meeting coming up to discuss the park equipment.
DeGardner responded that yes there would still be a meeting about that and advised the resident
to have their mom or dad check the City website every two weeks to see when that meeting will
be. It will be on the City Council Agenda and it will read “Lyngblomsten final plot” and if
approved, have your parents call me right away the next morning and we will set the meeting.
Huelman stated that yes the idea would be to re-engage the residents on a plan and then there
would be a conceptual plan. Typically we (the City/Park Board) bring in a company that can put
up some alternative proposals for the playground and we (Park Board and residents) can take a
look at them similar to the process of the Master Plan. This process will get stared as soon as we
(the Park Board) know there is money.
DeGardner asked the residents at the meeting what they thought of the boardwalk. Thoughts of
costs? Residents #2 commented that although the 3ft Board Walk (Option B) is less cost, what
would they do with it? Many have little kids and strollers. She stated that the area the boardwalk
would be over is all mud so they wouldn’t want their kids walking in the mud because there isn’t
a wide enough space to walk next to them/stroller. She also stated that she liked the idea of the
8ft boardwalk as the park doesn’t offer much as is and an 8ft boardwalk they could actually use
would really add to the park. She mentioned that she also liked that the plan including clearing
the underbrush and such as in the last meeting they (residents) spent a lot of time talking about
the mosquitos so anything the City can do to help with that is appreciated. DeGardner reiterated
from the last meeting that the City can do their part by trying to clear some of the underbrush and
those types of thing but Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is very reactive and he
encourages residents to call them to come out to that area a treat it.
Huelman asked if there was any other comments and other residents. Residents at the meeting
agreed that a 3ft boardwalk wouldn’t really work or mean much, but the 8ft boardwalk would be
nice. Huelman stated that the cost is very high but boardwalks are very attractive and adds to the
amenities of the park and that residents of Lino Lakes love trails. He stated that they (the Park
Board) continue to get feedback on how much residents like trails and want more of them. He
stated that many people are using the trails but it’s just hard to find money to continue to fund
those trail needs. He stated that their hands are tied due to the fact that it is a wet land and with
only some options, the boardwalk would probably be the cheapest. Resident stated that she liked
it (the boardwalk) because it would connect the park to the trails which they like.
Resident asked if the play area is staying as is. She asked because on the Master Plan it looks like
everything is relatively in the same space and size. Jordan Gedrose, with WSB, stated that for the
Master Plan it is laid out that way just to depict that is where the playground will be but it could
change once the planning for the actual playground equipment starts. DeGardner started that
there are some slopes and such in park area they would take into account when creating the path
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as they need a three percent maximum slope to comply with ADA standards but they have a
relative idea of the shape and how big the park will be. The general layout is just the idea of the
space they would be working with.
DeGardner also mentioned to the residents that when it comes to the basketball court, because
the area is so wet we (The City) would need a wet land delineation done just to make sure we are
not encroaching onto any wetland area. We could probably squeeze one in, but this is just a
concept plan until we (the City) actually get out there and starts doing the survey work it would
be hard to know what we (The City) can actually get out there.
Resident #6 asked about tree removals. She stated that the cost sheet stated tree removal and
wanted to know where those trees would be removed from. Gedrose, with WSB, stated that it
would depend on what would need to be removed after the surveying was done.
Resident #1 stated that years ago (about 26yrs ago) the City offered residents free trees to plant
back there. He inquired if the City would be doing that again. DeGardner clarified if he was
stating that the City provided residents free trees to plant in the park? Resident stated he was
given maple trees to plant in his yard as a buffer between his yard and the park. DeGardner asked
the resident if he lived on the southern edge and the resident replied that he actually lived on the
western (Woodridge, behind the picnic tables). DeGardner stated that the City would be willing
to work with residents regarding additional buffering and would prefer to work with residents
one on one with this. Resident stated that it’s a good buffer right now (especially in the summer)
but that he was just concerned if they start removing trees. DeGardner stated that as they remove
tree, wooded area, underbrush, etc. that they will be in contact with residents.
Clark Gooder, Park Board Member, asked the residents at the meeting “how often does this park
get used”. He was met with different opinions from them residents with resident #1 “hardly at
all” and resident #4 “quite a bit in the summer”. Gooder stated he was asking because it was not
a park he frequents and that “we” (the City) are spending some cost in regards to this. He stated
he just wants to get what the community actually wants in this park. Like does a basketball court
fit? The court is $14,000 whereas that money could be spent on something else in the park. Do
you want picnic tables and benches? Do people sit around? Do you want more benches that
picnic tables? He stated this is the info he wants to know from the residents a bit more. Residents
stated that there are a lot of kids in their neighborhood. Benches are needed and the basketball
court would be nice. There is some turn over in the neighborhood with more young family
coming in. A resident went on to state it is used. They do go down there and spend an hour or
two, but just not the entire day. Residents state as of now they normall y go to Uecker Park as it’s
a bigger park and they are not getting eaten alive by mosquitos, but if this park gets updated they
expect more people to use it.
Huelman called for a motion to approve the Master Plan with the only change that may occur
would be that of the split rail fence. John Nordland, Park Board Member, made a motion to
approve the Woods of Baldwin Master Plan. Abby Haworth, Park Board Member, seconded it.
The motion was carried.
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7. Parks Update:
A. Woods Edge Park Update
Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, updated the Park Board on the Woods
Edge Park project. He stated that construction of Woods Edge Park is progressing
nicely. Clearing and grubbing, tree removals, grading, draintile catch basin/storm
pipe, all concrete walk, and curbing have been completed. Some additional earthwork
including final grading, installing plant material, dormant seeding, and building a
boulder retaining wall between the north side of play container and the concrete walk
is expected to be completed yet this Fall. He went on state that after all of that the
next thing will be to order the playground equipment during the winter months and
expect a spring installation. He put in an updated landscape plan in the packet (see
below). DeGardner pointed out that some of the changes are:
I. Reducing the amount of retaining wall (this was based on looking at the
slopes)
II. Removal of a couple more trees
III. Moving the stepping stones to the north of the play area a bit to create a
more natural path from the play area to the landscape boulders
IV. Relocated the swamp white oak as a mature tree had to be removed so it is
replacing it
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8. Recreation Updates:
Kellie Schmidt, Public Services Administrative Assistant addressed the Park Board
regarding Recreation Updates.
A. Fall Soccer Program
The 2019 Lino Lakes Fall Soccer Season concluded on Saturday October 26th with the
end of the season tournament! Twenty-three teams, consisting of 175 participants,
participated in 8 weeks of exciting recreational soccer! The season kicked off with a
Soccer Jamboree at the end of August and then moved to six weeks of game play that
started after Labor Day every Saturday. The end of the season tournament for 2nd - 5th
graders was held on a glorious fall day last Saturday October 26th. Each player
received a soccer ball, water bottle, draw string backpack, medal, and a picture
package as part of their registration fees. Once again the Lino Lakes Parks and
Recreation Fall Soccer program was a big success!
B. Little Goblins Party
On Friday October 25th Anoka County’s Wargo Nature Center and the City of Lino
Lakes Parks and Recreation once again co-sponsored the Little Goblins Party. Again
this year Wargo Nature Center provided the backdrop for 60 kids and their parents to
partake in a fun night of games, crafts, face painting, and refreshments. The children
all dressed up in their best costumes and enjoyed the amazing weather and partook in
activities inside and out at the spookily decorated nature center! Forest Lake and
Mounds View High School students provided their services as volunteers for the event
as well as the newly appointed 2019-2020 Lino Lakes Ambassadors. This continues
to be one of the best events of the year!
C. Gobbler Games
Saturday November 2nd is the 22nd annual Gobbler Games which is held at Centennial
Middle School. Parents and their kids team up to compete in some good ole fashion
competition by trying their hand at a number of games. Each tandem will participate
in six different games and their scores will be added up to see which team goes home
with the big prize! Target gift cards are awarded to the winners of three different age
categories! Other fun activities include the bounce castle, temporary tattoos, Turkey
coloring sheets, drawings, and cookies and refreshments. This event is free and the
cookies are provided by Lino Lakes own First Resource Bank. The event is Saturday
November 2nd from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM @ Centennial Middle School.
D. Upcoming Winter Events & Activities
I. Warming House attendants will be hired and trained during the month of
November and December as the skating rinks in Lino Lakes are set to open
sometime in mid-December
II. The annual Lino Lakes Secret Holiday Shop will be held on Wednesday and
Thursday December 11th & 12th at Lino Lakes City Hall Community Room. This
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popular event lets young children shop for gifts for the holidays while the parents
wait for them to finish their shopping lists. Our volunteer staff and Lino Lakes
Ambassadors will secretly help the kids shop and wrap presents. Refreshments
will be available free of charge and the hours for the event are 4:30 - 7:00 PM both
evenings!
Clark Gooder, Park Board Member, asked if the soccer numbers are higher or lower this
year compared to past. Rick DeGarnder, Public Services Director, stated its lower, they
are not sure why this is. Gooder asked if the price was relativity the same as the past and
DeGardner stated the cost as stayed the same and confirmed participants still receive a
soccer ball, water bottle, picture package, etc. we ever receive feedback regarding our
Fall Soccer program. Kellie Schmidt, Public Services Administrative Assistant stated that
the feedback they receive at the Public Services window at City Hall and on Facebook is
always positive and often hears from people that they think it to be a “well ran” program.
9. New Business
A. Consider Switching Monthly Park Board Meeting Dates
Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director, stated that the Park Board meeting and City
Council work session both occur on the first Monday of each month. Since the Public
Services Director is the staff liaison to the Park Board and often has agenda items at the
City Council Work sessions, there have been some occasions where the Public Services
Director should be at both meetings at the same time.
DeGardner went on to state that the Planning and Zoning Board meets the 2nd Wednesday
of the month, and the Environmental Board meets the 4th Wednesday of the month. Staff
is recommending moving the Park Board to the 1st Wednesday of the month,
commencing January, 2020. Then all advisory board meeting would be held on
Wednesdays, and all City Council meetings and work sessions would typically be held on
Mondays.
The Park Board approved of the new meeting dates. This will be discussed at the next
Council session to be approved.
10. Old Business
Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, asked Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director, for an
update on the water tower behind Fire Station #2. He asked if the funds had been
approved for the water tower, courts, and grading. DeGardner stated that they haven’t
made in through yet. Huelman asked if they decided again the Recreation Complex
because it blurred the funds to much and DeGardner stated they had just decided to hold
off on the complex for now. Huelman stated that it was unfortunate but said that those
things do happen. Thought the complex would have been a great way to meet some of the
critical needs of our community. DeGardner stated that there is still a lot of funds in the
park and trails funds and in January he expects a discussion of where we are at on funds
and projects.
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Huelman asked DeGardner if the 12th Avenue Trail was still in the plan to be completed.
DeGardner stated that yes that was still in the 2020 budget to be completed.
Clark Gooder, Park Board Member, asked DeGardner if in 2020 they would be operating
under some type of budget and what that might be. DeGardner stated as of now there is
no general fund or excess reserve designated for Parks at this time. Gooder then stated
that now would then be the time to let them (Council) know where everything is at and
what is needed to be replaced and such. DeGardner said that he believes the next best
funding balance would be the excess fund balance is at and historically that has been a
place where the Park Board has been designated money from.
11. Next Scheduled Park Board Meeting
Monday, December 2, 2019
12. Adjourn
Richard Jenson 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