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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-2020 Park Board MinutesApproved October 2, 2020 CITY OF LINO LAKES Park Board Minutes (Virtual Meeting) DATE: August 5, 2020 TIME STARTED: 6:30 PM TIME ENDED: 7:22 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Huelman, Andrew Levi, John Nordlund, Clark Gooder, and Abby Haworth (Mayor Rob Rafferty joined for part of the meeting). MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Jensen STAFF PRESENT: Rick DeGardner (Public Services Director) & Kellie Schmidt (Public Services Administrative Assistant) 1. Call to Order and Roll Call The August 5, 2020 City of Lino Lakes Park Board Meeting was called to order by Pat Huelman, Chair. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Meeting attendees said and/or observed the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Setting Agenda Agenda was approved as presented. 4. Approval of Minutes Clark Gooder MOTIONED to approve the March 4, 2020 Park Board Minutes, Andrew Levi supported the MOTION. The March 4, 2020 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. Aspen Lane Park Property Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, addressed the Park Board and members of the community who were present, regarding City Property along Aspen Lane. DeGardner stated that the Oaks of Lino subdivision was platted in 1995. The official plat consists of nine residential lots and an approximately 301' X 15' wide strip of property designated as "Park" (see attachments in 08/05/2020 Park Board Packet). The intent of the Park property was to provide a potential trail connection when the property directly south was Page 1 Approved October 2, 2020 developed. The Saddle Club -First Addition was platted in 2014. During the planning phase, it was determined that a public trail connection the two developments was not warranted. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan does not indicate a trail in this specific location. Staff has identified three options related to the strip of park land: • Retain the Property as Designated "Park" • Construct a Public Trail • Vacate the Property Patrick Huelman, Park Board Chair, stated that this property wasn't in the comprehensive trail or park system plan. He stated that a trail could maybe make sense on this property, however there are currently no funds for it. Andrew Levi and Clark Gooder, Park Board members agreed with Huelman. Lino Lakes resident Ms. Sherri Le, 974 Aspen Lane, stated that she supported splitting the 15 feet park property between the property owners. Max Norton, resident whose property is next to the city property, supports the City vacating of the property. Clark Gooder inquired from the two residents who would gain the land if the city were to vacate it, how they currently use it. Norton stated that he uses it as access to his back yard and that there is a shade garden back there from previous owners. Jess Roering, the other land owner that would gain property if the City vacated the land, had concerns regarding the City vacating the land. He is concerned about a fence going up, like a privacy fence, that would make it hard to mow/maintain his lawn as well as access it. He continued that when they built their house they had planned on a trail going in where the strip of land is that is currently being talked about. Because of this they had built a retaining wall. He also stated again that he does not want a privacy fence to show up on that land/space. Andrew Levi, Park Board Vice Chair, stated that there are two options at hand. The options are that the City vacate the property and give it to the land owners or build a trail. He stated that if the Park Board made the recommendation to the City Council to vacate the land, it would be up to residents to hash out the fence. Roering inquired as to why this sudden change? It has been this way for 25 years (referring to the City owning the property and the residents using it the way they have been). Huelman responded by stating that it's a liability to the City to keep it as is. Gooder inquired if anyone uses the property as a trail. Residents responded "no" and that it is just used to access their backyards. Page 2 Approved October 2, 2020 DeGardner stated that the City acquired the property in the 90's not knowing what would happen in the area with the rest of the trails and connections. He stated that there is no current or future public purpose for the property. Huelman agreed and stated that it is not in the best interest of the City to maintain a property that is not a benefit to the whole community. Roering stated that he had put in the retaining wall for his property expecting that the trail would go in. He stated that they had spent $4,500 on the retaining wall. He continued that if he didn't have the retaining wall he would not have a problem getting into his backyard. DeGardner stated that City approved the construction on properties based on what the builder submits as their plan. The City approved the building and grading plan when the plans were submitted. There is correspondence from June, 1996 between the City Engineer and the Builder stating that the basement elevation was too high and didn't conform to the preliminary grading plan. Therefore, the builder included plans for the retaining wall. Gooder stated that it sounded like the Park Board is in favor of vacating the land (dividing it between property owners) and that neither owner planned to install a fence that would prevent rear yard access for either property owner. Norton stated that he was in favor of the City vacating the property. Roering stated he was in favor of the City vacating the property. Huelman asked for a motion to vacate the land. Gooder made the motion, Nordlund seconded it. Motioned passed by all Park Board Members voting to vacate the land. Recommendation will be made to City Council to vacate the land. 7. Park Updates: A. Woods Edge Park Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, updated the Park Board on Woods Edge Park. He stated that Woods Edge Park is a neighborhood park adjacent to the YMCA on regional park property. This park creates a more "natural" type feel that aesthetically fits with the natural surroundings. In June, parks staff (along with a certified playground installer) installed the playground equipment. The engineered wood fiber was delivered the following week. Parks Department staff will continue to create natural play elements including a fort building area, log balance beams, and wooden steps. The playground is currently open for public use. Park Board Members commented that the park looked good and John Nordlund, Park Board Member, stated that he visited the park about a week ago and the wood logs are now at the park. B. 12th Avenue Trail Update: Page 3 Approved October 2, 2020 Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, updated the Park Board on the 12th Avenue Trail Project. Rick gave the background and the update by stating the city received resident request to construct a trail along 12th Avenue. The trail was discussed at City Council work sessions throughout 2019 and as a result the City Council budgeted for this project within their 2020 budget with funding through the Park and Trail Improvement Fund and through State Aid. The 12th Avenue Trail Project includes construction of a new trail between White Oak Road and the existing trail head approximately 720 feet south of White Oak Road, pedestrian ramp improvements, and ditch grading and culvert repairs to facilitate drainage in the project area. Construction will be completed this fall. The City anticipates that this trail will be widely used and enjoyed by the community. C. North Pointe Park Update Rick DeGardner, Director of Public Services, updated Park Members on North Pointe Park. DeGardner address the Board by stating some recent improvements have occurred at North Pointe Park. After observing numerous skid marks on the hardcourt surfaces, staff installed, "No Skateboarding, Roller Blading, or Bicycles on Court Surfaces" sign (the sign was also at Arena Acres Park). The additional signage seems to be helping. Some residents also requested fencing on both end of the pickleball court to prevent the balls from rolling into the wetland area. The fencing was installed a few weeks ago. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, asked DeGardner is he had an idea of how much use the pickleball courts are getting. DeGardner responded that there are a couple ladies who use it a few times a week but unsure who else or how many more are using it. Huelman followed up by stating that the Park Board should keep hard surfaces in mind in future discussions regarding the Recreation Complex as it seems to be what people want. Page 4 Approved October 2, 2020 S. New Business: Clark Gooder, Park Board Member, asked Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director, that due to the YMCA closing if he sees the City needing to provide more Recreation Programming. DeGardner stated that City staff is looking into what might be needed for services with the YMCA closing and that they should know more in a few weeks as City Staff meets to discuss. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair, commented that with the COVID-19 Pandemic all Recreation Programs are currently on hold but will definitely want to look into other opportunities for the future. 9. Old Business: Clark Gooder, Park Board Member, reminded Park Board Members of the last assignment they had prior to the COVID-19 break and that was to go out and look at the parks and assess which might need work/replacement. Pat Huelman, Park Board Chair commented that Gooder had a good reminder and that the Park Board Members should visit the parks, and trails, as there will be more discussion regarding the dedicated park funds. Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director, reminded everyone that there is still a vacancy on the Park Board and to contact himself or Lisa Hogstad, Lino Lakes Deputy Clerk, if they are interested in filling out an application or know of someone who might be interested in joining the Park Board. 10. Next Scheduled Park Board Meeting Wednesday, September 2, 2020 11. Adjourn Clark Gooder made a MOTION to adjourn, Andrew Levi supported the MOTION. All in favor MOTION carried. Meeting was adjourned. Submitted by, Kellie Schmidt Administrative Assistant Lino Lakes Public Services Page 5