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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2024 Park Board Packet PARK BOARD MEETING Wednesday, January 3, 2024 6:30 pm ******************* Lino Lakes Civic Complex-Council Chambers Park Board Members: Pat Huelman (Chair), Clark Gooder, William Kusterman, David Termont, Julie Ann Cutts, Kellie Schmidt, and Kathy Ballering Public Services Director: Rick DeGardner Administrative Assistant: Angela Thorson AGENDA 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Open Mike 5. Approval of November 1, 2023 and December 6, 2023 Minutes 6. Approve 2024 Park Board Meeting Schedule 7. Discuss CLLL Proposal for Sunrise Park Improvements 8. Continue Park Board Discussion 9. Next Scheduled Park Board Meeting - Wednesday, February 7, 2024 10. Adjourn Park Board November 1, 2023 pg. 1 DRAFT MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES PARK BOARD MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Huelman called the Lino Lakes Park Board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on November 1, 2023. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 4. OPEN MIKE There was no one present for open mike. 5. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 4, 2023 MINUTES Mr. Kusterman moved to approve the October 4, 2023 meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Mr. Gooder. Mr. Termont abstained Motion carried 4 – 0. 6. REVIEW NATURES REFUGE NORTH CONCEPT PLAN Mr. Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director gave a summary an applicant has submitted a land use application for a concept plan for a Planned Unit Development for Natures Refuge North. This project would be an expansion of the Natures Refuge project DATE: November 1, 2023 TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m. TIME ENDED: 7:59 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick Huelman, Clark Gooder, William Kusterman, Kellie Schmidt, David Termont MEMBERS ABSENT: Kathy Ballering, Julie Cutts STAFF PRESENT: Rick DeGardner, Angela Thorson Park Board November 1, 2023 pg. 2 DRAFT MINUTES that is currently under construction on Main Street (CSAH 14), just west of Lino Lakes Elementary School (725 Main Street). The proposed plan includes 108 single-family residential lots on the approximately 59.3 acres site. The Planned Unit Development request is to allow for a variety of housing unit types and lot sizes. Approximately 30 acres of open space will be provided under the proposed design. The 2040 Lino Lakes Comprehensive Plan (adopted Nov, 2020) identifies a future neighborhood Park Area M in this general area. (Refer to Figure 10-1 Parks, Greenways, and Trail System). This park area is described as follows: “This site serves the northwestern section of Lino Lakes in conjunction with Arena Acres Park and school sites. A master plan should be prepared to avoid over duplication of amenities available at Arena Acres and school sites.” Neighborhood Parks are typically five acres or more, eight to ten acres preferred, with three acres the desired minimum size. Service area is ¼ to ½ mile uninterrupted by major roads and other physical barriers. Trails establishing a linear greenway should be incorporated into plans that include connectivity to the north, east, south, and west of the project site. Estimated Park Dedication - Assuming 100% cash dedication, park dedication amounts to $356,400 (Based on 108 units). Any park land dedication or trail construction would need to be credited. Natures Refuge collected $115,760 after crediting the developer $77,000 for trail constructions costs. There are two options for the Park Board to consider: 1. Recommend 100% cash dedication. Designate remaining balance of cash dedication from Natures Refuge and cash dedication from Natures Refuge North (after trails credit) for improvements to Arena Acres Park and Lino Lakes Elementary School. 2. Recommend dedicating land for a neighborhood park. Designate remaining cash dedication from Natures Refuge and remaining cash dedication from Natures Refuge North (after park land and trails credit) for limited park development. Estimate credit of $38,500 per acre and $75,000 for trails – similar for Natures Refuge. Any future development in the area could be designated for additional park development. Assuming a 3-acre park and similar length of trails as Natures Refuge, there would be approximately $510,372 remaining. A 5-acre park would provide around $433,372 for development. Mr. Termont inquired how we could start a discussion with the school district. Mr. DeGardner explained the process. Mr. Kusterman discussed the condition of Arena Acres Park, if $500,000 is sufficient for Park Board November 1, 2023 pg. 3 DRAFT MINUTES a park, and the kinds of trails that could be built. Mr. Kusterman inquired as to whether kids other than students could use Lino Lakes Elementary Park during school hours. Mr. Huelman stated that we have limited funds already and don’t think we should add another park. Would like to improve the parks we now have with the money. Mr. Gooder discussed how the neighborhood is excluded and there is no trail system to the other areas of the community. Mr. Termont discussed the Natures Refuge North Concept Plan and the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Schmidt asked if there was any green space in the development. Mrs. Schmidt agrees with Mr. Huelman that we have limited funds and don’t think another park should be developed. Recommends option 1: making improvements to the amenities in the area. Mr. Gooder stated he would recommend option 1, making improvements to the amenities in the area. Mr. Termont asked if we were considering closing parks in the future. Mr. Termont is also in favor of option 1, making improvements to the amenities in the area. Do we have a strategy for approaching the school districts? Mr. DeGardner stated that he had no strategy but to make the first phone call. Mr. Gooder moved to approve option 1 and recommend 100% cash dedication. Updating the existing park, working with Lino Lakes Elementary School, and fund a little of upkeep. Motion seconded by Mrs. Schmidt. Mr. Huelman stated let’s make certain we can service the Natures Refuge North residents. Motion carried 5 – 0. 7. CONTINUE PARK BOARD DISCUSSION Mr. DeGardner gave a summary the Park Board began discussions on several topics during the October Park Board meeting. Topics included developing a vision on updating parks and trails, comparing parks budgets with neighboring cities, approaching city council to consider utilizing surplus funds for parks development, surveying the community, reintroducing social events, defining resident’s expectations, submitting Park Board budget to the City Council, discuss the Park Board's needs with the City Council during a work session, and create a three-step solution for the future allocated budget. Mrs. Schmidt stated a resident reached out regarding Wenzel Farms and some of the concerns they had regarding the park breaking down. Mr. Gooder asked what concerns Park Board November 1, 2023 pg. 4 DRAFT MINUTES the resident had. Mrs. Schmidt responded that the equipment is old and there are safety concerns. Mr. Huelman discussed setting priorities in the future. Mr. DeGardner discussed the age of the playground equipment. Mrs. Schmidt discussed the differences in safety features between new equipment and old equipment. Mr. Gooder would like to ask City Council why the Park Board is allocated $90,000 a year. How does the Park Board get in front of the City Council, and when? Mr. Termont discussed Lamotte Park, which has no park equipment. Questioned if the park could be sold and the money given to the park board. Mr. Huelman would like to see a nice shelter at Lino Park. Mrs. Schmidt discussed taking a list of the parks, exploring which parks will service multiple developments, and using the allocated funds on those parks. Mr. Termont asked why we were sitting here talking together and not talking to the residents of Lino Lakes. Mr. Kusterman stated that he is against surveys. Would like to establish a five-year plan that includes the funds needed, a list of parks that would be replaced within the five-year plan, and then present the plan to the City Council. Mr. DeGardner asked if the Park Board would like to add the creation of the five-year plan to the December 6 agenda. Mr. Kusterman asked if the five-year plan would be for the 2025 budget. Mr. DeGardner answered yes, if relying on the general operating budget. Mr. Huelman likes the idea of creating a five-year plan. We discussed two different models. The first model uses the assets document Mr. DeGardner created a few years ago. The second model uses the Circle Pines model (add funds for future updates). Mr. Kusterman would like to go back to the model before COVID, bring back the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. DeGardner stated the community would need to discuss with City Council if the recreation department was to be reinstated. Mr. Kusterman asked what other communities are doing post-COVID. Mr. Termont discussed the Rookery Activity Center. Park Board November 1, 2023 pg. 5 DRAFT MINUTES Mrs. Schmidt asked if the warming houses would be open this year. Mr. DeGardner answered yes. Mr. Kusterman discussed the Circle Pines budget. Would like additional information about the budget-making processes used by other cities. Mr. Termont discussed the Circle Pines survey. Mrs. Schmidt asked if city staff are receiving feedback regarding the parks. Mr. Gooder asked how we stay in the loop about what county projects are happening. Mr. DeGardner stated that city staff talks with various county agencies and can get an updated CIP plan. Mrs. Schmidt would like to have some type of event in a park in the future. Would like to have a discussion with Community Ed about what they offer, what the Rookery Activity Center plans to offer, and what the City Council vision is for the Rookery. Mr. Huelman would like to see a QR code located in the parks to ask residents for their opinions regarding the park system. 8. NEXT SCHEDULED PARK BOARD MEETING Wednesday, December 6, 2023 9. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Kusterman moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Termont Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Angela Thorson, Public Services Administrative Assistant Park Board December 6, 2023 pg. 1 DRAFT MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES PARK BOARD MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Huelman called the Lino Lakes Park Board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on December 6, 2023. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 4. OPEN MIKE Pat Mahr, President of Centennial Little League Baseball and Fastpitch. Mr. Mahr gave a summary of Sunrise fields 1 and 2. In 2023, would like to install covered dugouts at Sunrise fields 1 and 2. 2024, move the outfield fences from 285 to 210 feet, pour concrete dugouts, and add a new Sunrise Ball field. Mike Hoffman, Parks Supervisor, stated he would like to have concrete floors and covered dugouts, which would be beneficial for safety and keeping the elements off the players. Mr. Gooder inquired if the new field would be a baseball or a universal field. Mr. Mahr answered a universal field. DATE: December 6, 2023 TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m. TIME ENDED: 8:32 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick Huelman, Clark Gooder, Kellie Schmidt, David Termont, Kathy Ballering, Julie Cutts MEMBERS ABSENT: William Kusterman STAFF PRESENT: Mike Hoffman, Angela Thorson Park Board December 6, 2023 pg. 2 DRAFT MINUTES Mr. Mahr discussed the new ball field they would like to add to Sunrise Park. Mr. Gooder asked why we don’t drill all the holes for the covered dugouts at fields 3 and 4 at the same time as fields 1 and 2. Mr. Mahr answered the company that will be building the dugout covers only has time for fields 1 and 2 in 2024. Mrs. Schmidt discussed who has first priority of the fields: the Centennial Little League, other organizations, or residents. Mr. Gooder asked Mr. Mahr when the 2024 season will start. Mr. Mahr answered April 29 through the week after the Fourth of July; during this time, the fields are used Monday through Thursday. Mrs. Schmidt asked Mr. Hoffman, Do you see any issues with this plan? Mr. Hoffman replied that it's a doable plan, but he's not sure if all of this can happen in 2024. Mr. Huelman discussed the financial portion of the projects. Mr. Gooder inquired if Centennial Little League could receive funding from other organizations. Mr. Mahr discussed other funding areas. Mrs. Schmidt moved to support the partnership and consideration of the Sunrise Park field plans. Motion seconded by Mr. Termont. Motion carried 6-0. Mr. Hoffman questioned if we have approval from the Park Board to drill the holes for the dugout on Sunrise fields 1 and 2. Mr. Huelman answered yes. 5. CONTINUE PARK BOARD DISSCUSSION Mr. Huelman discussed the park and trail system and said that the park model doesn’t match the park funding. Mr. Hoffman discussed the pricing of a new park. Discussed the age of the hockey rinks, warming houses, trails, and boardwalks. Aging irrigation systems in the park system. Mrs. Cutts inquired if the warming houses would be open this year. Mr. Huelman discussed the letters from the residents regarding the backstop at Birchwood Acres Park. Mr. Hoffman discussed keeping the backstop versus removing it. Mrs. Ballering discussed the removal of the backstop at Birchwood Acres Park. Park Board December 6, 2023 pg. 3 DRAFT MINUTES Angela Thorson, Public Services Administration Assistant, discussed the letter that was mailed to Birchwood Acres Park. Mrs. Ballering moved to keep the backstop at Birchwood Acres Park. Motion seconded by Mrs. Cutts. Motion carried 6-0. Mrs. Ballering inquired about grants. Mr. Gooder discussed funding options for the future. Mr. Gooder would like to have more partnerships with sports organizations. Mr. Termont discussed sponsorship banners at local parks. Mrs. Schmidt discussed parking issues at the parks. Mr. Huelman would like the asset master list spreadsheet updated and presented to the City Council. Mrs. Schmidt agrees with the plan. Mr. Gooder inquired what assets are under the Park Board. Mrs. Schmidt asked Mr. Hoffman what he would do with $500,000. Mr. Hoffman replied that his first priority is to update the parks. Mrs. Schmidt asked which parks are the top three: Marshan Park, Highland Meadow Park, and Behm’s Park. Mrs. Schmidt inquired which park has the most vandalism. Mr. Hoffman replied Country Lakes Park. 6. NEXT SCHEDULED PARK BOARD MEETING Wednesday, January 3, 2024 7. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Gooder moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mrs. Ballering. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m Respectfully submitted, Angela Thorson, Public Services Administrative Assistant 2024 Park Board Meeting Schedule Park Board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The following dates are set for the Park Board meetings in 2024: January 3 February 7 March 6 April 3 May 1 June 5 July 3 August 7 September 4 October 2 November 6 December 4 DATE: January 3, 2024 TO: Park Board FROM: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director RE: Discuss CLLL Proposal for Sunrise Park Improvements The City recently received the attached letter from Centennial Lakes Little League (CLLL) regarding Sunrise Park improvements. The proposal includes: Fields #1 and #2 - Convert to little league fields. This includes moving the outfield fences from 285 feet to 210 feet. Dugouts are currently being installed, with CLLL providing all materials and labor (except City drill holes for support posts). Fields #3 and #4 - Install dugouts in 2025 with CLLL providing all materials and labor. Additional Field - CLLL is proposing to create an additional field in the southwest corner of Sunrise Park with CLLLL providing the ag-lime for the infield, dugouts and benches, home plate and bases, backstop and fencing. The Park Board originally discussed this proposal during the December 6, 2023 meeting. Staff is in support of improving the existing four ball fields at Sunrise Park. Creating an additional field warrants further review. Parking and neighborhood impacts merit further discussion. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan recommends a master plan be prepared prior to any new development to reconsider how activity areas are organized for a better fit and orientation and to determine which sports fields should remain on this site or be moved to improve overall quality. Attached is the Sunrise Park Page in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Attachments CLLL Letter Sunrise Park Map 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Sunrise Park Lino Lakes Comprehensive Plan Update Chapter 10: Parks, Greenways & Trails 10-31 Sunrise Park Address: 6918 Sunrise Drive Classification: Community Park Size: 20 acres Description: The majority of the park site is developed for active athletic recreation, including ballfields, soccer, hockey, etc. There are a few natural areas on the eastern end of the park between the park and residential lots. The playground was installed in 1998 and is tucked among some trees in the middle of the park along the eastern edge� The park has many amenities but they are scattered with two separate park entrances that don’t connect and an informal gravel area for parking on the south. Some amenities lack best orientation and ballfield outfields are touching one another� Existing development includes: • Playground with pea gravel • Bituminous trails • Paved parking lots • Gravel parking area • Two hockey rinks and general skating area • Warming house • Four ball fields • Tow picnic shelters • Open lawn / soccer field • Park storage buildings (1975) Development Considerations: A master plan should be prepared for this park prior to any new development to reconsider how activity areas are organized for a better fit and orientation and to determine which sports fields should remain on this site or be moved to improve overall quality� As it is, the park offers many values to the local neighborhood and larger community and some redesign may enhance space utilization with better pedestrian and vehicular circulation and better amenities overall� Suggested improvements include: • Improved parking (reorganization) • New hockey rinks (new orientation) and possibly pave for summer use • New playground equipment • Loop trail system • Potentially add in some hardcourts (basketball, pickleball, etc�) • New park building potentially with concessions Cost Estimates Until a master plan determines the extent of improvements and the types of amenities that should be included, preliminary costs cannot be estimated. A full park reconstruction project could be in the range of up to $3.5 million depending on the desired amenities and buildings. DATE: January 3, 2023 TO: Park Board FROM: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director RE: Park Board Discussion The Park Board continues to gather information and discuss several topics related to development and redevelopment of the parks and trails system. Please refer to last month’s minutes for additional details.