HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.17.2018 Parks Commission Agenda packet
NOTICE OF MEETING
City of Lake Elmo Park Commission
3800 Laverne Avenue North
January 17, 2018 6:30 PM
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Approve Agenda
3.Approve Minutes
a)November 21, 2017
b)December 18, 2017
4.Select a Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks Commission
5.Information on 2018 Parks Budget
6.Review Reid Park Mountain Bike Proposal from SASCA
7.Begin Work on Demontreville Park and Tablyn Park
8.February 2018 Meeting Agenda
a)Adopt a Park – Adoption Standards
9.Staff Reports & Commission Update
a)Update on Central Greenway
i.City staff met with Washington County staff on Dec 20th to discuss
stakeholders and potential committee members. Waiting for further updates
b)Trail Source
i.Has begun to design trails for Reid and Sunfish Lake Park
10. Adjourn
***Note: Every effort will be made to accommodate person or persons that need special considerations to
attend this meeting due to a health condition or disability. Please contact the Lake Elmo City Clerk if you are in
need of special accommodations.
Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public
Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner
While Preserving the City’s Open Space
Character
MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission
November 20, 2017
Members Present: Chair Frick, Commissioners Ames, Mayek, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Olinger, Zeno
Members Absent: Pearce
Staff Present: Public Works Director Weldon, Planning Director Becker, City Planner Prchal
The meeting was called to order by Chair Frick at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Frick to move the 2018 Work Plan to the December agenda and approve the agenda
as amended, seconded by Ames. Motion passed.
Approval of Minutes
Frick requested two changes to the meeting minutes. The first was to remove Ames from
members present and the second was that the meeting was called to order by
Chair Frick.
Motion by Frick, seconded by Olinger to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed.
Wyndham Village Sketch Plan
Becker presented that the City has received a sketch plan for a new proposed subdivision that
would be located to the southwest of the Northport subdivision (reviewed as
Village Park Preserve). They are proposing 13 lots in the subdivision on a 3.5
acre parcel. Staff is looking for the Parks Commission recommendation to
approve the subdivision with no parkland, since they are not proposing any.
They would be responsible for paying for a parkland dedication fee in lieu of not
dedicating any land. The fee will be 10 percent of the appraised value of the
land, which we do not know yet. The proximity to Reid Park, makes this a good
option.
Ames asked if the subdivision will have trails or sidewalks that connect to the park in Easton
Village or Reid Park.
Wyndham Village is not proposing a trail or sidewalk. North Port, the development to the
North was required to have a trail connection to the new section of Reid Park.
Discussion about a possible trail connection to the south for the development. Discussion
about safe access to the existing trail along the south side of 30th Street. Weldon
explained that they prefer to see pedestrian crossings at controlled intersections
due to better visibility and not mid-block. Frick also pointed out that where the
cul-de-sac is proposed it is a hill and would create a safety hazard regarding
visibility.
Ames made a motion to approve the subdivision as proposed. Frick seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
Legacy at North Star Preliminary Plat and PUD
Becker presented that this development was formerly called Gonyea West when it was first
reviewed. Becker wanted to provide an update on the changes to the plan. She
explained there was a Tot Lot shown in the north and a proposed park in the
middle of the development. The Parks Commission suggested that the park not
be a public park and that trails would connect to Hamlet on Sunfish Lake
development at the previous review. The Tot Lot has been moved to the south
of the development and is now a HOA park. Additionally, the proposed parkland
has been moved from the center of the development to the edge. Staff stated
that there is a wetland on the proposed parkland and they would not receive
credit for that area and staff would recommend a fence around the wetland for
safety. Becker also stated that we could require an out lot to be created for a
future trail connection if the park is not public since the trail connection is
located within the proposed park.
Discussion around trails and connectivity to Hamlet on Sunfish Lake, parkland dedication fees
and land, and the density of the proposed development. Typically, a trail is paid
out of Park dedication fees, however, this is a PUD and there is the possibility of
a trail or a park being a requirement for the density in the PUD.
Frick made a motion to recommend the public park on the southwest corner of the site be
dedicated to the City and that the developer not receive credit for the value of
this land to satisfy the remaining 3.383 acre requirement of parkland dedication
and pay fees in lieu of park land dedication for the value of these remaining
acres. Ames seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Washington County Landfill Land Use
Becker presented that The Washington County Landfill is subject to the statute that requires
the MPCA to develop a land use plan and the City of Lake Elmo land use plan
must be consistent. This would be showing on a land use plan that a portion is
not usable by people. Staff is suggesting that a lot line adjustment is done to
include only the Landfill Management area or the existing fenced area. Becker
did forward the proposed lot line adjustment to MPCA and they confirmed that
as long as it follows the existing area that people cannot currently access, they
are in support. A survey has been completed and would need to be recorded
with Washington County.
Ames made a motion to approve of the re-guiding within the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan
and the rezoning of the area only within the fence to Closed Landfill Restricted in
order to adhere to State Statute requirements and that this have no impact on
Sunfish Lake Park. The motion was seconded by Mayek.
Mountain Biking in Lake Elmo Parks – Update and responses from 3rd parties
Prchal reached out to the trails committee for MORK and Tim from Trail Source. They both
agreed after reviewing our parks, that Sunfish Lake Park would be the best to
pursue for mountain biking, due to size and topography. Mountain bikers
typically like about 1.5 to 2 hour rides, for 7-10 miles. He used the example of
Lebanon Hills, in Eagan, which has 12 miles of trails and on 120 acres. Sunfish
Lake Park has double that acreage.
Frick pointed out that Sunfish Lake Park was established as a wildlife park. That many of the
current users of the park appreciate that character of the park and by
establishing a number of new trails within the park; it will disrupt the existing
wildlife and character of the park.
Rolf Larson expressed concern over the type of mountain bikers that may use the trails, taking
the park away from the current recreational park. Mountain biking can be
recreational or competitive.
Mayek mentioned the growth of mountain biking as a sport. He also suggested that making
changes and improvements to the trails will help all of the trail users. He stated
he uses the trails in the winter for skiing and talked about how hikers make
skiing more difficult by tracking through the ski trails. He did mention he has
noticed erosion, especially where people are biking on steep hills.
Nuenfeldt said that she rides horses and has cut down on her use of Sunfish Lake Park due to
the increased amount of mountain bikers and dogs running loose. She also
mentioned that she is a MN Land Trust land monitor. When she is out at Sunfish
Lake Park she takes note of things such as erosion and reports those.
Additional discussion on erosion and impacts on wildlife of existing and additional trails.
Frick made a motion to start working with Trail Source to identify the location of the potential
new trails. Nelson seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Multi Use Trails in Sunfish Lake Park – Winter Use
Discussion about possible signage, ways to share the trails, and types of trail grooming. Frick
and Mayek agreed that separate location for skiers and walkers did not make
preferred.
Weldon mentioned that there are a lot of signs up in Sunfish Lake Park right now and adding
more may not make sense. He suggested that there already may be over
saturation of signage.
No motion was made, determined it was more of a maintenance item
2018 Work Plan
Prchal explained what items are on the 2018 Work Plan.
Frick asked if the 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan has been approved by Council. Weldon
explained that it has not been approved by Council yet, but has been through Planning
Commission and the Finance Committee. Therefore, any changes to 2018 would be
limited but we could bring the changes forward and make changes to 2019 and beyond.
Frick asked if they could review the items a second time at the December meeting.
December Meeting
2018 Work plan
Staff Reports and Commission Update
No staff reports
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tanya Nuss
MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission
December, 2017
Members Present: Chair Frick, Commissioners Ames, Mayek, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Olinger,
Pearce, Steele, and Zeno
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Public Works Director Weldon, City Planner Prchal
The meeting was called to order by Chair Frick at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Frick stated the approval of minutes would need to be moved to the January meeting since they
were not included in the packet. Motion by Ames to approve the agenda as
amended, seconded by Steele. Motion passed.
Public Input
Barry Weeks, 3647 Lake Elmo Ave N., wanted to give an update on the improvements to Lion’s
Park. Grading, sod, irrigation, fences, concrete, lights and the house was
removed have all gone in this year. Weeks said it looks nice and wanted to thank
the Parks Commission for approvals. He said that the concrete has been poured
for the dugouts and they will be completed in the spring. Weeks reported that
there has been a number of volunteers and donations, including the concrete
that was donated by Cemstone. Weeks mentioned that the Twins baseball team
offers up to $10,000 grant money for ballfields. There are seven signs for the
outfield that have been paid for; a total of thirty-five could be installed.
Mountain Biking Trail in Sunfish Lake Park
Tim Wagner, owner of Trail Source discussed his company and the design process they follow.
He explained they design contour trails, they are not in a straight line, this cuts
down on erosion and maintenance, and people enjoy using them. They make
the trails about 3-4 ft. wide and try work around, not eliminate trees. They add
wood features for walking trails. They design most of the trails in the winter.
Ames asked about experience with hiking, skiing, and multi-use trails, not just mountain biking.
Ames and Frick both would like to see biking and hiking trails separated for safety.
Wagner explained most of the trails they construct are multi-use trails. He stated they would
minimize the number of intersections between mountain bike trails and hiking
trails.
Ames made a motion to authorize the expenditure of $1500 to develop a line drawing of
mountain bike paths at both Sunfish Lake Park and at Reid Park for us to use for
future decision-making. Frick seconded the motion. Motion passed.
2018 Work Plan
During the discussion of the 2018 Work Plan by the Parks Commission it was established that
they would like to add the following changes to the 2018 Work Plan:
In the Planning and Policy section: Review master City Trail plan, assess Lake Elmo parks for
biking/mountain biking, review a 5 year CIP, add the timeline for Park Master
Plan including receive updates on drafted plan, revisit and update the Park Use
Plan, look for grant opportunities that aide in the development of parks within
the city.
In the Development & Equipping section: Search for grant opportunities such as Fields for Kids
for Demontreville Park, add widening of trails to Reid Park.
In the Maintenance & Refurbishing section: Provide a parks needs assessment completed by
Public Works staff members.
In the Finance section: Provide quarterly information on funds that are spent and received.
Frick made the motion to accept the 2018 Work Plan with the changes that were discussed.
The motion was seconded by Ames. Motion passed.
Staff Reports and Commission Update
None given
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tanya Nuss
STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 17, 2018
REGULAR 5
AGENDA ITEM: Park Dedication Budget for 2018
TO: Parks Commission
SUBMITTED BY: Ben Prchal, City Planner
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
The Planning and Financial department have been working together to prepare an outline which
will show the funds which are expected to be received in 2018, as well as projected expenses.
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
The work plan for the parks department includes 22 separate projects/goals to achieve in 2018, the cost
of these projects is slightly dependent upon the Public Works budget, but funds have also been reserved
for Capital Improvements. Projects can range from updating/refurbishing, policy creation, and
research related tasks to provide information for decision making.
As a reminder the Minnesota statue only allows park dedication funds to be expended for certain
activities, the allowed spending are stated below.
- Cash payments received must be used only for the acquisition and development or
improvement of parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, or open space
based on the approved park systems plan. Cash payments must not be used for ongoing
operation or maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, or
open space. 462.358 Subd. 2b. Dedication (g)
As of October 12, 2017 the Finance committee also further restricted funds from being spent on
vehicles or fleet.
FISCAL IMPACT FOR 2018:
Park capital improvement costs have been outlined below, further detail is explained in the full CIP.
Park Maintenance and Refurbishing Cost set in Public Works Budget
Demontraville Park $75,000 – New field, Grading, and new Back Stop
Reid Park $25,000 – Widening of Trails/Other Amenities
Tablyn Park $55,000 – Improvements on Lighting and Parking
TOTAL 2018 IMPROVEMENT COST $155,000
ATTACHMENT:
• Park Dedication Fund Balance
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
Park Dedication Fund Balance
As of 12-31-17
Fund Balance as of 12/31/16:980,041.10$
2017 Revenues:
LE Associates 5,220.00$
Southwind 70,000.00
Lakewood 2nd 17,190.00
Royal Golf 153,373.00
-
2017 Total Revenues:245,783.00$
2017 Expenditures:
Professional Services - Lions Park 431,569.99$
Improvements other than bldgs. - Savona Park 88,005.36
Improvements other than bldgs. - Lions Park 940.00
Improvements other than bldgs. - Easton Village Park 17,957.00
Vehicles - F-150, Plow and warning lights 40,073.93
Savona 24,800.00 Estimated figure
Easton Village 3,475.00 Estimated figure
-
2017 Total Expenditures:606,821.28$
Revenues Over/(Under) Expenditures as of 12/31/17:(361,038.28)
Fund Balance Estimate as of 12/31/17:619,002.82$
STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 17, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 6
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Mountain Biking – Reid Park
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
The Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates also known as SASCA had contacted the City to
discuss the possibility of building mountain biking trails within Reid Park. The organization has
submitted their proposal which also contains some preliminary maps as well. The idea to construct the
trails was on the 2017 CIP and is also on the 2018 CIP for the park. The City has not set aside funding
for the development, money will only be provided if it is donated or obtained through a grant. SACA
does indicate in their proposal that they will provide the majority of labor and tools. However, they may
ask for a small amount of funding as well as some assistance from Public Works. Also Trail Source has
decided to donate time and work with SASCA to further go over trail design within Reid.
As part of a separate investment for the park. Money has been set aside to improve and widen the current
walking trails in the amount is $25,000, which is not necessarily associated with the development of
mountain bike trails.
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
Review of the submitted SASCA trail development proposal for Reid Park. Does the Commission find
issue with the proposal?
There are some questions which staff thinks should be answered before construction.
- Preparation of expected costs to the City
- Further expectation of Public Works assistance
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost is unknown at this time, the dollar amount which SASCA would like to request was unspecified.
OPTIONS:
1) Proceed and allow SASCA to begin finalizing details.
2) Review and amend their proposal
3) Do not move forward with trail development
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends proceeding forward after review of SASCA proposal.
ATTACHMENTS:
• SASCA Proposal
A Proposal for Single Track Trails in Reid Park, Lake Elmo, MN
Presented to the City of Lake Elmo
by Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates (SASCA)
[Revision 0]
January 1, 2018
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 2
Executive Summary
Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates (SASCA), a 2014 formed non-profit limited liability
corporation and currently recognized 501c(3) non-taxable charity, is the support and funding
provider for the Stillwater Area High School Mountain Bike Team. Based on strong growth of the
high school team and a growing interest and participation in off-road bicycling, trail running, nordic
skiing, hiking and snowshoeing, SASCA wishes to propose new single-track trails, local to the Lake
Elmo/St. Croix Valley Area.
Goal
To have at least 2+ miles of sustainable single track trail open for use by August 2018 in Reid Park.
Designed Use
Designed and purpose-built single track trails would be with mountain bikers mainly in mind but
would be open for walkers, hikers, and runners. Typical summer uses and winter use including
snowshoeing and winter biking (fat biking) would be considered.
Proposed Schedule
January 2018 – Submission of the trail proposal
May 2018 – Est. approval by Lake Elmo to build
May 2018 – Contract agreement between the Lake Elmo
and SASCA
May/June 2018 – Trail Building Project Begins
August 2017– Completed trail open to public
After October 2017 – Continued work to add features,
improvements
With approval to build, SASCA, already organized as a 501c(3) non-profit organization, proposes to
work in consultation with the Lake Elmo Parks and Recreation Commission and Lake Elmo City
Staff to finalize the building process and work to raise money for expenses incurred to complete the
work. SASCA will publicly advertise through articles, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social
media to help organize and provide an all-volunteer labor force as needed for construction and
continued maintenance. The registered volunteer labor force with training and experience exceeds
100 people. Requests to utilize city equipment capital may be requested and is noted in the proposal.
SASCA plans to request a small amount of funding to handle building materials (wood and
fasteners) to augment the fundraising for trail building which is ongoing.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 3
Proposal Summary
Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates (SASCA), a 2014 formed non-profit limited
liability corporation and currently recognized 501c(3) non-taxable charity, is the support and
funding provider for the Stillwater Area High School Mountain Bike Team. Based on strong
growth of the high school team and a growing interest and participation in off-road bicycling,
trail running, nordic skiing, hiking and snowshoeing, SASCA wishes to propose new single-
track trails, local to the Lake Elmo/St. Croix Valley Area specifically.
In 2017, SASCA approached the City of Lake Elmo Parks and Recreation Dept. in
an open forum about the current use of existing trails by the Stillwater Mountain Bike Team.
Along for getting a clarification about using bicycles in the park and the lack of complaints
about any issues arising from bikes in the park, City staff was requested to meet with SASCA
to discuss possibly providing a plan to build new purpose-built single track trails in the park.
SASCA was in the middle of a build in Valley View Park in Oak Park Heights at the time,
but with completion coming in Sept. 2017, focus turned to a proper design in Reid Park . By
December 2017, after a two meetings with the City Administrator planning engineers and
several evaluation and mapping hikes throughout Reid Park, the proposal was completed for
submittal.
The past months have been spent evaluating the park, confirming the borders, the
bordering lands, fences, low lying areas, new annexations and other issues with the land in
general. This proposal has been developed to offer a summary overview of how the trail
would look in the property and how it would interact with existing trails, climbing
equipment, athletic fields, and parking and park access points. With approval to build,
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 4
SASCA, already organized as a 501c(3) non-profit organization, proposes to work in
consultation with the P & R Commission and Lake Elmo City Staff to finalize the building
process and work to raise money for expenses incurred to complete the work. The
organization will publicly free advertise through articles, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other
social media to help organize and provide an all-volunteer labor force as needed for
construction and continued maintenance. This partnership will result in no required cost to
the City. Requests to utilize city equipment capital may be requested and is noted in the
proposal below. SASCA plans to request a small amount of funding to handle building
materials (wood and fasteners) to augment the fundraising for trail building which is
ongoing.
While there are no major soil erosion concerns at Reid Park any potential will be
addressed by trail design. The proposed trail will adhere to state-of-the-art design standards
developed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to promote long-
term sustainability of trails by minimizing soil erosion potential, reducing future maintenance
needs, and eliminating trail users’ desire to create shortcuts or social trails. This proposal
details anticipated use of many resource-compatible techniques in construction of the new
trail miles.
The current and future SASCA members have increasing trail building experience.
Many volunteers have completed official IMBA trail building classes in 2016. They serve as
build group leaders on site. The area selected and level of difficulty of the trail planned
means simple and faster building. It will allow the group to amass quality volunteers and
teach them on the job about proper building techniques and utilizing the tools safely and
properly.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 5
Qualifications
Training
Most of the current members have trail building experience. Some of the build leaders
and dirt bosses have close to 100 hours or more of hands-on building experience. Other
experience may consist of working with other volunteer groups in other towns. Most trail
building experience will continue to be built out of training support on-the-job experience
from SASCA. SASCA will be continuing work in Valley View Park in OPH with
maintenance and improvements where many newer volunteers will gain significant training
and experience which can be used in Reid Park.
Equipment
The proposed trail will be constructed with specialized hand tools owned by the
organization and private volunteers. The following list of available tools is at our disposal:
Pulaski: ax-type tool used for chopping small stumps and roots out of the trail tread.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 6
Pruner: Cutting tool used for cutting small branches and saplings.
McLeod: fire-fighting tool used for raking and tamping the trail tread.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 7
Flat-bladed shovel: leveling and smoothing the trail tread.
Max Ax: an ax with attachments that convert it to a Pulaski, McLeod, pick, or shovel.
Inclinometer: used for measuring grade of slopes.
GPS receiver: to measure and track trail location/length.
Various rakes, shovels, and machetes, hand saws: clearing leaves, twigs, and briars
Gas powered plate compactor: tamping loosened trail to stabilize trail surface and
“season” trail much faster and more completely than riders
Chain Saw: gas powered, minimum 14”, for cutting large brush and clearing larger
fallen trees
Buckthorn Pullers: for non-chemical, complete root removal of invasive trees
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 8
General Trail Construction Guidelines
SASCA understands the concerns about potential soil erosion at Reid Park. With this
in mind, the trail should be designed and constructed with those concerns taken into account
using suggested resource compatible guidelines.
Grade half-rule: The trail tread linear slope on a hillside should not exceed half of the
average grade of the slope. In other words, on a 10% grade hillside the trail would not be
steeper than a 5% grade. This practice results in water flowing down the hillside rather than
being channeled down the trail. No trail section in Reid Park should be constructed to
exceed the half-rule.
Ten percent average maximum grade: This is a rule of thumb that may have to be lowered
to reflect soil types, watershed areas, and vegetation in order to stay within erosion control
limits. Allowing for short lengths of trail that may exceed 10%, the overall average grade
should be less. This will probably not be an issue at Reid Park within the boundaries of the
entire property due to the flatter and rolling terrain.
Maximum sustainable trail grade: When a section of trail becomes unsustainable even if
less than 10% grade, due to drainage or erosion concerns, the trail should be re-routed or
other controls instituted to eliminate the problem.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 9
Grade reversals: A frequent change from climbing to descending to climbing again
prevents a long section of trail from accumulating water runoff that would degrade the trail
or encourage erosion.
Out-slope: The trail tread, of approximately 18 inches in surface width and used by feet and
tires, when appropriate, should have 5% out-slope to slow water flow. This grade is level
enough for hikers to use without turning their ankles and along with a full bench-cut, will
prevent trail creep.
Armoring: Using stone, wood, or synthetic materials, trails in wet or highly erosion prone
areas can be made more durable. It is highly unlikely armoring will be needed in this
location at Reid Park.
Restrictions
The proposed trail takes great care to give a wide berth from private property, wet
areas, ponds/lakes and the existing wide crushed limestone paths. No official restrictions are
known of after initial questions to City staff. Staff did request little or no crossings over the
crushed limestone paths. The existing old single track paths do have several crossings.
IMBA guidelines suggest not cutting any living trees larger than 3” to 4” at the base.
The trail building organization will follow this guideline but may request permission to cut
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 10
and or move larger dead standing trees which could present a fall hazard to riders and
walkers.
The trail will be constructed and maintained by the established SASCA organization
and through enthusiast ic volunteering and the high school racers using the trails for pract ice.
It will require minor support of the Lake Elmo city maintenance department when necessary.
An example would be a large fallen tree requiring larger machinery to cut and remove.
Otherwise SASCA volunteers provided by the organization will conduct almost all necessary
maintenance.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 11
Design Process
This section outlines the process of designing the trail in general terms. SASCA
members have made a preliminary examination of topographical maps, aerial photographs,
and have hiked the area being considered in this proposal. While general references can be
made to the terrain found in the proposed trail area, specifics relating to the exact trail
location and needed or desired features will require on-site measurements and examinations
and will likely be altered during various stages of the design process. SASCA intends to
work with the city and the P & R Commission during every step of this process. Preliminary
trail routes have been determined based on proper elevation lines and with respect to
potential erosion. Markers will be placed and the trail be hiked several times to determine
“best line” scenarios and route re-alignments to enhance the riders’ experience within the
park, i.e. large trees, rock formations, historic locations.
Step One: Obtaining permission. The hope is that this written proposal, followed by a
physical inspection of the proposed trail location by City/Commission staff, will result in
approval for SASCA to finalize trail design and later construction activities. An open house
for the public, to see the proposed trail, learn about single track trails, see how they are
planned and built and how the trail would be used, would be on display. No trail construction
will begin until the proposed trail corridor is clearly identified and approved by city staff, the
commission and city council, if necessary.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 12
Step Two: Defining boundaries. Reid Park is very well defined on all maps but in reality has
little markings for proper boundaries. The city may need to assist in surveying the property to
insure no issues with private property owners bordering the park.
Step Three: Definition of Users. Beginner to intermediate mountain bicyclists and middle
school/high school racers are expected to be the primary users of the proposed new trail.
Secondary users will be trail runners in the summer months and possibly winter fat tire
bicyclists. Winter mountain biking is growing sport. In any and all cases, alternate sports will
have to be considered but never to the detriment or damage of the trail itself.
Step Four: Define control points. Control points include the beginning and end of the trail,
interesting terrain features, or areas that should be avoided. A positive control point is one
created by placing the trail so it takes users to a desirable place such as a scenic overview or
optional trail feature that adds challenge or requires greater than normal skills or effort to
traverse. A negative control point is one that should be avoided such as a boggy area, site
boundary, or in this park, the large ponds in the middle of the park. Buffers can be used to
disguise or discourage access to protected areas. Buffers can be existing tree fall created by
moving limbs or vegetation to block access. There is no need for barricade-type buffers on a
trail that is designed and constructed such that it is more enjoyable for the user to stay on the
trail than it might be to leave it. Control points will be defined in greater detail once the
location of the trail corridor is determined. Every effort will be made to avoid negative
control points.
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 0
December 17, 2017 Page | 13
Step Five: Section Loop Concept. NO SECTION LOOP CONCEPT NEEDED.
Step Six: Plan contour route. The topographical map indicates at least 35 feet of elevation
change from just above the water level to the highest point in the proposed trail area. In
order to minimize or eliminate soil erosion, a primarily contour route will be used; however,
a contour route does not preclude elevation change. Climbing and descending are
accomplished by traversing slopes rather than following the fall line. Elevation changes
should be designed to not exceed 50% of the existing slope grade so as to not channel water
from its natural flow, which is straight downhill. Numerous grade reversals will also prevent
water from accumulating or flowing along the trail. A grade reversal is a change from
downhill to uphill over a short section of trail tread and will force water to flow off the
downhill edge of the trail. All trail tread should be bench-cut into the side of the existing hill
for the full width of the tread. This practice prevents trail creep and minimizes future
maintenance. With a flatter section of land, gradual slopes which follow the natural
elevations changes of the land, will be used over longer stretches. The trail, at almost all
times, will be an on very slight slope and be slightly pitched perpendicularly to the direction
of the trail. Pooling of water will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Step Seven: Determine flow. SASCA envisions a narrow corridor with long runs and wide
turns. Some sections may be more tight and twisty, especially in the heavily wooded areas.
This will change the riding pace through the course from fast on the straights to slow with
obstacles and tight turns. The flow essentially will follow the natural flow of the land,
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making the trail neither especially easier nor more difficult than what the land provides
naturally.
Step Eight: Establish the corridor. This will entail marking a potential trail with marker flags
and ribbon, measuring slopes, evaluating the course, and identifying control points that may
call for re-routing the initially conceived route. The trail design should adhere to IMBA’s
five main points for designing and constructing sustainable trails. These main points are
explained in more detail later in this report under the “Erosion Control Measures” heading.
The initial marking of the trail is done with marker flags or ribbon placed in or near the
presumed center of the trail tread, at close enough intervals so that the general direction of
the trail is evident. This might be 30’ or more apart.
Step Ten: Construction plan. Once the final route is designed and approved by the
city/commission, a construction plan will be developed identify areas needing bench cuts,
specialized turning features, or erosion control structures and include a time frame for
construction.
Step Eleven: Flag the final approved alignment and confirm permission to begin
construction.
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Construction Process
The construction process will begin with a full thaw of all trail land and a proper drying out
period. This can occur as early as March or as late as June. The assumption is the land would
be ready for work on or around May 15th.
Organizing of building teams. Building teams would consist of able-bodied people,
generally aged 18 and older, no adult approval needed for the volunteering. A typical group
would consist of a trail blazer in the front, marking exact locations for digging with
temporary flags as little as a few feet apart. The blazer may work on secondary clearing of
small live and dead obstructions before the diggers come through. The diggers would be the
people with McLeods and Pulaskis, rakes and tampers, exposing the bare ground by
removing any grass, duff, leaves, semi composted tree waste and wood, and creating the first
actual line of travel. The trailing diggers will work more on leveling the exposed dirt and
tamp any loosened soils. The trailer will lag behind, working with a clinometer or the like,
filling in low spots and making final considerations for creation of drainage culverts
perpendicular to low spots to insure no puddling on the trail. Sometimes the trailer will even
follow back and forth with a bike to be sure the trail is riding correctly. The typical building
team will consist of a minimum of 5 people and up to 10. Groups should change jobs or
positions in the line. Generally, the blazer will be a leader and more knowledgeable of proper
final line of a trail and may not move around as much.
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Special teams. To involve as much of the bicycling community in this volunteer project,
youth groups, high school clubs or teams, town organizations and general public will be
invited to take part. Youth groups, people under 18, will be divided into groups by age and be
given much shorter work times and easier conditions in which to dig. The experience of
building trail will be much more important for the youth volunteers than the actual yards
completed. The inclusion of different groups will foster a greater public ownership and
excitement for the final product.
Construction would begin with a general cleaning of the ground 18” on either side of the
center line of the trail. The general cleaning would be the removal of downed trees and
branches, piles of brush, other natural and dead material. No live branches, brush, saplings
nor undergrowth would be removed in this step. This work would prepare a suitable path for
work to be done on the exact trail.
Building Sequence. The building of the trail, while logically built from the start to the finish
may not be the course of action taken. Based on weather, manual labor on site, time and
general conditions of the land, sections may be selected for building around the entire loop
with sections being connected over a period of time. An example might be selecting a wide
open area in a wooded section when less or no digging is needed. This might be a section
worked on by a youth group or worked on during a hot spell when heavy digging and minor
bench cutting may be too rigorous. Work following wet weather may be better pointed in the
direction of open prairie areas where the moist and looser soils will respond better to clearing
narrow trail of grass roots.
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Natural Materials. Sections of trail may need to be enhanced with natural materials to better
define the trail in certain sections. This may be apparent in more open wooded areas with
little or no underbrush. Natural materials would consist of larger downed logs, branches and
even whole trunks of dead trees. Reid Park is well endowed with rock naturally occurring
and remnants man-placed when the land was a farm. These obstructions may be left in place
to add to the technical challenge or removed and replaced in a better location for the same
reason. Any once-living natural materials would be used with the understanding that they
will naturally decay and at some point be replaced or removed with no replacement. Over
years, with riders staying on specific trails, growth will be impeded close to or on the trail
while undergrowth on the forest floor will slowly fill in naturally on either side of the trail.
Technical Additions. During the trail building process, natural materials may be used for
creating safer traverses through potentially wet areas, more technical challenges for the rider
or detours to allow for alternate challenges for the rider. After the original trail is completed,
teams may be created to make important low bridges over wetter areas, or exposed rooted
areas near important trees. Some technical additions may be placed in areas just for the
enhancement for the rider. These additions would be made from natural but not necessarily
naturally occurring materials. Consideration would be made to insure no chemical treated
wood or concrete would be used over natural stone. These structures would be unassuming,
camouflaged with natural color and be fully movable and removable if and when necessary
(no concreted footings, etc).
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Removals. While building trail, care will be taken to remove ANY AND ALL garbage,
trash, non-naturally occurring waste or dumped material. The volume of this waste will be
recorded by volume for city staff to be made aware of quantity. Local nursery specialists will
be called upon to train teams to look for non-native and invasive species of trees, bushes, and
vines to be removed as completely and safely as possible.
Enhancements. Trail markings and a central trail map will be proposed at some point at or
near the main trial head for the park.
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Projected Design/Construction Timeline
Upon approval of this proposal by the City Council, SASCA anticipates that the build phase could
be completed within 3 – 4 months of start. Delays in the start date, lower volunteer rates and
weather could push the completion into the next spring/summer season.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________________
Matt Lehmann, SASCA Board Member
SASCA Trail Building Sub-committee
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SASCA Trail Building Committee Contact list
Matt Lehmann (Stillwater resident)
218 Maple St. West
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-387-8508 (C)
mattlehmann218@gmail.com
Calvin Jones (Stillwater resident)
954 Northland Court
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-472-7187 (C)
stillwatermtb@gmail.com
Citizen Representative
Bob Berkowitz, 11063 11th Street North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
SASCA Board of Directors list
Calvin Jones, Chairman since 2014
Mike Noer, Board Member since 2014
Mark Trumper, Board Member since 2014
Mike Lyner, Board Member since 2014
Matt Lehmann, Board Member since 2017
Kelli Roddy, Board Member since 2017
Daniel Ruh, Board Member since 2017
Hank Gray, Board Member Emeritus since 2018
On-Line Info at www.sascatrails.com
Maprika www.maprika.com (free software and app)
Reid Park Property View
Reid Park Proposed Trail Rev. A (coming soon)
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ADDENDA
Full Property Map showing elevation lines
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Detailed Trail Proposed Layout
STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 17, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 7
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Capital Improvements – Demontreville and Tablyn Park
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
Based off the scheduled capital improvements the Planning and Public Works department would like to begin
procedure of executing the outlined improvements for Demontreville and Tablyn Park.
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
Demontreville Park
For 2018 improvements Demontreville Park has grading, fencing, and tipped backstop additions. The dollar amount
which has been set aside for these improvements are $75,000. Staff will be reaching out to an individual who has
expressed interest in the park as well as investigating the stipulations with Fields for Kids, a possible grant
opportunity.
Tablyn Park
The Tablyn Park improvements consist of adding lighting to the parking area/sliding hill to increase safety, at a cost
of $55,000. There has also been the consideration of removing the basketball court. Is this something the commission
would like to provide an opinion on? Perhaps this determination should be based upon the condition of the court and
readdressed when time comes to either repair or remove.
All of the improvements in this report have been scheduled for 2018
FISCAL IMPACT:
Demontreville improvements $75,000
Tablyn Improvements $55,000
TOTAL $130,000
OPTIONS:
1) Recommend proceeding with the improvements
2) Proceed with one Park and not the other.
3) Do not proceed with the improvements
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff would recommend allowing implementation of the park improvements.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Demontreville Park CIP
• Tablyn Park CIP
Capital Improvement P lan -2018 -202 2
City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Proj ect # PR-003
P roj ect Na m e De m ontr eville P a rk Improvem en ts
D escri ption I
Add ition of a fi e ld a t Demontrevi ll e Park
Cost estimates :
201 8 :
201 8 thru 2 0 22
Depart ment Parks and Recreat ion
Cont act City Admi nistrator
Type Im provement
Usefu l L ife 25 years
Category Park Improvements
Prior ity 2 Very Im portant
Statu s Active
Total Project Cost : $75,000
$75,0 00 for new fi e ld a n d regradin g/updating current babseba ll fi eld and fe nc ing/t ipped backstop
Jus ti ficati on I
Feedback fr om res idents d uring 201 3 Park Surv ey, park commissio n si te visits and Mahto medi Baseball Assoc iati on
Exp enditur es 20 18 201 9 2020 202 1 2022 Tot a l
Co ns tru ction/Ma in te nance 75,000 75,000
Tot a l 75,000 75 ,000
F unding Sources 20 18 201 9 2020 202 1 20 22 Tot a l
P a rk Dedicati on Fund 75,000 75 ,000
T o t a l 75 ,000 75,000
B udget Impact/Other I
Mah to medi Baseball Association has been helpin g w ith some ma intenance and ind icated th ey would be will ing to help with mai nta inng the
add ito na l fi eld
Produced Using lh e Plan -fl Capilal Planning Software Page 32 11wrsday. December 2 1. 2017
Capital Improvement Plan -2018 -2022
City of Lake Elmo, M inn esota
P roject# PR-008
P roject Name Tab lyn P ark Improvements
D escription
Improvements include:
20 18:
I
2018 thru 2022
Department Parks and Recreat ion
Con tact C ity Administrator
Type Im provement
Usefu l L ife
Categor y Park Improvements
Pr iority I Cri tical
Status Ac t ive
Total P roj ect Cost: $ I 00,000
add iti onal lightin g at top of hill a nd improvement to p ark in g area(removal of basketball court?) to address safety co ncern s
20 19:
skati ng r inkimprovemen ts
Ju stification I
W inter themed park. Used heavi ly in winter fo r s leddin g. Lighting and parking im provements needed to address safety concerns re lated to
s ledding area.
Expenditu r es 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Tota l
Constru ction/Maintenance 55,000 55,00 0
Equip/Vehicles/Furnishings 45,000 45,000
Total 55 ,000 45,000 100,000
Funding Sources 20 18 2019 2020 202 1 2022 Tota l
Pa rk Ded icatio n Fund 55,000 45,000 100,000
Total 55,000 45,000 100,000
I B"dget lmpaot/Othec
Produced Using th e Plan-It Cap ital Planning Sojiware Pa ge 37 Thursday. December 21 , 2017