HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.16.2018 Parks Commission Agenda PacketNOTICE OF MEETING
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission
3800 Laverne Avenue North
April 16, 2018 6:30 PM
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Approve Agenda
3.Approve Minutes
a)March 19, 2018
4.Presentation from Consultant on Parks Chapter of Comprehensive Plan
5.Tennis Camp Proposal
6.Demontreville Ball Field
7.Sign for Sally Manzara Nature Center at Sunfish
8.May 21, 2018 Meeting Agenda
a)2019-2023 CIP
b)Wildflower Neighborhood comments
9.Communications
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
March 19, 2018
Members Present: Commissioners Ames, Frick, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Steele, Weeks, Zeno
Members Absent: Commissioners Mayek, Olinger
Staff Present: Public Works Director Weldon, City Planner Prchal
The meeting was called to order by Chair Nelson at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Frick made a motion to add Public Comment to the agenda after the Approval of Minutes.
Ames seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Frick to approve the February minutes, seconded by Zeno. Motion passed, Ames
abstained.
Public Comment
Ruth Holler, 11404 Blazing Star Lane, requested that a park is established within the Wildflower
and Preserve neighborhood. She stated there are many children within the
neighborhoods. She would like to see it on an agenda in the near future since
there is land set aside for the park.
Select Chair and Vice Chair
Handt explained that the vote at the previous meeting was done by secret ballot, which is not
an allowed voting mechanism. As a public body, the public has the right to know
how the commission members vote.
Weeks nominated Nelson as chair, Ames seconded the motion. Nuenfeldt nominated Frick as
chair, Ames seconded the motion. Frick nominated Steele, he declined the
nomination. Both Frick and Nelson accepted the nomination. Four members
voted for Nelson: Ames, Nelson, Weeks, Zeno.
Weeks nominated Frick for vice chair Nuenfeldt seconded. Six members voted for Frick: Ames,
Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Steele, Weeks, Zeno.
Presentation - Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
Manzara gave a brief update on the progress made at the Nature Center and what the next
steps will be in the near future. Including an update on the sign is being dictated
by the County. The goal is to be open on June 2, 2018, with updates coming to
the City Administrator.
Lions Park – Tennis Court Removal
Weldon – Capital Improvement Project - Engineering is having a difficult time with proper
drainage for storm water in the area since it is very flat along Layton and 36th St.
One feasible option would be to run storm pipe along the northern edge of Lions
Park. If that is done, we would be looking at removing and replacing the
playground, removal of the tennis court and possible the sand volleyball court. It
is advantageous for the City to keep the pipe on City property instead of going to
the north any further where the City would need to require easements on
private property. This could be an opportunity to convert the court to a
combined Pickleball courts and Hockey rink. The cost to convert these is
approximately $125,000. The City is looking for direction on if the Commission
would prefer installing the Pickleball courts now or reinstalling the existing
Tennis courts if they are removed for the pipes. It is contingent on the approval
of Phase IV redevelopment by the City Council.
Questions and concerns about overall park planning were mentioned. Discussion around use of
courts, dual use of lighting, additional ideas for park planning.
Pat Barrett, 9692 57th St N. She has contacted the City Administrator and Commission
members about installing Pickleball courts or restriping the existing courts in one
of the parks. She plays four days a week and wanted the Commission to know it
is the fastest growing sport.
Steele made a motion to remove the playground equipment to be reinstalled later and to
remove the tennis courts and replace them with hockey boards and 3 or 4
Pickleball courts for the installation of the storm sewer pipe along the north
portion of Lions Park. Motion seconded by Ames. Motion passed.
Tennis Camp Proposal
Prchal stated that the City was approached with a public/private partnership concept by Alex
Krol, the owner of Minnesota Tennis Camps. Krol is proposing the tennis camp
would run Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and last for 12
weeks during the summer.
The proposal states that 18% of earnings before expenses would be paid to the City. With the
partnership contract the City would have limited involvement, advertising for the
camp through Facebook and the Fresh and allow usage of the tennis courts agreed
upon. Staff believes this would be a good opportunity for the City to earn funds
to reinvest in the parks.
There was discussion around using all courts for private not public use. Nuenfeldt’s suggestion
was to leave at least one court in each park open for public use. There was
discussion about profit sharing numbers with the Tennis camp, regarding
percentage and whether it would be profitable compared to the additional wear
on the park. Ames added that it could be a positive to increase appropriate use
of parks that are known to have inappropriate activity.
Steele made a motion to approve staff to continue to work with Alex Krol regarding a tennis
camp, seconded by Zeno. Motion passed.
Adopt-A-Park
Weldon said the Adopt-a-Park program would be a two-year term when a group signs up.
There have been three groups that have already approached the City with
interest in this program. The group would have to sign a waiver to not hold the
City responsible for any injury that may occur during cleanup.
George Johnson, 3070 Lake Elmo Ave. He just retired and would like to remove Buckthorn at
Sunfish Lake Park. He also said he would be willing to go to organizations after
he begins working and discuss his experience.
Steele made a motion to approve the Adopt-a-Park program, seconded by Ames. Motion
passed.
April Meeting Agenda
Demontreville Park
Design for the 45th Parallel
Trail Connectivity Guidelines
Lions Park Water Management Update
Reid Park Update
Staff Reports and Commission Update
Communications
Prchal gave an update on Central Greenway. The County created a Pop-Up Event to capture
Nordic skiers’ opinions. They also had a Community Advisory Panel meeting.
SASCA proposal will be going to the April 3 Council Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tanya Nuss
STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 16, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 5
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Tennis Camp
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
The City of Lake Elmo has been approached by Alex Krol a member of the Professional Tennis Registry
and certified tennis instructor. Alex is also the owner of Minnesota Tennis Camps and has approached
the City with the idea of a public/private partnership. After discussing the proposal at the March 19th
2018 Parks Commission meeting staff was able to incorporate comments from that meeting into the
proposal.
PROPOSAL:
The City would allow Alex Krol to host a tennis camp in one or more of the Lake Elmo parks. Some of the
more important details of the camp are outlined below.
- The camp would run from 12 – 5 PM
- The camp would be located at Pebble Park with Alex having the right to use 2 of the 3 courts from
12 – 5. The possibility to expand into Tablyn may be discussed further if there is a need.
- The City would accept 21% before expenses are accounted for
- Alex must submit to the City background checks for all instructors that will be affiliated with the
camp in Lake Elmo
- The City would be placed on the Minnesota Tennis Camps insurance policy
The City would allow the tennis camp to have our public courts reserved for specific times during the day
throughout the summer. Alex is proposing that the hours of the camp range from 12:00 to 5:00 PM with
children 10 and over practicing for 5 hours and children 9 and under practicing for 3 hours. The camp will
run Monday through Friday and last for 12 weeks during the summer. City involvement is intended to be
very limited, and advertising by the city would be done through the Fresh, City Facebook page, or newsletter
if timing allows.
Impact to Users:
The courts would be reserved to facilitate the needs of the camp form the currently proposed hours of
12:00 - 5:00 PM. It is possible that residents would like to use the courts at that time. Though, keep in
mind that there are several locations for users to play. Such as Tablyn, Pebble, and Oak Land Park Jr. High.
However, the school courts do have a restriction on them. Fortunately staff had a chance to speak with the
Schools Manager of facilities/Site operations and they indicated that residents could not use the courts when
school activities were being held. This could include a physical education course or school tennis practice.
Though, school activities would take up far less time on the courts during the summer. Currently there is
a 3M tennis group that will be reserving those courts starting at 5:00 PM for 3 nights a week. As stated
before Alex is proposing that it run for 5 days a week. If the commission finds the number of days to be
too intrusive we can reduce the number.
Parks Commission
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be some cost as the City will need to consult the City attorney regarding the contract. After
communication with the City’s insurance provider, they indicate that rates would not change due to the
program.
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
How would the Parks Commission like to proceed with allowing the reservation of tennis courts for a tennis
camp?
- Allow the camp
- Not allow the camp
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff feels that this would be a good opportunity for the City to expand its parks program by providing an
opportunity for local youth to be involved in an activity while using Lake Elmo facilities. Staff also does
not necessarily see that there is a huge difference between this proposed use and how ball fields are used
for youth baseball. Also, the proposed contract would only be established to run for one year (season).
This way if there did happen to be issues the City could easily opt out or make the appropriate adjustments.
Staff is recommending approval of the proposal with amendments.
OPTIONS:
1) Recommend approval of proposed the tennis camp.
2) Recommend denial of the proposed tennis camp.
3) Recommend approval of tennis camp proposal with amendments.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Proposal
• Tennis Court Map
Proposal: Minnesota Tennis Camps Will Enter Into a Public/Private Partnership With
The City of Lake Elmo
Goal: To Run a Tennis Camp and Academy Monday Through Friday For The 12 Weeks of Summer
Camp/Academy Specifics:
-The tennis camp philosophy is to just introduce the child to tennis, teach them a few skills, but then
basically let them have fun. I call this the Fun In The Sun part of my tennis camp. Other parents are really
interested in teaching the rigor of tennis, having it technique focused and preparing the child for
competition. A child of any age or level can participate in this. This is the academy side of my camp.
- My program would run for 5 hours daily. I plan to have staggered start times to separate older and
younger children. The Academy portion of my program will run for 5 hours with the fun in the sun
campers leaving two hours earlier, only lasting for 3 hours.
-Both the tennis camp and academy will be run noon to 5 or noon to 3, as these hours are the least
utilized by other people for public use.
Philosophy: It is my belief that other camps often fail when they only base groups on age and skill level,
but don’t consider the goal of the parents and campers. Specifically, whether they just want to learn
tennis for recreation or for more serious competition.
Business Overview: Even though I hope Lake Elmo would help Minnesota Tennis Camps find clients,
Minnesota Tennis Camps already has a lot of clients in Mahtomedi and Woodbury, which are short
distances away from Lake Elmo. Many of these clients do not want to travel to St. Louis Park, where I
have a similar set up. It is my business philosophy that location is a huge factor when parents decide
upon summer camps. If Minnesota Tennis Camps can place a few strategic locations around the twin
cities, we will help parents get quality tennis training or just Fun In The Sun near them. Also, the type of
rigorous tennis training we will partake in, can only be found in tennis clubs or Lifetime Fitness centers.
It is our mission to bring this type of training to a public court near you, for a much more reasonable
price. Minnesota Tennis Camps also gives out scholarships based on financial need. This is something
that needs to be agreed to by both parties.
Business/Financial Specifics:
- Minnesota Tennis Camps would be an independent contractor of the City of Lake Elmo
- Minnesota Tennis Camps is responsible for registrations.
- Lake Elmo would take 21% of revenues before expenses are accounted for.
- Minnesota Tennis Camps would be responsible for providing instructors and equipment.
- Minnesota Tennis Camp would be responsible for providing background checks to the City for all
instructors affiliated with the camp in Lake Elmo.
- Minnesota Tennis Camps will place the City of Lake Elmo on the camps insurance plan.
- The City of Lake Elmo allows Minnesota Tennis Camps to use 2 of the 3 courts in Pebble Park.
Pricing:(Even though the cost of the camp may be a little more than what is done with park and rec
programs, it is about half the cost of a tennis club or a Lifetime Fitness. Remember this is every day 3 or
5 hours which is many more hours than a park and rec program.)
Fun In The Sun 5 hour camp: $50 per day $225 per week $2200 all 12 weeks of summer
Fun In The Sun 3 hour camp: $40 per day $180 per week $1900 all 12 weeks of summer
Academy 5 hour camp: $65 per day $275 per week $2500 all 12 weeks of summer
Academy 3 hour camp: $50 per day $225 per week $2200 all 12 weeks of summer
For more specifics on Minnesota Tennis Camps please go to Minnesotatenniscamps.com or just call me
at 952-688-2945.
As I mentioned, I currently work with the City of St. Louis Park in a similar partnership. Please contact
Jim Lombardi there at 952-924-2538 with any questions.
One more note: If things go well with the junior program, I would be open to also starting an adult
program as well.
I hope this will be a good partnership for both parties involved!
Thanks,
Alexander Krol
Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan Part 2-13 March 2008
Pebble Park
Pebble Park, located on the west city line, was once a 3M gravel pit. The rim of the pit offers an
unpaved parking area nestled among a playground, tennis courts, and a basketball court. The bottom
of the pit is now a ball field. The south and northeast ends of the park features a rolling wooded
terrain with sets of easily accessible trails.
Classification: Neighborhood Park
Location: 8160 Lake Jane Trail North
Size: 17 acres
Natural Features Passive Uses Active Uses Other Facilities
natural parkland
natural resource area
picnicking
trails - walking,
jogging
playground
lighted tennis courts
basketball court
softball field
sliding hill
trails - mountain bike
off-street parking
restrooms - portable
water fountain
Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan Part 2-19 March 2008
Tablyn Park
At Tablyn Park, located along a gully, high ground features a paved parking area and tennis courts
with a connecting paved trail. The trail leads one on a gentle switchback past the tennis courts down
to the gully. Here the trail passes by a picnic area, a playground and the softball field. A wooden
stairway connects the field with the parking area located at the top of the hill. In winter, one of Lake
Elmo’s most popular
sledding hills can be found
here.
Classification: Neighborhood Park
Location: 8735 Stillwater Boulevard North
Size: 8.6 acres
Natural Features Passive Uses Active Uses Other Facilities
picnicking
trails - walking,
jogging, biking
playground
tennis courts
basketball court
softball field
football/soccer field
sledding hill
off-street parking
grills
restrooms - portable
STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 16, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 6
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Baseball Field – Demontreville Park
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
The 2018 – 2022 Capital Improvement Plan for Demontreville Park states that $75,000 is reserved to add
a new field and to regrading/update the current baseball field while also adding fencing/tipped backstop.
Being that the Mahtomedi Baseball Association is the most frequent user of the park staff had reached out
to them for recommendations on dimensions for the new field. After a few conversations they indicated
that the park size is too restrictive to effectively put two fields in the park. They further elaborated that if
two fields were to be used for games or practice the parking lot would quickly fill up. They have
provided drawings and dimensions which have been included into this report.
PROPOSAL:
Only one field will be located in the park, the association would like to rotate the field so that home plate
is closer to the parking lot. This provides easier access for parents to view the game as well as keep an eye
on the playground.
Dimensions and Items requested are as follows:
- 90’ sport lime field
- Base anchors at 60’, 65’, and 75’
- Backstop 20’ high w/6’ overhang
- 8’ infield fence extending 100’ from home plate
- Optional: 6’ fence extending 220’ from end of 8’ fence and continuing through the outfield
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
Does the Parks Commission have any comments relating to the field configuration or changes from the
original CIP?
FISCAL IMPACT:
$75,000 has been reserved for the construction of a new filed as well as the addition of fencing.
RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF COMMENTS:
Considering that Mahtomedi Baseball uses the field the most, from a staff perspective, it seems to make
sense to build off of their recommendations for the field. The new field would feature multiple “anchors”
to extend or shorten the baseline so that multiple age groups can use the field. Staff recommends approval
of the amendment.
Though the associations is suggesting that we rotate the field, rotating the field will increase the costs to
the city and possibly incur more than what has been budgeted. Staff does not disagree with the idea of only
one field at the park, but to save on funds it should remain in the same location.
OPTIONS:
1) Recommend denial of the amendment and develop a design to build as proposed on CIP
Parks Commission
Page 2
2) Recommend approval of the amendment to the CIP and build as proposed by the Mahtomedi
Baseball Association
ATTACHMENTS:
• New ball field configuration
• Demontreville Park 2018-2022 CIP
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TITLE:
SIZEB Job Name REV
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DemontrevilleField
Baseball
Baseline (chalk)
90’
20’ Backstop
w/ 6’ overhang Optional 8’ Fence8’ Fence
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
STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 16, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 7
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Sign for Sally Manzara Nature Center
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
Representatives of the Sally Manzara Nature Center reached out to City staff inquiring about adding
signage for their nature center. Staff recommend adding a third bar to the current entrance sign for
Sunfish instead of installing a new sign. Staff was able to find the manufacturer of the original signs and
put the two in touch to create a rendering for review. There were a few factors that played into this
recommendation. Staff took into considered that the organization has limited funding and this option
would be less costly than erecting a new sign, this also eliminates having multiple signs, and it would
maintain constancy.
PROPOSAL:
The nature center is requesting permission from the City to allow them to purchase a separate bar of their
own to add to the current Sunfish Lake Park sign. Does the Parks Commission have an issue or further
comment related to this proposal?
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is not expected to be a fiscal impact to the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff feels that it would be appropriate to allow the addition of a third bar to the current Sun Fish Lake sign
as it is an added amenity to the park and this will maintain consistency for signage. Staff is recommending
approval as shown in the included rendering.
OPTIONS:
1) Recommend approval of the additional bar.
2) Recommend denial of the additional bar.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Graphic of proposed sign.
Sally Manzara Nature Center