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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.23.2019 Parks Commission Agenda NOTICE OF MEETING City of Lake Elmo Park Commission 3880 Laverne Avenue North January 23, 2019 6:30 PM AGENDA 1.Call to Order 2.Swear in new Commissioners 3.Select a Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks Commission 4.Approve Agenda 5.Approve Minutes a)December 17, 2018 6.Review Sunfish Lake Park Mountain Bike Proposal 7.February 2019 Meeting Agenda 8.Communication 9. 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 December 17, 2018 Members Present: Commissioners Ames, Frick, Mayek, Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Olinger, Steele, Weeks and Zeno Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Planner Prchal, Public Works Director Weldon The meeting was called to order by Chair Nelson at 6:30 PM. Approval of Agenda Frick made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Nuenfeldt. Motion passed. Approval of Minutes Frick made a motion to approve the September minutes as written, seconded by Zeno. Motion passed. Olinger made a motion to approve the October minutes as written, seconded by Weeks. Motion passed. Frick commented that she was absent from the November meeting. Nelson made a motion to approve the November minutes with the correction, seconded by Nuenfeldt. Motion passed. Central Greenway Trail Plan Conner from Washington County presented the Central Greenway Trail Master Plan and the process. He requested the Commission provide a recommendation or letter of support. Frick asked about the cost sharing between the City and the County. She also asked about who would be responsible for the construction of the bridge across Highway 36. Conner explained that the County requires a 50 percent cost share with the Cities. He explained that a lot of the paths are installed when road work is being done to reduce the cost of constructing the trails. He also explained that the bridge would be tied into the overall plan for the Highway 36 interchanges and that in the past the State has contributed to the construction since it is part of the State transportation system. Weeks asked about the trail crossing the railroad. Conner explained that since this is a Master Plan, the railroad does not want to commit to a plan until the trail will be constructed, so that is why it is left open-ended. Frick made a motion to approve the plan as presented, seconded by Olinger. Motion passed. Parks Work Plan for 2019 Prchal explained the items on the Parks Work Plan. Weldon spoke about getting City water out to Pebble Park at some point in the future. Currently the well at Pebble Park needs to be tested monthly. He asked that the Parks Commission consider running the connection this year. Running water further into the park and sealing the well could be done in the future. Prchal said there is some money still available for this in the budget. Frick made a motion for Pebble Park to install a 4 inch water service at the time of road construction and look into sealing the existing well at an approximate cost of $20,000, seconded by Zeno. Motion passed. Nelson made a motion to approve the 2019 Parks Work Plan, seconded by Weeks. Motion passed. January 2019 Agenda Select Chair and Vice Chair Communications Zeno asked about the progress of Lion’s Park regarding the Pickleball court and if the grading was completed. Weldon explained that with the early onset of cold weather they could have installed temporary pavement. The opted to wait to keep the drainage and base that were installed and not void the warranty on the hockey boards. The final grading and paving will be completed when the paving of the road is completed in the spring. There will not be a hockey rink for the winter, but there will be a skating area once the weather cooperates. There is not a rink attendant but there is a functional restroom. Frick commented about the good work of the Friends of Sunfish Lake Park buckthorn removal at Sunfish Lake Park. Frick asked if the piles of brush would be removed and who was responsible. Weldon explained that Public Works was removing the piles as time permits. Nelson asked about the sign that was removed from one of the parks. Weldon explained that it was removed from the Tana Ridge Park due to a resident complaint about visibility. The sign was saved when it was removed and if it is in good condition will be reinstalled. New signs will also be added to the new parks and to Lions Park, that sign was not salvageable. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Tanya Nuss STAFF REPORT DATE: 01/23/2019 REGULAR TO: Parks Commission FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner AGENDA ITEM: Mountain Bike Trials within Sunfish Lake Park REVIEWED BY: Ken Roberts, Planning Director BACKGROUND: The City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission and City Council approved a Capital Improvement expenditure of $120,000 for the development of mountain bike trials in Sunfish Lake Park. Staff was then directed through the 2019 parks work plan to further explore trail development and gather information on what it would mean to build the trails. While the City was reviewing the trail design for Reid Park, a trail consultant (Trail Source) was used to provide a draft trail plan for Sunfish Park in conjunction with the Reid Park project. ISSUE BEFORE THE PARKS COMMISSION: Which of the routes would the Parks Commission regarding the proposed mountain bike trail map for Sunfish Lake Park? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: At this point of the trail development, staff would like to know if the Commission has comments about the size/length of the trail(s), location, etc. Staff has been working off of the map that had initially been provided by Trail Source. Since then Staff has met with MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) to go over the proposed design. This was done because there were certain sections of the trail that should be re-routed to avoid trail crossover conflicts and staff wanted an educated opinion on the re-routes. MORC provided some comments on how the trail should be adjusted so there would be less cross over with existing trails and to lessen erosion. At this point the trail layout needs to be looked at with a degree of flexibility. There will be situations where the trail will need to be redirected to go around a wet spot or perhaps mature trees to avoid damaging such natural features. This means the final trail might have larger curves or maybe a tighter curve in certain spots. The intent for this review is to establish if there is consensus on the scale of trail through the park. Going forward, staff will be communicating with the Minnesota Land Trust about the trail design as they have a degree of influence over the park through a conservation easement. Such as the design and review of potential impacts. If possible, staff will bring their comments as well as more specific technical information to the next Park Commission meeting. This information will include as maintenance costs, expected level of maintenance and trail development costs. Aspects of the Trial: Number of Bike/Walking Trail Crossings 38 - Route 1 has 19 crossings - Route 2 has 19 crossings Estimated Trail Length 8 – 9 Miles - As of now the budget would only allow for one of the two sections to be built. Route 1 is around 5 miles and route 2 is around 4 miles. Staff believes there are opportunities to redesign the trail and reduce the number of crossings without substantially adjusting the design or reworking walking trails. 2 Staff also would like to encourage readers to follow the links below, which are videos of established Minnesota Mountain Bike Trails in Minnesota. Staff expects the Sunfish Trails to be similar to what is shown in the videos. Lebanon Hills – Egan MN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QopWLljmSg8&t=170s Cuyuna – Ironton MN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DOvDS1PD0o Carver Lake – Woodbury MN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CE5WK4QjGs&t=202s Impact on surrounding properties: The park does not boarder a large number of residential properties. The majority of the homes are located to the North/ North East of the park with the rest being farm land or larger residential properties. The majority of the trail is kept internal to the site and Staff believes it would be difficult to see the proposed trail from the edges of the park. Staff does not anticipate mountain bikers would cause more of a nuisance than other users within the park. There is an established park entrance with a parking lot which is where we would expect users of the park to enter the park. Staff does expect the trail to receive active use and at this time believes the parking lot to be adequate for users. Impact to other users: With the added amenity of mountain bike trails, it is anticipated that the number of users in the park will increase. With the user type expected to vary, the majority of the proposed trail is designed to mitigate the speed at which a bike will cross a walking path. The design of the trail is predominately located in areas which do not have an established use, thus not now actively used. It is important that the park be a safe and useful amenity for all residents and visitors. Where crossings are going to occur they will be established in a way that will force bike riders to slow there speed to safely cross the walking trail. Clearing brush near the trail crossings would also be a method to help establish better visibility around each trail intersection. Signage: Where intersections occur, trails would be marked displaying the direction of travel and expectations. The City should expect to put up signage warning walkers and bikers of the crossings. There can also be signage placed at the entrance to further inform users of expectations as well as conditions of trails after rain events. Such as: “Riders must wait 2 hours after a rain event before trail use” and “Be good stewards remove all trash”. FISCAL IMPACT: There is $120,000 reserved for the development of mountain bike trails throughout the park. At this time staff does not have more specific information about the project costs to bring forward. OPTIONS: Staff is requesting that the Parks Commission review and comment on the draft trail design. The Parks Commission may: 1. Recommend approve the trail as it has been presented; 2. Direct Staff to amend the trail design; 3. Recommend denial of the development of the mountain bike trail(s) throughout the park; or RECOMMENDATION: At this time Staff believes that Route number 1 would be the best option for the park. “Recommend approval of the proposed Route one mountain bike trail design for Sunfish Lake Park as presented.” ATTACHMENTS: • Draft Trail Map. • Other Mountain Bike Trail Examples. Sunfish Lake Park Trail ³ 0 0.05 0.10.025 Miles ¯ Route Options: 1 2 Sugg ested Trail Remo vals Existin g Tra il 0 1,000500Feet Battle Creek Mountain Bike Trails Legend park boundary single track double track paved bike trails roads ¯ Cuyuna Country StateRecreation Area Map Includes Cuyuna Country Mountain Bikeand Cuyuna Lakes State Trails Inset C Inset A Mahnomen Unit Portsmouth Unit More About Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area... Abandoned by mining companies more than 30 years ago, this area of former mining pits and rock-deposit stockpiles now boasts 5,000 acres of regenerated vegetation. The area offers a variety of recreation opportunities including biking (both paved and mountain bike trails), snowmobiling, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife-watching, scuba diving, camping and more. The Cuyuna Country mountain bike trails are a 27-mile long mountain bike trail system, covering nearly 800 acres from Yawkey Mine Lake, on the east, to Huntington Mine Lake on the west. From the campground, bike east to the Croft Mine Historic Site and Yawkey Mine Lake, or go west over the channel between Mahnomen and Pennington Mine Lakes up to the Miner’s Mountain Overlook and Huntington Mine Lake. (on reverse) (Portsmouth Unit) (Yawkey Unit) Cuyuna Overview Recreation Area Winter Use: p Areas Plowed – Miner’s Mountain Rally Center, Croft Trailhead, Sagamore Trailhead, Yawkey Road and Yurt parking. Permited Uses: p Fat biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing no set tracks), hiking and snowmobiling (see mndnr.gov/snowmobiling for more information). Winter Regulations: p Fat Biking - tires must be at least 3.7” wide. p Do not ride on soft or wet trails. p See park website for regulation details. Prohibited Uses: p Activities which damage the groomed trail, no restrictions on Cuyuna Lakes State Trail. State park rules still apply. p No pets allowed on trails, except on Cuyuna Lakes State Trail. p Foot travel, except as permitted. When rain results in wet or soft trail conditions, the trails will be immediately closed to all users until conditions improve. Please contact the park office for up-to-date information. In addition to 27 miles of natural shoreline, six mine lakes connect to create 267 acres of continuous water surface; perfect for exploring by boat or canoe. Anglers can cast a line for trout (with a trout stamp), northern, bass, crappie or sunfish. Due to the clarity and depth of the lakes, hey are requented by scuba divers for ecreation and training. The underwater errain includes sheer walls and flat terraces, characteristic of the mine roads, railroads and other remnants of the mining industry. t f r t Packed Winter Trails (approximately 40 miles) - See park website for regulation details Single track 2’ wide - approximately 25 miles - Mahnomen Unit, Portsmouth Unit & Yawkey Unit Allowed uses – fat biking, snowshoeing and ungroomed cross country skiing Double track 4’ wide – approximately 8 miles – Sagamore Unit Allowed uses – fat biking, snowshoeing and ungroomed cross country skiing Quad track 8’ wide – approximately 7 miles – Cuyuna Lakes State Trail Allowed uses – fat biking, snowshoeing, ungroomed cross country skiing and hiking Inset D Yawkey Unit Inset E Sagamore Unit - Summer Hiking allowed on all trails, except winter note: all trails are two-way For more information: Getting there:DNR Information Center 307 3rd Street 500 Lafayette Road Ironton, MN 56455 St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 Phone: 218-546-5926 Phone: 651-296-6157 Toll free: 888-MINNDNR GPS coordinates - office (in lat/long)TTY: 651-296-5484 N 46° 28.723’Toll free: 888-657-3929 W 93° 58.597’ Email: info.dnr@state.mn.us GPS coordinates - Miner’s Mountain Rally Center (in lat/long) N 46° 29.06’ W 93° 59.563’ mndnr.gov/state_parks/cuyuna_country West Trailhead PFCA HKmpw Johnny Cake Ridge Rd Galaxie Ave Skills Park 218 217 245 244 240 225 227 206 214 216 213 233 219 221 212 238 243 228 237 223 215 220 224 208 211 201 210 236 226 202 200 246 242 241 222 230 232 234 205 204 209 231 229 235 207 239 203 Advanced Ski Skating 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 Kilometers 0 0.1 0.2 Miles Mountain Bikingm Easiest More Difficult Very Difficult Extremely Difficult Mountain Bike Easiest More Difficult Very Difficult Extremely Difficult Mountain Bike Galaxie Trailhead Cmpw Difficulty Trail Head Trail HeadYou are here Single -track trails are designed to have water run across them rather than down the trail, thereby reducing erosion. Riding on wet trails creates ruts causing water to run down and collect on the trail hindering the sustainability of the trail. The trail will be posted closed during extended wet conditions. At other times, please allow the trail to dry before use. This trail is the result of a successful partnership between the City of Woodbury, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC). MORC is a non- profit organization with more than 900 mountain bike members, dedicated to gaining and maintaining sustainable natural- surfaced recreational trails throughout the state. MORC volun- teers designed and completed construction of the trail, and those same volunteers continue to care for and maintain it, in coopera- tion with the City of Woodbury. MORC thanks the city for this opportunity to create a valuable and lasting recreational resource for the city’s residents and guests. During Wet Conditions TRAIL CLOSED Legend Off-Road Paved Soft-surface Stairs Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. or as scheduled for event Picnic shelter use requires permit Trash and recycling must be deposited in designated containers Pets must be on leash and pet waste must be picked up Tobacco use is prohibited Glass containers are prohibited No motorized vehicles on grass or trails On paved trails, Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians For Facility Information or Maintenance Needs: Contact City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation (651) 714-3583 or visit www.ci.woodbury.mn.us FOR EMERGENCIES OR TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:DIAL 911 Welcome This Trail Built and Maintained with the Help ofMORC Trail Conditions, Trail Work Schedules and more at: www.morcmtb.org Picnic Shelter Play Equipment Volleyball Court Archery Swimming Beach Restrooms / Park Building Parking EXIT Trail Length is Approximately 5.25 Miles Carver Lake Single-Track Trail Design City of WoodburyCarver Lake Park Off-Road Cycling Trail The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport’s access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA’s mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible. 1. RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY. 2. LEAVE NO TRACE. 3. CONTROL YOUR BICYCLE. 4. ALWAYS YIELD TRAIL. 5. NEVER SCARE ANIMALS. 6. PLAN AHEAD. Keep the trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. Trail open for off-road cycling, trail running, hiking and snowshoeing. Hikers and trail runners yield to cyclists by stepping off trail. Cyclists announce approach to hikers and other cyclists. Helmets required for off-road cycling. Do not modify the trail or trail features. Leave no trace - RIDE ON DESIGNATED TRAILS ONLY. Please refer to www.imba.com for a more complete description of the rules of the trail. IMBA Rules of the Trail Prohibited Uses: p Off-highway vehicles. p Remote camping. p Mountain bike trails close to all uses during rain. Do not ride or hike on soft or wet trails. p Consuming or displaying intoxicating liquors. p Driving your boat at speeds greater than 10 mph. p Building or maintaining a fire except in a fire ring at the Portsmouth Campground. p Target and trap shooting. p Horse riding on the mountain bike trail. p Pets must be personally attended to at all times. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet in length. p Any activity that damages the trails by foot or bike. Mountain Bike Safety Tips:p Always keep your speed at a level that will allow There are inherent risks to mountain biking, ride at your full control.own risk.p Parents, watch children at all times. p Test the fit and function of your equipment before each ride. p Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. p Wear bright colored clothing so others can see you. p Obey all rules and signs. p Ride with a friend to promote fun and safety. p Always yield the trail. Let others know you are coming. p Be aware of your surroundings and other trail users. p Ride to your ability and in control at all times. p Do not ride on soft or wet trails. p Ride open trails only.©Aaron W. Hautala Open daily from 8 am to 10 pm Mountain bike trail closures will be posted on the CCSRA website and at obvious locations in the field. Park Facilities and Features: p 33 Campsites (18 electric) p 1 Group camp p 3 Yurts p Designated trout lakes p Scuba diving opportunities p Mountain bike trails p Groomed fat tire bike trails in winter p Cuyuna Lakes State Trail – 6.7 miles paved p Historic Croft Mine Emergency Response: p GPS location markers are shown on this map and placed in the field. p If you have an emergency, call 911, and provide the dispatcher with the following: - Description of the emergency. - Numbers on the nearest emergency location marker. - Name of the trail you are on. Caution: p Mountain bike trails include loose and slippery surfaces. Proceed carefully as rocks and trees frequently fall, and are commonly encountered on the mountain bike trails. Extreme caution should be used on the mountain bike trails at all times! p There is no such thing as “safe ice,” and ice seldomly freezes uniformly.