Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-25 Parks Commission Meeting Packet NOTICE OF MEETING City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission 3880 Laverne Avenue North April 21, 2025 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve Agenda 4. Approve Minutes a) March 17, 2025 5. Public Comment 6. Clear Lake Concept Plan 7. Bob and Holly Kress Donation 8. 2026-2035 Parks CIP 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 in Partnership with our Community. City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes March 17, 2025 Members Present: Commissioners Kastler, Barrett, Hoelscher, Sturtz and Esch Absent: Commissioner Elam Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30 PM. Approval of Agenda Agenda approved by consensus; no discussion. Approval of Minutes The January 22, 2025 Parks Commission Minutes were approved as presented by consensus, no discussion. The February 19, 2025 Parks Commission Minutes were approved by consensus with updates to note that Chair Hoelscher called the meeting to order and the first two motions were passed 5-0; no discussion. Public Comments Susan Dunn, 11018 Upper 33rd St. N., commented on a map received from the Washington Conservation District denoting critical habitat in the area, pickleball courts and additional parking in Pebble Park. Ms. Dunn also noted that Daughters of the American Revolution will be planting a tree again this year for Arbor Day. Chair Hoelscher requested that Ms. Dunn’s written comments be added as an official attachment to the meeting minutes. Inwood 8th Addition/Towns of Inwood Preliminary Plat and PUD Senior Planner Jensen presented the proposed plan from M/I Homes for development of roughly 19.3 acres into townhomes and apartments. Jensen noted that there are two city parks located less than one mile from the proposed development and it is not in the search area. The trail plan was also presented with staff recommendation to accept cash in lieu of parkland. Barrett motioned to recommend to the City Council approval of the Inwood 8th Addition/Towns of Inwood preliminary plat with the acceptance of cash in lieu of land based on the findings listed in the staff report. Kastler provided a second. Motion passed 5-0. Brief discussion held regarding using the cash for Ivywood Park improvements. Park Use Policy Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel reviewed the current park use policy and asked the Commission for input on potential updates to the policy. Commissioner Barrett presented information she gathered from neighboring communities regarding park use and fees charged. Commissioner Kastler proposed including a code of conduct for park users. Commissioner Esch expressed concern that the fees may discourage use of the parks and that groups who reserve park amenities use them as scheduled. Commissioner Kastler stated support for retaining fees for park use versus refunding the deposits currently held and reserving some amenities for user who do not have a reservation. There was some support for increasing the lighting fees. Commissioners agreed that the policy should be updated. Assistant Director Swanepoel indicated he would gather input and bring the topic back to a future meeting for further discussion. Communications a) Buckthorn removal at Sunfish Lake Park b) Dog park water turn on c) Spring park clean up d) Pickleball and volleyball net installation timing e) Park walk throughs f) Portable toilet delivery to parks Esch motioned to adjourn the meeting; Barrett provided a second. Motion passed 5-0. Hoelscher adjourned the meeting at 7:28 PM Respectfully Submitted Julie Johnson, City Clerk STAFF REPORT Parks Commission DATE: April 21st 2025 TO: Parks Commission FROM: Sophia Jensen, Senior City Planner AGENDA ITEM: Clear Lake Concept Plan – Twin Cities Land Development CORE STRATEGIES: ☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☒ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: The City has received a request from TCLD Land Holdings LLC for review of an open space planned unit development (OP-PUD) concept plan application. The proposal is for 22 single-family homes on roughly 61.4 acres (12.7 acres are within Clear Lake). The property is currently used for agricultural activities and was the location for the proposed Birth and Haven center. The proposed project would require approval of a PUD and plat. No development rights are granted at this stage. ISSUE BEFORE THE PARKS COMMISSION: The Parks Commission is being asked to review the concept to provide feedback on the proposal to meet the Park Land Dedication Requirements. GENERAL INFORMATION: • Property Owner: Minnesota OBGYN PLLC • Applicant: TCLD Land Holdings LLC (Twin Cities Land Development) • Parcels: 02.029.21.33.0001, 02.029.21.34.0003, and 02.029.21.31.0001 • Site Area: 61.4 Gross Acres (12.7 within Clear Lake) • Land Use Guidance: Rural Area Development (RAD) • Zoning: Agriculture (A) with a Shoreland Overlay • Surrounding Land Use: o North – Rural Residential (RR) o South – Clear Lake and Agricultural (A) o West - Keats Ave, Rural Residential (RR), Agricultural (A), and Residential Estate (RE) o East – Agricultural (A) PARKS PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: To satisfy park dedication requirements for land in a rural residential zoning district the City has three options: 1) Fee in Lieu of Land (an estimate using county records is ~$62,965) the actual fee will be determined once the development moves into the final plat stage and will be based on actual market value, or 2) 5% of the land area (~3.07 acres), or 3) A combination of both. 2 Open Space Planned Unit Developments have specific open space and trail requirements that must be met for this type of development. Currently, the developer is proposing to meet or exceed the open space, buffer, and trail requirements within the proposed development. Comprehensive Plan – Parks. Chapter 6 Parks, Trails & Open Space has area and site-specific recommendations that should influence the recommendation of the Parks Commission. Findings: 1. The plan identifies the property is within a park search area. 2. The property is roughly one mile from one neighborhood park (Kleis Park) 3. The open space development will have larger lots and at least 50% open space for the residents to recreate within and view. Amenities such as trails or benches in the required open space could take advantage of the site’s topography and natural features by creating passive recreation opportunities. 4. A park of this size would not add a significant benefit to the existing park system in relationship to the long-term maintenance costs. For this reasons, the City has not required parkland dedication for similar developments in unsewered areas. Comprehensive Plan - Trails. Chapter 6 Parks, Trails & Open Space has area and site-specific recommendations that should influence the recommendation of the Parks Commission. Findings: 1. The plan identifies that the property is not within a search corridor. 2. With the prior Birth and Haven proposal, public comment indicated a lack of trail connectivity and safety on this section of roadway for pedestrians and bikers. 3. City Staff have determined a road separated trail along Keats Ave is needed to start building out a trail system in this area. OPTIONS: 3 The Commission may recommend to that: • The City accept cash in lieu of land; or • The City accept land in lieu of cash; or • The City accept a combination of both. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the following motion: “Move to recommend the acceptance of fee in lieu of land for the Clear Lake project with up to 25% park dedication credit for a trail along Keats Ave based on the findings listed in the staff report.” ATTACHMENT: 1. Application and Narrative 2. Site Plan Survey 3. Map 6-7. Search Areas for New Parks and Facilities (Comprehensive Plan) 4. Map 6-8. Future Trail Plan (Comprehensive Plan) STAFF REPORT DATE: 04/21/2025 Motion TO: Park Commission AGENDA ITEM: Bob and Holly Kress Donation SUBMITTED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director CORE STRATEGIES: ☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: The city has received a donation of $1,650 from Bob and Holly Kress, to be used for community improvement within Sunfish Lake Park. The Kress’s reached out to city staff requesting to place a park bench in Sunfish Lake Park near the lake. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Should the Parks Commission accept the donation of $1650 from Bob and Holly Kress? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Bob and Holly wish to donate $1650 to fund an upgraded park improvement in Sunfish Lake Park. It is requested the donation would help purchase a bench to be placed between markers #20 and #19 Parks Commissioners should consider the following when accepting donations: (1) Is the gift of lasting value to the community? (2) Does it create potential liability issues for the City? That is, will people walk on it, sit on it, or under it? Will construction be inspected, is construction up to current standards (ADA accessible, for example?) Are the materials used acceptable for public construction? (3) Will some member of the public find the item offensive; can it be construed as having a religious content, or offending members of a protected class? (4) What will the potential annual maintenance cost of the gifted object be? Do the costs outweigh the value of the gift? (5) Does the gift carry implied duties that the City must perform? What is the cost of performance of such duties? Does the cost exceed the value of the gift? (6) If costs, direct or indirect exceed the value of the gift; acceptance of the gift may still be warranted if a public purpose is being served and all understand the costs as well as the value of the gift. (7) Also, does the acceptance of the gift imply that the City will replace the gift when worn out, destroyed by vandals, etc? If the gift is found to be no longer of use in the future, may the City at that time, sell, dismantle or convert to another use? (8) All agreements, prohibitions, etc, with respect to the gift should be noted in the minutes or Memorandum of Agreement for future reference. FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed donation would be placed into the parks general maintenance fund for the purchase of a park bench. Bob and Holly have requested to have a bench purchased with a plaque that reads, “Relax to the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Bob & Holly Kress” OPTIONS: 1) Approve the donation from Bob and Holly Kress and recommend putting the donation towards the purchase of a bench to be placed in Sunfish Lake Park. 2) Do not accept the donation from the Bob and Holly Kress The Parks Commission should identify any agreements or exclusions related to the recommendation. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the following motion: “Move to recommend to the City Council to approve the donation from Bob and Holly Kress to purchase a bench, placard and installation materials not to exceed $1650 and to be placed in Sunfish Lake Park.” DONATION FORM FOR LAKE ELMO CITY PARKS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, MEMORIALS, TRIBUTES, WORKS OF ART (Including funding proposals for the above purposes) DONOR INFORMATION Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________ Hereby makes a proposal to fund and/or construct a Public Improvement Project, memorial, tribute, or work of art consisting of : The intended purpose of this donation is: Proposed location: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Donation subject to the following restriction (if any): Condition, Conservation and Maintenance Requirements: What type of materials will be used in the proposed Project? What is the intended life span of the Project? ____________________________________________________________________________________ What short and long-term maintenance may be required and what is the anticipated cost of such maintenance? The City of Lake Elmo will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the intended purpose of the donation but reserves the right to utilize, relocate and/or dispose of any item through donated funds as the City of Lake Elmo may deem fit. This agreement shall not take effect until the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has specifically accepted this donation. Donor: Date: ______________________________________ ________________________ Recommended: _____________________________________ ________________________ Department Head Date Accepted: _____________________________________ ________________________ City Administrator Date 0 0.250.125 Miles Restored Prairie Sunfish Lake Æü ¡© ¡o 2120 19 1817 15 16 13 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 11 1214 10 ¡_ ¡_ ) Sunfish Lake Park Water Wooded Area Open Field Private Property Landfill )You Are HereParkingÆüNature Center¡o Single Track Trail Head¡© ¡_Alternative Access Sin gle Tra ck Bike Trails Green Trail 1.2 Miles Black Trail 1.8 Miles Blue Trail 1.0 Miles Multi Use Trails Brown Trails 5.5 Miles aIntersect 21 Navigation AidIntersection Number City of Lake E lmo3880 Laverne Ave. N651-7 4 7-3 9 40www.lakeelm o.org Park Ho urs: Sunrise to 1/2 Hour After Sunset In Case of Emergency Call 91 1 STAFF REPORT DATE: 04/20/2025 MOTION TO: Parks Commission AGENDA ITEM: 2026-2035 Parks CIP SUBMITTED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director BACKGROUND: A Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, is a multi-year capital expenditure plan for a City’s infrastructure (such as streets, parks and utility systems), equipment and public buildings. The CIP identifies the major projects needed and desired by the community, their potential costs and how they would be financed. A project or purchase identified and budgeted through the CIP does not commit the City to that project. The City Council must specifically authorize each one and the associated funding for the expenditure before any project may proceed. When the CIP is reviewed (ideally annually, in conjunction with the budgeting process) projects may go forward as planned, advance ahead of schedule, be removed entirely, or new projects may be added. These adjustments are dependent upon changes in circumstances and priorities. The Minnesota Land Planning Act requires that the implementation plan portion of the Comprehensive Plan include a CIP for major infrastructure needs (transportation, wastewater, water supply, parks and open space) for a five-year time period. Cities often expand the scope of their CIPs to include other capital needs (major equipment replacements, for example) and sometimes look beyond the five-year time period, up to 20 years in the future for some projects. Such projects represent more of a “wish-list” that can be evaluated each time the plan is updated. As a part of the Comprehensive Plan, the CIP has some legal standing. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 473.865 provides that “a local governmental unit shall not adopt any official control or fiscal device which is in conflict with its comprehensive plan.” A fiscal device includes a budget or bond issue; so it is important that the plan and CIP be kept up to date and in synch with city budgets. The primary benefit of a CIP is as a financial planning tool, to help the City plan for the impact of capital needs on future budgets and property taxes, and to help forecast the need for borrowing to undertake major projects. The information developed as part of the capital planning process can help document the need for various projects and help the City Council sort out competing priorities. Lake Elmo’s CIP includes all capital projects that cost at least $25,000 and have a useful life span of five years or longer. ISSUE BEFORE COMMISSION: What park improvements would the Commission like recommend in the 2026-2035 CIP? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The following items carry over from the 2025-2034 CIP and address the next three years of CIP items: Dedication Funds Page 2 1. Central Greenway Regional Trail ($300,000) 2. Stonegate Park- Play equipment replacement 2027. (3) ($125,000) 3. Carraige Station- Play equipment replacement 2028. (3) ($250,000) 4. Ridge Park – Play equipment replacement 2026. (3) ($125,000) 5. Klies Playground Replacement 2025. (3) ($65,000) 6. Tablyn Park Play equipment replacement 2026 (3) $(95,000) 7. Lions Park Concession Building updates 2027. (3) ($275,000) 8. Lions Park Court Resurfacing 2026. (3) ($30,000) 9. Lions Park – Play equipment replacement 2026 (3) ($250,000) 10. Invasive Species Management (3) ($25,000) 11. 5 New Park Pavilions – over 5 years (3) ($400,000) Staff recommends adjusting and adding the following to the 2024-2033 CIP: 1. Dog Park parking lot and trail paving (2) ($50,000) 2. Limerick Village Area Park development (2) $400,000) 3. Increase funds for Lions Park Concession Building updates (2) $300,000 4. Remove outdoor fitness park PR-046 5. Ridge Park reconstruction (3) $325,000 Other Items? If there are other items that the Parks Commission would like to recommend be added or removed in the 2026-2035 CIP they should be identified at this time. The Commission should also assign a priority to each project, both new and existing based upon the following framework: 1. Critical or urgent, high-priority projects that should be done if at all possible; a special effort should be made to find sufficient funding for all of the projects in this group. 2. Very important, high-priority projects that should be done as funding becomes available. 3. Important and worthwhile projects if funding is available; may be deferred to a subsequent year. 4. Less important, low-priority projects; desirable but not essential. 5. Future Consideration. When determining a project, the Commission should keep in mind the requirements set out in the City Code. Section 154.15 (F) Park Dedication Fund (1) A cash contribution paid to the City shall be placed in a special fund. The money shall be used only for: (a) The acquisition and development or improvement of parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands or open space based on the approved park systems plan; (b) Redevelopment or rehabilitation of existing park facilities or sites; or (c) Debt service in connection with land previously acquired or improvements thereto previously constructed. (2) No funds shall be used for ongoing operation or maintenance of existing parks recreational facilities or sites or City vehicles. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Expected funds in 2025 • Highpointe Crossing - $119,000 • Prairie Skies – $105,000 • Roers - $380,000 TOTAL: $ 604,000 Park Dedication Fund Balance as of May 1st 2025 $3,093,418.78 (This does not include “Expected Funds”) Page 3 OPTIONS: 1.) Parks Commission can adjust, remove or identify additional projects to add to the 2026-2035 CIP. 2.) Recommend the CIP as proposed to City Council. RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to recommend the 2026-2035 Parks Capital Improvement Plan to City Council” ATTACHMENTS: • 2026-2035 Parks Capital Improvement Plan 2026 through 2035 Capital Improvement Plan Lake Elmo, MNProjects By Funding Source Summary Source Project #Priority 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Total Grants/Donation New or Refurbished Ballfields PR-017 1 1,000,000 1,000,000 Grants/Donation Total 1,000,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,000,000 Park Dedication Fund (404) Carriage Station Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-036 1 250,000 250,000 Central Greenway Regional Trail PR-069 1 520,000 520,000 Central Play Complex PR-048 1 300,000 300,000 Court Resurfacing PR-040 1 30,000 30,000 Court Resurfacing PR-050 1 30,000 30,000 Disk Golf PR-047 1 30,000 30,000 Elmo's Pup Park Parking Lot and Trail Paving 1 30,000 30,000 Hidden Knoll Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-034 1 125,000 125,000 Invasive Species Management PR-054 1 25,000 25,000 Lions Park Concession Building Updates PR-043 1 275,000 275,000 Lions Park Playground Equipment Replacement PR-039 1 250,000 250,000 Multisport Complex Amenities PR-053 1 1,000,000 1,000,000 New Park Pavilion PR-058 1 80,000 80,000 New Park Pavilion PR-055 1 80,000 80,000 New Park Pavilion PR-056 1 80,000 80,000 New Park Pavilion PR-057 1 80,000 80,000 New Park Pavilion PR-059 1 80,000 80,000 Outdoor Fitness Equipment PR-045 1 30,000 30,000 Outdoor Fitness Park PR-046 1 30,000 30,000 Park Sign Replacement PR-052 1 225,000 225,000 Produced Using Plan-It CIP Software Page 1 / 2 Reid Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-031 1 125,000 125,000 Ridge Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-032 1 125,000 125,000 Skate Park PR-044 1 150,000 150,000 Stonegate Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-030 1 125,000 125,000 Tablyn Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-029 1 210,000 210,000 Tana Ridge Park Play Equipment - Replacement PR-028 1 125,000 125,000 Trail Additions PR-038 1 78,000 78,000 Trail Connection PR-051 1 200,000 200,000 Park Dedication Fund (404) Total 858,000 480,000 850,000 1,790,000 460,000 0 125,000 125,000 0 0 4,688,000 Vehicle/Equip Trade-In PR1 - Chevy 2500 PR-001 1 15,000 15,000 PR2 - Kubota SUV PR-002 1 10,000 10,000 PR4 - John Deere Gator PR-004 1 10,000 10,000 Vehicle/Equip Trade-In Total 0 0 20,000 15,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 35,000 Vehicle Replacement Fund PR1 - Chevy 2500 PR-001 1 30,000 30,000 PR2 - Kubota SUV PR-002 1 25,000 25,000 PR4 - John Deere Gator PR-004 1 50,000 50,000 PR5 - Air Compressor PR-005 1 25,000 25,000 PR6 - Skid Loader PR-006 1 70,000 70,000 Vehicle Replacement Fund Total 70,000 0 75,000 30,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 0 200,000 GRAND TOTAL 1,928,000 480,000 945,000 1,835,000 460,000 0 150,000 125,000 0 0 5,923,000 Source Project #Priority 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Total Produced Using Plan-It CIP Software Page 2 / 2 User: Printed:04/16/2025 - 4:40PM NKraemer@lakeelmo.gov Summary Trial Balance General Ledger Period:01 to 04, 2025 Include:(ALL) Account From:404-000-0000-10100 Account To:404-000-0000-10100 Account Number Description Budget Amount Beginning Balance Debit This Period Credit This Period Ending Balance Park DedicationFund 404 ASSETS 0.00 3,110,118.78 16,700.00 3,093,418.78404-000-0000-10100 Cash 0.00 ASSETS Totals: 3,110,118.78 3,093,418.78 0.00 0.00 16,700.00 Fund 404 Totals: 0.00 16,700.00 0.00 3,110,118.78 3,093,418.78 Report Totals: 0.00 0.00 16,700.00 3,110,118.78 3,093,418.78 GL-Summary Trial Balance (4/16/2025 - 4:40 PM)Page 1