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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-25 Parks Commission Meeting PacketParks Commission Meeting 3880 Laverne Avenue North December 15, 2025 6:30 p.m. AGENDA Call To Order Pledge Of Allegiance Approve Agenda Approval Of Minutes Parks Commission Meeting Minutes OCTOBER 2025 _ CITY OF LAKE ELMO PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF NOVEMBER 2025 _ CITY OF LAKE ELMO PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF Public Comment 76 Acres And Boulevard Tree Program Update COMMISSION MEMO -76 ACRES AND BOULEVARD TREE PROGRAM UPDATE.PDF PRESENTATION -SPORTS COMPLEX AND TREE PROGRAM.PDF Pickleball Noise PICKLEBALL NOISE BARRIER.PDF Communications/Updates Adjourn Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in Partnership with our Community. 1. 2. 3. 4. a. Documents: 5. 6. Documents: 7. Documents: 8. 9. Parks Commission Meeting3880 Laverne Avenue NorthDecember 15, 20256:30 p.m.AGENDACall To OrderPledge Of AllegianceApprove AgendaApproval Of MinutesParks Commission Meeting MinutesOCTOBER 2025 _ CITY OF LAKE ELMO PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDFNOVEMBER 2025 _ CITY OF LAKE ELMO PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDFPublic Comment76 Acres And Boulevard Tree Program UpdateCOMMISSION MEMO -76 ACRES AND BOULEVARD TREE PROGRAM UPDATE.PDFPRESENTATION -SPORTS COMPLEX AND TREE PROGRAM.PDFPickleball Noise PICKLEBALL NOISE BARRIER.PDFCommunications/UpdatesAdjournOur Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in Partnership with our Community. 1.2.3.4.a.Documents:5.6.Documents:7.Documents:8.9. City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes 20 October 2025 Members Present: Chair Hank Hoelscher, Vice Chair Ellen Esch, Commissioners; Pat Barrett, Giovanni Bloyer, Peter Kastler, Tracy Petersen and Tammy Sturtz Absent: None Staff Present: Public Works Assistant Director Adam Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30PM. Approval of Meeting Minutes: 16 June 2025 Park Commission meeting minutes; Correction, Commissioner Barrett was present; Motion approved 6-0 21 July 2025 Park Commission meeting; Motion approved 6-0 18 August 2025 Park Commission meeting minutes; Motion approved 6-0 Ridge Park Concept Design Goal is to improve the park and playground to best fit the communities’ growing needs. Survey conducted with three communities; Ridge Pine, Torre Pines, Parkview Estates regarding the use of amenities at Ridge Park. Including playground, walking paths, ballfield, pavilion structure/shade structure, additional amenities requested in the survey were pickleball, basketball and tennis courts. Concept A: includes soccer field, baseball field, full basketball court (possible lining on the court for pickleball), playground, parking, shelter, asphalt path, gravel trail, mowed trail and Auto Access off Inwood Ave. Concept B: Above listed but No auto access off of Inwood Ave, more interior parking spaces and larger walking trail. Public comments: Mr. Warman: 1668 Ivory Ave North – Concerns; pickleball court noise and Inwood Ave access. Does not believe the paved path would be a benefit. Baseball field would be moved too close to homes causing possible damage to homes. Scheduling of baseball field will need to be considered. Mr. Bert Schnieder: Lives behind proposed soccer field - Field and park is often muddy and unused. Concerned about noise and privacy. Traffic is becoming dangerous, leaving Inwood as it is now, increased traffic will only be cause for more concern. Mr. Eric Bandi, 1694 Ivory Ave North - Agrees with previous comments on noise. Traffic is a constant noise, can hear the gun club as well. Adding to the noise floor will only degrade living in the neighborhood. Suggested a larger scale survey be taken for a more accurate poll. Additional discussion between Councilmembers. Hoelscher requests the residents send emails to him with ideas, concerns and suggestions on the Park Ridge design. Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends Donation The Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends has offered to donate several items to the pickleball courts in Pebble Park. Jenifer Watters recently reached out to the city with a suggestion to donate several items handmade by members of the pickleball club. The items include two wooden benches, paddle rack, drink rack and a portable fence to divide the north and south courts. Public Works staff recommendation is not to accept donations because these items are not permanent and would need upkeep. The group is allowed to utilize the items but would need to be removed after they play. Bloyer motioned to accept the paddle rack and drink holder and reject the other and have give comments to the donors. Hoelscher seconded the motion. Discussions held regarding all options. Primary motion passed 4-3. Graff Family Park Bench Donation at Sunfish Lake Graff Family has offered to donate $1650 to be used for community improvement within Sunfish Lake Park. Lina Kirst recently reached out to the city with the interest of donate money for the purchase of a park bench to be placed in Sunfish Lake Park near the entrance of the bike trail. Sturtz motioned to accept the bench from the Graff family, not exceed $1650, and be placed in sunfish Lake Park. Esch seconded the motion. Motion Passed 6-0 Lions Park Future Amenities City Council has directed the parks commission to explore alternative to full playground set replacements in neighborhood parks, encouraging the inclusion of unique or diverse amenities in their place. Public Works Interim Director Swanepoel gave a review of future plans and cost. Discussion and Questions held regarding all options. No formal recommendations given. Communications New Website Park Page New information/contacts added to the website. Swanepoel gave a brief overview of the site. Sunfish Lake Park Buckthorn Removal Update Tony - 5050 Kirkwood, responsible for the nature center. Tony gave an overview of the buckthorn removal phases and the progress. Communications: A)Pickleball noise and solutions to be implemented by spring B)Reservation Policy for Parks C)Review Carriage Station D)Portable bathrooms removed for winter season E)Tennis nets removed for winter season Sturtz motioned to adjourn the meeting; Barrett provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Esch adjourned the meeting Respectfully Submitted Angie Gruber - Administrative Assistant, PW/F City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes 17 November 2025 Members Present: Chair Hank Hoelscher, Vice Chair Ellen Esch, Commissioners; Pat Barrett, Giovanni Bloyer, Peter Kastler, Tracy Petersen and Tammy Sturtz Absent: None Staff Present: Public Works Assistant Director Adam Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30PM. Meeting Agenda – Approved 6-0 Parks Reservations Current use policy serves fields, courts and shelters. Prices vary on each reservation for residents and nonresidents. Deposits are refundable if property is cleaned up after the event and no damage. Field lights are subject to a nonrefundable fee. No money is gained for the city through these fees. Proposed changes presented. A new online reservation system will begin 13 Jan through the Lake Elmo website. Discussions held regarding proposed changes. Ecsh recommended motion to the city council on the park reservations policy as presented by staff with the additional changes relative to volleyball, courts, non-refundability of deposits, deposits for park shelters/pavilions, and daily fee for ballfields. Kastler seconded the motion. Discussion on the Motion. Motion passed 6-0 Parks Work Plan Reivew 2026 Strategic work plan, overall goals are to ensure parks and trail systems are maintained and constructed, provide property amenities that will attract more use of public land, create a safe environment for all parks, preserve the character of open space in new developments. A)Planning project and development – longer projects B)Maintenance and refurbishing – ongoing needs assessment C)Park Incentives – establishes way in which the staff can maintain and project future needs D)Finance – Year budget and recreational funds Discussion and questions held on the work plan. Barrett motioned to approve above plan with amendments to be moved to the City Council. Bloyer seconded the motion. Discussion on the motion. Petersen requested the 2025 list of accomplishments for the December meeting. Primary Motion 6-0 Communication & Updates a)PW staff working on ice Rink, pleasure rink will be added 2025/2026 b)Schiltgen Park benches, tables and kiosk added Esch adjourned the meeting Respectfully Submitted, Angie Gruber - Administrative Assistant, PW/F STAFF REPORT DATE: 12/15/2025 Regular Agenda TO: Lake Elmo Parks Commission FROM: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director AGENDA ITEM: 76 Acres Park & Boulevard Tree Program Update REVIEWED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Public Works Director (Interim) CORE STRATEGIES: ☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☒ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☒ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: 76-Acres Park The City purchased 76 acres south of Sunfish Lake Park for a sports complex. The Parks System Plan mentions that the city does not have enough competitive recreational fields for the growing population. Since the adoption of the plan, Community Development has talked to neighboring cities about their challenges and opportunities developing sports complexes and talked to local sports associations about their needs and capacity. A timeline was shared with the Council, that will be amended as decisions are made. The next steps should include the level of community planning and engagement and a financial analysis for implementation and long-term maintenance. This will include a master plan that considers uses that are not sports related and will be include in the City’s National Community Survey. Next Steps January – Start selection of a consultant that specializes in comprehensive sports complex planning, financial analysis, and advisory services. June – Complete planning and present a preliminary report August – Provide final report November – Create preliminary designs and have a funding/phasing plan for the project which may include phasing Boulevard Tree Program The Boulevard Tree Program and Tree Fund were approved at the November 5 Council Meeting The City received a $50,000 payment from Greater Stillwater Schools for tree mitigation when the new elementary school was approved. The purpose of the program is to provide tree replacement within city rights-of-way. Trees must be placed in the boulevard right-of-way in established neighborhoods. (A subdivision’s two-year warranty period must be completed and closed out by the City.) Process 1. Resident completes an online form a. Selects from a list of trees b. Name, Address, Phone, Email c. Must agree to water the tree 2. HKGi with Public Works ensure that the sites do not have utility conflicts 3. Trees are planted once a year depending on funding. (A waitlist will be created if there are not enough trees) 4. Trees are planted by a nursery/landscape company with HKGi monitoring the program 5. Trees come with a watering bag that the residents are responsible for filling 6. HKGI completes an inspection to ensure the work is done correctly Eligibility Am I eligible to receive a tree? The main criteria to qualify are 1) the tree must be on public land in the boulevard, 2) spacing must be adequate between existing trees, and 3) the spacing between utilities must meet engineering requirements. The requirements are included on the website. 4) The subdivision must be beyond the two-year warranty period. Is there a cost for the residents? There is no cost but residents that receive a tree can donate to the Tree Fund to ensure that other residents get a tree. What happens if a tree dies or if there are residents’ concerns post-install? Trees do not have a warranty. The tree health is the responsibility of the resident. What level of care is expected from residents (e.g., watering, avoiding damage), and how is that communicated? The resident receives a how-to-care for the tree document, which will be on our website. Next Steps • Finalizing the process with HKGi • Open and advertise the program in February • Plant trees in May ISSUE BEFORE COMMISSION: The item is an update to the Commission ATTACHMENTS: Sports Complex 76 Acres Parks Commission| December 15, 2025 Background •The City purchased 76 acres south of Sunfish Lake Park for a sports complex. The Parks System Plan mentions that the city does not have enough competitive recreational fields for the growing population. •Since the adoption of the plan, Community Development has talked to neighboring cities about their challenges and opportunities developing sports complexes and talked to local sports associations about their needs and capacity. A timeline was shared with the Council, that will be amended as decisions are made. •The next steps should include the level of community planning and engagement and a financial analysis for implementation and long-term maintenance. Possible Layout and Cost •Based on initial input, the complex could include 4-5 softball/baseball fields, 4 soccer/multipurpose fields with lights and artificial turf. Other features to support this build-out would be concessions, bathrooms, storage building(s), and parking. The site would need to be graded, and stormwater reuse ponds would need to be included. •Maple Grove recently built separate baseball and soccer complexes and each cost over $10 million dollars. •The project as discussed would cost between $20-25 million. If the Council considers a referendum, the deadlines are below. •August 1, 2028 for the November 7, 2028 election. September Meeting •Start planning, community engagement, and financial planning in 2026. This will include a master plan that considers uses that are not sports related •National Community Survey: Will include the project Next Steps January – Start selection of a consultant that specializes in comprehensive sports complex planning, financial analysis, and advisory services. June – Complete planning and present a preliminary report August – Provide final report November – Create preliminary designs and have a funding/phasing plan for the project which may include phasing Boulevard Tree Program Parks Commission| December 15, 2025 Background •The Boulevard Tree Program and Tree Fund were approved at the November 5 Council Meeting •The City received a $50,000 payment from Greater Stillwater Schools for tree mitigation when the new elementary school was approved. The purpose of the program is to provide tree replacement within city rights -of-way. Trees must be placed in the boulevard right-of-way in established neighborhoods. (A subdivision’s two-year warranty period must be completed and closed out by the City.) Process 1. Resident completes an online form a. Selects from a list of trees b. Name, Address, Phone, Email c. Must agree to water the tree 2. HKGi with Public Works ensure that the sites do not have utility conflicts 3. Trees are planted once a year depending on funding. (A waitlist will be created if there are not enough trees) 4. Trees are planted by a nursery/landscape company with HKGi monitoring the program 5. Trees come with a watering bag that the residents are responsible for filling 6. HKGI completes an inspection to ensure the work is done correctly Eligibility Am I eligible to receive a tree? The main criteria to qualify are: 1 ) the tree must be on public land in the boulevard, 2 ) spacing must be adequate between existing trees, 3 ) the spacing between utilities must meet engineering requirements. The requirements are included on the website. 4 ) The subdivision must be beyond the two-year warranty period. Is there a cost for the residents? There is no cost but residents that receive a tree can donate to the Tree Fund to ensure that other residents get a tree. What happens if a tree dies or if there are residents’ concerns post-install? Trees do not have a warranty. The tree health is the responsibility of the resident. What level of care is expected from residents (e.g., watering, avoiding damage), and how is that communicated? The resident receives a how-to -care for the tree document, which will be on our website. Next Steps •Finalizing the process with HKGi •Create marketing materials and website page •Open and advertise the program in February •Close the request window by March •Determine eligible sites •Plant trees in May STAFF REPORT DATE:12/15/2025 Regular TO: PARKS COMMISSION FROM: Assistant Public Works Director – Adam Swanepoel AGENDA ITEM: Pickleball Sound Barriers CORE STRATEGIES: ☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☒ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: On September 2, 2025, the City Council reviewed the Parks Commission’s recommendations regarding pickleball noise concerns at Pebble Park. Following this review, the Council directed staff to reduce playing hours to 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., discontinue the use of court lighting, remove the rebound wall, and identify and present potential sound-mitigation measures for further consideration. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Would the Parks Commission like to recommend one of the sound barrier options to City Council for installation at Pebble Park? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: City staff met with Midwest Fence, a contractor that has previously completed successful projects for the City, including the installation of the dog park fencing. Staff discussed the scope and design needs of the proposed pickleball fence project, focusing on durability, noise mitigation options, and consistency with existing park infrastructure. Midwest Fence advised that the existing fence structure would not withstand wind loads if a sound barrier were installed due to the added weight of the material. They further informed staff that a new fence with deeper footings and additional cross members would be necessary to safely support any sound-mitigation system and ensure long-term stability. Midwest Fence Provided a quote to remove and install a new fence on two sides of the court. Fencing for this area would cost approximately $30,000. Installation of the Acousti Fence would cost and additional $60,000. Soundblock Acoustic Fence Panels is a similar product that would cost about $25,000. Installation of this product would need to be done by a private contractor or public works staff. E-noise Control is another option for sound barrier made 1” thick VCP faced quilted fiberglass. Cost of this product is $41,000. Installation of this product would need to be done by a private contractor or public works staff. Sport Sound Guard is an additional product that provides noise reduction for pickleball courts. Purchase cost is approximately $35,000. Installation of this product would need to be done by a private contractor or public works staff. Another recommendation by City Council was the installation go additional landscaping around the courts as a sound barrier. Staff is currently working with the city landscape architect to design and provide options for tree or shrub installation around the fencing to assist in sound mitigation of this court. FISCAL IMPACT: Total cost of the project could range from $55,000 -$100,000 depending on product type and installation costs. Cost associated with this project would come from the Parks Dedication Fund. RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to recommend to city council the purchase and installation a new fence and Sport Sound Guard at Pebble Park for sound mitigation.”