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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/95 Agenda & Packet ©oma OF 1117D3 Phone: (612) 784-3055 VV Fax: (612) 784-3462 "Quite Simply the Best" September 19, 1995 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: The September meeting will be held Thursday, September 28 at 6: 30 p.m. at City Hall Conference Room C. The agenda is enclosed. I ask that each of you stop by Hillview Park taking special observation of the area north of the hockey boards. I propose that the VB court, picnic tables, maple tree and grills be removed to provide space to enlarge the pleasure skating area. The rink would wrap around in a kidney shape. Hillview rink is a very popular one and additional space would be an asset. Read the enclosed memorandum for more information regarding this item. Take a look at the site and share your opinion at the meeting. • Athletic fields are transforming to soccer and football fields. Softball and baseball seasons are now over, even for the Fall leagues. If you are unable to attend the meeting please call me at 784- 0618 . Sincerely, Mary Saarion, Director Parks, Recreation & Forestry SOY INK_ 2401 Highway 10 • Mounds View, MN 55112-1499 o poo,recycieo paper Equal Opportunity Employer • MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA Thursday, September 28, 1995 6: 30 p.m. City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER 2 . ROLL CALL 3 . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4 . UPDATE ON PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 5. HILLVIEW PARK - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENLARGING THE PLEASURE SKATING RINK 6 . FALL PARK PROJECTS 0 7 . WOODCREST PARK RINK - OPEN OR CLOSE 8 . TREE DONATIONS RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS 9 . COOPERATIVE PROGRAM WITH D.A.R.E. FOR COMMUNITY BONFIRE EVENT OCTOBER 31 AT CITY HALL 10. LAKESIDE PARK CAPITAL NEEDS - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPENDING 11. ADJOURNMENT MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, August 24 , 1995 6: 30 p.m. City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Chair Burmeister called the meeting to order at 6: 30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commission members present included Chair Burmeister, Commissioners Dentz, Long, Silvis, Stevenson and Starr. Director Saarion was also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Silvis made a motion to approve the minutes of July 27 . Commissioner Dentz seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: Commissioners discussed ways that they could • advocate for the pedestrian bridge. Commissioner Stevenson requested staff to get ahold of the resolution that the Planning Commission wrote regarding the use of TIF. Commissioner Starr requested staff to see if discussion regarding the pedestrian bridge could be advertised on the message sign when it is scheduled for council discussions. The Commission also requested Director Saarion to write a letter on their behalf regarding support of the pedestrian bridge to be mailed to those that are known supporters, to keep them informed about the issue. Commissioners requested that they have the opportunity to sign the letter before it is sent out. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT & TREES AT SV: Director Saarion reported that the City Council approved both the replacement of infant swings in the parks as well as the entire plan of tree plantings at Silver View Park to be funded with contingency funds. Both projects will be completed this Fall . SUMMER PROGRAM REVIEW: Director Saarion informed the Commission that the • summer activity participation level had remained as high as ever. The options for summer playground program choices was well received. Festival and MVCT incomes from ads and contributions were yet incomplete. The MVCT had • fewer than anticipated house audiences which will reflect in the revenue. Athletic programs this year included facilitation of additional Fall baseball and fast pitch leagues. The swimming program went very well this year. The two swimming instructors were great and people really liked them. Lakeside Park swimming was good this year once the swimmers itch was dealt with - using double the dose and putting the crystals directly to the bottom of the lake. GROVELAND PARK ACQUISITION: The purchase agreement has been received by the City Attorney, has been reviewed by the City Administrator and has been forwarded to the Newton family' s attorney. We are just waiting for the signed copy. PARK PATROL: The park patrol continues to roam the City. Bill Bostrom has made a major effort to patrol the city and school parks and open spaces, and has been successful in informing people who are misusing City park facilities the rules and regulations. Director Saarion shared report sheets with the • Commission so that they could see what the Park Patrol has been doing this summer. PARK PROJECT REVIEW: Director Saarion informed the Commission that the youth ballfield next to City Hall will be reseeded. The drinking fountain at Oakwood has been installed. The slurry seal at Silver View Park has been scheduled for completion. COMMISSION SEAT: Chair Burmeister asked whether any applications have been received for a replacement Commissioner. Director Saarion. Saarion replied that several applications were sent out to those who had expressed interest, but none have been received to date. Commissioner Silvis asked for the renewal dates of Commissioners. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Long made a motion seconded by Commissioner Starr to adjourn the meeting. Motion was passed unanimously. • UPDATE ON THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Mary Malrick, who is a resident and proponent of the pedestrian bridge has been working as an advocate for the bridge. She has called me requesting information regarding funding options, safety issues regarding Highway 10, etc. I have forwarded her information as requested. I do not know whether or not the pedestrian bridge will be on the agenda for the October Work Session. I will advise Commissioners if it is as soon as I know. The budget information meeting scheduled for Monday, October 23 will be a time when public comment will be requested regarding the budget. This will be a crucial time for pedestrian bridge proponents to be present at the meeting to voice advocacy for funding the bridge. • 111 • RECOMMENDATION FOR ENLARGING THE PLEASURE RINK AT HILLVIEW PARK Hillview Park has the greatest numbers of skating participants of all the other rinks. The pleasure rink is quite small. To expand the rink we need to remove the VB court, picnic tables, grill and maple tree. The area would need to be leveled. A small berm would be made along the northern border of the park along the fence to prevent ice melt water to drain into the neighbor' s yard. This all could be done in-house this Fall without expending monies. The VB courts receive little if any use. Likewise the picnic tables and grill receive little use. They could be installed at Silver View instead where picnic table use is greatly used, and more tables and an extra grill would be an asset. The Maple tree could be transplanted elsewhere. The other benefit to this change would be the aesthetics of the park, looking from the homes across Long Lake Road would be improved. The VB court has weeds that grow because of lack of use. A green summer grassy area would be much more aesthetically pleasing that the weed infested VB court. Protective fencing would be necessary to guard the pleasure skaters from flying pucks when the kids use the side boards for cross-wise play. Changing rules of play, or installing fencing • would be necessary to ensure that pleasure skaters were safe from flying pucks. Please voice your thoughts regarding this option. • FALL PARK PROJECTS Steve and Jeff and I discuss park projects regularly. On the attached sheet I have written down the projects that have been discussed. It is anticipated that all these items will be able to be completed before snowfall - assuming that snow doesn't arrive unexpectedly early. If you have any questions about this list, or have other suggestions please share them with me at the meeting. The Hillview Park changes will be held until we meet at our regular Commission meeting on September 28, 1995. • FALL PARK PROJECTS 1. Spruce up Hillview Park to make the view from across Long Lake Road more aesthetically pleasing. Some ideas include: a. Paint the hockey boards. b. Repair the fencing and boards. c. Take out the VB court, picnic table, and grill . Level the area and seed. Perhaps the pleasure skating rink can be increased to extend in these areas. d. Take out the bushes at the corners of the playground. These always come back and become much too big and scraggly. I would like them removed altogether - roots and all . e. Spray paint the equipment storage closet housing the pitching machine - color: black - to make it 's appearance more aesthetic. f. Check the landscaping around the building making any fix-ups. g. Maybe the building needs a coat of paint to make it uniform in color - after all the grafitti done to it this Spring & Summer. h. The area by the side hockey board entrance needs to be fixed up to make it less of an eyesore. What could we do there to make it look better? 2 . Lambert Hockey rink boards also need to be painted. 3 . All the basketball nets need to be checked for replacement. Some of them are pretty ratty. 4 . A request has been made for adding 3-point lines at Silver View Park basketball court. Could this be done in-house? 5 . Silver View Park playground needs weed removal . In addition, the bush areas need to be tended to - making it more aesthetic. 6. Weeds at Greenfield Park need to be taken care of. The same areas of low traffic patterns seem to be the problem areas. 7 . Repair to the BBQ at City Hall Park still needs repair. I think that it should just be done in-house - chipping out the old mortor and resetting some bricks - even if the bricks are different, just to get it up to snuff. Maybe we should remove it completely? Is it working? 8 . Random Park sign needs to have a darker color for the letters, it cannot been seen by passer-bys. 9 . Playground inspections need to be done, repairs made and 410 inventory of needs for next year listed. Paint jobs, grafitti removal, etc. should be done as needed. • WOODCREST PARK RINK - OPEN OR CLOSE It is staff's recommendation that we do not open Woodcrest Park rink this winter, 1995-96. There was so little participation last year that it does not warrant the time and expense to establish, maintain and supervise a rink facility. Many times the rink was closed early due to lack of use. I believe that skaters are going to the Sunny Square Park rink located just south of Sunnyside School. While Woodcrest is the only location in Mounds View south of Highway 10 for a rink location, it has too poor soils to provide a good rink. The peat make heat boils that occur at random. The rink is never good and is in some instances dangerous because of its uneveness. In addition, Woodcrest Park building electrical furnace is old and is almost unrepairable - due to lack of parts. The building is not suitable for comfortable habitation in the winter time. I would like the Commission's direction regarding whether or not to have a rink at Woodcrest Park this winter. • • • TREE DONATIONS FOR THE PARKS / GOLF COURSE City Councilmember Quick suggested that an article be placed in the City Newsletter requesting tree donations by either transplanting or money contributions. Several calls have been received from persons requesting to donate a tree from their yards, to be transplanted in the parks. Forester Wriskey is asked to check out all requests to determine whether or not transplanting is an option. There are circumstances when trees cannot be transplanted including size, location to difficult areas, utility locations and species of tree. Already several trees donated by the Quicks have been transplanted to the golf course. There are two other residents whose trees will be transplanted to park locations or the golf course. Stakes for trees to be located at Silver View Park have been placed. The contracted tree planters are expected any time. Perhaps the trees will be planted by the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting date. • • COMMUNITY BONFIRE FALL FESTIVAL COOPERATIVE PROGRAM WITH D.A.R.E. & PARKS AND RECREATION As a cooperative venture Officer Tom Baumgart and I have been planning a Community Bonfire Fall Festival as a family activity on Halloween night, October 31. The idea is to provide safety information as well as games and activities at City Hall, in the soccer field area. A big bonfire will be the main attraction. Children will receive flyers from school inviting them accompanied by their parents. Hot dogs, chips and pop will be available for sale at a low cost. The event will be approximately 2 hours perhaps 6: 30 - 8 : 30 p.m. D.A.R.E. will have its name on the sponsorship to attract attention to the program. If you have any ideas or suggestions please share them at the meeting. REDEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN FOR GOODRICH GOLF COURSE A map showing the proposed layout of the golf course was distributed. Mr. Finley showed a preliminary schematic of the golf course and explained that the most significant changes are combining existing holes number 10 and 11 and developing a new hole number 15. Other changes emphasize safety and fairness of play from the forward tees. The bid opening for installation of an automatic irrigation system is scheduled for August 9, 2:00 p.m. There was discussion about a possible driving range on the Goodrich Triangle property. Mr. Mack said the current lease agreement with the city of Maplewood for this property expires in 1996. The master plan shows a future driving range with 35 to 40 stations. A facility of this scale could generate sufficient revenue to pay all of its capital and operational costs as well as be a source of funding for future improvements to the golf course. ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM (CORPORATE AND CIVIC GROUP ACTIVITY) Mr. Botzek reported that he, Chairman Nolan and Mr. Mack met with Darril Wegscheid, Meg McPherson and Jim Jensen of 3M on July 28, 1995, to discuss adoption of Battle Creek Regional Park by 3M. Mr. Jensen suggested that Ramsey County work with the various special interest groups within the 3M Employee Club. The 3M representatives made it clear that the 3M corporate office would not be involved in the partnership. Eastern Heights State Bank, which 3M owns, may be a source of funding. Mr. Mack will send follow-up letters to Mr. Wegscheid and Mr. Jensen. REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATION TO ESTABLISH BICYCLE LANES ON LARPENTEUR AVENUE BETWEEN DALE STREET AND EUSTIS STREET/T.H. 280 Mr. Mack gave an overview of the St. Paul Bicycle Advisory Board's (SPBAB) recommendation for development of signed and striped bicycle lanes on both sides of Larpenteur Avenue as part of the Ramsey County Public Works Department's road reconstruction project. Mr. Holmberg presented the map showing the bicycle routes the Commission previously agreed were important. The map does not include all segments advocated by the SPBAB. Chairman Nolan recommended referring this issue to the Commission's Bicycle Trail System Subcommittee. WILLOW LAKE NATURE PRESERVE SITE PLAN Mr. Mack introduced Ms. Dana Larsen, Nature Preserve Director for H.B. Fuller Company. Ms. Larsen distributed background information, site maps and the Willow Lake Nature Preserve Foundation Site Plan. She explained that in order to satisfy the objectives of both Ramsey County and H.B. Fuller, the Willow Lake Nature Preserve Foundation was established in the mid-1980's, and County and H.B. Fuller land were leased to the Foundation in 1994. The Foundation meets annually and Mr. Mack and Commissioner Dick Wedell represent Ramsey County. A total of 131 acres of land is currently under the Foundation's governance via the lease agreements with H.B. Fuller and Ramsey County. Since the 1980's, many improvements have been made to the Foundation's land. In 1981, a dike and control structure were built to stabilize the lake level. In 1982, and subsequently, the lake was stocked with bass, bluegill and muskie. Also in 1981, a lake aeration system was installed to avert winter fish kill. In 1993, the H.B. Fuller Company hired Ms. Larsen as Nature Preserve Director to oversee development and management of the preserve. She has since developed plans for interpretive improvements which will provide for the enjoyment of H.B. Fuller employees •and visitors, while offering opportunities for limited public access. 2 Improvements proposed by the Foundation over the next several years include: completion of a loop trail system around the entire lake perimeter, including a floating boardwalk through the south bay' of Willow Lake; two gazebos; re-establishment of native habitats; and development of wildlife interpretive facilities. In the future, a nature interpretive center will be developed as a component of the H.B. Fuller office complex. Access to the site is now limited to employees, their families and guests. Public access will be limited and controlled through the interpretive center. Chairman Nolan expressed concern about "limited" public access and suggested that this needs clearer definition in the future to insure that the public realizes an appropriate level of benefit from the project. Ms. Ford moved, seconded by Ms.Anderson, that the Commission recommend approval of the site plan for the Willow Lake Nature Preserve Foundation property. Further, that a commendation should be extended to H.B. Fuller Company for its leadership in preserving and managing valuable open space. Motion carried. Mr. Mack said the site plan should be advanced to the County Board in September. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Bids for the buildings at White Bear County Park and Snail Lake Regional Park will be opened August 9. Assuming favorable bids, construction can begin in early fall 1995. Mr. Mack said he met with neighbors of Battle Creek Regional Park regarding the mowing policy. A decision was made to resume mowing the area, based on the long-term historical practice. Mowing will occur on a less frequent basis and a trail access will be established. The encroachment policy will be presented to the County Board through the committee process. • REPORTS FROM CHAIRMAN AND OTHER COMMISSION MEMBERS None OTHER BUSINESS None ADJOURNMENT Upon appropriate motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Cheryl Myran UPCOMING PUBLIC WORKS/PARKS & RECREATION/ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETINGS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COURTHOUSE September 19, 1995, 1:15 p.m. October 3, 1995, 1:15 p.m. • 3 ;Senior program will get expanded p ed space New Brighton seeks congregate dining program for FSC by Jim Schwartz The New Brighton Cityanywhere from 150 to 200 seniors use FSC facilities gh Council agreed Aug. 22 to weekly. Many of them walk thei 4. spend S30,000 to remodel and furnish facilities at the , he said, while Family Service Center (FSC) for senior citizen �� work out during the day on the equipment and " •pm participate in card games and dances. That number is 12 The y council also agreed to try to entice the senior expected• C to increase if congregate dining is added to the congregate dining program to switch from Shoreview toId. New Brighton. Congregate dining, coordinated by "Having congregate dining in the community roan �nr School District 621 and funded by RamseyAction on a daily basis "'ally benefits the FSC by ensuring (�, Programs, 1 and 1 that this public facility is being used as much as possible Plans il m callprovidesfor weekday to senior citizens. during its open hours,"Fulton said in a memo to the feet reconfiguring just under 1,500 square council. city ;� i the FSCin or office suites an the second floor of To finance the improvements, the city will utili7p t4 rented to for sent est and Familyogram uses.The space is tiY reserve funds that once were targeted for a four-city 71 Services, which regional senior center. That proposal fell apart last year P i lease. has agreed to relinquish the space and renegotiate its when a possible building site in Fridley was opposed by `sod The space would become the base for the city neighbors and rejected by the Metropolitan Council. senior• o tY's New Brighton then offered a location at Rice Creek d pr grams. In addition to administrative offices, Shopping Center.But then two of the cities droppedilYa i facilities would include a social lounge and a meetingout n„ area. Other FSC facilities would be utilized for other Operating expenses e for a senior programtedat at the FSC, V •'senior program needs, includingincluding congregate dining, is estimated $85,600 a dances and card recreational exercise, year. "Of this cost, $54,940 is already budgeted and j • g provided for through existing fundingI 1 sources,"Fulton Available Oct 1 said in his memo. `"Therefore, the marginal costs of J The revamped space should be available to seniors enhancing our senior programming at the FSC would approximateby Oct. 1, City Manager Matt Fulton said during lastapproximate$27,060 . Tuesday's meeting. Congregate dining could be 1 relocated to New Brighton Officials also anticipate that the$10,000 annual loss by Jan. 1. from the NYFS lease would be replaced with fees from : Parks and Recreation Director Maury Anderson said senior programs. OBITUARIES Edward M. Ahlberg Phyllis Lanz Edward M. Ahlberg,age 66, Shoreview,died July31. y Services were held at First Lutheran Church of hite AnthonyServices Village, PhylliswreheldLa Aug(Koehler),age 63,b n: • _ _Bear Lake with burial at West Elbow Lake Lutheran McReavy N loge, were A 2 at the Washburn=: _ _ - .-_ vy Northeast Chapel 1111 RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA SEPTEMBER 19, 1995,2:00 P.M. RAMSEY COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE ROOM 250 COURTHOUSE 15 WEST KELLOGG BOULEVARD ST. PAUL,MINNESOTA CONFERENCE ROOM 1) CALL TO ORDER 2) APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 1995 4) COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING 1996 OPERATING BUDGET FOR PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (SEE ATTACHMENT FROM AUGUST 8, 1995, COMMISSION MEETING) 5) RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE REDEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN • FOR GOODRICH GOLF COURSE 6) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION TO ESTABLISH BICYCLE LANES ON LARPENTEUR AVENUE BETWEEN DALE STREET AND EUSTIS STREET/T.H. 280 7) UPDATE ON THE SNAIL LAKE REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE THE SUCKER/VADNAIS LAKES AREA 8) DIRECTOR'S REPORT 9) REPORTS FROM CHAIRMAN AND OTHER COMMISSION MEMBERS 10) OTHER BUSINESS 11) ADJOURNMENT AT 4:00 P.M. * * * COMMISSION MEMBERS * * * PLEASE CALL CHERYL MYRAN AT 777-1707, X 3307 • IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES' i AUGUST 8, 1995, 6:00 P.M. H.B.FULLER COMPANY 1200 WOLTERS BOULEVARD VADNAIS HEIGHTS,MN 55110 FISH BOWL CONFERENCE ROOM The regular meeting of the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Nolan at 6:00 p.m. in the Fish Bowl Conference Room at H.B. Fuller Company, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. Members Present: Marge Anderson, Gary Botzek, Lydia Crawford, Linda Ford, Janey Gohl, Mark Nolan and Al Singer Guest: Dana Larsen, H.B. Fuller Company Staff Present: Greg Mack, Kevin Finley, Larry Holmberg and Cheryl Myran • APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Nolan asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Botzek moved, seconded by Ms. Ford, that the agenda be approved. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Nolan asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Singer moved, seconded by Ms. Gohl, that the minutes of the July 11, 1995, meeting be approved as mailed. Motion carried. UPDATE ON ANNUAL REPORT PREPARATION Mr. Mack indicated that the deadline for submitting annual report documentation for the September 19, 1995, Public Works/Parks & Recreation/Environmental Services Committee is Friday, September 1, 1995. Chairman Nolan requested that all reports be submitted to him by August 25, 1995. 1996 OPERATING BUDGET FOR PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Mr. Mack presented an overview of the summary for the 1996 operating budget for the Parks and Recreation Department. A recommendation regarding the proposed 1996 operating budget will be • included on the September 19 Commission agenda. 1