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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMISSION_MINUTES_1987-09-24 (UNOFFICIAL) • f .. UNOFFICIAL MINUTES MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE III PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA September 24 , 1987 Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers 6 :30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by Chairperson Wayne Burmeister ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Silvis and Burmeister Commissioners absent: Rowley, Anderson, Starr, Daniels and Long Councilmembers present: Hankner, Quick and Wuori Staff present: Director Saarion, Administrative Asst. Linke • Visitors: Bob Carpenter - 2650 Lake Ct. Dr. Bob Wagner - 2590 Mounds View Dr. Glenda Meixell - 2458 Co. Rd. I Randy Miller - 7409 Parkview Dr. David & Sue Rademacher - 7421 Parkview Dr Steve & Carole Golden - 7417 Parkview Dr. Laurie & Ed Trettel - 7401 Parkview Dr. Mary Mitchell - 7429 Parkview Terr. John Larson - 2568 Mounds View Dr. Jim Smith - 7427 Parkview Terr. AGENDA ADDITIONS NONE CHAIRPERSON ' S REPORT Chairperson Burmeister had no report other than to state that clue to a lack of a quorum, the meeting would not be considered an official commission meeting but he would be happy to listen to the concerns of the residents in attendance. COUNCILMEMBER'S REPORT NONE RESIDENTS COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Bob Carpenter, President of the Silver • View Woods Homeowners Association asked if the pond at Silver View Park was scheduled to be treated. Councilmember Hankner stated that funds for cleaning the pond had not been allocated. -2- She added that the fertilizers from the surrounding homes had exacerbated the algae and weed problem in the pond. • Steve Golden asked what type of fertilizer is recommended for the lawns abutting the pond. Commissioner Silvis suggested a fertilizer not containing phospherous. Ed Trettel asked if the City was considering an ordinance controlling the use of fertilizers similar to that in Shoreview. Commissioner Silvis responded that the Commission had discussed it in the past but it had not gone any further. Councilmember Hankner stated that when the development was initiated, the area was intended as a natural wetlands and not intended to be a clean pond. Steve Golden asked about the cost to install aerators in the pond. Councilmember_ Hankner responded that the approximate cost would be $30 ,000. Mr. Golden asked about funding for cleaning the pond. Councilmember Hankner stated that there are some funds available in the Storm Water. Management fund but they are limited and that at this time the City is at its levy limit. • Several residents requested further information on wetlands and storm water management. Councilmember Hankner explained the storm sewer study, wetlands ordinance and storm water management. When asked about maintenance funds, both Councilmember Hankner and Quick responded that a park referendum had been initiated which would have provided a greater level of park maintenance, but it was defeated. David Rademacher was concerned with thin ice during the winter months in the NW edge of the pond and asked that a sign be put up indicating "Thin Ice" . Mary Saarion replied that "No Skating" signs had been posted on several ' occasions but were always missing soon after. Steve Golden asked if it was permitted to put out wood duck houses. Director Saarion stated that the Commission should be consulted before anything is placed on park property. • -3- Bob Carpenter asked about the progress in controlling the muskrats around the pond. Director Saarion stated that she had contacted the DNR and they had • confirmed that the muskrats were indeed causing damage to the banks at Silver • View Park. The DNR also stated that the muskrats carry two diseases that are harmful to pets. Because of the high cost of trappers, the Commission g PP decided to wait until autumn hunting untin 9 season to have the animal population thinned. Staff had contacted a licensed trapper and the muskrats will be trapped for pelts beginning in October. Residents once again expressed concern about the preservation of the wildlife and reiterated their concern about a path constructed on the park land abutting their property. Carole Golden stated that she had a map showing that a path would not beP laced around the entire pond. Councilmember Hankner stated that the original development maps did show a pathway around the entire pond. Director Saarion explained that the map that Mrs. Golden had was a conceptual park • plan map and that it was intended to be put into effect if the referendum had passed. Mrs. Golden asked why the map was used. Staff stated that she had talked to Mary Anderson Homes Sales Dept. and they acknowledged the use of the concept map. Mr. Golden stated that he had purchased his property on the information provided by the builder. He asked why a path could be installed when funds were not available for maintenance. Chairperson Burmeister responded that the Commission has an obligation to consider the concerns of the entire City. Carole Golden stated that the public does not walk on the existing path because it is poorly maintained. She added that asphalt would be fine. Director Saarion stated that because Phase II of %Silver View was not funded, an asphalt pathway was not feasible. Wood chips are used as park trails • throughout the United States. Wood chips make a natural looking path but are not intended for bikes and strollers. Carol Golden asked if the City would inform the citizens of the proper footwear for walking on the path. -4- Resident John Larson stated that lie would like to see the pathway completed around the entire pond as soon as possible. 111 ' When asked about the lack of access to the path from the street, Chairperson Burmeister responded that the contractor was unwilling to provide additional access. Steve Golden asked if the City would be willing to sell the property to the homeowners. Chairperson Burmeister said no. Commissioner Silvis stated that it was the City 's contention to have the responsibility for the land surrounding the pond. Director Saarion reviewed the process used for developing the policy for the use of park property abutting residential property. She also stated that Forester. Wriskey had contacted individuals regarding plantings along the park property behind the homes. Glenda hleixell stated that she enjoyed walking in Silver View Park and because the path does not continue around the • pond, she was not aware that it was park property. Even after she became aware of the ownership, she walked very close to the pond in order to avoid intruding on private property. Carole Golden suggested that plantings be put in before any work on a path is done. Director Saarion agreed that that would be a good idea. Steve Golden stated that misrepresent- ation was made by someone concerning the park development. Councilrnember Hankner read the minutes approving Phase I development of Silver View Park. She added that the sketches and minutes indicate a pathway around the entire pond. Residents expressed concerns about standing water, drainage, maintenance and costs of a pathway. Director Saarion stated that the Park and Rec. Department is also concerned about these items and that an engineer would 411 be consulted to ensure a safe pathway. I . . -5- She added that the path construction costs would be minimal because most of it would be in-kind costs. • ' Councilmember Hankner indicated o that the final decision would be made by the City Council. Residents questioned why the softball fields were installed and not the bridge during the original development of the park. Councilmember Quick responded that the softball fields were in the Phase I development plan and the bridge was not. Councilmember Hankner suggested that the residents get grass roots support for their issue and perhaps consider the formation of a neighborhood park foundation similar to the Groveland Park Foundation. Carole Golden invited councilmembers, neighbors, commissioners and Director Saarion to her house on Wednesday September 30 at 6: 30 p.m. to discuss the pathway issue further. Concern was raised regarding the clearing of trees by Mary Anderson Construction Co. Staff said she would write a letter to • the company requesting that they cease the removal of trees from City property. OLD BUSINESS Director Saarion stated that the Mounds View Community Theater ran a deficit exceeding $1 , 000 with some bills yet outstanding. She added that there were several conflicts this year and that Nick Temali , Don Pauley and herself would be meeting with the Mounds View Community Theater Board on October 17 to discuss possible solutions. A goal of a joint agreement between the School District and the Community Theater will be pursued. Staff informed the Commission of an Eagle Scout project taking place at Greenfield Park. Mike Brandl will construct a total of eight horseshoe pits in two areas of Greenfield Park. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8: 58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 411 Mar Saarion, Director Parks, Recreation and Forestry MS/sl