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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMISSION_MINUTES_1987-08-27 + ♦ MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 411 COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA August 27, 1987 Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers 6:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Wayne Burmeister at 6:39 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Commissioner Anderson, Daniels, Silvis, Long, Rowley and Chairperson Burmeister. Commissioners absent: Commissioner Starr. Councilmembers present: Mayor Linke and Councilmember Quick. Staff present: Director Saarion and Administrative Assistant Linke. Visitors present: • Duane McCarty - 8060 Long Lake Rd. Bob Carpenter - 2650 Lake Court Dr. Michael Delmore - 7413 Parkview Dr. Mary Mitchell - 7429 Parkview Dr. s Laurie and Ed Trettel - 7401 Parkview Dr. David and Sue Rademacher - 7421 Parkview James Smith - 7427 Parkview Terrace Ben Durand - 7358 Parkview Terrace APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commisioner Silvis, seconded by Commissioner Long to approve the July 16, 1987 minutes as written. Motion passed unanimously 6 ayes, 0 nayes. AGENDA ADDITIONS None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Chairperson Burmeister stated that he visited the Silver View Park site after the State tournament and noticed that the grounds were left in good shape. He added that a large group of people was playing volleyball by the woodchip pile and thought it would be a good idea to add a sandlot volleyball court in the near future. COUNCILMEMBER'S REPORT No Report 0 C • ..• Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page two • SILVER VIEW PATHWAY Director Saarion consulted Clerk-Administrator Pauley and City Attorney Meyers regarding the construction of a the woodchip path behind the homes on the south side of the Silver View Park pond after receiving requests from residents for a complete trail around the pond. Written documentation and original maps show that a path was to continue around the entire pond. Director Saarion continued to explain that the idea of a bridge was proposed when plans for a bond referendum were established. The referendum failed and the plans were financially unattainable. There is greater liability to the City because the path does not loop around the pond where people hike regardless whether there is a path or not, but the liability is probably greater on the unimproved path. Commissioner Daniels asked staff how much of the property behind the houses is City property. Staff responded that it extends about 30 feet according to last year's surveying. She added that the path would be developed close to the pond. Bob Carpenteur, President of the Silver Lake Woods • Homeowners Association asked if the path was supposed to go all around the pond. He felt it can be done although it will be more difficult behind Silver View Estates. He added that he has not seen any new trail being put in, only chips being laid over old chips. Mr. Carpenteur noted that the pond was quite green and had an odor. He asked if there were plans to treat it. Director Saarion stated that plans have not been made for treatment of the pond. Chairperson Burmeister stated the Commission did not have plans to do so. Duane McCarty stated that he had received calls from residents asking his assistance in the matter because he was on the City Council at the time Silver View was planned. He stated that the original comprehensive plan developed by Saunders- Thalden should not be s,craped because the referendum did not pass. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page three • Mr. McCartyurged the Commission not to construct a g pathway in back of homes stating that it would not be compatible with the environment. He used the analogy of building a "Jack Hammer Factory" next to R-1 zoning. Mr. McCarty asked the Commission to not discard the plan because it is no longer viable. He agreed that the liability question was understandable and that perhaps a path would help in litagation. He asked if it made sense to put potentially heavy use in R-1 zoning. Chairperson Burmeister stated that the plans for Silver View had called for a larger pond. Because it was not feasible, the pond was made smaller leaving a larger area of City property on the south side of the pond, allowing for more room for a path to be constructed. Duane McCarty asked if there was enough "more room". Chairperson Burmeister noted that originally the Commission had planned on building a wildflower area there so they had originally planned on a trail along that area. He added that he agreed with Mr. • McCarty in that he did not want to see long range plans scraped. Speaking on behalf of the homeowners on the south side of the pond, David Rademacher addressed the Commission on how they felt they would be impacted should a trail be constructed behind their homes. He noted that three families were on vacation and he was given authorization to speak for the entire group. He thanked the Commission for acknowledging their petition of August 4 which outlines their concerns. Mr. Rademacher went on to outline their concerns: 1. The homeowners were made aware of the five year capital improvement plan when they bought their homes. The plan they saw did not include a path but did include a bridge. 2. The information was provided by the seller and backed up with maps provided to them by the City. The buyers paid a premium price for the lots. • Park and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page four 3. A bridge was specifically planned to route • traffic through the area. 4. The residents feel that much study went into the comprehensive plan and that at least as much study should go into changing it. 5. He urged the Commission to "hold out" for the bridge. 6. In the plan it said something about defeasance and other funds. Why wasn't the bridge put in already? 7. Mr. Rademacher talked to the Ramsey County Tax Assessor who said there is a diminished value if property is exposed to greater risk of burglery, vandalism, etc. 8. He stated that they had organized a clean-up and care enough to pick up the park. They provide a certain amount of surveillance for the park and do call police when necessary. The residents have done their best to make their property attractive for people looking across the pond from the park. The residents feel they are a • benefit to the park. 9. They feel that the path will cause problems that were not implied in the original purchase agreement. 10. They are concerned that the drainage would be impeded. There are problems with holes, washouts, and destruction of trees. If a path is constructed, it will shift from the north side to the south side with increased walkers, joggers, bikers, snowmobilers and skiers. 11. There is no access or egress so the yards will be used. How will that be solved? 12. Is there a possibility of the homeowners being co-insured with the City for liability of persons being injured on the path or going to or from the path? Mr. Rademacher stated that an elderly person tripped in a hole recently on the trail. • Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page five 13. Water tends to dam up causing pot holes. He • feels that water comes from the ballfields and wipes out the trail and causes holes that are not always seen. 14. Security of area will be changed if path is installed. He consulted a New Brighton police lieutenant who stated that a home next to a path or park has an increased change of burglery and vandalism. 15. Concerning drainage problems, Mr. Rademacher stated that the point of the west culvert there is standing water. He is concerned that if chips are put in it will cause a dam as water comes off park and street. It flows between Smith's and Mitchell's property. When damming occurs, it finds the weakest spots and causes unnatural drainage. Development of houses on the land has altered the normal pattern of seepage. The Delmores had to have a special cut in bank to aid drainage. If normal drainage is stopped it will go under his house. Mr. Rademacher stated that he had contacted a • State hydrologist. He stated that the land was basically muck underneath. He added that muskrats are digging in and causing excelerated erosion. The damming effect does not go away and causes water back up. 16. The residents are concerned with the fragile environment and want to protect the wetlands and drainage into the pond. Mr. Rademacher concluded by stating that the residents were interested in the progressive development of City resources. They do not care if people walk behind their homes , they just are concerned with larger numbers of people, bikes, etc. Residents would like to work with the City in resolving this issue. He reiterated that the homeowners living on the south side of the pond did not want a path behind their homes. • Parks and Recreation Commission • Minutes August 27, 1987 Page six Mayor Jerry Linke presented background information on • the planning and development of Silver View Park and Silver Lake Woods. He stated that the land the homes are presently built on was once owned by the City. When the LAWCON grant became available, a swap of land was made. It was planned that the land would remain as natural as possible. Unfortunately, Mary Anderson Construction came in and leveled hills and trees causing the natural terrain and drainage to be destroyed. At the same time, a survey of residents was done asking them what they wanted in a community park. Nature areas and a trail system was a very high priority. Initially, the pond was to be much larger, with a swimming area included. Due to a large floating bog, it was determined to make the pond smaller thus leaving a greater area of City owned property on the south side of the pond where a path could be located. When the referendum was proposed, the bridge, actually an afterthought, was planned. After the referendum failed, it was not a high priority, as roads needed to be built and other projects completed. These projects were not charged back to residents in the form of higher taxes. • Mayor Linke addressed the questions about access and egress to and from the south side of the pond. He stated that he had asked the developer to put more access points in but the developer refused. He added that many of our other parks do have these bituminous, fenced walkways between streets and park areas. Mayor Linke told residents that the City Council must change their plans frequently due to funding changes. And, although he and Councilmember Quick are advocates for parks it is not always possible to fund them. Most of the monies for parks now come from the park dedication fund, but the City is 85 - 90 percent developed. In addition, developers say they cannot afford to pay the park dedication fees. One developer who's fees amount to $250,000 has offered only $50,000. The Council has to weigh the disadvantages and advantages of accepting his offer or not accepting and the possibility of him backing out. • Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page seven Duane McCarty once again asked the Commission to • consider the feasiblity of a bridge and give the residents more time to get involved in the process. Resident Jim Smith stated that wood chips are a poor material to use on trails. He asked that the property on the south side be deeded to the homeowners. Mayor Linke stated that this would not be done and that the area on the south side of the pond was intended for use by all the residents of Mounds View. Councilmember Quick said that bituminous trail would be possible if the residents of Silver View Park area would be willing to pay for it through a special taxing district. Mayor Linke added that the parks are intended for use by all the residents of Mounds View not just those people living around them. He feels we have to complete the trail around the pond and that it would not impede the natural drainage. The resident who encroached on park property and took down trees and brush and leveled land did more to impede drainage then the trail would. Resident Sue Rademacher asked if the City Attorney • was consulted. Staff stated that Attorney Meyers was consulted and indicated that the City's liability would be greater on unimproved land than on a finished trail. Ms. Rademacher asked if the City had looked into the possibility of the Corps of Engineers working on a bridge. Mayor Linke responded that they had been contacted and were not interested in taking on the project. Mr. Carpenteur commented on the large population of bank rats or muskrats around the pond. Chairperson Burmeister said that at this time the trapping costs are too high. Director Saarion added that in October the trapping season will begin and then the animals will be trapped for pelts for free. Councilmember Quick asked Mr. Rademacher if he had ever reported the pot holes to the Park and Recreation Department which he had mentioned earlier. He stated that last year he had and that they were filled in. • Park and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page eight Mr. Rademacher stated that he would like to see another referendum held and also give the residents • some time to look into funding for the bridge. Ms. Rademacher asked about the possibility of plantings along the proposed pathway. Director Saarion stated that the plantings were always planned and Forester Wriskey had requested homeowners to contact him regarding their requests. Councilmember Quick stated that he understood their security concerns. From personal experience, he found that a fence was the only true way of making his property secure. Ms. Rademacher asked the Commission if they wanted fences. Chairperson Burmeister responded no. Bob Carpenteur stated that he would not like to look across the lake at fences. Commissioner Silvis stated that according to the Commissions fencing policy, they would avoid using fences in a City park if at all possible. Commissioner Daniels asked staff what has been accomplished on the trail since the Commission moved • to complete the trail. Staff stated that the path has been completed to the cement sidewalk easement Commissioner Daniels asked how soon the area behind Scotland Court could be started. Staff said it could begin any time. Commissioner Daniels agreed with residents that a bridge would be a good idea. Director Saarion had received several complaints from residents regarding walking behind the homes on the south side. They would like to see the path completed around the pond. Commissioner Daniels stated that he feels there should be more inlets to the south side of the pond and that more time should be taken to work out the finer details of the trail. • • Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page nine • Resident Mary Mitchell stated her concerns with the rain flowing over the area. She said that the seed has been washed out of her yard and thinks the same would happen to the wood chips. Commissioner Daniels feels that a small culvert running under the path would solve that problem. Mr. Smith asked if park dedication funds could be designated for a bridge at Silver View and that an agreement be made with residents to remove the wood chip path if installed, after a bridge is installed. Commissioner Daniels stated that a wood chip path would not necessarily be permanent. In response to Mr. Smith's request, Commissioner Silvis stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is only an advisory board and could only make recommendations on how monies are spent. Councilmember Quick informed Mr. Smith of the • priority list set up in the five year capital improvement plan and that the bridge was not planned for quite a while yet. Commissioner Daniels suggested that the City develop land behind Scotland Green first and then get together with residents regarding the rest of the trail. Chairperson Burmeister suggested that a committee be set up with residents. Mr. Carpenteur agreed and said that their homeowners association would be meeting in September and he would bring up the idea to them and ask for interested persons to come to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Daniels told the residents that although he was not an elected official, he felt he was a representative of the whole city and has to look at the issue from that perspective. Councilmember Quick explained the Groveland Park • Foundation and said that it had raised $25,000 for the Groveland Park. He suggested that the Silver View Park residents consider initiating a similar non- profit group. 411 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page ten Commissioner Silvis stated that monies had been set • aside for interested resident groups. Councilmember Quick added that the City Council has also provided matching funds for parkaprojects when monies were raised by community groups. Chairperson Burmeister moved to meet with the residents of the Silver View Park area and homeowners association to work out the Silver View Park trail situation at the regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on September 24, 1987. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Daniels. The motion passed unanimously 6 ayes, 0 nayes. At this time, Chairperson Burmeister officially acknowledged receipt of the petition from the residents of the Silver View Park pond area and said that he can appreciate their concerns. Councilmember Quick told residents that such amenities as tennis courts, volleyball courts, and lighting for the softball fields were planned in the future for Silver View and how do they feel about that? Mr. Carpenteur stated that he would not like to have lights at Silver View. Ed Trettel felt that lighting • at Silver View would interfere with the wildlife. Laurie Trettel expressed concerns that a larger amount of cans, debris, etc. would be left in the park. Councilmember Quick added that using the park properly, as it was planned should improve conditions at the park. David Rademacher stated that he felt the lights would not be natural and that if they were installed they should not be on after 10:00 p.m. and would be uneconomical. Councilmember Quick informed residents that adult softball was actually the biggest fund generator for the Recreation Department. He also asked the residents to consider organizing a Park Foundation by filing for a non-profit organization charter at a cost of $60.00. He added that the Groveland Park Foundation had purchased a sandlot volleyball court , landscaping of warming house, a play structure and tennis court through funds raised by that organization. • Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page eleven • RESCIND 5 YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS Director Saarion requested the Commission to rescind the past two 5 year capital improvement plans explaining that the 1981 plan was written with a referendum in mind and having failed, it is no longer feasible. The 1986 plan was also financially unreasonable, although the goals and priorities were still viable. She also requested that a statement allowing the Commission to be more flexible within the plan be comprised because often opportunities come up, such as the Random Park Building, that are too good to pass up and may not be on a 5 year capital improvement plan. Chairperson Burmeister felt that he would also like to see a more realistic 5 year plan. Commissioner Daniels asked that the goals and priorities not be discarded entirely. He also suggested that projections be made and more than one set of plans be developed depending on different funding opportunities. Director Saarion stressed that the City wants a progressive and forward moving park development, even if it's only adding a new play structure or picnic • tables and grills to a park a year. She also suggested spreading large projects such as the paving of the Silver View parking lot over three years. A motion was made and amended by Chairperson Burmeister and seconded and amendment approved by Commissioner Long to rescind the two prior five year capital improvements plans with a new five year capital improvement plan implemented keeping in mind the goals and priorities of the 1986 plan, with a more realistic view of the future funding. This plan will be reviewed yearly at the regular June Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to be modified as circumstances dictate. The motion passed unanimously 6 ayes, 0 nayes. REVIEW OF SPECIAL A. "MAME" - Staff reported that the Mounds View Community Theater Production of "MAME" had received many compliments. The receipts from ticket sales had totalled around $9,599.00. The Commission will be apprised of the outcome at the next meeting. • Parks and Recreation Commission _ • Minutes August 27, 1987 Page twelve B. Festival in the Park - This event was similar to • years past with the addition of a gas powered model airplane club demonstration and the Parks and Recreation Department providing the games thus receiving a greater profit on the children's games. C. Women's Class C State Tournament was a success with fields in excellent condition and high caliber games running smoothly. PARK PROJECTS Staff updated Commissioners on the progress at Random Park stating that blockwork had begun and that the building would be dropped on Monday, August 31 with construction of the ramp and stairs to follow. A culvert would be installed, the parking lot graded and class 5 applied. The deadline for completion is September 14. The City is working with an electrician on the installation of the lights at the Groveland Park tennis court. The contractor has been asked to auger the holes and lift the poles as the City does not have the equipment to accomplish this. FALL PROGRAM REVIEW Director Saarion distributed the September/October • Newsletter to the Commissioners and said they were mailed to residents on Wednesday afternoon. Chairperson Burmeister asked if a donation was received from Honeywell Inc. this year. Councilmember Quick stated that it had gone to an Indian group. Staff stated that she had applied for it but had not heard about the outdome. Councilmember Quick asked staff to study water problems at Silver View Park and make suggestions. Director Saarion showed the Commission the proposed signs for the parks and asked for their input. It was agreed that the curfew would be 10:00 p.m. in all parks. It was suggested that bikes be prohibited from all hard court surfaces. Councilmember Quick suggested that staff send a recommendation to the Council to prohibit the use of glass containers in parks as it is not currently in any ordinance. • Park and Recreation Commission Minutes August 27, 1987 Page thirteen • Commissioner Silvis suggested that it was time to have another joint meeting with the Spring Lake Park Commission to go over the Lakeside Beach operations. Staff suggested that both commissions request additional monies again this year for next year's Lakeside budget. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Long, seconded by Commissioner Silvis to adjourn the meeting at 9: 15 p.m. Motion passed unanimously 6 ayes, 0 nayes. Respectfully submitted, Mary Kaarion, Director Parks, Recreation and Forestry MS/sl •