Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMISSION_MINUTES_1989-08-24MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES COUNCILMEMBER'S REPORT CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA August 24, 1989 Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Wayne Burmeister at 6:33 p.m. Commissioners present: Burmeister, Silvis, Starr and Trettel. Commissioners absent: Long and Stevenson. Councilmembers present: Hankner, Quick and Wuori. Staff present: Director Saarion and Administrative Assistant Linke. Visitors: Debbie Jones, 7405 Parkview Drive Sue and Dave Rademacher, 7421 Parkview Dr. Carole Golden, 7417 Parkview Dr. A motion was made by Commissioner Silvis, seconded by Commissioner Starr to approve the July 27, 1989 minutes as written. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. None Chairperson Burmeister reported that at the upcoming September 6 meeting the committee will be planning a dedication ceremony for the Lakeside Beach House. The Spring Lake Park Lion's Club is still committed to doing more projects at Lakeside Park. The projects completed so far are the beach house, retaining wall and playground. Chairperson Burmeister further stated that the Lion's are planning a work day at the park to install sod around the sides of the beachhouse. -2 - CHAIRPERSONS REPORT CONT'D Director Saarion mentioned that purple loosetrif had been discovered at Spring Lake and that the weeds will be chemically treated. This treatment was expected it eradicate the weeds. AGENDA ADDITIONS REVIEW "FESTIVAL IN THE PARK" PLANS Director Saarion requested that the following items be added to the agenda: 1. Review Long Term Financial Plan. 2. Review Silver View Park Shelter plans. 3. Discuss letter regarding Greenfield baseball diamond. Director Saarion reviewed the memo dated August 16 outlining plans for the September 17, 1989 "Festival in the Park" celebration. Changes to the plan after August 16 are as follows: 1. City Council approved the hiring of a warm-up band. "Westbound" Band was contracted to play from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. 2. Because "Westbound" was hired, the Kitchen Kutups will not be performing. 3. Councilmember Paone suggested hiring a local magician to perform a 20 - 40 minute show for a fee of $250.00. Staff will bring this suggestion to the Council at Mondays meeting. Staff further stated that local groups will be performing between the band sets under the grove of trees in order to allow the "Rockin' Hollywoods" time to set up. There are several community groups doing food sales and games for fundraising purposes, but not too many arts and crafts dealers have registered. It is felt that crafts people will wait to see what the weather will be like before registering. -3 - FESTIVAL UPDATE (CONT'D) Chairperson Burmeister commented that he liked seeing the local groups involved in the "Festival". Director Saarion stated that the promotional flyers and posters will be sent to businesses this week and to the schools shortly after school begins. REVIEW RESIDENT'S LETTER REGARDING BICYCLE PATH ALONG OLD HWY. 8 Staff reviewed a letter received from Mounds View resident Don McNamara requesting a bicycle path along the section of Old Highway 8 in Mounds View as it runs from the New Brighton/Mounds View city limits, north to the intersection of Highway 10 and County Road H. Director Saarion stated that upon reviewing the letter with City Engineer Minetor, he felt that the installation of a bicycle path would not be a priority of the county at this time since this road is scheduled for improvement in upcoming years. Director Saarion further stated that Ramsey County has tentative plans to make that area a trail access point for the Rice Creek chain of lakes corridor. After further discussion, Commissioner Silvis requested staff to report at the next meeting the reply from Ramsey County regarding this request. REVIEW RESIDENT'S LETTER REGARDING SILVER VIEW PARK PATHWAY Director Saarion stated that City staff has been directed to respond to each item in the letter from Mrs. Debbie Jones and to give Council the response at the September 5 agenda meeting. Mrs. Jones gave Chairperson Burmeister a map showing the property lines per a land survey. Chairperson Burmeister stated that he had drawn a map and would forward that and additional information he had retrieved from past minutes and packets, to Director Saarion for her use. SILVER VIEW PARK PATHWAY (CONT'D) G= Mayor Hankner stated that the City Council had asked staff to research every aspect of the letter. She further stated that there is a change in population and a need to look at plans, re-evaluation and resident's interests so that this park can be removed from the controversial arena. There will also be a need to find funding for those items not in the Long Term Financial Plan. Commissioner Trettel suggested that if a re- evaluation of people's interests were initiated by way of a survey, that survey should be of a random sampling of residents. Silver View is a community park rather than a neighborhood park and is intended to serve the entire community rather than just those residents living with its boundaries (as is the concept of neighborhood parks). Chairperson Burmeister re -stated that he had found items from previous meetings dating back to the conception of Silver View Park with dates, meetings and motions. Mayor Hankner stated that we need to figure out what to do in 1989 not 1981, and try to stick to it. It might be a reaffirmation of plans that are in place or move things ahead. What are we going to do as good planning in this park as a community as a whole. Mayor Hanker stated that if the pathway is going in perhaps asphalt should be re- considered. Resident David Rademacher stated that the planning process is badly flawed. Go back to the original plan. Why was there a bridge and different shelter? What was planned at the other end? If we're going to do it, do it complete. Chairperson Burmeister responded that the lake was constructed much different than the original plan and that changed the other end and the path. SILVER VIEW PARK PATHWAY (CONT'D) -5 - Resident Debbie Jones stated that the demographics of the area has changed. There are many elderly and young families. These residents use the area, so their needs should be taken into consideration. Commissioner Trettel stated in regards to Ms. Jones' letter that narrowing the path to a two person walkway behind Ms. Jones' property would be a suggestion, as 8 feet may be too wide. Mayor Hankner stated that Councilmember Quick had suggested using asphalt. Mayor Hankner suggested narrowing the path to 6 feet. Mayor Hankner also added that woodchips are not easy to walk on. She added that narrowing the path and getting rid of the culvert and using the money for the path is a possibility. Commissioner Trettel stated that the City needs to convey to all City residents that it is City property along the pond. This is not immediately evident. Some alternatives to making residents aware of the park property are: 1. Signs 2. Plantings to delineate the park property. 3. Stakes - every 10 - 20 feet. There was a question of safety if stakes are used. Commissioner Trettel said that the Commission should explore the least unobtrusive manner in which to delineate the park property. He added that Commission members should be responsible to make sure all residents can use and enjoy the parks. Resident Carole Golden stated that one reason she wants the path is to discourage people from cutting through her yard. People go through her yard now. She wants plantings to dissuade people from going through her yard. M Commissioner Trettel said he wasn't sure that plantings would discourage people from cutting through. Mayor Hankner stated that the City's perspective of plantings was to distinguish City property versus private property. Commissioner Trettel restated his desire to have all residents aware that that area of the park is their's to walk and enjoy. Mayor Hankner asked if it would be appropriate to pool together money to look at plan - look at what's reasonable with money available from the path and culvert. David Rademacher suggested that maps showing access and egress would be a good idea. Mayor Hankner stated that time is needed to look at information from staff for path. This information will not be available until September 5. She asked the Commission what they should do? Chairperson Burmeister asked staff if a definite date had been scheduled to begin work on the pathway. Director Saarion stated that a definite date had not been set yet, but that Public Works is ready to schedule this work. Commissioner Starr stated that she was in favor of a narrower path without a culvert. Director Saarion stated that when the path was discussed in the spring of 1988, it was intended to be 6 feet wide. The Public Works Department had suggested 8 feet wide in order to accommodate maintenance vehicles for path maintenance tasks. At that time the plan for the path was changed to 8 feet wide. -7 - Ms. Jones asked what type of work needs to be done on that side of the pond. Commissioner Trettel replied that it is necessary to bring in the maintenance vehicles to add material to the path. Woodchips need to be dumped by truck as using wheelbarrows would be too time consuming. Ms. Jones further stated that based on the original plan, she questions whether there should be a path at all. She understands the need to delineate the park boundary but wants another way of showing it. She asked why a was necessary? Commissioner Starr replied that the original reasoning for the installation of a path was for safety reasons. People were walking on wet grass and mud. Many of them senior citizens. Director Saarion added that the installation of the pathway to continue around the pond was re-initiated by people who walk the path. They had requested that the path continue around the pond. Ms. Jones said that there should have been a bridge, not a path, as per the master plan. Chairperson Burmeister stated that the path was not constructed to just get from one area to another, but for exercise. He further stated that he had went through his notes from earlier meetings that referred to path completion. Ms. Jones stated that it had never been approved on the master plan. Chairperson Burmeister said that the minutes had never mentioned a bridge. Mayor Hankner questioned the status of the path behind the apartment buildings. Director Saarion stated that two letters have been written to the Gaughan Companies with no reply. She added that she had talked to the manager who was trying to set up a meeting with the owners. Attorney Meyers recommended that before any action is taken that approval is attained from the Gaughan Companies with the possibility of acquiring an easement later. Mr. Rademacher stated that blacktop in that area would not be good because it would shift and that there are many crevices. He stated that he had met four from the townhomes on the trail and they said that "it sure was a long way around". He asked them if they would like a bridge and they said yes. He further stated that they would like the option to take a bridge because it would be easier for parents and kids to cross the pond to the future play equipment site. Commissioner Trettel stated that installing a bridge would only reduce the walk by 10-15 percent. Commissioner Trettel further stated that he would like to see a program implemented to maintain a wild buffer shoreline for long grass. This would be a way of showing continuous park property as well as filter fertilizers and provide a habitat for wildlife. Ms. Golden stated that they did not sod back to the pond; that was done by the City as a "Green Area". She further stated that they didn't fertilize their property. Commissioner Trettel noted that the grass was not a fine grass and that it would grow to 12 feet high if left uncut. Ms. Golden added that if the property was uncut, there may be a problem with field mice. Chairperson Burmeister asked what Commission action should be taken? Commissioner Silvis suggested exploring costs. Chairperson Burmeister asked to see what the cost of a 6 foot bituminous trail, just to join the two paths. Mr. Rademacher would like to know the cost estimate on a bridge across the narrows of the pond. SILVER VIEW PARK PATHWAY (CONVD) .In Mayor Hankner suggested that Sabri Ayaz be contacted regarding bridge design as he had offered his time in designing a bridge. She added that she would like to see bushes planted at the property corners this fall to help delineate public versus private property. Director Saarion stated that Forester Wriskey had expressed concern that plantings may be injured if planted before pathway installation. However, it was clarified that these plantings need only be inexpensive temporary plantings to designate property corners. Forester Wriskey has discretion to choose species and location spacing. Councilmember Quick asked staff to get a bituminous bid per linear foot as well as the total price. Commissioner Silvis requested the cost estimate of ag lime with a fabric base as well, 6 feet in width. Chairperson Burmeister stated that it would be his preference that should a bridge be installed he would still want the pathway constructed. Councilmember Quick suggested that cost estimates should be 8 foot and 6 foot. Chairperson Burmeister made a motion to direct staff to get cost estimates on construction of a 6 foot wide bituminous trail, 8 foot wide bituminous trail, 6 foot and 8 foot ag-lime trail with fabric underlayment, and a per linear foot cost estimate of bituminous trail. Estimates should be done for both the entire trail around the pond and the 750 foot section on the south side of the pond alone. Funding options for the project should include re-accessment of the culvert installation and possible use of such funds for installation of the bituminous pathway. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Starr. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. Commissioner Starr asked staff to bring cost estimates, measurements, and wetlands information regarding bridge installation to the next commission meeting. SILVER VIEW PARK PARK PATHWAY (CONT'D) -10- Commissioner Trettel asked staff to research the possibility of putting up a cheap bridge. He requested information on additional considerations such as risk, permits required, etc. Chairperson Burmeister directed staff to reaffirm background information from residents regarding plantings. He asked which residents present would be interested in plantings. Mr. Rademacher and Ms. Golden expressed interest. Commissioner Starr restated that the corner property bushes should be planted this fall to delineate boundaries. Commissioner Trettel stated that installation of the plantings will be a good test if the use of the path is increased. Director Saarion stated that the timely installation of plantings depend on stock and time availability of the forester. Ms. Jones affirmed that there is a need to define the property line but questioned if she needs to have plantings. Chairperson Burmeister suggested that Ms. Jones work with Forester Wriskey. Commissioner Starr stated that since Ms. Jones' property is against the walkway, there should be a sign there. Director Saarion stated that Engineer Minetor had suggested putting up bird houses on 4 x 4's delineating private and public property. Ms. Jones stated that she was not keen on signs of any kind. Commissioner Trettel suggested a garden stone low to the ground where hikers would see it. Director Saarion asked the Commission if staff should look into options on signage and plantings. Chairperson Burmeister suggested that plantings done right should be enough. Sue Rademacher asked if it was the consensus of the Commission to go with the most unobtrusive manner, such as putting in corner property plantings. The Commission stated that they would attempt that manner. Commissioner Trettel added that a bridge would be an unnatural addition. SILVER VIEW PARK PATHWAY (CONT'D) INFORM COMMISSION ON UPCOMING PROGRAMS -11 - Sue Rademacher was unsure what was agreed upon and asked if the trail was formally tabled. Chairperson Burmeister declined to agree to that statement but explained that the Council will pursue information as 'discussed this evening. Mayor Hankner added that the issue of installation of corner property plantings will go to the City Council. Commissioner Starr suggested making a recommendation to the Council. Director Saarion asked for reaffirmation regarding approval for Forester Wriskey to put in plantings; these may not be the permanent plantings. This is an effort to delineate private and public property lines. Commissioner Trettel added that it may be the whole solution. Chairperson Burmeister asked that staff work with the residents. Commissioner Starr moved to direct Forester Wriskey to plant bushes at the corner lot lines of residential and park property abutting Silver View Park at the south-western side of the pond. These plantings are expected to help designate public versus private property. Forester Wriskey will use his own discretion as to the selected species and spacing of the plantings. The plantings should be in place by Fall, 1989. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Trettel. Motion carred: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. Director Saarion distributed copies of the September/October Brochure and a letter written by Administrative Assistant Linke to the printer expressing displeasure in the quality of the printing. Staff reviewed the fall programs highlighting the "Spring Tree Sale". Notice of Kelly Lindquist's resignation as Aquatics Supervisor was given. It was added that staff is recruiting a replacement for the position. ARSENAL UPDATE SILVER VIEW PARK PICNIC SHELTER -12 - Mayor Hankner asked why the pool was not open in the month August. Mayda Raffee from the Mounds View Community Education Board had questioned her on that. Mayor Hankner stated that Nick Temali had told her that the reason was because the Recreation Department didn't schedule classes in August. Director Saarion stated that the reason classes weren't scheduled is because the school district does not issue permits for the last three weeks of August because the pool area is repaired and cleaned during that time. The department, however, has been working with the custodians to allow seniors to continue swimming when it does not interfere with custodial work. It is not available on a predictable basis and therefore classes cannot be scheduled. Staff distributed a letter from Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Director John Buckley regarding the proposed Arsenal Playfield. Mr. Buckley hoped that it would be placed on the August agenda, however, there is no indication when it will be acted upon. Chairperson Burmeister read a letter from the Mounds View Lion's Club indicating their dedication of up to $75,000 for the construction of a picnic shelter at Silver View Park. It was suggested that a committee of park commissioners and residents be formed to proceed in the planning process of the shelter. Councilmember Wuori indicated that the timeline was short and because of the Celebrate MN grant it must be completed this year. Mayor Hankner suggested the need to get a variety of residents involved in the planning. Chairperson Burmeister suggested that there be Park Commission representatives, city residents, staff and Council liaison. He asked if the Lion's would be interested in participating. Mayor Hankner indicated that there were negative feelings over the situation and they did not want to be involved. SILVER VIEW PARK PICNIC SHELTER (CONT'D) GREENFIELD BASEBALL DIAMOND -13 - Commissioner Starr suggested representatives from community groups such as scouts and churches as they would be using the shelter. Chairperson Burmeister stated that it would be a fast hardworking committee. Mayor Hankner asked that the Commission recommend individuals or groups to participate and have the City Council direct staff to organize the committee. Commissioner Starr suggested two park board members, one councilmember, one senior citizen and possibly Gary Jones from the Planning Commission as he is also a resident from the Silver Lake Park area. It was also suggested that Peg Mountin be contacted as an alternate if Mr. Jones is unable to participate. Councilmember Quick suggested that since Jerry Linke had originally designed the park shelter structure, that he be contacted to help with the redesign process. Chairperson Burmeister said that he would contact Mr. Linke. A motion was made by Chairperson Burmeister, seconded by Commissioner Silvis to present a list of proposed Park Shelter Committee members to the City Council at the next council meeting. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. Staff distributed a letter from Mr. Neal Valley, a Mounds View resident and coach of the Mounds View Athletic Association. He was concerned with the deteriorating condition of the Greenfield baseball diamond. He would like to see improved turf, a sprinkling system and longer outfield fences and dugouts. Staff stated that there was adequate room at Greenfield to expand the centerfield and left field fences. Turf improvement may be an expensive project because the top soil is poor. A sprinkling system would be desireable. These items are not in the five year capital improvement plan. GREENFIELD BASEBALL DIAMOND (CONT'D) REVIEW LONG TERM FINANCIAL -14 - Mayor Hankner mentioned that $14,000 is budgeted for the irrigation of the City Hall fields in 1990. She inquired as to what fields were used more and who it would serve better. Staff replied that participants of both softball and baseball feel they need good playing fields. After discussion, the Commission agreed that a meeting should be set up with the MVAA to ask if they are interested in discussing options for funding the improvements and to have staff look into prices for doing the suggested improvements. A motion was made by Commissioner Silvis, seconded by Commissioner Starr to direct staff to invite representatives from the Mounds View Athletic Association to the next meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission. In addition, staff is directed to research costs for improvements as listed in Mr. Valley's letter. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. Staff reviewed the Long Term Financial Plan with the Commission and asked for any suggestions. Commissioner Starr asked if the resolution which was submitted to the City Council regarding the Long Term Financial Plan were accepted. Councilmember Wuori replied that it was not. Director Saarion reviewed changes that were made in the LTFP and stated that they were recommended only to the Council since the Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory commission not a policy making body. A motion was made by Commissioner Silvis, seconded by Commissioner Starr to forward the final draft of the Long Term Financial Plan as submitted by staff and reviewed tonight by the Park and Recreation Commission, to the City Council for approval. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. Commissioner Starr asked Mayor Hankner why the resolutions submitted to the Council were not acted upon. Mayor Hankner responded that nothing pertaining to the budget has been acted on. REVIEW PARK MAINTENANCE RESOLUTION WITH COUNCILMEMBERS OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Mary Saarion, Director Parks, Recreation and Forestry MS/SL -15 - Mayor Hankner reviewed Resolution 2516 establishing standards of maintenance for the City's parks and public works infrastructure. She stated that this document set a minimum goal for maintenance within the budgetary limitations. She also suggested that if residents inquire about maintenance, that they be given a copy of the resolution and maintenance standards to see that the City is at least meeting the minimum goal of maintenance. After discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Silvis, seconded by Commissioner Starr to recommend to the City Council, the approval of Resolution 2516 establishing standards of maintenance for the City's parks and public works infrastructure. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes. Director Saarion distributed copies of the Department's quarterly report and summer playground report for the Commission's edification. Motion by Commissioner Trettel, seconded by Commissioner Silvis to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. Motion carried: 4 ayes, 0 nayes.