HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMISSION_MINUTES_2007-09-27Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes
September 27, 2007
1. Call to order: 6:34 PM: Roll Call: Kunz, Kroeger, Palm, Long, Arel, Peterson
Staff Present: Lee, Dazenski
2. Disc Golf Neighborhood Meeting
Mike Snelson from Fairway Flyerz gave an overview of the course layout / plan. The proposed basket was brought for display. Consideration is being given to using culvert crossings at
two of three locations that cross the creek as opposed to bridge crossings.
Disc Golf Course Schedule and Overall Project Plan –
The Commission may want to consider and discuss an overall plan. Possible items to discuss:
Start with 9-hole at this time. Identify any issues. Construct an interim parking lot see what the need is first before committing to construction. If successful, consider additional
9-hole at a later date
Tentative Schedule: City Council Work Session in October 1, 2007 (or October 8th ) – provide update to Council, October 8th set Public Hearing date, October 22nd hold Public Hearing
/ Order the Project (9-hole course).
Perform some clearing this fall
Most construction occurring next spring
Rest Room Plan: have at least one rest room placed on site
Trash Can Placement Plan – every third hole (3) – start with temporary mounting system to ensure they are placed at optimum locations
Include Information Board: Course layout, information where get maps, reminder that success of the course depends on being good stewards on this facility…
What will be the official name of the course if ordered?
Residents #1 & 2: Mr. and Mrs. Olson 2215 Lois Drive: Increased water flow in the creek due to area construction and development. Adding another culvert would continue with drainage
issues such as erosion. Concerned about vandalism and cost to city with maintenance issues. Portable toilets and garbage cans—vandalism. The city can’t take care of what we have—current
trail not kept up with mowing and bridge crossing. Would like to see it continue as a nature trail. Concerned about wildlife in the trail, vandalism in the woods with the vandalism
that has already occurred street-side in the open. Do we need an Environmental Impact Study?
Ideally discs will be used, but what about those who decide to throw other things and provide a misuse and don’t play by the rules. What about sound of cages impacting residents?
Residents #3 & 4: Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal 2203 Lois Drive: Against: It’s a nature trail and not kept up currently with a muddy path, etc. Concerned about portable toilets and garbage
cans—who will clean—will trail be maintained to accommodate maintenance? How many people play disc golf in our community? Interviewed people at Silver View and they were not from
Mounds View. Concerned about using tax dollars to support activities for residents outside of Mounds View.
Resident #5: Mr. Holm 2200 Lois Drive: What other options did the Commission consider to develop this area instead of disc golf? Why disc golf? Was there a need since we already
have a disc golf course in the city? Would the funds suggested for the disc golf be better used to clean up the existing trail to encourage families to bike or walk the trail?
Residents #6 & 7: Mr. and Mrs. Cache’ 2204 Lois Drive: Concerned about the existing pathway. Bumpy trail and encroaching tree branches. Questions use of tax dollars for construction
and maintenance. Questions
about liability for injuries if residents get hurt by disc golf while walking/biking on trail. What if the disc goes in the backyard and a resident tries to retrieve it and injures
themselves—would the resident be liable?
Resident #7: Mr Cossel 8120 Jackson Drive: Concerned about RCWD involvement—(No impact).
Concerned about removing some trees used as a sound barrier. Concerned about removing natural wetland and replacing with artificial. Concerned about alcohol and tobacco use on course.
Referred to a resident who spoke at the city council meeting that talked with neighbors of existing disc golf courses that did not like it in their neighborhood. Would the proposed
Hwy 10 sound wall be an issue with right of way etc?
Steve Dazenski: No injuries reported at Silver View disc golf. Users are trying to get a low score, and shouldn’t be throwing objects/discs in yards, etc. Disc golfers are self-policing
with picking up litter and requesting more trash cans.
Gree Lee: RCWD would be involved in this process due to culvert issues. Foot bridge and culvert costs are on the high estimate.
Mike Snelson from Fairway Flyerz, addressed the usage, trail courtesy, alcohol and tobacco use.
Rick Wriskey, City Forester: Not a lot of high-value trees in proposed disc golf and few removals. Concerned about smaller pine trees being removed for trail, and trees lining fairway
would be subject to battering resulting in significant pruning and and maintenance. Also wood chip trail maintenance washing away. However, disc golfers in New Brighton that help
with trail maintenance and clean-up.
Suggestion by Peterson to perhaps use proposed 10-18 instead of 1-9. Would impact less residential property. Request Mike Snelson to map out a course using 10-18 or similar so it
would lessen the impact on area residents and traffic parking on Jackson and Sherwood. Perhaps eliminate holes 10, and 15-17 and eliminating a proposed culvert between 9 & 10.
3. Approval of minutes from the August 23, 2007 meeting. Motion by Kroeger, 2nd by Kunz to approved minutes. Motion Passed. 6-0.
4. Public Input - Citizens are encouraged to speak to the Park and Recreation and Forestry Commissioners on issues of concern. NO RESIDENTS PRESENT
5. Forestry Update - Rick Wriskey, City Forester. Difficult summer with drought on oaks and pines that will show up in 2008. Will also have to deal with insect follow-up—especially
the chestnut bore and pine bark beetle. Hits scotch pines first, followed by white and red/Norway pines. Possibly white and black spruce could be impacted as well. Oak wilt was cut
in half this year with measures taken. City staff did water city trees in parkland when possible. Gypsy moth—no reports in our area from state and federal officials. Waiting for the
emerald ash bore to arrive in Minnesota—so far, so good.
Black spots on maple trees? Called tar spotting on maple trees that shows up during wetter weather. Not harmful to the tree.
When can we trim oaks? When the trees are dormant—usually October/November. Wait until the tree “shuts down” before trimming.
6. YMCA Update – There will not be a YMCA representative present at the meeting. The YMCA has however provided a written update.
Fall soccer up and running
Adult softball has 6 teams
Fall Family Fun Day October 6 at MVCC 11-12:30
Patrick Holmes Benefit spaghetti dinner, etc. October 4th at MVCC from 4-9 pm.
7. Unfinished Business:
Developing a Volunteer Coach of the Year award and naming it after Patrick “Homer” Holmes. The YMCA was to check on other Coach of the Year Awards and criteria. Staff has submitted
criteria for Mounds View Citizen of the year. The Commission made a motion to direct staff to assemble a plaque recognizing Patrick Holmes and his dedication to the Mounds View community
by coaching youth through our Park and Recreation/ YMCA programs. Staff would like the Commission to review and discuss the wording on the plaque and to determine when it should be
presented. Staff is looking for direction as to when it should be presented: either as soon as it is available, or at the next Town Hall meeting along with other Citizen awards - scheduled
for April 2008. Table until October meeting.
Policy/program for memorials within City Parks. The Commission will develop and consider a written program/paragraph establishing criteria and process for residents wishing to commemorate
a memorial for former residents. Such a memorial may include planting a tree, dedicating a bench, etc.
The Mounds View Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission recommends the following policy for residents wishing to place memorials in city parks:
Resident(s) will be allowed to request any city park for their memorial, to be approved by the Commission.
Resident(s) will agree to pay for the cost of proposed memorial and installation.
Resident(s) will work with city staff to purchase a product similar to existing park equipment so it will compliment or enhance existing park aesthetics without significantly increasing
park maintenance.
If a tree is requested, resident(s) will work with the city forester to purchase a tree of desirable type for preferred park location.
Resident(s) will pay for a plaque, if desired, to attach on or near the memorial.
The Mounds View Parks Department will provide for general upkeep of the memorial, as it fits with any regular park maintenance.
The City of Mounds View will not pay to replace any memorial that is damaged beyond repair by vandalism or weather-related incidents. However, the resident(s) will be notified, if possible,
if such an incident occurs.
The Mounds View Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission will make every effort to work with resident(s) to honor the memorial request and make a recommendation to the Mounds View
City Council for final approval.
Motion by Arel, 2nd by Long to present Mounds View Park Memorial Policy, as stated above, to the City Council at their next available Work Session for discussion and approval. Motion
Passed 6-0
Reward system for Park Watch Program – the Commission has directed staff to discuss this proposal with Finance Director to determine funding sources. The Finance Director has indicated
that cities can only fund rewards for felony crimes. Given that vandalism does not typically rise to that level, City funds cannot be used for such a program. However, individual citizens
could start a crime stoppers fund that could pay out rewards. No action taken, this item may be dropped from future agendas.
Lakeside Lions Park Playground Improvement Project – The Lakeside Lions Park Improvement Committee met on June 20, 2007. One of the issues discussed was Lakeside Lions Park Playground
Improvement Project. The playground equipment is planned to be replaced. Plans have been created along with a cost estimate of $90,000. This project proposal was included in the June
28, 2007
Commission reports/updates. The Lions have donated $50,000 towards this project. The Spring Lake Park Parks and Recreation Commission indicated that they would be in favor of putting
$20,000 towards this project. Does the Mounds View Parks and Recreation Commission want to consider providing $20,000 in matching funds? Before acting on this request, the Commission
has requested information pertaining to the availability and projections of the Park Dedication Fund.
The Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission requests that future meetings with the Lakeside Lions Park Improvement Committee be coordinated with a Commission representative, Kroeger.
Motion by Long, 2nd by Arel to recommend to the City Council to dedicate $20,000 to the playground structure at Lakeside Lions’ Park. Motion Passed 5-1.
8. New Business:
Bethlehem Baptist Church letter thanking them for donations – to be signed by Parks and Recreation Commissioners. Bethlehem Baptist Church has recently donated $6,632.50 to the City
of Mounds View Parks and Recreation Department. These funds will be deposited into to the Park Dedication Fund. The City Council has indicated a desire to return to having a committee
/ informal group meeting with representatives of Bethlehem Baptist Church to discuss possible funds / expenditures for future donations. Palm and Kroeger are Commission contacts along
with Dazenski to participate in future meetings.
Pathway around Silver View Pond – Bicycle and pedestrian conflicts. Resident requested what can be done? City Staff will conduct some clearing for increased visibility.
Woodcrest Park - Staff has received a request from citizens to take action to establish the park as it was originally conveyed to the neighborhood then the wetland were created - “with
open waters to attract wildlife”. A request has been made to muck out the wetlands to make them deeper and less conducive to cattail growth. It was also requested that the trees that
boarder the wetland be thinned up to allow for better viewing of the park. Direct staff to look into cleaning up underbrush and issues with regard to bordering wetland and Commission
will look at Woodcrest Park on our park tour. Commissioners are encouraged to walk the park to better understand the issues.
Skate Board Park – The Parks and Recreation Commission received a request during the public input of the August 23, 2007 meeting to look into the possibility of a Skate park in Mounds
View. Background information from when a skate park was reviewed by the Parks Commission has been included in this meeting packet. Staff will also provide operational information pertaining
to Skate Parks in other Communities. Based on past information and current feedback from area communities that have a skate park with regards to vandalism, littering, foul language,
wood vs. concrete maintenance, etc. as well as lack of proper location, the Commission is deciding not to pursue this at this time.
Parks Promotional Video – The City has hired a full time cable coordinator, Vanessa Van Alstine. A suggestion has been made to re-execute the parks video in the summer when there is
activity (softball, baseball, etc) going on. The Commission may want to consider discussing the details of this video at this meeting. Suggestion for the video are:
Showcase each park giving it’s name, location, and ammenities
Ms. Van Alstine could take video footage of YMCA park activities this fall at city parks (adult and youth). She should contact Dan Weldon for field use schedule of various events. Also
disc golf at Silverview. This footage could be spliced into the Commissioner “tour” as we showcase each park with dialogue at a later date.
Order of video with Commissioners showcasing the following parks in this order. Ms. Van Alstine will contact each Commissioner to coordinate a time to meet at each park. Do not worry
about which “ball” we’re throwing—just be sure not to mention a Commissioner name when leading on to next park—only park’s name.
1. City Hall—Peterson
2. Silver View—Kroeger
3. Oakwood—Kunz
4. Greenfield--Arel,
5. Groveland--Palm
6. Hillview—Aukee--Winter
7. Lambert-Aukee-Winter
8. Woodcrest--Kunz
9. Random—Palm
10. Arden—Kroeger
11. Lions—Long
12. MVCC—entire Commission
Other New Business? NONE
9. Commissioner/Staff Reports:
Oakwood Park – Soccer Field / Irrigation Project Update –The tuff on this site has come in quite well. The City will be accepting the seeding part of the contract this fall. The irrigation
system has been tested and has operated, however is not currently connected to a power source and will therefore not be accepted until sometime next year.
Oakwood Playground Equipment Replacement Project Update – The equipment has been delivered. The drainage system and concrete border apron has been installed. The equipment at Oakwood
has been tentatively scheduled to be installed in mid-October. Fencing installed yet this fall.
Hillview Playground Equipment Replacement Project Update – The equipment has been delivered. The equipment at has been tentatively scheduled to be installed in October 2007.
Random Park - The border curbing around the play equipment has been installed. The basketball court has also been installed. The landscaping was completed last weekend as part of a Boy
Scout – Eagle Scout Merit Badge achievement project.
Park Sign Replacement Program Update – The Commission selected the style and colors for the park sign on August 23, 2007. Four signs have been ordered. These are for: Silver View, Random,
Hillview, and Groveland parks.
Silver View Pond Aerator – quotes to install the electrical for the two aerators, including timers, will be obtained in late winter/early spring. $5,000 has been included in the proposed
2008 Budget to run electrical lines to these aerators.
Spring Lake – several property owners around the lake, including the City, were not able to submit permit applications for weed removal within the lake for 2007. The DNR cited that
the deadline for submittal was August 1, 2007 and informed the City that it was late in the year for this treatment – this type of permit expires on September 1st. This permit was for
“recreational access”. The DNR stated that the area near the fishing was already treated.
Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance: The latest draft will be presented at the City Council Work Session on October 1, 2007. Commissioners are encouraged to watch or attend.
10. Request for future agenda items/other business
Possible Items for October 25th Agenda
Old Business items
Park Promotion Video
11. Motion by Long, 2nd by Peterson, to adjourn at 9:39 PM. Motion Passed 6-0