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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 02142000CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA February 14, 2000 7:00 PM Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER. II. ROLL CALL. III. APPROVE DECEMBER 13, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES. IV. ELECT CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2000. V. DISCUSS CENTRAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT. Angie Wong from BRW, Inc. will be present. VI. REPORTS. A. Community Services. B. School Board. C. Sports Boosters. VII. OTHER BUSINESS. VIII. ADJOURNMENT. 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 1999 4 I. CALL TO ORDER. 5 The meeting was called to order by Chair Jindra at 7:00 p.m. 6 II. ROLL CALL. 7 Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Commissioners Paul Louiselle, George Wagner, 8 Joanne Kosciolek, Julie Gebhardt, Daniel Ganley 9 Also Present: Representative from Sports Boosters (Jan Jensen, arrived 7:10); 10 Representative from Community Services (Diana Roadfeldt); Public 11 Works Director (Jay Hartman); City Council Liaison (George Marks) 12 Absent: Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioner Colleen Hallada 13 III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 8, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 14 Motion by Kosciolek, second by Louiselle, to approve the minutes of the November 8, 1999 15 meeting with the following modification: 16 Page 1, Line 22, change "Zirby" to "Zurbey". 17 Page 7, Lines 7 and 9, change "Zirby" to "Zurbey". 18 Motion carried unanimously. 19 IV. INTRODUCE AND WELCOME NEW PARKS COMMISSION MEMBERS. 20 Jindra introduced the new members of the Commission: Julie Gebhardt, 3312 Skycroft Circle, 21 and Daniel Ganley, 3201 Wendhurst Avenue. Jindra stated that Commissioners Paul Louiselle 22 and Joanne Kosciolek were leaving the Parks Commission at the end of December 1999. 23 Jindra mentioned that there is one position that remains open on the Parks Commission. She en - 24 couraged the representatives from the other organizations that attend the Parks Commission 25 meetings to consider applying for the open position. 26 V. DISCUSS CENTRAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT. 27 Chair Jindra introduced Bob Kost and Augie Wong from BRW and invited them to address the 28 Commission. 29 Mr. Wong presented a list to the Commissioners which depicted the preliminary cost estimate to 30 complete the Central Park Redevelopment Project. Mr. Wong reviewed the list with the 31 Commissioners, and then asked Mr. Kost to provide a history of the Redevelopment Project. 32 Jan Jensen arrived at 7:10 p.m. s3 Mr. Kost reviewed for the Commission that BRW became involved with the City of St. Anthony 34 approximately four years ago when the City's Comprehensive Plan was being updated. BRW Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 2 1 then became involved more specifically with park projects when the City began the parks and 2 recreation portion of the Comprehensive Plan. As part of that work, City Manager Michael 3 Morrison requested that BRW investigate redeveloping Central Park due, in part, to the new 4 Community Center and City Hall. BRW began coordinating with an Ad Hoc Committee, of 5 which several of the current Parks Commissioners were involved. 6 Mr. Kost continued by stating that in 1997 and 1998, the task force began looking at the configu- 7 ration of Central Park. Three different plans were developed and one of those plans was ap- 8 proved by the City Council. Then, flooding in the City became an issue and all the parks were 9 reviewed for ability to accommodate storm water. 10 It as at this time, Mr. Kost stated, that the north side of Central Park was designated as a swale to 11 hold storm water. He further stated that the Parks Commission was then formed, in part, from 12 the Ad Hoc Committee. 13 Mr. Kost continued by stating that BRW has coordinated with the Parks Commission in 1999 to 14 achieve a series of objectives, goals, and wish lists. The current plan presented reflects im- 15 plementation of agreed-upon ideas and opinions, but Mr. Kost reaffirmed that there is work left 16 to be done. 17 Mr. Kost drew the Commission's attention to the proposed plan of Central Park, which included 18 four playfields, a possible trail system, playground area, performance area and other features. 19 Jensen clarified that a performance area for Central Park would consist of a place for concerts, 20 plays, and outdoor performance activities. 21 Council Liaison Marks stated that the City Council had approved the proposed plan because the 22 land appeared to be maximally utilized and the plan was the most comprehensive. Mr. Marks 23 stated that the City felt that the approved plan was the best option in the long run for the City. 24 George Zurbey, 3627 Benjamin St. NE, inquired about the length and width of the proposed soc- 25 cer field. Mr. Wong responded that the proposed size is 200 feet x 330 feet. The practice foot - 26 ball field, Mr. Wong stated, is 165 feet x 340 feet. Mr. Kost responded by stating that football 27 could be played on any of the soccer fields, but that there is a dedicated practice field. 28 Management of the activities on the fields was discussed. Jensen stated that he felt the 29 scheduling and management of the fields would be primarily the School Board's responsibility. 30 He further stated that the real issue at hand is that the Parks Commission needed to pursue 31 possibilities to procure additional land for park use. 32 Louiselle stated that he felt it was essential that the proposed field accommodate regulation 33 games in order to be fully utilized. Mr. Wong responded that a regulation soccer field is 195 feet 34 x 330 feet. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 3 1 Jindra responded that there is not additional land available to add to Central Park and the Com - 2 mission has to be able to utilize the land that is available to its maximum potential. She 3 suggested the possibility of designing Emerald Park for additional fields. 4 Mr. Kost stated that currently there is 6,800 feet designated for trails in the proposed plan. 5 Steve Rekuski, 3215 Silver Lake Road, inquired if an option had been incorporated into the pro - 6 posed plan for lighting the baseball and football fields. 7 Mr. Kost responded that lighting had not been built into the project. The reason for this, he 8 stated, is because the fields are multipurpose, it would be difficult to position the lighting in an 9 area where collisions with light poles would not be a safety issue. 10 Mr. Rekuski stated it would appear from the current plan that lighting could be a possibility. 11 Mr. Kost stated it was an option to look at a way to use excavation to build up some points in the 12 park and possibly install lighting, but additional information would need to be acquired before 13 that decision could be made. Mr. Wong stated an option would be to terrace different fields. Jensen felt it could be difficult to 5 terrace the proposed fields. 16 Marks pointed out that it appeared the sledding hill would intersect with the proposed trail. Mr. 17 Kost affirmed Marks' observation, and offered a possibility of eliminating snow plowing of that 18 section of the trail during the winter. 19 Dave Holstengaard, (address unknown), stated his concern about the cloverleaf design of the 20 fields. and the possibility of flying balls. He suggested a type of backstop that would angle in to - 21 wards the field to alleviate that possibility and provide a safer atmosphere. 22 Jensen affirmed that netting would have to be a safety feature. 23 Jindra confirmed that, during the design and construction of Silver Point Park, the Commission 24 always had safety as a priority and stated that the same precautions would be implemented as 25 well for Central Park. 26 Mr. Kost stated that once a survey on the property has been performed, the exact total of square 27 footage would be obtained and more options could be considered at that point. 28 Mr. Holstengaard asked if a hockey rink would be available at Silver Point Park. Jindra stated 9 there are not any plans at this point for a hockey rink at Silver Point Park, but there would be at 0 Central Park. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 4 1 Jindra also mentioned that the parks are mistakenly being used by skateboarders and 2 rollerbladers. She was concerned not only for the safety of those people, but also for the 3 preservation of the parks. Jindra suggested that the Commission investigate installing a type of 4 flooring on a rink that would allow for skateboarding and rollerblading. In other words, certain 5 parks could offer hockey in the winter, and skateboarding/rollerblading in the summer. 6 Jensen agreed that the Commission should pursue that idea. 7 In regard to the redevelopment of Central Park, George Zurbey stated that he would support a 8 first-rate field of which the varsity players could be proud. He was in favor of a full-sized soccer 9 field so that players in the middle and high schools could have a designated field. 10 Mr. Kost stated that there needs to be significant public input in order to reach the next step in 11 the Central Park Redevelopment Project. However, he cautioned the Commission that the 12 proposed plan has already been approved by the City Council and the next step is to take the plan 13 into the final design, and not to revisit the plan from the beginning. 14 Jensen asked if there is enough geography to have a both varsity baseball and varsity soccer field. 15 Mr. Kost stated that a survey would be able to provide that information. 16 Mr. Zurbey made a suggestion that lights could be utilized as a way to maximize the potential of 17 the fields. In other words, the installation of lights could allow fields to be used at various times 18 of the day and evening for practices and games. That idea could also help to alleviate conflicts in 19 time management of the fields as well. 20 Mr. Rekuski offered that he felt it was a good idea to have a regulation field, but that he did not 21 believe that the varsity teams would play and practice on the same field. Options were discussed 22 about rearranging the proposed fields on the plan. 23 Mr. Wong clarified with Mr. Rekuski that the fields could be utilized more if lighting were in - 24 stalled. They agreed that lighting would provide opportunities for selective times for games and 25 practices. Jensen offered that management of the fields would be easier if lighting were an 26 option. 27 Mr. Kost agreed that lighting should be considered an option. Mr. Rekuski asked about the total 28 cost of the park as proposed. Mr. Kost responded that the cost is approximately $624,000. 29 Jindra cautioned the Commission that surrounding residents of Central Park could have 30 objections to any "late night lighting". She further clarified that if the lights are turned out at a 31 reasonably early hour, she has understood from the residents that lighting would not be an issue. 32 Jindra asked Mr. Kost to develop a projection for the cost of lighting. 33 Gebhardt inquired about the timeframe for a survey of the Park. Mr. Kost stated that a survey 34 could be done at any time; however, he cautioned the Commission that once significant snowfall Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 5 1 is received, the survey would have to be postponed until spring. Mr. Kost further stated that he 2 had given Public Works Director Jay Hartman an estimate on the cost of the survey. 3 Mr. Hartman responded and said the next step in the redevelopment was the survey and that 4 many questions could be answered once the survey has been completed. Mr. Hartman stated that 5 the plan would be to make a recommendation to the City Council in the next month or so and 6 then to go ahead with the survey. 7 Marks offered that there is one City Council meeting left for 1999, and that meeting is designated 8 as a tax meeting. Marks suggested meeting with the new City Council after the first of the year 9 as it would be an excellent opportunity to meet the new members as well as to present the plans 10 and the need for a survey. 11 Mr. Kost offered that if the survey is approved by the City Council in January, that the actual sur - 12 vey could take place as early as April, depending on the snowfall between now and then. 13 Wagner reminded the Commission that the Central Park property is roughly half City property, 14 and half School property, and he discussed the possibility that it could take joint approval to 15 move ahead with the project. 16 On that subject, Jindra stated that Kathie Wolff, the School Board Representative for the Parks 17 Commission, had moved to St. Louis, Missouri and thus was not available to comment on the 18 School Board's position on this matter. 19 Mr. Kost said it could take five or six months to obtain the design and survey and put the project 20 out for bids. He mentioned a possible fall date for start of construction. 21 Jensen stated that would be unacceptable because the school would have to outsource all the 22 sports. Mr. Kost reminded the Commission that the Park would be unusable for organized sports 23 activities for more than one season. 24 Jensen said that the Sports Boosters had talked about informing other communities about the 25 City of St. Anthony outsourcing sports activities for possibly 2001-2002. 26 Marks offered that the entire dollar amount of the redevelopment project for Central Park would 27 most likely be designated from more than one year's budget. 28 Mr. Zurbey believed the City should consider the timing of when the fields get used in 29 connection with the layout of the fields. In other words, there are not a lot of fields available 30 that can maintain the older players. He continued by discussing the specific layout of the 1 proposed fields and how each field pertains to certain sports. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 6 I Mr. Zurbey mentioned that there is a soccer field at Wilshire Park. He questioned whether that 2 field could that be turned a different direction and two fields achieved instead of one. He 3 clarified that he was trying to obtain the maximum use of the fields and space available. 4 Jindra thought that it would be an option to request that the Athletic Director attend a meeting to 5 offer input about the proposed redevelopment plan. Community Services Representative Diana 6 Roadfeldt suggested that the Commission obtain the survey first and then discuss options with 7 the Athletic Director. 8 Motion by Wagner, second by Louiselle, to request approval from the City Council for a survey 9 of Central Park to take place as soon as possible. 10 Motion carried unanimously. 11 Ganley asked about the length of time it would take to obtain a survey on the property. Mr. Kosi 12 said that at this point, the schedule would be on a day-to-day basis because of the threat of snow. 13 Traditionally, he stated, there is approximately one week's worth of field work to collect data, 14 and then about another week to translate and compile the data. The total turnaround time, Mr. 15 Kost said, is approximately three weeks. 16 Jindra agreed with Roadfeldt that the Commission needed to obtain the survey and then speak 17 with the Athletic Director. is Wagner suggested that the proposal to the City Council should include the total amount of the 19 project. 20 Jindra suggested that Mr. Kost research the idea of the hockey arena being utilized for other pur- e 1 poses, such as rollerblading and skateboarding. Mr. Kost stated that the Minneapolis Parks 22 Commission recently completed a hockey rink with a specified surface that enables rollerblade 23 hockey. 24 Jindra confirmed with Mr. Kost that the information could be expected at the next meeting. 25 VI. SILVER POINT PARK UPDATE. 26 Jindra stated that she would like to add this item to the agenda. 27 Jindra mentioned that there have obviously been some problems at Silver Point Park because she 28 noticed some barricades in certain areas. Mr. Hartman responded that the barricades were in- . 29 stalled because residents appear to be driving down the embankment of the Park. Security light - 30 ing is scheduled to be installed in the spring as a result. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 7 I Kosciolek stated that she recently visited the Park and felt that there was still too much space 2 around the sewer grates that could be a significant safety hazard to children. Mr. Hartman said 3 there are a number of grates in the area that will be getting additional bars. 4 Kosciolek also noted that there was grass growing in the play area. Mr. Hartman made a note to 5 investigate her observation. 6 Jindra suggested that the Commission sponsor the grand opening of Silver Point Park so as not to 7 conflict with the 29th Avenue street reconstruction. Mr. Hartman stated that Todd Hubmer, 8 WSB & Associates, would get in touch with him regarding the potential dates for the reconstruc- 9 tion. Mr. Hartman also stated that the City would be amenable to working around the Parks 10 Commission's schedule with respect to the grand opening. I i Jindra requested that Mr. Hartman obtain a firm date on the reconstruction. Mr. Hartman sug- 12 gested that the Parks Commission arrive at a tentative date for the grand opening and that would 13 allow him to work more effectively with WSB & Associates and the City in setting a date for re - 14 construction. 15 Roadfeldt suggested planning a tentative date at this time. -6 Discussion ensued about potential dates for the grand opening. It was determined that Thursday, 17 April 27, 2000, be designated as the tentative date for the grand opening of Silver Point Park, 18 with a time beginning either at 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. and lasting until 8:00 p.m. 19 Jindra mentioned the possibility of arranging for a band and refreshments, but stated that those 20 preparations could be made at a later meeting. 21 VII. DISCUSS FUTURE PROJECTS. 22 Jindra suggested that the Parks Commission approach the new City Council and present a back - 23 ground of the Commission and the visions and objectives anticipated for the future. 24 Jensen suggested that all of the members of the Parks Commission meet with the new Council. 25 Jindra suggested meeting with the new Council at the January 25, 2000 City Council meeting. 26 Jindra stated that she would be in attendance at that meeting and she encouraged the other mem- 27 bers and representatives to the Parks Commission to join her. 28 Mr. Hartman offered that funding for Central Park would take some time, and if there were other 29 projects to consider in the meantime, he would be receptive to suggestions. Wagner volunteered 30 that the proposed green space for the redevelopment of the St. Anthony Shopping Center would 31 be a forthcoming issue and something that the Parks Commission would be asked to offer input. 2 Jindra mentioned that a configuration for fields at Emerald Park could be an upcoming issue as 33 well. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 8 1 Roadfeldt mentioned the possibility of pursuing green spaces for the pocket parks west of Silver 2 Lake Road. She noted a previous discussion about recommendations for those particular parks. 3 Marks agreed that at some point those pocket parks should be a consideration. Gebhardt sug- 4 gested the possibility for implementing skateboarding in those areas. Roadfeldt responded that a 5 potential obstacle for skateboarding areas is that the pocket parks would be located close to other 6 homes. It was mentioned that residents have voiced opposition for the possibility of park 7 benches being put in the pocket parks. 8 VIII. REPORTS. 9 A. Community Services. 10 Roadfeldt stated that of related interest is a new endeavor that Community Services has entered 11 into with the City of New Brighton. This agreement would enable both cities to use the pool fa - 12 cilities more efficiently and also be able to offer more activities. Wagner clarified that, in 13 essence, the agreement would provide more staffing for the pools. Roadfeldt added that the 14 additional staffing would provide more opportunities such as canoeing, scuba diving, and 15 kayaking. Currently, Wagner explained, the City is too short-staffed to provide those options. 16 B. School Board. 17 Jindra announced that the Parks Commission's School Board Representative, Kathie Wolff, has 18 moved to St. Louis, Missouri. A new representative will be appointed and hopefully will be at - 19 tending the next Parks Commission meeting. Jindra suggested inviting the Athletic Director to 20 attend the next meeting so the Commission could receive input directly from the School. 21 Wagner suggested waiting to obtain input from the School until the survey has been completed 22 and more information is available. 23 C. Sports Boosters. 24 Jensen stated that the Sports Boosters have been discussing taking the fields in Central Park off 25 line while the Park is being redeveloped. Jindra suggested that additional members from the 26 Sports Boosters attend the Parks Commission meetings to offer input for the redevelopment. 27 Kosciolek suggested that visitors who attend and address the Parks Commission complete a form 28 specifying their name and address. Kosciolek felt that this would be necessary to allow the Com - 29 missioners to identify speakers and also to assist the recording secretary with name spellings and 30 addresses. She mentioned that the City Council and Planning Commission carry out this type of 31 format. 32 IX. OTHER BUSINESS. 33 Jindra reminded the Commission that this was the last Parks Commission meeting for Paul 34 Louiselle and Joanne Kosciolek. Jindra thanked both Commissioners for their service and stated 35 the Commission would gladly welcome both of them back should they decide to return. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 1999 Page 9 1 Louiselle thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to serve the community and stated his 2 children would benefit from the accomplishments of the Parks Commission. 3 Kosciolek stated that she has appreciated the opportunity to serve the community that she was a 4 member of for so long. She thanked Jindra for her excellent leadership and for the opportunity to 5 be a member of the Parks Commission. 6 X. ADJOURNMENT. 7 Motion by Kosciolek, second by Louiselle, to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. 8 Motion carried unanimously. 9 Respectfully submitted, to Sue Selseth 11 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.