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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 08091999CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA August 9, 1999 7:00 PM Silver Point Park I. CALL TO ORDER. IL ROLL CALL. III. APPROVAL OF JULY 12, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. IV. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK. Augie Wong, BRW, Inc., will be present. A. Opening. B. Punch list items. V. SILVER POINT PARK UPDATE. Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, will be present. VI. POCKET PARKS UPDATE. VII. DISCUSS PROPOSED ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS. VIII. REPORTS. A. Community Services. B. School Board. C. Sports Boosters. IX. OTHER BUSINESS. X. ADJOURNMENT. I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 12, 1999 4 I. CALL TO ORDER. 5 The Commission toured Silver Point Park at 6:30 PM, and the meeting was called to order by 6 Chair Jindra at 7:49 PM. 7 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioners 9 Joanne Kosciolek, Paul Louiselle, and George Wagner. 10 Also Present: Representative from School Board (Kathie Wolff); Representative 11 from Sports Boosters (Jan Jensen). 12 Absent: Diana Roadfeldt, George Marks, and Jay Hartman. 13 III. APPROVAL OF JUNE 14,1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 14 Motion by Koehntop, second by Louiselle to approve the minutes of the June 14, 1999 meeting is as presented. 16 Motion carried unanimousl 17 IV. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK. Jindra stated that the Commission had toured Water Tower Park that evening with Augie Wong, 19 BRW, Inc., and had discussed with him certain factors affecting the progress of the park. She 20 noted the possibility of extending the July 19 deadline for completion of the park had been 21 discussed, and it may be necessary to grant a one week extension. 22 Jindra noted the playground equipment would be arriving soon, installation for which would take 23 approximately 10 days. She added the posts for the equipment were being put in immediately. 24 Wolff stated that a request for lights at the half basketball court should be made. Jindra noted the 25 Commission highly recommends to the City Council the addition of such a lighting system. 26 Koehntop stated, with regard to plantings, the autumn blaze maple proposed along 33rd Avenue 27 are a hybrid of 2 types of maple, and the garden center he contacted was very pleased with them. 28 He added that Jay Hartman had approved this selection, although he would wait until fall to plant 29 the trees. The Commission expressed its agreement of the proposed plantings. 30 Wolff stated the shrub roses proposed around the peripheral wall are not a good choice for that 31 location as people will sit on the walls and may have scratches or cuts from the thorns. She 32 suggested another shrub might be more appropriate. 33 Louiselle stated the shrub roses will be aesthetically pleasing and have a nice smell, and will be above the retaining wall. Jensen stated the issue is not important in his opinion. Jindra stated the shrub roses are hardy and attractive, and will continue to bloom all summer. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 2 1 Jensen asked what the rationale was behind the selection of shrub roses for that location. Jindra 2 stated the blooms will be inviting. Hallada stated the color of the roses will be nice. Wagner 3 stated the retaining wall is high and people might not sit on it. Louiselle stated the roses might 4 even keep children from jumping off the wall. Hallada disagreed, stating the bushes would not 5 deter jumping. 6 Jindra noted the lack of a hand -washing spigot at the restroom facility, adding this should be fine 7 as long as the area is continually maintained. She stated that restroom satellites have not been 8 installed in Emerald and Central Parks, as requested by the Commission and noted in the June 9 15, 1999 minutes on Page 5, line 7. 10 Jensen asked whether such action items could be summarized or noted in the minutes. Wagner 11 stated a motion would be more appropriate. The understanding of the Commission was that Mr. 12 Hartman would take care of the satellite installation, and a recommendation was not necessary. 13 Jindra noted that it would be necessary to clarify with Mr. Hartman whether the satellites would 14 be installed, or if a recommendation to the Council is required. 15 Jindra stated that Jay Kennedy, WSB, Inc., was present to discuss the City's pocket parks, and 16 recommended that item be discussed to allow Mr. Kennedy to depart. 17 V. DISCUSS POCKET PARKS. 18 Jindra welcomed Jay Kennedy and invited him to address the Commission. Mr. Kennedy stated 19 he would pass on the Commission's concerns with regard to Silver Point Park to Todd Hubmer, 20 WSB, Inc., for his review and action. 21 Mr. Kennedy noted, with regard to Silver Point Park, that the Commission is requesting an 22 additional post be placed on the backstop of one of the ballfields, and that the fence be 16 feet 23 high with a cantilever extension of 4-5 feet. Jindra stated the ballfields are unique in that a small 24 toddler play area is located immediately behind the backstop and presents safety concerns. 25 Mr. Kennedy noted that he is not convinced the park's safety grates are installed correctly. 26 Jindra stated the Commission recommends the drainage grates be lowered and a safety bar 27 included so children can not crawl into the space. 28 Hallada noted the lack of a fence around one grate. Mr. Kennedy agreed that was strange, and 29 agreed to look into it. 30 Jindra asked whether the Commission could assume the contractor is running behind since an 31 extension has been requested. Mr. Kennedy stated he is unsure why the contractor needs an 32 extension, adding it could be weather-related. He added it would be necessary for the Council to 33 grant an extension. Jindra stated the Commission would like to be kept informed about such 34 changes in the future. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 3 I Wolff stated the Commission has not received a Construction Review in over a month, or a 2 timeline as requested at a recent meeting. She added that residents are not being kept informed. 3 Jindra stated, with regard to the City's pocket parks on St. Anthony Boulevard, the City has 4 acquired 2 lots and potentially 3 more lots could be acquired. She added the Commission should 5 discuss possible uses for those lots. She noted a meeting with the Council regarding this subject 6 would be held July 13, 1999, which Wagner and possibly Koehntop would be attending, and she 7 encouraged the other Commissioners to attend the meeting. 8 Mr. Kennedy stated a neighborhood meeting was held which Todd Hubmer attended with the 9 landscape architect retained by WSB to assist with the design of these pocket parks. He added 10 the residents expressed concern that the parks not be made into "destination" parks, with play 11 equipment, benches and trails. He stressed the residents wished to have some open space for 12 neighborhood gatherings and picnics to be used by the residents in homes immediately adjacent 13 to the parks. 14 Mr. Kennedy noted the landscape drawings depict overstory trees along the edges of the lots with 15 a central open space for impromptu games or gatherings. He stated the plans include the addition 16 of several trees along St. Anthony Boulevard to retain the tree -lined character of the boulevard. . I Mr. Kennedy noted a resident along the northernmost ponding area is concerned that his garage 18 and garbage will be visible from the boulevard through the pocket park. He added the plan 19 shows conifers and evergreens to provide some screen for that problem. 20 Mr. Kennedy stated that these were the main points arising from the neighborhood meeting, and 21 requested the Commission's comments and reactions. He encouraged the Commissioners to 22 attend the July 13 meeting. 23 Jindra asked for clarification with regard to the nature of the meeting. Mr. Kennedy stated he 24 suspects the purpose of the meeting is to collect input from residents and determine the ideal uses 25 for these areas, and hopefully arrive at a consensus. 26 Koehntop stated he would support fulfilling the neighborhood's wishes as much as possible, 27 noting the landscape plan gives the area functionality. He added this is a volatile issue, and there 28 would be nothing to gain by opposing the residents. 29 Wolff stated the double lot on Pahl Avenue would be an ideal parks space, and the Commission 30 should reserve the right to do something there. She added the City should work with the 31 residents but noted the areas are public property and the community in general must be 32 considered. Koehntop asked what kind of use would be appropriate for a larger pocket park. Mr. Kennedy 34 stated a small soccer field could conceivably fit there. Jensen stated something appropriate for 35 small children should be considered. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 4 1 Jindra stated it is important for the residents to perceive the Commission as sensitive to its 2 concerns. She requested that Wagner report back to the Commission after the meeting. 3 Wolff stated the large ponding area at the north end of Central Park has not been planted, 4 although Mr. Hubmer indicated at last month's meeting it would be completed. Jindra stated Mr. 5 Hubmer indicated that planting will commence this week. She requested that Mr. Kennedy 6 review this issue with Mr. Hubmer. 7 Jindra stated that 2 other areas are still in need of attention by WSB: the holding pond north of 8 the Community Center which was supposed to be removed, and the ponding area at 33rd Avenue 9 and Silver Lake Road which requires plantings. She added this area is a focal point for the 10 community, and with the park dedication coming up it should be addressed immediately. She 11 requested that Mr. Kennedy review this with Mr. Hubmer. 12 Wolff stated there doesn't appear to be room behind the football field for the children's soccer 13 field which was there previously. She requested clarification from WSB as to whether the soccer 14 field can be put back there or if more space is needed, which would require School Board 15 approval. 16 Jindra thanked Mr. Kennedy for his attendance. She suggested the Commission continue its 17 discussion of Water Tower Park. 18 Jindra stated the pump house near the playground area needs to be painted and updated before 19 the park dedication. 20 Jindra stated the Commission had discussed a park dedication at the end of July, and 21 recommended this be moved back a week. She noted the VillageFest committee wishes to tie the 22 dedication in with their festivities. 23 Jindra welcomed Councilmember Dennis Cavanaugh, who was attending a VillageFest meeting 24 in the Council Chambers. Cavanaugh stated the inclusion of the park dedication in the 25 VillageFest activities would make the week more festive and special, as the dedication is an 26 important community event. 27 Jindra asked whether a dollar amount had been allocated for the event. She noted a band she saw 28 recently in Roseville called the Splatter Sisters who perform at functions for $425 per hour, 29 which was negotiable. She stated the Commission would also like to have ice cream and 30 lemonade. She estimated the event would cost approximately $1,000. 31 Cavanaugh stated the Council had allocated $500 for the event. Jindra stated the Kiwanis had 32 indicated they might have some funding available, or might provide ice cream as they did for the 33 Task Force's ice cream social. Wagner agreed to ask the Kiwanis organization. The 34 Commission agreed to hold the park dedication on August 5, 1999 from 6:30-8:00 PM. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 5 1 Cavanaugh expressed his support of having the pump house painted before the park dedication. 2 He asked whether the Commission knew why there were 3 poles in the ground at Emerald Park 3 which seem to have no purpose. Wolff stated the Commission has not done any work in 4 Emerald Park. The Commission agreed to look into it. 5 Jindra stated the ECFE organization might be approached for volunteers. Jensen suggested 6 McDonald's orange drink might be a better choice than lemonade. Jindra stated Rainbow Foods 7 and Newmarket have been helpful in the past with donating items. Kosciolek stated the PDQ has 8 a great bakery. 9 Jindra stated a band would be a nice addition to the event. The Commission expressed 10 agreement. Jindra stated she would check the availability of the Splatter Sisters. 11 Jindra stated the Council should be involved in the ribbon -cutting ceremony. Louiselle stated the 12 park dedication should be printed in the Bulletin as part of the VillageFest schedule. Koehntop 13 stated that VillageFest has a brochure as well. 14 Jindra stated the City has a helium tank for filling balloons, and 2 ECFE people dress as clowns 15 to distribute them. Wagner suggested they could be tied up around the area. Kosciolek 16 expressed concern that balloons be tied down rather than handed out, as they are harmful to the 7 environment. The Commission agreed that balloons should be tied up in bundles around the area 18 for a festive appearance. 19 Jindra noted that the Kiwanis organization has indicated they would be interested in making a 20 $1,000 donation to the park, and asked whether there were any suggestions for its use. Wagner 21 stated the Commission could wait to see what was needed. Jindra expressed the Commission's 22 appreciation of the Kiwanis' generous offer. 23 Hallada asked whether there would be garbage cans around the area. Jindra stated garbage cans 24 were included in the plan, and the addition of recycling bins might be a good idea. The 25 Commission expressed agreement. 26 VI. DISCUSS PROPOSED ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS. 27 No agenda items for future meetings were discussed. 28 VII. REPORTS. 29 A. Community Services. 30 There was no report from Community Services due to the absence of Diana Roadfeldt. 31 B. School Board. Jindra asked for clarification with regard to the fencing near the high school pool area. Wolff 33 stated she believes it relates to general school maintenance, but agreed to find out. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes July 12, 1999 Page 6 1 Wolff stated she had reported to the School Board that the large holding pond in Central Park 2 would be seeded and completed, adding this has not been done. She expressed concern that this 3 be completed immediately. 4 Wolff stated a recent WCCO-TV report on soccer goals revealed flaws relating to anchors. She 5 noted the City uses these same goals, and anchors must be utilized. 6 C. Sports Boosters. 7 Jensen stated he had received bids for the ballfreld renovation, adding the lowest bidder was 8 Frattalone Excavating. He noted their cost for renovating the Unisys fields is $16,700 per field, 9 and $42,300 for 2 ball diamonds at the Newmarket site. 10 Jensen stated it has been difficult for him to get bids as these are small projects and this is a busy I t time of year for such companies. 12 Jensen stated that he had contacted the realtor who owns the Unisys property, and they have 13 agreed to let the City use the land under a temporary lease until the land is sold. He stated the 14 Newmarket site would be under a long-term lease. 15 Motion by Koehntop, second by Kosciolek to present the issue of renovation of alternative 16 ballfields to the City Council for their recommendation. 17 Motion carried unanimously. 18 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS. 19 Kosciolek noted she would not be in attendance at the Commission's August 9, 1999 meeting 20 due to her upcoming wedding. 21 Jindra suggested the Commission might take a break in September, and a decision could be made 22 at the August meeting. 23 IX. ADJOURNMENT. 24 Motion by Kosciolek, second by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 P.M. `41 26 Respectfully submitted, 27 Mary Mullen 28 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Motion carried unanimously.