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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 06141999REMINDER: JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL JUNE 1ST, 6:00 - 7:15 PM CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA June 14, 1999 6:30 PM Meet at Silver Point Park (Todd Hubmer, WSB, will be present) I. CALL TO ORDER. III. APPROVAL OF MAY 10, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. IV. REVIEW WATER TOWER PARK PROGRESS TO DATE. Augie Wong, BRW, Inc., will be present. V. DISCUSSED PROPOSED ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS. VI. REPORTS. A. Community Services. B. School Board. C. Sports Boosters. VII. OTHER BUSINESS. VIII. ADJOURNMENT. CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MAY 10, 1999 I. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order by Chair Jindra. II. ROLL CALL. Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Commissioners Joanne Kosciolek, Paul Louiselle, and George Wagner. Also Present: Public Works Director Jay Hartman; Representative from Community Services (Diana Roadfeldt); Representative from School Board (Kathie Wolff); Representative from Sports Boosters (Jan Jensen); and City Council Liaison (George Marks). Absent: Vice Chair Doug Koehntop. III. APPROVAL OF APRIL 12, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. Motion by Kosciolek, second by Louiselle to approve the minutes of the April 12, 1999 meeting with the following change: IV. Designation of Parks Commission Representative to the City Council, delete last sentence. Motion carried unanimously. IV. REVIEW WATER TOWER PARK PROGRESS TO DATE. Jindra noted the presence at the meeting of 9 City youth ranging from 8th through 11th grades and invited them to address the Commission. They expressed their desire to see a skateboarding area in Central Park. Jindra asked for size specifications. They presented a drawing of a flat area the length of a tennis court but not as wide which would be inexpensive to maintain but with no grooves. Jindra asked whether the skateboarders were willing to wear protective gear if required, and whether they would respect the area with regard to litter and loitering. They all expressed agreement with this. Public Works Director Jay Hartman asked whether any of the youth had skated at Roseville's Oval Center, and if they had any opinion on that facility. They stated the membership and admission fees are costly, as much as $15-20 per day, and protective gear must be rented. Wolff stated she had seen a price list from the Oval Center and it is expensive and requires transportation. She reiterated that the youth were presenting ideas for a flat surface and not a skate park with ramps and boxes. Jindra asked whether, at such a skating area, space would be an issue, or whether conflicts would arise. The skateboarders stated they respect each other and take turns. Wolff asked whether Emerald Park would also be an acceptable location if space is not available in Central Park. They expressed agreement. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 1999 Page 2 The youth stated they were aware that Nativity Lutheran Church had plans to construct a skateboarding area with ramps. Kosciolek questioned whether another skateboarding area in Central Park would be necessary since it is so close to the church. Jindra asked whether the hockey rink could be paved for such a purpose. The youth were enthusiastic at this suggestion. Jindra stated the issue would be discussed by the Commission, adding that it if such an area were constructed on a trial basis, it would be eliminated if there was any fighting, loitering or littering. Hartman suggested that one of the youth could act as spokesperson and provide a name and phone number for further contact. It was agreed that the spokesperson would be Jake Smith, 3220 Roosevelt Street, Tel: 788-8299. Wolff noted that the City's Chemical Health Coalition could use some youth participation on its subcommittees, and asked the youth to consider getting involved. Jindra stated that public input will be obtained when work on the overall Central Park plan commences, and the skateboarders will be asked to be involved in the process at that time. She thanked the youth for their attendance and interest. Kosciolek expressed concern about the appearance of large groups of teenage boys hanging out in the park. Jindra stated they are trying to have fun in a chemical -free way. Wolff stated the hockey rink's location next to the police station is ideal. Hartman stated a hard surface would not be feasible due to drainage, but he agreed to look at that option. Jindra stated that a Police Department representative should be invited to address the Commission with regard to concerns for the skateboarding area such as visibility and patrolling. The Commission agreed with this suggestion. Jindra stated that the Water Tower Park playground subcommittee has met and decided on Little Tikes as equipment vendor for the park. Hartman agreed to inform the contractor and vendors of this choice, adding it will be up to Jindra or someone on the subcommittee to contact the vendors and fine tune what it is exactly that they want. He stated it is anticipated that the equipment will be ordered by Friday, May 14, 1999. Marks asked whether the project is budgeted and approved. Hartman confirmed this for both parks. He added that the $10,000 saved on playground equipment in Silver Point Park could be utilized elsewhere in the plan for that park. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 1999 Page 3 Jindra expressed concern regarding safety issues related to the drain grates near Water Tower Park. Hartman stated the 4 drains will have fencing around them and this is not a big issue. Jindra stated the rocks will be a draw for kids to play on them. Wagner arrived at 7:40 PM. Wolff asked whether flood water in the park will be an issue. Kosciolek noted the high elevation of the park area. Marks agreed, stating the park will not be flooded often in any case. Jensen noted the need for a high backstop on the 2nd baseball diamond in Silver Point Park. He added it should be higher than normal, and specified at least 30 feet to protect the play area from stray balls. Hartman agreed to look into that. Jindra asked whether the bleachers at the ballfields will be replaced. Hartman stated they will be replaced. Wolff asked whether a phone for calling the police will be available in these parks. Hartman stated there are phones in every park building, and attendants are trained to handle such situations. He added the City has never had a problem. Jindra noted the absence of Augie Wong, BRW, Inc., who was to address the Commission with regard to Water Tower Park progress to date. Hartman stated that Argoni Brothers are completing survey work this week and should be finished in the next few days. He added they will then start to bring in fill and commence grading if weather permits. Kosciolek asked whether further discussions had taken place with regard to the maple tree to be removed. Hartman stated the tree is not salvageable, and can not be transplanted, so it will have to be removed unless the architect can work around it. Jindra asked when work will commence on the basketball court. Hartman stated that will be one of the first things to be started as the elevation will need to be raised. Louiselle expressed concern with regard to usability issues, adding the park should be freed up as soon as possible. Jindra agreed, stating the Commission should consider how many parks could be unusable at one time. Hartman stated the Commission should discuss possible uses for the proposed pocket parks in the near future. Jindra stated the Commission should consider a temporary skateboarding area since Central Park will not be finished for some time. Hartman stated he has requested information from the Oval Center regarding skateboard parks' specifications and other details. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 1999 Page 4 Roadfeldt suggested such an area might be located on the west side of the high school near the fire road. Wolff stated there would be noise concerns and summer school might be disrupted. Marks suggested the area by the pump house which has good visibility and is close to traffic. Louiselle asked whether the City's liability insurance might specify that only normal sports are covered, and not skateboarding. Roadfeldt asked whether work which done on Central Park's fields which was funded by the Sports Boosters would be undone. Jensen stated this is a much better plan than what was attempted by the Sports Boosters. Marks asked whether the Commission intended to plan an dedication ceremony to celebrate the Commission's success. Jindra agreed, stating it will be a good way to introduce the community to the new park and the work of the Commission. Marks stated the Commission could look at having people buy benches which would be marked with a commemorative plaque. V. DISCUSS PARKS COMMISSION VACANCIES AND PROPOSED ITEMS TO DISCUSS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS. Andra stated Kosciolek had agreed to stay on the Commission until the opening of Water Tower Park. The Commission expressed agreement. Jindra stated the Commission should discuss the proposed pocket parks at their next meeting when more information is available. Jindra stated the proposed purchase of railroad property near Highway 88 should be discussed. VI. REPORTS. A. Community Services. Roadfeldt stated that Community Services is excited about the Water Tower Park and the work of the Commission. B. School Board. Jindra asked whether the School Board will be addressing the issue of bleacher safety at Central Park's baseball fields as the Parks Commission is not doing anything with those bleachers. She requested that the School Board be informed of the Parks Commission's concern over this issue. Wolff stated the OSHA specifications are not yet available but the School Board will be addressing the issue. Hartman stated the City building inspector will be involved as this falls under the Minnesota Building Code. C. Sports Boosters. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 1999 Page 5 Jensen stated he had looked at the unused ballfields near Sperry with Sports Booster president Bonnie Bremer and Councilmember Dennis Cavanaugh, and he talked with the property administrators. He added that an offer could be made for lease of the property and the Sports Boosters would cover renovation costs while the City would take care of mowing. He added that an assurance should be required that the City could lease the property for at least a few years. Jensen stated he has contacted 4 contractors to provide estimates and he will then prepare an offer for the property owner. Hartman asked whether a proposal had been prepared for the Council. Hartman stated this all just happened last week. He added they are adult fields, and he hopes to have more details by the Commission's next meeting. Jindra stated the Boosters should make a proposal to the Commission for presentation to the Council for their approval. Jensen reiterated that he will have a draft proposal prepared for the Commission's next meeting. VII. OTHER BUSINESS. A. Introduce Councilmember George Marks who will be the Council's liaison to the Parks Commission for the remainder of 1999. Jindra introduced Councilmember George Marks and invited him to address the Council. She added he served on the Parks Task Force last year, and has been appointed the Council's liaison to the Parks Commission. Marks stated he feels a big stake in the parks just like a lot of other residents, adding that the City has only half the parkland its population needs. He added that some great things have happened in the last few years such as the building of the community center which caused a vision to begin to grow regarding the City's parks. Marks stated the Commission is continuing that vision, allowing the City to look forward to a parks system of which it can be proud. He added the Commission is assisting in the creation of the City's future, and he is pleased and honored to be the Council's representative, and expressed the Council's support of the Commission's work. Marks thanked the Commission for carrying on and nurturing the vision of the City's future, and encouraged the Commission to contact him directly with any comments or concerns. He added he supports the idea of light rail at the railroad property near Highway 88. Jindra thanked Marks for his comments. She expressed the Commission's desire to see the Salvation Army camp property utilized as parkland, adding the results of the recent brainstorming session were misrepresented in the Bulletin which indicated that housing development was the consensus. Jindra requested that the Commission consider items for discussion with the City Council at the June 1, 1999 joint worksession. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 10, 1999 Page 6 Wagner asked whether benches were included in the plan for the Water Tower park area, as the Kiwanis organization has budgeted some funds for the park and they thought benches might be appropriate. Jindra stated benches were included in the plan, but the money could be used for something else. Marks stated he would like to see the green area south of the community center utilized as a community gathering space perhaps with a fountain. Hartman suggested a gazebo might be nice there. He added a fountain had been discussed for the community center but was discarded due to concerns about drowning. VIII. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Kosciolek, second by Louiselle to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mary Mullen TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.