HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 03081999CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
March 8 1999
7:00 PM
City Hall/Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
IL ROLL CALL.
III. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 8, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.
IV. DESIGNATE PARKS COMMISSIONER TO MARCH 16 PLANNING
COMMISSION, AND MARCH 23, 1999 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.
V. SILVER POINT PARK UPDATE. Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, Inc. will
be present.
VI. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK.
VII. REPORTS.
A. Community Services.
B. School Board.
C. Sports Boosters.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS.
A. Salvation Army.
B. Possible Councilmember update.
IX. ADJOURNMENT.
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 8, 1999
I. CALL TO ORDER.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jindra at 7:00 P.M.
H. ROLL CALL.
Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, 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); and Representative from Sports
Boosters (Jan Jensen).
Absent: Commissioner Tim Morris.
I11. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 11, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
Motion by Wagner, second by Koehntop to approve the minutes of the January 11, 1999 meeting
with the following addition:
Page 5, line 6, after "be" add "duplicated."
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25 Public Works Director Jay Hartman asked whether the Commission had been receiving the
26 City's most recent Construction Review. No one on the Commission had received the Review.
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28 Motion carried unanimously.
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30 IV. DESIGNATE PARKS COMMISSIONER TO FEBRUARY 16, 1999 PLANNING
31 COMMISSION AND FEBRUARY 23,1999 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.
32 Wagner agreed to attend both the February 16, 1999 Planning Commission and February 23,
33 1999 City Council meetings.
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35 Jindra stated she will present a schedule of meeting designees at the Commission's March
36 meeting, adding it will be necessary for the designee to find his or her own replacement if unable
37 to attend.
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39 V. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK.
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41 A. Sub -Committee Update.
42 Jindra asked for an progress update from playground sub -committee members Louiselle and
43 Wolff. Louiselle stated the sub -committee had reviewed different types of equipment in various
44 vendor brochures received by the Commission and had identified those which were appealing.
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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 2
1 Wolff stated the sub -committee had questioned if a piece of equipment or play structure was
2 selected from a particular brochure whether the contractor could produce something similar. Bob
3 Kost, BRW, Inc., stated that was possible.
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5 Wolff asked whether a 12 -foot slide would be unsuitable for multi-age use or present particular
6 liability issues. Kost stated the thickness of the resilient surface material under the slide would
7 be adjusted according to the height of the slide, adding that all play equipment can be used
8 improperly and safety requirements are built in to the product. He stressed the importance of
9 providing play opportunities for various age groups in a muli-age setting.
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11 Jindra asked how the cost of the play area should be determined with regard to the bidding
12 process. Kost stated a more competitive situation will be created if equipment is designated but
13 not an exact price. He added an engineer's estimate will be attached to the bid.
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15 Kost stated BRW is proposing a wood fiber composite flooring for the play area which is less
16 expensive than other surfaces and will have an impact on where the money is spent. He added
17 the composite would have to be replenished every year, and is wheelchair accessible. He stated
18 sand will still be necessary for certain areas, such as around diggers.
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20 B. Bob Kost from BRW Inc will assist with planning design of the park.
21 Jindra invited Bob Kost to address the Commission with regard to the new design of the Water
22 Tower Park area. She stated she was disappointed at the prospect of a half basketball court.
23 Kost stated there are strict space constraints in the park area and a full court would not be
24 possible, but two half courts could be discussed.
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26 Roadfeldt stated fire access is necessary to the school via the bituminous road which will
27 eventually be expanded. Jensen stated the Sports Boosters currently has 60 youth basketball
28 teams which represents a great deal of interest in the community, adding that does not take young
29 adults into consideration.
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31 Louiselle asked whether the north end of the park might be more suitable for a basketball court.
32 Jindra stated visibility near the Water Tower park is better, adding a flat piece of land near the
33 community center which is designated for another use would be extremely suitable.
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35 Jensen asked whether the area west of the high school might be suitable for basketball. Wolff
36 stated the School Board had agreed to the play area due to natural barriers from the school which
37 would prevent activities there from interfering with classes.
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39 Roadfeldt asked whether the skating rink could be used in the summer for basketball. Kost
40 stated there are drainage issues.
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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 3
1 Louiselle asked whether the walking path entering the play area could be adjusted to make room
2 for an east -west basketball court. Kost stated the walking path has a grade percentage which
3 makes it accessible without a ramp, and moving the trail would change the grade. He added at
4 least one tree would be sacrificed. He agreed, however, that this was a definite possibility.
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6 Kost reviewed the proposed enlarged 9,091 square foot play area, which incorporates play
7 structures for various age groups, swings, benches, decorative fencing, and a concrete sidewalk
s enclosing the entire area. He added these present opportunities for unifying design elements for
9 the rest of the park. He stated retaining walls are necessary in some areas due to grade which
10 represents some significant cost, and he suggested the Commission might want to consider
11 making the area a little smaller to put more money into equipment rather than surface and space.
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13 Jindra asked whether rollerblading would have a negative effect on the basketball court surface.
14 Kost stated the half court is a good place to learn to rollerblade and will prevent rollerbladers
15 ruining the tennis court surfaces. Hartman asked whether the half basketball courts would be
16 fenced in. Kost confirmed there would be fencing.
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18 Wolff asked whether a restroom was included in the plan. Kost stated it was not, and a unisex,
3 double -sized handicapped accessible portable unit with a decorative enclosure could be added.
20 Jensen stated it might be better to have two units rather than one unisex unit, and whether it was
21 necessary to provide handicapped accessible units. Kost stated space constraints will not allow
22 for two double -sized units, and the Commission must make the park accessible to everyone to
23 create a positive community space.
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25 Jensen stated the play area's proximity to 33rd Avenue may prevent vandalism to the restroom
26 unit. Wolff stated the restroom could also be accessible for the tennis courts. Kost stated the
27 best spot for the unit would be near the walking path entering the play area.
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29 Wolff stated the playground equipment sub -committee had discussed the possibility of
30 compartmentalizing the play area, and keeping equipment for small children separate and not
31 physically connected to equipment for bigger kids. Kost stated that would not be a problem,
32 adding smaller children often want to be on the big kid equipment and the tot play area is under -
33 utilized.
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35 Kost asked whether the Commission agreed that the addition of a second half basketball court
36 was desirable even if a tree is lost. The Commission expressed agreement. Kost stated more
37 trees will be planted along 33rd Avenue to increase the perception of green space. Wolff stated
38 the community would not be in favor of losing a lot of trees.
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o Jindra thanked Kost for the work he had done on enlarging the proposed play area plan, adding it
41 was a big improvement. Jensen stressed the importance of meeting the community's high
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 4
1 expectations and doing a first class job on the play area. Andra agreed, stating that is the
2 Commission's purpose in updating the City's parks.
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4 Kost asked whether a drinking fountain was necessary. Wolff stated it had been discussed and
5 would also be good for the tennis courts. Koehntop asked whether a fountain could be linked to
6 the water treatment plant. Hartman stated a fountain could be incorporated into the restroom
7 structure. Kost agreed, stating people often want water to wash their hands at restrooms, and a
8 fountain with a pump or spout rather than just a drinking fountain would be appropriate. He
9 added it would have to be handicapped accessible and fairly heavy duty to prevent vandalism.
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11 Kost asked which equipment vendors had been discussed. Jindra stated catalogues from EFA,
1 ^1 TAMP. Tilces and Miracle were reviewed by the sub -committee. Louiselle stated it was agreed that
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earth tones and natural colors would be preferable to primary colors. Jindra stated some vendors
had requested a price suggestion, and one vendor had actually drawn up a proposed site plan
incorporating equipment from 5 or 6 different companies. She presented the site plan, adding it
included a zipline and snake see saw which the sub -committee liked.
18 Kost stated it was not inappropriate for the vendor to prepare the site plan. Hartman stated the
19 play area should not incorporate wood equipment. Jindra asked whether glider benches could be
20 designed or must be ordered. Kost stated BRW has both designed them and put them in
21 catalogues, but either way they are very expensive. He added the play area has lots of trees
22 which is good for shade, but is also very hilly.
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24 Wolff stated the sub -committee had decided on some equipment for Silver Point Park in addition
25 to the Water Tower Park play area, and Wolff and Kosciolek agreed to e-mail the sub -
26 committee's equipment list to Kost.
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28 Jindra asked about the timing of the project. Kost stated the plans could be presented to the City
29 Council after the Commission's March meeting.
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31 Roadfeldt asked whether it was really necessary to decrease the size of the play area as proposed
32 by Kost. Kost stated nothing will be lost except perhaps 1 piece of free-standing equipment.
33 Wolff stated it was acceptable to sacrifice 1 piece of equipment for a half basketball court.
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35 Kosciolek asked for clarification with regard to the retaining walls. Kost stated they would be
36 modular decorative blocks. Jindra asked whether the Public Works Department could complete
37 that work. Kost stated it would be preferable to bid it out and have all the work completed in
38 time for the grand opening. Hartman added the equipment installation will be completed by the
39 contractor. Kost stated community involvement could be in the form of landscaping and
40 planting.
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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 5
1 Wolff asked for an estimated cost for the proposed play area. Kost stated the area would cost an
2 estimated $200,000 without a second half basketball court or restroom unit. Wolff asked
3 whether there would be a savings as the area will be somewhat smaller. Kost confirmed there
4 would be some savings.
6 Kost reiterated the importance of meeting with the Commission prior to presenting the plans to
7 the City Council. Jindra stated the plans could be discussed at the Commission's March 8, 1999
8 meeting and presented at the Council's March 23, 1999 meeting. Kost agreed, stating that will
9 give the Commission a few weeks to make changes and review final plans. Wagner asked
10 whether final cost estimates will be available at the Commission's March meeting. Kost
11 confirmed this.
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13 Kost requested a copy of the Commission meeting minutes be sent to him before future
14 meetings. Hartman agreed to discuss this with City staff.
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16 VI. SILVER POINT PARK UPDATE.
17 A. Playground Equipment.
18 Jindra stated Todd Hubmer, WSB Associates, was unable to attend the meeting to provide an
update, but she had spoken with him earlier and received information from him. She added the
20 playground sub -committee had considered equipment, swings and climbing structures for small
21 children for Silver Point Park.
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23 Wolff asked whether the equipment will be installed in the spring, and if not, whether the City
24 has the capacity to store the equipment until the park is ready. Hartman stated the equipment
25 will not be installed immediately as the park is out of commission, and the City is able to
26 accommodate the storage of the equipment if necessary.
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28 Jindra stated she spoke to Mr. Hubmer and indicated that the $40,000 originally budgeted for the
29 playground equipment will be insufficient to cover replacement and installation of equivalent
30 play structures. She added that she had brought this issue to the Council at a recent meeting.
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32 Jindra stated Mr. Hubmer had requested comments and feedback from the Commission with
33 regard to the proposed landscaping plan for the water overflow basin which he presented at the
34 Commission's January 11, 1999 meeting.
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36 Jindra stated the proposed areas should be attractive and pleasing to neighborhood residents and
37 the landscape plan reflects this. Kosciolek stated the proposed landscaping encompasses
38 seasonal changes and colors. The Commission expressed their concurrence with the proposed
39 landscape plan.
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41 VII. REPORTS.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 6
1 Andra stated that a developer had presented a proposal to the City for the sale of the Salvation
2 Army camp, but no plan has been agreed upon. Jindra expressed the Parks Commission's desire
3 to see the area utilized as parks space, adding that Councilmember Cavanaugh has asked her to
4 participate in a meeting with the Camp's director with regard to possible shared programs
5 regardless of whether the property is sold. She added the meeting will take place within 2 weeks.
7 Roadfeldt stated it might be appropriate to discuss contacting co -funders for the development of
8 that area. Jindra stated she has been in contact with representatives from New Brighton as well
9 as Ramsey and Hennepin Counties and has encountered lots of enthusiasm and interest. Jensen
10 stated since the camp is within City limits, the City's fust option should be to purchase it as an
11 asset for St. Anthony Village.
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13 Wolff stated a joint meeting between the City Council and School Board is scheduled for March
14 2, 1999, and the Salvation Army camp is on the agenda for that open meeting.
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16 A. Sports Boosters.
17 Jensen stated the Sports Boosters plans to present the Parks Commission at their March meeting
18 with a formal request that the Commission consider the potential acquisition of land at Apache
19 Plaza to offset the loss of parks field space for their programs.
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21 Jindra stated the City does not own Apache Plaza. Wagner stated it would probably not be
22 possible to obtain a commitment from the developer to sell off a small section, but renting might
23 be an option.
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25 Jensen stated the Sports Boosters is simply requesting the Commission's consideration, and
26 wanted to do so in a formal manner. Wolff expressed her appreciation of the appropriateness of
27 this action. Wagner stated that if an alternative of considering a rental of space might be
28 presented, it would not be costly to put a ballfield there.
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30 Jindra requested that Jensen take a look at the ballfrelds near Unisys which are not on City
31 property but might be utilized by the Sports Boosters. Koehntop stated there are 2 ballfrelds
32 there. Jindra asked whether the Sports Boosters has made alternative plans for programming
33 since Silver Point Park will be out of commission. Jensen stated more away games are being
34 scheduled, and home games will be played on away fields.
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36 Roadfeldt stated there is a ballfreld in the Salvation Army camp for possible use. Jindra stated
37 the camp is 100 acres and although a lot of it is marshland there could be multiple uses for it,
38 possibly including a full-size soccer field. Wolff asked whether the possibility of dividing the
39 camp land had been discussed. Wagner stated a good plan would be to develop part of the land
40 as a corporate setting, and part for parks space.
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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 7
1 Wolff stated that the Comprehensive Plan, which addresses the real lack of parks space as
2 insufficient for the population of the City, works in the Commission's favor.
4 B. School Board.
5 Wolff stated the School Board requests that the Commission take into consideration during
6 planning for Central Park that the bituminous road in the park will need to be expanded into a
7 full-size fire road to accommodate equipment.
9 Wolff stated the School Board will wish to become involved in Central Park planning during the
10 2nd phase when ballfrelds and other issues that will affect the school are discussed.
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12 C. Community Services.
13 Roadfeldt stated the Community Services are concerned that the warming house in Central Park,
14 in which summer programming for small children is held, will be safe and usable during
15 construction. Hartman stated there will be no safety issues with regard to summer programming
16 participants.
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18 Wolff stated the concern stems from a recent playground program in Emerald Park during which
heavy equipment was left in the park one morning when the all children showed up. Jensen
20 stated the contractor should be notified that equipment should be removed due to parks
21 programs. Hartman re -iterated that safety issues will not be a problem.
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23 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS.
24 A. Discuss whether a Councilmember should attend future meetings to give updates on City
25 business.
26 Jindra stated the Council has expressed an interest in having a Councilmember attend Parks
27 Commission meetings on a regular basis, and requested comments and feedback from the
28 Commission with regard to this proposal.
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30 Hartman stated the Council wishes to have a regular update from their own perspective.
31 Koehntop stated he believes it is a good idea. The Commission expressed its approval of this
32 arrangement.
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34 B. Joint meeting with City Council (June 1, 1999, 6:00 - 7:15 P.M.)
35 Jindra stated the Council has requested a joint meeting with the Commission to be held June 1,
36 1999. She added this will be a general information sharing meeting. The Commission expressed
37 its approval of this request.
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39 Jindra stated Don Siggelkow has accepted a position with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation
1 Board, and has submitted his resignation from the Parks Commission due to conflict of interest.
41 She added she would consult the by-laws to determine whether the immediate appointment of a
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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
February 8, 1999
Page 8
replacement is necessary, or if the Commission can wait to appoint a new member until the new
term.
Wolff asked whether Commissioner Morris has been in contact, as he has missed several recent
meetings. Jindra stated he has not, adding a firm commitment is necessary from all
Commissioners. Wolff stated that Morris may have missed enough meetings for automatic
termination. Louiselle stated the Commission would depend upon Morris for a quorum if a
replacement is not sought for Siggelkow.
Wagner stated a new member could be appointed on a temporary basis who could then re -apply
for a permanent commission at the new term. Jindra agreed to consult the by-laws and report
back to the Commission.
Jindra asked whether the Commission wished their regular meetings to be more formal. The
Commission expressed its satisfaction with the Commission's current meeting format.
IX. ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Koehntop, second by Kosciolek to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 P.M.
Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Mullen
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
February 11, 1999
Silver Point Park Storm Sewer
Installation
EJM Pipe Services is anticipating the completion of
the tunneling operation along the County Road 88
frontage road by the end of this
week. Upon completion of the
tunneling operation, Richard
Knutson Inc. (RKI) will begin
stalling storm sewer from St.
Anthony Boulevard north to
Silver Point Park. The pipe
installation work along County
Road 88 from St. Anthony
Boulevard to Silver Point Park
will disturb a large portion of
Trillium Park. The disturbed
areas of the Park will be restored
this spring when weather permits.
i--3
Central Park Stormwater
Improvements
Excavation of the stormwater storage pond at the
north end of Central Park was completed at the end
QUESTIONS?
Resident's Contact Person:
Bryon Amo
WSB & Associates, Inc.
Bryon's Cell Phone:
518-0482
Bryon's Pager:
539-8601
Bryon's Truck:
Red Mazda B2000
Residents along the County Road 88 frontage road
can anticipate the removal of the temporary entrance
and restoration of the frontage road within the next
week or two. The frontage road will remain gravel
for the remainder of the winter and will be patched
and re -paved this spring.
of January. This spring the
contractor will return to spread
topsoil and complete grading prior
to restoring the grass. Restoration
will be through seeding with both
grass and a special wetland and,
native grass mixture.
If you have any questions or 4
concerns about the project please
do not hesitate to contact Bryon
Amo. In the event you cannot
reach Bryon Amo, please call
Todd Hubmer, the Project
Engineer, at (612) 541-4800.
WSB & Associates, Inc. 350 Westwood Lake Office Park Minneapolis, MN 55426
(612) 541-4800 8441 Wayzata Boulevard