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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 02081999I: PLEASE ARRANGE YOUR SCHEDULES TO BE PRESENT FOR THE WORK SESSION AT 6:30 PM CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA February 8, 1999 6:30 PM - Work Session 7:00 PM - Regular Parks Commission Meeting City Hall/Conference Room CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR JINDRA. ROLL CALL. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 11, 1999 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES. DESIGNATE PARKS COMMISSIONER TO FEBRUARY 16, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION, AND FEBRUARY 23, 1999 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK. A. Sub -committee Update. B. Bob Kost from BRW, Inc. will assist with planning design of the park. SILVER POINT PARK UPDATE. A. Playground equipment. REPORTS. A. Sports Boosters. B. School Board. C. Community Services. VIII. OTHER BUSINESS. A. Discuss whether a Councilmember should attend future meetings to give updates on City business. B. Joint meeting with City Council (June 1, 1999, 6:00 - 7:15 PM). IX. ADJOURNMENT. I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 4 JANUARY 11, 1999 7 I. CALL TO ORDER. 8 The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chair Jindra. 10 H. ROLL CALL. 11 Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioners 12 Joanne Kosciolek and Tim Morris. 13 Also Present: Public Works Director Jay Hartman; Representative from 14 Community Services (Diana Roadfeldt); Representative from 15 School Board (Kathie Wolff); Representative from Sports Boosters 16 (Jan Jensen); Bob Kost, BRW, Inc.; and Todd Hubmer, WSB & 17 Associates, Inc. 18 Absent: Commissioners Paul Louiselle, Don Siggelkow, and George 19 Wagner. 20 21 III. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 14,1998 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 22 Motion by Morris, second by Koehntop to approve the minutes of the December 14, 1998 Parks 13 Commission meeting. 25 Motion carried unanimously. 26 27 IV. DESIGNATE PARKS COMMISSIONER TO JANUARY 19, 1999 PLANNING 28 COMMISSION AND JANUARY 26, 1999 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. 29 Roadfeldt agreed to attend the January 19, 1999 Planning Commission meeting and Wolff agreed 30 to attend the January 26, 1999 City Council meeting. 31 32 V. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK AND OVERALL CENTRAL PARK PLAN. 33 Jindra invited Bob Kost, BRW, Inc., to address the Commission with regard to plans for Water 34 Tower Park and Central Park in general. Kost presented a physical survey map of the Water 35 Tower Park area within Central Park which included an access map and depiction of the 36 proposed play area. He indicated areas of interest on the survey map, including underground 37 utilities, existing trees, and ground contour lines. 38 39 Kost expressed concern with regard to the area near the maintenance buildings, adding that 40 access to the play area with regard to grade requirements and handicap accessibility must be 41 considered. He stated the area is an ideal location for a central playground, and a bituminous 42 driveway which connects the water pump buildings could be expanded and upgraded to connect 43 to the circuitous trail system. 44 Kost stated the proposed 5,100 square foot play area is divided into circular forms to allow for 46 different age groups as well as structured play areas and free standing areas. He added this 47 design takes advantage of the natural slope of the area, and an 8 -foot wide concrete sidewalk Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 Page 2 1 enclosing the area handles changes in elevation as well, with benches and clusters of benches 2 within and around the existing trees. 4 Kost stated, in addition to the sidewalk, an ornamental fence would provide closure to the play 5 area along 33rd Avenue. He added a half -court basketball court would be located near the 6 bituminous trail, which is different from the Commission's original plans which required a full 7 basketball court for which there are significant space constraints. He added this construction can 8 be completed with the loss of only 1 tree. 9 10 Roadfeldt asked whether the playground's configuration could be moved. Kost stated there are 11 many grade changes in that area, but there is a certain amount of flexibility in shape and size and 12 such a change could be accomplished. 13 14 Wolff expressed concern at the size of the play area, stating the Commission had expected a 15 much larger site. Jensen expressed his agreement, and Jindra stated the Commission wished to 16 construct an extremely large play area. Kost stated the proposed play area, which is 50 feet at its 17 widest, could be extended another 30-40 feet south, and 20-30 feet north, but he would avoid 18 moving the area any closer to 33rd Avenue. 19 20 Jindra asked whether benches could be installed between the play area and the basketball court. 21 Kost stated the trees in that area have low branch cover, which provides a nice buffer between the 22 two areas but does allow for seating. 23 24 Wolff asked whether a gazebo was a possibility. Kost stated a gazebo could be added adjacent to 25 the play area in the trees. 26 27 Jindra asked whether the area south of the community center could be utilized as a basketball 28 court. Kost stated he believed that space was set aside for future building expansion. Hartman 29 stated there are traffic concerns with regard to that area. Jindra stated the area would be fenced. 30 31 Hartman asked whether the area east of the service drive could be utilized as a full basketball 32 court. Kost stated the court would be right up against the high school on school property, and 33 typically half courts are used more and 2 half courts in separate locations might be a better 34 solution. 36 Jensen stated a full court could be used for in-line skating. Jindra stated such a use had been 37 discussed for the skating rink area. Kost stated the skating rink is a drainage area per the City's 38 agreement with the Watershed District, and is not usable in the summer. 39 40 Kost asked whether the size and layout of the maintenance road could be altered. Jindra asked 41 what length would be necessary for a fence along 33rd Avenue. Kost stated a length of 240 feet 42 would be sufficient. He added the decorative elements of the fence could be duplicated in other 43 areas of the park, such as the corner by the tennis courts, to create a unified design. 44 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 Page 3 I Jindra expressed concern with regard to providing a place for rollerbladers so they don't use the 2 trail system. Kost stated the hockey area was not a possibility unless the Watershed agreed to 3 deal with runoff in another way. Roadfeldt asked whether the lower parking area near the 4 wading pool could be used for rollerblading. Kost stated the circuitous trail could be widened to 5 10 feet and would then be appropriate for multi -use. 7 Kost requested the Commission's consideration of the play area's configuration, carving out 8 spaces and using existing trees. Wolff stated the Commission's play equipment subcommittee 9 had compiled a list of desirable equipment, and asked whether plans and bids would be provided 10 by Kost based on that list. 11 12 Kost stated the Commission must define the area, determine restoration of plant material and 13 configuration of the trail connection from the community center, and on a performance basis of 14 what the subcommittee and Commission have decided, specifications will be issued by the City 15 and the Commission will receive bids based on those specifications. 16 17 Jindra asked where a swingset would be best situated. Kost stated swings have a physical 18 requirement of a 20 feet radius around them, and require a relatively flat surface. Wolff asked 19 for a specific timeline based on the July 1, 1999 park opening determined by the City Council. A Kost stated 45 days in May and June are required for construction; bids would be opened in the 22 middle of April with 2 weeks to negotiate the contract, and construction to begin on May 1. He 23 added the project must be out for bid in the end of March to allow a 3 -week bid time. 24 25 Morris asked whether the ornamental fence would be included in the bid, and how much such a 26 fence might cost. Kost stated the fence could be bid as an alternate, or priced on a lineal basis to 27 determine how much fence is affordable. He added 36" ornamental fencing runs from $40-100 28 per lineal foot. 29 30 Wolff asked how much time BRW required to provide the bid specifications. Kost stated two 31 months, February and March, will be sufficient. He added the plans must be defined, brought to 32 the Commission for comments, then finalized and returned to the Commission and Council for 33 approval before going out to bid. 34 35 Kost stated he would require the Commission's equipment specifications before its February 36 meeting at which the Commission could hold a lengthy workshop to arrive at a final plan. He 37 added the final plan would be completed for the Commission's March meeting and taken directly 38 to the City Council for approval at their fust March meeting. 39 40 Kosciolek asked how playground equipment vendors fit into the process. Kost stated 1) a play ' 1 structure design is put out for bid or "approved equal"; or 2) a performance specification is 12 presented to the vendor who provides designs based on an agreed price. Kosciolek asked which 43 option is more advantageous under time constraints. Kost stated a performance specification 44 presents definite time advantages. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 Page 4 I 2 Hartman asked whether playground equipment for Silver Point Park was to be included in the bid 3 to obtain a better price. Jindra confirmed this, and Kost stated that configuration must also be 4 determined before the bid goes out, as well as the delivery date for Silver Point Park's 5 equipment. Hartman stated the equipment in Silver Point Park is scheduled for installation in 6 Spring 1999. 7 8 Jindra asked whether bocce ball or other specific areas will be possible. Kost stated that grade 9 variations prohibit such an area, but the Commission must keep such items in mind for other 10 areas of Central Park as the renovation is completed. He added the Water Tower Park site is a 11 naturally attractive green area with lots of trees, and shouldn't be filled up with other amenities 12 13 Wolff stated the subcommittee had agreed that the color scheme of the play area would reflect 14 this green scheme and bright colors will not be used. 15 16 Jensen stated the play area seems smaller than what had been envisioned. Kost stated the tree 17 cover is extensive and sacrificing trees will cause many more problems. Jensen stated the land 18 should not be underutilized. Kost stated there is great advantage to a play area in and among a 19 green setting rather than an open play corridor. 20 21 Morris stated a frisbee golf area had been discussed, and such an area might be appropriate 22 among the trees. Kost agreed, stating the Commission must take into consideration the balance 23 between paved play surfaces and green areas, and create a play area woven through the trees. 24 25 Jindra stated the subcommittee had been informed by playground equipment vendors that the 26 ADA has instituted new ramp requirements for 1999 which must be taken into consideration. 27 She asked whether the ornamental fencing would include a gate. Kost stated the fencing will 28 include a walk-through and not a gate. 29 30 Morris stated the ornamental fence could cost $12,000-24,000, and brick columns are $200-300 a 31 piece. Jindra stated the fencing will add a design element to the park, and a chain link fence 32 would not be appropriate. 33 34 Morris left the meeting at 7:45 PM. 35 36 Wolff stated ornamental fencing is necessary along 33rd Avenue but another type of fencing 37 might be appropriate elsewhere. She referred to a plastic fencing she saw recently in St. Louis 38 that had the appearance of wood. Kost stated plastic composite fencing is more eco -friendly than 39 wood and requires no maintenance, but is extremely expensive and has strict structural 40 requirements. 41 42 Roadfeldt asked where the fencing along 33rd Avenue will go considering all the shrubs along 43 that area. She expressed concern that such an area will provide hiding areas for people to pop 44 out. Kost stated that is definitely a valid concern and that will not be possible in that area. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 Page 5 2 Kosciolek questioned whether resident input should be solicited prior to the Council meeting at 3 which final plans will be announced. Jindra stated that public opinion was solicited with over 4 300 residents attending an Ice Cream Saocial last summer. Comment cards were filled out and 5 six different vendors were available with playground proposals. She felt the input would be 6 minimized and the effort should not be 8 Wolff agreed that the steps taken in the process of getting to this point should not be negated and 9 we should continue to move forward with the project. 10 11 Kosciolek stated there should be some more input from the public before plans are finalized. 12 Roadfeldt expressed agreement, stating the project planning should not be rushed to meet a 13 deadline. Jindra stated planning has been under way for over a year. Wolff stated there have 14 been opportunities for public input at every Commission meeting. 15 16 Koehntop asked whether residents should be invited to provide input at the February 8, 1999 17 Commission meeting. Jindra agreed that more input should be solicited before the overall 18 Central Park plan is finalized, but not for this phase of the project. Wolff agreed that the 19 Commission will receive both complaints and accolades as change is often difficult for the _,1 community. _1 22 Jindra invited Todd Hubmer, WSB, Inc., to address the Commission, adding Hubmer has done 23 an excellent job of keeping the Commission generally informed and updated. Hubmer presented 24 a proposed landscaping plan for the water overflow basin to be constructed as part of the 1999 25 Street Reconstruction Project. He stated the landscape designer who prepared the plan was 26 concerned with the type of vegetation to be grown in these areas with regard to future uses, as 27 well as breaking down the edge line. 28 29 Wolff asked whether the parcels were large enough for small fields or pocket parks. Hubmer 30 stated the largest parcel could accommodate a small pocket park, or perhaps a rock garden and 31 benches, adding that the development of a garden way is a possibility. 32 33 Wolff asked whether a feasibility meeting had been held. Hubmer stated a formal feasibility 34 report had been completed providing accurate cost estimates. Jensen asked whether the Town `n' 35 Country area is the lowest part of the City. Hubmer confirmed this, adding the difficult part is 36 getting water to that area which would be prohibitively expensive due to the necessary pipes. He 37 added these issues will hopefully be resolved next month with the feasibility study. 38 39 Jindra asked whether Silver Point Park will flood more frequently if the remaining parcel of land 40 is not acquired. Hubmer confirmed this, adding a pipe restriction could not be justified as it 41 would allow a volume of water to run into the community and cause flooding. 2 43 Wolff commended Hubmer and expressed approval of the plan. Jensen agreed, adding the plan 44 has a logical flow. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 Page 6 2 Hartman stated the contractor in Silver Point Park had recently requested the equipment for that 3 park be ordered immediately as they expected to begin installation in Spring 1999. Hubmer 4 advised that the Commission remove the equipment portion of the Silver Point Park bid from the 5 contract and add it to the bid for Central Park, thereby removing time constraints, obtaining a 6 consistent design element, and getting a better deal on the equipment. 8 Jindra asked whether Silver Point Park will therefore be open earlier than 2000. Hubmer stated 9 the park's opening will be affected by weather conditions in Spring 1999. Wolff asked whether 10 the recent cold weather has affected Silver Point Park's timeline. Hubmer stated the excavation 11 is completed and the pipe will be laid by mid-February. 12 13 Jindra thanked Hubmer for his efforts in keeping the Commission apprized of planning and 14 construction. 15 16 17 VI. NEXT PARKS COMMISSION MEETING (February 8,1999) AND DISCUSS AGENDA 18 ITEMS FOR THAT MEETING. 19 Hartman stated a neighborhood meeting with regard to the Storm Water Task Force was to be 20 held February 8, 1999, and the Parks Commission meeting will be held in either the Community 21 Center activity room, or the lunch room. 22 23 VII. REPORTS. 24 A. Sports Boosters. 25 Jensen stated the Sports Boosters is currently working on program budgets for the coming year. 26 He added he summarizes the Parks Commission's meetings at Sports Boosters meetings, and will 27 provide all necessary information to the Commission with regard to Sports Boosters planning. 28 B. School Board. 29 Wolff stated she makes the School Board aware of the work of the Parks Commission, and the 30 high school's athletic director, Gary Palm, will be available for further input with regard to field 31 renovations in Central Park. 32 C. Community Services. 33 Roadfeldt had nothing to report from Community Services. 34 35 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS. 36 Hartman stated the City Council had requested the Commission's involvement in the Water 37 Quality Task Force, whose purpose is to study ways to improve water quality within the City. 38 39 The Parks Commission expressed concern because they are currently involved in a number of 40 important projects with specific deadlines, and would be unable to undertake a project of this 41 nature. 42 43 IX. ADJOURNMENT. 44 Motion by Koehntop, second by Kosciolek to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 P.M Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 Page 7 1 Motion carried unanimously. 4 Respectfully submitted, 6 Mary Mullen 7 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. OPEN HOUSE ICE CREAM SOCIAL RE: CENTRAL PARK PLANNING Tuesday, June 2 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. St. Anthony Community Center • Come take a look at proposed plans for Central Park • We need your suggestions for a new multi-age playground • Playground displays for your viewing and comments • Here's your chance to make a difference • Kids - - tell us what you want!!! December 28, 1998 Silver Point Park Excavation Crews from Richard Knutson, Inc. (RKI) are continuing excavation work in the park. The bulk of the excavation and the trucking of materials off of the site should be completed by December 3 V. During the month of January RKI will be finishing -11) the slopes, as well as working _a the ball fields, trails, basketball, and parking lot areas. Central Park Excavation Originally it had been anticipated that construction in Central park would begin in the spring of 1999. However, with the late arrival of winter we anticipate excavation to begin in Central Park on Wednesday, December 300'. Weather permitting, the stormwater storage area in the north end of the park should be completed by January 15, 1999. Storm Sewer Installation EJM Pipe Services is in the process of tunneling a pipe underneath the County Road 88 Frontage Road. Schedules were upset when a mechanical problem delayed the tunneling for 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 several days and the Holidays making for two short working weeks. EJM anticipates completing this portion of the project by the week of January 11, 1999. Upon completion of the tunneling, RKI plans to make a pipe connection at St. Anthony Boulevard and complete the installation of storm sewer which will serve as the outlet for Silver Point Park drainage. As part of this activity the frontage road will again be reopened and the temporary access removed. Portions of the frontage road will remain gravel until it is warm enough to pave this spring. If you have any questions or 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 541-4800. 117SB & Associates, Inc. 350 Westwood Lake Office Park Minneapolis, MN 55426 (611) 541-4800 8441 Wayzata Boulevard