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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 03132000tho�uy ills a (._% oIVWall 0AWT.P, n PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA March 13, 2000 7:00 PM Conference Room ;ALL TO ORDER. LOLL CALL. APPROVE FEBRUARY 14, 2000 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES. 'RESENTATION OF DRAFT PLAN FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY 'ARKS. )ISCUSS CENTRAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT. :EVIEW ST. ANTHONY SHOPPING CENTER REDEVELOPMENT VITH DICK KRIER. ;SPORTS. �. Community Services. t. School Board. Sports Boosters. )THER BUSINESS. LDJOURNMENT. I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2000 4 I. CALL TO ORDER. 5 The meeting was called to order by Chair Jindra at 7:00 p.m. and she welcomed everyone to the 6 meeting. Jindra apologized for the cancellation of last month's meeting, but explained that there 7 had been a death in her family. 8 H. ROLL CALL. 9 Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioners George 10 Wagner, Colleen Hallada, Jan Jensen (arrived 7:47 p.m.), Daniel Ganley, 11 Julie Gebhardt. 12 Also Present: Representative from School Board (none); Representative from Sports 13 Boosters (George Zurbey); Representative from Community Services 14 (Diana Roadfeldt, arrived 7:10 p.m.); Public Works Director (Jay 15 Hartman); City Council Liaison (Brian Thuesen). 16 Absent: None. 17 III. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13,1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. Motion by Ganley, second by Wagner, to approve the minutes of the December 13, 1999 Parks d Commission meeting, with the following change: 20 Page 2, Line 24, change: 21 "3627 Benjamin St. NE," to "1801 3rd Street SW, New Brighton," 22 Motion carried unanimously. 23 Jindra wished to take a moment to introduce all of the Representatives and Commissioners in 24 attendance: Jay Hartman, Public Works Director; George Wagner, Commissioner; Julie Gebhardt, 25 Commissioner; George Zurbey, Sports Boosters Representative; Doug Koehntop, Vice Chair; Colleen 26 Hallada, Commissioner; Brian Thuesen, City Council Liaison; and Dan Ganley, Commissioner. 27 Jindra noted that the Parks Commission is expecting a School Board Representative to be appointed 28 soon. 29 IV. ELECT CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2000. 30 Motion by Koehntop, second by Wagner, to nominate and elect Carol Jindra as the Chair of the 31 Parks Commission. 32 Motion carried unanimously. l_ 3 For the position of Vice Chair, Jindra nominated Doug Koehntop. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 2 1 Motion by Gebhardt, second by Wagner, to elect Doug Koehntop to the position of Vice Chair of 2 the Parks Commission. 3 Motion carried unanimously. 4 V. SILVER POINT PARK. 5 Jindra stated that she wished to add this item to the agenda. She mentioned that at the Commis - 6 lion's meeting in December 1999, the opening for Silver Point Park was planned for the end of 7 April 2000. However, the engineer in charge of the project had requested that the Commission 8 delay the opening for a month or more to allow grass on the fields to develop. 9 Furthermore, Jindra stated that the majority of the items for the Park have been completed. A 10 few of the items left to be completed, however, are lighting, additional security lighting, ice 11 rinks, picnic, and some type of shelter/warming house. Jindra requested that the Commissioners 12 and Representatives visit the Park before the next meeting to visualize the type of 13 shelter/warming house that would be appropriate for the park, as well as a location for the shelter 14 and the proposed ice rinks. 15 Koehntop requested a summary regarding the issue of a hockey rink for the Park. Jindra clarified 16 that he was referring to a flyer that had been distributed by residents about installing more hockey rinks. Jindra wished to stress that the issue is currently being considered by the Parks 18 Commission and that the Commission was making every effort to comply with the residents' 19 concerns and requests. 20 In short, Jindra stated that the main factor with installation of hockey rinks was the space con - 21 straints within the parks, together with the cost issue. She stated that Jay Hartman, Public Works 22 Director, has researched portable systems composed of lightweight plastic, but the cost was ap- 23 proximately $30,000. The Commission, she stated, needed to discuss the potential locations of a 24 figure skating and hockey rink, as well as a picnic shelter/warming house. 25 In this respect, Jindra noted that there were guests in the audience that wished to speak to the 26 Commission regarding soccer and hockey. 27 Ted Severson, 2504 33rd Avenue NE, approached the Commission and stated that he is the 28 President of the Soccer Club. His purpose in addressing the Commission was to summarize the 29 soccer program in St. Anthony, and to update the Commission on the need for additional fields. 30 He clarified that the St. Anthony soccer program coordinates with MYSA (Minnesota Youth 31 Soccer Association) and that the organizations are in the process of obtaining financial support 32 for new fields. However, he would like to address the shortage of soccer fields on City property. l 1 By way of background, Mr. Severson stated that soccer is the fastest growing youth sport in `34 Minnesota, and the demands on the existing fields are expected to more than double by Year 35 2010. In quoting statistics supplied by MYSA and various sporting goods manufacturers, Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 3 I Minnesota ranks 10th in the number of soccer players per capita. Soccer also attracts a diverse 2 participation; in other words, there is nearly equal number of boys and girls participating in the 3 sport. Mr. Severson offered that in 1999, St. Anthony had 710 participants for soccer, and 55 4 teams. Currently, Mr. Severson stated that the program utilizes three fields that are on school 5 property, and he was at the Commission's meeting to discuss obtaining fields on City property. 6 Zurbey responded to Mr. Severson's earlier comment about potential funding for new fields and 7 requested details. Mr. Severson stated that all the details have not been provided at this point, 8 but he would do some research in order to provide an answer. 9 Koehntop asked what size of fields are needed. Mr. Severson responded that ages 5-18 years are 10 playing on the fields. He suggested that if hockey rinks are installed at the parks, that the rinks 1 t could be left standing over the summer and the inside of the rinks could be used for the youngest 12 age group for soccer. 13 Jindra offered that she believed that there is a larger field at Silver Point Park that had the poten- 14 tial for soccer use. Mr. Severson said that field would be adequate, but since there are so few 15 fields available for soccer, the existing fields get damaged from overuse. He mentioned that 16 when Wilshire Park Elementary School was reconstructed, that the soccer field was reduced to a 17 dirt surface. Due to the extreme shortage of fields, that field must be used even though there is not a grass surface. 19 Mr. Severson clarified that the soccer organization is not searching for additional parks, simply 20 green space for fields. 21 Jindra mentioned that the hockey boards at Emerald Park would most likely remain over the 22 summer. Public Works Director Jay Hartman stated that the retention of the hockey boards could 23 be coordinated so that the baseball program would not be negatively affected. 24 Jindra stated that soccer is clearly an active sport for the City, and that soccer use for the parks 25 must be a consideration. 26 Hartman clarified that currently every possible green space is being utilized for activities. 27 Community Services Representative Diana Roadfeldt inquired if the space behind the basketball 28 court area at Silver Point Park was to be used for soccer. Mr. Severson stated that if the space 29 was utilized for soccer in spring and summer, it would conflict with baseball activities. 30 However, he stated that in the fall those fields could be utilized for soccer. 31 Jindra offered that the neighboring communities have been cooperative in the past about working 32 with the City and sharing fields. She suggested this might be a good time to begin establishing 3 relationships with other communities in that respect. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 4 1 Mr. Severson inquired if there was a channel which he should work through to begin establishing 2 those relationships. Jindra stated that the Director of Parks for New Brighton has been an excel - 3 lent source in the past, and she felt that directors for other communities would be as cooperative. 4 Andra summed up the issue by stating that the Commission would continue working on 5 obtaining additional green space because it is an ongoing problem. However, she stated that the 6 City is currently utilizing the most from the green space available. 7 Jindra thanked Mr. Severson for bringing the issue before the Commission and offering input. s Jindra introduced Caitlin Schober, 2902 Crestview Drive, and stated that Caitlin wished to ad - 9 dress the Commission regarding the potential for hockey rinks. Caitlin stated that her mom had 10 distributed flyers throughout the community hoping to gain support for hockey rinks. Addition - 11 ally, Caitlin stated that a petition had been passed around the middle school, which was designed 12 to provide an indication for how many residents would support and utilize a hockey rink. In 13 summary, Caitlin presented both the petition and the flyer to the Commission. 14 Jindra introduced Chris Schober, 2902 Crestview Drive. Ms. Schober stated that she is Caitlin's 15 mom and that she wished to provide additional information to the Commission regarding the in - 16 stallation of hockey rinks for neighborhood use. Ms. Schober mentioned that she had attended the last City Council meeting and had provided a visual presentation of the availability and un - 18 availability of rinks in the City. 19 Ms. Schober stated that she had been informed that a temporary -style hockey rink would not fit 20 in some of the parks, and in that respect, she presented pictures of Curtis Field in Falcon Heights, 21 and Villa Rink in Roseville. She had been informed that one of those cities builds the boards in 22 house with green treated wood, thus significantly reducing the cost. In that respect, Ms. Schober 23 researched the cost of lumber, fencing for behind the goal area, nails, two goals, and state tax, 24 with an additional 10% for a buffer, and arrived at a cost of under $7,000 for hockey boards if 25 built in house. 26 Ms. Schober mentioned that the walking distance to Central Park is too far for children in the 27 winter who wish to play hockey. She would request that the winter activities be distributed 28 throughout the City. 29 Furthermore, Ms. Schober stated that it had been mentioned to her at the City Council meeting 30 about the possibility of combining hockey and figure skating on one rink. She wished to express 31 to the Commission that combining the activities was not advised due to the safety factor. 32 Ms. Schober offered that the hockey coaches advise the players to play hockey on the outdoor 33 rinks in the neighborhoods for practice. She stated that it is almost impossible to get outdoor ice I in St. Anthony and the possibility of skating at the indoor rinks becomes expensive. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 5 1 Jindra asked about the specific sizes of the rinks in the pictures because one rink appeared fairly 2 small, and the second rink larger. 3 Ms. Schober stated she would find out the specific dimensions; however, regulation sized rinks 4 are not required because they would mostly be used for recreational hockey. 5 Hartman stated that lighter weight materials are generally preferred for portable systems; how - 6 ever, he would be interested in researching the concept of wood boards. 7 Thuesen asked if plastic would make sense for durability. Ms. Schober felt that green treated 8 wood would be satisfactory for durability and would be much less expensive. 9 Jindra thanked Ms. Schober and her daughter, Caitlin, for addressing the Commission. 10 Jindra mentioned that the Parks Commission wished to put everything possible into each park, 1 1 and this was an excellent time to present ideas and input. The size of the proposed structures and 12 exactly what will fit into each park are the concerns, as well as potential costs. 13 Zurbey mentioned that lighting would be a consideration for the rinks. Jindra agreed that there 14 must be lighting, as well as security lighting for the parking lot. 15 Jindra reiterated that the Commission is very interested in hearing comments and suggestions 16 from the residents and she warmly thanked the residents for addressing the Commission and 17 providing input. 18 Jindra suggested that the Commission move forward with pending issues surrounding Silver 19 Point Park. She stated that Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, would probably be at the next 20 meeting of the Commission, but that currently he felt the Park could be opened and utilized in 21 the spring. 22 Jindra stated that details of the grand opening of Silver Point Park needed to be addressed and 23 that there are still some punch list items left to be finished. She requested that the 24 Commissioners and Representatives view the Park before the next meeting to determine 25 additional items that need to be added to the punch list and grand opening activities that could be 26 envisioned. 27 Koehntop inquired about the items to be discussed regarding the grand opening. Jindra re - 28 sponded that a possible band, refreshments, and/or activities needed to be determined. She 29 offered that the grand opening for Silver Point Park could be similar to the opening of Water 30 Tower Park. Returning to the previous subject, Gebhardt requested clarification of the proposal of the hockey 32 rink. Hartman confirmed that the rink needed to be temporary because of the size of the park, 33 and the boards would interfere with baseball activities. He further clarified that the plastic, port- Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 6 1 able system is a relatively new concept because it is easy to assemble, and disassemble, and is 2 lightweight. However, those boards are expensive at around $30,000. 3 Hartman stated that it was important for the Commission to determine exactly what will be pro - 4 vided in the park and at what phases. In the Year 2000, for example, he stated there was security 5 lighting needed, hockey lighting if rinks are installed, plus the Commission needed to determine 6 what type of pavilion would be constructed. In other words, should there be an enclosed warm - 7 ing house, or an open type of pavilion. 8 Jindra asked Hartman to ensure that Mr. Hubmer would be at the next Commission meeting and 9 that measurements for a figure skating rink, hockey rink, and warming house be presented. 10 Thuesen asked if lighting for the rinks would offend any of the surrounding residents. Hartman 11 stated that Mr. Hubmer is working on that issue. Ms. Schober from the audience offered that 12 there used to be lights for the rinks and there was a switch that turned off the lights when the 13 rinks were not in use. At worst case scenario, however, the parks close at 10:00 p.m. and lights 14 would be turned off by that time. Ms. Schober suggested that the Commission visit Curtis Field 15 for ideas. 16 Roadfeldt asked Hartman if it would be a burden for Public Works Staff to assemble and disas- semble the hockey boards each season. Hartman responded that additional staff was planned and 18 that the hockey board maintenance would not be a problem. 19 In summary, Jindra stated that: (1) Mr. Hubmer would be scheduled to attend the next Parks 20 Commission meeting to answer questions and provide additional information; (2) some decisions 21 would need to be made at the next meeting regarding the grand opening of Silver Point Park; and 22 (3) Hartman would provide a comparison of wood versus plastic hockey boards. 23 VI. DISCUSS CENTRAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT. 24 Jindra stated that Augie Wong was scheduled to be at the meeting to discuss Central Park rede- 25 velopment; however, he was called out of the country and would not be in attendance. 26 To provide an update, Jindra stated that she had attended a recent City Council meeting and had 27 asked for and received permission to obtain the site survey. Once the survey is completed, the 28 Commission will be able to move forward and discuss specifics of the Park. The survey can be - 29 gin as soon as some of the snow melts. 30 Hartman clarified that once Bob Kost of BRW, obtains the information from the survey, he 31 would be able to plot the overall design of the Park and bring the design to the Commission for 32 review. Jindra stated that the Commission could discuss now some ideas for Central Park. At Water 34 Tower Park, she stated, skateboarders were using the Park inappropriately and causing damage to 35 some areas and creating potential safety hazards in other areas. She felt it appropriate for the Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 7 1 Commission to discuss ways to create skateboarding areas, especially in light of the fact that 2 some of the City's skateboarding community had previously approached the Commission 3 requesting assistance in obtaining skateboarding areas. One suggestion, she stated, would be to 4 utilize the hockey rink in Central Park for skateboarding. 5 Koehntop asked about the potential for installation of ramps for the skateboarders. Jindra stated 6 that it was her understanding that the kids simply wanted a flat spot, and that they could bring 7 their own ramps if desired. 8 Thuesen cautioned the Commission on the potential for liability. Wagner offered that the City is 9 responsible for all use of the City's parks. 10 Hartman mentioned that if a permanent rink was constructed, that the inside of the rink could be 11 blacktopped and would be an ideal skateboarding area. 12 In regard to liability, Jindra mentioned that many cities' parks install a sign with a disclaimer. 13 Jensen suggested that the Commission look at the Shoreview Community Center. He stated that 14 there is an area next to the Community Center that provides an excellent area for skateboarding. 15 He offered to research the issue about the cost of such an area, the company that did the installa- tion, and how the area works in general. He will return to the Commission with the results of his 17 research. 18 The Commission discussed various options for moving the wading pool and the construction of a 19 skateboarding area. Jindra mentioned that the Parks Commission wished to provide as much as 20 possible for the community; however, both cost and space continued to be issues. 21 Thuesen offered that the Commission might be eligible for various types of funding. For 22 example, one funding mechanism would be to ask the voters for a referendum, and another 23 would be a newer type of financing available to cities called tax abatement (which is similar to 24 tax increment financing (TIF)). Thuesen stated that these were not the only options, but could 25 provide some initial alternatives. 26 Zurbey reminded the Commission that Mr. Severson had mentioned potential financing for 27 soccer fields in his presentation. 28 Regarding the potential for obtaining new parks space, different sites were mentioned by the 29 Commission, but the discussion turned to Apache Plaza. Thuesen offered a background of the 30 potential purchase of Apache Plaza by Scott Tankenoff of Hillcrest Development. Koehntop in - 31 quired if the City Council could be pursued regarding open space connected with the Apache 32 Plaza purchase. _33 Thuesen cautioned the Commission to ensure that the property is purchased before approaching 34 the City Council with a formal request. At that time, the Commission could have a Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 8 1 representative attend a City Council meeting and request that the City explore obtaining 2 additional green space through Hillcrest Development's purchase of Apache Plaza. At that point, 3 there is the possibility that the City could speak to the developer and present the idea of 4 additional green space. 5 Hartman agreed with Thuesen and clarified that once the real estate closing has taken place, the 6 City would be able to inquire about the developer's plan for the entire area and determine if the 7 Commission's needs would fit in with those plans. 8 Jensen offered to draft a memorandum to present to the City Council that would request potential 9 park space. to Gebhardt inquired if it would be beneficial to ask Mr. Severson and Ms. Schober to present their 11 ideas and concerns to the City Council as additional support. Jindra agreed that would be a good 12 idea and would provide the Council with a basis for the requests. 13 Thuesen stated it is an excellent idea to present ideas to the City Council, but that the community 14 needed to provide support for the Commission's ideas as well. Jindra stated that when she had spoken to the City Council, she had made it clear that the 16 Commission was not wishing to raise taxes. She was hoping to be able to reach the community 17 with the Commission's views and position on issues; however, the City Council meeting was not 18 televised on cable due to technical difficulties that evening. 19 Hartman suggested that as the Commission progresses onto different projects, that each aspect of 20 the project is incorporated into a plan and that entire project is presented to the Council in one 21 instance. 22 Jindra mentioned that she had been made aware of potential grants that might be available to the 23 City and she questioned the possibility of having someone research grants. 24 Thuesen offered that exploring grant options would be an option and he would present that idea 25 to the City Council during his report. He suggested the possibility of hiring a grant writer, or 26 providing that service in house. 27 Zurbey mentioned the possibility that the State Representative could provide viable avenues for 28 grants. 29 Ganley stated that he would be at the State Capitol this week and would bring up that issue. 1 Jindra offered a brief summary of pending items: (1) Water Tower Park -- there are still issues to ,1 e l be completed and those issues would be addressed at the next meeting; (2) she is attending a goal Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 Page 9 1 setting retreat with the City Council members on Friday, February 18; and (3) she presented a 2 flyer advertising a conference that would be beneficial for the Commissioners to attend. 3 VI. REPORTS. 4 A. Community Services. 5 Roadfeldt reported that there would not be adult softball this year due to declining interest and 6 the lack of adequate fields. 7 B. School Board. 8 Jindra stated that it is hoped that the Commission would have a representative from the School 9 Board by the next meeting. 10 C. Snorts Boosters. I i Zurbey reported that the items on his list for discussion had included 1) proposed hockey rinks; 12 2) skateboarding area; and 3) questions regarding how long the construction would last on the 13 parks - one or two years? 14 Jindra stated that the Commission does not have the time line yet, but the reconstruction would 15 most likely be about two years. Hartman presented a drawing of the proposed space for the village green area and continued by 17 pointing out the trail system, fountain, and various businesses. He stated he would be obtaining 18 additional information from Richard Krier to present at the Commission's next meeting. 19 Jindra questioned the need for a representative from the Parks Commission to attend City 20 Council meetings on a monthly basis. Thuesen offered to present information to the Council as 21 the Liaison to the Commission. It was suggested that a representative from the Commission 22 attend Council meetings to present specific projects and answer questions. 23 On an unrelated subject, Jindra suggested that the Commissioners and Representatives discuss at 24 the next meeting the possibility of visiting Water Tower Park to review pending issues. 25 VII. OTHER BUSINESS. 26 None. 27 VIII. ADJOURNMENT. 28 Motion by Wagner, second by Ganley, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Q9 3o Respectfully submitted, Motion carried unanimously. n��thary ilia e(.% MEMORANDUM DATE: August 31, 1999 TO: Parks Commissioners FROM: Jay Hartman, Public Works Director ITEM: PARKS COMMISSION MEETINGS As you may recall, at the August Parks Commission meeting, the September 13 meeting was canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 11, 1999 at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room. The August 9, 1999 meeting minutes are attached for your information. One other item of importance is that there are still two members of the Parks Commission who have not yet been sworn in - Doug Koehntop and Paul Louiselle. Please stop by the City offices and the City Clerk will swear you in. The procedure takes only about 5 minutes. I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 9, 1999 4 I. CALL TO ORDER. 5 The Commission toured Silver Point Park at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting was called to order by 6 Chair Jindra at 7:49 p.m. 7 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Present: Chair Carol Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioners Paul 9 Louiselle, George Wagner, and Colleen Hallada 10 Also Present: Representative from School Board (Kathie Wolff); Representative from 11 Sports Boosters (Jan Jensen); Representative from Community Services 12 (Diana Roadfeldt); Public Works Director (Jay Hartman); City Council 13 Liaison (George Marks). 14 Absent: Commissioner Joanne Kosciolek 15 III. APPROVAL OF JULY 12,1999 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 16 Motion by Koehntop, second by Wagner to approve the minutes of the July 12, 1999 meeting 17 with the following addition: 18 19 Add Colleen Hallada to the list of Commissioners present at the July 12, 1999 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 21 Jindra stated that Todd Hubmer, WSB, Inc., was present to discuss Silver Point Park and 22 recommended that item be discussed to allow Mr. Hubmer to depart. 23 IV. SILVER POINT PARK UPDATE. 24 Jindra welcomed Todd Hubmer and invited him to address the Commission. Mr. Hubmer 25 reviewed the activities that have been completed at Silver Point Park to date and referred to his 26 letter to the Commission dated August 9, 1999. Mr. Hubmer stated that the ballfield had been 27 installed, complete with an extended backstop, benches, and playing surfaces. The fence has 28 been installed along County Road 88, and the paving of the pedestrian trail and basketball court 29 have been completed. Planting of trees and shrubs has been finished, and more detailed items 30 will be accomplished within the next 10 days. 31 32 Wolff asked if bleachers had been installed. Hartman responded that he would be ordering 33 bleachers soon. 34 Mr. Hubmer reviewed the progress for Central Park stating that the seeding of the storm water 35 basin and the City Hall pond had been completed. He further stated that authority had been 36 received to fill the pond north of City Hall. Mr. Hubmer reassured the Commission that the 37 establishment of turf at both the City Hall pond and North Central Park had not been acceptable l ' 8 and that the contractor was expected to make additional visits to the site. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 1999 Page 2 1 Mr. Hubmer reported that the irrigation system within Trillium Park had been repaired and that 2 the park had been reseeded. 3 V. POCKET PARKS UPDATE. 4 Mr. Hubmer mentioned that the contractor has completed rough grading of the two lots the City 5 currently owns and anticipates planting to occur in September. In addition, the City will continue 6 to investigate the possibility of acquiring the other three properties and this issue will be 7 discussed at the August 24, 1999 City Council meeting. 8 Wolff asked if progress would be forthcoming on the seeding around the ponding area behind the 9 football stadium. Mr. Hubmer stated that growth should be seen by September. 10 Jindra introduced Bob Kost, BRW. Mr. Kost stated that the growth in that particular area will be 11 slow and could possibly take two growing seasons to realize full potential. 12 Jindra asked about the general maintenance and upkeep of the type of vegetation planted. Mr. 13 Kost stated there is little maintenance once the seeding is established. 14 Jindra suggested that a type of fencing, such as a snow fence, be used to alleviate any safety issues before the park is completed. 16 Jindra reviewed that the park will be open to the public with trails, play equipment, basketball 17 and similar activities. 18 Marks asked if there was any problem with the park being open with respect to the contractor's 19 responsibilities. Mr. Hubmer felt it was reasonable to assume the park could be open once the 20 grading is finished. 21 Jindra confirmed with Hartman that responsibility for irrigating the landscaping was currently the 22 general contractor's responsibility, but would change to the Public Works Department. 23 Louiselle inquired about the decision of the warming house location. 24 25 Jindra discussed with Hartman about possible shelters for the park. 26 Jindra thanked Mr. Hubmer for his attendance. She suggested the Commission continue the 27 discussion of Water Tower Park. 28 VI. DISCUSS WATER TOWER PARK. 29 A. Opening. 'o Jindra reported that the grand opening of the park occurred on Monday, August 2, 1999 and was 1 a great success. She stated there were between 700-800 people attending the festivities and about 32 1,600 cookies and 1,000 ice cream treats were served. Overall, Jindra felt that the community Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 1999 Page 3 1 has been enormously pleased with the park and she thanked the Commission and volunteers for 2 all of their dedication and loyalty in making the park a success. Wagner extended sincere 3 appreciation to Jindra in particular for her devotion and commended her for the park's 4 achievements. 5 Jindra reiterated that, although the Commission is pleased with Water Tower Park, some details 6 still need to be resolved. She feels that this is the appropriate time to address those issues. 7 B. Punch List Items. 8 Jindra introduced Augie Wong, BRW, Inc., and asked him to address the Commission regarding 9 punch list items. 10 Jindra mentioned concern and disappointment that the benches were not installed for Water I t Tower Park. She said that Hartman had placed City benches in the park for the opening, but that 12 Flannigan Sales was responsible for installing the benches that had been ordered. Jindra stated 13 she had spoken to Flannigan Sales and was informed that the benches should be shipped by the 14 end of this week. 15 Mr. Wong responded that he would be in communication with Flannigan Sales on a regular basis and would ensure that the benches are promptly installed. 17 Mr. Wong suggested that, in order for the final details to be completed, the park would close for 18 a week and then reopen. Mr. Wong agreed to compile a specific punch list and send it to 19 Hartman for review or additions before forwarding the final list to the contractor. Mr. Wong 20 further suggested a meeting with Hartman, a representative from BRW, the contractor and a 21 Commissioner to discuss the final list before implementation. 22 Jindra mentioned concern about the appropriate usage of the Zipline feature on the playground 23 equipment. She said that there is a sign specifying that the age allowed for use on the Zipline is 24 from 5-12 years old, and questioned whether an additional sign would be beneficial. Mr. Kost 25 clarified that younger children are attempting to use the Zipline and become frustrated because it 26 is unreachable. Jindra stated that there is another Zipline available for younger children, but the 27 larger Zipline seems to be in demand by both younger and older children. 28 Roadfeldt asked if the equipment was being used properly. In response, Hartman stated there had 29 been injuries reported regarding children under the age allowed on the Zipline. Jindra stated that 30 the Commission desires to offer safe equipment. She reported that Flannigan Sales had 31 responded to the report and thoroughly analyzed the equipment to ensure its safety. 32 Roadfeldt reminded the Commission that the intent of the playground equipment at Water Tower 13 Park was designed for older children and that additional signage depicting age requirements may A be appropriate. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 1999 Page 4 1 Mr. Kost mentioned that part of the problem is that the park is not complete and that additional 2 signage would be beneficial. Wagner inquired as to how the age restrictions could be enforced. 3 Jensen mentioned parental responsibility would be important in following requirements. 4 Hartman requested that Mr. Wong obtain a letter from Flannigan Sales verifying that the play 5 equipment was thoroughly evaluated for safety and that the playground was approved for usage. 6 Jindra stated that the Commission is sensitive to safety issues, but reiterated that the park is 7 designed for older children. She was informed by a patron to the park that the sign at the front 8 entrance regarding age requirements was not easily seen, and she suggested a sign at the other 9 entrance be implemented. 10 Roadfeldt suggested that an article be placed in the Bulletin about the park, which would raise I I public awareness about age restrictions and the usage of the playground equipment. 12 Jensen left the meeting at 8:10 p.m. 13 Jindra agreed that educating the public through the local paper would be beneficial. She 14 suggested the article discuss the progress of the various parks, but specifically that Central Park 15 is geared towards younger children and Water Tower Park is designed for older children. 16 Roadfeldt suggested a sign listing some general rules for the entrances of the parks. Hartman 17 stated that specific signage had been suggested to him such as "No Dogs," "No Smoking," 18 "Please Use Bike Racks" and "No Parking Along 33rd Avenue." Jindra believes the police 19 should be approached about implementing speed limit signs. 20 Wolff asked about a crosswalk around the tennis courts. Mr. Kost reminded the Commission of 21 liability issues to the City surrounding crosswalks. Jindra stated the Commission wished to make 22 the parks as safe as possible. 23 Jindra asked Marks if the Commission should approach the City Council regarding a long-term 24 budget plan. Marks stated that the City Council had a budget meeting last week, but suggested 25 that the Commission coordinate a list of future plans and present such list to the City Co>mcil for 26 consideration into the budget. Marks assured the Commission that the City Council is supportive 27 of the Commission and suggested that Commissioners attend future budget hearings. 28 Jindra asked Hartman if the Public Works Department could ensure that the parks are properly 29 maintained. Hartman responded that park maintenance is contracted out. Jindra stated additional 30 budgeting for park maintenance would be an important issue to bring before the City Council. 31 Marks responded by stating that as the park infrastructure is changed, the maintenance budget 32 would need to be altered as well. Marks reminded the Commission that most of the budget t '3 projections by the City Council are completed in June. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 1999 Page 5 1 Hartman mentioned that in approaching the City Council regarding budget projections, the 2 Commission should keep in mind various long-term projects that are available for existing parks 3 as well as around City Hall and the adjoining area. 4 Koehntop inquired about the progress of Emerald Park. Hartman stated the Commission is 5 awaiting further studies from WSB. 6 Marks said that the City Council talked last week about constructing a performing arts center 7 after the success and expense of VillageFest was examined. Marks suggested several space 8 possibilities, and further mentioned an available open space by City Hall that would be attractive 9 for a water fountain and community gathering place. 10 Jindra stated that she was impressed with the design of the satellites for opening night of Water 11 Tower Park. The satellites had flush capabilities and a spigot to wash hands. Jindra would like 12 to have that type of satellite for the park on a permanent basis, but stated it is not wheelchair 13 accessible. 14 Wolff asked if a satellite with flush capabilities and a wheelchair -accessible satellite could both 15 be placed on the premises. Mr. Kost stated an additional concrete slab could be implemented to 3 accommodate two satellites. The Commission welcomed this idea. 17 Jindra clarified for Hartman that the satellites currently in place should continue to be properly 18 maintained until a second slab is installed and permanent satellites are in place. 19 Wagner reminded the Commission that since the plans for the park have changed and additional 20 cost will be incurred, the City Council would need to approve the new plan. 21 Koehntop inquired about placing landscaping in the open area to screen the satellite. Mr. Wong 22 said the intent was to provide plenty of open space for small gatherings, but some plantings could 23 be accomplished to provide a screen for the satellites and still retain the open space. 24 Roadfeldt asked if the satellites could face a different direction. Mr. Wong responded by stating 25 that the satellites have to face the current direction for servicing purposes. 26 Jindra stated she would mention the age restrictions for the playground equipment to groups that 27 utilize the park the most until public awareness is more acute. 28 Wolff stated that she would like the Commission to consider changing the color of the arches. 29 Mr. Kost said the arches were improperly painted and need to be redone. Wolff stated that the 30 original colors did not go with the Commission's plan. Jindra agreed that, as a group, new colors I l should be considered. 32 Koehntop suggested one of the colors be matched to the color of the fencing. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 1999 Page 6 1 Roadfeldt asked if vines could be grown on the fence. Mr. Kost said some ivy or similar vine 2 could be grown, but reminded the Commission that the intent of the fence was to announce the 3 entrance to the park. 4 Various discussion ensued regarding the appropriate colors for the arches. 5 6 Motion by Koehntop, seconded by Wagner, to paint the arches into the park a green color 7 matching the fencing on the two outside arches, and a tan color matching the play equipment on 8 the center arch. 9 Motion carried unanimously. 10 Jindra clarified that repainting of the arches would be classified as a punch list item and would be I 1 accomplished within the week the park is closed. Mr. Kost reminded the Commission that there 12 would perhaps be an additional charge by the contractor for the new paint. 13 VII. DISCUSS PROPOSED ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS. 14 Jindra suggested that the Commission take a break from the September meeting due to the 15 diligence of the Commission over a long period of time. Koehntop agreed that a break would be 3 beneficial. Wolff inquired about the possibility of issues arising during the break. Koehntop 17 asked if Jindra could be empowered to make necessary decisions in that event. Mr. Kost felt that 18 Water Tower Park issues were under control. 19 Motion by Koehntop, second by Louiselle, to cancel the scheduled September 1999 Parks 20 Commission meeting. 21 Motion carried unanimously. 22 Jindra reminded the Commission that the next scheduled meeting would be on Monday, October 23 11, 1999. 24 Marks questioned if a representative from the Commission would be attending the City Council 25 meeting on August 10, 1999. Jindra stated that she would attend the City Council meeting and 26 would present the proposed changes to the park for consideration by the City Council. Mr. Kost 27 agreed to provide an estimated range of cost that would include the proposed changes. 28 VIII. REPORTS. 29 A. Community Services. 30 Roadfeldt stated that she had nothing to report as Community Services does not meet during the 31 summer. �_ 32 B. School Board. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 1999 Page 7 1 Wolff advised the Commission that a fire road was being constructed around the school. The 2 first phase of construction has begun and the second phase will begin next year. The fire road 3 has impacted some space for Central Park and Wolff reported that there had been a suggestion 4 from a School Board member to extend the chain link fence for safety reasons. Wolff clarified 5 that patrons of Central Park are using the fire road under construction for access to the park. 6 Wolff suggested the City Council should be approached about extending the chain link fence. 7 Hartman stated he could provide drawings of the proposed fire road and fence. 8 C. Sports Boosters. 9 There was no report from Sports Boosters due to the departure of Jan Jensen. 10 Jindra asked Wagner if the Sports Boosters' concession stand was a permanent fixture. Wagner I I said it was on a slab, was of a permanent nature, but could be moved if necessary. Jindra 12 clarified that if Central Park was redesigned, the football field could be moved and consequently 13 the concession stand would be relocated. 14 IX. OTHER BUSINESS. 15 Hartman asked if all of the Commissioners had been sworn into office. All of the 16 Commissioners acknowledged they had been sworn in except Louiselle. Louiselle stated he would immediately make arrangements to be sworn in. 18 X. ADJOURNMENT. 19 Motion by Koehntop, second by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 9:13 p.m. 20 21 Respectfully submitted, 22 Sue Selseth 23 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Motion carried unanimously.