HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 05132002Parks Commission Minutes
Connie Kroeplin
THERE WILL NOT BE A PARKS COMMISSION MEETING
IN APRIL 2002. THE NEXT REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
WILL BE ON MAY 13, 2002 AT 7:OOPM
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA
May 13, 2002
7:OOPM
Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER.
II. ROLL CALL.
III. APPROVAL OF MARCH 11, 2002 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.
IV. AUGIE WONG WILL BE PRESENT TO DISCUSS PROGRESS ON
CENTRAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT.
V. REPORTS:
A. Community Services
B. School Board
C. Sports Boosters
VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
VII. ADJOURNMENT.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
March 11, 2001
7:00 p.m.
Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Chair Jindra called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance.
II. ROLL CALL.
Present: Chair Jindra, Vice Chair Doug Koehntop, Commissioners Daniel
Ganley, Colleen Hallada, Jan Jenson, and George Wagner.
Absent: Commissioner Gebhardt.
Also Present: City Councilmember Dick Horst; Public Works Director Jay
Hartman; Representative from Sports Boosters George Zurbey;
Representative from the School Board Denise Dunn; Independent
Contractor Maury Anderson; Bob Kost and Auggie Wong, BRW;
Molly Olivier and Bradley Forbrook, SEH.
III. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 11, 2001 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.
Motion by Commissioner Hallada, second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the December
11, 2001 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes.
Motion carried 5-1. Jenson abstained.
IV. BIKE TRACK.
Eighth grade resident Kevin Bettendorf came forward to express the desire on behalf of himself
and his peers to have a place where they can safely ride their bikes. He indicated that the Police
Station was near the suggested location for the bike park, should there exist any problems.
Chair Jindra asked what they would need for a bike park. Bettendorf responded that they would
need almost nothing, just dirt.
Mrs. Freeman, Kevin Bettendorf s mother, indicated that the boys like to do tricks on their bikes,
but said that a public area for them to safely enjoy themselves really does not exist anywhere
nearby. She added that bikers need a place separate from skaters.
Hartman confirmed that they wanted a BMX dirt park, similar to one in Shoreview. The boys
indicated that they liked that park, but that the tracks are too close together.
Commissioner Wagner asked about the size of the park. They suggested that the bike park
should be a little bit larger than the skate park.
Chair Jindra indicated that they would comprise a sub -committee to look into the bike park, and
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2001
Page 2
asked that the boys leave their names and telephone numbers, so that the sub -committee may
contact them when necessary. .
V. LIGHTING FOR THE FIELDS
Steven Rekuski, Baseball Commissioner, came forward and expressed the possibility of lowering
the proposed cost of lighting of the athletic fields.
Rekuski stressed the need to lay down the wiring at this time, before the park is completed. He
stated that it would be twice as expensive to do after the park is completed.
Rekuski indicated that the lighting he was speaking of has a softer glow. He stated that although
the brightness would be lowered, the safety is still top notch. He added that the lighting would
be suitable for either baseball of softball.
Rekuski indicated that he did not want the sports programs in the City of St. Anthony to
dissipate, as he has seen happen in other cities.
Rekuski proposed that they install power supplies and footing and poles for the varsity fields
before the park construction begins.
Rekuski indicated that the proposal has been received by the Legion, and that they meet with
them to discuss any funding options on Tuesday night, March 12, 2002. He added that he has not
yet approached the VFW regarding any funding.
Vice Chair Koehntop asked how late he was proposing that the lights on the field stay on.
Rekuski stated that the varsity baseball coach would control that.
Chair Jindra stated her opinion which was that several issues already surrounded the lights, and
stated that Rekuski's proposal would need to be discussed at a future meeting. She added that
figures regarding the proposed lighting would be helpful at that time. Rekuski indicated that he
was working on figures at this time.
Commissioner Jenson asked how soon they would need to make a decision about lighting. Wong
stated that the construction target start date was April 15, 2002.
Chair Jindra indicated that the issue needed to be tabled at this point, until they have figures to
discuss.
Commissioner Wagner asked why they would not go with the less expensive lighting
automatically. Wong indicated that there exist three levels of lighting, and stated that they need
to look into whether the proposed lighting by Rekuski was adequate.
The Commission thanked Rekuski for his proposal.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2001
Page 3
IV. MOLLY OLIVIER (SEH) WILL BE PRESENTING THE FEBRUARY 18, 2002 BID
RESULTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOTH SILVER POINT AND CENTRAL
PARK SHELTER BUILDINGS.
Chair Jindra indicated that bids on the park project came in and that a few were very close to the
architects estimate.
Olivier was pleased to say that thirteen bids came in. She quickly noted that the one problem that
they are faced with at this time is the peat under the soil, which is five feet below five feet of soil
She indicated that all of ten feet of soil need to be excavated.
Olivier continued that four bids came in at similar costs.
Olivier proceeded to review the floor plan for Central Park, demonstrating how it serves the
communities needs:
• Warming House/Meeting Room -handles groups of 20 people each
• Accommodate multi -function activities at one time
• Handicap and family accessibility
• Adequate storage and mechanical space
• Wet deck mechanical room
• Fireplace and kitchenette features
Olivier highlighted that the design fits into the community:
• Large windows /operable casements
• Wood interior for warmth and charm
• Split face block base cedar siding
• Charcoal grill in picnic pavilion
• HVAC environment
• Future surveillance camera outlets
Olivier indicated that the estimate had been increased by $20,000 to cover the additional cost to
excavate the soil.
Chair Jindra asked about Thompson Homes, the lowest bidder. Bradley Forbrook, SEH Project
Manager, indicated that Thompson Homes provided three references, all of which were very
reputable. Forbrook noted that Thompson Homes has done some work for the University of
Minnesota. Forbrook added that Thompson Homes took their profit out of their bid, in order to
ensure that they get the job due to slower times since September 11, 2001.
Wong stated that they examined the bids, and indicated the bids that they have received are as
good a price as they will see due to the economy at this time.
Commissioner Wagner asked why the late $20,000 for the soil. Forbrook indicated that the soil
report became available during the bid period, which is why they did not know about it prior to
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2001
Page 4
bid opening.
Olivier indicated that there have been two separate test periods. She added that the soil report
was not available until a week after their documents were released.
Wong indicated that the second round of soil borings was done in January, which is why the
report was received so late.
9 Anderson commented on what a nice, tight fit the bid was to the plans and commended everyone.
10 He suggested that they run with the bid, as it is as good a bid as they will see.
11
12 Commissioner Jenson asked if the funding for the project was available.
13
14 Roger Larson, Finance Director for St. Anthony of nearly thirteen years, stated that his estimate
15 for the Central Park improvement project was $2,645,100. He indicated that his figure included
16 soft costs, hard costs and environmental clean-up costs.
17
18 Wong reviewed the cost analysis of the project. He highlighted a lot of the clean-up costs, and
19 the need to dispose of the contaminated soil at a state -certified landfill. Wong indicated that the
20 additional soft costs totaled $53,460.14.
21
22 Larson referred to the $2,300,000 that has been approved. He stated that they have gone back to
23 request the additional $350,000 which is necessary for the project.
24
25 Larson reviewed the Park Improvement Fund #501, which had a balance of $67,840 in January
26 2000, and a negative balance of $8,594 in December 2000.
27
28 Larson stated that environmental costs were not included in the $2,300,000. He also noted that
29 there were expenses incurred before the park project, which also have to be factored in to the
30 equation.
31
32 Zurbey questioned the additional $354,000 that they are requesting. He added that they were
33 expected to come in at $2,300,000, and felt that it would not look good to the City Council to ask
34 them to approve additional dollars.
35
36 Larson stated that, in order to not include the money spent before this project, the Council would
37 have to make appropriations.
38
39 Zurbey suggested that the request to the City Council for $354,000 be itemized, so that they
40 would understand the need for the additional dollars.
41
42 The Commission discussed their different concerns regarding the additional $354,000.
43
44 Hartman reviewed the breakdown of the $354,000.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2001
Page 5
1
2 Forbrook informed the Commission that he has never worked on a project that has not had any
3 surprise costs. He added that they should confidently go with what they have.
4
5 Anderson stated that he understood the concern of the Commission over the cost increase.
6 However, he added, the Council should have enough faith in the abilities of the Parks
7 Commission that they would understand the need for the additional $354,000.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Zurbey asked for Larson's recommendation to the Council. Larson stated that he recommended
that they consider the project, but added that it was up to the Council.
Zurbey clarified that, if they did not build the building, there would still be $160,000 in costs,
versus the $180,000 that is there with the building.
Alan Audi, resident that lives at the south -end of the park, suggested that the Commission quit
running in circles, as they have thoroughly covered their bases. He added that the Council are a
reasonable group of people, and that the Commission quit laboring over what they might think.
Councilmember Horst provided the Commission with his perspective. He stated that the
$2,300,000 was the last dollar that the City had. He suggested that they start thinking of how
they could get the final number back down to the $2,300,000. He added that he would not be in
favor of improving any additional funds.
Commissioner Hallada suggested that Councilmember Horst was the only councilmember that
felt that every dollar was spent at $2,300,000.
Chair Jindra stated that she could not make a motion as Chair of the Commission, but requested
that one be made.
Chair Jindra asked Anderson if he would attend the City Council meeting and present the
recommendation that they decided upon this evening. She added that the rest of the Commission
should do their best to be present at the City Council meeting, as well.
Councilmember Horst expressed his unwillingness to explain the hidden costs away this time,
and the next.
Commissioner Jenson stated that they are investing in the future of the City of St. Anthony, and
that they should not lose sight of that. Commissioner Ganley stated that was an excellent point
of which they should not lose sight.
Commissioner Jenson asked where the city budget stood at this point. Larson indicated that the
budget is very tight at this point.
Motion by Commissioner Ganley, second by Commissioner Hallada, to recommend $2,704,000
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2001
Page 6
total package cost for the Central Park project
The fall back contingency for Central Park Pavilion is $25,000. The fall back contingency for
Central Park is $34,000. The total project cost equals $2,704,000.
Motion carried 5-1, Commissioner Wagner opposed.
V. REPORTS.
A. Community Services.
Diane Skrivseth was not present this evening.
B. School Board.
Denise Dunn stated she could not attend the meeting tomorrow night due to a work
session.
C. Sports Boosters.
George Zurbey had nothing new to report.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
Chair Jindra reviewed Silver Point Park. She stated they were waiting to hear on the approval for
some DNR funds, and that they would discuss the project at a later meeting.
Councilmember Horst noted that the Wilson Street portion of the street and utility improvement
project was DNR funded, and may be taken away from the Silver Point Park funding. Chair
Jindra asked why they were not informed of this prior to this evening.
The Commission discussed the seeding that was to happen this April. Hartman stated that he
would contact Hubmer to ascertain the information on seeding.
Chair Jindra asked about the entrance route for the trucks during construction. Hartman stated
that it would be coordinated properly.
Hallada asked what type of seeding process they were going to use. Hartman indicated that they
were going to do hydro seeding.
VII. ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Vice Chair Koehntop, second by Commissioner Jenson, to adjourn the meeting at
9:09 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Motion carried unanimously.
Parks Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2001
Page 7
Courtney Seesz
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.