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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.04.23 Parks PacketAgenda Parks Commission Meeting of April 23, 2014 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from March 26, 2014 Meeting 7:02 pm Trail Development Policy Draft 7:30 pm Recreation Program Workshop Recap 8:00 pm Irish Avenue Park 8:30 pm Hanifl Concession Stand 9:00 pm Adjournment Background Parks Commission Meeting of April 23, 2014 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from February 26, 2014 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of March 26, 2014. 7.02 pm Trail Development Policy Draft At the meeting of Mach 26, 2014, the Parks Commission discussed a trail development policy. Currently, the Trail and Sidewalk Plan guides the construction of trails and sidewalks. The majority of trails and sidewalks in Hugo are constructed through land development or road reconstruction projects. The Parks Commission may desire to construct an improvement that would otherwise not be through these normal means. In order to determine which improvement shall take priority for the limited city funds, a criteria was established to evaluate which improvement shall take priority. A draft of the Trail Development Policy was put together with the criteria that the Parks Commission discussed at the last meeting. Staff recommends that the Parks Commission make changes to the draft Trail Development Policy and recommend approval to the City Council. PLEASE SEE THE DRAFT POLICY. 7:30 pm Recreation Program Workshop Recap A joint workshop with the City Council was held on Wednesday, April 9. A policy was drafted which would guide future recreation programming in the City of Hugo. Staff recommends changes be made to the draft policy. Staff also recommends that the Parks Commission discuss adding any other policy statements that may further shape future recreation programming. PLEASE SEE THE DRAFT POLICY AND MEETING MINUTES. 8:00 pm Irish Avenue Park At the meeting of January 8, 2014 the Parks Commission discussed the history and other background information of Irish Avenue Park. The next step is to identify stakeholders and hold public meetings to draft Master Plan Development Guidelines. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MEMO. 8:20 pm Hanifl Concession Stand At the meeting of March 26, 2114 the Parks Commission shared an interest in making the concession stand at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park available. Staff has researched options for the operation of the stand as directed. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MEMO. 9:00 pm Adjournment Questions were raised at the Recreation Workshop of Wednesday, April 9 about the Fox Meadows Development. City Engineer Jay Kennedy put together a memo with the findings established at the time the preliminary plat was approved by the City Council. He has also provided options for alternatives for the Parks Commissions consideration. Minutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo March 26, 2014 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Rachel Berger, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Staff Present: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Debi Close, Secretary Absent: Joan Benner, Dave Strub Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from February Meeting Rauschendorfer made a motion, Schmid seconded to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2014 meeting. Taylor and Windisch abstained. Ayes: Rauschendorfer and Schmid Motion carried. Trail Development Polic Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner reviewed a section in the Comprehensive Plan on future trails and sidewalks. Parks Commissioners discussed a policy that would prioritize trail projects. Parks Commission members agreed that safety and connectivity to destination spots in the community were high priority. Rauschendorfer requested an understanding of why mill and overlay street improvement projects don't incorporate sidewalk or trail improvements when repairs are already being done. Scott Anderson, Public Works Director informed that mill and overlay projects are resurfacing the existing street. Additions to the project such as curbs, sidewalks, trails or widening of the streets for bike or walking paths would require possible assessments, land acquisition, and higher costs. An interest was shared in a policy to prioritize where and what trails are important and to be able to work with resident requests. Possible criteria were discussed including feasibility, density of neighborhoods, community hubs, etc. City Staff was directed to draft a Trail Development Policy for future revisions. III. Recreation Program Update Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner updated on the programs being offered this summer including: Nature Camp, Park Play days, Sky hawk sports camps, Movie nights and Washington County Library programs/events. IV. Other Parks Commissioners asked about the concession stand at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. Staff was directed to research what it would take to make the stand available for park users. VI. Adjournment Rauschendorfer made a motion, Schmid seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 pm. All ayes. Motion carried. TRAIL DEVELOPMENT POLICY CITY OF HUGO, MN APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 1, 2014 APPROVED BY THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE COMMISSION MAY 1, 2014 PURPOSE The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission may desire to construct a trail, sidewalk, or other improvement that would otherwise not be constructed through normal means. In order to determine which improvement shall take priority for limited funding, the following criteria has been established to evaluate proposed improvements. PRIORITIES Priority will be given to improvements that meet the following criteria: • Will not be constructed in the future through normal means such as street reconstruction or land redevelopment. • Is identified in the Parks, Trails and Sidewalks Plan. • Provide connections between neighborhoods and parks, schools, recreational areas, and/or commercial areas. • Provide connections to regional trails or other large trail networks to extend Hugo's trail system. • Have minimal physical barriers, such as: wetlands, significant slopes. • Enhance safety for pedestrians in areas that have high traffic speeds, narrow roads, or uncontrolled intersections. • Requested by and of interest to Hugo residents. • Is located on city -owned land or easement or land that is available through willing sellers. • Is economical, providing a high impact with minimal financial investment. • Is feasible and does not interfere with future improvements or development. • Provide access to and from well -populated residential neighborhoods. • Widely utilized because of existing pedestrian uses or proximity to popular areas. PROCESS The Parks Commission shall identify a trail or sidewalk improvement, utilizing the criteria, and include it in their Capital Improvement Plan. The Parks Capital Improvement Plan is subject to annual approval by the City Council. RECREATION PROGRAM POLICY CITY OF HUGO, MN APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL MAY 1, 2014 APPROVED BY THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPENS PACE COMMISSION MAY 1, 2014 PURPOSE As Hugo continues to grow and the needs of its residents changes, this policy will guide what role the City of Hugo will play in future recreation programming and services. GOALS PARTNER WITH LOCAL PROGRAM PROVIDERS • Support local recreation providers in their work to provide programs and services for residents. • Maintain regular communication with local program providers and work to cross promote programs. • Encourage a wide variety of programs to fit the diverse recreation interests and needs within the community. • Collaborate with local program providers to offer well-designed and cost-effective programs. • Work to ensure that the city's programs and services do not duplicate or compete with those of other providers. UTILIZE HUGO PARKS, TRAILS, AND FACILITIES • Offer recreation programs that take advantage of Hugo's excellent parks and trails system. • Provide facilities and fields and make them available to local program providers. • Utilize the Field Rental Policy to prioritize field use. Ensure that Hugo residents are well -served by the organizations that receive priority. • Encourage use of the parks for events, programs, and informal activities. • Continue to develop additional parks, trails, and facilities to meet the recreational needs of the growing community. OFFER A VARIETY OF QUALITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS • Offer unique programs that are otherwise not available to Hugo residents. • Serve all areas of Hugo by providing programs in a variety of locations. • As successful programs are established, continue to expand them and offer them on an annual basis. • Offer programs at a law cost for residents and strive to cover costs with whatever program profits made. • Understand the diversity of Hugo residents and offer a variety of programs that reach the entire community. OTHER? BUILD COMMUNITYSPIRIT? ENGAGE THE HUGO COMMUNITY? SUSTAINABILITY/ENVIRONMENTALISM/WATER CONSERVATION? STEWARDSHIP/ VOLUNTEERISM? MARKETING? Irish Avenue Park Planning TO: City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner DATE: April 18, 2014 for the Parks Commission meeting of April 23, 2014 1 INTRODUCTION The City of Hugo purchased 125 acres in 2010 for a future community park. The property is likely to be developed in 10-15 years and a master plan is needed to prepare for that development. The Parks Commission has discussed a planning process that gathers extensive input from Hugo residents. AT the meeting of January 8, 2014, the Parks Commission reviewed the property history, and the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. The next step is to develop Master Plan Guidelines. 2 PLANNING PROCESS The following is the tentative plan and timeline for planning of Irish Avenue Park: lr .. the RaFks1 TFails , 2. Develop Master Plan Guidelines 3. Master Plan/ Concept Planning: 2015 4. Design Development: 2016 S. Finalize the Design 6. Construction Document Preparation 3 PLANNING OPTIONS 3.1 STAKEHOLDERS The Parks Commission should identify who the stakeholders are for Irish Avenue Park and in what capacity they should be involved in planning it: Options include: • All Hugo residents • Residents adjacent to the property • Area Athletic Associations • School Districts/Community Education Departments • Special Interest Groups • Other Irish Avenue Park Planning April 23, 2014 1 3.2 POTENTIAL PROCESS With Lions Park, there were two public meetings held after informal meetings and conversations with individual stakeholders. The City Council did not approve hiring a consultant for this phase of the process and staff conducted the meetings. At the first public meeting, held in September 2011, stakeholders were invited including the Lions Club, the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, surrounding property owners and the public. A Visual Preference Survey was conducted in which workshop participants were asked to rank different images of a variety of park uses and features. In small group discussions, preferences for how the park could look and be used started. At the second public meeting, held in October 2011, stakeholders brainstormed goals that would shape how the park would develop, look, and be used. At a Parks Commission meeting of November 9, 211, the Lions Park Master Plan Guidelines were revised and recommended to the City Council. The City Council approved the Guidelines on November 21, 2011. 4 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Parks Commission should discuss how to engage residents and stakeholders. Stakeholder meetings could be held in June and July. Staff recommends that a recommendation be made to the City Council for approval to hold public meetings to put together Master Plan Development Guidelines for Irish Avenue Park. 5 ATTACHMENTS 1. Lions Park Master Plan Development Guidelines Irish Avenue Park Planning April 23, 2014 Lions Park Master Plan Development Guidelines Drafted November 3, 2011 INTRODUCTION Lions Park is one of the most well known parks in the City of Hugo. It is currently the location of Good Neighbor Days. The community festival is put on annually by the Hugo Lions Club. The park is used throughout the warmer months for family reunions, company picnics and other gatherings. Repairs were made to the existing tennis courts and skate equipment was installed in the summer of 2010. At that time, the City Council discussed additional improvement and future development. It was decided that a master plan should be put together to ensure that all future investments into development at Lions Park build toward the public's long term vision of the park. HISTORY OF LIONS PARK Lions Park was the only public active recreation park in Hugo for many years. There were once lit fields that attracted people from all over the metro to see baseball games in Hugo. Lions Park was home to the first playground in Hugo. The property was once the location of Hugo City Hall and a water tower. Hugo City Hall has since been re -built on property adjacent to Lions Park. At the time of creating this plan, Lions Park has the following features: 2 little league baseball fields (used occasionally by White Bear Lake Community Services and Recreation) A 50' by 120' fenced, concrete surface skate park 2 tennis courts/pickleball courts 1 basketball half -court Four square game surface Playground equipment 3+ stall garage building used by the Lions Club for Hugo Good Neighbor Days Park shelter with 10 picnic tables Former Public Works Garage used by the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf GUIDING DOCUMENTS The 2030 Comprehensive Plan shall be studied in conjunction with using these design guidelines for Lions Park. Lions Park Page 1 of 5 Development Guidelines t4o' Parks Plan- 2030 Comprehensive Plan The City of Hugo 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. It is an update to the Parks Master Plan that was adopted in 1998. The current plan details existing and future parks, trails, and open space. The description of Lions Park outlines it as a community park, serving several neighborhoods and the community as a whole. Community parks should be easily accessed via trails and major roads. They should offer unique amenities and provide adequate parking and restroom facilities. Lions Park is described as currently serving as a community park and "continues to function as a significant central gathering area for the community and hosts large events such as Good Neighbor Days." Downtown Plan The City of Hugo Downtown Plan and Design Guidelines was approved April 10, 2007. The plan details how the downtown area, which surrounds Lions Park, will develop. The downtown plan is pedestrian oriented. Future development will include unique businesses and shops, traditional residential blocks, and mixed- use developments with office space and multi -family housing. Life -cycle housing which will be a draw to senior citizens is also anticipated to be developed. Although a community center and public library are shown adjacent to the park on the Downtown Master Plan, the park was discussed as having active park features. PLANNING PROCESS One of the 2011 goals of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission was to do concept planning for Lions Park and develop a long term vision for how the park will be used and what the park will look like. The Commission discussed hosting public planning workshops. They desired to invite residents to participate that live the neighborhood surrounding the park and all Hugo residents. Public Workshop #1 A public workshop was held on September 27, 2011. Stakeholders were invited including the Lions Club, the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, surrounding property owners and the public. A Visual Preference Survey was conducted in which workshop participants were asked to rank fifty different images on a scale of 1 (like) to 5 (dislike). The images included a variety of park uses and features. After small group discussions, the images were narrowed down to 6 pictures of parks that they preferred. Discussions included having a multi -use park shelter that could be used year-round and serve as a focal point in Hugo. The shelter was envisioned to build community spirit and be a gathering place and used for Lions Park Page 2 of 5 Development Guidelines tirio' things such as performing arts, farmers markets, youth events, Hugo Good Neighbor Days, and as a covered ice skating rink. Also, the park should satisfy the needs of the nearby residents with park features such as play equipment, walking paths, open space and other neighborhood park amenities. Landscaping should be used to compliment the features and beautify the park. The following images were selected by residents at the workshop to demonstrate options for how the park may look. They are concepts only. Figure 1: Holiday Decorations Building Community Spirit Figure 2: Open Space Surrounded by Landscaping and Capped by a Performance Shelter Figure 3: Walking Paths, Benches, Landscaping and the Gazebo Accommodate Senior Citizens Figure 4: Shelter That Doubles as an Amphitheater for Youth Activities, Performances and Other Community Events Figure 5: Playgrounds, Open Spaces and Other Figure 6: Large Pavilion Used Year -Round Park Amenities Accessible by Sidewalks For Events, Athletics, and Other Community Gatherings Lions Park Page 3 of 5 Development Guidelines CiVo Public Workshop #2 Using the feedback gathered at the first public workshop, residents discussed guidelines for future development at a public workshop held on October 18, 2011. Goals were brainstormed, utilizing desirable park qualities described at the first meeting. Lions Park was envisioned to continue to be used for significant community events and be a highlight of the Hugo Parks System. DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES Goal 1: Ensure that Lions Park is safe and functional. Guidelines: Provide adequate parking, restrooms and lighting for park users. Utilize pedestrian lighting and minimize light pollution. Consider access points of the park when determining the layout of park features such as parking, sidewalks, trails and gathering places. Connect the park to the trails, bike paths and sidewalks to provide pedestrian access to the park. Provide connections throughout the park which offer safe, off-street pedestrian options. Take advantage of opportunities to expand the park with development and changes in the downtown area. Goal 2: Emphasize Hugo's through design of Lions Park. Guidelines: country charm and character Consider rain gardens and other natural landscaping. Provide continuity between the design of the park and the design of the downtown. Encourage master gardeners and other professionals to assist with construction and maintenance of landscaping. Encourage holiday lighting and other decorations to beautify the park in the winter. Lions Park Page 4 of 5 Development Guidelines _ HCtbo ugo Maintain picturesque view sheds. Consider construction of a gazebo or other major focal point. Goal 3: Offer unique recreation facilities and attractions to support a variety of ages, interests and seasons, fitting a community park. Guidelines: Design park amenities to be flexible in use so as to be used for different purposes in different seasons such as a skating area that may serve as the location for a flea market or a warming house that may double as a concession stand in the summer. Consider unique features such as a skating rink, large picnic pavilion with modern kitchen facilities, walking paths and band shell. Encourage use of the park for performing arts such as movies, concerts, dances and art displays. Maintain open green spaces suitable for carnivals, Good Neighbor Days and other large events. Provide a multi -use park suitable for significant community gatherings and which provides recreational amenities to the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Provide a playground for the adjacent residential neighborhood. Goal 4: Build community spirit. Guidelines: Provide and encourage use of facilities for community building events such as Hugo Good Neighbor Days, carnivals, flea markets, farmers markets, and more. Consider the park a hub; centrally located in the city and adjacent to prominent public buildings and downtown commercial district. IMPLEMENTATION The Lions Park Design Guidelines shall be used by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission as well as the City Council and staff whenever an improvement the Park is to be made. Lions Park Page 5 of 5 Development Guidelines HugoG@ o� Concession Stand TO: City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner DATE: April 18, 2014 for the Parks Commission Meeting of April 23, 2014 1 INTRODUCTION At the meeting of March 26, 2014, the Parks Commission shared an interest in providing a concession stand at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. Staff was directed to research operation of the concession stand. 2 PREVIOUS CONCESSION STAND USE 2.1 HUGO LIONS CLUB PARTNERSHIP During the summers of 2011 and 2012, the Hugo Lions Club (Lions) operated the concession stand with assistance from the White Bear Soccer Club (WBSC). The Lions handled the permits, inventory, and finances. WBSC provided the volunteers to staff the concession stand. According to the City's agreement with the Lions, volunteer organizations were to receive at least 50% of the profits made by the concession stand at the time of their service. 2.2 FEEDBACK WBSC offered feedback that the challenge of coordinating volunteers was not offset by the funds raised by their organization. They would be willing to advertise the volunteer opportunity to WBSC members, but do not want to be in charge of staffing. WBSC also advised that the stand only be open on evenings when 6 or more games are being played and not on the weekends. The Lions shared that having signage by the fields dramatically increased their sales. The items that were purchased the most were water and sports drinks. Food in general, was not as popular. They highly advised against perishable food items as it is difficult to manage. 3 CONCESSION STAND OPERATION The Parks Commission has shared an interest in operating the concession stand as a service to the community. The general concept for the concession stand would be to create a staff position to run the stand and that profits should cover costs. The Lions and WBSC would continue to operate the concession stand at their tournaments and other special events. 3.1 STAFFING The spring season runs from May 1 to July 31. At this time, the concession stand would be staffed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings when 6+ games are planned to be held. WBSC reported that they do not believe that their fields would be used enough on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays to warrant opening the concession stand. It is likely that the stand would be open at least 3 nights per week from S:OOpm to 9:OOpm. The idea would be that if the fields were not busy, the stand would be closed. This would result in approximately 12-15 hours per week or 160-200 hours for the spring season. The cost of a staff person would be approximately $1,900 to $2,400 for the spring season. This includes a wage of $11.00 per hour as well as the required benefit and workers compensation costs. The fall season runs from August 1 to November 1. Staffing would include Saturdays and some weeknights, subject to the 6 game minimum. While hours of operation and staffing costs are likely to increase, the sales and profits are likely to increase as well. The start of the school year may affect staff availability. Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner and/or the Public Works Staff on-call would be available to assist with emergency situations as needed. 3.2 INVENTORY Inventory would include beverages such as water, sports drinks, and soda. Beverages may need to be purchased through a Coca Cola distributer as they have provided the beverage cooler that is currently used in the stand. Food items would include chips, granola bars, crackers, candy, peanuts, fruit snacks, etc. Items would likely be purchased in bulk and inventory would be restocked as need throughout the season. The items would be marked up to recover the costs of the concession stand. 3.3 PERMITS A food handler license can be acquired through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for the sale pre-packaged and labeled food items. The Lions Club used this permit process which included a site inspection. The concession stand meets the facility requirements for this license. Other options would include going through Washington County Public Health. Generally, the permits are more restrictive and expensive through the County because as there isn't a permit option that aligns with how the concession stand is likely to be operated. 4 NEXTSTEPS The next steps of the Concession Stand would be to put together a detailed budget and plan which the Parks Commission may recommend for approval to the City Council. If the City Council approval is given, a seasonal concession stand staff position would need to be created. The City Council oversees all staffing changes and follows a process for hiring decisions. A job description and the authorization to advertise the position opening would be subject to City Council approval. Applications would be taken for the position. Interviews would be conducted. A recommendation to hire an applicant for the seasonal concession stand staff position would be subject to City Council approval. 5 STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Parks Commission provide an update to the City Council and move forward on staffing the concession stand at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. A WSB - Infrastructure . Engineering . Planning . Construction & Assactates, Inc. 9 Q 9 April 16, 2014 Ms. Shayla Syverson Parks Planner City of Hugo 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North Hugo, MN 55038 Re: 125th Street Improvements Fox Meadows Development WSB Project No. 1904-57 Dear Ms. Syverson: 701 Xenia Avenue South Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Tel: 763.541-4800 Fax: 763-541-1700 We have completed our review related to the provision of a trail along 125th Street in response to your request. A summary of our findings is provided as follows: 125th Street is currently paved adjacent to Highway 61; however, the remainder of the roadway has a gravel surface and ends at a cul-de-sac near the City's Well 96. The roadway serves minimal traffic. When Fox Meadows is developed, 1256h Street will be extended and connect to the roadways within the subdivision. Vehicles from within Fox Meadows and, to some extent, Beaver Ponds, will utilize 125th Street to gain access to/from Highway 61 once the connection is made. 125' Street as a gravel road is not adequate to accommodate the expected traffic from a maintenance standpoint-, therefore, 125th Street will be paved as a requirement to developing Fox Meadows including the segment outside of the plat. The property adjacent to 125th Street between Highway 61 and the Fox Meadows plat is agricultural/large lot in nature, and we expect that some or all of the property will develop in the future. We expect that 125h Street will be improved to an urban section roadway at that time, which would include pedestrian/bicycle facilities. 125th Street will be paved and constructed as a rural section roadway as part of the Fox Meadows development, with the understanding that it will need to be improved in the future when development occurs. The street will be paved and constructed to a width of 24 feet, with 3 -foot wide gravel shoulders. The roadway is outside the extents of the Fox Meadows Plat, and as a result the City typically is not in a position to require the developer to provide additional improvements over and above those necessary to provide adequate public facilities, i.e. a paved roadway rather than a gravel surface. 2. Utilities will not be extended beneath 1256 street as part of the Fox Meadows project. Utilities may need to be constructed within the 125th street right of way when the parcels to the north and south of 125' Street develop. The utilities will be constructed at that time, since they will benefit the developing property, rather than in advance which would trigger assessments to the adjacent rural properties. X:I190-061L9R-r.lmn-060310dx Ms. Shayla Syverson April 16, 2014 Page 2 3. The Parks Commission could recommend that the City Council consider creating a wider pavement section that would allow space for non -vehicular traffic. We estimated the cost of adding three feet of paved surface (27 feet total) to the roadway will cost $17,000-$18,000, and the funding would likely be a City responsibility. Based on our review, we recommend that a trail improvement be made adjacent to 125th Street at the time the properties adjacent to the roadway develop in the future. At that time, an urban -section roadway will be constructed, along with City utilities as necessary. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments regarding this issue. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 763-287-7192. Sincerely, WSB & Associates, Inc. J nnedy, PE ity ngineer cc: Steve Duff, Senior Engineering Technician Rachel Juba, Planner K'I1904-061LTF-,oiewiefl(A310 Aoa