Parks Packet 05.20.20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Excitement to see large climbing structures • Preference over a tennis court versus pickleball courts • Naming the park • Current issues with motorized vehicles on trails and dogs not on leashes The Parks Commission thanked everyone for participating on line and will continue to review the feedback from residents. The meeting will be on the City's website to watch under Granicus for more residents to participate and the playground proposals are online to view. Final playground selection will be made at the May 20 meeting. 3. Proposed Public Works Facility Public Works Director Scott Anderson presented the Public Works facility planning at Irish Avenue Park. Background: The current Public Works Facility staff includes 14 fulltime employees, 7 part time employees and 8 Sheriff's deputies who use the space when needed. The public rental room is adjacent to the main entrance and is used frequently by many groups. The parcel is 8 acres which including a storm water pond and 5 acres of wetland. It stores many vehicles, heavy equipment on (double parked) and off site with shortfall. The space is at maximum capacity for office space, restrooms, and lockers. Public Works maintains 36 square miles, 132 miles of city roads, 3 water towers, 5 wells, 10 sewer lift stations, all sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water mains, 19 + park properties, 4 public buildings, 39 vehicles and many pieces of equipment. Irish Avenue Park History: The property is located at 140th and Irish. It was owned by the Hansen family whom leased the property to be used as a gravel pit, asphalt production, and rock crushing facility. The City purchased the land in 2008 for $900,000 with a 10 year tax abatement bond that was combined with the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park improvements. The City required the site be cleaned up including removal of the structures, junk vehicles, debris, and garbage. In 2009, a neighborhood discussion included long term uses of the property- ballfields, athletics, lights/noise and traffic. Short term uses included a dog park, equestrian trails, archery, walking paths and passive uses. The goal of the Irish Avenue park land was to be enjoyed by the public. The City Council included "prepare plans and begin construction on Public Works expansion" in their 2020 goals. The public works feasibility study shows that an expansion is needed with population growth increasing steadily. The current Public Works site does not allow for expansion to accommodate the needs of the projected population beyond 15 years. The Council requested that building a new facility at Irish Avenue Park be explored. A site plan has been drafted. The new building at Irish Avenue Park would utilize about 9 acres, not include a community, and provide access off of County Road 8 and parking for park users. Public Works Director Scott Anderson informed that the City is in discussions with White Bear Lake Area Schools for their purchase of the current Public Works building. 4. Goodview Avenue Trail Feasibility Study Denaway presented the Goodview Avenue Trail Feasibility Study proposal from WSB. A Statewide Health Improvement Grant was applied for in 2019 through Living Healthy Washington County. The study would evaluate a possible trail along Goodview Avenue North between Egg Lake Road and 1451h Street as shown in the Trails Plan. The Grant was approved and funding expires October 31, 2020. The study will include a wetland delineation. The study also includes drafting concepts, Parks Commission meetings, and a 30% design of the preferred trail alignment. Page 2 of 3 Parks Commission Minutes April 15, 2020