Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.02.13 Parks PacketAgenda Parks Commission, City of Hugo February 13, 2013 7:00 pm Council Chambers, City Hall 7:00pm Approve Minutes From January 9, 2013 Meeting II, 7:03pm Recreation Program Planning for 2013 III. 7:30pm Dog Park IV. 8:15pm Adjournment Next Meeting - March 13, 2013 -1- Parks Commission February 13, 2013 Background Memo Approve Minutes From January 9,2013 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes from the January 9, 2013 Parks Commission meeting. Recreation Program Planning for 2013 Parks Planner Shayla Syverson will present options for new recreation programs to hold in 2013. III. Dog Park One of the 2013 goals of the Parks Commission and the City Council is to look into building a dog park. Options for next steps will be presented for discussion by the Parks Commission. -2- Parks Commission February 13, 2013 Minutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo January 9, 2013 fL�Pla►�� Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Joan Benner, Rachel Berger, Kris Birch, Chris Boland, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Absent: Mat Rauschendorfer, Dave Strub Staff Present: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Anna Wobse, Accounting Clerk Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from December Meeting Berger made a motion, Windisch seconded to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2012 Parks Commission meeting. All Aye. Motion Carried. II. Goal Setting Continued The Parks Commission continued their discussion from the December meeting regarding the goals they would like to accomplish in 2013. The Commission would like to continue developing the parks, trails and open spaces in Hugo. Areas of main interest include Irish Avenue Park, Lions Park and the Hardwood Creek Trail. They also would like to review the neighborhood park service areas and evaluate the possibilities of adding a dog park and hockey/skating rinks. The second goal set by the Commission was to not only continue the current recreation programs already in place but to develop new offerings; including nature programing and evaluating programing that will engage -1— Parks Commission January 9, 2013 teenagers and senior citizens. The third area that the Commission will concentrate on in 2013 is facility management. This will focus on the operation of the concession stand and coordination of more tournaments at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park and exploring the option of using the Oneka Gym to offer additional programing. Lastly the Commissioners discussed the continuation of promoting Hugo Parks and Recreation Programing through digital communications along with apparel and merchandise. Birch shared that he met with several Victor Garden homeowners regarding their desire to set up an ice rink in their neighborhood on city property. The residents would be responsible for all costs involved but questioned who would be liable. The Commissioners felt this was a good idea as long as it would be open to all Hugo residents. The Commission directed staff to discuss the legalities with the City Attorney and report back at the next meeting. Taylor made a motion, Berger seconded to approve the 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission Goals and the 2012 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission Annual Report as presented. All Aye. Motion Carried III. Adjournment Windisch made a motion, Benner seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 pm. All Aye. -2— Parks Commission January 9, 2013 StarTribune - Print Page StarTribune Washington County dog parks: Dogged determination Article by: JOY POWELL Star Tribune November 26, 2011 - 6:45 PM In Cottage Grove, officials didn't know that the community wanted an off -leash dog park. Such a project certainly wasn't in the budget. Volunteers changed all that. A new dog park opened in July, run by volunteers on farmland near Jamaica Avenue and 95th Street South. Now, Charlie, Twinkie and hundreds of other pooches romp and socialize in this 14 -acre dog park replete with woodlands, grasslands and a pond. On Monday night in the Stillwater area, another group of volunteers, led by resident Allison McGinnis, is to propose a 1 1/2 -acre off -leash park on the city's outskirts. For officials at both ends of the county, the dog parks symbolize an inspirational sign of the times: Voters collaborating with local leaders to accomplish what would never happen if left to cities alone to finance in these tough times. "Allison's a hero in this," Stillwater City Council Member Doug Menikheim said of McGinnis' volunteer efforts in leading the dog -park project. "We've just got to find a million more like her." In Cottage Grove, the dog park would never have been built had it not been for volunteers who envisioned it and saw it through, said City Administrator Ryan Schroeder. "It wasn't something that was in our plans at all, to do a dog park," he said. Highly engaged volunteers collaborated with the city and a generous land owner to open the WAG Farms Dog Park, Schroeder said. http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=134358213 Y7 At WAGS Farms Dog Park in Cottage Grove. Joey McLeister, Star Tribune From frontto back, Callie, owned by Bred Reiter of St. Paul Park; Charlie, owned by Karen Geraghty of Cottage Grove; and Zoey, looked after by Mike and Sandy Fitzgerald of Cottage Grove, ran full 6k at WAG Farms Dog Park in Cottage Grove. Joey McLeister, StarTribune At least 500 dogs visit the Cottage Grove dog park each week, supporters said. Stillwater volunteers have seen the progress in Cottage Grove's park and intend to follow suit, said McGinnis. On Monday, the nonprofit group, Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park, will propose its site choice to the Stillwater parks commission. "We're open to everything, but right now, we're on the brink of cutting a deal with this piece of land," McGinnis said. According to the commission's agenda, it will be in the Boutwell Cemetery area. The Stillwater group has been trying for years to open an off -leash park in the area. But Stillwater officials have said there's no 1 of 2 2/11/2013 10:29 AM StarTribune - Print Page money in the budget for one. http://www.startribune.com/printaTticle/?id=l 3435 8213 That didn't deter the Stillwater volunteers, who have raised about a quarter of the $25,000 they hope to mise this year and are recruiting more volunteers. Menikheim supports their efforts, he said, because the volunteers embody the "we, the people" approach needed to achieve community goals in this era. " I can't do anything at the national level, but I can affect my circle of Stillwater, and Allison can affect her circle of influence," he said. "It's going to take thousands and millions of people doing just that in order to tum our country around because our government is unable to do that right now." Residents were persistent Cottage Grove residents Dick Swanson and Ellen Edwards started pushing for an off -leash park in 2005. In spring 2010, the landowners, the Glendenning family, agreed to allow the 14 acres to be used as a dog park and got a city tax break in return. The city also provides plowing, a portable toilet and insurance. Volunteers raised $14,000 for fencing and do most maintenance, including recently spreading around donated wood chips. The Cottage Grove and Stillwater volunteers have thrown fundraisers, ranging from an Elvis impersonator at the VFW Red Barn in Cottage Grove to a sushi dining party, with dogs allowed, at a downtown Stillwater eatery. Cottage Grove dog owner Karen Geraghty said she appreciates that WAG Farms Dog Park is only 3 miles from her house. She and her hound -lab mix, Charlie, visited the park recently, where he strained excitedly to get to the leash -free zone and nose up to pals. Rules are posted by the volunteers, who often stroll about, offering advice on training and other topics to owners. "There's always water for dogs," Garaghty said, looking around appreciatively. "The volunteers are great" For dogs and their people There's definitely a need for a dog park, she said, adding she used to drive to Woodbury and St. Paul dogs parks. When she and others first visited the WAG Farms, many owners hesitated to take off the leash. But doing so brought a wonderful social transformation in Charlie and others, Garaghty said. "Someone once told me that dog parks are magical places for dogs," she said. And they're notjust for dogs. Garaghty said she's become acquainted with great people as their dogs run. Joy Powell • 651-925-5038 ©2011 Star Tribune 2 of 2 2/11/2013 10:29 AM Off -Leash Dog Areas RAMSEY GDUNN Search this site... —o— ix contact Us I News I Reservations & Permits I Volunteer rRecreation G 5/7-14m, - Kusa 71/iecs6 . Gictr"a r ws Parks Trails and Activities Event Spaces Golf Arenas Active Living Natural Resources Parks aM Recrexi.,> Parks Trails and Natural Re... Off -Leash Dog Areas OFF -LEASH DOG AREA What Are They? An "off leash area" means any area designated by a governing body within which dogs, under the effective control of their owners, keepers or guardians, may be off leash. Off leash dog areas: • Provide an opportunity for dogs to exercise and r. socialize • Vary in size and characteristics and have different terrains • Have amenities that make it clear that dogs are invited, not just permitted • May include pathways, benches or picnic tables. Socialization - It's Well Beyond the Dog Park What is socialization? To be social means to be accepting and comfortable with the culture and behaviors of a community. Our dogs are forced to live within our human community, with human behaviors, and the sights and sounds of our culture. It is our responsibility to socialize our dogs so they can feel relaxed and not threatened as they go through life in our world. Locations The off leash areas are located at Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor in Shoreview, the Lower Afton area of Battle Creek Regional Park in Maplewood, the Woodview Open Space Site in Roseville, and the Otter Lake Site in White Bear - Township. Acreage of the sites is estimated. • The Battle Creek site is 35 acres • The Otter Lake site is 10 acres • The Rice Creek site is 13 acres • The Woodview site is 4 acres. This site also has a handicapped accessible area that is entirely fenced Please note: Dogs allowed on leash on bituminous only in the Sucker-Vadnais Lakes Property • Spring 2012 Newsletter Fence Map • Rules and Locations Brochure • What To Do if You Are the Victim of a Crime Dog Park Guardian Program• kf�'•s The Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual(s) to volunteer to be our point person(s), acting as the communication link between the park users and the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department. The primary responsibilities of the Dog Park Guardian(s) are: • To help identify maintenance issues within the park • To act as spokesperson for park users, bringing to the attention of the Parks and Recreation Department issues to be resolved or suggestions for site improvements • The goal of this program is to improve communication and expectations between users of our dog parks and our maintenance and operations division. If you would be interested in helping to fulfil this important community need antlforwould like more information about our Dog Park Guardian Program, please contact Parks@co.mmsey.mn.us or phone 651-748-2500. Page 1 of 2 Tamarack Nature Center ® Rme Geek Win, Otter lake n ®Woodview Open Spare ^3 T Botta Creek _1 ©RoPavy Cuumy - ORlxfh D<grt.m Off -leash Dog Areas http://isyspwebprod:22051/parks/Pages/Off-Leash-Dog-Area.aspx 6/12/2012 Off -Leash Dog Areas 4(71fflMe), Ramsey County Parks and Recreation 2015 N. Van Dyke Street Maplewood. MN 55109-37% Phone: 651448-2500 Find spaces to be active using Ramsey County's interactive maps. Page 2 of 2 noon ue I Rkrr ,Ur Rome I %lilies and Rules I Job I Parks Rome http://isyspwebprod:22051/parks/Pages/0ff-Leash-Dog-Area.aspx 6/12/2012 svied/sn uw 6aswer00mmm 60199 NW 'poomaideW ueA 'N MZ 1B - uogeajaaa pue seed llunop l�aswey sli d Alu wed `o a T 6 R n U d C OE owE 3 C U A N X L V 70a 5. m � mE nmc � 10 m`m ai Rcw mm 3 Ra R `3.6 vY a c2 o x 6 50v -dm ca •: OL Em Ram m c .,m .m m.q `o `o c TaL E a a o 2.m Nx.. mr m mm.0 c a g m�3 oco mo. oc a c n m t R .. '� - n R E c v T F o T –00 m 'mEv o 0-0 a0 o – o aXiwam coa o> � 9Aa m N o nacm n0°? c y R N C m m c R `m, a ons= TR'y o2 3x C J C N N D' R O N R oam Q`> Hm Sna Q n L N 6 V 0 16 f� C t S> E N o y > m v v v mv c a> c m 'v m E v L 2 E' m m n m m E.o.EEv' vaa m v EEE8 `o c o Eao ._ m> a D N Y e O p C j C O U OI N Ol 5 dv= cDv�9 �c3 v NNm C.... tiRn�vv >cNmL0Z`a Em a`m as yo mE ; Jw o'm Gam a @v O ui0. m� LNc vocwcLaao d 1EE n_ R m N G R E W uit isa va G o=vvv ovmi `u C=nV ED a'm myv2 —m�o oO tj = mmvc E WL $ 2 > W d. Co WW O ED J6m � �L3 n£O DNy W m '- 3 OIm E W c C R 0 4NNGdmadRoEcREmm7 aR`mnc oWpG Lm'mdaw"S.mmng3 %aT ioOTddmv _Wy anEoN $doN OW dmRmU2co`ac`vmm mmNmvrm tiNd axv d�mOR Rmyo OLaC 0N>N N> anz E 0E>W 1N0`wWC 0yEomC r0RmS 0NN0. 0E o^oa W EE o,'�.NC CZE v2'E = ma0 mCw30,6 000, w ¢DoU�NC nno3 3 s 64 RN&AIaIY p 3 A ay sag 4VA A E yQ 9 i RN&AIaIY ay sag 4VA A E yQ 9 i pp % i zl- i! 4W Ill 19th Annual Park Clean -Up Saturday, April 14 9:00 am— Noon i.� In celebration of the 42nd year of Earth Day join the hundreds of volunteers who will gather together to restore our off leash areas and parks by removing trash and debris before it pollutes our waterways or harms local wildlife. EAcourag%v,g act6ve l�fest�les PAd he26thh LMt&g. CoV�wectiAg voLuAteevs to their covvwtuwit�. Volunteer Positions: • Register by Calling: (651) 748-2500 Clean-up I Site Coordinator 11 or email parks@co.ramsey.mn.us After registration a Volunteer Site Coordinator will contact you to discuss clean-up site and meeting location. Five{ FOIIOW B40 JON Join the Conversation tWiEEQf 10 Off Leash Areas and Children Some dog parks across the country have banned children in dog parks. Although Ramsey County does not have this policy, some users have asked the Department to institute this policy. Parents should realize that young children can be at risk in an off leash area. Young children should never be unattended and should never have food or bever- ages. Dogs can get very ex- cited in the park and an accident can happen in a brief moment. Parents should advise their children of proper behavior around dogs and realize dogs can become agitated with running and screaming children. Dog owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs and any injuries that may occur. _ r d bring children to the playground instead. Recreation Off Leash Dog Areas yuW, 5,..-77y R,.-am!� NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS Rules & Etiquette Over the last year the Parks Department has been review- ing rules in off leash areas. After meeting with dog guardians, the County Attor- ney and researching other dog parks across the Country a new set of rules will be posted this summer. It is important that the rules are supported in the Parks Department Ordi- nance for enforcement. There are some rules that are Battle Creek t A number of interested users attended a meeting on March Vt to discuss long term envi- ronmental challenges facing the park. Meeting notes and recommendations from the Parks Department are posted on the Parks Off Leash web- site. Users will be forming a task force to address some of the issues. Many issues require extensive planning and re- sources but some projects can easily be completed. etiquette based for users and those will be listed on other signs within the parks. The Department is undergoing a complete Wayfinding plan to streamline signage across the County Parks system. This is a long term plan and will take time and resources to com- plete, but watch for new sign- age this summer. For current rules please visit www.w.ramsey.mn.us/parks. Change is in the Air For the last 2 '/2 years Angela Mens -Eastman has been assisting Off Leash Dog Guardians across the County accomplish pro- jects in the parks. Angela is moving to a new position within the department working with the golf courses and arenas. Jody Yungers, who has been with the program since its incep- tion will be back to assist guardians on projects in the parks. As the Director of Park Operations she is quite busy so the best way to contact her is by email. You can reach Jody by email at: ody vungers(oko ramsev mn us SITE SPECIFIC UPDATES Rice Creek Woodview Otter Lake Planning meetings begin this summer for the rede- velopment and trail head project in 2013-14. The plan will include a new parking lot, restrooms and a trail head. Users of Rice Creek are encouraged to attend the meetings. Thanks to all of the volun- teers who did an early spring clean up on March 17th. Join us again on April 14th (see cover story). A change in the small dog hours last year brought a lot of new interest to Woodview. It was decided by users to keep exist- ing small dog hours which are posted at the park. Please re- spect these hours. A spring user meeting will be held in April. The Parks Department will be coming in the spring to re -shore the fence and remove some of the woodchips which have piled Lip along the fence line. To insure sustainability a Master Plan for each of the Off Leash Dog Areas will be completed in the next couple of years. Staying in Touch has Never Been Easier! The boat launch and rest .loom facility project is com- in g to an end. Guests will en- joy the new amenities, includ- ingg water for their pets. Please ;stay on the sidewalks and !paths while the turf plantings become established. This is jespecially important for pets. Otter Lake needs more volun- teer guardians to assist lead guardian Tom Richter. Tom dedicates hundreds of hours each year, but could really use some help. Contact him at: www.Facebook.mm/Otben-akeDOOPark Otterlakedowarkoolhotmail com Upcoming Meeting Announcements will be posted on bulletin boards at the park(s), on the website, via social media sites Facebook and Twitter and sent to email subscribers of the Off Leash Dog Areas via the GovDelivery System. Email: 2arks(a)co ramsev mn us t� Aksr f Website: www.co.ramsey.mn.us/i)arK5Li)arks/offleash P —�r �' 1`0110W us www.Twitter.mm/RamseyCNParks gain i M loin us www.Facebook.com/Ram. eyCountyParksAndRecreation E -Subscribe http•//www co ramsev mn us/sit map/subsvibe htm E -Subscribe to Off -Leash Dog Areas httos�//public oovdelivery com/accounts/MNRAMSEY/subsviber/new?pop=t&tonic id=MNRAMSEY 6 ugo 2013 City Focus Goals DESCRIPTION OF GOALS TARGET DATE FOR COMPLETION 1. Infrastructure a. Develop CSAH 4 Corridor Plan • Support improvements to HWY 61 and CSAH 4 in 2013 • HWY 61 corridor maintenance b. Develop funding for pavement management program c. Stormwater management projects d. High speed internet • Formation of citizen internet committee • Collaborate with Washington County e. Facilities space needs review 2. Public Safety a. Update joint powers agreement with White Bear Lake for BLS b. Fire Department leadership development program c. Review of disaster response plans • Security of public buildings and costs 3. Economic Development a. Develop long-term strategies for industrial developments • Study Northern Gateway Area Plan o Discussion on extension of city services b. Implement marketing plan for the City • Incentives • Identify marketing options and costs • Identify needs for targeted industrial parks c. Promote downtown redevelopment • Partner on redevelopment of the stock lumber site • City -owned properties d. Outreach to existing businesses 4. Parks Projects a. Expand recreational programming • Including teens and seniors b. Identify funding sources for redevelopment of Lion's Park • Include grants, donations, private investment, parks funds • Veteran's memorial c. Identify location options and funding options for dog park d. Identify and complete missing trail links 5. Comprehensive Plan Implementation a. Research Met Council grant opportunities to help initiate land use studies for mixed use areas b. Update zoning and subdivision ordinances c. Complete stormwater plan d. Review downtown plan 6. Water Conservation a. Formation of Water Conservation Committee b. Stormwater reuse/management c. Water rates/conservation d. Water conservation education, encouragement, incentives 1 e. Collaboration on water supply ItU- °o g 2013 Ongoing Priorities DESCRIPTION OF PRIORITY 1. Maintain Quality Staff • Continue training and education • Review special event procedures and Firefighter pay. • Firefighter recruitment and retention • Continuation of internship program • Continue to recruit qualified citizens to serve and lead Commissions • Adequate resources including technology • Evaluate upgrades to council chambers including A/V equipment 2. Council is committed to work collaboratively with Commissioners to build a stronger team • Increase communications and interaction between Council Members and Commission Members • Training • Continue to recruit qualified members to serve and lead our commissions 3. Continue to build a diverse and stable tax base • Street reconstruction program • Water Conservation Rate Structure • Sharing Services 4. Continue with community outreach efforts • Newsletters, City website, Facebook, Cable TV show, HBA, Senior's Club, Lions, Legion, Food Shelves, Yellow Ribbon network, BNI, HOAs, recreational and civic organizations. • City Bus Tour • Other social networking 5. Maintain Legislative relationships • LMC and Metro Cities o Monitor state budget impact on city budget • Ag and commercial land valuations and taxes 6. Build and Maintain Regional Partnerships • 1-35W/E Coalition, school districts, counties, watershed districts, municipalities, state agencies • Annual review of police protection services