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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.05.14 Parks PacketAgenda Parks Commission Meeting of May 14, 2014 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 1. Approve Minutes from April 23, 2014 Meeting 7:05 pm 3. Update on Concession Stand 7:15 pm 4. Update on Lacrosse Field Needs 7:25 pm 5. Update on Recreation Programs 7:35 pm 6. Update on Future Meetings and Park Tour 7:45 pm 6. Trail Evaluation 8:15 pm 7. Golden Spike Sponsorship 8:30 pm 8. Adjournment Background Parks Commission Meeting of May 14, 2014 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from March April 23, 2014 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of April 23, 2014 7:05 pm Update on Concession Stand The Parks Commission expressed an interest in operating the concession stand as a service to the community at the meeting of March 26, 2014. The general plan for the concession stand would be to create a staff position to run the stand and cover costs with merchandise profits. The Hugo Lions Club operated the concession stand in 2011 and 2012 in partnership with the White Bear Lake Soccer Club, but is not interested in continuing the operation. At their meeting of April 23, 2014 the Parks Commission recommended that the City Council approve: operation of the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Concession Stand for the spring soccer season of 2014, a job description for a Seasonal Concession Stand Operator, and advertisement of the job opening. At their meeting of May 5, 2014, the City Council did not approve or take action on opening the concession stand. 7:15 pm Update on Lacrosse Field Needs Staff has contacted the local lacrosse groups and gathered input on their field needs. An update will be provided. 7:25 pm Update on Recreation Programs Staff will provide an update on summer recreation programs including: Park Play Days, Teen Movie Night, Nature Camp, Skyhawks Sports Camp, and the Tour De Hugo. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FLYERS. 7:35 pm Update on Future Meetings and Park Tour Staff will provide an update on future meetings including: Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00pm at City Hall Irish Avenue Park Public Meeting The Commission should discuss whether they would like to schedule the following meetings: Wednesday, May 28 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Park Tour Wednesday, June 25 Regular Parks Commission meeting Trail Evaluation At the goal setting session of February 18, 2014, the City Council gave their support for the Parks Commission to create a Trail Development Policy to help evaluate missing trail connections. Currently, the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan states: Trails will be constructed as surrounding development occurs or as general funding is provided through park dedication fees. It is not the City's intention to condemn land for trails. The Parks Commission discussed a policy at their meeting of March 26, 2014 and identified possible criteria that would help determine priority of possible trail projects. At their meeting of April 23, 2014, the Parks Commission recommended approval of the Trail Development Policy. The Trail Development Policy was approved by the City Council at their meeting of May 5, 2014. The Parks Commission has discussed trails to be evaluated using the Trail Development Policy. These include 125th Street, Elmcrest Avenue, Oneka Lake Boulevard, and the southern local extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail which were researched. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MEMO. 8:15 pm Golden Spike Sponsorship Press Publications inquired whether the City of Hugo would be interested in sponsoring the 2014 Golden Spike Contest which takes place during Good Neighbor Days. The City has sponsored the contest in previous years, not including 2013. 9:00 pm Adjournment Minutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo April 23, 2014 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Joan Benner, Rachel Berger, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub Staff Present: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Debi Close, Secretary Absent: Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Rachel Berger called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from March Meeting Rauschendorfer made a motion, Schmid seconded to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2014 meeting. Benner and Strub abstained. Ayes: Berger, Rauschendorfer and Schmid Motion carried. II. Trail Development Policy Draft Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner provided a draft of the Trail Development Policy for discussion The Commission discussed that that they did not wish to give priority to trails based on the density of the residential neighborhood they are located in. The Commission discussed that priority should be based on connectivity, safety, and general feasibility. Benner made a motion, Rauschendorfer seconded to recommend approval of the amended draft of the Trail Development Policy. All Aye. Motion Carried. III. Recreation Program Workshop Recap Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner provided an update on the Joint City Council Workshop that was held on Wednesday, April 9th, 2014. The Parks Commission discussed a draft policy that would guide future recreation programming. Discussion included offering successful programs on an annual basis, marketing, community identity, and taking care of and utilizing Hugo parks. IV. Irish Avenue Park Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner reviewed the history and background information on Irish Avenue Park for a discussion on the planning process to start developing the Master Plan guidelines. Berger suggested a mobile commission meeting, visiting parks in the surrounding communities to help visualize different amenities or goals that could encompass Irish Avenue Park. The Commission asked staff to research a park tour. Berger made a motion, Schmid seconded to engage stakeholders beginning with Hugo residents first about Irish Avenue Park. All Aye. Motion Carried. V. Hanifl Concession Stand Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner presented research on opening the Concession Stand at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The general plan for the concession stand would be to create a staff position to run the stand and cover costs with merchandise profits. Feedback was shared from the Hugo Lions Club and the White Bear Soccer Club who operated the concession stand in 2011 and 2012. They were not interested in continuing to operate the stand outside of large tournaments. Strub made a motion, Schmid seconded to approve hiring a staff member to run the concession stand at Hanifl Fields for 15-20 hours per week for the spring season. All Aye. Motion Carried. VI. Other Scott Anderson, Public Works Director informed Hanifl Athletic Fields have some pine trees that didn't survive the harsh winter season and will need to be removed/replaced to keep the visual screening. Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner updated April 26th is the Kidz N Biz Fest and the Spring Community Clean up event. Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner provided copies of a letter from City Engineer Jay Kennedy responding to a request to estimate cost for a trail along 125th Street, as a part of the Fox Meadows Development. The findings stated that the developer is not responsible to make a trail improvement, but there would be a enough right-of-way for a 3' paved shoulder. Open floor discussion included funding options and requesting staff to provide follow up on these items for the next Parks Commission meeting. VII. Adiournment Rauschendorfer made a motion, Schmid seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:13 pm. All ayes. Motion carried. Diamond Point Park: Tuesdays gam to 11 am Beaver Ponds Park: Thursdays gam to 11 am Join your friends and neighbors for fun at a park near you! Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays from June 17 to July 31 No program the week of July 4 (July 1 or July 3) Details: Kids ages 6 and up are invited to come to Hugo parks to play games together such as kickball, frogger, freeze tag, giant rock -paper - scissors, and much more! Kids will be given lots of fun options for active play and allowed to choose which activity the group will do next. Kids that join in the activities will be supervised. Bring your friends and neighbors to play in the park together! tugo` Cost: This program is FREE! Registration: No pre -registration is required! At the start of each Park Play Day, each child participant must have a parent or guardian provide contact information. Adults are invited to join in the fun also! Parents and guardians are encouraged to be available, if not present at the park. Coming to a park near you! 1) _N,% A•�� —I �► -- - �__! A Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Monday, Aug. 4 -Thursday, Aug. 7 9:00am-11:30am Have fun exploring Rice Lake Park! Learn outdoor skills such as fire building, knot tying, and tree identification with fun games, crafts, and songs! You will learn to geocache which is a GPS guided scavenger hunt. Registration Form NATURE CAMP August 4-7, 2014 Parent/ Guardian Address City, State ZIP Email Phone Registration is required. The cost is $30. This program is for 7-12 year olds. There is a maximum of 12 kids in this program. This camp will meet at the shelter at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park (7032 137th Street). Kid names & ages: Number of kids TOTAL $ ❑ Payment Enclosed Yo ego sus City of Hugo is proud to present Skyhawks Sports Academy Sport Programs for Kids! Teaching Life Skills Through Sports (course) (dates) (days) (time) MINI -HAWK° (SOCCER, T -BALL & FLAG FOOTBALL) (ages) (fee) (location) City of ugo SSA58093 8/11 - 8/14t M,T,W,Th 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. 4-7 $79 Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Skyhawks multi -sport programs are tailored to your child's age and skill level while teaching life lessons such as respect and teamwork. Mini -Hawk® programs give children age 4-7 years a fun and positive first step into athletics. t4 -day program. No Friday session. "/ was very impressed! My boys tire easily of the same activity - they were never bored with this camp. They loved it. The coaches gave great feedback - made me feel my kids were looked after and not just one of the many. We're hooked on Skyhawks!" - Elizabeth H. DISCLAIMER: [City of Hugo] This program is not sponsored or endorsed by WBL Area School District #624 and this flyer is not printed at district expense. For more than 35 years, Skyhawks Sports Academy has helped young athletes improve their sports skills while making memories to last a lifetime. Through the wide variety of safe, fun and skill -focused activities offered each year, tens of thousands of children experience the joys and benefits of athletics in an engaging, progressional learning environment. Most importantly, Skyhawks incorporates the vision: teaching life skills through sports. Space is Limited - Register Now! www.skyhawks.com 11.800.804.3509 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SKYHAWKS SPORTS ACADEMY CITY OF HUGO web: www.skyhawks.com web: www.ci.hugo.mn.us $ft,{, awks,„ phone: 800.804.3509phone: 651.762.6300 City or tHugo ©Copyright 2014, Skyhawks Sports Academy, Inc. All rights reserved. Pub #: 03-2292-C 03/2014 Trail Evaluation TO: City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner DATE: May 9, 2014 for the Parks Commission Meeting of May 14, 2014 1 INTRODUCTION At the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission meeting of April 23, 2014, the Trail Development Policy was drafted. The policy establishes criteria to prioritize trail improvements that would not be constructed through normal means. The Trail Development Policy was approved at the City Council meeting of May 5, 2014. The Parks Commission has shared an interest in a few different missing trail connections. These will be evaluated using the new Trail Development Policy. 2 PRIORITY EVALUATION A chart has been put together to give an overview of each trail project and provide a summary of how the trail projects would rank according to the Trail Development Policy. In order to use park funds, a trail project must meet the following criteria: 1) It must be identified in the Trail and Sidewalk Plan. 2) It must not be planned to be built in the near future with a road project or development. 3) It must have land available. As per the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. Land will not be condemned to build a trail. Therefore, land must be located on city -owned land or easement, or available through willing sellers. If a trail project does not meet these criteria, an alternative strategy for the trail connection shall be used. 3 125TH STREET EVALUATION REQUIRED CRITERIA: The Trail and Sidewalk Plan includes a future trail along 125th Street between Fenway Boulevard and a future connection to Goodview Avenue to the east. The Fox Meadows development is anticipated to be built south of Beaver Ponds. The developer is proposing to upgrade 125th Street from gravel to a rural section roadway, even though the roadway is not within the development. The properties to the north and south of 125th Street are guided for development in the future. At that time, 125th Street would be upgraded to an urban section roadway, which is likely to include an off-road trail. Therefore, a trail improvement to 125th Street as a part of the Fox Meadows development, would be temporary. Land is available within the existing right-of-way to add 3 feet of paved surface at the time of the rural section roadway improvements. An improvement made at this time would be temporary. NEED (4-6): 125th Street will see minimal residential traffic, traveling at low speeds. There is not a significant safety need. There is a sidewalk in the Northern Pines Development and a trail through Fox Meadows. The paved shoulder would connect two residential neighborhoods but not an extensive existing network of trails. Current residents in the neighborhood have not requested trail improvements. There is a minimal need for this improvement. FEASIBILITY (7-10): There are minimal physical barriers to trail construction. There are no significant wetland impacts or grading issues. It is a small scale project, in comparison to other possible trail improvements. Construction in conjunction with the planned improvements to 125th Street, provides a cost savings. The trail does not prevent or negatively impact future development. It will be removed with future development. The improvement is not complex as it is a small addition to a planned road project. This project is highly feasible. CONNECTIVITY (11-13): The on road trail would connect Northern Pines to Fox Meadows. It would not provide a connection to a commercial area or a school. Northern Pines has 38 homes. Residents of Northern Pines will have the option of taking the paved shoulder instead of the road to Beaver Ponds Park. A connection is not made to the regional trail network. Because of the minimal current and future population in the neighborhood, the on -road trail is not going to be as "widely used" in comparison to other trails in residential neighborhoods. This on -road trail provides minimal local connections. 4 ONEKA LAKE BOULEVARD EVALUATION REQUIRED CRITERIA (1-3): The Trail and Sidewalk Plan includes a future city trail along Oneka Lake Boulevard. The missing trail connection is planned to be built when the Oneka Lake Boulevard is reconstructed. The road project is a high priority, and ranked #2, on the City Council's street capital improvement plan. This is based on a rating of the existing pavement and funding sources. An alternative strategy shall be used. NEED (4-6): Traffic is not minimal on Oneka Lake Boulevard. The roadway is wide but safety is questionable. There is a missing trail connection between Hwy 61 and Geneva Avenue North. Current residents in the neighborhood have not requested trail improvements. Alternative routes are available, but there is a need for this improvement. FEASIBILITY (7-10): There are minimal physical barriers to construction. The cost of the trail improvement outside of a road reconstruction project would be significant. Any trail improvement would likely be removed when the road is improved in the near future. The trail project is not complex. Construction of a trail along Oneka Lake Boulevard would be feasible. CONNECTIVITY (11-13): The trail would provide connections to the existing sections of trail along Oneka Lake Boulevard. It would make connections between multiple residential neighborhoods and the commercial areas along Hwy 61. It would make connections to existing city trails, and sidewalks. These include the sidewalk along the east side of Hwy 61, the sidewalk along 1481h Street, and the sidewalk along Goodview Avenue. These sidewalks extend connections to Oneka Ponds Park and Hugo Elementary School. It is possible to access the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail by crossing Hwy 61 at the controlled intersection. This trail provides several strong connections but alternate routes are currently available. 5 ELMCREST AVENUE EVALUATION REQUIRED CRITERIA (1-3): A future city trail is shown along Elmcrest Avenue in the Trail and Sidewalk Plan. However, it is shown in the City of Lino Lakes. The City of Hugo would not have control over its construction. There are no anticipated road projects or development anticipated in the near future. There is not enough right-of- way to construct the trail. The Trail and Sidewalk Plan prohibits land condemnation for a trail and additional land has not been available to purchase. An alternative strategy shall be used. NEED (4-6): Elmcrest Avenue is narrow and does not have a substantial shoulder. Traffic levels are medium to high due to the school, park, and extensive residential neighborhood off of the road. The speed limit is 45 mph. There are hills in the roadway that interfere with visibility. The trail is a missing connection between trails that have already been constructed. A letter was received by the Parks Commission from one of the homeowners associations in the adjacent neighborhood requesting a trail along Elmcrest Avenue. There is a strong need for a trail along Elmcrest Avenue. FEASIBILITY (7-10): There are significant physical barriers to construction including wetlands, and large slopes. Because of this, as well as the need to purchase land, the cost of these improvements would be significant. It is likely that a trail improvement will occur with development or will need to be replaced by future development. There are many complicated factors related to a trail along Elmcrest Avenue and it presents a very unique situation. The feasibility of the City of Hugo building a trail along Elmcrest Avenue is very low. CONNECTIVITY (11-13): The connection would link to an extensive existing trail and sidewalk network. It would also make connections between commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, Heritage Ponds Park, and Oneka Elementary School. It would connect to the Glacial Hills Regional Trail along Hwy 14 and trail networks outside of Hugo. There is known pedestrian use of the roadway and it is in proximity to popular areas. The trail would provide significant connections. 6 HARDWOOD CREEK TRAIL EXTENSION EVALUATION REQUIRED CRITERIA (1-3): A southern extension of the existing trail along Fenway Boulevard near the Bald Eagle Industrial Park is shown in the Sidewalk and Trail Plan. It would also provide an extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail to the southern end of Hugo, where anticipated future regional trails will extend. The planned trail is not along a roadway. The area is fully developed with commercial and residential uses. The trail is not scheduled to be built in the near future with a road project or development. There are a few options of where the trail could be located that include city -owned right-of-way, and possible willing sellers. Extensions of the Hardwood Creek Trail meet the requirements for use of the park funds. NEED (4-6): In order to continue beyond the existing Hardwood Creek Trail, trail users must use Hwy 61. It is a major roadway and not safe for most trail users. Experienced bicyclists may be comfortable, but Hwy 61 is not safe for young users, most pedestrians, or equestrian users. It is a significant missing connection in the regional network and is the responsibility of the City of Hugo to provide. Washington County has identified the existing railroad along Hwy 61 as the alignment that they would financially support. The railroad is currently in use by the Bald Eagle Industrial Park and it is likely that it will continue to be needed in the future. Therefore, the alternative alignment, supported by Washington County and the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Master Plan, should be pursued. The trail has not been formally requested by residents, except for during the Master Planning process. There is a strong need for this improvement. FEASIBILITY (7-10): It is likely that there are wetlands and grading issues. Because of this and also because land may need to be purchased, the cost of the project may be significant. The project will be located areas that are already developed and therefore will not interfere with future improvements. Construction of the project maybe difficult due to the existing conditions. The feasibility of building a trail extension of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is low. CONNECTIVITY (11-13): The Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is accessible from several residential neighborhoods in Hugo. It also connects to the commercial areas and multiple parks through the extensive network. The regional trail continues through the City of Forest Lake before becoming the Sunrise Regional Trail. The trail connects to the Glacial Hills Regional Trail. A regional trail connection to the southern border of Hugo through White Bear Lake is anticipated. There is an extensive network of trails and sidewalks that this missing connection would contribute to. There are significant regional connections made with this trail project. 7 CONCLUSION Trails along Oneka Lake Boulevard and Elmcrest Avenue require alternative strategies. The trail along Oneka Lake Boulevard should be constructed with the future road improvement project. The need for a temporary trail does not justify the cost. The road reconstruction project is a high priority of the City Council and will likely be done in the next couple years. The alternative strategy shall include requesting that the trail be included in the road project's feasibility study and working with the neighborhood to build support for the trail. Because construction of a trail along Elmcrest Avenue is not currently under the control by the City of Hugo, an alternative strategy shall be used. The City of Hugo shall continue to work with the City of Lino Lakes to ensure that the trail is built. According to the Trail Development Policy, the temporary on -road trail along 125`" Street is not a high priority. There is a minimal need. The trail is highly feasible and cost-effective. The trail will make minimal connections. If the Parks Commission wishes to fund the project, staff could negotiate a reduction in the park dedication fees be offered to the developers of Fox Meadows in exchange for the paving of an additional 3' shoulder on the road. The developer is currently required to pay $136,800 in park dedication fees and the project cost is estimated at $17,000. The Fox Meadows development presents a unique situation as the road is outside of their development, but the Parks Commission should consider if reducing park dedication fees for trail improvements is a practice that they would support. A trail connection to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is a high priority. Staff recommends that the Parks Commission consider including the extension in their annual Capital Improvement Planning. 8 ATTACHMENTS 1) Trail Development Priorities Chart 2) Sidewalk and Trail Plan 3) Trail Development Policy 4) Street Reconstruction Project CIP 5) 125th Street Improvement Findings Trail Development Priorities Overall Priority Medium Use Alternate Use Alternate High Strategy Strategy All trails shall be included in the Trails Plan All trails shall not be scheduled to be built with a road reconstruction project or land development in the near future Trails shall be located on city -owned land or easement or land that is available through willing sellers If a Trail does not meet the above requirements, an alternate strategy shall be used and the trail shall not be built as envisioned Enhances safety for pedestrians in areas that have high traffic speeds, narrow roads, or uncontrolled intersections Provides connection between neighborhoods and parks, schools, recreational areas, and/or commercial areas. Requested by and of interest to Hugo residents Minimal in physical barriers, such as: wetlands, significant slopes Economical, providing a high impact with minimal financial investment Feasible and does not interfere with future improvements or development Complexity of the project Providing connections between neighborhoods and parks, schools, recreational areas, and/or commercial areas Providing connections to regional trails or other large trail networks to extend Hugo's trail system Widely utilized because of existing pedestrian uses or proximity to popular areas Hardwood Creek Priorities 125th Street Oneka Lake Blvd. Elmcrest Avenue Trail Identified in the Trails Plan Pass Pass Pass Pass ' Not scheduled to be built in the near future Anticipated Fail Pass Pass ` Available land Pass Pass Fail Pass Summary Temporary Only Fail Fail Pass Safety enhancement needed Maybe Maybe Yes Yes Missing connection Minor Yes Yes Yes Requested by residents No No Yes No Summary Minimal Need Use Alt. Routes Strong Need Strong Need Minimal physical barriers Yes Yes No No Expense Minimal Significant Significant Significant ' Interference with development Will be replaced Will be replaced With development No Feasibility/ ease of construction Easy Easy Difficult Difficult Summary High Feasibility Feasible Low Feasibility Low Feasibility Connections made No Yes Yes Yes Regional trail network access No Yes Yes Yes Existing pedestrian uses/ proximity No Yes Yes Yes • Minimal local Strong but alt. Significant Significant Summary connections made routes available connections made connections made Overall Priority Medium Use Alternate Use Alternate High Strategy Strategy All trails shall be included in the Trails Plan All trails shall not be scheduled to be built with a road reconstruction project or land development in the near future Trails shall be located on city -owned land or easement or land that is available through willing sellers If a Trail does not meet the above requirements, an alternate strategy shall be used and the trail shall not be built as envisioned Enhances safety for pedestrians in areas that have high traffic speeds, narrow roads, or uncontrolled intersections Provides connection between neighborhoods and parks, schools, recreational areas, and/or commercial areas. Requested by and of interest to Hugo residents Minimal in physical barriers, such as: wetlands, significant slopes Economical, providing a high impact with minimal financial investment Feasible and does not interfere with future improvements or development Complexity of the project Providing connections between neighborhoods and parks, schools, recreational areas, and/or commercial areas Providing connections to regional trails or other large trail networks to extend Hugo's trail system Widely utilized because of existing pedestrian uses or proximity to popular areas lunru Sidewalks & Trails Existing City Trail Regional Trail Sidewalk Snowmobile Trail Proposed ....•... Regional Trails gigolos. City Trails County Trails N WE S 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City of Hugo March 15, 2010 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT POLICY CITY OF HUGO, MN APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 5, 2014 APPROVED BY THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE COMMISSION APRIL 23, 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 In no particular order, priority will be given to trail improvements that are: • Not scheduled to be built with a road reconstruction project or land redevelopment in the near future. • Identified in the Parks, Trails and Sidewalks Plan. • Providing connections between neighborhoods and parks, schools, recreational areas, and/or commercial areas. • Providing connections to regional trails or other large trail networks to extend Hugo's trail system. • Minimal in physical barriers, such as: wetlands, significant slopes. • Enhancing safety for pedestrians in areas that have high traffic speeds, narrow roads, or uncontrolled intersections. • Requested by and of interest to Hugo residents. • Located on city -owned land or easement or land that is available through willing sellers. • Economical, providing a high impact with minimal financial investment. • Feasible and do not interfere with future improvements or development. • 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. 0 0 0 C) 0 0 0 0 0 ` aoo vo 00 ar M c N 0 0 0 a , en 69 6v 69 va vi vi 69 65 ce yrs +� 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ! o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o o e C y O p O O O b C O p in O Cr g N •• •• N N H 7 69 6A 69 69 6') 69 69 69 6s b9 CO O O :fl O O O CD p O GL W 69 (A bA 69 V3 69 69 Qs O O O O i O O O O O F � o 69 6H 64 6v 69 69 69 bs 69 611 7 ii 1 d QC' U U O O p( e0 10 •L .. A Cd N .-�� V en00 Ln ki_4 d in WS WSB & Associates. Irre. Infrastructure ■ Engineering ■ Planning ■ Construction 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 #6. The roadway serves minimal traffic. When Fox Meadows is developed, 125th 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. 125th 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 125th 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 125th 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 125th 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. K. U904-OMM-r Simone-060310.doc 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. Jay Kennedy, PE City Engineer cc: Steve Duff, Senior Engineering Technician Rachel Juba, Planner K. U904 -061M, simo 060310.do, May 6, 2014 of 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038 (651) 762-6300 RE: Parks Capital Improvement Plan Members of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission, The City Council oversees the city budget, which includes the Special Park Fund. The fund is used for park and trail capital improvements, such as acquiring park land, purchasing playground equipment, constructing a trail, or making other significant improvements. The Parks Commission has been given the opportunity to make recommendations on how the Special Park Fund is used through the Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Special Park Fund includes the parks tax levy revenue, dedication fees, donations and/or grants, which vary year to year. The Parks Capital Improvement Plan estimates how much funding will be needed for a particular park improvement and when that funding may be available in the future. The Parks CIP is a tool that allows the Parks Commission to set realistic goals and plan for expenditures. Ultimately, the City Council has the authority over the city budget. The Parks Commission always has the option of recommending that funding be allocated to a particular project. Each year, the Parks Commission approves a Capital Improvement Plan which anticipates spending over the next five years. This allows the City Council to incorporate the Parks Commission's funding goals within the goals and budget of the entire city. Feel free to call me at 651-762-6320 if you have any questions on how the Parks Capital Improvement Plan works or city budgets. Sincerely, 44 - Bryan Bear City Administrator cc: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director, Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner