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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.02.01 Parks PacketAgenda Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of February 1, 2017 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 1. Approve Minutes from January 11, 2017 Meeting 7:05 pm 2. Pollinator Project Proposal 7:30 pm 3. City-Owned Property on Goodview Avenue Continued Discussion 8:00 pm 4. Adjournment Background Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of February 1, 2017 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from January 11, 2017 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of January 11, 2017. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MINUTES. Pollinator Project Proposal Brent Smith, President of the Washington County Pheasants Forever Chapter will present a proposal to utilize 3 acres of Irish Avenue Park to plant pollinator supporting plants and flowers. Smith is looking to apply for funding for the project from Pheasants Forever. Local volunteers from 4-H, the Elementary schools, and more may be involved. The project would be ongoing for 5 years. Staff recommends approval of the partnership. A PROPOSAL EMAIL IS ATTACHED. City-Owned Property on Goodview Avenue Continued Discussion At the meeting of November 9, 2016, a neighborhood meeting was held to discuss the city-owned property off of Goodview Avenue. Options for next steps with the property were discussed including doing nothing, vacating the property, selling the property to a private owner, and making significant changes to the landscape. The Parks Commission requested additional discussion at a future meeting. Staff recommends that the property remain city-owned and available for public use. PACKET INCLUDES THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2016 MEMO TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 9, 2016 MEETING. Minutes Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of January 11, 2017 Hugo City Hall Present: Cathy Moore-Arcand, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub, Ranell Tennyson Absent: John Pontrelli, Mat Rauschendorfer Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director; Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner; Debi Close, Parks Secretary Strub called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. 1. Approval of Minutes from November Meeting Tennyson made a motion, Moore-Arcand seconded to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2016 Parks Commission meeting as presented. All Aye. Motion carried. 2. 2017 Recreation Programs April Yetter, Outreach Director at the Forest Lake YMCA presented the Park Play Days proposal. The program would be staffed, advertised and run by the YMCA offering Monday through Thursday for 3 hours daily and two 5 week sessions for ages 4-12 to play and learn in a park. Tennyson made a motion, Schmid seconded to partner with the Forest Lake YMCA and donate $1,000 – $2,000 to help run Park Play Days. All Aye. Motion Carried. Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner recommended the Parks Commission set the date for the Sledding Party on Saturday, February 4 or February 11 with flexibility for the weather. Family movie night was January 6, 2017 with only 20 participants. Advertising will be improved for the February 3 and March 10 Movie Nights. Schmid stated she didn’t receive any electronic notifications of the event with school aged children in the elementary school and junior high. Lil Sluggers proposed a partnership to offer a program for boys and girls ages 2-5. After discussion by the Commission, they preferred looking into a multi-week program over a summer camp program. Program would like feedback if daily or weekly practices should be scheduled. 3. 2017 Goals Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner presented the 2017 Goals of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission drafted at the December 14, 2016 meeting. Goals included working on trails, Irish Avenue Park, Lions Park, Recreation Programs, as well as the comprehensive plan updates. Tennyson made a motion, Moore-Arcand seconded to approve the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission goals as drafted. All Aye. Motion Carried. 4. 2017 Capital Improvement Plan Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner presented the drafted 2017-2021 Parks Capital Improvement Plan that was put together with input from the Parks Commission member at the December 14, 2016 meeting along with assistance from Ron Otkin, Finance Director. Open floor discussion included having funding set aside for yearly trail development projects. Tennyson made a motion, Schmid seconded to approve the 2017 Capital Improvement Plan as drafted. All Aye. Motion Carried. 5. Set Future meeting dates Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner went over the upcoming meeting dates for discussion. New meeting dates Include: Wednesday February 1, 2017 Monday February 27, 2017 - Comprehensive Plan Workshop with the City Council and other Commissions Wednesday March 15, 2017 Wednesday April 19, 2017 – Comprehensive Plan Workshop Wednesday May 17, 2017 Wednesday June 21, 2017 Wednesday July 19, 2017 Tuesday August 8, 2017 Comprehensive Plan Workshop Wednesday August 16, 2017 Wednesday September 20, 2017 Wednesday October 18, 2017 6. Adjournment Tennyson made a motion, Schmid seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. All Ayes. Motion carried. From:Shayla Denaway To:"brentsmith6@comcast.net" Cc:Scott Anderson Subject:RE: Washington County Pheasants Forever Pollinator Project Date:Friday, January 27, 2017 3:07:34 PM Hi Brent, Thank you for your proposal for a pollinator project at Irish Avenue Park. The Hugo Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission will consider it at their February 1 meeting at Hugo City Hall at 7:00pm. I look forward to hearing more about this project. Thanks, Shayla Denaway Parks Planner City of Hugo 651-762-6342 From: brentsmith6@comcast.net [mailto:brentsmith6@comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 6:55 PM To: Shayla Denaway <SDenaway@ci.hugo.mn.us> Cc: brentsmith6 <brentsmith6@comcast.net> Subject: Washington County Pheasants Forever Pollinator Project Hi Shayla, After further discussion with our chapter members, we would be interested in the Irish Ave Park site to do a 3 acre pollinator project. Our plan would be to hopefully start this Spring. We would begin by going in with a tiller on three acres, then spray with herbicide, and then follow with another spray of herbicide. Another approach would be to do a controlled burn with a local fire department or a Pheasants Forever Chapter. The final steps would include scoring the soil, another herbicide treatment, and then using local youth (such as 4H groups, Scouting troops, Science classes, etc.) to plant the seeds and plugs. Our chosen seed mixture and plant plugs are a combination of plants and flowers that will bloom up to three times per season. A couple other requests: One of the requirements for our PF grant approval is that we be allowed to put up some Pheasants Forever signage (upon your approval). Another requirement from Pheasants Forever is that the completed project land stay undisturbed for 5 years. Washington County Pheasants Forever will help maintain the pollinator project land. If this sounds reasonable to you, I will plan to be at your board meeting on Wed. Feb. 1st at 7:00PM. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks, Brent Smith 651-245-9400 Washington County Pheasants Forever Chapter President - 1 - Goodview Avenue Property September 19, 2016 Agenda Number: I.1. CITY OF HUGO PARKS COMMISSION REPORT TO: Bryan Bear, City Administrator FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner SUBJECT: City-Owned Property on Goodview Avenue DATE: September 14, 2016 for the City Council meeting of September 19, 2016 1. INTRODUCTION: The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission has been addressing resident concerns and discussing options for a city-owned property on Goodview Avenue. The City of Hugo acquired the 2.34 acre property in 1987 with the Hugo Meadows subdivision through park dedication. It is not suitable for construction of a park due to limited access and site conditions. Youth have built pedal bike jumps, knocked down branches, etc, at the property. There have been complaints about undesirable behavior at the property and Washington County Sherriff’s Office has been involved. The Parks Commission heard from the adjacent property owners at their meeting of July 13, 2016. They directed staff to look into the options for the property. At their meeting of August 10, 2016, the Parks Commission heard options for the property and directed staff to schedule a neighborhood meeting to look at selling the property. 2. PROPERTY HISTORY: The Goodview Avenue property was acquired in 1987 with the Hugo Meadows subdivision. The developer proposed dedicating land instead of paying a $6,000 fee (based on the fee schedule at that time). The City Administrator cautioned the Council with regard to accepting marginal land for park development resulting in limited access and costly maintenance. It was suggested that a park located where it could better serve all of the community might be more prudent from a cost-benefit standpoint. At the time, some Councilmembers felt that an area should be reserved for the children because of the high concentration of housing in the area. The preliminary plat and proposed dedication of land was approved. - 2 - Goodview Avenue Property September 19, 2016 Currently, Hugo Public Works maintains the property including mowing, grading, tree trimming, trash removal, and shrub removal. The property was not expanded with future development and dedications. The property is surrounded by residential properties. The property is accessed off of Goodview Avenue only, which does not provide vehicle parking. Safe pedestrian access to the park from the adjacent residential neighborhood does not exist. For these reasons, the property is undesirable for construction of a park. The perimeter of the property is made of mature trees. The trees along Goodview Avenue have been trimmed to allow for better sight lines. The Public Conduct in Parks ordinance is applicable to the property: fires are prohibited and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Parking is not available on site or on adjacent streets, which limits access, and use. At the meeting of January 1, 2015, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space heard concerns regarding the use of motorized vehicles, litter, hours of use and safety of those using the property with the Commission. The Parks Commission directed staff to post that the hours of use of the property to be 9:00 am to dusk. Therefore, the property would only be allowed to be used during daylight hours. Maintenance issues were also discussed and addressed. Staff has been in contact with the adjacent property owners, James and Anne Manke of 13514 Goodview Avenue North since then and they requested that further action be taken. 3. PROPERTY OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS: The Hugo Meadows Plat states “dedicate to the public for public use forever… the park”. As typical with other park dedications, the City does not acquire standard ownership of the park and there are statutory restrictions on what can be done with it. The general rule regarding dedications of land for park purposes is that the city holds the property in trust for the public and has no power to divert the land from the uses and purposes of the original dedication. The City acquired the right to maintain the property and make it available to the public. 4. PROPERTY OPTIONS Because the City of Hugo holds the land in trust and does not outright own the property, it limits the City’s options for the property. The options are as follows: Continue with the property as is: The property would continue to be available for public use. The City would continue to maintain the property as it is now. The bicycle track would remain as would the mature trees. The Sheriff’s Department would continue to monitor use of the property. Acquire all rights, then sell to private owner: The property would become private property and no longer be available for public use. The City could search for the original property owners and ask them to eliminate their interest in the property. The City would then own the land outright and have the ability to - 3 - Goodview Avenue Property September 19, 2016 sell it. It would be up to whomever purchases the property to maintain it and manage its use. Vacate the property: There is a process by which the City can abandon its interest in the property. This would involve noticing all parties involved and holding a public hearing. The property may go through the tax forfeiture process and may at some time be picked up by the original owner or some other private owner. The City would no longer maintain or monitor the property. It would likely still be used by the public during the process. The property would become an unmanaged property. Due to this, staff recommends against vacating the property. Make significant changes to the property: The City could make significant changes to the property in an effort to prevent issues on the property. This could include clear cutting all of the mature trees or using the property for stormwater ponding. The property would continue to be available for public use or development of some other neighborhood park use. 5. RECOMMENDATION: At their meeting of August 10, 2016, the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission recommended to continue to look into selling the property and to schedule a neighborhood meeting to discuss the options with residents. Staff recommends that the Council provide input on the options for the property. Staff also recommends that the neighborhood be involved in deciding what should happen with the property in the future. ATTACHMENTS: 1.2014 Aerial of the Property 2.2013 Aerial of the Property 3.Email from Adam March 29, 2016 including photos Goodvi ew Avenue P rope rty July 8, 2016 Map Pow ered by DataLink from WSB & As soci ates 1 inch = 376 feet± 1 Shayla Denaway From:Debbie Adam <debadam2000@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 29, 2016 5:31 PM To:Shayla Denaway; Shayla Denaway Subject:City property owned on Goodview Attachments:DSCN3261.jpg; DSCN3241.jpg; DSCN3243.jpg; DSCN3244.jpg; DSCN3245.jpg; DSCN3246.jpg; DSCN3247.jpg; DSCN3248.jpg; DSCN3249.jpg; DSCN3250.jpg; DSCN3251.jpg; DSCN3252.jpg; DSCN3254.jpg; DSCN3255.jpg; DSCN3256.jpg; DSCN3257.jpg; DSCN3258.jpg; DSCN3259.jpg; DSCN3260.jpg Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Hugo Parks Commission, As a concerned homeowner and neighbor, I am addressing our concerns, along with other neighbors,of the recent destructive activity that is taking place on the city owned property on Goodview. This property was recently given a "facelift" by the Parks commission last year to clear trees, add signage, and a trash container. I understand your reason to encourage the kids in the neighborhood to have use of the track, however, it has become a place to smoke, use fowl language, toss trash around, cut down large, living trees, dig holes, and even start fires. My husband, spoke to them about cutting down the trees, yet they continue. Another neighbor had them put out a fire they had started. It is really sad that that area is becoming the hangout for the kids to smoke, toss their trash and vandalize the trees. I have attached numerous pictures of the area. They show the downed trees, trash, the large trees they started the fire on and how the trees and bushes are so overgrown that many are dying and coming down with the storms that come through. Please share our concerns with the city regarding this eyesore and concerns for the destructive activity that is taking place in the park. Thank you, Deb Adam 13555 Geneva Ave.N 651-426-7965 Minutes  Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission   Meeting of November 09, 2016   Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm    Call to Order    Present:  Cathy Moore‐Arcand, Rachel Berger, John Pontrelli, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub    Absent:  Ranell Tennyson    Staff Present:  Scott Anderson, Public Works Director; Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner; Debi Close Parks  Secretary    Strub called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.      1.  Approval of Minutes from October Meeting    Cathy Moore‐Arcand made a motion, Strub seconded to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2016 Parks  Commission meeting as presented.    All Aye.    Motion carried.    2.  Neighborhood Meeting: Goodview Avenue City – Owned Property     Denaway presented a recap of discussions at the September, 5, 2016 Parks Commission meeting and other  recent meetings about the property as well as a general history of the property.  The 2.34 acre property was  acquired through park dedication in in 1987 with the Hugo Meadows development. Options for the property  were presented include selling or vacating it, making significant changes to the landscape, and doing nothing.   The public had been notified of the discussion and invited to discuss the long‐term and short‐term future  uses of the property.      Commission Chair Dave Strub welcomed the residents and neighbors and opened the floor up for discussion.        Anne Manke, 13514 Goodview Ave N, reported several incidents of vandalism to the city‐owned property,  trespassing through surrounding private property, littering, fires, parking on the street, noise, disrespect and  lewd conduct.   Manke stated that if the City doesn’t want to manage it then they should get rid of the  property or flatten it.    Larry and Deb Adams, 13555 Geneva Ave N, approached the podium.  They stated that there is trash at the  city‐owned property, kids have started cutting trees and moving back in the property, there have been fires.   They said they used to let kids walk through their property but not anymore due to issues.  They stated that  they would buy a piece of the city‐owned property if it was available for sale to the surrounding property  owners.       Michelle Lorentz , 6140 135th Street North, stated that when she bought her property that the builder  promised a park that was going to be built but instead they got this ugly property with no bathrooms.   Lorentz said kids using the property would pick up litter if trash cans were put in place.        Scott Anderson, Public Works Director informed that for the last two summers, the City has removed brush,  trimmed trees, weed whipped and place trash cans at the park.      Keith Fritsche, 13545 Geneva Ave N, suggested splitting the parcel for connecting owners to purchase and  said he had no interest in the property being clear cut.  He discussed seeing littering occurring even with  garbage cans are on site, vandalism to his property, disrespect, fires and inappropriate use.      Commissioner Berger asked if they knew where the kids were coming from who use this park.      Fristche responded that the kids cut through from the neighborhood, but not always from the neighborhood.  He stated that there is a regular group of neighborhood kids.        Mary and Jerry Scutter, 13580 Goodview Avenue, approached the podium and stated that Grace, of Grace  Development, wanted the city‐owned property to be a natural place.  They reported living at the property for  a long time and needing to build a fence around their property to keep out snowmobilers, protect their  property, and for their dogs.  They stated that that their fence has been damaged and that they have heard  bad language.  They said that the kids should be told to use stuff at Hanifl and that the property should be  mowed down, leveled, and planted with flowers.      Commissioner Rauschendorfer asked if this is a new occurrence or that it happens in cycles.      The Scutters said that there has been more destruction in the last 10 years.      Lorentz (in the audience) disagreed.       The Scutters stated that it has been bad for the last 5 years and that they get rude remarks when they ask the  kids to stop.      Commissioner Strub asked to hear more about the natural area wanted by Grace as that was new  information for the Parks Commission.      Lorentz (in the audience) said that Birch Tree Ponds owns the park and that she didn’t know what was being  talked about.  She said that her property deed said that she paid for the park in 1990 so they own it.      Denaway, informed about the park dedication process.  Developers are required to dedicate land or pay a  park dedication fee to the City and the developer can pass those costs on to the property owners.  In this  case, the property was dedicated and it is now owned by the city.      Mark Paipal, at 13565 Geneva Ave N, reported checking out the property earlier in the day and getting flicked  off by a kid on a bike.  He asked what clear cutting would solve.     Anderson informed that removal of trees increases visibility of the property.  Another option would be to  build a pond to get infiltration credits but there are no real plans in place.        Commissioner Strub confirmed that there isn’t a plan to clear cut the property but that ideas and opinions  were being taken.  There would be a follow up with notices with a decision.  He also stated that it should be  understood that they are the Parks Commission and the City Council makes the final decision but there isn’t a  deadline or schedule for that.         Commissioner Berger asked how the property would get spit and maintained.  How would the transition  process work?  What happens with it is privately owned and still used by the public?  Emotions are high.    A resident at 13565 Geneva Ave N approached to podium and said that some kids have an attitude but that  they would call the police, make a complaint and not get further involved.  The police would take care of it.      Commissioner Berger asked the resident what vision she has to make it dissipate.    The resident at 13565 Geneva Ave N replied that it will be trespassing.    Jay Manke, 13514 Goodview Ave N, approached the podium and stated that the wanted to touch on what  has happened in the last month.  He reported seeing cars parking on the street, leaving no room on  Goodview, honking, and traffic issues.      Commissioner Arcand asked if they were parked to go in the park.    Manke replied that it signals that there is an adult in the park, but sometimes it is 16 year old kids causing  trouble.  He stated that the track is getting bigger and nothing good happens there.  He appreciates that the  dirt bikes were stopped.  He asked how many police and fire calls do there have to be.  He preferred that the  property be flattened and the track removed.  The track should be located somewhere more visible.      Commissioner Berger asked if there is a need for a BMX track.      Manke replied that they need to go wild in a more managed place, where the police can see, and there is no  hiding.      Commissioner Berger asked if the kids would go elsewhere to ride or is it tied to property history.  If you take  it away, will they go away?      Jay Manke replied that it’s cyclical, that the kids use it until they are 16.  He said that it is some sort of rite of  passage to get in trouble at the property.  He expressed gratitude for the city opening up the property.       Anne Manke stated that she has had to call 911 several times and tell the police where the kids are hiding.   She can’t deal with the profanity and the lack of rules.  She said that there is a need for a track, but not there.   She said that they can’t walk through the property so it isn’t usable by many.  Their only recourse is to call the  police.  They do not want to fence their [large] property.      Mike Atkinson, at 5560 140th Street N, informed of his son started going to this park 18 years ago and all the  kids out there had a lot of fun.  He said that if they opened it up, and had the police force there, that it could  be a good play area.      Dan Church, at 12280 Falcon Ave N, has lived in Hugo for 16 years and has small kids that share his interest in  this type of park.  He shared stories of using the skate park with his family.  He is excited to see a park like  that and said that there is a need for it.  He suggested finding a place to move it where the kids can be seen.       Commissioner Berger thanked him for taking time to bring his kids and share his voice.  She agreed that there  is a need that should be met.      Jim Compton, at 6213 Egg Lake Road, said that he is okay with breaking up the property for the neighbors.   He has witnessed youth spitting on cars and swearing as they are walking to the park.  He supported the city  getting park land and asked if there is a new type of park that would be good for the property.        Chet Atkinson, resident at 5560 140th Street N, informed of his use of this park and the great memories made  there as a kid riding bikes and playing.  He said that nothing else is offered for kids like this in the area for  ages 13‐16 and they want to be able to do something.  He reported that the track is the same as it always was  and that it was there 10 years before him.    Commissioner Berger asked if there was a way to manage it and not disturb the neighbors.      Atkinson said that it has never been an issue and it was weird because it has been there longer than they  have been there.  He suggested fencing it in.  He said he would hate to see it go and that the park means a lot  to him.  He said that he would be willing to pitch in.      Commissioner Strub asked Sergeant Wayne Johnson, Washington County Sheriff Department, if he would like  to approach the podium and give a report on the calls they have received.      Sargent Wayne Johnson reported that there have been a couple calls about trash and fires.  Clear cutting the  property helped as there used to be ATV complaints in 2013/2014.      Commissioner Strub asked what about compared to other parks.      Sargent Johnson reported that a couple other passive parks that need more attention, but not much in any of  the parks.      Commissioner Rauschendorfer reported on some of the vandalism he has seen at Diamond Point Park and  said that a camera reduced the issues occurring there.    Anne Manke, at 13514 Goodview Ave N, stated that she can’t deal with it anymore‐ driving by, having to call  the cops.      Lorentz, at 13545 Geneva Ave N, asked where the park land is that she was dedicated when she built her  house if it’s not this park.    Commissioner Strub talked about the Parks and Trails Plan and said that it was not as good in the 80’s as it is  now, that now there are expectations and developers are willing participants.  He said it’s a complicated  parcel so we can only learn from it for the future.       Commissioner Schmid discussed that the parcel donated by the developer was an unusable piece of property  never intended to be turned into a playground‐ it’s mostly wetlands with no parking options but somehow it  was accepted by the Parks Commission back then as the required dedication.  She discussed options like a  fence and said that a solutions is not clear. Schmid was excited to hear that a BMX park is needed.    Commission Chair Strub asked if there was anyone else who had questions or concerns or wanted to speak.   He said that the meeting was not about making any decisions but to gather input to make recommendations  at a later time towards the City Council.  Stub thanked all the residents.    The commissioners had an open floor discussion that included that there is a need for this type of non‐ traditional activity and that the kids are causing it to be taken away.  The emotions and reactions to the  issues are strong.  Options and cost for clear cutting, fencing, and parking were discussed.  It was asked how  to encourage parents to get the kids to stop [the bad behavior].  There was discussion about the option of  selling the property.    Further discussion will be held at a later meeting.       Other      Denaway informed of the Holiday Christmas Party being held on Thursday, December 8 at the Legion.    Denaway thanked Dave Strub for volunteering to be Chair and reminded all commissioners that the Vice  Chair position is still open and encouraging anyone interested to send in a letter of interest.      3. Adjournment    Moore‐Arcand made a motion, Berger seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 pm.     All Ayes.  Motion carried.