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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-28 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board Aug. 28, 2000 Present: Del Peterson, chair Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, David Junker (8 p.m.), Wally Milbrandt, Mike Pohlena and Steve Wolff P®I'e4 ni. Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald and City Engineer Klayton Eckles Absent: Sara Thingvoldj gob Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted that the June 26, 2000, minutes should be amended to reflect that fact members did not visit Settlers' Park on the annual tour. Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Milbrandt, moved approval of the minutes as amended. Lake Links Trail Network presentation Jeff Schoenbrauer of Brauer and Associates, the consulting firm preparing the Lake Links Trail master plan for Washington and Ramsey counties, briefly reviewed the plan which will link the Gateway Trail to Stillwater. He said that as of July 26, 2000, the primary option for location of the trail from White Bear Lake to Stillwater is Highway 96 to the St. Croix River. An alternate location is the Zephyr line tracks. The Zephyr alternative is preferable because of its recreational value, but, he said, is not a likely option. Mr. Pohlena asked if consideration had been given to County Road 64 which runs parallel to the Zephyr line. Mr. Eckles noted the City would have to look at the potential impact on the city trail on McKusick Road and the terminus at Owens Street should County Road 64 be considered as an alternative. When asked about use, Mr. Schoenbrauer stated the trail will be for pedestrian use — walking, in - line skating, biking, etc. Mr. Schoenbrauer stated he would keep the City and Parks Board updated as the planning proceeds. Mulberry Park presentation Kathy Drinkwine, Gin Wilhelmson and Joanne Knobel of the Mulberry Park Committee were present. Also present was Tom Kearney, principal of New Heights Charter School located in the former Washington Elementary School where the park would be located. The Committee is requesting that the City contribute $35,000 to purchase the playground equipment for the park; the equipment would serve both the neighborhood at large as well as students at New Heights. The City Council referred the request for funding to the Park Board. Ms. Drinkwine noted that in referring the matter to the Parks Board, the Council expressed a concern that the funding not impact other programs and projects. Mr. Eckles noted that the project is not included in the Public Works or Parks budgets. Mr. Cummings noted that Mr. Kreisel's concern was with the 2001 budget; there are monies in the 2000 budget that will be available, he said, citing land acquisition dollars that have not been used and the savings due to the recent mild winter as possible sources for the funding. Committee members noted the group is working on a grant from the Bayport Foundation which has expressed interested in contributing $40,000-$60,000 to the project; the funding request will be reviewed in the Foundation's November budget. The main goal is to get the playground equipment installed. The equipment, which is ADA accessible, will cost $35,000, with installation cost of $10,000. The Committee's request is for the City to contribute $35,000 to purchase the equipment. Mr. Kearney noted that in the past, the City has flooded a skating rink at the former playground, with the rink receiving more community use than school use. He stated the basketball courts and parking lot have been removed and the area is showing a lack of interest. He stated that New Heights will carry all the liability for the equipment and will maintain the equipment. He concluded by saying that charter school depends on partnerships with their communities. Mr. Pohlena pointed out the equipment should be inspected every two weeks and inquired if that would be a problem. Johnie Johnsen of St. Croix Recreation, the equipment supplier, assured members the bi-weekly inspection checklist is not a real comprehensive one. Mr. Peterson said there is a contingency is that if Mulberry Park ceases to be used as a park, the City will own the playground equipment and could move the equipment to another location. Mr. Wolff spoke of the lack of parks on the North Hill and moved to recommend that the City contribute $35,000 for the equipment purchase, with the money to come from undesignated 2000 funds, not from the Parks fund. Mr. Pohlena seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Staff was directed to prepare the necessary agreement concerning ownership/disposition of the equipment. St. Croix Valley Recreation Center spepker system Present were Doug Brady, Rec Center manager, and Jim Jenson, Muzak representative. Mr. Jenson said he had inventoried the existing equipment at the Rec Center. The proposal is to install the existing equipment over the balcony of the second ice sheet, which should be adequate for practice/open skating, he said. The new equipment will include focused, small clustered speakers over the ice; sound -proofing is recommended. Mr. Milbrandt said he was concerned about moving the existing system to the second ice sheet and whether it would "cheapen" that portion of the facility. Mr. Pohlena said the sound from the existing system is OK on the ice, the problem is from the stands. Mr. Brady also noted that any major event would be held in the main ice arena. Mr. Jenson invited members to visit any other arenas where his company's equipment is in use, including Blaine's National Sports Center. Mr. Pohlena said he was impressed with the Elk River facility which uses Muzak equipment. Mr. Milbrandt asked whether the cost is budgeted. Mr. Brady said the equipment is included in the budget for the second ice sheet; also sound -proofing is in the capital outlay budget for 2000. Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Junker, moved approval of Muzak's Option 2 proposal. Motion passed unanimously. 2001 Capital Outlay Budget It was noted the boardwalk for Lily Lake Park had been eliminated from the budget. The primary focus of discussion was funding for Lowell Park/Mulberry Point improvements — the request was for $200,000, recommended budget is $150,000. Mr. Eckles said the City is hoping to get a state grant for a performance structure/pavilion. Mr. Cummings said he would rather see the $20,000 budgeted for a metal roof for the band shell in Pioneer Park go to Lowell Park; Mr. Eckles noted the Pioneer Park master plan calls for the removal of the band shell. Mr. Eckles also suggested the amount budgeted for replacing the cement slabs for the Pioneer Park picnic shelter might be redirected to Lowell Park. Mr. Junker moved to table the roof replacement of the band shell at Pioneer Park and the replacement of the cement slabs and move that money to the Lowell Park/Mulberry Point improvements. Mr. Eckles pointed out that the park for Creekside Crossing is not budgeted. That neighborhood is nearly complete, he said. Possible plans for the park might include a gazebo, drinking fountain and landscaping. Mr. Cummings noted there is $90,000 in new park dedication fees realized from the sale of the water tower lot. Mr. Cummings suggested including directing staff to develop plans for Creekside Crossing park using park dedication fees as part of the motion, which Mr. Junker agreed to. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-1, with Mr. Wolff voting no, saying he liked the band shell in Pioneer Park. Ms. Flinn asked why there was no funding for land acquisition; Mr. Cummings noted that is included in the acquisition of the public works site Updates Mr. Peterson briefly reviewed the updates included in the agenda packet. Regarding the Boutwell Public Works facility/park, Mr. Peterson noted the proposed plans are attractive, but the neighbors are not too thrilled with the public works facility, which is not really a parks' issue. Parks Report Mr. Peterson reviewed the parks report in the agenda packet. The discussion centered on the report regarding the basketball court at Staples Park and the possibility of moving the courts to the new Mulberry Park. After discussion, it was consensus that members preferred to keep the Staples Field courts at that location. Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Milbrandt, moved to go on record indicating the Parks Board would not condone the removal of the Stapes Field basketball courts, but did approve locking the courts as a temporary measure. Old businesa Mr. Milbrandt stated he had walked through Kolliner Park and the park looked pretty clean. He said he was impressed with the efforts of whoever is keeping the park clean. The Valley Cruisers Car Club had been taking care of the park previously, and the Parks Board had requested an update on activities at the park several months ago. Mr. Milbrandt asked for a clarification to determine if staff had sent a letter to the Club. Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Junker, moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary