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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-24 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board April 24, 2000 Present: Del Peterson, chair Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, David Junker, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt, and Steve Wolff Others: City Administrator Nile Kriesel, Community Development Director Steve Russell, Engineer Klayton Eckles and Police Chief Larry Dauffenbach Absent: Mike Polehna and Sara Thingvold Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Milbrandt, moved approval of the minutes of March 27, 2000; all in favor. Mulberry Street Ravine Mr. Eckles explained the project will be done in phases. The City has received a $1.1 million loan from the State. The first phase of the project will be constructed from the ravine to the St. Croix River. The second phase of the project will be from the ravine to Owens Street; the "basic guts" of the storm sewer system for the entire length of the project will be designed as part of phase 1. Mr. Eckles said the trail issue seems to be most important to the neighborhood, and he said it's an issue affecting all city trails. He said there is no reason to push the issue as funding is not available for phase 2, and he suggested that the Park Board look at the trail system in depth to determine what, if any, recreation uses should be allowed/provided. Mr. Wolff asked if the storm sewer pipe would definitely go through the ravine. Mr. Eckles responded that the City Council has ordered the plans and specs for the pipe to be placed in the ravine. The ravine is city - owned, Mr. Eckles pointed out, and some type of park use has always been discussed. The Park Board will determine the surface for the trail. Staff has recommended a blacktop surface to provide access for maintenance equipment; the neighbors have made it clear they do not want a blacktop surface, he said. Mary Scheel, 414 W. Mulberry, said she was concerned about having a park "in a pit" and an open channel of water in a big storm event. She also stated that the situation would be even more dangerous if the Mulberry Street access is improved. Mr. Eckles addressed the issue of ponding during large storm events. He said there is no plan for a pond. During an extreme storm event, there will be some ponding of water until it can get into the catch basin/sewer system just as happens in all areas of the City in large storm events. It is a very temporary situation, he said. Diane Scheel, 502 W. Maple, said she understood that access for maintenance equipment would only be necessary every four or five years, not enough to warrant a paved trail. She cited a concern about the volume of people who might be using a paved trail; she also suggested that the steep grades going into the ravine were a handicap access issue. A resident of Park Place noted that no one has ever suggested putting a bike path in the Brown's Creek nature area. He said there already are established areas for biking and other corridors available for recreation use. He asked the Board to look at the ravine as a special nature area, like Brown's Creek. Allen Lavalier, 707 Maple St., pointed out this project is required because of bituminous surfaces and having a paved surface in the ravine will just add to the runoff. He said there are already some pipes in the ravine that have been there for a 100 years which would indicate a paved access for maintenance is not necessary. Mr. Russell suggested that the Park Board look at the issue of an overall trail system. Without an overall system, he said, decisions become too immersed in neighborhood issues. Ms. Amrein asked if in the Comprehensive Plan, the concept was for all trails to be paved/multi -use. Mr. Russell said some trails are designated as natural trail such as those in the Brown" Creek area, while others are designated recreational trails; there is some definition in the City's trailway /greenway plan. Ms. Amrein asked what the ravine is designated as in the plan; Mr. Russell said it is designated as a recreational trail. Mr. Peterson brought the discussion to a close by noting that a decision is not needed until the next construction season, and asked that staff come up with some options for the Board to consider. Long Lake Trail Update Mr. Russell said this issue is not totally resolved. Mr. Kriesel said the Council approved the final plat for Phase 3 and 4 of the Liberty on the Lake development but did not address the trail issue. Mr. Peterson noted the Park Board voted on its recommendation at the March meeting, and it is now up to the Council to act on the Board's recommendation. Gary Kriesel, 1451 Lydia Circle, asked if additional input would be allowed from residents. Mr. Peterson reiterated that the Board had voted at the last meeting and made its recommendation to the Council; Ms. Amrein noted the Council doesn't always follow the Board's recommendation. Gary Kriesel urged the Board to take a strong look at trail uses and provide areas where people can just go for a walk. Joe Arndt, a property owner in Liberty on the Lake, asked that a decision on the trail use be postponed until the area is fully developed. He also stated that the purpose of the trail is to allow owners access to Long Lake and property they own on the lake. Mr. Peterson again noted the City Council has not acted on the matter, and it may be appropriate for Mr. Arndt to bring his issues to the Council. Mr. Arndt asked when the Council might be taking action on the issue; City Administrator Kriesel said no definite date has been set, but he will try to notify property owners. Legends Park Plan Mr. Russell reported that Planner Sue Fitzgerald and Park Director Tim Thomsen had met with neighbors and sent out questionnaires regarding preferences to develop plan options. Another neighborhood meeting will be held, and the final plan brought back to the Park Board for comment. Settlers' Park Update Mr. Russell reported that development will take place as part of phases 3 and 4 of the Liberty development. Cost will be paid by the developers and Water Board. Mr. Cummings asked about making the surface of the water reservoir multi - purpose, rather than limited for tennis courts. It was pointed out that basketball courts are available at Rutherford School a very short distance from the park. Territorial Prison Trail Amy Stefan presented sketches of possible interpretive areas — a trailhead by the former guard house; the foundation of an original prison building; the caves; how the wall was constructed; and Battle Hollow. She said one change from her previous presentation is that there will be no on -site ponding for the City storm sewer project, and the developers are not sure at this point if they will provide ponding or tie into the City's storm sewer system. She noted the scope of her work is schematic design only. Mr. Milbrandt asked about funding. Mr. Russell said the City is applying for State funding and grants due to the historical nature of the site. Mr. Milbrandt also asked about the surface of the trail. Ms. Stefan responded that the trail is a walking path; the issue of the surface will be addressed at a later date — when more information is available from developers and when funding becomes available. Ms. Amrein reiterated a concern expressed at the initial presentation, that of providing access from Pioneer Park and a concern about the condition of the lower stairways. Mr. Eckles said the Historical Society doesn't want the steps, and the steps probably will be removed sometime this summer. Ms. Amrein moved to accept the concept plan; Ms. Flinn seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Discussion of Park Policing Police Chief Larry Dauffenbach spoke to the Board. He noted the main problem in parks is vandalism, not crimes against people. He stated, "Crime in general is not a police problem, it's a community problem." Unless people call and report suspicious activity, there is little the Police Department can do, he said. While police do spotlight checks at night, some parks, such as Sunrise Park, are nearly impossible to do because of access issues. When asked if there is adequate lighting in the parks, the Chief responded that parks such as Lily Lake and Lowell Park are good, but others, including Pioneer Park with the new design, are not. When asked about issues such as the complaints about the use of the basketball court at Staples Field, the Chief said the police department wants residents to call police with complaints and not confront the situation themselves. Regarding the possible use of volunteers to assist with park patrol, the Chief stated that the requirements for licensing and training and liability issues are huge problems. He suggested changing the shifts of park employees during the summer months might be a more feasible consideration. Mr. Amrein suggested sending a letter to neighbors living adjacent to parks and asking them to be more alert to suspicious activity. Mr. Dauffenbach agreed that would be a good idea. Heritage Park Use Shelly Tompkins, representing the Liberty Homeowners Association, appeared regarding a request to waive the park use fees for certain Homeowner Association - sponsored events scheduled throughout the year in Heritage Park. Ms. Tompkins noted the Association pays for the maintenance of the park, even though it is a public park. The request is waive the use fee for Association - sponsored events. The Association would be responsible for cleanup after the events. A requested schedule of events would be provided to the Park Department early each year, and a $100 deposit paid; the deposit would be carried over from event to event and returned in November upon satisfactory cleanup. Ms. Tompkins was asked if the park would be closed to the public during such events. She responded that the park would still be open to the public, but participation in the specific event limited to members of the Homeowners Association. Mr. Cummings moved approval of the request. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. St Croix Recreation Center Management Agreement Mr. Kriesel said he strongly recommended approval of the management agreement with St. Croix Caterers. He said St. Croix Caterers is exceeding expectations on the revenue side. The agreement (5/1/00- 4/30/01) is similar to the current agreement and anticipates the operation of the second ice sheet. Mr. Junker asked if actual P &Ls were available. Mr. Kriesel said that information is available in the detailed audit files. He also noted the budgetary information provided is just for St. Croix Caterers and does not include any donations or contributions; that money goes for debt service. The management fee is the same as last year -- $35,000 -- and no other bids were solicited, Mr. Kriesel said. Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Junker, moved approval of the contract as recommended; motion passed unanimously. Proposed Park and Recreation Commission Ordinance Mr. Cummings suggested that the ordinance, in the description of job duties, really puts the Park Commission in the role of a professional park director; he further suggested that the proposed ordinance puts a great burden on the chairperson, who is not a professional. And he said he felt "ownership" for parks is missing. Ms. Amrein said she would like to see one person on staff devoted to parks, with that function being their main job description. Mr. Eckles suggested that one person can't do everything — some issues, such as slopes and grades, are engineering issues, others are overall planning functions. Mr. Milbrandt said he thought there were a lot of positives in the proposal with more attention and direction from staff, but said he would like to see more definition of the park function in job descriptions. Mr. Peterson agreed that if the park assignment is not in someone's job description, nothing will get accomplished. Mr. Junker said the proposal puts more onus back on the Board. The board has been lacking organization and staff liaison; directing staff to do this and that is spinning wheels, he said. Mr. Kriesel suggested that the Park Board needs to sit down and develop work programs, and give those work program to the Council to see if those are what the Council wants the Board to be working on. Mr. Peterson suggested the language in Subd. 7 gets to the essence of the issue, as long as the Council commits to having someone on staff be an effective liaison to the Board. Mr. Junker asked if it would be feasible to request that Planner Sue Fitzgerald be at the Board meetings. Mr. Russell said it wouldn't be possible to specifically request Ms. Fitzgerald's attendance as that is a function of the Planning Department. Mr. Peterson, seconded by Mr. McGarry, moved approval of the proposed ordinance. Ms. Amrein asked who the Board could expect to be in attendance should the proposal be adopted — Mr. Russell, Ms. Fitzgerald or Mr. Thomsen. Mr. Russell said that would depend on the agenda, but said he expected to be in attendance at least initially to get the Board moving in the right direction. Ms. Flinn questioned reducing the Board membership to 7. Mr. Kriesel said the majority of cities surveyed had seven - member boards, but there is no magic number. Mr. Kriesel noted that the terms of five Board members expire at the end of this year, and this will be a good time for making the transition. It also was noted that Mr. Liehr has resigned from the Board, and Mr. Cummings stated he will not be seeking re- election, thus won't be serving on the Board. There was also some discussion as to whether membership should be by ward residence. Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. McGarry, moved to call the question; motion passed. Motion to approve the proposed ordinance passed 7 -1, with Ms. Amrein voting no. Introduction to Phase 2 Planning Mr. Russell provided a brief overview of the Phase 2 development, which includes 350 housing units. He said staff has been working with the developer. Park dedication requirements would amount to about 12 acres, he said. Mr. Russell also stated the City is looking at a possible purchase of land for the public works garage /larger recreation area near Rutherford Cemetery. Old business Mr. Wolff said there is a sign, "Save Me," by the Mulberry Street ravine which he said was inappropriate and should be removed. Mr. Peterson formally announced the Mr. Liehr had submitted his resignation at the March meeting; it was suggested that the City said a letter of thanks for years of service. Mr. Cummings provided a handout announcing a May 20 work session for the disc golf park. Ms. Flinn referred to a newspaper article saying the City is selling Kolliner Park. Mr. Cummings said that is erroneous; the City is not selling Kolliner Park, but the status of Kolliner Park is involved in the new bridge crossing mitigation plan. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary