Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-22 PRC MINI, Parks and Recreation Board May 22, 2000 Present: Del Peterson, Chair Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, David Junker, Steve Wolff, Mike Polehna, and Sara Thingvold Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell, City Engineer Klayton Eckles and Tim Morris, Planning Intern Absent: Rob McGary, Wally Milbrant Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr.Wolff, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved approval of the minutes of April 24, 2000. All in favor. New Business: Review of Trail and Open Space Concept for Park Dedication Requirement for Four Lot Subdivisions Located on 22.75 Acres at the NW Comer of County Road 5 And Trunk Highway 36 Mr. Russell gave an overview of the area ofthe proposed park dedication, zoning information in the area, the extension of Curve Crest and it's relation to this area and this dedication in relation to the City's Open Space System and Trail System. Mr. Bradshaw explained the proposal and the proposed park like setting for the site. He explained that St. Croix Sentry has submitted a letter of intent as one of the tenants for this project and gave an overview this company's function. He stated that the architect is addressing the issue of the watershed, drainage and the preservation of the site. Mr. Peterson stated that he was concerned that the City was not receiving its fair 7% for park dedication in this proposal. Mr. Junker explained that this park dedication is to preserve the forest area and conceived to be more of a walking park in the area that would have benches and picnic areas along the trail. Mr. Russell stated that in the Legend subdivision the City obtained the woodland on that site. He stated that the woodland is a valuable resource, even though this is not conducive to a ballfield etc. There are different values to land; in this case the protection of the wooded area and the natural areas would be a resource that would be important. Mr. Bradshaw explained the overall feel of the site. He stated that the landscaping plan would provide a more natural setting and place trees to deaden the noise from the highway. Mr. Bradshaw stated that the time frame is hopefully to break ground in 2001, depending on funding from MnlDOT and working with the various agencies this project impacts. Page 1 of5 Mr. Eckles stated that this street will be a collector street connecting all of the northern development, like the Phase II & Phase III area. This will allow for traffic to use this frontage road rather than Deerpath and get traffic out of the neighborhood. He stated that this street should be designed with shoulders etc. with a 30 mph design. Ms. Flinn moved, seconded by Mr. Junker, approving the trail and open space concept for park dedication requirement for four lot subdivisions located on 22.75 acres at the NW comer of County Road 5 and Trunk Highway 36. All in favor. Initial Review of Trail and Park Plan for the Phase II Expansion Area, U.S. Home, Applicant. Mr. Russell explained that the City is beginning to work with U.S. Homes in developing the Phase II expansion area located south of McKusick, north of Boutwell, west of County Road 15. The area was designated in the Comprehensive Plan to enter the City in 1999. He explained and gave an overview of the parks and trails already proposed or being developed, including an area for the Public Works facility. Mr. Eckles stated that there would be internal trails and sidewalks within the developments that are not shown. These trails are internal connective trails or destination type trails. Mr. Bill Pritchard, U.S. Homes, provided the Commission an overview of the proposed development and park/open space in this development. He explained that U.S. Homes is trying to maintain the natural slopes of the development. He stated there is approximately 25.8 acres or 20% of open space and the overall open space, including wetland, is approximately 47.72 acres or 30% ofthe site. Mr.Pritchard stated that they hope the City will give credit for the amount of trails, not including the required sidewalks as part of the subdivision, in lieu of some land dedication. Mr. Russell stated he talked with Mary Lou Poguet of the School District regarding the number of children that would be in the development. The City would be purchasing some of this using Greenway money. Mr. Cummings stated that this project is very unusual that net effect is that this development has a percentage basis of park dedication is more than you would see in a normal subdivision. Mr. Russell stated that this development is trying to use the natural areas as the framework for this development. He stated that the goal is to preserve the history and the natural area of this site. Ms. Thingvold stated that she felt that one play structure for this area would not be enough and that the distance to the park for some of the homes is too far. Mr. Wolff stated that the size of the play structure would be approximately the size of Benson Park. Mr. Eckles stated that the tot lots are becoming a thing of the past because of maintenance issues and the size of the equipment. He stated that the neighborhood park with bigger structure and area are becoming the standard like Benson Park. Mr. Russell stated that the Legends and Liberty developments use the park to help sell the property. In that case the developers went beyond what a regular developer would develop. Page 2 of5 Ms. Thingvold asked Mr. Eckles ifhe is suggesting no tot lots. She believes the neighborhood tot lots is a good concept. Mr. Eckles stated that a neighborhood tot lot on a city lot in a neighborhood would not be feasible. In this case the tot lot would be in conjunction with an entire park area. Mr. Pritchard stated that there will be a homeowner's association that will maintain some ofthe open space and there will be covenants regarding architectural aspects such as fencing and how things would be constructed in someone' s backyard. Ms. Thingvold stated that she would like to see another park within the development. Mr. Cummings stated that he felt the park should have an area similar to Northland Park where there is people using one part of the park and kids on a play structure in the same area. He also stated that the preponderance amount of open space in this development is huge and it needs to be considered as well as the active park area. Mr. Pritchard stated that he would look at the open area. He felt it was a nice linkage of park usage and that there was some real benefits to keeping it separate. Motion by Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Wolff accept the concept plan as presented, even the park dedication amounts and proposed developed areas, and the developer and City staff can work together to try to get the Commission's ideas in the central area. Ayes: Mr. Cummings, Ms. Flinn, Mr. Junker, Mr. Wolff, Mr. Polehna, Ms. Thingvold Nays: Ms. Amrein and Mr. Peterson Mr. Russell stated that he would bring the final plan to the Commission. Discussion on Creekside Crossing Nature Trail, Neighborhood Residents. Mr. Russell provided information on the Creekside Crossing Natural Trail that is required to be provided by the developer, which the developer is prepared to begin constructing. He stated that the proposed location for the trail might not be the best location for the trail. Joanna Eckles reviewed her thoughts in relation to placing the trail at a different location, enhancing the nature trail and better use of the site. She had three suggestions. The first is being a reroute of one portion of the trail using a boardwalk. The boardwalk be closer to the creek and eventually connect to the planned trail. Other things to incorporate would be two vista points would be a lookout toward the creek, a feature at the huge large maple tree at the end of the trail. She felt this trail would be suited for interpretive signage. Mr. Russell stated that the trail proposed is a concept trail. He felt the boardwalk and signage is a good concept. Mr. Cummings asked ifthe DNR had any problems with boardwalks. Page 3 of5 Ms. Eckles stated that the DNR does not have a position on boardwalks. The size would be approximately four feet wide, 250 feet long and it would ride on the vegetation, widening for lookout and a trailhead sign until the Browns Creek Nature Area becomes a reality. Mr. Eckles stated that he hoped the maintenance of this trail would be done by volunteer groups. Mr. Cummings stated that he felt it was a great idea and that it would give a great learning experience and use as an example for other areas. Motion by Ms. Flinn, seconded by Ms. Amrein, approving the boardwalk trail concept and approving that Ms. Eckles to work with Mr. Russell and further develop the plans for the trail. All in favor. Discussion of City Wide Trail Plan. Mr. Russell stated that the City needs a more detailed and comprehensive trail plan. As a summer project for the Tim Morris, planning intern, would be the inventory of trails in the City, what the City has in its plan, looking at the trails closely for standards and functions, and developing the comprehensive plan for trails. Ms. Amrein stated that the trail along the river should be expanded. Mr. Russell stated that as part of the bridge construction and the Aiple property plan there would be a trail constructed on the south boundary of Stillwater that will tie into a trail in Oak Park Heights and Lowell Park, but to the north there is nothing planned. Mr. Russell mentioned sidewalks that reach a destination such as the Croixwood area to downtown. Motion by Mr. Cummings, seconded by Ms. Amrein authorizing the Planning Department to proceed with the comprehensive trail inventory and to report back to the commission with the findings. All in favor. Discussion of Boutwell Cemetery and Public Works Yard. Mr. Russell reviewed the letter from the Washington County Historical Society regarding the availability of land located on Boutwell Road. He provided a synopsis of possible use for land next to this property for park and the public works facility. Mr. Cummings stated that one ofthe issues and part ofthe City Council motion was to look at the comer piece and perhaps include it in this concept. Mr. Eckles stated that this property is one ofthe last large parcels for the public works and park development. Request From David Rochlin To Sell Glow Necklaces On The 4th Of July. Mr. Peterson stated that this request has been approved by the commission for many years. Motion by Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Cummings approving David Rochlin to sell glow necklaces on the 4th of July. Page 4 of5 Old Business: Update On Ordinance Enabling Park and Recreation Commission. This item was tabled until the June 26, 2000 meeting. Update On Legends Park Plan Alternatives. Mr. Russell reviewed the plans for Legends Park. It was stated that it would be presented to the neighborhood for comment. Update On Disc Golf Course Improvements. Mr. Cummings gave a review and showed pictures on the installation ofthe disc golf that was done on Saturday, May 20,2000. The goals will be installed this week and will have 12 holes open for Memorial Day weekend. There is some wetland issues for the remaining holes. The issue the park board will have to decide, once the information from Bonestroo on the wetlands issue is received, is what the board wants to do with the with the southeast corner ofthe property. He stated that he would be writing a story for the Gazette to inform people it is open. Mr. Eckles stated that there are a few items that will be completed this week to provide 12 holes, but will be open Memorial Weekend. Other Items Mr. Junker stated that there have been vehicles, tents and campers in Kolliner Park and asked staff to investigate. June 26, 2000 will be the park tour, meet at 6:00 at City Hall. Places to tour would be the disc golf area, Browns Creek area, Settlers Park, Public Works site basically the western side of the City. There will be a barbecue after the tour. The commission asked that Nile arrange for this. It will be determined ifthere will be an actual meeting on the 26th. Adjournment Motion by Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Junker to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Diane Ward Administrative/Communications Specialist Page 5 of5