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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-20 PRC MinutesMAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JOINT MEETING WITH OPEN SPACE TASK FORCE MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006 MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL NOTE: Prior to the official commission meeting, staff conducted a training session with new commissioner Michelle Gran at 6 p.m.. Following the training session, a tour was conducted of the Maplewood Community Center by parks and recreation director Bruce Anderson and community center manager Linda Crosson. The commission had an opportunity to see firsthand some of the improvement projects including the slide steps, need for painting of the aquatics ceiling, expansion of the child care area, and damage to the gym floor. Community center manager Crosson distributed a packet of information that highlights membership programs and services offered at the community center. MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Don Christianson, Peter Fischer, Peter Frank, Michele Gran, Carolyn Peterson, Bruce Roman, Gaoly Yang Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Craig Brannon and Tom Geskermann Open Space Task Force Members Present: Mark Gernes, Dominic Ramacier Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Anderson, Open Space Coordinator Ginny Gaynor Visitors: Council Member Rebecca Cave 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commissioner Frank, to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed — 7 ayes, 0 nays. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. January 17, 2006 After a lengthy discussion, Chairperson Fischer indicated that he listened to the tape of this meeting and recommended that the minutes be modified to reflect the following: (1) It was the parks and recreation commission's position that the savanna needed to be funded at the full level of $2 million and that Gloster Park renovation be funded at $600,000. In addition, the minutes need to reflect the commission's position that the bebo is an important connection between the savanna and Flicek Park. Commissioner Frank also requested the minutes reflect that there was some discussion of priorities, but it was the desire of the commission to fund the improvements at the full level. It was further agreed that the minutes reflect that the plaza could be done incrementally. Final verbiage changes were as follows: (a) On page 3 the final sentence of paragraph 3 should read: "The total breakdown is $1.25 million for open space restoration, plus $250,000 for the tot lot, $250,000 for the trail amenities and $250,000 for the plaza, with the plaza being phased in or scaled back if monies are not available." (b) On page 3 the second to the last paragraph should read: "The majority of the group felt that they could not justify $2 million for the bebo." (c) On page 4 the last sentence should read: "The commission further endorsed the planning process and supported whatever level of density would be necessary to generate enough revenue to fund the full amenities at the Gladstone Savanna at $2 million including Gloster and Flicek Parks at $600,000." A motion was made by Commissioner Fischer to approve the January 17, 2006 minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Frank. The motion passed 3 ayes, 0 nays, 4 abstentions. b. February 21, 2006 A motion was made by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commissioner Frank, to approve the February 21, 2006 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed, 4 ayes, 0 nays, 3 abstentions. 4. GLADSTONE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Director Anderson updated the commission regarding the Gladstone redevelopment process. Staff distributed a variety of information regarding the Gladstone redevelopment plan and the alternative concept. Staff indicated that it is the commission's responsibility to develop a final recommendation for council review and consideration. He distributed a rough draft of a position statement that had been developed in part by chairperson Peter Fischer for commission consideration. Chairperson Fischer opened discussion for commissioners. = Commissioner Peterson indicated that she felt there were more people at the last public meeting than were tabulated. She recognized that not everyone voted and the response may not be accurate. She further stated her strong feeling that the bebo needs to be included and that there is a huge difference between a culvert and a bebo. • Commissioner Yang indicated that at this time she is overwhelmed and too new to have any informed decision. • Commissioner Roman indicated that he too is overwhelmed, but feels that the bebo is more structure than he felt was necessary. He further said that Flicek Park should retain one ball field. Open space coordinator Ginny Gaynor indicated that the natural boulders are important to preserve the intended "look" for the savanna. She also expressed concern regarding making the stormwater work and the need for interpretation and signage on the site. She indicated she did not believe the redevelopment costs were exorbitant, but would provide an excellent open space project. She said that Gladstone has the opportunity to be a showpiece for Maplewood, not just for the Gladstone neighborhood. • Commissioner Roman raised a number of questions regarding groundwater contamination. • Open space task force member Mark Gernes said that he works with contaminated soils and felt the issues could be mitigated. He further stated that the savanna is central to the success of the Gladstone redevelopment. He envisions an understory of prairie grasses with wild flowers prevalent and one to ten trees per acre of oaks. He said that the bebo is an expensive amenity, yet it is critical for pedestrian accessibility. He was concerned about safety issues. • Open space task force member Dominic Ramacier recommended that Item 7 addressing P.A.C. funds be eliminated. The group agreed with that by consensus. • Commissioner Christianson said that it is not the great design that he initially hoped for. 2 • Council member Cave indicated she understands people's frustration that there might not be enough money to get the job done. She discussed lighting the trail and indicated that it will not probably happen at the Gladstone site. She said the monies for the savanna are important. • Commissioner Gran commented regarding Gladstone Savanna being the "poster child" as opposed to being a unique site. • Open space coordinator Ginny Gaynor said it is important that Gladstone be restored and done right and that there is a good integration of active and passive areas within the Gladstone neighborhood. • Commissioner Frank stated the need for redeveloping the area along with improvements of the savanna. He feels the plan needs to reflect more of a vision rather than a plan. • Chairperson Fischer reminded the commission that the parks are an economic development tool. • Coordinator Ginny Gaynor indicated the importance of the bebo to the overall success of the project. • Chairperson Fischer said he supports the plan as presented by HKGI and supports the concept of a greater density to ensure that the necessary amenities are constructed. Following a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Frank, seconded by Commissioner Christianson, to adopt the two -page Gladstone redevelopment position statement as amended (attached as part of the official meeting minutes.) The motion passed, 6 ayes, 1 nay (Commissioner Roman). 5. ANNUAL REPORT Staff distributed a copy of the annual report. A brief discussion followed. Commission recommended that it be forwarded to the city council. A motion was made by Commissioner Frank, seconded by Commissioner Peterson, to forward the annual report to the city council for their review and consideration. The motion passed 7 ayes, 0 nays. 6. HAZELWOOD SOCCER GRANT SUBMITTAL Staff reviewed the soccer grant information utilizing artificial turf in the heavy use areas. The commission indicated they support the grant submittal. A motion was made by Commissioner Frank, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, to recommend staff submit the grant to Ramsey County. The motion passed 7 ayes, 0 nays. 7. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Peterson said she felt the meeting was extremely productive. Commissioner Frank indicated there were 52 high school boys' teams participating in the basketball league. Commissioner Fischer again welcomed the three new commissioners. 8. ADJOURNMENT A motion for adjournment was made by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Z isruce r, Director of Parks and ecreation kh/0320.06.min.comm