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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-17 PRC MinutesMAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2006 MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL Note: Prior to the official meeting, staff conducted a tour for the commission. The tour visited Applewood Park, followed by a stop at Geranium Park and concluded with a tour of Sunset Ridge Park and the Walter Street trail corridor improvements. The tour included a box lunch and returned to city hall shortly after 8 p.m. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 8:12 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Craig Brannon, Don Christianson, Peter Fischer, Peter Frank, Michele Gran, Carolyn Peterson, Bruce Roman, Gaoly Yang Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Geskermann Staff: Bruce Anderson, Parks and Recreation Director 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Brannon, seconded by Commissioner Christianson, to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed 8 ayes, 0 nays. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commissioner Roman, to approve the March 20, 2006 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed, 7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention (Brannon.) 4. GERANIUM PARK SURVEY RESULTS Staff reviewed the Geranium Park survey results that included a survey mailing to 211 park neighbors of which 79 responded. Geranium Park is a nine -acre site located in southern Maplewood at 2568 Geranium Avenue. Staff reviewed the request from a park neighbor experiencing inappropriate behavior at Geranium Park. The commission directed staff to mail a copy of the survey results to park neighbors. Staff reviewed the survey results stating that they provide a snapshot of the neighborhood's feelings and sentiment at that one particular time. Past experience has shown that survey results might at times reflect perceptions as well as realities. It can be a challenge for not only staff, but also the commission to determine the exact problem and then identify potential solutions. Staff indicated that as part of the tour prior to the meeting, commissioners had the opportunity firsthand to observe activity at Geranium Park. There were many park visitors using the playground area, softball/baseball field, tennis courts, and adults were playing basketball. By all observations, it was a very positive, pleasant night at Geranium Park on Monday, April 17. Staff indicated that the two greatest survey responses were to increase police patrolling and get greater neighborhood crime watch program involvement. There were 82 responses to those items. The second highest priority was additional lighting which was indicated by 54 residents. Staff indicated that current rules require that parks close Y2 hour after sunset to'/z hour before sunrise. Staff recommended that the potential use of solar lighting could be utilized at Geranium Park. Staff raised this as an option and provided information from Solar Outdoor Lighting Products. Staff recommended that the commission pursue the establishment of two fixtures at a cost not to exceed $5,000 and be evaluated for effectiveness by October 1, 2006 The commission discussed the issue at great length. Commissioner Yang asked for background information of the problem and staff provided a copy of the letter from the resident and previous staff report. Commissioner Christianson indicated his displeasure at using lights as a deterrent, but felt that the idea of using solar lighting as a test has some benefit. The commission indicated that based on the survey results, it appears that the satellite issue is greater than any vandalism. Staff said that a three -sided enclosure would be installed at Geranium Park so that the satellite could not be tipped over in the future. It was the consensus of the commission to pursue additional police patrol and community involvement through the neighborhood crime watch program. The commission felt that the addition of lighting and/or acknowledgement that there is a serious problem at Geranium Park would be sending the neighborhood the wrong message. It appeared based on the survey and firsthand observation by commissioners that Geranium Park is not experiencing serious problems. This sentiment was further supported by the police department report that there was only one police call to Geranium Park in the past three years. The commission directed staff to work with the neighborhood and the police department for increased police patrols and determine whether the park neighbors can do increased neighborhood crime watch. Staff said this issue would be brought back to the commission for further action as needed. 5. 2007-2011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Staff reviewed the capital improvement plan and distributed a copy of the parks and recreation projects. There were two new projects proposed for 2010 and 2011. The 2010 project includes improvements to Goodrich Park ball fields and possibly adding a fourth field that could be used for activities such as lacrosse and/or soccer. The total cost for proposed improvements for 2010 is $300,000. The second project was the expansion of Legacy Village sculpture park scheduled for 2011 for $500,000. The proposed improvements include a security system, motion detectors and camera surveillance and to improve lighting and water features. Staff indicated there are nine projects all funded by the P.A.C. fund. The nine projects are as follows: a. Lions Park improvements $200,000 2007 b. Joy Park improvements $200,000 2007 c. North Beaver Lake trail corridor $100,000 2007 d. Gladstone Savanna improvements $400,000 2008 e. Hazelwood Park trail corridor $140,000 2008 f. Joy Park redevelopment $160,000 2008 g. Joy Park improvements $1 million 2009 h. Goodrich Park improvements $300,000 2010 i. Legacy Village sculpture park $450,000 2011 A motion was made by Commissioner Gran, seconded by Commissioner Brannon, to recommend city council approval of the 2007-2011 capital improvement plan as presented. The motion passed 8 ayes, 0 nays. Staff said both the commission and city council will be reviewing each project individually prior to approval. 6. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS • Commissioner Roman said he thought the tour prior to the meeting was extremely beneficial. • Commissioners Christianson, Frank and Brannon had no comments. • Commissioner Yang appreciated the tour and thought it was beneficial. • Commissioner Peterson recommended that the commission tour the Schlumpka property prior to approval of the COPAR development. • Commissioner Gran questioned whether the city should be in the off -leash dog park business. Staff responded that this is traditionally a county function and is addressed by the Battle Creek off -leash park. • Commissioner Fischer questioned the status of Joy Park. Staff responded there is a proposed trail from Century to Lydia Avenue and that he spoke with a neighbor of Joy Park and that there is still inappropriate behavior at Joy Park. Commissioner Fischer said that Rick Brandon expressed interest in continuing his involvement with Legacy Village sculpture park. 9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Anderson said that the Gladstone redevelopment meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening, April 18. He also outlined the recent changes in management approved by the city council on April 10. 10. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Brannon, seconded by Commissioner Roman. The motion passed 8 ayes, 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bruce K. Anderson Director of Parks and Recreation kh/0417.06.min.comm