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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-15-PRC-MinutesMAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 15, 2006 MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL Prior to the meeting staff conducted a 6:30 p.m. tour for the commission. The purpose of the tour was to visit the Copar proposed development site in southern Maplewood. The tour was completed by 7:30 p.m. MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Craig Brannon, Don Christianson, Peter Fischer, Peter Frank, Carolyn Peterson, Bruce Roman Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Geskermann, Gran, Yang Staff: Bruce Anderson, Parks and Recreation Director 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Frank, to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed unanimously, 5 ayes, 0 nays. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commissioner Roman, to approve the April 17, 2006 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed, 5 ayes, 0 nays. 4. VISITOR PRESENTATION There were no visitors present. 5. COPAR DEVELOPMENT Director Anderson indicated that Copar Companies has proposed a 300-unit senior housing project located in southern Maplewood north of Carver Avenue. Prior to the commission meeting, staff conducted a tour for commissions to observe the site firsthand. Director Anderson outlined five conditions that he felt the commission should consider regarding the Copar development: a. A tot lot should be constructed as part of the developer's expense. b. The trailway system should be public. c. One and possibly two areas should be set aside as a viewing place, to be constructed and developed at the city's expense at a future date. d. Trail access should be considered to the Fish Creek Regional open space area for city residents. e. A percentage of the P.A.C. fees should be dedicated to southern Maplewood. Following the staff report, the commissioners each had a variety of comments regarding the proposed project: • Commissioner Christianson said that he felt it would be appropriate for up to 50% of the P.A.C. monies be dedicated to southern Maplewood and that an observation tower be considered on part of the land to be set aside as a vista viewing point. • Commissioner Peterson indicated her strong position that there needs to be a trail connection into the Ramsey County open space land and that this site has great significance not only at a regional level, but at a state and potentially national level. She also said that there are potentially three dumps on the site that need to be resolved by the developer. Following a general discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Peterson, that: • the city pursue acquisition of a minimum of one major outlook/vista with the city being responsible for the costs of any structure for viewing in the northwest corner of the site. ■ the city council dedicate a minimum of $200,000 of the park dedication fee to southern Maplewood identified as city property and located south of Larpenteur Avenue. ■ the vista areas would be handicapped accessible. ■ the city council require the developer to provide a tot lot at the developer's expense. • the trail remain public and trail access be established to Fish Creek open space area. • the city be responsible for construction of any observation towers/overlook structures. The motion passed 5 ayes, 0 nays, with one abstention. 6. CITY TOUR Chairperson Fischer entertained a conversation from the commission regarding the goals and objectives of the June 19 tour. He distributed a copy of the questions that went to the council. The consensus of the commission was to clarify the role of the commission in relation to the council and educate the council on the priorities of the commission. Consensus of the timeframe was to have a bus tour from 6-7 p.m. with lunch at the nature center to discuss open space and then review athletic fields if possible. 7. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Frank updated the commission on soccer program in the community. Commissioner Christianson had no comments. Commissioner Roman said that there are issues at Edgerton Park that need to be addressed by the police department. Commissioner Brannon said that the Hazelwood Park's soccer fields are in poor condition. Commissioner Frank indicated the basketball program was a huge success. 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was 'QU ned by consensus at 9:25 p.m. Resp�c lly bmitt:0ad Director of Parks(9nd 13!�Cceation f kph/0515.06.min.comm