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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-17 Parks Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission October 17, 2007 Meeting Minutes Present Commissioner Craig Brannon Commissioner Donald Christianson Commissioner Peter Fischer, Chairperson Commissioner Bruce Roman Commissioner Kim Schmidt Commissioner GaolyYang Commissioner Michele Gran Absent Commissioner Julie Binko Staff Present Duane Konewko Approval of Agenda Mr. Konewko sent out two packets. Commissioner Christianson made motion to approve the agenda, Commissioner Roman seconded the motion. All Ayes Approval of Minutes Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve the September meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Christianson. All - ayes with three Abstentions. Visitor Presentation Jennifer Haskamp is a sub-contractor of Schoell Madson hired to update the Parks, Trails and Open Space Component ofthe Comprehensive Plan. Some key points of her presentation were: . The Metropolitan Council requires that the Comprehensive Plan be updated every eight years. . The Plan needs to address a growing population. And how parks, trails and open spaces will be affected by the growing population. The South Maplewood Area will serve as an area where we can learn and develop plans that satisfy neighborhood needs. . Three members from the Parks Commission are needed to participate on Task Force. . The time commitment for this Task Force is 6 meetings about 4 before the end of the year with two following shortly after the beginning of 2008. First meeting is a walking tour on November 3, 2007, to get a sense of what Maplewood has and what we need to do in the future. The remainder of the meetings will hopefully be on the same evening as Parks Commission. . The purpose of Task Force is look at the existing Chapter ofthe Comprehensive Plan and look at what we can do differently or better. The commitment from Task Force members will be one night per week at this point. . Five Commissioners were interested in being on the Task Force. Discussion took place and the Commission decided to have Commissioner Fischer, Commissioner Peterson, Commissioner Brannon, as representatives and as an alternate Commissioner Christianson to represent the Parks Commission on the Task Force. . Each City Council member will appoint an at large member to the Task Force. . Mr. Konewko encouraged all Commissioners to get involved. . Ms. Haskamp will be doing the mailings and setting up the meetings. . Commissioner Gran asked what the expected outcome ofthe Task Force will be. Ms. Haskamp replied that the outcome will be the updated Chapter for the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Gran also asked ifthe topics ofthe meetings have been defined. Ms. Haskamp replied that the topics need to be further defined but that the agendas would be posted. . Mr. Konewko asked who would coordinate the input ofthe other stake holders. Jennifer said they would be asking stakeholders to specific meetings when their knowledge would be valuable. Ms. Haskamp stated the key message is keeping communication lines open. Ron Cockriel, 943 Century Avenue - Mr. Cockriel stated that the comprehensive look at the inventory of parks and trails and open spaces is a great opportunity for the City of Maplewood. This morning Mr. Cockriel was in St. Paul at the National Parks Service Office. He had a meeting with there regarding the issues with the corridor (the gorge of the Mississippi River) from Hastings to Ramsey. They have come out with a brand new map for the 72 mile corridor. This map will show what the other communities are doing with this corridor. Maplewood is fortunate to have 180 acres of a National Park in its boundaries. Presentations . Gladstone Streetscapes -Last night the Planning Commission met and discussed Gladstone streetscaping ideas. Mr. Konewko distributed copies ofthe slide presentation to those who did not attend the meeting. Commissioner Fischer, Commissioner Roman, Commissioner Peterson and Commissioner Christianson were at the meeting. o Commissioner Christianson commented that streetscaping was discussed including street lighting. It was suggested to have similar lighting fixtures as those in the Legacy Village area. The Planning Commission discussed pedestrian crossings. Commissioner Christianson also commented on the problems of having bicycle paths in round about. Commissioner Christianson suggested that crossings be delineated by pavers. Phase One needs to be completed by the end of 2008 because of the funding. The Planning Commission seemed in favor of burying the power lines even though this would be a big expense but this has not been decided yet. o Commissioner Roman added concerns about biking through a round about area. He suggested making the bicycle paths wider. o Commissioner Peterson stated the Planning Commission briefly talked about a historical emphasis on the Gladstone area. It may be possible for some sort of historical display in Gladstone Savannah Preserve. o Commissioner Fischer stated that Phase One is not using any PAC funds. It might be an idea to use PAC monies on these historical plaques. o Commissioner Fischer suggested using pervious surfaces in this area. o Commissioner Gran commented that the Parks Commission be involved in the planning aspects of this area. o Commissioner Peterson mentioned that there was a discussion of rain gardens along this streetscape. o Commissioner Fischer also commented Ginny Gaynor will be involved as an Open Space advisor. o Commissioner Schmidt stated concerns of number of traffic lanes in this area for safety reasons. o The next Phase ofthis project will take place in the later part of 2008 and early 2009. South Maplewood study presentation - Commissioner Christianson and Commissioner Roman didn't stay for this part of the meeting because it seemed to take a development and density direction. Density will affect the Parks Commission in that it will determine what services will be needed in the area. The Commission will learn more as we go through the Comprehensive Plan process. Mr. Konewko included handouts in your agenda packets. Please look at this information for discussion at the next meeting. Nature Center Update -Mr. Konewko distributed information including a list of a proposed draft of activities from November through January. The Friends ofthe Nature Center had their annual picnic. The Friends received a $3,500 donation towards the purchase of an Energy Bike that will be displayed for use at the Nature Center. The Energy Bike will be used as an educational tool for energy conservation Natural Preserves Open Space Update - Mr. Konewko stated that they will be doing the testing starting October 8th at the Savannah and in 3 to 4 weeks we will get test results back. The results will determine where we go from here. Joy Park Master Plan - There is $200,000 in the proposed CIP for Joy Park. Community Center Recreation - no report NESA Soccer Fields . Mr. Konewko asked for direction concerning the demonstration grant money. He spoke to other organizations that use artificial turf and received negative feedback. Mr. Konewko would like to decline the grant and work on a maintenance program for the soccer fields. . Mr. Konewko would like to work with NESA to put together a solid maintenance plan and scheduling plan for the soccer fields. . Mr. Konewko suggested partnering with NESA, as a major stakeholder. Look at natural turf. $30,000 could go a long way in a maintenance program. . Seeding is a better long-term product over time. The fields that are seeded will need time to rest. The City partnering with NESA will have to be more aggressive on the enforcement of not using these seeded fields. At this point we are just talking about Hazelwood for permit use. The Commission will need to identify parks that would be viable alternatives. . Commissioner Brannon asked how NESA felt about turning down the grant. They are more concerned about maintenance and working with the city to monitor the use of the fields. . Mr. Konewko asked the Commission for their feelings about not utilizing grant: o Commissioner Brannon stated that $60,000 is a lot of money to cover such a small space. Commissioner Brannon believes that the money would be better spent on a good maintenance plan. o Commissioner Schmidt asked how far would the $60,000 go in a maintenance program. Mr. Konewko said there is only $30,000 in that account on the restoration of the fields. Motion: Commissioner Fischer moved that we forego the demonstration grant then use the money to focus on developing and implementing a maintenance plan for the Hazelwood Soccer Complex with the support ofNESA. Commissioner Brannon seconded motion. Ayes- all. Conservation Easements Update - There was a presentation at the City Council meeting on Conservation Easements. The Open Space Task Force put a letter together for recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Fischer had a copy ofthat letter and read Open Space Task Force recommendations. Some ofthe recommendations were: . That the City enhance protection from the neighborhood preserves and protection entails a combination ofland protection methods. Also recommends that the City postpone vote for extending the contract with MN Land Trust to allow the City Council time to learn about other land protection tools since Conservation Easements are the most costly and most permanently binding. . Conservation easements may be a good option for preserves with high conservation value but are not appropriate for all preserves. . It was recommended that the City look at other protection tools and explore the various options. . The Task Force recommended that the City Council delay entering into the agreement with the MN Land Trust until the City has identified other options. Commissioner Fischer encouraged the Commission to look at the October 15th City Council Meeting Packet for more information on Conservation Easements. Mr. Konewko stated that staff is recommending to the Council the approval of the proposal from the Minnesota Land Trust to take a look at the 4 or 5 sites that were identified in Tier I to see if Conservation Easements would be the correct tool to use. Staff is asking that the Parks and Recreation Commission to approve the proposal from the MN Land Trust and direct staff to start looking at the other tools that could be used to protect other preserves. Commissioner Christianson asked what is the cost for consultant? Answer was $55,000. Mr. Konewko stated that Conservation Easements are the most protective. Staff was asked to develop a list of all other options that are available: . Ownership of Public Opinion . Ordinance defining what activities can be done at those sites. . Deed Restrictions . Limited term contract easements . Ordinance requiring of Super Majority vote . Comp Plan Amendments . Ownership of Public Option . No net-loss . Zoning . Conservation Easements Concerns were expressed about various parcels and appropriate tools to be used. Mr. Konewko encouraged the Commission members to attend the City Council meeting on Monday. Commissioner Christianson and Commission Peterson voiced their concerns of Conservation Easements. Commissioner Gran stated it would be nice to have an extended conversation about conservation easements and educate ourselves. Mr. Konewko is willing to go through the other options at the next Commission meeting. Commissioners expressed their concerns about not knowing or discussing the other options. Those that are interested in learning about the other options should attend the next City Council meeting. Fund Balance Mr. Konewko included the PAC Fund Balance Report in the packet. Mr. Konewko presented the staff report. The Commission will need to address the decline in PAC Funds. Continuation of Capital Improvement Plan Parks Program Mr. Konewko presented the staff report. Information was included with the packet that was sent out. The Capital Improvement Plan will be discussed at the next Council meeting. Mr. Konewko asked to draw the Commission's attention to page 2 Neighborhood Parks - Capital Improvement funds being used to do build out of existing trails. There is $200,000 in the Park Development Fund for 2008 for Joy Park. The CIP included $990,000 for building out of master trail plan. Gladstone Savannah Improvements has all the dollars in it that were requested. Lion Park Improvements have been put on the 2008 Calendar for $25,000. Open Space was reduced from $75,000 to $50,000. The Commission discussed Lion's Park and the dollar amount recommended by staff. The Commission recommended $200,000 and the staff recommended $25,000. Trail component is different from the Commission's recommendation of $500,000 and the CIP has $900,000. Discussion took place regarding Lion's Park and the amount recommended by staff. No action is needed on this item. Comprehensive Parks Plan A discussion took place on the Comprehensive Parks Plan. It bothers Commissioner Christianson that for all the years the Park Commission has worked on the comprehensive plan update and this year, for the first year, only three Commissioners will be on the Parks Comprehensive Plan Task Force. Commissioner Brannon suggested that the alternate be a rotating role so that where there is a subject someone has a strong interest in to be at that meeting. New Business Final comments Commissioner Schmidt asked ifthe Parks Commission ever participate in any other Commission's plans? Mr. Konewko answered, no. Commissioner Yang would like to thank the staff for supplying the spreadsheet ofthe park usage. She stated that the Commission needs to look at the information in the spreadsheet and look at what is available at the each park and if it is reflective of people who are using the park. Staff did go out and rate trails. Staff will also assess the parks and define what condition they are in. The community needs are changing. It was suggested that the City track how often people use facility and what they use it for. This way we can make an informed decision on what is needed at the City Parks. Commissioner Fischer commented that labeling trails such as Applewood Park and Vista Hills could be an Eagle Scout Project. Adjourned at 10:10 Next meeting is scheduled November 21,2007 - Commissioner Fischer suggested picking up the day the Task Force uses for their meeting. Mr. Konewko will check into this.