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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-17 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 17, 2008 700 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL - Six commissioners are present to form a quorum. Present Chair Peter Fischer Commissioner Carolyn Peterson Commissioner Bruce Roman Commissioner Kim Schmidt Commissioner Therese Sonnek Commissioner Donald Christianson Commissioner Craig Brannon Absent Commissioner Julie Binko Staff DuWayne Konewko, Community Development and Parks Director Doug Taubman, Park and Recreation Manager Steve Kummer, Civil Engineer II 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA . Commissioner Christianson made a motion to approve the agenda as modified, seconded by Commissioner Sonnek. All ayes. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 19 2008 . Chair Fischer stated that the roll call on November 19th included Commissioner Josh Richter he stated that they do not have a Commissioner Josh Richter. . Commissioner Sonnek said the spelling of her name " Teresa" should be " Therese". . Commissioner Christianson thanked staff for having page numbers on the minutes. He said page 7, 2nd bullet point from bottom should be "2011, not "20011" . Chair Fischer referred to page 11, 2nd bullet point from top; "Fischer" is misspelled. . Commissioner Christianson motioned to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Brannon. The motion carried by a vote of 5 to 0 vvth one commissioner abstaining. 1 5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS - none 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS LINKS TRAIL PROPOSED ALIGNMENT DISCUSSION/MCKNIGHT TO BELLAI RE Director Konewko stated the staff felt it would be appropriate to be brought back to the Commission for a recap, assuring everyone is heading in the right direction. Director Konewko introduced Luke Payne from Kimley-Horn & Associates, who was back to discuss the alignment option that involves County Road D and present a summary of some of the discussion points brought before the public hearing and address questions. Mr. Payne stated he will be presenting additional findings on the Lake Links Trail, specifically the segment which would link the existing Lake Links Trail to the western right-of-way of McKnight Road to Bellaire Avenue. The initial meeting presented three alignment options A Pick up existing trail at western side of McKnight Avenue, extend southward on McKnight Avenue and follow Lydia Avenue eastward where it connects with the Joy Park Trail. This was the preferred alternative. B. Follow power line easement behind the resident's houses. This option provided a variety of positive benefits in a natural setting; however, there are cost and acquisition issues that eliminated it C Extend northward on McKnight Road follovvng north right-of-way of County Road D and easterly down to Bellaire Avenue connecting to the Park Trail. Mr. Payne stated one option that has not been explored is connecting to a point on Bellaire Avenue and Woodlyn Avenue and extend trail eastward into city open space (Joy Park), negotiating on ridge top and avoiding existing wetlands, and then connecting to the existing Joy Park Trail; which will impact wetlands, grading, and tree removal. Mr. Payne would like input on this option. Commissioners Peterson and Christianson asked about easements and if mailboxes would have to be moved. Mr. Payne responded that mailboxes can be moved, and there are easements to deal with. Commissioner Brannon asked if there had been discussion of the cost of the route through Joy Park. Mr. Payne stated it would be approximately $100,000 additional to add 22,500 feet of additional trail. Commissioner Schmidt asked how difficult it would be to extend the trail through the wetlands. Commissioner Roman mentioned floating boardwalks as an option. Mr. Payne stated that they are investigating where the wetlands are and how pedestrian bridges/culverts can be used Commissioner Roman asked if Bellaire Avenue could have a 10 foot wide trail. Mr. Payne said it could be approximately 20 feet to the back of the trail; with 10 feet of ditch, trail, and right of way. Commissioner Roman asked if that was enough room to keep mail boxes. Mr. Payne stated that they would be in the ditch area. 2 Commissioner Roman asked about an island median between the north/south bound traffic on McKnight Road. Mr. Payne said this was considered. Commissioner Roman also asked about the possibility of 1 lane in each direction instead of 4 lanes of traffic along McKnight Road. Mr. Payne said he didn't see it as a feasible option. Commissioner Sonnek asked about user-activated crosswalk signs on McKnight Road. Mr. Payne said this was absolutely possible; actuators could be implemented as LED signs as a warning surface that would activate the lights. Commissioner Peterson asked about the possibility of getting a grant for crossings in Joy Park, since it is a state trail? Chair Fischer stated that wakes from snowplows crossing over where County Road D runs close to the freeway; there will be loss of trees if the trail is along that route, with much freeway noise. The first 3-5 homes on D would have a buffer, however there would be increased freeway noise for others. Commissioner Peterson stated you can add trees on the northern edge of County Road D as a buffer. Commissioner Sonnek asked about wetlands in the Open Space; she is concerned about development there. Commissioner Brannon stated that the added cost of $100,000 going through Joy Park concerns him. Commissioner Peterson stated that a trail protects a preserve, because people are more likely to stay on the trail, and asked about what material would be used for the surface. This is important for everyone, but especially the disabled, seniors, and families with children. Chair Fischer said that the trail option through the Preserve was dropped because of the wetlands. Discussions vvth the neighbors are important to keep them in the loop. Commissioner Peterson would like to meet with the Advisory Task Force. She also said that the neighbors weren't involved vvth the planning process. Chair Fischer said there were 5-6 meetings with neighbors. Commissioner Schmidt asked if traffic/crime was discussed vvth the neighbors, or did they prefer not to have a trail there. Commissioner Brannon said they preferred not having traffic through their backyards. Commissioner Schmidt asked if there was a study done about crime reduction because of increased traffic. Commissioner Brannon stated they did not go into actual statistics. Commissioner Schmidt asked if we knew how much crime was involved. 3 Commissioner Brannon stated they would have to talk to the neighbors regarding crime incidents; there was some intimidation involved relating to the crime issue. Commissioner Peterson said the path shown on the purposed plan through the north of Joy Park does not go close to the residents backyards. Chair Fischer stated that it is all in people's definition how they feel. It does not get very close to their property lines, but it still has an impact. Commissioner Sonnek asked if there was a schedule for notifying residents on the County Road D plan. Staff stated that they do not at present They are looking for further direction from the Commission. Commissioner Brannon stated there are 3 different options, so before next hearing they should have a meeting with the neighbors in the area. If they talk about County Road D and people get upset, the neighbors will be angry and they will have to come back to the Gall Avenue option. Commissioner Peterson stated they should schedule a meeting with the Technical Advisory group. Commissioner Christianson stated he was unable to attend the last meeting but read the minutes. It was discussed keeping options A and C and eliminate B. Discussion involved the fact that they really are talking about just A and C Can we eliminate Option B. Commissioner Christianson made a motion to take option B off the table. Second? Commissioner Brannon seconded the motion. Commissioner Sonnek suggested they name the options 1 and 2. A motion was made to rename them. All in favor Aye. Opposed None. Commissioner Brannon asked if they should have another public hearing in February and meet with the neighbors before that hearing. Commissioner Sonnek asked Staff if there was a utility right-of-way in the Park. Mr. Payne responded that they would have to do a study about a right-of-way; there is no easement, but he can research the viability. Commissioner Sonnek said she would like to see a cost estimate for what is proposed and a plan that would go through the north part of Joy Park. Commissioner Roman brought up the number of options looked at He thought there were still three options. Commissioner Peterson asked if it would be possible to get plans on the variation of the County Road D going through Joy Park. 4 Commissioner Brannon stated that too many options are dangerous if they're not viable. They will need information from staff if they consider the option through Joy Park. He said later this evening they will look at schedules and possibly have 2 meetings in January. Director Konewko stated they would like to bring the Comprehensive Plan back in January, so it's reasonable to assume that sometime in February they can come back to the Lake Links Trail options. Regarding costs, they would have to go out and look at the area, and vvll not be able to do that until spring. Commissioner Peterson said that she would like to know what the possibility of this option (wetlands, Joy Park) is, because if it is impossible, why pursue it Commissioner Roman said they should have information about the cost first Director Konewko suggested slovvng down the process and pushing back a meeting or hearing in February to allow time for some information to come together from the Open Space Task Force. He said that they have a flexible time frame. They will have a February meeting, contact the Task Force, and depending on what the costs are, the Commission can make the decision to include them on a future meeting. Commissioner Peterson stated at the last meeting it was said that the time frame could be pushed back because County Road D improvements won't be done until next year. Chair Fischer stated that they will slow down the process. At the February meeting they will have more information and decide what the next steps will be. 7 LEGACY PARK UPDATE - BACKGROUND REPORT/REQUESTING APPROVAL TO BEGIN PARK PLANNING PROCESS/SELECT NAME FOR PARK Engineer Kummer stated that at the October 15TH 2008 Parks and Recreation meeting there was discussion concerning a considered development of a Legacy Park tot lot, on the approximately 2.3 acres. They toured the area, the playground equipment, and the trail, and the considered development of the area. Staff was directed to get further information regarding the dedication of this parcel and developer funds. The parcel is called Outlot I. Reference was found in a developer agreement and an amendment (which was attached) from 2004. It was the development of a parcel on the southeast corner of Kennard Street and Legacy Parkway. The parcel on the southeast corner of the roundabout is part of the Legacy Village Master Plan for senior assisted housing, so that parcel is not currently available for park development According to the developer agreement, Outlot F, which is the Sculpture Garden, and Outlot I are considered for park space. When they looked into it further, they found a fund established in 2004 vvth bonds for Legacy Village development in the amount of $70,000 If there is any further discussion about development of this parcel, staff is recommending that they move forward with the parks planning process for this development Commissioner Peterson asked if the $70,000 is specifically set aside for Outlot I. Engineer Kummer stated the $70,000 was not specifically devoted to a particular outlot; it was for this development in general. Commissioner Brannon stated that looking at Outlot I on 11 B, which is page 18 on the lower right corner; construction and grading for playfields, equipment, and parking is noted by plans vvth the city. Outlet F, right above it, entailed grading for ponding and trails. As he understood it, the $70,000 which is set aside for playground equipment should be planned for Outlot I. 5 Commissioner Peterson said if they decide not to create a Sculpture Park; where would this tot lot be placed. Commissioner Brannon asked if there is a tot lot across the street on parcell. Commissioner Peterson stated there is a climbing wall, it's more of a sculpture. It's always been called a tot lot, which is a small playground. Commissioner Schmidt stated they are referring to Outlot I as a play lot, not a tot lot; it appears to her that Outlot I is the area that was intended for play, which is larger than a tot lot Chair Fischer asked if they were authorized to go ahead with the park planning process, would they continue to call it a play lot Director Konewko commented this has been in their plans since 2004, and it should be settled because the neighborhood is now developed. Commissioner Sonnek asked about parking. Commissioner Peterson said it was stated there would be room for play equipment and parking. Commissioner Schmidt stated that it would be an improvement if there was parking at all; this park is for neighborhood use only. Commissioner Peterson stated that in other area neighborhood parks there are no provisions for parking other than parking on the street Chair Fischer stated that they will go ahead with this sometime this year. 8. MISSISSIPPI STREET AND COUNTY ROAD B/BACKGROUND REPORT AND DISCUSSION Engineer Kummer reported that at the October, 2006 Parks and Recreation meeting there was a request to review the parcel of land at Mississippi Street and County Road B. The ten owners uphill from the park and south of County Road B had petitioned the City Council to develop a play lot In April, 2008, they received the petition. The vacant lot was 9/10th of an acre, and was formerly used for drainage purposes through Ramsey County. On July 9, 2007, the petition was brought before the council, and staff brought it before Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission passed a motion recommending the City Council to order grading/drainage improvements in preparation for a tot lot On July 23, 2007, the City Council considered the petition, and the Parks and Recreation Commission moved forward with placing of a tot lot in the area. They negotiated the work to grade the parcel at the southeast corner of Mississippi Street and County Road B. The work began around Thanksgiving, 2007, because the MN Dept of Transportation had other work in the area at the time. Staff applied for a grant which was not approved. They authorized a contractor to move forward with grading, and the City Council approved the change order in December to pay for the work. On August 7, 2008, some of the work had backed up because of other projects. They had staked an area for the park. Steve Dang, who represents the property owners, looked at the site. There is no action needed at this time. The next steps regarding this park is working with property owners as to what they would like, and possibly involve volunteers in the neighborhood. Chair Fischer stated it needs to be very clear that they have not done any park planning in this process, and would be cautious as to terminology; when they look at the criteria for addressing parks, there are things that raise issues such as, "here's a park, take it over for us". 6 Commissioner Brannon said they were very careful not to call it a park. It was graded to enable a possible playground location. The City Council can certainly say they want to do it Chair Fischer stated that is correct; it was a potential play area. Commissioner Peterson commented that it seems like the neighbors initiated this because they did not want their children to play in the street Would the grading of this area at least give them an area off-street Commissioner Schmidt said that homeowner Steve Dang had offered to maintain the site; would that create liability or provide us with any obligation. Director Konewko stated that they wanted to bring it back to the Commission to receive additional guidance from them on what the next steps should be. Commissioner Christianson said these types of grants are services and resources for providing technical assistance for groups building playgrounds. Regarding liability, he would recommend if it was built something should be done to prevent kids from going into the storm water pond. He questioned volunteers in the area to build the playground. The Commission could cooperate and listen to residents, however the Commission's budget does not allow them to put playground equipment there. They will bring this before the City Council. If it meets expectations they can move forward. There is a need to engage the property owners on the other side as well. 9. LEGACY PARK SCULPTURE GARDEN DISCUSSIONNANDALlSM/FUTURE PROJECT Manager Taubman stated the Legacy Village Sculpture Garden, south of Maplewood Mall was developed in 2004/2005. The original concept was to be a path vvth sculptures permanently installed and leased. The trail would be installed and sculptures would be placed in various locations along the trail. Other than the five permanent sculptures that were placed there, the park has not met the vision that originally was set forth. In a previous meeting the Commission presented challenges, and staff is looking for direction for the future of this concept Commissioner Christianson stated this could be an exciting idea for the city; he would like to see it maintained. More people are walking the trails and there is ten years before the assisted living is completed; and so the neighbors will start to take mental possession of the property, possibly including small concerts and events. Commissioner Sonnek suggested joint projects with parks and the library which would create nice programming space. She would like to see more lighting on the trail. Chair Fischer said they had tried to organize a Fine Arts Committee to work on this. The sculptures would be rock and stone, not just metal. They looked at working vvth artistic director John Holch, and as the budget became tighter, some of this was lost They could explore with Franconia Sculpture who may have individuals that would want their sculptures there. Roseville is exploring a Sculpture Park; possibly staff could check with the city of Roseville to see what they have done. Commissioner Schmidt stated that the sculptures are on the delicate side and easily broken. If they were made to be more interactive they could come up vvth a modern design. Commissioner Peterson stated that she liked Commissioner Sonnek's suggestion about music and small concerts. 7 Commissioner Brannon stated his recollection regarding Franconia was that their cost was reasonable. Manager Taubman stated this would be a good step for getting people interested in the park, and it could overcome vandalism. He vvll talk to the programming staff and discuss. Commissioner Brannon; The homeowner's association could work with residents to organize programs such as picnics and concerts. Regarding the placing of play equipment there, it will be a Sculpture Park some day. A committee should meet periodically on this and work with the city. The price of metals is going down so the sculptures should be safe. Manager Taubman will speak to Pauline Staples about the park; she was formerly involved with sculptures and concerts. She will be moving back into the program aspect of the Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Sonnek suggested more rugged sculptures and/or touchable sculptures for children. She mentioned White Bear Lake Library has a sculpture of a bench with children sitting on it that children are encouraged to touch, resulting in art appreciation. 10. DOG PARK-REQUESTING COMMISSION TO FORM A SUBCOMMITTEE TO RESEARCH/PROVIDE RECOMMENDATION TO FULL COMMISSION Director Konewko stated that the Parks Commission would like to form a subcommittee to look at locations for a dog park and report back to the Commission. Chair Fischer said Dave Johnson agreed to serve on this subcommittee, and it may be advantageous to invite someone from the Environmental Commission. There will be tough issues to deal with and that connection may help. The commission should attempt to get 3-4 people for this subcommittee. Commissioner Sonnek has access to mounds of research on this. Commissioner Binko is passionate about dog parks. Director Konewko said that he will leave it up to the subcommittee to determine when they want to meet, where, and technical support He suggested that after this meeting the group can get together to discuss logistics. 11. GOAL SETTING MEETING IN JANUARY 2009; POSSIBLY EXPLORE TWO MEETING DATES IN JANUARY Manager Konewko stated this was an item that was carried over. The Commission would like to set up a goal setting meeting in January. The Commission agreed to meet January 21 ~t, 2009. The Commission will also invite the Environmental Commission to discuss their joint goals for the year. 12. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chair Fischer thanked the Commissioner for moving the dates to January 7th and the joint goal setting meeting to January 28th Commissioner Roman vvshed everyone a good holiday. Commissioner Sonnek stated this is the end of her first year; it's been enlightening and enriching. She is new to this process, and has learned a lot She thanked everyone for what they do, especially staff. 8 Chair Fischer stated they received DVD disks of the Capstone project students made at the Community Center last week. It gave a very broad idea of what is attempted to be accomplished across the city; he suggested to view and read it; there are some natural tie ins with the other groups. He said the students did an awesome job. Commissioner Peterson stated the DVD shows the enthusiasm of the students who committed to getting out in the community. They did a really good job. Director Konewko stated that students did exceptionally well. They were very impressed with their reports and presentations and their ability to touch on the questions. 13. DIVERSITY UPDATE There was no discussion. 14. OTHER 15. ADJOURN Adjourned at 930 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2009. 9