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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-21 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:00p.m. Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast 1. Called to Order by Commission Fischer at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Commissioners Binko, Brannon and Sonnek were a few minutes late. 3. Approval of Agenda a. Commissioner Fischer requested that the May 7, 2008 Meeting Minutes be removed from the agenda. The set included in the packet was not complete. The May 7, 2008 meeting minutes will be placed on the next meeting agenda. b. Commissioner Christianson made a motion to accept the amended agenda and was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt. Motion carried. 4. Approval of Minutes a. Commission Fischer asked if there were any corrections to meeting minutes: b. Commissioner Schmidt and Commissioner Fischer had some corrections to the minutes. c. The approval for the May 7, 2008 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes was tabled until they are complete. d. Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve the March 13,2008 meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Roman seconded the motion. All ayes - motion carried. e. Commissioner Roman made a motion to approve the March 19, 2009, meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Brannon seconded the motion. All ayes-motion carried. f. Commissioner Roman made a motion to approve the April 16, 2009 meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Schmidt seconded the motion. All ayes-motion carried. 5. Visitor Presentations - None . Delay update on preserve. . Mr. Konewko requested moving the Park Plan up on the agenda and then have Citizens Services Update report. 7. Parks, Trails and Open Space Comprehensive Plan Update - Jennifer Haskamp- and Ginny Gaynor a. Significant changes from previous plan include: i. This plan makes a clear distinction between Parks, Trails and Open Space and Natural Resources. This will allow for greater emphasis on natural resources. ii. There will be a greater emphasis on the City's trail system as a more comprehensive system. iii. Open Space will be included in this chapter as a part of the overall Parks system. The Open Spaces will be seen in the Land Use Plan. iv. A special section on the proposed park and trail system in South Maplewood. b. After the Summary is approved the sections and tables will also need to be updated. c. The maps are almost complete and should be available for the next meeting The primary objective for this evening is to have an informal discussion on the materials in the Draft Summary Chapter. d. Introduction and Background i. Separate City Owned property from other property. Commissioner Fischer asked that the number of acres of county and state owned park land be made more general because of properties owned by watersheds and the Battle Creek Ski Jump area. ii. Commissioner Fischer also requested changing the last sentence of the first paragraph to read within a half mile of their homes not a half hour. iii. Background - This section lays the framework for the rest of the document. Explains the Advisory Panel and their involvement. It also includes community demographics and what regional studies have been done in Maplewood. e. Parks Trails and Open Space Goals and Objectives i. This section starts with general goals and objectives for the system and then gets more specific. ii. This talks about how the Parks integrates with Natural Resources. Ecological resources which is the tie in to the Natural Resource Systems. iii. Park land management, acquisition and development section focuses on management rather than acquisition because the City is already largely developed. iv. Trail Corridors fRight -of -Way Acquisition and Development has two goals. a) Acquire, develop and maintain an interconnected trail system for transportation, recreation, and educational purposes. b) Promote and encourage residents to be active through the development of an efficient and accessible trail system f. Comments on the first section i. Commissioner Christianson commented that the word holistic is used quite a bit in the document. What exactly does that mean? Ms. Hasskamp stated that the idea is how all parts work together to create a system and how this system integrates with other systems. How Parks, Trails and Transportation all work together. There will be one extensive and comprehensive glossary in the final document. Ms. Hasskamp will make a note to add "holistic" to the glossary. g. Community and Partnerships - This section discusses relationship building by working with school systems and other governmental entities. The majority of this section looks pretty close to the original draft. Commissioner Peterson questioned the word neighbors, does that mean neighboring communities? The answer is yes. h. Ecological Resources Restoration and Management i. Commissioner Fischer asked if use of parks was inclusive of animals such as dog parks. Ms. Hasskamp stated a dog park would be addressed as a special use type of park. Ms. Gaynor stated the Environmental and Natural Resource section talks about the intrinsic value of nature of species regardless of human uses. i. Park Land Management, Acquisition, and Development. i. The advisory panel was insistent that archeological objectives be in the objectives. j. Trail Corridors i. Commissioner Fischer asked does the transportation plan include the trails. Ms. Hasskamp stated yes and she believed that the entire trail plan will be in the Transportation Chapter also. ii. Commissioner Schmidt questioned the meaning of "potential easement where land acquisition is not possible". Ms. Hasskamp stated that if the other party would not sell the property but would grant an easement so that the trail could go through that land. Commissioner Fischer asked if this was limited to voluntary easements or would it include condemnation? Ms. Hasskamp stated that our goal is to work with the land owner first and try to work out any problems first. iii. Commissioner Brannon asked to explain "improve accessibility". Ms. Hasskamp stated it would mean classifying the trail system correctly and letting residents know how to use trails properly by using maps andfor signage. A way to understand and communicate the trail system to others. Ms. Hasskamp will support that statement with some examples. iv. Safety concerns were expressed by Commissioner Christianson and Commission Schmidt. Ms. Hasskamp stated that when planning a trail system the City's goal or objective would be to be conscious of citizens' safety not guaranteeing the citizens safety. k. Recreational and Educational Programs i. Commissioner Fischer asked if fine arts were considered educational. Commissioner Fischer's feeling is that fine arts are more cultural than educational. ii. Ms. Gaynor stated that artistic and cultural eventsfprogramming needed to part of the plan to include the MCC and its programs. iii. Commissioner Fischer wanted these words added at the higher level. Ms. Gaynor stated it needs to be at all levels. Ms. Hasskamp will make that change. iv. Commissioner Christianson's concern was including the economically disadvantaged. He questioned the statement "fair and equitable basis." Scholarships are available commented Pauline Staples. Ms. Hasskamp stated that language could be added stating along the lines of continuing to support programs such as the scholarship fund and developing similar new programs. Commissioner Peterson mentioned that Maplewood is starting programming geared toward seniors who would also need scholarships to participate in the programming. I. Funding i. Ms. Hasskamp explained that you need to maintain the areas because if you don't you will have un-welcomed guests and the park would become a determent to the City. She stated that the plan needs to show how much land the City has - how does the City maintain it, what is the parcel of land going to be maintained for and do we have funds to maintain it. If we do not have the funds to maintain it, maybe land could be used some other way that wouldn't be financially burdensome. Instead of being an active park maybe it should be an open space. Discussion took place regarding maintaining the number of parks in the City. ii. Commissioner Peterson stated the danger of losing a park that the City will never get it back. iii. Commissioner Christianson asked what the difference is between manage and maintain. Ms Hasskamp stated that manage is daily activity; maintaining is keeping the level of service. She stated these words could be part of the glossary. iv. Commissioner Sonnek stated that she feels this is the first negative statement in the document. v. Commissioner Brannon stated there should be a policy for when dollars are not available to maintain all parks. vi. Commissioner Yang also agreed that the statement was negative. Look at it as ensuring a proactive approach on how we manage the system so that it is cost effective and efficient. vii. Ms. Hasskamp stated that this section was more about being proactive. The statement is more about who is here and what their service needs are, and are we meeting the demographic needs. It is more about planning parks purposefully with a balanced approach. Are the parks being used for there best use? viii. Commissioner Peterson stated we need to look into a different system to restore PAC funds. ix. Commissioner Fischer believes that the last sentence needs to be reworded. Ms. Hasskamp will look at this objective and bring back new wording. m. Existing Conditions section discusses the existing system and identifies areas where we have made improvements, areas that continue to need improvement and emerging issues and opportunities. i. Draws attention to what the City has done. ii. Park and trail classifications are in this section. iii. The dominant use of a park is how a park will be classified in this document. iv. I mportant for citizens to know that you intend to do the things listed in this document. v. Ms. Hasskamp can add a sentence to refer that the dominant use is how the park is classified. It doesn't mean it is the only use of the park area. vi. Commissioner Sonnek asked if a dog park is active or passive. Ms. Hasskamp stated it would be an active use. n. Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan i. Ms. Hasskamp stated this section is highlighting the plan aspect- what are we going to do. In this plan there will be an existing trails and parks map. The proposed plan section will have proposed parks and trails plans and a parks classification map. There will be a parks classification map also. Define neighborhood service areas. The whole table will be updated with ownership and acreage. It will introduce all open spaces into plan no matter of ownership so that the areas can be tracked. ii. Keeping all these areas on the map will make sure that these areas are on the radar. Categorized by neighborhood (geographic) rather than classification. iii. The public schools are on the map, private schools are not. o. Trails the plan aspect i. Table 6.5 will be updated. There will be a mileage counter on every proposed trail. First number is the overall mileage and the number in parenthesis is what actually developed of the trail. ii. Discussion took place about having a park or open space within .5 miles of every neighborhood. This is our standard and criteria. iii. Commissioner Yang is concerned about neighborhood desires to change an active park to a passive park or an open space. The park maybe used by "outsiders". We need to be conscious of the neighborhood needs and the City needs. iv. Ms. Hasskamp suggested that we have to think of the systems holistically as the City and neighborhood by neighborhood Ms. Hasskamp will add bullets to clarify this. v. Commissioner Christianson questioned how neighborhood parks could be used. vi. Commissioner Sonnek questioned having the parks use fit the geography of the area. What would be practical? Commissioner Fischer stated that park land has been graded to meet the needs of the park. vii. Commissioner Christianson questioned the limit of 4-6 acres of active park plan in the Carver Ridge area. Ms. Hasskamp said that there isn't a limit, but the amount of land was based on a formulafparameters. Suggested changing the wording to a minimum of 4 acres. viii. Commissioner Peterson had a concern about the Highwood neighborhood having access to City open space and county open space. There are trail component that connect this neighborhood to other parks and open spaces. ix. Commissioner Schmidt has a comment about Special Use Parks - 2nd bullet point - stated that there is a desire for dog park not a need. x. Commissioner Peterson commented on Bruentrup Farm. The City of Maplewood wrote a lease agreement with the Maplewood Historical Society. She doesn't feel the relationship is described accurately. She suggested adding a clause to acknowledge the relationship. xi. Ms. Gaynor followed up with Mr. Moriarty, Ramsey County Parks; he stated Ramsey County does not have a Fish Creek Trial on their plan. p. Ms. Hasskamp will make changes. Her intent is to have the document back to you with the changes and the maps possibly at the June meeting. 6. Citizens Service UpdatefNature CenterfNeighborhood Preserves a. Taste of Maplewood will be on June 19, 2008. b. New programs available at the Community Center include: Latin dance, kids speed, power kick, senior smart, progressive Pilates, ballroom dance, youth floor hockey, youth yoga, and senior beat. There is membership special going on now that when a customer buys a three month membership they would get the fourth free. table tennis, c. Banquet Room Activity: The AARP Organization prepared taxes for seniors. Within a six week period, 750 people took advantage of the service. d. Wedding season. e. Theatre is just finished. f. Upcoming Events include: Blues and BBa in July in the Community Center, a Fall Bridal Expo, and a Craft Show on November 8th and 9th. g. MCC Birthday parties have been enhanced to include theme parties. h. The Community Center will start charging for Child Care starting June 1, 2008. A drop-in day care will also be added. i. Daddyfdaughter dance. j. Kids Sale - Swim lessons are up and beaches are open tomorrow. k. July 4th Celebration will feature the Lamont Cranston Band. Melrose Pyrotechnics will be presenting the fireworks. I. Adult softball, approx 100 teams. T-ball starts first week in June. MAA softball 160 girls are signed up. Gym Jammers - enrollment is up - after school program - School dances m. A lot of energy is going into Recreational Programs and the Community Center. One concern with the Center is that they want to be self sufficient. Commissioner Yang asked if the Center is nearing self sufficiency. n. Commissioner Fischer suggested scheduling the financials for the Community Center at a future meeting. Mr. Konewko will extend an invitation to Karen to come in July to our meeting. o. Ms. Staples stated that in the next City News there will be an event guide. Also watch the newspapers there will be a special section in St. Paul Pioneer Press. p. Commissioner Yang expressed concern that many banquet facilities do not offer cultural cuisine. Ms. Staples stated that four of the five caterers on contract with the Community Center will work with Asian population to meet their catering needs. 8. Silver Lake Treatment DiscussionfJoy Park a. In your packet there is information. b. The president of the Silver Lake Improvement Association, Dr. Manthei, and Paul Anderson, the vice-president were present. c. The ENRC had a meeting last evening invited DNR person to speak on native species grant. Lincoln Fletcher, Valley Branch Watershed District was present at that meeting also. d. The ENRC voted in favor of the request to fund the Silver Lake treatment at the 50% level. Their concern was ensuring property owners on the lake begin to implement BMPs as well with regard to mitigating storm water from the lake and reduce its impact to the lake. e. Mr. Konewko gave a brief background of Silver Lake: location far east section of Maplewood, approx 7200 acres. Mean depth of 7 ft, maximum depth 23 feet. Thirty-five residents live on the lake. There are two parks on the lake; one park owned by City of Maplewood and one park owned by City of North St. Paul. f. The Silver Lake Improvement Association is requesting support of City of Maplewood along with the DNR, the City of North St. Paul, the City of Oakdale, Valley Branch Watershed District, Ramsey County, and the residents on the lake to fund the treatment of the lake. The Silver Lake Improvement Association based their request on the lake shore ownership. g. In your packet is last year's report of the treatment. h. The Silver Lake Improvement Association is requesting that this be brought back to the two Commissions to request funding for the treatment of the lake. i. Staff requests the Parks Commission to decide whether or not they recommend approval of funding the treatment of Silver Lake and if the Commission recommends the treatment, where would the funding come from. j. If the Commission recommends the funding of this project, staff recommends that Y:! of funds come from Environmental Utilities Fund and the other half from PAC funds. k. Commissioner Yang asked if the Commission only recommends paying for Y:! of what the Association is asking for, what would the Association do. Mr. Konewko stated that the expenses have already been incurred by the Silver Lake Improvement Association. I. Dr. Mike Manthei informed the Commission of the noxious weed situation on Silver Lake and what has been done so far and what needs to be done. The Silver Lake Improvement Association received a grant from the DNR to help offset the costs of the treatment. The DNR is watching the Lake closely. The new treatment is 5 times the expense of last year's treatment. The Association has tried to be cost efficient. m. Dr. Manthei invited Commission members to attend the Association's meetings. n. The Association calculated the City of Maplewood's share would be 33% which would be $19,800. Staff calculated that the City of Maplewood had 27.5% of the lake shore. Shann Finwall suggested funding 50% of $16,000 which was calculated on the 27.5 % of shoreline. o. The City of Maplewood only has two parks with lake shore - Wakefield and Silver. p. Maplewood is the only one that hasn't given the full amount. q. Commissioner Sonnek stated that there are only two parks on lakes in Maplewood. r. Mr. Konewko stated that the City of Maplewood has 7 lakes that are impaired, Silver Lake is not impaired. Kohlman Lake is impaired. s. Commissioner Roman asked why you wouldn't need to spray any more after five years. Dr. Manthei said there will be continued management of the lake. There would be spot treatments. It would take 5 years to so the full lake treatment. Commissioner Roman asked if other things have been done to help eliminate the problem. t. The Association will work with Maplewood for the shoreline preservation and storm water run off. u. Discussion took place. Commissioner Schmidt stated that removal of the noxious weeds would mainly be for recreational purposes, requests from other lake associations were not approved for funding in past for recreational purposes. The Watershed Commission ensures water quality in lakes and wetlands not to ensure recreational purposes. The emphasis is on recreational purposes. v. Commissioner Sonnek stated this is a recreational lake. The City of Maplewood has a boat launch on the lake. She feels we have an obligation for the treatment of this lake. This is the only boat launch in Maplewood City Parks. w. This is a pilot project and that is why the DNR is offering grants for the program. x. It is up to the Commission to recommend to staff what proposal should be brought to the City Council. y. Commissioner Peterson made motion to support the treatment of Silver Lake at the $16,500 level. Commissioner Sonnek added a friendly amendment conditional that testing shows progress with the treatment. A full report would be brought back to the Commission next year. And to ensure that residents are implementing BMPs and working on the storm water run offs on their properties. Commissioner Fischer seconded the motion. 5 ayes and 2 nays. Motion passes. z. Funding - Mr. Konewko stated that staff recommends that some of the money come from PAC funds but it is up to the Commission. Discussion took place. The staff will try to set up parameters. aa. Commissioner Sonnek made a motion paying % of the recommended request from parks and recreation approximately $12,300. Commissioner Fischer seconded the motion. Commissioner Fischer made an amendment to the motion to be 50%. The motion was seconded. 5 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstention. Motion carried. bb. Back to the main motion 50% recreational funds 50% environmental funds. 5-ayes, 1- nay, 1-abstention. Motion carried. Commissioner Fischer adjourned the meeting at 10:10. The next Parks Commission Meeting will be on June 4, 2008 at 6:30 pm.