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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-19 PRC Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING VVednesday, August 19, 2009 7:00p.m. Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes a. July 2009 5. Visitor Presentations 6. Unfinished Business 7. New Business a. Discussion of Park Development/Improvement Funding b. Review of 2009 Commission Goals Timeline c. Discussion of Commission's Role - Maplewood Community Center 8. Commissioner Presentations a. Subcommittee Reports 1. Dog Park 9. Staff Presentations a. Gethsemane Park Lease b. Lake Links Trail - Mall Segment c. Recycling in the Parks d. Sustainable Parks Update e. Legacy Tot Lot Update f. Lions Park Redevelopment Update 10. Commissioner Comments 11. Adjourn - (9:30 p.m.) Next meeting - September 16, 2009 CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, July 15,2009 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Fischer indicated seven out of nine commissioners were present, so there was quorum. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners Commissioner Craig Brannon, prese Commissioner Don Christianson, pre Chair Peter Fischer, present Commissioner Dan Maas, present Commissioner Mary Mackay, present Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, present Commissioner Bruce Roman, present Commissioner T onnek, absent Commissione t, present Staff Doug Taubm Ginny Gaynor, 3. APPROVAL OF A Commissioner Fischer requested a itions or corrections to the agenda. Commissioner Schmidt stated Commissioner Peterson requested an update of the Parks and Recreation Commission's role in the Maplewood Community Center be listed as an agenda item for this meeting. She wanted to remind Chair Fischer about this issue. Parks and Recreation Manager Taubman asked if the commission would prefer to place the issue under "goals", and the commission agreed to this. A motion was made to approve the agenda, as amended, by Commissioner Christianson, seconded by Commissioner Schmidt. The agenda was approved unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-June 17, 2009 Commissioner Schmidt stated "Gloucester" was spelled incorrectly; it should be corrected to read "Gloster" in two separate sections of the minutes. Commissioner Roman said the sentence that read "City staff will be giving support, however volunteers 1 and citizens would be the main governing faction" was correct. Chair Fischer said the citizens would be in charge of how the gardens were run; in management of the sites once they were established. Commissioner Roman said under New Business Chuck "Hall" should be corrected to read Chuck "Ahl". He also said that under the Dog Park Subcommittee section, it should read that the members were going to discuss when they would present their final report at the next meeting. A motion was made to approve the minutes of June 17,2009 by Commission Brannon, seconded by Commissioner Schmidt. The minutes were approved unanimously, as amended. A. Community Gardens - Natural Resources Coordinator 5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS- there were none. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor gave a report on the four parks chos s proposed sites for community gardens. They are Edgerton, Sherwood, Goodrich, and Robin Hood parks. She said in res ing sites for gardens they looked for flat, surmy areas, at least a half an acre of avai soils adequate for gardening; no loss of athletic fields, and ideally, not a neig k. The Bruentrip farm was removed from the list of possible sites. They el rths of the list because of the sizes ofthe parks, and possible eIiminat . The other reasons were listed in the material in the commissioner the pros and cOnS of each of the four , a preferred and secondary site and !SCUSSlOn. Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor repo parks. She wanted the commission to think a opened th or comments, questions, and Co n stated they hadn't discussed this issue thoroughly, and had nev one ofthe parks for a community garden. Chair Fischer said the co ended sites, however the final decision was never made about the 'ty garden in a Maplewood park. They agreed they would not consider d had discussed Goodrich Park. Commissioner Maas said it has been mor rective to choose the sites, and if at some time in the future the commission de 0 move ahead, they would have sites in mind. There was other discussion and quest! ns regarding water and irrigation, plots, rain gardens, parking, how to proceed if the community gardens were not successful, and vandalism. Commissioner Maas stated his recommendations would be Edgerton and Goodrich parks. Commissioner Mackay stated she is in favor of having a community garden available to citizens. The Capstone project recommended community gardens, and she believed it should be something they should pursue and choose a first and second choice. Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor stated the cost would be minimal in the fust year, and estimated between $5,000.00 and $8,000.00. This project will be a pilot for the coming year. Doctor Julie Binko commented that MapIewood schools plan to have a community 2 garden at Edgerton Park and school. Parks Manager Taubman said the plan would be to have the community gardens at the north of the Edgerton park property, which is city land, and didn't believe it would conflict with the school district's gardens. Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor said staf[is requesting the commission choose two possible sites for the gardens. They would do soil testing on both sites, and if the first site does not pass, they would go to the second site, and start the design for just one site. She said the city would like to till the proposed site in October, 2009, and she was hoping at the September meeting the commission would make a decision on this. Commissioner Maas proposed to make a motion stating the Parks and Recreation Commission would vote to have Goodrich and Edgerton Parks enter into a design phase for consideration of a potential community garden site. The motion was seconded by Chair Fischer. The commission voted on the two ch . ces, and the vote was seven to one for Goodrich Park being the first choice for a co garden, and Edgerton Park the second choice. The motion carried by a vote 0 to one. A. Goodrich Park Rainwater Gardens 7. NEW BUSINESS A staff engineer presented a report on the reconstruction . ct at Holloway Avenue and the Stanich Highlands area, which is a street reconstruction ect in the area of North St. Paul Road and Larpe venue. The construction will ocus on several streets in the area and he taIke a at Ripley Street. The construction will involve curb and gutter and inst . r systems, improving existing storm sewers, water main replacemen er main repairs. The City of Maplewood will be contributing to this aul and St. Paul Regional Water Services will be contributing for wat eplace e project is moving forward with fmal design and specifications, . s ready to go out for bids. The city is proposing four boule rain gardens and infiltration areas, and will adhere to certain requirements by the Wat shed District and city standards. The rain gardens will be along Ripley A venue with an infiltration area near the comer of Ripley Street and North St. Paul Road. He also proposed that ifthere will be a community garden in Goodrich Park, the construction crews would be able to till the ground and do any grading improvements in the park. Regarding the water/irrigation issue, there are hydrants and water mains in the area, and the engineers could construct an irrigation system for the community garden. He proposed if the commission supports the idea of doing enhancements to the park as part of the project to support the community gardens, they would be able to help. Discussion, questions, and comments ensued. He said staff would like a recommendation on Goodrich Park and coordinating the proposed community garden with the street reconstruction effort. Chad Larson was present from Kirnley Horn, the engineering consultant on this project. They discussed the rain gardens and building a retaining wall around them. 3 Commissioner Brannon made a motion to move forward with the planning and construction ofrain gardens in the area of Ripley Street and North St. Paul Road. Commissioner Mackay seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. B. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION GOALS AND PROJECTS 1. Gladstone redevelopment area. This was discussed at the city council meeting and it may go forward in September or October, 2009. 2. Continue Lion's Park development process timeline. Parks Manager Taubman said staff will have a revised plan for this process in August. In October, the Parks and Recreation commission will conduct a final hearing on the plan, and in February they hope to go out for bids. In March, 2010, it would be approved by the city council and they would begin construction in May; planning to open the park in Septe ber, 2010. 3. MapIewood Community Center - to re the relationship between the Commission and the Center. The c sion agreed to talk about what their involvement would be at the Au . ssion meeting, and in September invite representatives from the Co 'ty C to the commission meeting. 4. Work with other groups and commissio tainable Maplewood. The commission had a joint meeting with the nmentaI and Natural Resources Commission this year. The co also discussed establishing recycling programs in the parks. T pstone Project suggested community r the city, and this is in process. Commissioner Maas thought it antageous to receive a status report on how the city is progre ks Manager Taubman stated Shann Finwall could be as on Sustainable Maplewoodevery few months. The comm!ss d ask for a report in September and November, 2009. Co Bran nder the assumption that the commission was supposed on sustaining Map1ewood from a Parks and Recreation perspective and ey as a commission could do. The commission decided they would irection from staff on this issue. Staff will look at the Capstone report and in ptember, 2009 they will bring ideas of developing sustainability in the parks. 5. Finalize routes for the Lake Links Trail. The McKnight Road to Lydia Avenue route is fmished with the pIamIing stage, and the trail through Maplewood Mall is not finalized. Parks Manager Taubman said this is a Public Works project right now and staff is waiting for them to move forward. He will get back to the commission in August with a report. 6. Continue park planning for Tot Lot at Legacy Village. Chair Fischer said the commission will address this in September, 2009. Parks Manager Taubman said they would do most of this project in-house, take measurements, make a plan, and start looking at playground equipment options. There will be a staff report in August or September. Commissioner Peterson asked about the naming of the park, and Chair Fischer replied that when they developed 4 7. Sunset Park, they conducted a "name the park" contest, and perhaps they could do the same for the tot lot. 7. Continued work on the need for a dog park. Chair Fischer said this project is in progress and subcommittee will give their final report in September, 2009. 8. Finalize recommendations on purchase of land for Gethsemane. This project is on hold. Parks Manager Taubman said that until they secure a developer for this land, they will not move forward. At the last city council meeting, Gethsemane representatives were in attendance, and it may possibly be moving forward within the next twelve months. A question was asked about the lease on the land, and Parks Manager Taubman w' find out the terms of the lease and report back in August. 9. Involvement with development of community they are currently working on this, and it wi next few months. 10. Review long term park funding for redevelopment and trails and open spaces. Commissioner Peterson reminded when Councilperson Nephew attended the commission meet! forward the idea of using utility fees for revenue. During the ca improvement discussion, Mr. Ah1 and Community Development and Parks Director Konewko state ey would put together a report regarding funding options. Parks Manage n will have a report at the September or October meeting. 11. Receive more feedback fro partJIer's groups. Chair Fischer said the commission will be m the Parks and Recreation division; and they received a out wha happening at the community center. He stated h 't contacted anyone from the Open Space Task Force, Friends of the lewood Nature Center, MAA (Maplewood Athletic Association) NESA, (Northeast Soccer . ation). Parks Manager Taubman stated he would invite MAA and esentatives to attend the commission meeting in October. eenways for possible opportunities for parks and open spaces. . d they have done work on greenways with Commissioner on a joint task force with the Environmental and Natural . ssion. They have also formed a Fish Creek task force. Chair Fischer said oing project for the A. ittee Reports - Dog Park Commissioner Roman stated the subcommittee will give their final presentation in September. The subcommittee will meet on the first Wednesday in August and September. They felt they needed guidance from staff on what the next steps would be in the process. Parks Manager Taubman said the project would go through the park redevelopment process. Commissioner Schmidt talked about the positive comments other cities have about their dog parks. Chair Fischer said there is city money available for new ideas/projects in Maplewood, and a dog park would qualify for this money. The 5 subcommittee discussed whether they should charge for using the park, and securing a loan for the park. Initial costs would include fencing and other up front costs; and would be less after the park is established. They also plan to have a survey sent to neighbors. Their next meeting is August 5th at 7 p.m. at the Maplewood Room at City Hall. 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS A. STAFF UPDATE Parks Manager Taubman said the Lion's Park meeting had a great turnout and great response from people attending. The Nature Center employee's were great hosts, and people were excited about the project. He also said the City Council approved the lights at Goodrich Park and the Vista Hills tennis courts pr . ect. There was a bid from the Nature Center for trail restoration which was appr . This includes restoring lime rock and adding additional rock, and a special proce iminate erosion problems. Other goals were to make trails more accessible. S ctions will be replaced. The Council approved this with a grant of $12,000 for the and will match that money. Questions were taken from the commission. B. FISHING PIER AT WAKEFIELD P Parks Manager Taubman said the city will be installing a fi pier at Wakefield Lake. The Department ofNa urces (DNR) fishing program will stocking the lake. It will be installed in a C. Mr. Taubman stated on Resources meeting and th 10. Commissioner Maas asked about the Lake Links trail at Hazelwood; and if Mr. Taubman found out if it is illegal to bike on the sidewalk. Parks and Recreation Manager Taubman said he would follow up with Community Development and Parks Director Konewko, and they will discuss this and how they will use signage in that area. Commissioner Brannon had nothing to comment on. Commissioner Christianson asked questions about Sherwood Park. There are a couple of trees cut down in the park, and he asked if there is a plan to plant new trees there. He also asked about the western part of the park by the trail and if there were plans to build permanent fencing there. Parks and Recreation Manager Taubman said he would bring a report back to the next meeting. 6 Commissioner Schmidt said the bike trail that goes through Harvest Park under County Road C has a much worn out area. Commissioner Christianson stated this is private property, which is why it is not paved. Regarding swimming lessons, she commented on the swinuning lessons through the Maplewood Community Center. The quality ofthe lessons is excellent, and she wanted to thank the community center. Commissioner Mackay wanted to thank the PlamIing Commission for the wonderful tour they conducted. Both Commissioners Christianson and Peterson said that it was one of the best they have been on, and Ms. Mackay said it was very informational and in depth, and it was a great time. Commissioner Peterson she said there is walking tours around the Bruentrip farm on Johnny Appleseed day. In August, Audra Robbins, city Parks and Recreation, has planned a movie night at the farm. Commissioner Br seconded 9:55 p. ture Center. It is a non profit group s to ad ess the needs of the nature for the needs throughout y have been working with way corridor. They will have Day at the Bruentrip Farm o encourage everyone to ndars from the Friends of Chair Fischer spoke on Friends of the Maplewo that was formed several years ago to help ra' center and the neighborhood preserves. The Maplewood in the open spaces and greenway co and have been active in advocating for the Fish Cr their 2010 calendars available for sale on Johnny App on August 15th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chair Fischer w attend Johnny Appleseed Day and to think about buying the the Maplewood Nature 11. djourn the meeting and Commissioner Maas . mously and the meeting was adjourned at 7 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Doug Taubman, Park and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Park Improvement Funding DATE: August 12,2009 On July 27 I sent an emaiI to approximately twelve communities inquiring as to what funds, other than PAC funds, do they receive for park development, redevelopment and improvements. The communities I contacted were either first tier suburbs or communities which I believed would be significantly developed with little Pac funds being generated. The responses I received are attached to this memo. Hopefully this will provide you with some information that will be helpful durirIg our discussion about funding parks. City of St. Louis Park Several years ago our City Manager and I talked to the City Council about the lack of development funds coming into the Park Improvement Fund and the continuing needs in our park and trail areas. The council decided to levy an addition 1 % above and beyond their operating levy for park improvements. That money now goes into the Park Improvement Fund. It comes to around $420,000 annually. In addition, any Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) we were getting from the State was put into the Park Improvement Fund. When we lost our LGA funding in 2003, we made a decision not to be dependent on any state funding for our general fund so any other money we got like MVHC, would be directed to capital funds. Now that we are losing our MVHC (about $500,000 per year), that will be a loss to our park improvement fund. Let me know if you have any questions. Cindy Walsh St. Louis Park Citv of Fridlev The City of Fridley Parks Capital Improvement Fund has received funds from Park Dedication Fees (approx. $10,000 each year), from interest earned on the fund balance (approx. $50,000 per year) and around $100,000 from the general fund. For at least the next two years, the money from the general fund will not be available and we have scaled back our park capital projects. The only other sources of funds are grant dollars and donations. We have not had a lot of those types of dollars over the past several years. I hope this information helps. Call me if you need clarification on this. Jack Kirk 763.572.3575 City of Brooklvn Park Brooklyn Park also has a Heritage Fund. This is funded through the general fund with a calculated amount put aside for future capital improvements to existing infrastructure. We have recently been designating park projects to be funded through the Heritage Fund if they are replacement oriented. We are hoping a sale of park property will materialize on a park deemed surplus. This has been pending for almost two years, however. These funds would go to the park dedication fund. We are also leasing land for cell towers. This revenue goes into the park dedication fund as well. Those amounts vary from a few thousand dollars per year up to $18,000 per year. That's about all we have done. Brooklyn Park has a fledgling foundation and they may eventually become an alternative funding source. Good luck with your fact-finding and let us know if there are any brilliant ideas out there. Jon Oyanagi City of Brooklyn Park Director, Recreation and Parks 5600 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 763-493-8337 City of South St. Paul Unfortunately here in South St. Paul, we rely on the general fund for almost all of your park development or major restorations. We have been a built-out community since the 1980s however we do have a newer 87-acre parcel we are slowly trying to develop. For local projects, general fund and park dedication has helped pay for it but our park dedication is VERY limited since we rely on business development and lot splits other that the complete construction of sub-divisions or town homes like other communities. Our council prides itself by being a "pay as you go" operation and does not usually act until something has failed, broken or is on the verge. For regional projects, we have relied on bonding bill funding from the state. We recently completed a $1.4 million tunnel for our regional trail. Once again, we were successful because the project was deemed regional. As you can see we are not too creative here and face the same issues as everyone else. Luckily we do not have a huge system to maintain. I really feel for the larger cities that built and built with park dedication but now have dwindling funds to maintain what was built. I have no magic formula or funding to share. Good luck with your search. City of New Hope The city of New Hope set up a special levy for streets and for parks in 2001. The park infrastructure fund was then set up and beginning with 2001, $250,000 was set aside for park projects. Each year the dollar amount to be taxed for the fund is to go up a bit with inflation but it doesn't always happen. For 2009 we levied same amount as 2008 - $296,000. We also charge park dedication fees but with a fully developed city not much comes from that charge. Just FYI: the street levy started out at $1,000,000 that first year. No one who pays property taxes has been assessed for street projects since then - we do a street project just about every other year. At first the residents were really unhappy with both the park and street levy. Since a few projects have occurred and no assessments were levied (except against tax exempt properties) people are more and more happy with the program. New Hope is still listed as one of the highest taxed cities in the metro but the media continues to tell only part of the story and doesn't ever explain the no assessments part of the story. Let me know if you have questions. We Create Community Through People, Parks and Programs Shari French, Director New Hope Parks and Recreation 4401 Xylon Avenue North New Hope, MN 55428 763-531-5152 (phone) 763-531-5136 (fax) City of Roseville The city of Roseville has been working with a consulting firm to access park needs and to help with a referendum that will produce a park improvement fund. The goal is to fund park improvements from the fund earnings. City of Richfield Richfield receives all funding for parks capital expenditures from the annual proceeds of four City owned liquor stores. Our annual budget is $450,000. A small amount of additional funding comes from various matching grants from the State. Hope this information helps. Jim Topitzhofer 612-861-9394 Park and Recreation Commission Goals for 2009 From 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Report 1. Proyide recommendations on development of park assets in the Gladstone redevelopment area. a. Dependent upon future development schedule 2. Continue the park redevelopment process at Lions Park a. Timeline has been established i. September 2009 - PRC reviews revised conceptual plan ii. October 2009 - Parks and Recreation Commission conducts public hearing on final plan iii. February 2010 - Project bids are accepted and reviewed iv. March 2010 - Project bids are taken to the City Council for approval v. May 2010 - Construction begins vi. September 2010 - Park Opens 3. To review the relationship and involyement between the Parks Commission and the Maplewood Community Center. a. August 2009 - PRC discusses their advisory role as it relates to the MCC b. September 2009 - Citizen Services Director and MCC Manager meet with PRC to discuss role of commission 4. To work with other groups and commissions on the Sustainable Maplewood report. a. September 2009 - Staff to provide PRC a report on sustainability in parks based upon Capstone/Sustainable Maplewood Project 5. To finalize routes on the two last segments of the Lakes Links Trail. a. McKnight/Lydia segment finalized b. August 2009 - Report to PRC the status of Maplewood Mall segment 6. Continue the park planning and naming process for the tot lot park in Legacy Village. a. August 2009 - Present budget and timeline to PRC 7. Continue work on the need for a dog park in Maplewood. a. Sub-committee continues to work on this project and should haye a recommendation by Noyember 2009 8. Finalize the recommendation on the purchase of land for a Gethsemane Park and pass it forward to the City Council. a. August 2009 - Update on lease agreement with Gethsemane Church 9. Inyolvement with the development of community gardens. a. Ongoing process with the goal of having a community garden in 2010 10. ReYiew long term park funding for redevelopment and restoration of Parks, Trails and Open Spaces. a. Chuck Ahl and DuWayne Konewko to meet and report to the commission in the fall of 2009 11. Receiye more feedback from staff and other partner groups (Open Space Task Force, Friends of Maplewood Nature, MAA, etc.) a. November 2009 - Invitation to NESA and MAA to update PRC 12. Review of Greenways for possible opportunities for parks and open spaces, i.e. Fish Creek, Beaver Lake, etc.