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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-18 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 18, 2009 700 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Fischer indicated eight commissioners were present, so there was quorum. 2. ROLL CALL Present Chair Peter Fischer Commissioner Craig Brannon Commissioner Carolyn Peterson Commissioner Bruce Roman Commissioner Kim Schmidt Commissioner Therese Sonnek Commissioner Mary Mackey Commissioner Dan Maas Staff DuWayne Konewko, Director of Parks and Development Doug Taubman, Parks Manager Ginny Gaynor, Open Space Coordinator 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Fischer asked for a motion to approve the agenda. He introduced new members and asked for corrections to the agenda. Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Sonnek. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Mary Mackey and Dan Maas were introduced as new members to the commission. Each new member spoke briefly introducing themselves and informing the commission about their backgrounds. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Fischer said he would address the minutes from the January 7, 2009 meeting and go through them page by page for corrections. He had two corrections A sentence read "...currently most trails begin at one point and end at another". He corrected this sentence to say "....currently most trails begin at one point and end at another; "what are the best practices" should be added. (page three) Commissioner Sonnek referred to the sentence "... how research on community gardens was done"; she believed she had said how research "in general" was done, and "dog parks" should be added with "research on community gardens". (page two) 1 Chair Fischer said there was a sentence involving discussion about basketball hoops taken up or down. He said the sentence should read "Edgerton School staff could perform this task of lowering and putting up hoops if we decide to resolve it in this way". (page four) Commissioner Brannon said a sentence stated" the staff should not deal vvth policy issues; it should read "the staff should deal vvth policy issues". (page five) Chair Fischer referred to the sentence "".there are conservation easements in the preserves right now He had meant to say that "".there are no conservation easements in the preserves". Also, the sentence "Presence of these preserves on the farm land would force a 4-1 vote for the protection". This sentence should read " would force a 4-1 vote to take away the protection". Commissioner Brannon said the date that the Hazelwood Park plan was developed (turf management plan) was 2007 (page six) Commissioner Schmidt said the sentence " indicated the President's stimulus package may bring revenue to the city" should also include the phrase "with regard to infrastructure, and the city could apply that to parks projects". (page eight) Chair Fischer said he did not "move" to adjourn the meeting; he adjourned the meeting at that time. (930 p.m.) Commissioner Schmidt moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Brannon. The minutes were approved unanimously. 5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS There were no visitor presentations. 6. LAKE LINKS TRAIL PROJECT Staff Manager Doug Taubman addressed the commission regarding the project. He said there are currently three options, and variations have been discussed in recent months. John Horn of Kimley Horn was present to provide information about the Joy Park/County Road D segment of the trail. He provided background for the new commission members and updated the other members, stating that Lake Links Trail is a connection of a trail through the Legacy Village development and Maplewood Mall; however the segment between Southlawn Drive and White Bear Avenue is not yet completed. The trail also runs through the farm property near County Road D. Recently structured through the Joy Park Area, he said they were focusing on how to provide a connection from McKnight Road to Bellaire Avenue. There are three possible alignments 1. South on McKnight Road and east on Lydia Avenue; 2. Through the power Line easement between County Road D and Lydia Avenue; 3. East on County Road D, and south on Bellaire tying into a segment of trail which was built as a part of recent improvements at Joy Park. Mr. Horn said another scenario is constructing the trail east on County Road D, south on Bellaire Avenue and east on Woodlyn Avenue, and through the Joy Park Open Space property He said they had discussed how to best make the crossing at McKnight Avenue, such as pedestrian signals and special treatments within the pavements Ultimately, the trail along County Road D would have to be coordinated with street reconstruction, which will most likely occur in 2012. Because of potential funding, city staff was exploring the possibility of the County Road D project occurring in 2009. He said there will be a neighborhood meeting 2 regarding this on February 19, 2008. There is a possibility that the coordination of County Road D and the segment of the trail on County Road D could be accelerated and occur along vvth the street reconstruction. The alignment through the Joy Park Open Space presents challenges; steep grades, vegetation, wetland areas, and frequently used worn trails. They looked at site lines at various locations and have identified the best location. He also gave the current cost estimates Option A, Lydia Avenue alignment, is the least expensive with least construction costs $240,000 Option B, alignment along County D that connects along Bellaire Avenue; approximately $325,000 There would be additional cost if the trail would go through the open space, which would be $450,000 This option is advantageous because the trail could be constructed at the same time as the County Road D reconstruction, which would result in cost savings. Option C is the most expensive through the power line easement, and it was decided that this option be dropped. He then took questions from the commission. Commissioner Sonnek asked whether notification has gone out to neighbors as far as the County Road D plan. John Horn replied there were two notifications, one regarding activities and surveying in the area, and there was a notice inviting them to a neighborhood meeting being to be held February 19, 2008. Staff Director Konevvko said if they received authorization to go ahead with a plan, they would hold a meeting on March 18, 2009. Staff would send out notices inviting neighbors to hold discussions concerning the alignments. He said there is a meeting on February 19th at the Maplewood Community Center at 700 p.m. He said that the commission is invited to this meeting; however the meeting is regarding the entire project which includes the County Road D reconstruction. He also explained to the new commission members the dravvbacks of each of the options discussed in previous months, such as mail boxes being moved, trees, landscaping, and general disruption of their properties. Commissioner Peterson referred to the nature preserve on the north side of the Joy Road, and discussion of having a trail there. Open Space Coordinator Gaynor said when the Master Plan for Joy Park was developed it was difficult to develop because of all the issues with this park. They were very clear in the Master Plan that they would have no paved trails on the north side of the road. She said they would like to respect that decision. Chair Fischer said he had walked through the area in discussion and it was very rough, wooded, and had steep inclines. Commissioner Roman also had walked through part of the area and he agreed that it would not be environmentally friendly, and also cited safety concerns. Commissioner Fischer said they should focus on the Joy Park link first and then vvth County Road D versus Lydia Avenue. Commissioner Brannon suggested they have a vote or show of hands about the segment continuing through the north of Joy Park. The consensus was that they would drop the option through Joy Park. The other options remaining were County Road D versus the Lydia Avenue option. Staff Director Konevvko stated the other two options are County Road D east to Bellaire Avenue going south, or south on McKnight Avenue joining with Lydia Avenue, east on Lydia Avenue and connecting vvth the trail already constructed. He said they have had meetings vvth Lydia Avenue residents and the people that live in the Bellaire Avenue and Lake Street area were also included in that distribution list. He said staff is looking for direction so they can work with John Horn to finish this project. 3 Commissioner Sonnek asked if they could have an itemized list and a summary prepared of directly impacted resident numbers for each plan, and Commissioner Brannon said he would also like to see a summary of this project so they can come to a decision. Commissioner Peterson would also like to see a list of safety concerns for each option. Chair Fischer then asked neighbors to add or comment on the discussion. Lori Johnson, resident on Lydia Avenue, spoke about the importance of the natural area on the north side of Joy Park. She said it is an area that the neighborhood uses frequently, and it was a much appreciated area. Judy and Ken Murray, 3060 Lake St., Maplewood. Mr. Murray said a north of Joy Park plan was defeated in 2004. He said one of the problems is police do not patrol the area; if someone would get hurt, it is difficult to get back into that space. Terry Dunkle said he lives on the west side of Silver Lake on Lake Blvd, North St. Paul. He said they have been residents since 1983. He was concerned about possible development of that area because of the wild and natural area. He came tonight to speak against any kind of development or change to vvhat is there. Richard and Lori Roth, Woodlyn Avenue, off Bellaire Avenue, Maplewood. Mr. Roth said they live across from where the trail may run. He said he has lived in Maplewood since 1972, and that area in Joy Park has always been preserved, and a blacktop trail would ruin the area. He also felt the County Road D alignment is narrow between the road and the fence, leaving little room for a trail. Dave Johnson, 2587 Lydia Avenue, Maplewood. He wanted to thank the commission, city staff and staff member Ginny Gaynor for her important role in the Master Plan. He thought it was well thought out when it was determined that a paved pathway in the north of Joy Park was not a viable option. They were not happy with the trail in front of their home; however they would rather have it one way rather than surrounded on two sides. 7 NEW BUSINESS Dog Park Subcommittee Commissioner Roman reported the subcommittee held their first meeting on February 4, 2009. The members are Dave Johnson, Commissioners Schmidt, Roman, and Sonnek. They discussed the needs and features of dog parks at their first meeting. Commissioner Sonnek displayed an article from the American Kennel Club (AKC) titled "Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community" which has discussions included on starting a dog park. Commissioner Roman shared information about a book entitled "So You Want to Build a Dog Park" which Commissioner Sonnek is attempting to purchase. Commissioner Roman said he was elected chair of the committee. They will gather information and discuss the feasibility of dog parks. They spent time coming up with a timetable and are planning on having meetings through August or September, 2009. The meetings vvll be held the first Wednesday of every month. They would like to start touring possible sites in May. Commissioner Roman said the University of Minnesota study showed there was interest in having a dog park in Maplewood, and the subcommittee vvll gather more information about dog parks, including specific sites, pros and cons of having a dog park, talking with businesses in the area such as PetsSmart@, regarding contributing to or funding a dog park. They talked about amenities that would be preferred in a 4 park, such as benches, water to play in, covered plastic barrels, shade, and jumping areas. They also talked about a dog park in Maplewood possibly being unique, trying to make it different than anywhere else. He said their next meeting is Wednesday, March 4th at 700 p.m. Commissioner Roman asked if there was anyone else on the commission or interested citizen that would like to serve on the subcommittee. Chair Fischer said if there is a fourth person interested, it would be acceptable to add another person. Commissioner Maas asked about lighting for a dog park. He said there is a dog park on Lake St. in Minneapolis, and the lighting is very extensive, lighting up the entire area. Commissioner Schmidt said there is lighting they could use that is more down-cast in nature. Commissioner Schmidt asked if they were planning on serving just the city of Maplewood; if the park was really unique and unusual, it would draw people from all over the area. They discussed how they were going to have people share costs if they traveled from other areas. Commissioner Mackey said when attracting people to the dog parks they may want to take into consideration the proximity of other businesses, like fast food restaurants or other attractions, so people can have refreshments while their dogs are at the park. The commission had further discussion on other possible sites for a dog park. Chair Fischer said there is a possibility of working vvth Ramsey County or St. Paul on possible sites as well. 7 COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS There were no commissioner presentations. 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS Manager Taubman said the community gardens project was being worked on by Open Space Coordinator Gaynor. Regarding the Lion's Park project, a survey was sent out to residents the week of February 9, 2009, and the deadline for returning the surveys is Friday, February 20th The staff mailed out 300 surveys, and had received 43 back. He would have the results at the March commission meeting. Regarding Legacy Park, Manager Taubman would prepare a proposal for the city council to move ahead with the planning process. 9. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Fischer said that each year a chair and a vice chair are elected. He asked for nominations. The commission submitted nominations to staff. Peter Fischer and Bruce Roman were nominated for chair. Bruce Roman declined, so Peter Fischer was voted to be chair for 2009. The motion was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The same process was followed for vice chair. The nominations were taken and Bruce Roman, Craig Brannon, and Carolyn Peterson were nominated. Craig Brannon and Carolyn Peterson declined; Bruce Roman was elected vice chair for 2009. The motion was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. 9. ADJOURN Chair Fischer adjourned the meeting at 940 p.m. 5