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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-15 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION April 15, 2009 700 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 Chair Peter Fischer Commissioner Craig Brannon Commissioner Don Christianson Commissioner Dan Maas Commissioner Mary Mackay Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, absent Commissioner Bruce Roman Commissioner Therese Sonnek Commissioner Kim Schmidt Staff DuWayne Konewko, Community Development and Parks Director Doug Taubman, Parks Manager Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator Steve Love, Civil Engineer 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Fischer asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Roman. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 18, 2009 Commissioner Sonnek asked to correct a sentence regarding the dog park subcommittee. She did not recall talking about a book which the minutes referred to entitled "The Barking Dog". She said the minutes should read that she found an article on the American Kennel Club website, entitled "Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community". She also wanted to add that she was successful in checking out a book at a library, the only library in the country that has the book Commissioner Roman referred to. She will order this book from the library once more. Commissioner Roman referred to the paragraph about asking commissioners to serve on the subcommittee. He also said that "any interested citizens could serve on the subcommittee" should be added. Regarding the sentence stating that Commissioner Peterson was nominated for the position of Chair; the minutes should state that she vvthdrew her nomination. Chair Fischer asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Roman made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Brannon. The minutes were approved, with one abstention. 1 5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS There were no visitor presentations. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Spoon Lake Preserve/Kohlman Park Rainwater Garden Chair Fischer said the discussion tonight would focus on the street reconstruction project at Spoon Lake Preserve. Manager Doug Taubman said Civil Engineer Steve Love was present once again to discuss the street reconstruction project currently planned near County Road C and Highway 61. The staff has been studying this project, and it has been brought before the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission. The current plan is to incorporate an infiltration basin into the natural surrounding area. They are proposing to hire an independent landscaper to fit this plan in with the natural environment. They are also looking at ways of planting the entire basin with trees and natural plants. Mr. Love went over the introduction once more of the area and the history and background of the project. They will provide a pre-treatment area underground, removing sand and sediment before it goes to the filtration basin. At the end of Forest Street there would be culverts underground. The plan would have a waterfall effect and planted areas. They will also be constructing a soft surface trail; vvth materials that are recommended for trail use. At Kohlman Park, they are looking at the existing rain gardens. They are planning to build a landscape area there, and a treatment basin in this area. Staff has been working with the Community Development Department on developing the landscaping plans. Mr. Love opened the floor for questions from the commission. The Commissioners asked questions and Mr. Love answered them to the best of his ability. Commissioner Sonnek made a motion to move that the commission support the plans as amended by the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. b. Lions Park Survey Manager Doug Taubman reported the survey results had been received. He said the survey was sent to residents vvthin a half mile radius of Lions Park. It was also mailed to some Oakdale residents. Most of the returns came from residents who live within two to three blocks of the park. He stated this is an aging community with approximately forty percent of the households vvth an individual over the age of sixty-four. There were thirty-four children under the age of eighteen, and some of the children were grandchildren. Many people stated they would like to see the park updated so their grandchildren could use it. They reported not using the park on a regular basis; however they would use it if it was redeveloped. The amenity they would most like to see was children's play equipment. They said the current equipment is dangerous, inadequate, and out of date. The second most requested amenity was a picnic shelter and picnic area with grills. Manager Taubman said he attempted to contact the Lion's Club, however has not heard from them as yet. He said they may be interested in contributing to a picnic area shelter. Walking trails were important to the residents, as well as improved landscaping; rain gardens, and more trees and shrubs. T-ball and little league ball fields were another of the amenities that residents suggested. The question regarding what the residents liked best about the park were playgrounds and close proximity to their homes. The question regarding what the residents liked least about the park were outdated playground equipment and needed improvements to the grounds, such as a skating/hockey rink and more lighting. In general, people were supportive of redeveloping the park. 2 The commissioners commented about the survey and amenities that were requested for the park. Manager Taubman said it is an aging neighborhood which vvll soon change over to a different population group, and so playgrounds and ball fields are important. Commissioner Christianson commented that ball fields take up much area. Manager Taubman said they are planning a smaller field; perhaps a T-ball or elementary age field. Chair Fischer said this survey was a good start in evaluating the park. The city will have additional meetings regarding Lions Park and neighbors would get involved at some point with plans and processes. Chair Fischer asked if there was a motion to accept the survey and move ahead vvth the park planning process for Lions Park. Commissioner Roman made a motion to move ahead, seconded by Commissioner Brannon. The motion carried unanimously. c. Parks And Recreation Commission Annual Report Chair Fischer and Manager Taubman distributed copies to the commission for discussion. He stated the commission submits this report each year to the City Council. Chair Fischer summarized the report for the commission members. He said they would go over the goals for 2009 and the 2008 accomplishments. There were comments and questions from the commissioners. Community Development and Parks Director Konewko clarified some points and answered some of the questions. After discussion and clarification Chair Fischer asked for a motion to approve the report and send on to the City Council. Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Christianson. The motion carried unanimously. 7 NEW BUSINESS a. Silver Lake Improvement Association Request for Herbicide Treatment Funding Director Konewko spoke about the issue of Silver Lake and treatment for this year. Silver Lake is requesting funding for the treatment of curly pond weed in the amount of $12,000 This project was approved last year by the City Council in the amount of $8,250 for treatment. The cost for the treatment would be split between the communities of North St. Paul, Oakdale, and Maplewood. This amount was approved on April 7, 2009 by the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission. The treatment will include an early application for curly pond weed. The treatment for Eurasian milfoil was discontinued because of the impact to the native plants in Silver Lake. Staff is recommending that the city provide funding in the same amount as last year, which is $8,250, with the same conditions that were attached to the funding. Director Konewko turned it over to the commission for questions. The commission had reservations about this project. Community and Parks Development Director Konewko agreed that Maplewood and the Parks and Recreation Commission were not responsible for this project; however the city had made a commitment to improve Joy Park; and the lake was everyone's responsibility. Chair Fischer asked for a motion to approve the staff's recommendation of $8,250 to treat Silver Lake (Maplewood's portion), and also to make a comment about the "tone" of the funding request letter that was sent to Maplewood. Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to approve to proceed with funding for this project, seconded by Commissioner Maas. The motion carried by a vote of seven to one. 8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS a. Fish Creek Update Chair Fischer stated several bills were introduced into the House and one into the Senate regarding this issue. He said $ 2.4 million dollars was appropriated for 2010 for Maplewood to acquire land within the Fish Creek Natural Greenway. This item had a hearing on Tuesday March 23, 2009. Community Development and Parks Director Konewko, City Council member John Nephew, and Chair Peter Fischer were present at the hearing. There were letters of support, and they were allowed ten minutes to submit their presentation. There were some questions from the Legislature, and it was identified as a potential archeological site with 3 historical significance that should not be disturbed. The money that would be used would become a constitutional amendment divided into different parts However, Chair Fischer said they had a problem later that day in that the mayor of Maplewood sent a letter to the Legislature that took "some steam" out of the sale. This letter had been sent to a Republican in the Legislature, and the mayor accused the Parks and Recreation Commission of trying to secure bailout for Co Par, who owns the property Chair Fischer reported that nothing would transpire with this issue now; because there was concern expressed by the mayor about who actually owns the land. Chair Fischer stated that the city is only trying to obtain money to buy the land, and now it vvll have to wait for the next legislative session. In terms of the money needed to purchase the land, the letter also took issue with this, and the mayor was concerned about Chair Fischer not supporting her (Mayor Longrie's) conservation easement policies. The City Council has approved a resolution to continue efforts at Fish Creek, however, and the mayor voted in favor of the resolution. The bills will automatically carry into the next fiscal year. a. Subcommittee Reports 1. Dog Park Commissioner Roman said they have had three meetings. They want to ensure they learn as much about dog parks as possible, especially if there is going to be one in Maplewood. The subcommittee made a list of pros and cons of having a dog park in Maplewood. Some of the pros . socializes and exercises dogs in a responsible environment . keeps dogs active . less crime in the area . less chance of dogs being off leash in the rest of the park . makes dogs less aggressive . promotes public safety and health . dogs must be licensed and vaccinated . provides dog owners a place to exercise their companions . will make more people active . cuts down on goose traffic. Some of the cons; . concerns for environment . nOise . maintenance and health concerns . lack of city support . dog barking, dog dumping . chance of injury to dogs . lights in area around park. There were questions from the commissioners to the subcommittee with Commissioner Roman addressing the questions. Commissioner Roman reported that they investigated different sizes of dog parks. There are standard sizes that are used throughout the country There are four different categories; mini or seasonal parks, very small; neighborhood parks, between Y, and three acres; community parks, three to eight acres, and regional parks eight plus acres. The committee will tour possible sites with their group and anyone else that would like to attend. They plan to meet in the parking lot of City Hall at 600 p.m. on May 6, 2009. They will visit nine sites and will discuss the sites afterwards. Commissioner Roman said they discussed doing a survey; however they would wait until they toured the sites. The sites to be considered are Western Hills, Sherwood, Gloster, Flicek, Kohlman, Four Seasons, Hillside, Joy and Harvest parks. Chair Fischer asked if they could have the notes from the meetings and incorporate them vvth the commission meeting notes. 4 9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. Community Gardens Manager Taubman said although he is not directly involved vvth this process; he receives feedback from the staff working on this project. He said there were two factions regarding community gardens; a community group and the city. About a month ago the city decided not to pursue a garden this year because of costs and time frames. There has been a community group that is pursuing community gardens on their own. They are looking at a number of spaces throughout the city. The city vvll eventually pursue a long term resolution to community gardens. Manager Taubman reported some of the history of community gardens and the problems associated with them. Questions were asked and answered by staff. A discussion ensued. Ramsey County Farm and Gladstone Senior Center were two of the areas the community groups were considering for their gardens. Commissioner Maas suggested that the community and the city could work together on community gardens in the future. b. Legacy Tot Lot Manager Taubman said the City Council will meet on April 27, 2009 and continue with the park planning process, developing plans for Legacy Park. The property runs parallel vvth the garages in Legacy Park at the south side of the trail and runs down to the pond in that area. Manager Taubman said the staff will inspect the area and ask for the commission's input on future development. c. Lake Link Trails Manager Taubman said they are looking at the Lydia Avenue option and seeking funding on this project. Chair Fischer said there is a need for better signage on the trails. Manager Taubman said he had plans to inspect all the parks and trails in the city. d. Recycling in the Parks Manager Taubman stated at one time they discussed putting recycling containers in parks. They are looking at piloting a program at a few parks in Maplewood. The city would initiate this program at Hazelwood and Harvest Parks. Chair Fischer stated the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission is also working on this endeavor. 10 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Sonnek said she registered for a clean-up group for Legacy Park Sculpture area on Saturday, April 18, 2009. Commissioner Maas said he could sign up and help in that park as well. Commissioner Mackay said her plan was to go to the park nearby her home, which is Playcrest. She thought there were many people that would do that as well. Commissioner Sonnek said if they officially signed up at the Maplewood Nature Center, it wculd count as a volunteer project. Commissioner Schmidt said due to the recent attacks of violence on Lake Phalen, she was inquiring whether the commission could discuss additional lighting around that part of the lake on the Maplewood side. Chair Fischer said he would request to have this item added to the next meeting agenda. Manager 5 Taubman said he would bring a report on this to the next meeting. Commissioner Sonnek asked if they could talk to police about safety tips or information that Maplewood could use in prevention. Chair Fischer asked if they wanted a police representative at their next meeting. Commissioner Schmidt said that patrol activity was recently increased dramatically at Phalen Lake. Commissioner Roman asked about a Neighborhood Park Watch in Maplewood Chair Fischer said there was one in the past, and then it was changed to a citizen patrol in the parks. Commissioner Christianson said they had, in a past meeting, a representative from the police department come and report how many calls they had regarding problems in the parks. He reported that he could not help vvth the Maplewood parks clean-up. He mentioned that North St. Paul is selling advertising at McKnight Field. They have signs and other advertising for sale, and proceeds go towards improvements and maintenance of McKnight Field. He suggested Maplewood could do that at Goodrich Park, by selling advertising and signage vvhich could be used for area businesses to perhaps bring revenue to the city. Commissioner Maas asked about the area near Phalen Park called the Gladstone redevelopment area. Chair Fischer said this space was scheduled for development, and money had run out. There is a design for continuation of the trail system; however this will have to wait for additional revenue. Chair Fischer said one of the Environmental and Natural Resource commissioners reported there is a company in the eastern United States that manufactures very innovative playground equipment. He asked if Parks Manager Taubman could look into this and bring a report to the commission for their next meeting. He said he would like to invite the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to their meetings when they discuss the Lions Park and Legacy Tot Lot processes. 11. ADJOURN Chair Fischer asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Christianson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Brannon. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 6