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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-19 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, August 19,2009 7:00 p.rn. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLE WOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Fischer indicated nine commissioners were present; there was quorum. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners Commissioner Craig Brannon, present Commissioner Don Christianson, present Chair Peter Fischer, present Commissioner Dan Maas, present Commissioner Mary Mackey, present Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, present Commissioner Bruce Roman, present Commissioner Therese Sonnek, present Commissioner Kim Schmidt, present Staff Parks Manager Doug Taubman, present Community Development and Parks Director DuWayne Konewko, present 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Fischer requested additions or corrections to the agenda. Commissioner Peterson requested to present an update on the Environmental and Natural Resources subcommittee and the Greenway Task Force. Commissioner Roman made a motion to approve the agenda, as amended, and was seconded by Commissioner Mackey. The agenda was unanimously approved. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-July, 2009 Corrections: 1. There were eight of nine commissioners present at the July meeting; the minutes stated seven commissioners were present. 2. "Mackey" is the correct spelling of Commissioner's Mackey's name. 1 3. Regarding the sentence about the governing factions for the community gardens: Commissioner Roman had "asked ifthis statement was correct", instead of "said this statement was correct". 4. The sentence regarding the sites for the community gardens should read "Chair Fischer said the commission had discussed recommending sites, but the final decision..." 5. The "Name the Park Contest" sentence should read: "Sunset Park, as part ofthe naming process, conducted a "Name the Park" contest...." 6. The sentence "They also plan to have a survey sent to neighbors" should read "Working through staff, they plan on sending out a survey to neighbors". 7. In the sentence "the bike trail goes through Harvest Park under County Road C and is a much worn area", should be corrected to read "the path to get down to the trail is a much worn area". 8. "Bruentrup" Farm is the correct spelling for the farrn. 9. "Friends of Maplewood Nature" is the correct name for this group. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Commissioner Brannon, seconded by Commissioner Roman. There was one abstention. The motion passed by a vote of 8 to 0 with one abstension. 5. VISITOR PRESENT ATIONS- there were none. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS-there was none. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of Park Development Improvement Funding Parks Manager Taubman stated Maplewood park development is funded through taxes and PAC Funds. He polled twelve other communities in July, 2009 inquiring how their park development is funded, and there were e-mail comments in the commissioner's packets with this information. Community Development and Parks Director Konweko said there is currently a PAC Dedication Fee in place that covers park development and redevelopment. There is also a five year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which is in place through 2014. The PAC Fund and a state statute determine what those monies may be used for. He suggested in spring, 2010, before the CIP discussion, the commission bring ideas to the City Council as to how they plan to maintain and develop the parks systern. He reminded the commission of Council member Nephew's idea regarding the electric franchise fee. The commission had discussed raising that fee and using proceeds for park maintenance. There had also been discussion about a park user fee; a referendum, and the bond for the referendum that was voted on by the tax payers in 1993. The last payment for that bond will be in 2014. He suggested diverting some ofthe money currently being used to pay for that into a park maintenance account. With regard to a general levy, the Council allocated levy money into the CIP in 2009, which is currently being used for trail maintenance and resurfacing tennis courts. Mr. Konewko will put together a packet of 2 information for the commission for the next meeting. He went on to quote state guidelines on using funds for park development, redevelopment, and maintenance. Commissioner Maas talked about the ways in which other communities redeveloped and maintained their parks. They were, among others, obtaining grants and donations, a cell phone tower, street levies, and liquor store taxes. Chair Fischer stated there are 36 parks and 14 open spaces for a total of 50 sites in Maplewood. Playground equipment has a life span of 18-20 years, and said there are many parks currently in need of repair. The discussion continued to include the cost of a typical playground structure, replacing trails within the parks, resurfacing ball courts and blacktop, and other areas in need of repair. Director Konewko stated that Parks Manager Taubman is working on a parks needs assessment He will have a report in October, 2009. He is currently working with an intern and they plan to visit every park and assess the condition ofthe equipment, trails, fields, and courts. They will rank them, figure a composite score, and present a frame of what the needs are. Mark Bradley, 2164 Woodlyn Ave., a Maplewood resident, suggested that the commission and staff look at the various parks and how much they are being utilized as they are set up now. He also suggested getting sponsors for the parks to advertise their businesses, and using sponsors' funds for maintenance. Parks Manager Taubman said they are discussing seeking sponsors for some youth and adult ball fields. There was other discussion from the commissioners regarding levies, referendums, quality of life in cities, importance ofthe parks, trails, and open spaces, and the franchise fee. There was a question about grants and donations, and Community Development and Parks Director Konewko said they work diligently pursuing grants. Regarding donations from non profits and philanthropic groups, he has been in contact with the Lion's Club regarding the redevelopment at Lion's Park, and he believes they are willing to be involved. He said Friends of Maplewood Nature have had success with grants. Commissioner Christianson said in the past Maplewood has had development and building that sustained the city. He suggested the city adopt a plan for home buyers; in that they would pay a few hundred dollars for the parks in their area when they moved into a neighborhood. This would be a fairly consistent source of revenue. Parks Manager Taubman and Community Development and Parks Director Konewko will discuss the funding issue with their colleagues and bring more information back to the commission. Mr. Konewko said the City Council is supportive, and hopefully they can devise some solid plans to pursue a permanent funding source. Commissioner Sonnek stated she utilizes state parks and purchases state park permits. She suggested that Maplewood could institute a $10.00 sticker and solicit for Friends of Maplewood Parks if such a unit was created. Mr. Konewko said he would speak with the Friends of Maplewood Nature regarding this user donation. He concluded with two thoughts: 1. He 3 would encourage everyone to re-read the Capstone Project, which has good information; some of it speaks to surveys; and 2. At some point they need to look at the economy scale and approach neighbors in Rosedale, Little Canada, and Woodbury for support. Mr. Konewko stated Shann Finwall, the Environmental Planner for Maplewood, is pursuing her Master's Degree, and one of her papers is on funding sources. In September she would like to give a presentation to the commission. She has been working on the Capstone project, and chose a program that she would like to evaluate. She felt that the Parks and Recreation commission could use a good evaluation due to funding issues, organizational uses, and recent loss ofthe Park Director. Over the last seven weeks she has been doing research, interviewing experts, and looking into various funding sources. She said over and above property taxes, the Minnesota Legislature limits types of funding sources that local governments can use. There is a levy limit over the next three years which allows the city to increase levy limits to 3.9 %. She said that hopefully they can come together to think of creative funding sources for the future. B. Review of2009 Commission Goals Timeline Staff had included a summary ofthe goals discussion review which the commission had at the July, 2009 meeting, and it was in the packets the commissioners received. Chair Fischer asked for discussion ofthe material distributed. He stated that the items were objectives that the commission had set forth earlier in the year, and staff wanted to make sure the commission understood the proper timelines. This information will be used when planning agendas for the balance ofthe year. Commissioner Peterson said the commission had discussed meeting with the Open Space Technical Advisory Task Force. Chair Fischer stated they are looking forward to input from that group as they develop a priority list as to which items the Parks Commission should be working on. Commissioner Peterson asked ifthe members were familiar with the Friends of Maplewood Nature. She had met with them in conjunction with the Environmental and Natural Resources Task Force. Ifthe commission wanted to meet with them, she would try to arrange it. Chair Fischer said Ron Cockriel is part ofthat group and has attended their meetings several times. Director Konewko said Environmental Planner Finwall will provide an update on this in September, 2009. C. Discussion of Parks Commission's Role with the Maplewood Community Center Chair Fischer asked what the main issues are with regard to the Community Center. Commissioner Schmidt suggested walking through the community center, meeting managers, see the condition ofthe building, see how the programs are working and how the space is being utilized. Chair Fischer stated the community center came into being in the early 1990's when there was a strong movement among citizens saying they needed a place to come together for recreation and meetings. It evolved from that without the use of general funding dollars, but using creative use oftaxing and financing. Chair Fischer 4 asked several questions to consider, and discussion ensued regarding the issue. There was discussion and questions from the commission regarding some residents were against the community center from the beginning; they did not want to spend the extra money. He recalled that the general consensus was that the community center should eventually break even. Commissioner Christianson said rumors were that the Parks Commission was not doing their job of watching over the community center. He reiterated that the commission needed to determine what their goals were for the community center, ifthey were neglecting their duties, and how much the commission should be involved. Director Konewko said the council had a good discussion recently about finances at the community center, and every council person indicated they realized that breaking even was not a reality, and they were willing to fund it as long as an honest effort was being made to raise as much revenue as possible. The consensus was ifthe commission has some knowledge of what is happening at the community center, it would be helpful. The commission members totally supported going on a walk through the center to see how things are going, and to receive a report periodically. More discussion ensued regarding the community center and what role the Parks Commission should play. Commissioner Mackey said as a new commissioner, she thought it was their role to oversee the center. Ifthe commission could create a task force or subcommittee, or act as a liaison, they would be able to determine what their role is. Most ofthe commissioners agreed they would prefer to have a periodic report. Chair Fischer said two to three years ago, they were receiving reports in terms of memberships and revenues, and occasionally they received information on policy changes. What he felt has happened is the system has broken apart, and they lost that connection, and need someone to pull this back together about how they connect with the community center. Mr. Konewko said that he would schedule a tour in October or November, 2009. 8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS A. Subcommittee Report: Dog Park Commissioner Roman stated they had a meeting in August, 2009; the members went through a part oftheir presentation and what it would entail, and discussed elements in the park that will be needed. They suggested that they give their final presentation in October, 2009. The subcommittee's next meeting will be at Maplewood Room at the City Hall on September 2nd at 7:00 p.rn. He said everyone is invited to come and share their comments. The subcommittee will have one additional meeting on the first Wednesday in October, 2009. Commissioner Schmidt said they plan to work with staff to obtain visual aids and maps ofthe city showing the parks. Mr. Konewko stated he would obtain maps for the members. B. Report on Environmental and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Greenways and Greenways Taskforce 5 Commissioner Peterson said they have been meeting each month, getting information out to citizens regarding where the greenways are located, their value, the watershed districts, water quality and other features. They are also giving reports to the special Greenways Commission, which is working on the southern Maplewood greenways. The Environmental and Natural Resources Greenway Task Force is working on other greenways in Maplewood. She said as part ofthis work on the commission, Ron Cockriel and herself went to a meeting at the Legislature where there were people present from all over the state working on these issues. She said there were many speakers and at the end they had observers ask questions or tell about what their particular community has been working on. She said Mr. Cockriel and herself reported what they were working on with the greenways. 9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS A. Gethsemane Park Lease Mr. Konewko stated the City Council authorized the extension ofthis lease agreement in April for a period of 12 months, and the lease is set to expire on April 30, 2010. The city is currently paying Gethsemane $2200.00/month for lease ofthat park space. Chair Fischer asked ifthere is any credit available on this money. Mr. Konewko said one ofthe provisions in the lease agreement was if City Council would authorize the purchase ofthe park property, the city could recapture all ofthe money and it would be used to offset the purchase price ofthe park. Mr. Konewko said this money comes directly from our PAC fund, and our attorneys feel that is an appropriate funding source for a park lease. He also said there is an "out" provision that both parties have; a 30 or 60 day notice to terminate the lease; and there is language that talks about ending that lease agreement. One ofthe commissioners said that a decision should be made, and ifthe city does not buy the park, the money will already have been spent. Mr. Taubman stated they should continue with the lease until January, 2010, and in the event they are not moving forward with anything, the Parks Commission could make a recommendation to council. He will bring this item back in January, 2010, and in March, 2010 be ready to provide council with recommendations on what to do going forward. Commissioner Brannon asked what other activities are available at the park. Mr. Taubman said he would get back to the commission in September, 2009 with regard to that. He wasn't aware of much use ofthe grounds except for winter skating and a few baseball practices in spring. There were other questions regarding use ofthe gym at the church and other items. This discussion is to be continued in 2010. B. Lake Links Trail- Mall Segment Mr. Konewko said with regard to the proposed alignment ofthe trail going through the Maplewood Mall, it was decided that County Road D would be used, with that particular piece completed by the end of20l0. The other piece ofthe trail coming out ofthe Lake Links Trail exiting from the east side ofthe farm, connecting with the existing trail by Joy Park should be completed by the end of2009. 6 C. Other Opportunities at Maplewood Nature Center: Buckthorn Removal Project at Vista Hills Park, Saturday, October 24th from 9:30 a.rn. until noon. The pulling component for adults will be held from 12:30 until 2:00 p.rn. The Nature Center is sponsoring a demonstration on how to remove buckthorn; on Saturday, September 26th at the Nature Center from 10:00 to 11: 15 a.rn. Deer Management program: October 14th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.rn. at the Maplewood Nature Center. Large buckthorn removal project in conjunction with the improvements at Joy Park: Saturday, November 14th, 9:30 a.rn. Mr. Konewko will make sure to include this information in commissioner's packets in September. He also wanted to assure everyone they are taking every precaution to make sure there are safety features built into the trail; especially at the White Bear crossing. Commissioner Sonnek asked ifthere ever was an answer about riding a bike on the sidewalk on the portion ofthe trail on County Road D, or anywhere. Staff will have an answer on this in September, 2009. Recycling in the Parks Staff has not received the pilot project from Eureka, however will have that sometime this fall. Mr. Konewko said there will be a report to the commission as soon as it is brought forward. Tot Lot-Legacy Park Mr. Taubman said he had the Legacy Park site mowed. Steve Kumer will prepare a plat drawing with a rough estimate as to what the dimensions are; there is plenty of room for a tot lot and room to play football or Frisbee. Mr. Taubman met with one ofthe playground vendors, he is meeting another vendor on Friday, August 19th, and he will put together a proposal. One vendor has a more modern design and the other is more traditional. They will schedule a meeting with the community in early September, 2009. There is $80,000 allocated for the project; $50,000 for the playground equipment and the balance will be needed for benches, curbing, enclosing the area, trail addition, landscaping, and seeding. He said they will revisit this space and design a Master Plan. They will be soliciting for names for the park, and looking at installation in October, 2009. Maplewood staffwill hopefully install the equipment and the company will provide a person at about $750.00/day for three days to oversee the installation. Lion's Park Redevelopment Update 7 Mr. Konewko said they are on schedule for this redevelopment; they talked about two proposals and plans and decided on Plan B which was the rainwater gardens. There will be a final plan developed and will be brought to the Parks and Recreation Commission in September, 2009. 10. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Sonnek said there is a large pile of debris in Legacy Park, which is old furniture and television sets. Chair Fischer stated that they will look at the final recommendations for the community gardens, possibly having a neighborhood meeting in September. Mr. Taubman stated he would encourage the commissioners to go to Goodrich Park on their own; at sometime during the week and observe the park in the evening regarding the crowds of people. He will e-mail the pictures to the commission which Commissioner Peterson sent to him of Goodrich Park. Commissioner Roman stated Ramsey County has an "Adopt a Trail" program, similar to the "Adopt a Highway" prograrn. Mr. Taubman suggested an "Adopt a Park" program, because many ofthe trails are in the parks. Commissioner Brannon stated that one of his neighbors had a request to mark a crosswalk on Walter Street coming out of Sunset Ridge Park, which is a continuation of a trail in Little Canada. Mr. Konewko said they will provide crosswalk marking there. Commissioner Christianson stated that he agrees with Carolyn and that Commission should look at Goodrich Park as he has been there twice and based upon the large numbers of users he would not want to relocate them for gardens. He also stated that the Commission needs more info on the garden process, such as registration and rules, before we go ahead with any gardens. He stated that we should not be putting people other than our Parks and Recreation Department in charge of allocating our park spaces. Commissioner Maas agreed with Bruce about the "Adopt a Trail" program, especially along roadways like County Road D, where it can get very dirty. He mentioned another thing once more, in which someone dumped a couch in Kohlman Creek, and it has been sitting there for about a month. Mr. Konewko said they would look into this. 11. ADJOURN Chair Fischer adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.rn. 8