Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-15 Parks Minutes CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:00 p.rn. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLE WOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Fischer indicated eight out of nine commissioners were present, so 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, absent Commissioner Kim Schmidt, present Staff Doug Taubman, Parks Manager Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Fischer requested additions or corrections to the agenda. Commissioner Schmidt stated Commissioner Peterson requested an update ofthe 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 ifthe 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 ofthe minutes. Commissioner Roman asked if the sentence that read "City staff will be giving support, however 1 volunteers 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 ofthe 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. 5. VISITOR PRESENT ATIONS- there were none. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Community Gardens - Natural Resources Coordinator Ginny Gaynor Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor gave a report on the four parks chosen as proposed sites for community gardens. They are Edgerton, Sherwood, Goodrich, and Robin Hood parks. She said in researching sites for gardens they looked for flat, sunny areas, at least a half an acre of available land, soils adequate for gardening; no loss of athletic fields, and ideally, not a neighborhood park. The Bruentrip farm was removed from the list of possible sites. They eliminated three fourths ofthe list because ofthe sizes ofthe parks, and possible eliminations of playing fields. The other reasons were listed in the material in the commissioner's packets. Natural Resources Coordinator Gaynor reported the pros and cons of each ofthe four parks. She wanted the commission to think about a preferred and secondary site and opened the floor for comments, questions, and discussion. Commissioner Christianson stated they hadn't discussed this issue thoroughly, and had never finally decided to use one ofthe parks for a community garden. Chair Fischer said the commission had discussed recommending sites; however the final decision was never made about the concept of a community garden in a Maplewood park. They agreed they would not consider an open space, and had discussed Goodrich Park. Commissioner Maas said it has been more of a staff directive to choose the sites, and if at some time in the future the commission decided to move ahead, they would have sites in mind. There was other discussion and questions regarding water and irrigation, plots, rain gardens, parking, how to proceed ifthe community gardens were not successful, and vandalisrn. Commissioner Maas stated his recommendations would be Edgerton and Goodrich parks. Commissioner Mackey 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 first 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 Maplewood 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 ofthe 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 staff is requesting the commission choose two possible sites for the gardens. They would do soil testing on both sites, and ifthe 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 choices, and the vote was seven to one for Goodrich Park being the first choice for a community garden, and Edgerton Park the second choice. The motion carried by a vote of seven to one. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Goodrich Park Rainwater Gardens A staff engineer presented a report on the reconstruction project at Holloway Avenue and the Stanich Highlands area, which is a street reconstruction project in the area of North St. Paul Road and Larpenteur Avenue. The construction will focus on several streets in the area and he talked about the area at Ripley Street. The construction will involve curb and gutter and installing storm sewer systems, improving existing storm sewers, water main replacements and sanitary sewer main repairs. The City of Maplewood will be contributing to this project, and North St. Paul and St. Paul Regional Water Services will be contributing for water main replacement. The project is moving forward with final design and specifications, and is ready to go out for bids. The city is proposing four boulevard rain gardens and infiltration areas, and will adhere to certain requirements by the Watershed District and city standards. The rain gardens will be along Ripley Avenue with an infiltration area near the corner 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 ifthe commission supports the idea of doing enhancements to the park as part ofthe proj ect 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 Kimley Horn, the engineering consultant on this project. They discussed the rain gardens and building a retaining wall around thern. 3 Commissioner Brannon made a motion to move forward with the planning and construction of rain 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 September, 2010. 3. Maplewood Community Center - to review the relationship between the Commission and the Center. The commission agreed to talk about what their involvement would be at the August commission meeting, and in September invite representatives from the Community Center to the commission meeting. 4. Work with other groups and commissions on Sustainable Maplewood. The commission had ajoint meeting with the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission this year. The commission also discussed establishing recycling programs in the parks. The Capstone Project suggested community gardens for the city, and this is in process. Commissioner Maas thought it would be advantageous to receive a status report on how the city is progressing with this. Parks Manager Taubman stated Shann Finwall could be asked to give a report on Sustainable Maplewood every few months. The commission decided they would ask for a report in September and November, 2009. Commissioner Brannon was under the assumption that the commission was supposed to work on sustaining Maplewood from a Parks and Recreation perspective and what they as a commission could do. The commission decided they would ask direction from staff on this issue. Staff will look at the Capstone report and in September, 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 finished with the planning 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 ofthis 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 ofthe park, and Chair Fischer replied that when they developed 4 Sunset Park, as part ofthe naming process 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 ofland 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 will find out the terms of the lease and report back in August. 9. Involvement with development of community gardens. Chair Fischer said they are currently working on this, and it will be an ongoing project for the next few months. 10. Review long term park funding for redevelopment and restoration of parks, trails and open spaces. Commissioner Peterson reminded the commission that when Councilperson Nephew attended the commission meeting, he brought forward the idea of using utility fees for revenue. During the capital improvement discussion, Mr. Ahl and Community Development and Parks Director Konewko stated they would put together a report regarding funding options. Parks Manager Taubman will have a report at the September or October meeting. 11. Receive more feedback from staff and other partner's groups. Chair Fischer said the commission will be receiving reports from the Parks and Recreation division; and they received a report about what is happening at the community center. He stated he hadn't contacted anyone from the Open Space Task Force, Friends ofthe Maplewood Nature Center, MAA (Maplewood Athletic Association) and NESA, (Northeast Soccer Association). Parks Manager Taubman stated he would invite MAA and NESA representatives to attend the commission meeting in October. 12. Review of Green ways for possible opportunities for parks and open spaces. Chair Fischer said they have done work on greenways with Commissioner Peterson serving on a joint task force with the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission. They have also formed a Fish Creek task force. 7. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS A. Subcommittee 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. Working through staff, they also plan to have a survey sent to neighbors. Their next meeting is August 5th at 7 p.rn. at the Maplewood Room at City Hall. 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS A. ST AFF 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 project. There was a bid from the Nature Center for trail restoration which was approved. This includes restoring lime rock and adding additional rock, and a special process to eliminate erosion problems. Other goals were to make trails more accessible. Some sections will be replaced. The Council approved this with a grant of$12,000 for the trails, and the city will match that money. Questions were taken from the commission. B. FISHING PIER AT WAKEFIELD PARK Parks Manager Taubman said the city will be installing a fishing pier at Wakefield Lake. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fishing program will stocking the lake. It will be installed in a month. C. Environmental and Natural Resources Meeting Mr. Taubman stated on Monday, July 20th. there will be an Environmental and Natural Resources meeting and they will be discussing the Emerald Ash Borer. 10. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 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 ifthere is a plan to plant new trees there. He also asked about the western part ofthe park by the trail and ifthere 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 path that goes to the bike trail that goes through Harvest Park under County Road C is 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 swimming 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 Planning 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 Bruentrup farm on Johnny Appleseed day. In August, Audra Robbins, city Parks and Recreation, has planned a movie night at the farrn. Chair Fischer spoke on Friends of Maplewood Nature Center. It is a non profit group that was formed several years ago to help raise funds to address the needs ofthe nature center and the neighborhood preserves. They help raise funds for the needs throughout Maplewood in the open spaces and greenway corridors. They have been working with and have been active in advocating for the Fish Creek greenway corridor. They will have their 2010 calendars available for sale on Johnny Appleseed Day at the Bruentrip Farm on August 15th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chair Fischer wanted to encourage everyone to attend Johnny Appleseed Day and to think about buying the calendars from the Friends of Maplewood Nature Center. 11. ADJOURN Commissioner Brannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Maas seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.rn. 7