Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-10 PACKET 04.A.iii.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # ® ° DATE 8/10/11 a PREPARED BY Community Development Danette Parr ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission's meetings on August 9, 2010 and May 9, 2011. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission's meeting on August 9, 2010 and May 9, 2011. BUDGET IMPLICATION $N /A $N /A N/A BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: MOTHER: Approved minutes of Parks Commission meeting on 8/9/10 and 5/9/11 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS 4 City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER DATE REVIEWED APPROVED DENIED ❑ PLANNING ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION 6/13/11 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: MOTHER: Approved minutes of Parks Commission meeting on 8/9/10 and 5/9/11 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS 4 City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission August 9, 2010 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 9th day of August, 2010. Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Chelsea Butler, Doug Butler, Keith Kleinsasser, Paul Poncin, William Schumal, Derrick Lehrke, Maureen Ventura Members Absent: Ryan Simmers, Krystal McCalvy Others Present: John Burbank, Senior Planner Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager APROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APROVAL OF THE MINUTES Ii! 01La WaALI 7i3 "I , Dennis Plan, 8027 — 77th Street South, expressed concerns about the cost of the proposed bridge across a dry field. He thinks it should be filled in so senior citizens can walk across it year round. Ruby Mower, 7682 — 62nd Street South in the Pinecliff neighborhood, stated that she submitted a formal letter of request for a small playground to be installed in the Pinecliff and Silverwood neighborhoods. She explained that the neighborhoods are bordered on the east side by Hinton Avenue, which is a 55 mile per hour road, and on the south side by 65th Street, which is a 50 mile per hour road. There are a lot of small children in the area and the parents don't feel it is safe for them to cross the road to get to the playground at Cottage Grove Elementary School. She also believes that a park would provide a meeting place to unite the two neighborhoods. She asked that the city help finance the park. Darin Rippentrop, 7472 61st Street South, asked what the process is for park development, particularly when the property owners may pay for part of it. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 2 of 6 r-MRSITUPTR A. Park Request for Pinecliff / Silverwood Neighborhood Burbank explained that in terms of park planning, during the comprehensive planning process the city looks at where all the neighborhood, community, and local parks are located. He displayed a map of the Pinecliff / Silverwood neighborhood, and explained that one of the things identified as part of the comprehensive planning process is a large parkway corridor that runs across the whole community, but the process was slowed down due to the economy. He showed the network of park and trail accesses in that area and explained that a neighborhood park was planned to be part of a development to the west of the Silverwood development. That would have eliminated the need to cross 65th Street. He displayed a close -up detail of where the park is suggested to be located. While it appears from the air photo that there is a large amount of open space, there is a designated wetland that has certain buffering requirements from the Watershed District. This particular location would not work for a park. The cost for a small park in a developed neighborhood would be about $50,000, which could be paid from the park trust fund. He suggested more research be done so the Commission could determine if the city should pursue it further. A commissioner asked how old the development is. Burbank responded the development was started about five years ago. Mower pointed out another location for a park where the surrounding property owners agreed to have a small playground. Poncin asked the neighborhood residents if a swing set and a slide structure be adequate or would they need a full play structure. Mower responded that they are not asking for a full playground, but something for very young children to play at, like the one at Hardwood Park. Ventura stated that she lives near Hardwood Park, noting that those neighborhoods have a similar population of children and that park is adequate. Lehrke asked how parks are identified and created, and how often has the City added a park to an existing development. Burbank stated the closest example is Hidden Valley, which was platted in 1986, and after development the neighborhood requested a park. In terms of the actual park planning, that occurs during the comprehensive planning process where park locations are identified. The Pinecliff and Silverwood developments provided part of the trail system, ponding, and cash dedication. Lehrke asked where the funding comes from. Burbank explained that as part of the subdivision process, the city, through state statute, can require park dedication, which could be up to 10 percent of the value of the land prior to the development or a cash dedication per unit. Lehrke asked how the Hidden Valley Park was paid for. Burbank responded from park dedication funds, through the capital improvements program (CIP). There was a comment that more information was needed from the homeowners who would be adjacent to the proposed park and trail and that there should be a public open forum. Mower explained that there are 122 homes in Silverwood and Pinecliff subdivisions and she received 80 signatures supporting a park and only 5 residents said they did not want one; she was not able to contact the rest. She stated that about 75 percent of the residents expressed strong support for the park, which includes those that surround the proposed park location and bike path. She asked about the process of notifying residents of a public meeting, what the process is for developing a park, and would the city pay for the park. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 3 of 6 Lehrke asked if the City approved this park, would the residents be able to work out funding on their own. Mower responded maybe but the majority of the homeowners would prefer to have the city fund the installation of a public playground. Kleinsasser made a motion to have staff investigate the feasibility of a neighborhood park for the Pinecliff and Silverwood neighborhood. Poncin seconded, adding to the motion that it should also include the types of equipment and estimate of costs. Lehrke asked if the plan was to have the elementary school playground be the park for that neighborhood. Burbank responded in the interim until the area to the west was developed and the park constructed. Lehrke stated that 65th Street is a dangerous street to cross, especially at the intersection of Hinton and 65th. He asked if there is any way to make that more accessible for those residents and the elementary school.* *" Poncin stated his concern is that due to space constraints, there would not the ability to put the same amount of equipment in as what went into Hidden Valley. Burbank asked if part of the second included funding sources. Poncin responded just the cost; the City Council makes the funding decisions. Mower asked if there would be a public hearing on this. Poncin responded that could be put on next month's agenda. Burbank stated that the city would send out a notice to the residents of the neighborhood on the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously. B. Amendment of City Code Leashing Requirements Burbank provided background on the issue, noting that staff has been receiving complaints about dogs running at large in the city's parks. Currently, city ordinance allows dogs within public areas to be off -leash if they are within voice command. With the establishment of the off -leash dog park, it was discussed if the ordinance should be amended regarding allowing dogs off -leash in city parks. He asked the Commission for comments on the draft ordinance. If the Parks Commission decides to that the ordinance should be amended, it would then be brought to the Planning Commission for recommendation and then to the City Council for final action. Poncin expressed concern that the penalties seemed too harsh. He is not in favor of the draft ordinance, but does understand that the City needs to better promote the off -leash dog park. He does not have a problem with people walking their dogs on the trails and in the park system as long as it is under control and not interfering with somebody else's enjoyment. Burbank explained that proposed Title 5 -4 -2 is more about dogs roaming by themselves, such as when they get out of the back yard. He suggested addressing it in two separate text amendments, one that allows officers to cite people if their dogs are loose within the community and one that requires owners to ensure their dogs are under their control when they are within public open spaces. Poncin agreed that the ordinance should be rewritten. Lehrke stated that the intent of the ordinance is clear that dogs and cats must be continuously under restraint on a leash and accompanied and to not allow them off leash. Poncin stated that the language needs to be changed to allow off -leash in the confines of a park as long as they are under control and not interfering with other's enjoyment of the park. Lehrke agreed. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 4 of 6 Poncin made a motion to send the proposed ordinance amendment back to change the language to address the issues they brought up. Lehrke asked if the wording would stay the same but with the addition of unleashed in the dog park. Poncin stated that Title 7 -3 -4 is very similar to current language but it was changed to only allow dogs to be loose in the off -leash dog park. Ventura asked if we are making a distinction in our recommendation that dogs in public parks but not the off -leash dog park must be under voice command in vicinity of the owner. Lehrke asked if currently no leash is required, and this ordinance would create a leash law. A Commissioner disagreed with the motion, stating that he has been attacked by a dog and every time he sees a dog not on a leash it makes him uncomfortable. He feels it is the city's duty to protect him from being uncomfortable about the possibility of a dog attack in a city park, on a trail, or walking down the street. He noted that he is not the only one who feels that way. He believes dogs should be on a leash. A Commissioner agreed because animals are unpredictable. Even the best trained dogs can turn on someone or another dog. Voice command is not enough; dogs should be restrained. It was asked if there has been an increase in calls regarding dogs at large. Burbank responded that he would ask the police department. He explained that with the development of the off -leash dog park, it was determined that this would be a good time to look at the ordinance to address the concerns the City has been receiving about dogs running loose in city parks. It was asked a dog park was needed if there is no leash law and dogs can currently run free as long as they are under voice command. Burbank stated that the dog park would be fenced to help avoid dogs running at large. It was asked if an owner could allow their dog to be off -leash in any park, wouldn't they just go to the most convenient area rather than the dog park. Ventura stated that dog parks offer other advantages, such a social aspect both for the dogs and their owners. She understands the concerns about dogs being off -leash in other parks. She asked if there was a timeline for making this recommendation. She expressed concern about changing the law prior to the dog park being open. Burbank stated that could all be coordinated. It was noted that if people at a dog park accept the risk of a dog approaching them, but not everybody at a public park is comfortable with off -leash dogs. Lehrke stated that there currently is no leash law and he would like more information from Public Safety to see if there have been problems. He believes there is a big difference between a dog that heels properly versus a dog that is 30 feet away from its owner. He is not in favor of letting dogs run loose in a park but he does not see an issue with dogs walking off -leash under the owner's control. He also disagrees with it being a misdemeanor. He suggested that if we create a leash law there should be a minimal fine for the first offense that could escalate for further violations. He then asked if most cities have leash laws. Burbank stated that staff would research that. A motion was made and seconded that staff would change the ordinance based on the discussion and bring it back at a future meeting for final recommendation. Burbank summarized that staff would get additional public safety information, clarify what "running at large" should mean, description of controlled proximity, standardized penalties, and research other communities' ordinances. Poncin stated we need to define acceptable activity for an off -leash dog. C. Crestview Elementary Stormwater Basin Proposed Landscape Improvements Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 5 of 6 Burbank summarized the proposed landscape improvements for the Crestview Elementary storm water basin and displayed renderings of the different options. He stated that funding for the plantings would come from storm water trunk funds and possibly from the city beautification fund. Schumal asked if the Crestview parking lot had lights. Burbank responded yes. Poncin noted that there had been discussion in the past about creating a one -way turn -off from 80th Street between the storm water basin and the tennis courts that would continue north along the back side of the old arena and park in the north lot, and if it was not done because of the softball field constraints. He stated that if landscaping is done, that may eliminate the possibility of a drive access. Burbank stated that was partially due to funding, so if the City proceeds with the landscape plan, the decision for that future roadway would need to be made. It was suggested to plant two autumn blaze maples closer to the baseball diamonds because they are tall, fast growing trees that could provide shade. He would also like to put two directly west of the tennis courts. Just north of that corner he would put one Japanese lilac and the other near ball fields. The crab trees should not be near the asphalt because they drop debris on the paved surface, so he would put those on the bump out on the northeast corner. The river birch, which will grow well in a drier environment, will be fine along the Crestview Elementary parking lot. The spruce should be up front to block the lights for people living on 80th Street and as a backdrop on the north end of the storm water basin. Ventura stated that there are flowering -only crabapple trees. It noted that the decision on the road needs to be made before any trees are planted. Poncin stated that the softball fields would also need to be moved north to accommodate the road. Burbank stated that the city would work around that if the decision is made to construct the road. Burbank explained that staff is asking if the Commission believes this is a good idea, and if so, it would be pursued at the staff level and presented to the City Council. Poncin made a motion that support landscaping around the stormwater basin. Ventura seconded. Motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATIONS None REPORTS None 10 1 reMW COMMISSION COMMENTS A Commissioner asked if staff has had a chance to look at ways to encourage more people to bike. Burbank responded that Dockter is working on that project and in his absence that question will be deferred to the next meeting. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 6 of 6 None STAFF COMMENTS None >• • A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission May 9, 2011 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 9th day of May, 2011. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Mark Nelson, Paul Poncin, William Schumal, Ryan Simmers Maureen Ventura Members Absent: Chelsea Butler, Douglas Butler, Keith Kleinsasser, Krystal McCalvy Others Present: John Burbank, Senior Planner Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager David Thiede, City Council Liaison APROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APROVAL OF THE MINUTES A motion was made and seconded to approve the Parks Commission minutes from May 10, 2010. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Parks Commission minutes from April 11, 2011. Motion passed unanimously. s• •- None ACTION ITEMS A. Public Safety /City Hall Plan Compliance Review Burbank summarized the staff report and asked for a recommendation from the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission on if the proposed Public Safety /City Hall facility is in compliance with all relevant plans and policies that have been adopted. The Commission had no comments on the proposal. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 2 of 5 Nelson made a motion that the proposed Public Safety /City Hall site and development plan is in compliance with all adopted plans and policies relevant to the Parks Commission, as detailed in the staff report. Ventura seconded. Motion passed unanimously (5 -to -0 vote). B. Recreational Fire Information Report Dockter summarized the staff memorandum. He asked if the Commission had any questions or comments. Ventura asked as the City Code is currently written if there was a fire ring in a park, it would be considered a permissible use, but there are no guidelines in place. Dockter stated that was correct. There was a question posed to Public Safety Director Woolery if public safety offic- ers have observed recreational fires in areas outside of parks on private property. Woolery stated that the ordinance allows a three -foot by three -foot recreational fire ring on private property, but the City does get complaints from neighbors about those fires. There was a question about un- authorized gatherings on private rural properties, noting that young people like to sit around fires. Woolery stated that recreational fires would not be prohibited on private rural properties unless there are conditions that apply such as trespassing or a burning ban. The main concern of law enforcement would be the underage alcohol consumption which seems to go hand in hand with bonfires. Ventura commented that with the 10:00 p.m. park closure time, putting a fire ring in one of the parks may not have a realistic utilization and could encourage gatherings past 10:00 p.m. Staff would follow up on the Commission's comments. C. Pinecliff Development Park Naming Dockter summarized the staff memorandum and asked for feedback from the Commission on a name for the new park in the Pinecliff development. He stated that he would like to have three possible names for further discussion at the next meeting. Schumal stated that he would prefer to name the park after an historical figure from the area, such as Victor Nippoldt, Carlos Wilcox, or Wilmer Holz, because many of the suggested names are trendy and we may not be interested in having them in the future. Dockter stated that staff could do more research on those individuals to provide more information on their backgrounds. Burbank noted that this is also being presented to the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, and he will bring their recommendation to the next meeting. There was a suggestion for Pinecliff Park because it denotes the park's location in the City. Several other Commissioners stated that they have a bias toward the name of a location. There was a question regarding the requested park in the neighborhood on the west side of Hinton Avenue. Dockter responded that the City Council did not approve that request. The direc- tion was to look at the private property adjacent to the developments but that property owner was not interested in pursuing a park in that location at this time. It was asked if there was a way to make this one more accessible to kids from that side of Hinton. Dockter responded that the problem is just crossing Hinton Avenue. It was the consensus of the Commission to keep the list of proposed park names intact for further discussion. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 3 of 5 D. Natural Resource Management Plan — Gateway Park and Open Space Burbank summarized the staff memorandum and asked the Commission to make a recommen- dation to the City Council on participating in a natural resource management plan through a grant from the 3M Foundation. A motion was made and seconded to recommend that the City Council finance a sum not to ex- ceed $2,700 to add to the $3,100 grant from the 3M Foundation to complete a natural resource management plan. Motion passed unanimously (5 -to -0 vote). E. Historic Tree Program Burbank stated that other communities with old growth trees within their boundaries have an his- toric tree program, where they identify large mature trees that comply with eligibility /age dates, and some of the efforts being done to protect those trees or manage their health. There is about an $800 cost for the City Forester to get equipment to judge the age of the trees. A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of a Historic Tree Program. Motion passed unanimously (5 -to -0 vote). Burbank provided a presentation on parks and open space in Cottage Grove, particularly the area that was part of the Minnesota Land trust easement agreement that the City Council adopted on May 4. PLAN UPDATES A. Jocelyn Avenue Trail Access Update Dockter updated the Commission on the request to install trail signs on the trail behind Jocelyn Avenue and on Jocelyn Avenue between 7781 and 7799 Jocelyn Avenue. The City Council ap- proved that action at their April 13 meeting, and the work was completed the week of May 2. Poncin asked if there will be further study of a bridge crossing for the wetland. Dockter responded not yet. B. Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor Prairie Burning Dockter provided an update on the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor prescribed burn. He stated that this trailway runs between Jamaica Avenue and Innsdale Avenue. The work was contracted through Minnesota Native Landscapes. The burn started about 9:30 a.m. and was done by 6:00 p.m. on April 25. The project appears successful with new growth already starting. C. Minnesota Land Trust Burbank reported that the City Council adopted the action to engage in a conservation easement with the Minnesota Land Trust. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 4 of 5 D. Splash Pad Update Dockter stated that at the March Parks Commission meeting, the Commission had recommended that the City Council accept the splash pad study that was performed by Bonestroo. That study included the recommendation to install the initial splash pad at Highlands Park. The Council re- viewed that recommendation at their April 20 meeting and voted unanimously to table the subject to a public workshop on May 4 because they needed more information on the project. The addi- tional research done by staff was included in the packet along with pictures of other splash pad design options. The City Council will take final action at their May 18 meeting. None COMMISSION COMMENTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS Thiede explained the reasons for tabling the splash pad decision. He thought that Bonestroo had overestimated the bather load, he had concerns about the costs because it had changed from a smaller splash pad to a larger one, he wanted to know where the funds were coming from and how they would be replaced, and he wanted more information about other cities' experiences with splash pads. Dockter noted that there were no negative responses from other cities, except for the costs and maintenance of re- circulatory systems; we are looking at doing a flow- through sys- tem. Poncin asked how many bathers is the splash pad expected to service. Dockter responded for a community -sized splash pad is between 166 and 250 per day. Poncin stated he believes there would be at least 100 kids a day there due to its location. STAFF COMMENTS Burbank stated that, while it was missed on the agenda, staff did receive update information from the Parks Department, Recreation Department, and the ice Arena. He asked the Commissioners to let staff know, when they are in the parks and along the trails, if they see things that need to be changed or added. Burbank noted that historically the July Parks Commission meeting is canceled. He asked if the Commission wants to set up a tour for the July 11 meeting or cancel that meeting. It was the con- sensus of the Commission to cancel the July 11 meeting and do a tour during another meeting, maybe September. A motion was made and seconded to cancel the July 11 meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. Motion passed unanimously (5 -to -0 vote). Burbank supplied information on the Cottage Grove Police Department's Citizens Academy being held in 2011. The goals of this program are to enhance public safety, help citizens understand law enforcement problems and strategies, and to reduce crime. There is no cost to participate. Participants will get a polo shirt. The dates are July 14 through August 18. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 5 of 5 Burbank reported that the City Council adopted an historic donation policy to enable the City's Historic Preservation Officer to accept donations of objects, pictures, books, etc. that have an historic value to Cottage Grove. Burbank reminded the Parks Commission that the Strawberry Festival will be held at Kingston Park June 16 through June 19. WPI A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.