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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-18 PACKET 04.A.iii.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # ' DATE 1/18/12 .t PREPARED BY Community Development Zac Dockter 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 January 10, 2011; and November 14, 2011. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission's meeting on January 10, 2011; and November 14, 2011. BUDGET IMPLICATION $N /A $N /A N/A BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION DATE ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ® PARKS AND RECREATION 1/9/12 ❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY REVIEWED APPROVED DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ® ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Approved minutes of Parks Commission meetings on 1/10/11 and 11/14/11 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS City Administrator Da e COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission November 14, 2011 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 14th day of November, 2011. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Douglas Butler, Ron Kath, Keith Kleinsasser, Mark Nelson, Paul Poncin, William Schumal, Ryan Simmers Members Absent: None Others Present: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager John Burbank, Senior Planner Molly Pietruszewski, Parks Department David Thiede, City Council Liaison APROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 12 2011 A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the September 12, 2011, Parks Commission meeting. Motion passed unanimously. October 12 2011 A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the October 10, 2011, Parks Commission meeting. Motion passed unanimously. October 11, 2010 A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the October 11, 2010, Parks Commission meeting. Motion passed unanimously. • � �;r7d1111�A None PRESENTATIONS None Parks Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 2011 Page 2 of 4 ACTION ITEMS A. Tobacco Free Parks Policy Derrick Larson, Tobacco -Free Youth Recreation Program, summarized the information con- tained in the Parks Commission packet. Pietruszewski noted that the Environmental Commis- sion reviewed this policy at their meeting and discussed what the signage would look like and whether it should be a policy or an ordinance. They recommended that it should be a policy, which would be enforced by community policing. Kath asked if the logo on the lower right corner of the sign has to be on the signs for Larson's organization to provide them for free. Larson responded no. Poncin expressed concern about issues between park users over community enforcement. Pietruszewksi stated that she does not believe there should be too many issues; Parks staff currently asks people not to smoke during outside park and recreation programs and have not had any problems. It was asked if the policy would also include smokeless tobacco. Pietruszewski responded it would include all forms of tobacco. Larson stated that most cities that have already adopted this believe that a policy is adequate and the signage provided the ability for community members and parks staff to ask people to not use tobacco. He noted about 20 cities adopted an ordinance, which gives them the ability to fine tobacco users. He has not heard from any parks department about problems with enforcement. Dockter stated that the CGAA has a policy that prohibits smoking during their games and youth programs. It was asked if this policy was just for the parks or would it include the trail system. Dockter re- sponded public parks and open spaces; the goal is to discourage tobacco use where children are. Poncin asked how this policy would be publicized. Pietruszewski responded in the local paper, the Cottage Grove Reports, Facebook, and park signs. It was asked if smokers at the current City Hall facility can smoke there or go across the street to smoke. Burbank stated that currently smoking is allowed outside the building. It was then asked if this policy would prohibit smoking on all city property, such as outside buildings like City Hall. Pietruszewski explained that the language would read "No person shall use any form of tobacco on any City -owned or operated recreation facility, park land, or open space." There was concern expressed about inconsistency if the policy only applies to parks but not all outdoor City property. Butler ex- pressed concern with how the policy would be enforced and that it is not consistent throughout the whole city. Poncin asked if people could smoke in their vehicles in park parking areas. Dockter responded that the goal is to not have smoking around kids. It was asked why this policy says "tobacco" and not just smoking. Larson responded that to- bacco companies are targeting kids with flavored smokeless tobacco products and a lot of coaches use smokeless tobacco. Dockter commented that staff has talked to other cities that have this policy and there has been no negative backlash. Kleinsasser made a motion to recommend that the City adopt a policy for tobacco -free parks. Poncin seconded. He made a motion to modify the recommendation that a PR campaign should emphasize that this is a policy and there will be no citations issued. Motion passed unanimously. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 2011 Page 3 of 4 B. Park Hours Dockter summarized the staff memorandum and asked for a recommendation to amend City Code Title 7 -3 -3 to change the hours parks are open to 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. He noted that upon that ordinance change, all park signs would be upgraded to be uniform. He stated that a prototype of the park sign was included in the packet. Poncin made a motion to accept the proposed park hours. Kleinsasser seconded. There was a question about what was meant by prohibiting golfing in the park. Dockter responded swinging the club, which could damage the grass, and balls flying through the air. It was asked for clari- fication about prohibiting possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages in parking lots, but adult beverages would be allowed in other parts of the park. Dockter responded that was correct. Motion passed unanimously. C. Community Gardens Dockter summarized the staff memorandum regarding community gardens and asked for fur- ther direction from the Commission. He stated that staff's recommendation is to that this should be a grass roots effort, similar to the dog park. It was asked if there was a way to iden- tify where garden sites could be located. Dockter responded that staff could create a map of potential garden sites. PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION A. Highlands Park Building and Splash Pad Update Dockter provided an update on the improvements to the Highlands Park Building and dis- played photographs of the project. He also updated the Commission on the splash pad project, noting that the City Council approved the design recommended by the Parks Commission. B. Municipal Pool Building Re -use Dockter summarized the staff memorandum regarding the re -use of the municipal pool building site. He asked for two representatives from the Parks Commission to serve on the design team, which will also include representatives from the Planning Commission and Historic Pre- servation Committee, to analyze potential uses for the building. Kath noted that the CGAA is using the building as a storage facility and asked if they are paying rent to the City. Dockter re- sponded no. Kath then asked if the building was improved, would they then have to pay. Dockter stated that there have been conversations with the CGAA that if they were the primary users of the building, the City would expect to at least cover our expenses, such as utilities. Thiede asked the Commission if they have any ideas for that site from a parks and recreation standpoint. Suggestions included using the pool for skateboarding, putting in basketball courts, a senior center, shuffle board courts, and bocce ball courts. Kath suggested that the design team could look at some of the ideas from the Community Center Task Force. Simmers and Nelson volunteered to participate on the design team. C. Woodridge Park Upgrades Dockter updated the Parks Commission on the upgrades that were done at Woodridge Park this fall, as listed in the staff memorandum. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 2011 Page 4 of 4 D. Recycling in Parks Program Dockter summarized the staff memorandum regarding the Recycling in Parks program. He stated that staff recommends proceeding with that program. A motion was made seconded to proceed with the Recycling in Parks program. Motion was passed unanimously. E. River Oaks Scenic Overlook Property Dockter summarized the staff memorandum on the River Oaks Scenic Overlook. Thiede sug- gested that this could be a volunteer opportunity for the Boy Scouts or Eagle Scouts. Burbank noted that a master plan was done in 1979 on the property adjacent to it to the east. Dockter stated another good reference on this area is the Natural Resource inventory that was done in 1998. Poncin asked if there is any signage indicating that area. Dockter responded no, right now it is just a dead end. He stated that the first step is to get the property surveyed and install the public property posts. It was asked how wide the "handle" to the park is. Burbank responded about 30 to 40 feet. ACTION UPDATES None PARK PLANNING /MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIAL None COMMISSION COMMENTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS Thiede reported that the City Council had a workshop on October 19 to discuss the Capital Im- provement Plan. He summarized how the CIP it relates to Parks and Recreation. He stated that on November 2, the Council approved sending a letter to Washington County commenting on their draft Capital Improvement Plan. Their CIP includes the Cottage Grove Ravine Re- gional Park, the Ravine Parkway by the South Service Center and the new Public Safety /City Hall facility, and Mississippi River access on Lower Grey Cloud Island. STAFF COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission January 10, 2011 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 10th day of January, 2011. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Keith Kleinsasser, Paul Poncin, Krystal McCalvy, William Schumal, Ryan Simmers, Maureen Ventura Members Absent: Chelsea Butler, Douglas Butler Others Present: John Burbank, Senior Planner Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager David Thiede, City Councilmember Burbank introduced Councilmember Dave Thiede, who is the new City Council Liaison to the Parks Commission. He announced that with the election of Commissioner Lehrke to the City Council, there is a vacancy on the Commission. Applications are being accepted and can be procured at City Hall or from the City's web site. He noted that two Commissioners will reach the end of their term limits on February 28, so there will be two more vacancies. APROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APROVAL OF THE MINUTES None OPEN FORUM None ACTION ITEMS A. 2011 Prescribed Burn Notification Hearing Dockter summarized the staff memorandum on prairie management by utilizing a controlled burn in the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor. Before the City does any type of burn, we want to allow the residents in the area an opportunity to speak on this subject. He stated that one per- son attended the meeting last month and he had questions regarding whether there is someone on site to monitor the burn. Dockter explained that all permits for controlled burns are pulled Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 10, 2011 Page 2 of 6 through the Mn /DNR. There is no one on site, but the DNR representative for our area manages controls whether a burn can occur depending on wind and weather conditions. Dockter provided pictures of what the burn looks like. It was asked how long it takes for the plants to grow back. Dockter stated almost immediately. A concern was expressed about what types of plants would grow back. Dockter responded that the prairie was restored about four years to grow and the native prairie plants are becoming the dominant species. Has anything been planted there? Dockter responded that seeding was done with the full prairie restoration project four years ago. Burbank stated that now the plants are seeding themselves. Burbank explained that due to a snow storm, the delivery of the packets was delayed so there was no quorum last month, and the public hearing on this project needs to be held this evening. Poncin opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Poncin closed the public hearing. A motion was made and seconded to recommend that the City proceeds with the prescribed burn of the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor. Motion passed unanimously. B. 2011 Trail Access Installation Notification Hearing Dockter stated that this would be a public hearing. He summarized the staff memorandum re- garding installation of a trail access from 79th Street into the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor. He displayed a map of the location of the proposed trail access. Requests have been received from residents about paving that access. He explained that if the recommendation is to pave this access, there would be engineering work to be done before it could be paved. To accommodate this access, a berm would need to be built and a culvert put through for drainage, so it would be a more expensive than a normal trail construction. Ventura asked if the path already exists. Dockter clarified that the path between the homes does not exist but the trail does. Currently there is access from Joliet Avenue and from the cul -de -sac. Ventura asked if the easement ex- ists and what material is there. Dockter responded it is just grass. Burbank stated that it is a platted outlot that the City owns. Staff would like to get the neighborhood's input and have the Parks Commission make a recommendation to the City Council on whether or not to pave this trail access. Poncin opened up the public hearing. Mark Franzen, 7781 Jocelyn Avenue, stated that their house is right next to where the path will go. He questions the need for this trail access as there is access to the trail on either end of the neighborhood. They used to mow that area all the way up the hill. He noted there is a drainage area there that is always wet. He believes a paved path between two houses could have an ef- fect on the resale value of the homes. He noted that the hill in back is very steep and he ques- tions how a path would go up that slope. He thinks that the Commission should look at the privacy issue of this path from a homeowner's perspective as the path would go past windows in the neighboring houses. Barb Franzen, 7781 Jocelyn Avenue, stated that their development consists of 79 houses. She noted that there is a path to Kingston Park that hooks up with the trails 666 feet from this pro- posed path. She does not believe it is necessary to spend money on this project. She explained that both houses have living space that abuts the path, and it would not be as big an issue if it went between two garages. The neighbor of the other house, who could not attend tonight's Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 10, 2011 Page 3 of 6 meeting, says that when she bought her house 10 years ago it was not disclosed that that area was city property. Franzen suggested using the funds to install benches on the existing trail. She asked if the City would put in a fence or shrubs. Dockter stated that the neighbor has a window on that side of the house and she is also concerned about security. Bob Buttermore, 7786 Jocelyn Avenue, asked if a notice was sent to the neighborhood about this path. He supports everything the Franzen's said about the path. Dockter responded that the City sent the notice to the two homes that were directly impacted. Poncin asked if there is currently a trail marker sign. Dockter responded no. Barb Franzen noted that at the back of the property there is a property post. Burbank stated that some of those signs were never installed or disappeared. He stated that public property should be properly signed so people know it is all right to walk on these areas. It was asked if there have been requests for that link or complaints about people walking through the grass. Dockter responded that he has not heard any complaints but there have been three requests over the last couple years. Kleinsasser asked if landscaping could be done to help with some of the privacy issues. Dockter responded that typically when trails are being put in, the city tries to buffer the trail and works with the homeowner planting requests. It was asked if the drainage area was filled in, where the water would go. Dockter responded that a culvert would be put through. It was asked if this was a wet spot or holds water. Dockter stated that theoretically it is dry drainageway but there are some issues. Franzen stated that at one point they thought there was a natural spring under there because it was always wet. Burbank stated that one of the questions raised was the cost for completion of the path. None of that work has been done yet; staff would like direction from the Commission on if this path should be explored further before the City spends money and time on engineering. The cost estimates would be done prior to this going to the City Council for their determination. It was suggested waiting until spring so the Commissioners could look at the site. Ventura rec- ommended that notices be sent to the whole neighborhood about this proposal. It was the con- sensus of the Commission to re -open the public comments at the April Parks Commission meeting. C. Off -Leash Dog Training Permit Dockter summarized the staff memorandum regarding development of an off -leash dog training permit. He asked the Commission if they wanted to proceed with this type of permit or make it a program within the dog park. There was a comment that it would make more sense to utilize the dog park for training, as most cities do. Poncin stated that he is concerned that this restriction would not allow activities at the Strawberry Festival because dogs could not be taken off the leash while at a public park. He believes the new leash law is overly restrictive compared. It was asked if the pet portion of the Strawberry Fest could be carried out at the dog park. Thiede stated that would be too far away from the other activities. Burbank stated that if there are people who need to have a training facility outside of the dog park opportunities, the city could again explore having a permit. People have contacted the City with concerns about dogs run- ning off leash at parks. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 10, 2011 Page 4 of 6 It was noted that there could be an enforcement issue. Dockter responded that the verbiage in the code was so hard to understand and the new language is cut and dry. Burbank stated that in terms of opportunities for off -leash training, the Planning Commission is reviewing an application to change the ordinance to allow for dog agility and training on properties greater than 10 acres by conditional use permit and for a dog training facility on a rural property. There are other op- portunities that may come up in the community for people who are looking to actively train their dog. Poncin noted that the County also has leash law requirements at all their parks but they do allow hunting training classes off leash by permit. D. SHIP Grant Award Notification Dockter summarized the staff memorandum regarding the $3,500 grant the City received from the Washington County Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) for installation of bi- cycle racks at Hamlet, Highlands, Oakwood, Woodridge, and Kingston Parks. The racks will be of the design approved by the Parks Commission and will be installed in the summer of 2011. Thiede reported that the City Council accepted the grant at their last meeting. E. 2011 Local Trail Connections Grant Application Burbank summarized the staff memorandum and asked for a recommendation from the Com- mission to apply for the 2011 Local Trail Connections Grant for trail connections for the 80th Street/Kingston school campus from 80th Street to Kingston Park, West Central Draw from Jamaica Avenue to 80th Street, and /or Hamlet Park Phase 11 interior trailways. There was a question on the cost of those three projects. Burbank responded that the request for the 80th Street connection was about $50,000 with a matching grant for about $100,000 total. A motion was made and seconded to apply for the 2011 Local Trail Connections Grant. Motion passed unanimously. F. Playground Equipment Replacement Dockter explained that capital improvement funds are set aside for replacing playground equip- ment at Hemingway Park and North Ideal Park in 2011. Staff has received designs from three different vendors. Those options are being presented to the Parks Commission for their input. He explained that some of the playground equipment at Hemingway Park is still in good condi- tion and will be re -used. Of the $50,000 allotted for both parks, the majority of the money will be put into North Ideal Park. Dockter displayed three layouts for Hemingway Park and explained the proposals. Poncin asked if the price for each of the proposals was about the same. Dockter responded yes. It was asked if there were swings for smaller children in the first two proposals. Dockter responded no, but those could be added. It was asked if it was possible to create structures that could be moved to a different park in the future if the neighborhood gets bored with it. Dockter stated that the City could ask the vendors if that would be possible. It was noted that children grow quickly so when it is time to move the equipment, there would be a newer generation using it. Ventura stated that she likes the first option and asked if two additional swings, including baby swings, could be added. Thiede expressed concern for liability issues with the rope cube. Dockter responded that it is composed of one -inch thick wire cable wrapped in a layer of fire resistant rope material. It was the consensus of the Commission to recommend Option #1 by the Miracle Equipment and adding two more swings. Poncin requested that staff look into upgrading to the three - person spinning device instead of the one - person. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 10, 2011 Page 5 of 6 Dockter described the proposals for North Ideal Park and displayed the layouts. It was asked if the climbing structure could look like a fire truck. Dockter responded that themed playgrounds are usually more expensive. Ventura stated that her preference was Option #2 because it is different than what other parks contain. Ventura suggested having three swings, one small child swing and two regular swings. It was noted from the discussion that the Commission wants to see new types of play equipment at the parks. Poncin asked about the replacement schedule for park structures. Dockter responded they are scheduled for replacement every 15 years. Dockter summarized that the Parks Commission is recommending Option #2, but removing the lady bug, and adding a bigger merry -go -round and a swing for small children. The Commission agreed. G. Granada Park Survey Burbank summarized the staff memorandum and asked for input from the Commission on the draft survey. Ventura asked if it would be beneficial to know what other community parks the residents in the area they use. Burbank stated that could be added after question No. 2. H. Park Dedication Surveyl2011 Park Dedication Fees Burbank summarized the park dedication survey that was completed by Hoisington Koegler. � A. Pool /Splash Pad Needs Study Dockter summarized the staff memorandum regarding the City's water recreational facilities and a study that will be done by Bonestroo, Inc. regarding our aquatic facility needs. He provided a presentation on splash pads that was also given to the City Council. Ventura asked if the YMCA agreement to operate the pool has already expired. Dockter re- sponded yes, and they were not interested in renewing, but they are going to operate the pool for 2011. It was noted that a splash pad could help draw new residents to the community and that putting one at Kingston Park would help with the East Ravine development. Dockter noted that staff is currently discussing if this should be a regional draw or something for the residents of the City. Burbank stated that would be part of the study. Ventura stated that parking should be looked at. Dockter stated that the goal of the study would be to identify the top four sites and where the first one should be located. A question was asked if the splash pad could be used for a skateboard park. Dockter stated that it is a concrete pool but it would not be able to be used for skateboarding at this point. B. Hamlet Park Burbank stated that at a past meeting there had been questions about the improvements at Hamlet Park. He explained that the improvements will be funded by the sale of the City -owned parcel next to Ruby Tuesday. It was asked what the costs would be to complete Hamlet Park and what would need to be done. Burbank responded that the improvements will be done as funding and other projects allow. C. Public Safety /City Hall Burbank updated the Commission on the plans for the Public Safety /City Hall facility, including how the site will link up to the existing trail system. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes January 10, 2011 Page 6 of 6 D. Community Center Task Force Burbank explained that the YMCA recently completed a study that asked 350 residents about their interest in having a community center, a YMCA, and other amenities. That information will be presented to the Commission at the next meeting. The Community Center Task Force is will make a recommendation on whether or not the City should have a community center and what amenities would be part of it. E. Critical Area Rulemaking Burbank explained that the enabling legislation for the rulemaking process for the Critical Area expires this year. The DNR did not complete their task for changing the rules along the Critical Area of the Mississippi River. They will bring that back to the Legislature for additional legislation to continue that process. He stated that he has reviewed the proposal and it seems to be a pos- itive thing for the City of Cottage Grove. Staff will request that the City Council show support for the continuation of the rulemaking process. t • .0 A. Recreation There were no questions or comments regarding the Recreation Division Report. B. Ice Arena None PARK PLANNING /MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIAL None COMMISSION COMMENTS There was a question regarding next month's meeting on February 14. Burbank stated that this meeting could be postponed. A motion was made and seconded to cancel the February 14 Parks Commission meeting. Motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL COMMENTS Thiede reported that the City Council authorized acceptance of the SHIP grant for bike racks. STAFF COMMENTS Burbank asked those Commissioners who are eligible to be reappointed to the Commission to let him know if they are interested in another term on the Parks Commission. Dockter noted that January 15 is the skate night at Highlands Park from 3:00 to 7:00. � ri171 % L A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.