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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-04 PACKET 04.A.ii.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE 4/4/12 _4 PREPARED BY Parks and Recreation ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT Zac Dockter STAFF AUTHOR COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Accept and place on file the Minutes of the February 13, 2012 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Accept and place on file the Minutes of the February 13, 2012 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting. ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DATE REVIEWED APPROVED DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS r f; City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER H: \COUNCIL FORMS \COUNCIL 2012 \Council 4 -4 -12 \Council Action Form February Parks Minutes.doc City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission February 13, 2012 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was duly held on the 13th day of February, 2012. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Keith Kleinsasser, Mark Nelson, Paul Poncin, William Schumal, Douglas Butler, Ron Kath, Ryan Simmers Members Absent: None Others Present: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager John Burbank, Senior Planner David Thiede, City Council Liaison A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None attached OPEN FORUM None PRESENTATIONS None ACTION ITEMS A. Commission Bylaw Review The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission are required to periodically approve its bylaws at the annual organizational meeting in March. The Commission must review the laws a minimum of two consecutive meetings. The bylaws have been in practice for over 10 years with minimal change. Staff is recommending the Commission consider reducing the meeting schedule to 8 meetings per year. The regular meeting schedule would include February, March, May, June, August, September, November, and December. Meetings would Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2012 Page 2 of 7 continue to be held on the second Monday of each month at 7pm at City Hall. It should be further noted the commission retains the right to call a "special meeting" should a point of concern arise between any of the regularly scheduled meetings. The bylaws state that officers shall be nominated and appointed at the annual meeting in March. Current officers are: • Chair, Paul Poncin • Vice- Chair, Keith Kleinsasser • Secretary, Bill Schumal There are no term limits on the officers so they may be reappointed in the coming year. Poncin requested the Commission review the bylaw for further discussion at the March meeting. It is recommended the Commission review the 2011 Draft Bylaws of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission to provide staff with direction for any recommended changes. B. Werner Electric Wind Turbine Proposal Dockter introduced Werner Electrics proposal for a 100 foot monopole with a 20 kilowatt wind turbine mount. The location of the proposed wind turbine is on 95 street and adjacent to Hamlet Park. The proposal was presented to a Technical Review Committee. City staff that attended discussed the proposal in regards to how it fits within the zoning requirements which include: • A conditional use permit. • Height limitations of 150'. • A minimum setback from Werner Electric property boundaries of 1.1 times the WECS's height, and conservation easements of 1,320. Dockter stated because Hamlet Park property abuts the north and west boundaries of Werner Electric the 1,320 foot setback requirement from public parks does not permit the placement of a free - standing WECS on Werner Electric's proposed location. Dockter presented an aerial photo of Werner Electric and a letter from Ben Granley, Director of Operations at Werner Electric. Dockter explained that Werner Electric is requesting a variance to the proposal allowing for the Wind Turbine proposal to proceed. Granley, Director of Operations of Werner Electric, presented a wind energy project packet to the Commission. Granley stated it was his understanding the set back requirements originated with the Parks Commission and requested some understanding of why the set back was put into place. Granley explained some of the precautions Werner Electric took into consideration as they designed this project which included: • A pole design versus a lattice design to prevent children from climbing the structure. • The placement of the turbine in relation to the walking path and drainage ditch. • The esthetics and what the turbine will look like from the park and neighborhoods. • The noise and the effect on residents. • Wind studies that show there is wind generation capable of powering Warner Electric. • The Environment in relation to how the turbine will affect birds. • The installation allowing the unit to electronically rise and fall which will allow for easier maintenance versus climbing the unit. Granley added the unit is being proposed to offset electricity costs at Werner Electric and is a unit that Werner Electric sells as part of its clean energy initiative. Granley asked for a recommendation from the Parks Commission to receive a variance allowing the wind turbine to proceed on schedule. Granley stated as a part of the process Werner Electric has proactively reached out to the community to talk to the residents close to the facility to see if they have any Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2012 Page 3 of 7 concerns regarding the project. Werner Electric held a meeting and invited the surrounding residents of which 10 residents attended. At the end of the meeting the residents were asked to take a short survey. The results of that survey showed 8 out of the 9 residents that participated in the survey had a positive view of Werner Electric and the project. One resident was opposed to the project with the reason being his objection to any additional noise or truck traffic. Granley directed the Commission back to his earlier graph showing noise levels to remain minimal. Kath asked what the date of the neighborhood meeting was. Granley responded that it was January 26 2012. Granley added he left contact information on the meeting invitation and he has not had any correspondence from residents that did not attend the meeting. A motion was made to accept the variance submitted by Werner Electric. The motion carried. Burbank clarified this motion would be approving the proposal to go on to the Planning Commission assuming Werner Electric submitted application by February 29, 2012. Next, the proposal would be submitted to the City Council at the second meeting in April. This would allow residents additional opportunities to comment. The Parks Commission would be in support of the application. C. Pine tree Pond Park Trailway Project Dockter stated the Pine Tree Valley Pond Park trail system is scheduled for construction in 2012. This paved recreational trail would connect 80 Street to the archery range and Isleton Court while also providing trail access to the parks many features including the playground, archery range, pond, woods and grasslands. The paved trailway system throughout the park has been identified in the Cities Capital Improvement Plan and Trailway Master Plan. In October 2011 the City submitted a grant to the MN DNR for an amount totaling $48,000. The Parks Department staff has been working with engineering and the stormwater utilities staff to provide a trail that suits both the recreational needs of the community as well as the maintenance and accessibility needs for the Public Works Department. As is common practice when new trails are installed in existing residential areas, staff has mailed a letter with the project description to all residents within 100 feet of the planned trailway. Dockter attached a copy of the letter sent to residents and the trail map for the Parks Commissions review. Dockter explained the trail is currently being built in part because of maintenance concerns and stormwater issues on site. The first portion of the trail would benefit the residents creating a walking path and connecting the path to the playground. The second part of this grant would allow storm water access. Dockter added if the City does not receive the DNR grant the east part of the trailway would not be completed this year. Currently with the approval from the Commission and Council the west side of the trailway would be completed. Dockter stated the trail would be ADA accessible. Dockter explained there would be some tree removal which is standard maintenance practice in our City ponds and drainage systems. The trees consist mainly of cottonwood and popular. There is nothing the City is looking to protect on this site at this time. Bridgett Carigiet from 8801 80 Street addressed the Commission with a concern regarding the second phase of the trailway proposal stating her mother is a daycare provider and would like to know if there would be a large increase in traffic and how that would affect the residents. Dockter demonstrated where the existing trail is in relation to the new trailway system. Carigiet expressed concern with the east trailway addition that would run along the resident's homes and cut through mature trees. Dockter responded the east side of the trail would be mainly for recreational use. The City always tries to complete a loop when installing a trail around a pond to create a better experience for the user. Carigiet asked what vehicles Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2012 Page 4 of 7 would be allowed on the path. Dockter answered there should only be maintenance vehicles and occasional police vehicles. Barb Carigiet from 8801 80 Street explained the trailway would open to the roadway an estimated three feet from her driveway. Barb added 28 years ago there was a trailway that ran through this exact location. It brought added security, garbage and traffic issues for her neighborhood and family. Carigiet explained because she runs a daycare out of this location she fears someone using the trailway could get hurt with the cars backing in and out of her driveway all day. Carigiet asked the reasoning behind opening the trailway at that exact location and requested it be moved toward the planter area on 80th. Carigiet reasoned this would allow a 50/50 split in the walk -way allowing the user to decide which direction they would like to proceed along the path. Carigiet reiterated her safety concerns regarding this project and illustrated on the smart board her ideas for a solution. Dockter stated the reason the City cannot change the location to the planter area on 80 is because of the steep grade on 80 street preventing the trail connection from being an ADA accessible trail. Carigiet stated her husband, for many years, has cut a path for the children to ride their bikes to the pond for fishing and made sure the path was far enough away from their driveway to ensure the safety of the children. Barb asked when the project would begin. Dockter responded the excavation and gravel base would begin in 2012. Dockter added both sides of the project are dependent on the grant funds. Carigiet asked the Commission to reevaluate the location for the entrance of this trail. Carigiet stated she does not want to be put in this hazardous situation. Hatch, 8306 Isleton Court, stated his property is on the west side of the proposed path and is bordered on the West and North sides by park land. Hatch explained he is looking forward to the trail in some ways. Hatch expressed concern stating there has been suspicious activity at the park that homeowners have been reporting to the police department. Hatch suspects it may be drug sales and is hopeful the trail and increased activity at the park would deter this activity. Hatch showed the Commission on the smart board where there are currently two active fox dens located on the west end of the trail. Hatch added there are deer and lots of other wildlife in the park that he enjoys. Hatch explained when he purchased his home in 1975 the trees on the west side did not even exist but now they are grown up and house many birds and wildlife. Hatch asked how much of this forest will be removed? Dockter responded the North end of the park will see the most tree removal because of the steep slope which will need to be graded. Dockter added on the south end the City would remove only what is required to install the trail and then restore 6 -10 feet on both sides of the new trail. Hatch agreed with Carigiet and asked the path be moved further awa from her driveway. Poncin stated the safety issues concerning the driveway at 8801 80 warrants more investigation and asked if it could be moved to the west end. Dockter added the map does not portrait a good picture of the grade issues presented. Dockter asked the Commission to look at the area when they drive home after the meeting to get an accurate judgment. Dockter added the City can do further research to see if the entrance can be placed in another location. Poncin asked how we can alleviate the concern of park users dumping out on the access road and asked if there is a way to move the outlet west. Dockter responded he does not have an answer without talking with the civil engineer and explained the reason the entrance wasn't proposed on the west side is because of the grade. Dockter added another option may be a switch back which would run parallel to the Carigiet property line. Dockter stated the City will look at other options with the engineer. Schumal asked if tunneling under 80 could be an option. Dockter responded it is something they City has thought about however it is not in the Capital Improvement Plan within the next 5 years. Dockter added the funding is not available. Schumal asked if there is a culvert that runs under 80 Dockter responded yes. Kleinsasser stated his concern residents may park in front of the Carigiet Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2012 Page 5 of 7 residence to use the park and it does not provide enough parking. Dockter stated Pine Tree Valley has parking available and there is an option to park at the fire station and archery range. Dockter added based on the results the City has seen at Pine Tree Valley he did not expect to see more than a car or two at any given time. Burbank suggested looking at different options and addressing the parking concerns before going to Council. Burbank added the City likes to listen to the concerns of the neighbors. Sometimes we can make changes to make people happy sometimes not. Typically residents are very happy with the trails and parks as soon as the project is complete. This is the reason to bring this to discussion tonight so we can address any concerns and bring it to council as a part of the final design package. Poncin requested finding the best way to expand this design to encourage parking at the Fire Station. Kath asked if you would have to expand the parking lot to ensure parking for our emergency personal in an emergency. Kleinsasser expressed his concern regarding residents parking at the Pine Tree Valley parking lot and trying to cross 80 street. Nelson added there would have to be a safe cross walk installed that would identify that people would be crossing. Dockter stated the City will come back with different options addressing parking and safety concerns. Kleinsasser requested the City present additional photos and more details regarding the driveway in question. Poncin tabled the Pine Tree Pond Park Trailway Project for a future Commission date. D. West Draw /Camel's Hump DNR Grant Application Dockter explained the MN DNR has opened a second round of grant funding for its Conservation Partners Legacy program. This program is designed to restore, protect or enhance prairies, wetlands, forests, or habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. Cottage Grove will be applying for a $70,000 grant from this program to be used for forest restorative work in the Camel's Hump /Gateway North Open Space areas as well as a prairie restoration project within the West Draw Park and Open Space areas. Dockter added the Commission has been involved with the Friends of the Mississippi draft and presented it for the Commission's review. Dockter added the document is very thorough and explains all the natural resources in our area and what we need to do to preserve them. The document also identifies degradation of the sites continue by poor land management practices as well as disease and invasive growth. Only swift and aggressive management practices will preserve these natural elements for future generations. Dockter added the $70,000 will help to accomplish some of the City's land management goals. The grant will allow the city to aggressively begin restorative and protective work of the area and fully prioritize and understand the net impact of the work needing to be done. This would be phase one of the plan which would include clearing buckthorn, clearing invasive species, performing a burn on the dry prairie bluffs, restore the West Draw Prairie Corridor area, and restoration work around Hidden Valley Pond. Dockter asked the Commission for a recommendation for staff to apply for the MN Department of Natural Resources Community Partners Legacy Grant in the amount of $70,000 to restore and rehabilitate prairie and forest plant community's in the Gateway North and West Draw Park areas. Nelson asked if there was a match required with this application. Dockter replied there is a match of 10 %. This is a total of $7,000 of which 1/3 can be used as time with an example of staff's time to manage the project or mow the area. Burbank noted Cottage Grove has the highest per capita of natural space in the region. Burbank added the Staff takes advantage of all opportunities to work with other funding sources to help manage these areas and they look for the Commission for their support. A motion was made to allow staff to apply for the MN Department of Natural Resources Grant. The motion was seconded and passed. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2012 Page 6 of 7 A. Thompson Grove Community Hall Project Dockter stated since the pools closure after the 2011 swimming season, staff has been working with the Thompson Grove Community Building Task Force (comprised of representatives from the various citizen advisory boards as well as City Council) to seek options for reuse of the site and building. That Task Force consists of a couple members from each Commission including a couple from the Parks Commission, staff and City Council. The city held a design charrette in December where ideas for reuse of the site and building were generated. The task force went onto narrow that list to three potential options; 1. Teen Center 2. Indoor Play Center 3. Meeting /Banquet /Party Facility Dockter continued conceptual designs for those three options were then prepared for the All Commission Meeting held in January at River Oaks. After presenting those concepts, the commissioners were broke into subgroups where they discussed each of the options and offered suggestions for moving forward. At the end of the meeting, commissioners were asked to informally vote on a design. The tally of the votes was as follows: 1. Teen Center — 4 2. Indoor Play Center— 22 3. Meeting /Banquet/Party Facility — 4 Dockter added at this time, staff is refining the conceptual design for the Indoor Play Center taking into consideration the suggestions from the floor at the all Commission's meeting. But at the same point taking into consideration what it will take to get the building back to its original state, what it will take to get it to the Indoor Play Center proposed and what would be the business plan for that model. Dockter added the project at this point is just informational. Kath stated at the meeting in December he asked if the residents had been contacted to receive their feedback. Has the city done that yet? Dockter replied staff has not done contacted residents at this time. Staff is working on a business and conceptual plan before contacting residents. Within the next month Dockter stated staff would start meeting with the residents, daycares and moms clubs in the area to hear feedback and see if this facility would be useful. Staff will also be meeting with others that would be impacted by the facility like the surrounding residents. B. Highlands Park Splash Pad Project Update Dockter updated the Commission explaining the City has awarded the Splash Pad Construction Project bid to LS Black. Six companies submitted bid packages. Construction contracts have been signed and the preconstruction meeting was completed in January. At that meeting, it appears construction will begin in early to mid April with an anticipated completion date in early July. Poncin asked if there will be water cannons. Dockter responded it is in the plan. Parks Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2012 Page 7 of 7 C. Commissioner Term Limit Dockter stated Ryan Simmers has approached his term limit for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. Commissioner Simmers has served on the commission since 2005. Staff wishes to thank Simmers for his volunteerism, professionalism, service and investment in the community of Cottage Grove. Simmers has been an integral part of the development of the City's Parks and Recreation system over the past 7 years and his presence will certainly be missed. Simmers will be formally thanked at the volunteer banquet added Dockter. Simmers thanked Dockter and the Commission adding it has been a great experience having an impact on the community. Burbank suggested Simmers consider other Commission's to serve on. Thiede reinforced Burbanks statement adding that if he would like to serve again on the Parks Commission after his break he would be a pleasure to have back. Theide introduced Cristina Marcino who will be a new Parks Commissioner starting in March. Dockter stated he added an article in the Park newspaper, East Ridge newspaper, facebook, and website looking for two volunteers to fill the available youth seats. Kath recommended to contact the principals to find these youth. Thiede would like to see kids that are active in youth sports that would be utilizing community facilities. ACTION UPDATES none PARK PLANNING /MANAGEMENT EDUCATION MATERIAL none COMMISSION COMMENTS none COUNCIL COMMENTS Theide stated at the February Council meeting Council discussed the Community Partners Legacy Grant. The Council approved this grant. Thiede requested the Boy Scouts or other local youth groups be asked to volunteer to help alleviate some of the costs. Theide added Park dedication requirements were passed. STAFF COMMENTS Dockter distributed the 2011 annual report which lists the accomplishments of the Parks and Recreation Department. Dockter added this will also be available online. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:06p.m. WORKSHOP A. 2012 Parks Commission Work Plan