UNAPPROVED
CITY OF BLAINE
PARK ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
7:00 p.m.
The Blaine Park Advisory Board met in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Tuesday, February 28, 2012.
1. Chair Walthour called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioners Bird, Langenfeld, Leathers, Markle, Newland and Chair Walthour.
Members Absent: Commissioner Das
Staff Present: Jim Kappelhoff, Park and Recreation Director.
2. Approval of Minutes: January 24, 2012
Motion by Commissioner Newland to approve the minutes of January 24, 2012 as presented. Motion seconded by Commissioner Bird. Motion approved unanimously.
3. Open Forum for Citizen Input
None
4. New Business
4.1 Joint meeting with the Natural Resource Conservation Board
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff presented a background and summary of the joint meeting request.
The Natural Resource Conservation Board would like to conduct a joint meeting with the Park Board. A suggested list of topics developed by the NRCB are:
Topics:
1. Signage at parks and open spaces:
a. Improved sign on Lexington Ave. for Lochness Park
b. Interpretive sign for Laddie Lake improvements
2. Kiosks
3. Adopt-a-Park, Trail, etc.
4. Special events in parks/open spaces (kite flying on the ice, festival at The Lakes, etc.)
5. Earth Day event
6. Trail maintenance
7. Shoreline maintenance
8. Encroachment onto City lands
a. illegal dumping
b. yard waste dumping
9. Transplant Trillium plants at Laddie Lake
10. Develop environmental policy for Blaine
a. Existing parks and trails.
b. Future parks.
c. Future open space.
d. Management of parks and open space.
The joint meeting could take place at a workshop or regular meeting setting. If the workshop session is chosen, staff is recommending Tuesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m. The regular meeting is Tuesday, March 27. If Park Board members also have topics they would want covered at the joint meeting they can e-mail them to staff by March 9 in order to include them on the joint meeting agenda.
Chair Walthour commented that they have an intent to meet at least annually and it has been awhile since they have had a joint meeting. He recommended meeting on March 13 for a workshop.
Commissioner Bird requested to discuss what is happening with the open space that is across from the new Lexington Avenue athletic complex. He added that he is available on March 13th.
Chair Walthour confirmed to staff that the Board is in agreement to have a joint meeting with the NRCB on March 13th.
4.2 Planning for Legacy Creek Park
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff presented a background and summary of planning for Legacy Creek Park.
Majestic Financial, the new owners of the development known as Legacy Creek is approved for a new single family plat that was originally platted with Legacy Creek in 2007. The development is located north of 125th Avenue and east of Harpers St. It is adjacent to the Savanna Grove 2nd Addition development. The approved plat known as Legacy Creek 2nd Addition has 25 single family lots. Outlot A (1.68 acres) is part of this development and is deeded to the city for a park. The city park in this area has been in the CIP since 2004 and was proposed to be completed in 2007. The attached concept plan was developed in 2007 for the park consisting of a half basketball court, shelter, playground, and landscaping.
However, the developer at the time discontinued construction and eventually dropped the project. Savanna Grove Park is located adjacent to the proposed Legacy Creek Park and current residents of both Legacy Creek and Savanna Grove neighborhoods are expressing the need for the 1.68 acre park to be constructed.
Option 1
This option will involve the neighborhood residents from beginning to end of the development of the park. This option also will take the longest.
· March: Conduct a Neighborhood Park Survey. The survey is attached for the Park Boards review. Survey results presented to the Park Board.
· April: Conduct a Neighborhood Meeting. Staff will have concept plans prepared based on results from the neighborhood park survey and mail out the concepts to the neighborhood residents.
· May: Conduct a Second Neighborhood Meeting. This meeting will determine the best choice of concept plans by the residents. The preferred park plan is recommended to the Park Board.
· June: Bid advertisement for park construction published.
· July: Contractor with lowest bid recommend by the Park Board and approved by City Council.
· August: Park construction begins and estimated to be completed in September.
Option 2
This option will involve neighborhood residents but with a proposed park concept already in place. They will have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments or suggest changes and additions. They could also advise eliminating the plan. This option shortens the park development process.
· March: Conduct a Neighborhood Meeting. Staff will present the park concept plan from SRF Consultants that was developed in 2007. At this meeting, neighborhood residents will be able to ask questions, make comments, suggest changes or eliminate the park plan.
· April: A proposed park plan will be recommended to the Park
Board based on comments and changes at the neighborhood meeting.
· May: Bid advertisement for park construction published.
· June: Contractor with lowest bid recommend by the Park Board and approved by City Council.
· July: Park construction begins and estimated to be completed in August.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reviewed plans for the Legacy Creek development and the location of the proposed park. He reviewed the plans for the proposed park. He explained that there has been interest in developing this park in the last couple of years. He noted that 125th is a barrier to access other neighborhood parks. He explained that Savannah Grove Park is a passive park which is heavily wooded with a trail through it. The proposed trail will go from Savannah Grove Park, through the Legacy Creek Park and on through the development to the open space area. He reported that this would be the 63rd park in Blaine. The residential mailing for input would cover a quarter mile from the park. He asked for feedback from the Board on which option to choose for involving residents.
Chair Walthour asked about a triangular area of land in the southwest corner on the plan. He asked if it is an outlot.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the property now belongs to the developer. He explained that it was not part of the original plan and does not fit with the park.
Chair Walthour commented that the concept plans are now 5 years old. He asked if other companies could be consulted for their plan ideas instead of using the SRF choice from 2007.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that they paid for the plan with SRF at the time. He stated that they could request input from other consultants if it was desired.
Chair Walthour supported option 2.
Commissioner Markle stated that he supports option 2. He asked staff if the two trail connection options could be sketched into Savannah Grove for use at the meeting with the neighborhood.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that he could provide an updated map and offered to contact SRF to enhance their map.
Commissioner Markle asked about trail options going north to the open space. He asked if this trail would be constructed at the same time as the park or if it would be developed in the future.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the trail would be constructed in the future. This would become part of the five year capital improvement plan with the NRBC for their trails.
Commissioner Markle confirmed that part of the neighborhood is not developed currently. He confirmed that the parking on the sketch is not in place at this point.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the area is not completed at this point. He stated that many neighborhood parks do not contain a parking lot and have on-street parking. He offered to ask the engineers for their recommendation.
Commissioner Markle reiterated that he supports option 2. He commented that he would like space for parking. He asked for space for a turn-around and parking of a half-dozen cars while the development is going in. He asked that future parking options be reviewed.
Commissioner Bird confirmed that Savannah Grove is a passive park and Legacy Creek is an active neighborhood park. He asked staff about combining the parks together under one name. He confirmed that there is no barrier between the park spaces.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that in 2007 the Park Board decided to connect both parks. He noted that the parks are together for ease of access for maintenance. He explained that the separate names identify that Savannah Grove Park is passive and Legacy Creek Park is active.
Commissioner Bird stated that because of the cost of signage it is more cost effective to use one name. He asked if there are other neighborhood parks that are attached which have different names beyond the Baseball Complex and Jaycee Park. He commented that the parks will be connected with a path.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that one name could be considered.
Chair Walthour stated that Savannah Grove paid their park dedication fees and may have an opinion on this. He agreed that combining them for the purpose of cost should be considered.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the Savannah Grove Park sign is not up yet. He stated that there could be two separate entrances to the park, one on each side.
Chair Walthour commented that the Board is in agreement to go with option 2.
4.3 Fogerty Curling Rink and Aquatore Park Update
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff presented an update.
The Park Board was informed of the plans that are moving forward with the Fogerty Curling Rink. Staff gave background information and in particular the impact of replacing Field #1. Mark Clasen of Fogerty Arena presented a more in-depth look at what can be expected from a curling facility regarding usage and economic benefits. The following are recent developments on the both the curling rink and replacing Aquatore Field #1.
· Staff sent out Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract a consultant for the project of removing and replacing Field #1. Three RFP's were sent out. Pioneer Engineering and SRF Consultants responded and at the time of this item staff was evaluating the proposals and have not made a choice of companies.
· Fogerty Arena is scheduled to bring their completed Conditional Use Permit (CUP), site plan, preliminary floor plan, building elevations, preliminary utility plan and project narrative to the Planning Commission meeting on March 13, 2012. If recommended by the Planning Commission it will go before City Council on April 5, 2012 for approval.
Chair Walthour asked when the soil drilling results will be available.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the soil borings will be done by the consultant that is selected. He stated that this will be one of their first actions on this project. He commented that the soil borings are done in preparation of the ball field relocation. He noted that the lighting poles will be removed by another contractor and kept in storage behind Field 2. The lamps will be kept in the public works shop. He stated that they will be watching that the pole warranty is not invalidated. The poles were put up in 2004.
Commissioner Leathers asked who is paying for the consultant that is doing the work to move the fields.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the Park Board is paying for this.
Commissioner Leathers asked who is paying for the relocation of the ball field.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that this cannot be funded fully by the Park fund. He stated that the Council is fully aware of this and is looking for an alternative funding source.
Commissioner Leathers asked what time the Planning Commission is meeting on March 13th. He suggested attending the later part of the meeting following their joint meeting with the National Resource Conservation Board.
Commissioner Markle asked when the anticipated completion date is for both projects.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the replacement Field 1 is anticipated to be ready for the 2013 season. He added that the curling arena may be ready by late fall.
4.4 SHIP Grant for 2012-2013
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reviewed the SHIP Grant for 2012-2013.
Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services (CHES) Department's 2009-2011 Statewide Health Improvement Program to implement strategies that enhance walk-ability, bike-ability and active transportation as well as improve access to recreational facilities. The first phase accomplishments resulting from the SHIP grant include:
· Installed 69 trail distance "way-finding" signs throughout twenty five parks.
· Created and distributed 17,000 Park & Trail Maps for major trails, trail distances and loops.
· Developed virtual tours for ten parks. The virtual tours are posted on
· Conducted six community events promoting physical activity including: geo-caching, walking, running and biking events.
· The City of Blaine City Council voted unanimously to adopt a tobacco-free parks policy. The policy took effect on January 1, 2011 and includes all playgrounds, shelters, buildings, and athletic fields.
On February 16, 2012 the City Council approved to have the City of Blaine again enter into a subcontract agreement to partner with Anoka County that would provide a maximum of $18,000 SHIP Grant Funding in 2012-2013. The City will continue to work with CHES to implement policy, system and environmental changes that create active communities and ultimately improve community health with emphasis on high-risk neighborhoods. The goal is to create and maintain safe and convenient places to be physically active for people regardless of age by designing and/or redesigning systems that decrease the barriers preventing citizens from engaging in routine physical activity.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that areas have been identified by the census. Areas identified were along University Avenue and around Westwood Middle School, Westwood Elementary School and the Centennial Square Area. He explained that they will consider what uses would work for these areas. He stated that they will consider hosting events involving bikeability and walkability trails to make more active programs available to those communities. He stated that the $18,000 can be effectively used. He reported that the City Council has entered into a contract with the county to receive the grant.
Commissioner Leathers complimented staff on their work using the SHIP grant funds. He stated that the additional signs and water craft are examples of how the community has been improved as a result.
Informational only.
4.5 Other
A. City Council Approves Increased Park Dedication Fees
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the Board had recommended an increase in park dedication fees. Staff brought this before Council on February 16 where it was approved on the first reading. They agreed to the Park Boards recommendation of a 5 percent residential fee increase and a 3 percent commercial/industrial increase. He stated that it will have a second reading for the ordinance coming up and then it will be approved.
B. Triathlon Update
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that they have 125 individuals signed up and 11 relay teams registered for the triathlon. He stated that 250 teams can be signed up so the event is half filled. He stated that the eldest participant is 71 and the youngest is 16. He stated that the furthest away a participant will be traveling from is Chantilly, Virginia. He explained that 44 participants are from Blaine. He reported that Twin Cities Gateway has provided a $5,000 grant for the triathlon. He stated that they will bring the final plan to the county for approval. He commented that they have been in contact through the project so there should not be any surprises.
5. Old Business
None.
6. Adjournment
Commissioner Newland motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Leather seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
Chair Walthour adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Bostrom
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.