PRC SUM 2009 08 25
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
AUGUST 25, 2009
Chairman Daniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Daniel, Tom Kelly, Glenn Stolar, Thor Smith and Elise Ryan
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Steve Scharfenberg, and Scott Wendt
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation
Superintendent; and John Stutzman, Recreation Supervisor
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:Smith moved, Kelly seconded to accept the agenda as
published. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Todd Hoffman talked about the use of the trail system within
the community and informed the commission members of an automobile/pedestrian accident at
Highway 5 and Great Plains Boulevard.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:Kelly moved, Stolar seconded to approve the verbatim and
summary minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated July 28, 2009 as
presented.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES FOR THE
FOLLOWING TRAIL SEGMENTS:
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HIGHWAY 101 NORTH/PLEASANT VIEW ROAD TRAIL CONNECTIONS
CITY PROJECT #PK&T-029
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BLUFF CREEK DRIVE GAP TRAIL CITY PROJECT #PK&T-083
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PIONEER BOULEVARD GAP TRAIL CITY PROJECT #PK&T-084
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HIGHWAY 5 PEDESTRIAN TRAIL TO ARBORETUM CITY PROJECT
#PK&T-098
Todd Hoffman presented the staff report on this item. Jason Amberg with Brauer and Associates
outlined the Highway 101 trail project. Commissioner Smith asked about the need to purchase
additional right-of-way for trail construction. Commissioner Stolar asked about the placement of
the retaining walls. Commissioner Ryan suggested the need for some type of barrier between
the trail and the road. Chair Daniel asked about reducing the width of the trail, the need for curb
and gutter in relation to when Highway 101 may be upgraded in the future and suggested more
cost effective alternatives. Jason Amberg explained the need for Bluff Creek gap trail project.
Park and Rec Commission Summary – August 25, 2009
After questions regarding the width of the trail, the commission decided the Bluff Creek trail
project should go ahead as planned. Chair Daniel discussed the significant cost increase in the
Pioneer Boulevard gap trail project and suggested waiting until Pioneer Trail is upgraded with
the possibility of a partnership with the County. Jason Amberg reviewed the design for the
Pioneer Boulevard gap trail as information when it does get constructed. Commissioner Smith
asked about the drawbacks to putting the trail on the south side of Pioneer Boulevard. Todd
Hoffman provided background information on discussions between Lifetime Fitness, Mayor
Furlong and City Manager Gerhardt about the desire for a pedestrian underpass linking with the
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum at Highway 41. Commissioner Kelly asked about the existing
crosswalk locations at Century Boulevard and Highway 5. Commissioner Daniel asked about
the cost of adding the underpass to the project.
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT.
Jerry Ruegemer and John Stutzman presented a power point presentation on the recreation
division of the annual report. Becca Stenzel, Director of Recreation and Inclusion at REACH for
Resources, an independent non-profit that contracts with 13 different cities in the area to provide
adaptive and inclusive recreation, talked about programming available to Chanhassen residents.
John Stutzman showed a video put together by the Chanhassen Villager showcasing the Dance
on Ice program. Staff showed a video of Katie Hanne, the City’s Playground Director, talking
about the different playground programming available. In discussions about programming for
youth and teens, Chair Daniel asked about hunting and fishing offerings. Commissioner Stolar
suggested a movie night in the winter. Commissioner Smith asked about geocaching within city
parks.
APPROVE RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL, 2010-2014 PARK AND TRAIL
ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP).
Todd Hoffman reviewed staff’s recommendations for changes to the 5 year CIP including
deleting the Pioneer Trail gap trail, adding a stairway to the Highway 41 underpass, increasing
the amount for the Bluff Creek Drive gap trail, postponing the final phase of the Chanhassen
Nature Preserve, and increasing the annual tree allowance to $25,000 to address the potential
emerald ash borer outbreak. Commissioner Stolar stated he would like to see the fund balance
stay close to a million dollars for emergency purposes. Commissioner Ryan suggested the
commission think about the addition in the future of something similar to the Splash Pad at St.
Louis Park. After discussion on where a splash pad could be located, the following motion was
made.
Stolar moved, Smith seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend that
the City Council approve the five year CIP, 2010 through 2014 with the one change moving
the Highway 101 North/Pleasant View trail connections from 2013 to 2014. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
RECREATION PROGRAM REPORTS.
A. KLEINBANK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES EVALUATION.
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Park and Rec Commission Summary – August 25, 2009
B. FALL SOFTBALL LEAGUE.
C. DAVE HUFFMAN 5K MEMORIAL RUN.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS.
A. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CARP STUDY UPDATE.
Todd Hoffman asked for questions on any of the recreation program or administrative reports.
Chair Daniel asked about the updates to the carp study.
Kelly moved, Stolar seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Submitted by Todd Hoffman
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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