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SUM 2003 08 26CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SUMMARY MINUTES AUGUST 26, 2003 Chairman Franks called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Franks, Susan Robinson, Paula Atkins, Amy O'Shea, and Glenn Stolar MEMBERS ABSENT: Jack Spizale and Tom Kelly STAFF PRESENT: Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; and Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent PUBLIC PRESENT: Bonnie, Earl & Ryan Spencer Steven Gitzen Jack Jensen Terre Kemble Paul Harris Cole Kelly Cindy Scott & Tony Will Jim & Cathy Scott Deanna Bunkelman Kevin Joyce 1060 Wildwood Circle, Chaska 885 St. Mortiz, Victoria 8480 Pelican Court 1782 Valley Ridge Trail 8640 Chanhassen Hills Drive No. 1556 Bluebill Trail 2730 Sandpiper Trail, Excelsior 1578 Lake Susan Hills Drive 4191 Red Oak Lane 2043 Brinker Street APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Todd Hoffman added Mark Joyce presenting his Eagle Scout project under Visitor Presentations. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: PRESENTATION OF FRANK SCOTT MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER AWARD. Cole Kelly, President of the Chanhassen Athletic Association, provided background information on the formation and duties of the Chanhassen Athletic Association. He summarized Frank Scott's participation and accomplishments in the formation of CAA and the City of Chanhassen. The presentation tonight was to honor Frank Scott and keep his memory alive with his annual award for volunteerism in the Chanhassen Athletic Association. The inaugural Frank E. Scott Memorial Volunteer Award was presented to Earl Spencer, after his list of volunteer accomplishments was read. Thomas Joyce with Boy Scout Troop 346 presented his proposed Eagle Scout project for renovation of the round house at Roundhouse Park. He is proposing to install glass block windows and window wells and do landscaping around the building. Deanna Bunkelman was present to provide an update on how the roundhouse renovation was progressing. A grand Park and Rec Summary - August 26, 2003 opening for the round house is tentatively planned for mid-October, provided the wood floors and everything else is completed. Staff asked Deanna Bunkelman to keep them updated. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Robinson moved, Atkins seconded to approve the Minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated July 22, 2003 as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. 2004 PARK AND TRAIL ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP). Todd Hoffman stated that due to the completion of recent projects, primarily the 101 north trail and the City Center Park project which called upon the park and trail fund as the primary or sole financing source, Fund 410, the park dedication fund has been at it's lowest level in many years. With that he being said, he has chosen two projects for 2004 capital improvement program. One being the playground equipment replacement project at Meadow Green Park playground, and the second being an important trail connector on Highway 41. During commission discussion and questions, Commissioner Stolar asked if there was a third project, what would it be. Todd Hoffman stated other projects would be trail connectors on the north end of the Highway 101 trail, and replacement of the other outdated wooden playground structures. There was discussion about the cost of replacing playground structures and the time line for construction. Commissioner Stolar stated he would not be in favor of the trail connection along Highway 41. He felt replacement of the playground structure was his biggest concern. There was considerable discussion over what playgrounds equipment needed to be replaced and when and how to do that. Todd Hoffman stated the County is very interested in continuing to advance trails up to the Minnewashta Regional Park. They just haven't gotten into the program yet of constructing those trails so he would continue to work with them for another year and see if they would be interested in partnering in that project. He felt they would like nothing more than to continue the trail north to the entrance of Minnewashta Regional Park, and then also apply for ISTEA funding for an underpass and the City could possibly piggy back on a project of that magnitude. Commissioner O'Shea suggested conducting a survey of the neighborhoods served by the 10 playground structures related to their use and desire to be renovated. The following motion and amendment was then made. Stolar moved an amendment to substitute the Highway 41 trail connector with the Lake Ann Park playground replacement in the 2004 CIP program. All voted in favor, except Atkins and O'Shea who opposed, and the motion carried with a vote of 3 to 2. Stolar moved, Robinson seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend the 2004 park and trail acquisition and development capital improvement program to include Meadow Green Park playground replacement estimated at $65,000 and the Lake Ann wood playground structure replacement estimated at $90,000 for a total of $155,000. All voted in favor, except Atkins and O'Shea who opposed, and the motion carried with a vote of 3 to 2. Commissioner O'Shea voted against the motion because she sees a real high need to connect Highway 41 as fast as possible because it's so heavily used before someone goes on the highway and gets hurt. Commissioner Atkins voted against the motion because she is in favor of trail connectors whenever they come up. Her experience at the Lake Ann playground this summer with her grandson and some other small neighborhood children, it appeared that things were 2 Park and Rec Summary - August 26, 2003 functioning pretty well and it didn't look like it was in terrible shape. She would like a little bit more feedback about that particular park before spending that much money. Commissioner Stolar stated his desire to work together with the City Council to figure out a way to achieve the goal of understanding the safety issues. Chairman Franks encouraged Todd Hoffman and staff to work with any other agency to assist in furthering any of the trail projects, and especially this one. Todd Hoffman stated he would bring back a draft of a survey on the playgrounds for consideration as a winter project. UPDATE ON THE PAINT BALL ISSUE. Todd Hoffman provided an update on City Council action. Council did not support this activity on private property and Sergeant Jim Olson was very clear in the fact that there is not a city in the whole county that allows this to happen and so the ordinance will remain as it is today. THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT WINTER TRAIL ACTIVITIES PERMIT RENEWAL. Todd Hoffman provided the staff report on the annual renewal for a snowmobiling trail in the southern part of the city. It's the staff recommendation that the commission recommend the City Council approve the south LRT again for the 2003-2004 season as a designated snowmobile trail in the city of Chanhassen. Commissioner O'Shea asked for clarification on where in the city snowmobiles are allowed to travel. Robinson moved, Stolar seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council approve the application of the Three Rivers Park District for the 2003-2004 winter trail use for snowmobiles on the Southwest Light Rail Transit trail in Chanhassen. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. RECREATION PROGRAM REPORTS. DAVE HUFFMAN 5K MEMORIAL RACE. Jerry Ruegemer provided the update on the Dave Huffman 5K Memorial Race. Chairman Franks suggested providing a water stop for the kids race. RECREATION PROGRAMS. Jerry Ruegemer provided a quick overview of the fall recreation programs. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS. None. ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET. Todd Hoffman informed the commission of the grant approval from Center Point Energy for the replacement of trees, and reminded the commissioners of the joint City Council meeting on the 15t~ of September. Glenn Stolar stated he was in Marquette, Michigan a couple weeks ago and their major city park playground equipment had sponsorship plaques all over it. Each piece had a sponsor which is maybe something to think about as funding for the city's playground replacements. Chairman Franks suggested creating a committee to address this issue. Park and Rec Summary - August 26, 2003 Chairman Franks adjourned the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Submitted by Todd Hoffman Park and Rec Director Prepared by Nann Opheim 4