HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 08-14-1986Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
August 14, 1986
Page 24
Present; Chair Edwards, Commissioners Anderson, Reed, Mullan, LaTour, Beach
and Rosen; staff P , and Pederson} Raul, Fjare of Brauer and
Associates
1 CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Edwards at 7.32 In the
Council Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OP MINUTES
A metier, was made by Commissioner Beach and seconded by Commissioner
LaTour ,approve the minutes of the .duly meeting as presented. The
motion carried with all ayes.
B, VISITOR.PRESENTATIONS
There were; ao visitors present at this meeting.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
Director Blank indicated that the City Council had directed:.PRAC to
hold another public hearing; on the issue of the Green Oaks play equipment
5.. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Green Oaks Play Equipment. Director Blank briefly reviewed the sites
earlier proposed by the park consultant and staff and stated that
Site B which had been approved by PRAC at their July meeting was
not approved by the City Council, because of resident disapproval..
He indicated that the Council: had, directed that PRAC hold a public
meeting to further review the proposed equipment relocation. Director
Blank shared with the Commission and, the resident:; a drmaing shuwing
the location of a new "compromised" site for the relocation of the play
equipment• This new location is approximately 20 feet south of the
earlier proposed Site B. Putting the play equipment in this location
will require moving the ball fieldto the southeast section of the
park,
3im,Richter, 2625 Zircon Lane, stated that he approves of th?_* new
compromised site,
Dave Volker, 2830 Brockton. Lane, shared a drawing of the park showing
where the new site was located. He indicated that this site fulfills
the criteria of the park planner and the residents'.. He stated that
it is accessible from the park trail acid tbat the ballffield, when
moved, would be 200 feet from the play equipment.
Commissioner Beach stated her concern with children and adults
hitting balls into the play equipment area. Mr. Volker responded
that few professional bail players are capable of hitting balls
that, great a distance, so the chances of parents and children
playing pick-up softball driving a ball into the play equipment
are very slim. Staff concurred with Mr. Volker's opinion,
Rick Rosen, 18715 27th Avenue, stated that the people who had objected
to Site B' are in favor of the new proposed site. He is confident that
if PRAC will approve this site, the Council will, also.
W
PRAC. Minutes of August 14, 1986
Page 25`
Commissioner Beach indicated her concern; with the cost to move this
equipment, as well as the added cost now to move the ballfield. She
wants cost estimates before any decisions are made. Director Blank
stated that moving the ballfield would cost approximately $7004500,
and moving the equipment will cost approximately $15,000
Jean Grates, 18630 26th Avenue, stated that she has, concerns with the
noise and teen parties held between 10:30 p.m., and 4:30 a.m. She does
approve of the; new proposed site, because the 'police will better be
able 'to.see it when they drive into the park,.
Some, resN,Ients at the meeting indicated their disapproval of the
shelLer building still being in place. They indicated that their
understanding was that the, shelter would be dismantled shortly
after the dune PRAC meeting.:
Commissioners questioned staff on where the money would come from
to move this park equipment and ballfi.el,d. Director Blank responded
that funds would be taken from ;park dedication), neighborhood account.
Chair Edwards asked if anyone in the audience disapproved, of the
new proposed site, prio1v to FRAC passing any motion on this issue.
Gail Schulenbur;g, 2605 Zircon Lane, stated that she and her husband
would prefer to see the equipment left exactly where it is now, since
they are able to see the equipment from their window.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER.
REED TO RECOrhMEND THE RELOCATLOI OF THE PLAY I'QUIPRE\T TO THE NEW CENLTM\L
COMPROMISE SITE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTIVE FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
TO RELOCATE THE PLAY EQUIPMENT IF THE COUNCIL CAN JUSTIFY THE
EXPENDITURE. The motion. carried with four ayes. Commissioners htull.an
Beach and Rosen abstained.
Dave; Volker r.pquested that copies of his drawing be made available to
the City Council.
b. ParkerF Lake update. The curb and gutters are in; and work continues
to proceed on schedule.
c. 1987-91 CIP Work on Trail Program. Director Blank iniroriaed the Park
and Recreation Advisory Commission that the City Council had recently
met with staff to discuss their interest in proceeding with a number of
trail projects as soon as possible, in the interest of safety. Council
has approved the construction of the trail along; County Road 15, which
will cost approximately $137,000. Of this amount, staff has suggested
that $87,000 come from Park Dedication and $50,000 from the Public
Works Reserve.: Fund. Director Blank further stated that the City
Manager had informed him that $?50,000 of Public Works Reserve Fund
is available to be used for trails. In consideration of these,
monies being available, Dirr"ctor Blank is proposing that Class I
trail constructioa be considered along four major roadways in an
effort to reduce the risk of traffic accidents between bikers,
walkers and automobiles: These trails include Fernbrook Lane between
PRAC Minutes of August 1:4, 1986
Page 26
County Road 6 and County Road 9, Highway 101 from lrt,th Avenue i.o-
25th Avenues Zachary'Lane from County Road 9 to County Road 10,;
and the County Road 15 trail.
Commissioner Mullan, indicated his interest in constructing a trail
along West Medicine Take drive, also in, conside4ation of safety.,
Director Blank pointed out. that the trail for this location is
being delayed due to the fat t that West Medicine Lake Drive may
be realigned and upgraded at a. later date.:
Several commissioners felt that it might be wise to consider doing
all of our trails at one time by passing a bond referendum. Discus-•
sion then, Followed on the timing of a bond referendum, and it was
the general consensus. that it would be gest to move, ahead as se=en
as possible on constructing the major trails listed above, and
discuss a possible bond referendum for other trail work with. the
City Council the next time a joint meeting is. scheduled.
A MOTION WAS `JADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
BEACH TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT VZAIL PROGRAM AS PROPOSED BY STAFF ON
AUCUST 14, 1986. The motion passedwith all ayes.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MULLAN' AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
BEACH' TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATE FUNDS TO RESEARCH
THE NEED FOR A BI )R TRAIL ALONG WEST MEDICINE LAK.E DRIVE WITH THE
UNDERSTANDING 'THIS MAY NECESSITATE THE REALIGNMENT OF THIS ROAD'.
The motion carried with all ayes.
d. Plymouth Creek Park Site Planning. This item will be discussed
in further detail at the October PRAC meeting, and Director Blank
reminded FRAC that they should; walk the site at their convenience
prior to that meeting.
e.. 1987 LAWCON Grant Update.. Director Blank stated that our grant
proposal is ranked number 6 at this ti.me.Due to federal and state
funding cutbacks, we may, not be funded.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. New Plats There were no new plats to discuss.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank discussed the MRPA Fall Conference scheduled for late
September in Duluth..
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.