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PR 08/04/2008 - 29889CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — AUGUST 4, 2008 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Kondrick called the August 4, 2008 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Dave Kondrick, Michele Barrett, Mike Heintz, Tim Solberg Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Dave Lindquist, Parks Supervisor Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works APPROVAL OF JUNE 2, 2008 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2008 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR AUGUST 4, 2008 Mr. Kirk requested adding two items under new business for the meeting agenda. The first is a Showmobile use request by Fridley 49er Days and the second is the proposed Winter Athletic Fees. Mr. Kondrick stated that with the approval of the Commission, the Showmobile Use Request by the Fridley 49er Days would be item 2e and the Winter Athletic Fees would be item 2f. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the agenda for the August 4, 2008 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that the summer programs have gone very well. We have good participation and the summer leaders of the programs have done an outstanding job. We have had to live with new program locations because the Fridley Community Center has been unavailable do to some building renovations. The staff has adapted well and the alternate locations are working out. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 2 Mr. Kondrick stated that he and his wife had the opportunity to take his two grandsons to the Gramp Camp at Springbrook Nature Center. It was an excellent experience for all of them and they really know how to keep the participants busy. The program was really enjoyable and educational at the same time. The Springbrook staff does a great job. He further stated that while he was there, several buses of children showed up to attend another nature center program. In addition, there were about 50 cars in the parking lot and the center was really "hopping" with activity. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Lindquist stated that the park maintenance staff has been busy mowing all of the many park areas, as well as preparing and maintaining the softball, baseball and soccer fields for the league activity. They have also been making repairs to playground equipment and park structures, as well as cleaning graffiti off some play equipment. Mr. Lindquist stated that some of the bigger projects that they have been working on include removing the two tennis courts at North Park Elementary School and removing the two north courts at Commons Park in preparation for installing some new sand volleyball courts. This next week, they will be starting the renovation of Little League field #4, which is located on school property behind the high school. They have also been working on the major Community Park field renovation project. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that during the past couple of months, we have had ten Anoka County youth workers and their supervisor doing some work on the trails in Springbrook Nature Center. They have been clearing some of the over growth of trees and have been putting down wood chips. Mr. Kirk further stated that we continue to get some community groups that do volunteer work at Springbrook. Epiphany Church youth groups have been coming to the center on Wednesdays this summer to help with buckthorn removal. We also had some School District 11 mentally challenged students and their supervisor do some painting of a gazebo. d. Thank You Card — Craig Park Area Resident Mr. Kirk stated that he received a thank you card from the Strecker family who live near Craig Park. They appreciate the tennis court remaining in the Park. He wanted to share the card with the Commission. e. Showmobile Rentals Mr. Kirk stated that the City purchased the Showmobile in 1989 and had almost twenty years of use with our programs and events. In addition to using it for our own City functions, we have rented the Showmobile out to others for various events. The attached document shows the rentals over the past twenty years and the rental revenue realized. The additional fees charged to cover the maintenance workers time for delivery and pickup of the Showmobile is not reflected in the rental revenues shown. Mr. Kirk stated that it is interesting to note that we paid $54,279 for the Showmobile back in 1989 and total rental revenues now are close to $59,000. While this has not been adjusted to reflect the time value of money, it is still a significant amount of revenue. We use the showmobile locally for concerts and events in the parks, 49er Days, and Safety Camp. He Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 3 lets the local high schools use the Showmobile for their homecoming events as well. The Showmobile has turned out to be a good investment for the City. This information may be of help when we look at replacing the Showmobile in a few years. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. 85t" Avenue Trail Mr. Kirk stated that for several years now, we have talked about the need for a trail segment link to Springbrook Nature Center along 85t" Avenue. It should connect with the existing trail along University Avenue near the Slumberland store. When the City of Coon Rapids completes another segment of the trail west of the railroad tracks on 85t", the trail would connect with the regional trail along East River Road. Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works for the City of Fridley is at tonight's meeting to give us an update on the 85t" Avenue trail and a timeline for its construction starting this winter. Mr. Kosluchar stated that there is federal funding to complete this trail through a federal transportation program. The City has been working with Bonestroo company to complete the details of the plan so the project can start this fall and winter. Mr. Kosluchar stated that the City of Coon Rapids does not have the funding in place to complete the portion of the trail west of the railroad tracks, but it is on their radar. We are hoping they complete their section of the trail in the near future. There was money in the legislative bonding bill to cover the Coon Rapids portion of the trail, but it was removed before the final bill was approved and signed. Mr. Kosluchar stated that city staff is proposing to go the City Council next Monday to approve moving forward with the project and set up a schedule to call for bids. Mr. Kosluchar stated that they are reviewing all of the trail information and specifications once again and he has comments from Mr. Kirk and Mr. St. Clair that he wants to incorporate into the information. He is expecting that the letting of the bids would be some time in October. He would expect that the construction would start in the winter with clearing work. Mr. Kosluchar stated that the reason this project is so expensive is that we are not just putting pavement along the County road right-of-way, but Anoka County will not commit when the road will be upgraded and will not agree to replace the trail when road construction takes place. To make sure the trail is unaffected by future road work, it is being located on the nature center property and over some wetlands. The elevated trail will cost more to install. Mr. Heintz asked what type of material will be used to build the boardwalks. Mr. Kosluchar stated that he expects they will use a treated timber. Mr. Heintz stated that he would like to have us consider an engineered product that will last longer and require less on-going maintenance. Mr. Kosluchar stated that was a good idea and he would ask the consultant for the project to look into it. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 4 Mr. Solberg asked about the elevated boardwalk trail and how high above the wetlands would it be. Mr. Kosluchar said it would vary from a couple of inches at some points to a maximum of about five feet. Mr. Solberg asked if a railing along the boardwalk would be needed at the higher elevation. Mr. Kosluchar stated that there would be a railing along the entire elevated boardwalk trail. Mr. Kosluchar stated that there will also be some overlooks from the trail in a couple of places, so trail users can stop and view the nature center. There will also be a sign kiosk and some benches for a rest area in the entrance to the nature center parking lot. Mr. Solberg asked what type of surface would be on the ground level portion of the trail. Mr. Kosluchar stated it would be asphalt. Mr. Solberg asked what the entire length of this trail segment was. Mr. Kosluchar stated it was about 4,200 feet. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to support the plan for moving ahead with the 85t" Avenue Trail Project as presented to the Commission by city staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Park Service Area Study Mr. Kirk stated that the Park Service Area Study is really an update of the plan that we completed approximately ten years ago. It will serve as a supplement to the Parks and Open Space section of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The study looks at all residential areas of our community and determines how well that area is served by parks and recreation facilities. It takes into consideration the City and County parks, as well as public school grounds. The 1997 study used 40 different park service area and we will use those same areas in the 2008 updated version. Mr. Kirk further stated that he has the action plan for the first ten park service areas for the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider this evening. He would expect ten areas will be on the agenda for each of the next three meetings to complete this part of the plan. Mr. Kirk further stated that the demographic information is not complete, because our consultant has been unable to get all of the student information from some of the school districts. We have all of the numbers from the Fridley School District area, but not from the other districts. Mr. Kirk stated that the real key information in the study is the action plan for each area. He would like to address the action plan at this time for park service areas 1 through 10. Mr. Kirk stated that area #1 is the Springbrook Apartments. The action plan for this area is as Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 5 follows: • Continue to provide access to the Springbrook Nature Center property from the Springbrook Apartments property. • Complete the bikeway/walkway system along 85t" Avenue to link this area with he entrance to Springbrook Nature Center and to link a bikeway with the University Avenue corridor route. • Promote a bikeway/walkway system in the City of Coon Rapids to link with the Springbrook Nature Center entrance and the Regional Trail system that travels along East River Road and the Mississippi River. • Consider replacing the floating boardwalk system in the park. May require grant dollars to accomplish this expensive project. • Work with the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation to accomplish the major entrance area renovation and expansion (SPRING) project. Consider a phased approach to this project with a portion of the project being completed as funding level for that phase is realized. Mr. Solberg asked if the action plan will serve as a guide for determining the Parks 5 Year CIP. Mr. Kirk stated that it will and some of the action plan items refer to projects already identified in the Parks 5 year CIP. Mr. Kirk stated that area #2 is Glencoe and Springbrook Parks. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Replace the basketball court surface at Glencoe Park and replace basketball court posts, backboards and goals. • Install benches next to the basketball court at Glencoe. Mr. Kirk stated the action plan for area #3 Ruth Circle Park is as follows: • Put the tennis court and basketball court facilities on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Improve the softball field with an ag-lime infield surface. • Consider future replacement of the playground equipment. • Consider future addition of an open air picnic shelter. Mr. Kirk stated the action plan for the Craig and Riverview Heights Park area #4 is as follows: • Remove the old park building from Riverview Heights Park. • Consider installing a canoe launch in Riverview Heights Park with easy access to the parking area. • Install a new open-air picnic shelter in Riverview Heights Park. Currently scheduled for year 2011. • Re-evaluate the need for a tennis court at Craig Park. Consider a single court Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 6 renovation if determined tennis facility should remain at park. Mr. Heintz asked if we should consider moving up the new open-air picnic shelter at Riverview Heights Park, since we will be removing the old building this year. Mr. Kirk stated that the Commission could certainly look at that option when talking about the 5-year CIP next year. Mr. Kirk stated that the action plan for Madsen Park area #5 is as follows: • Place the tennis and basketball court areas on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Construct an open-air picnic shelter at Madsen Park. Currently in the recommended Parks 5-Year CIP for year 2012. Mr. Kirk stated that the action plan for area #6, Woodcrest Elementary School, is as follows: • Cooperate with the Spring Lake Park School District on maintaining the play equipment for neighborhood use. • Promote use of the school playground area by the neighborhood as a neighborhood park. Mr. Kirk stated that the action plan for the Central Trailer Park area #7 is as follows: • Include this area with the Flanery Park Service area when planning for facilities at Flanery Park. • Promote the Central Avenue bikeway/walkway system to link this area with the regional trails and other city and county facilities. Mr. Kirk stated that area #8 is Flanery Park and the action plan is as follows: • Complete ADA paths to the park building from the north at 75t" Avenue and from the south at Onondaga Street. • Place the tennis and basketball court areas on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Consider adding irrigation to the ballfield turf areas of the park. Mr. Kirk stated that area #9 is the Norton Avenue area and the action plan is: • Include this area in the Flanery and/or Rice Creek Townhouse park service areas when planning for park facilities. • Promote the Central Avenue bikeway system to link this area with the regional trails and other city and county facilities. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 7 Mr. Kirk stated that the action plan for the Logan Park area #10 is as follows: • Place the tennis and basketball court areas on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Add ag-lime to the softball field infield. • Consider future upgrade or replacement of the playground equipment. • Consider future replacement of old picnic shelter, tables and benches. • Consider improvement of turf areas with irrigation system. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the first ten park service area action plans as submitted by City staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. c. Riverview Heights Park Building Mr. Kirk stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended that the City take down the old building in Riverview Heights Park. The City Council was supportive of this action; however, the Ward Councilmember suggested that a letter be sent to the neighborhood prior to this action to notify them of the City's plans. He stated that he has a draft of the letter at the meeting for input from the Commission. Mr. Solberg thought the letter explained the situation well and provided a phone number if people have any questions. He was supportive of this letter being sent out. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg to support the sending of a letter from staff to the residents of the Riverview Heights Park area to notify them of the removal of the old park building. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Innsbruck Park Bike Trail Project Mr. Kirk stated he place this item on the agenda for some further discussion after hearing what the neighbors of Innsbruck Park voiced at the last meeting and looking closer at the plans for a bike trail in the park. The neighbors of the park who were at the June Commission meeting were clear that they really wanted the trails open to walking through the park. They did not say they were opposed to a bike trail, but they did express concerns about a narrow one-directional trail and potential conflicts between walkers and bikers. Mr. Kirk further stated that he and Mr. Lindquist went to Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis last week to look at the existing off-road bike trail that would be similar to the one planned for Innsbruck Park. It really got him rethinking the bike trail project. He stated that it was his opinion that the trail would be great for off-road biking, but it would not work real well for both hiking and biking on the same trail. The trail would be narrow and bikers could happen upon walkers fairly quickly and avoiding each other could be a problem. He thought there could be conflicts and we should not expect both activities to be on the same trail. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 8 Mr. Kirk further stated over the past couple of years that we have been discussing this bike trail project he has heard from many people that want to make sure that opportunities to walk or hike in the park will remain. During that same time, he has not had one single call promoting or asking for the bike trail. He wanted to bring this information to the Commission before we keep moving on the bike trail project. Mr. Kondrick stated that the Commission members may recall that when the neighborhood was here for the meeting in June, he asked them if they wanted to have a six foot wide trail and they did not want that. They thought that the bikes would only go faster with a wider trail. Mr. Kirk stated that he would recommend that staff re-look at the plans for the park and how a walking only trail might be planned. They would also look at alternatives to getting the trail constructed, possibly working with the Tree Trust organization on the trail development. Mr. Kondrick stated that he is not surprised at staff's findings and recommendations and he is pleased that staff made the visit to the Minneapolis bike trail. He does not have any problem with the approach suggested by staff. Mr. Lindquist stated that he and Mr. Kirk had actually walked a good portion of the bike trail and were surprised at how rough the course was. It was not very easy to walk on that type of trail. Mr. Kirk stated that if he had many Fridley residents calling him and telling they wanted on off- road bike trail in Fridley he would feel okay about proceeding. That is not the case and he believes we should reconsider our plan. He would rather do something in the park to accommodate the walkers. Mr. Solberg stated that he did not have any problem with a walking only trail system through Innsbruck Park. Mr. Kirk stated that he would like to work with our Public Works/Engineering staff to discuss some walking trails for the park. If we do not install a biking trail, we are obviously not going to be able to work with the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists group to help with the on-going maintenance of the trail. That would fall on our own park maintenance staff. He has talked with Mr. Lindquist about this and if the walking trails are done right, it is something our staff should be able to take care of. Mr. Kondrick asked if could install walking trails with the $15,000 we have budgeted and without the additional $15,000 grant that was awarded based on a bike trail. Mr. Lindquist thought that we would be able to, either doing the trail ourselves or working with a group like the Tree Trust. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to put the bike trail project on hold and have staff look at the possibility of a constructing a new walking trail in Innsbruck Park. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 4, 2008 Paqe 9 e. Showmobile Use Request — Fridley 49er Days Mr. Kirk stated that he has a request from the Fridley 49er Days to use the showmobile for a fundraiser "Octoberfest" event on September 27th. They are considering having the event at Commons Park and would like to have music, beer and food. Staff would recommend allowing 49er Days to use the showmobile at no cost. The City has always tried to help 49er Days whenever possible. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to all Fridley 49er Days to use the showmobile at no cost on Saturday, September 27t" for a fundraising event. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. f. Winter Athletic Fees Mr. Kirk stated that he is handing out the staff recommended Winter Athletic League fees. We would be publishing these in our fall activities brochure, which will be mailed out in August. The recommended basketball and volleyball fees are the same as 2007. All of our costs for the program will remain the same. The broomball fees would go up $10 and the boot hockey fees would go up $15. We try to keep our fees competitive with some of the surrounding communities. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the staff recommended 2008- 2009 Winter Athletic League Fees. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to adjourn the August 4, 2008 meeting at 9:14 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUGUST 4, 2008 MEETING ADJOURNED.