Loading...
PR 09/08/2008 - 29890CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING —SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Kondrick called the September 8, 2008 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:06 p. m. ROLL CALL: Members Present Others Present Dave Kondrick, Michele Barrett, Mike Heintz, Tim Solberg Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Dave Lindquist, Parks Supervisor APPROVAL OF AUGUST 4, 2008 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2008 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the agenda for the September 8, 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 activities have now come to an end and we are into our fall program. There were a few things that he wanted to point out in this month's program update. Mr. Kirk stated that HUMANA has made a donation of $2,400 to the Fridley Senior Program to help sponsor the monthly senior newsletter, some Congregate Dining events and senior dances. They will be writing a monthly health education article to be included in the newsletter. We are happy to have them as a sponsor. Mr. Kirk stated that the annual Nickel Jamboree at Commons Park was a big success again this year with over 300 people in attendance. Margo Prasek of the Recreation Department staff did another great job with this event and the other summer children's programs. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 2 Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center camps and summer programs were also very successful this past summer. Some information and statistics on these programs is included in the program update for this month. Mr. Kirk further stated that Moore Lake Beach closed for the season on August 18t". The beach supervisors reported that attendance was a little higher this summer than last summer. The water quality was very good throughout the summer and there were no beach closings due to high bacteria counts. Mr. Kirk stated that there is more information on the August activities included in the written program update that was part of the meeting agenda packet. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Lindquist stated that during the past month they have been busy doing the general maintenance in the parks. They also helped out the Fridley Community Center preschool program by hauling in some fill and constructing a retaining wall in the area for the new playground being installed. They installed three new basketball poles, backboards and baskets at the Stevenson Elementary School playground area. Mr. Lindquist further stated that they just completed a ballfield renovation project at the Little League fields. Little League field #4 is actually on Fridley School District property, but it is used by the Little League program. The Little League Association paid for the renovation of this field in the amount of nearly $12,000. The field was moved away from the hill that is adjacent to the field and a new backstop was installed. He thought the project has turned out very well. Mr. Lindquist stated that they have the border material in place for the sand volleyball courts at Commons Park and the posts were being installed today. We will then be hauling in sand next week to complete the courts. These are in the location of two tennis courts that were removed. The two picnic shelters at Moore Lake that are going to be replaced have been taken down and we are waiting for the new shelters to arrive. That should be in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Lindquist further stated that the Street Department overlaid a couple of basketball courts for the parks. One of these was at Glencoe Park and the other at Stevenson Elementary. The Street Department also started paving the new hockey rink at Commons Park. It will then be able to be used for roller hockey. Mr. Lindquist stated that they will also be installing the new scoreboards at the Community Park in the next couple of weeks. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated the summer youth crew doing work at Springbrook have finished their work. There were 13 youth on the crew this year and they replaced wood chips on the trails, restored habitat and helped maintain the boardwalks and trails. Mr. Kirk stated that additional preparation work has been completed for the 85t" Avenue Trail project and that will be constructed over the winter and should be done next summer. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 3 Mr. Kirk further stated that the Springbrook Joint Planning Committee met in early August to discuss the future of the SPRING project and SNC Foundation plans for funding the project. The Committee includes Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson Dave Kondrick, Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Chair Malcolm Mitchell, Springbrook Director Siah St. Clair and Mr. Kirk himself. They meet periodically to keep up to date on projects and issues affecting the nature center. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Commons Park Event Request — Fridley `49er Days Committee Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley `49er Days Committee has submitted a letter to the Parks and Recreation Commission requesting the use of Commons Park for a fundraising event on Saturday, September 27t". The request is to use the north end of Commons Park and the activities building for an Oktoberfest activity. The event would include polka music, karaoke, food, a silent auction and a beer garden. The Fridley Lions Club will assist the `49er Days with this activity. The event would run from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. They are requesting the waiving of any rental fees for the park and the building. Mr. Kirk further stated that Fridley `49er Days is experiencing some financial difficulty and is trying to do some fundraising so the city celebration can continue. Mr. Solberg asked if there might be a need for additional portable toilets for the event. It may be difficult to know how many people might show up for the event. Mr. Kirk stated that there are restrooms available in the activity building and one portable unit adjacent to the parking lot. Mr. Kirk stated that the City of Fridley has a history of supporting the Fridley 49er Days and he would recommend approval of this request to allow use of Commons Park and the activity building for the Oktoberfest event. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the request by the Fridley `49er Days Committee to use Commons Park and the activity building for the Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 27, 2008. There shall be no fees charged to `49er Days and a beer garden will be allowed under City of Fridley regulations and requirements. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Park Service Area Study -- Areas 11 — 20 Mr. Kirk stated that the Park Service Area Study is 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. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 4 Mr. Kirk stated that the Park Service Area Study is 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. The first ten park service areas were discussed at the August Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and the next ten are being presented tonight. 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 11 through 20. Mr. Kirk stated that area #11 is the North Locke Lake area. This area is immediately north of Locke Lake between East River Road and the Burlington Northern railroad tracks. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Include this area in the Edgewater Gardens and Locke Lake Park service areas when planning for facilities and equipment • Promote upkeep of the regional bikeway/walkway system along East River Road to provide access to the Locke Lake Park and Edgewater Gardens Park facilities. Mr. Kirk stated that area #12 is Manomin Park. This area is just south of the Lockslea Girl Scout camp and north of Manomin Park, which is an Anoka County Park. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Promote continued access to the Manomin Regional Park (operated by Anoka County Parks) for the residents in this neighborhood area. Mr. Kondrick asked if there has been any requests for children's play equipment by the people living in this area. Mr. Kirk stated that he has not received any requests and doesn't believe that Anoka County has either. Mr. Kirk stated the action plan for area #13 Plaza Park is as follows: • Overlay and seal-coat the basketball court area on a regular schedule with other City facilities. Mr. Kirk stated that area #14 is Locke Park. This area has Rice Creek as its southern and eastern border, University Avenue on the west and 69t" Avenue on the north. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Make arrangements with neighboring property owners to secure parking for park users. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 5 • Provide permanent mount picnic tables on cement slabs near the horseshoe court area. • Install permanent bleachers on cement pad on west side of regulation soccer field. Mr. Kirk stated that area #15 is Creek View Park. This park service area is just south of the Rice Creek Townhouses and north of Rice Creek. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Place basketball court area on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. Mr. Kirk stated that area #16 is Edgewater Gardens and Locke Lake Parks. It is the area immediately south of Locke Lake, between East River Road and the Burlington Northern railroad tracks. The area is north of Mississippi Street. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Replace the worn out tennis court and basketball courts and place on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Install an open-air picnic shelter at the south end of Edgewater Gardens Park. • Consider installation of irrigation system at Edgewater Gardens Park. Mr. Kirk stated that area #17 is Jay Park, which is located north of Mississippi Street and west of the Holly Shopping Center. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Replace the old basketball standard and backboard with newer, more durable equipment. • Place the hard surface court area on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Consider an irrigation system in Jay Park. Mr. Kirk stated that area #18 is Terrace Park and Hayes Elementary School. The action plan is as follows: • Place the hard surface court areas on a regular upgrade and maintenance schedule. • Provide permanent mount picnic tables and benches near the playground equipment. • Cooperate with the maintaining of the playground equipment at Hayes Elementary for neighborhood use. Mr. Kirk stated that area #19 is Meadowlands Park area and the action plan is as follows: • Add more rock to the limestone walking path around the pond. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 6 Mr. Kirk stated that service area #20 is the Brookview area. This area is located between Highway 65 and Central Avenue, south of Rice Creek and north of Mississippi Street. The action plan for this area is as follows: • Include this area with the Creekridge Park service area when planning for recreation facilities. • Promote the Central Avenue bikeway/walkway system to link this area with the regional trails and other City and County facilities. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the staff recommended action plan for park service areas #11 through #20. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. c. Letter and Petition to City Council Regarding High School and Little League Baseball Fields Mr. Kirk stated that he received a letter and petition from residents of the 5800 block of Washington Street pertaining to concerns with the Fridley High School baseball field and the Little League fields on Jefferson Street. They would like to see some changes made to the High School baseball field and some arrangements made to accommodate parking when tournaments are scheduled at the fields. Mr. Kirk further stated that the biggest issue with the High School baseball field seems to be foul balls that are traveling into some of the yards and houses near the field. The City has worked with the School District and the American Legion baseball program to put up a large net adjacent to the backstop. This net was stopping many of the foul balls, but apparently not enough to satisfy the nearby homeowners. Just in the past week, the height of the net has been raised another six feet. The net is attached to the existing 30 foot high backstop and continues from the backstop to the start of the first base dug out. The vast majority of line drive foul balls that would reach the Washington Street yards will be stopped by this netting. Mr. Heintz stated that he is Director of the American Legion baseball program and he did exactly what the lady on Washington Street asked him to do with additional netting. He now feels as if it isn't a good enough solution for them. Mr. Kirk stated that this issue of the net pertains to the High School baseball field which needs to be addressed by the Fridley School District. The reason this is on the agenda for tonight is that the neighborhood representatives mentioned the parking from the Little League fields during tournaments as part of the problem. Mr. Heintz stated that they also stated the parking was a concern because of the increased Legion baseball activity. He went back into his records and checked that in 2006, the Legion team played 8 home games, in 2007 there were 6 home games, and in 2008 there were 7 home games. He also runs two tournaments for Legion teams on two weekends. He has run the same tournaments for the past seven years. He further stated that the increase in games has come from the addition of a VFW and Senior Babe Ruth baseball teams. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 7 Mr. Heintz further stated that there is also a 35 and over men's baseball team that has permission to use the field. The Legion team uses the field about one night per week, but the field gets used five nights per week with all of these teams being scheduled there. Mr. Kirk stated that he believed the school district was dealing with the parking issue concerns with this high school baseball field. Since the Little League baseball fields were also mentioned as part of this concern, he believes that it would be appropriate if the Commission took some action to address the parking concerns with those fields. It would be his recommendation that as a condition for holding a tournament at the Little League fields, the tournament sponsor would need to notify participating teams where there are public parking facilities in the immediate area and ask participants not to park in area neighborhoods. The public parking areas would include the Fridley High School parking lot and the Fridley Community Center lot. According to the Little League baseball representatives, they are already sending out a map of the area, including parking areas, when hosting a tournament at the Little League fields. Mr. Heintz asked if it was illegal to park on the street for these tournaments. Mr. Kirk stated that if there is not a no parking sign, parking on the street is legal. Mr. Kondrick stated that what the tournament sponsor wants to do is to let people know where there is parking and that they would like them to avoid parking in the neighborhood. Even if it is not illegal, they would like to encourage people to park in the public parking lots nearby. He thinks 80 to 90 percent of the people will comply with a request like that. Mr. Heintz stated that the road along the west side of the Little League fields was widened last year. Could parking be allowed along the east side of that street for Little League events? Mr. Kirk stated that staff could take a look at that and report back. Mr. Heintz stated that the area between the Fridley Community Center and the High School baseball field is not used for anything. It would be a good place for the school district to create some additional parking. It could accommodate parking for the high school baseball field. Mr. Lindquist stated that the school district has indicated in the past that they would not want add any additional parking areas. Mr. Kirk stated the parking issue regarding the High School baseball field is something that the School District needs to address. It is something that they are working on. Mr. Heintz stated he disagrees with the staff recommended stipulation for running tournaments at the Little League fields. He doesn't believe the tournament directors should be telling people where to park. He has never seen that with tournaments he has been involved with. Mr. Heintz further stated that this letter and petition does not represent the entire neighborhood, rather it represents people living on one street. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 8, 2008 Paqe 8 MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to add a stipulation to all approved baseball tournaments at the Little League Fields that the tournament organizer include a map with suggested public parking areas for all teams participating in the tournament. Tournament organizer should also request that participants do not park in adjacent neighborhoods during the tournament. UPON A VOICE VOTE, WITH MEMBERS BARRETT, KONDRICK AND SOLBERG VOTING AYE, AND MEMBER HEINTZ VOTING NAY, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett to adjourn the September 8, 2008 meeting at 8:35 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 MEETING ADJOURNED.