PR 09/05/1973^
MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 5, 1973,
Meeting was called to order at 7:50 p.m., by Chairman Blair.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Blair, Stimmler, Caldwell. -
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Peterson, Wagar.
OTHERS PRESENT: Thomas 0'Hara, 267 69th Avenue NE, Fridley, 55432, Sears property.
Bruce Reveling, 181 69th Avenue NE, Fridley, 55432, Sears property.
Jean Reveling, 181 69th Avenue NE, Fridley, 55432, Sears property.
Harry Thielen, 6514 Fridley Street NE, Fridley, 55432, Hockey Rink
near Rice Creek School.
J. J. Gannon, 6516 Stinson Boulevard, Fridley, 55432, Hockey Rink
near Rice Creek School.
Jerald Tjader, 6563 Fridley Street NE, Fridley, 55432, Hockey Rink
near Rice Creek School.
Arlon Haupert, 6524 Anoka Street NE, Fridley, 55432, Hockey Rink
near Rice Creek School.
Gary Larson, 6530 Stinson Boulevard, Fridley, 55432, Hockey Rink near
Rice Creek School.
Walt Traczyk, 191 69th Avenue NE, Fridley, 55432, Sears property.
Paul Brown, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Cathie Stordahl, Secretary to the Commission.
HOCKEY RINK NFAR RICE CREEK SCHOOL�
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Several residents from the Rice Creek School area were present at the meeting to
present a petition, requesting the re-installation of a Hockey rink either on the
Rice Creek School property, or in the vicinity of the school. They pointed out that
at the present tir.^.e, there is no place closer than Flanery Park or Gardena School,
for their children to play Hockey. This has presented a tremendous problem for their
children, both now and when they play against other boys who have had the advantage
of boards and better facilities.
Mr. Stimmler stated that he could not remember what had been proposed in the 73 - 74
Budget for this area. He�said that he was aware of the problem, and informed them
that the City was still searching for suitable park lands in the middle east area.
He suggested that it was a possibility for the 74 - 75 Budget, but that he could not
answer, without consulting Paul Brown, what could be done for this season.
Mr. Blair mentioned the area which has been platted by Dave Harris for development,
on the South side of Mississippi Street, near Fridley Street. According to the plans,
Mr. Harris will be donating approximately one and one-half acres to the City for
Park purposes, but just when that will be is not known at this time.
Mx. Stimmler was asked why the rink was taken away from Rice Creek School. He stated
that it was a smaller rink and there were no lights. With an unlighted rink,
utilization stops at dark, due to the possibilities of injuries. The rink which had
been at Rice Creek School was moved to Flanery Park, and has since been enlarged to
regulation size and lights were installed.
The Commissioners suggested that the residents of the area contact their Councilman,
the Councilman-At-Large, and the Mayor, with their request.
Mr. Blair informed the quests that agreements have been worked out with a couple of
the elementary schools in Fridley, whereby we lease some of the property, and do the
developing. This is what has been done with both Rice Creek and Gardena Schools.
The residents asked about the possibilities of a warming house for this season. They
were informed that all of the mobile units were being used, so nothing was available
Minutes of Parks � Recreation Commission Meeting, September 5, 1973 Page 2
HOCKEY RINK �CON'T): ' �
at this time. The City presently has three mobile warming house / summer shelter
^ buil�dings .
Paul Brown arrived at the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Mr. Brown was asked if there was an extra set of hockey boards which could be installed
and the availability of a shelter building. He stated that all of the boards were
designated for their respective areas, and all buildings were in use.
Mr. Blair stated that at this time, the best the Commission could do would be to ask
for an additional rink in the 74 - 75 Season, and receive the petition. Mr. Blair
asked the Commissioners for a Motion to that effect.
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' Mr. Blair stated that only the Council had the authority to change the 1973 - 1974
Budget, Mr. Blair asked Mr. Brown to make the necessary inquiries to the Council.
Mr. Brown will also check into the lots being developed by�Dave Harris.
MINI BIKES AND THE SEARS PROPERTY�
The Commissioners turned their discussion to the use of the Sears property, located
at 70th and University Avenue, by the mini-bikers. Several residents who live on
^ 69th Avenue, were present to voice their objection to the use of the vacant property
by motorized vehicles. '
Mr. Brown opened his report by stating that he had done some investigation on the
possible leasing of the property for use by the mini-bikers and snowmabilers. He
said that he had called the real estate agent who is handling the property, and
they said that this is not something which is new to t�iem. Sears had purchased the
property with the idea of development, and later decided to locate their structure
in Illinois. They have, on many occasions, purchased several tracts of land before
making a final decision on the actual location.
Access to the property is bad because in order to get there, bikers have to travel
down 69th Avenue. On the West end of the property, the Metropolitan Sewer District
has installed a chain-link fence for erosion purposes. The Northern boundary is
73rd Avenue and University Avenue is on the East. There have been several very
"close calls" with youth trying to cross University Avenue with their bikes. Mr.
Blair said•that with the development of �he Northtown Shopping Center, traffic has
become greater and the risk becomes greater.
Mr. Brown stated that his investigation was done on behalf of the City Administration.
The Administration will be reporting to the City Council.
Mr. 0'Hara, a resident of the area whose property backs up to the vacant land, was
present to voice his disapproval in using the land for motorized vehicles. He
explained that they cannot open their windows and doors, due to the noise, use of
i� their back yards is out because you cannot carry on a conversation with another
- person, and the dust factor is tremendous. When the word first came out that this
area could possibly be leased for mini-biking and snowmobiling, Mr. 0'Hara responded
to the calls of his neighb�rs by inviting�them and Councilman Breider to his home..
Minutes of Parks � Recreation Commission Meeting, September S, 1973 Page 3
SEARS PROFERTY �CON�T);
At this meeting were representatives of 18 families, all concerned about the problems
�1 which would be created by opening the area to motorized vehicles. Mr. 0'Hara went
on to explain that they didn't feel that a program of low organization would be a
problem, if it could be kept at that, but that during the past year, the traffic on
the �roperty has greatly increased due to people "trucking" their vehicles to the
area. They're coming from other communities where the vehicles are prohibited. Mr.
0'Hara stated that at least once every weekend, a complaint is lodged with the
Fridley Police Department, and if this area becomes legalized for this type of use,
we will be encouraging people who live in communities where the machines are banned,
to come into Fridley.
Mr. Brown stated that perhaps a boundary fence could be installed. Mr. 0'Hara didn't
feel a fence would solve the problem. He referred to the fence which was installed
by the Metropolitan Sewer District, which has been cut many times, and is presently
cut. He said that if we establish an official area, they don't feel that even by
policing it, the area can be controlled.
Mr. 0'Hara felt that the City should be appraised of their concern through the use of
a Public Hearing. At the meeting, Mr. Breider was asked if representatives of the
area should attend the City Council meeting or if the question would be referred back
to the Commissions? Mr. Breider said that he didn't think that it would be referred
to the Commissions, but would rather be handled directly by the City Council.
Mr. Brown asked Mr. 0'Hara if he had any alternatives for the problem. Mr. 0'Hara
said that his alternatives were not realistic. He did state that the area residents
are presently not able to carry on conversations in their back yards, and if the
n area was declared an official area, they didn't feel that the 45 acres would be
large enough to handle the traffic.
Mr. Brown recommended that Mr. 0'Hara suggest that the City Council send out a feeler
to other communities, requesting information on how they have handled their
respective communities needs. _
Mr. 0'Hara said that mini-bikes were not the only vehicles using the area. They have
seen jeeps, cut-down Volkswagons, and various other vehicles. The neighbors would
like to know how they are going to be protected from the activity on the property?
As an alternative idea for the area, Mr. 0'Hara suggested developing bicycle paths.
This is a quiet sport which is not offensive to anyone. He stated that he, himself,
did not own a bicycle, but that he knew it was part of the City's plan to provide
for the bicyclers.
Mr. Blair said that he was mostly concerned with the safety factor. With the property
located where it is, there is no safe way to gain access without transporting the
vehicles to the area. He said that he has seen the mini-bikers trying to cross
University Avenue, six at a time. Mr. 0'Hara agreed that it was a wonder there
hasn't been a fatality.
Mr. Stimmler said that he really didn't know what to recommend to the Council. At
this point, he has not heard that anyone has petitioned for this time of an area.
All he has heard is objections. No one has approached the Commission for a mini-bike
^ area. He felt that we should not expend any money to provide such an area until there
is a need for it.
Mr. Blair stated that the Commission should recommend that the City Council take no
action until an overall plan could be looked at to determine just what should be done
Minutes o£ Parks $ Recreation Commission Meeting, September 5, 1973. Page 4
SEARS PROPERTY �CON�T): . �
� in the best interest of the residents and the area, and that they hold public hearings
on the subject.
MOTION b B.ea.vc Seconded b S�',imm.2e�c, �a necammend �ha,i �he C,i.ty CauKC,i.e w.i.thha.�d
ma 'n a ec,i�tian an e cu�e a� � e Seatv, na e�r�y, u an avetc p n can e
.a�u. 'e an � a u `c 6ie.an.i.�2g e� �� �.ve e ne��. en,t�s an a ajc�uwi.t �a
va.cce � e,vc ��ti►uarvs . e a�c.on ccuc�ue .
MINUTES OF JUNE 1.�. AND JUNE Ig COMMISSION MEETINGS�
MOTIUN 6 y Szimm.2etc., Secv nded b y Ca.�dweP.e, �a a�pna v e�he M.ivi.u.ie� a��he Panh� and
Rec�cea�'.iavt Camm�atian Mee,t,i.ng�, dcr,ted June 1 � and June 18, 1973. The Ma�.i.�n cajvu,ed.
NAMING HYDE PARK�
The Commissioners were mailed copies of the results from the "Name Hyde Park" Contest.
After reviewing the names suggested by the children registered in the Playgrounds
Progr,am. They selected "SKyLTNE PARK", as chosen by Lorie Linton, 39 Logan Parkway
in Fridley. Lorie's reason for chosing the name was that "you can see the skyline
of Minneapolis and St. Paul" from the park.
Cu,2dwe,P2 and Secand2d by S�',imm.2e�c, �a name �he �anfz pnape�r.ty .�acu,ted a,t
nd, �.n �G�.e f�yde Panh Addi.#,i.an:, SKyLINF PARK. T e Ma�c.an ca�vc,ced.
Miss Linton will be notified by mail and have her picture taken for the Fridley Sun.
n.�AMING RUTH CIRCLE�
Another area in need of a park name is located at Ruth Circle. It was generally
decided that Ruth Circle Park was most descriptive of the area and best locates it
within the City.
M�TION by S�imm.�etc, Secanded by Ca,edwe22, �a name �he �cvcFz �na
an on vev�u.e�s, cvs e a n ecuvu.e .
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�.�a ccLted ct,i 8 2 nd
Mr. Brown reported that he had met with General William Cheeseman, regarding the
Armory proposal, and he is preparing a report for the Parks and Recreation and
Planning Commissions. They would need approximately 2.8 acres with the Federal
government paying 75% of the total cost. The remaining 25% will be divided with the
City paying 60% and the State paying 40%. Mr. Brown feels that the construction of
an Armory in Fridley would be a real asset.to out Community.
Mr. Blair asked if we would have anything to say about the design of the building?
Mr. Brown said that we would, but anything which is not normally included would
cost the City for the total amount of the addition.
MOORE LAKE STUDY GROUP�
n The Commissioners reviewed the Moore Lake Study Group's minutes and Mr. Stimmler
asked Mrs. Caldwell if she agreed that the general consensus of the group was to
hire a company to do a study to determine the best approach for solving the problems
at the Lake? Mrs. Caldwell said that she, personally, didn't feel it was necessary, but
that this is the way they summed up the meeting.
Minutes of Parks � Recreation Commission Meeting, September S, 1973. Page 5
MONTHLY COMr1ISSI0N MEETINGS�
n Mr. Blair asked the Commissioners for their opinion regarding bi-monthly meetings,
rather than the regularly scheduled monthly set up. He stated that there has been
some objection voiced about the fact that all other Commissions meet at least twice
a month.
Mr. Stimmler reminded the Commission that this had been tried about four years ago
and that they ended up cancelling meetings because of small agendas. He said that
he would be in favor of ealling special�meetings, when the need should arise, but
doesn't feel there is a need on a regular basis.
MOTIUN by Cu.�dwe,P.� �v g�.ve ChcwcmaK BP.a.itc xhe a.u,ihatc.i�y �a ca,Q,2 emelcgeney mee,t,i.ng�s
when �Gr.e need a�r,i�se�s. Secanded by S�imm.2eh., �sxc�.#,i.ng �ha� he be,P,c:eve,6 �h.e Cha,i�unan
a.P�ceady Gca.6 �ha� �ne�caga.#.i.ve. The Ma�i..an ecuvr.i.ed.
INNSBRUCK NORTH�
Mr. Brown gave the Commission an update on the development at Innsbruck North. He
also said that the A-framed office which was constructed on the site by Viewcon has
' been donated to the City and is to be used for the shelter building at Innsbruck
North Aark. The land it is on has been sold to a private party, and the building
will be taken apart and stored until the Park is ready for its installation.
ADJOURNMENT�
MOT ION b y Bea,vr., S eca nded b y S�i.mm.�etr., �a ad� awcn �he m ee,t.i.ng a.t 9: 5 0 n. m.
^ The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, September 24, 1973, at 7:30 p.m., in
the Community Room of Fridley Civic Center.
Respectfully submitted,
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CATHIE STORDAHL, Secretary to the Commission
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