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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 13, 200416200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E. Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714 PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2004 PRIOR LAKE MAINTENANCE CENTER 17073 Adelmann Street 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Meeting Minutes a. Approval of November 8, 2004 Meeting Minutes . Old Business a. Thomas Ryan Memorial Park Field Lighting update. b. Youth Athletic Organization Liaisons update. c. Sandpoint Beach and Ponds Park Concession/Restroom Facilities Improvements update. d. PLSHA Operation at Lakefront Park, Winter 2004-05 update. e. Lakefront Restoration Project update. 4. New Business a. Boat Slip policy and procedure brainstorming. b. Jeffers Pond trail development. 5. Other Business 6. Future Meeting Dates a. Joint meeting with City Council and Lake Advisory Committee: December 20, 2004. 5:30 p.m., Prior Lake Fire Station. b. Regular PAC - January 10, 2005 7. Adjournment www. cityofpriorlake, com Phone 952.447.4230 / Fax 952.447.4245 PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2004 The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm, on Monday, November 8, 2004, at the Maintenance Facility. Members present were Todd Loose, Dick Carlson, Pat McFadden, Tom Borger, Mike Feriancek, and Ruth Harris. Also in attendance were City Council Liaison Chad LeMair, Public Works Director Bud Osmundson, and Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser. Approval of the October 11~ 2004 Meeting Minutes: Motion by McFadden to approve the October 11,2004 Meeting Minutes. Second by Harris. Ayes: 4. Nays: 0. New PAC members: Chair Feriancek welcomed new members Dick Carlson and Todd Loose to the PAC. After introductions the two new members told the committee a little about themselves. Both new members are looking forward to serving on the PAC. DoWntown Grand Reopening & Autumn Gathering Update: Recreation Supervisor Esser distributed calendars that were given to guests during the October 16, 2004 Downtown Grand Reopening & Autumn Gathering celebration. Mayor Haugen delivered a keynote presentation and City Manager Frank Boyles acted as Master of Ceremonies, facilitating the ribbon cutting that included council members and the downtown business owners. Mayor Haugen also awarded the coloring contest winners at the start of the event. The event was held' on a windy and cool day, which undoubtedly hindered attendance. It was estimated that 400 people visited downtown during the three hours of the event. Village Market handed out free pumpkins, there was music performed by several groups, farmer's market, free kettle corn, and free wagon rides through Lakefront Park. McFadden heard comments from several residents that felt that the Prior Lake American did not give the event the coverage it deserved. PAC members encouraged him to write a letter to the editor emphasizing the positive aspects of the event. Frisbee Golf Update: Public Works Director Osmundson provided an update regarding the-possibility of constructing a Frisbee golf course in Prior Lake. Osmundson distributed pictures of other Frisbee golf courses and mentioned that members of the park staff have visited courses in Plymouth, Shakopee, and Eden Prairie to get ideas on design. At each course visited, there are issues with erosion due to off-trail uses rrTost likely caused by players retrieving discs. The goal baskets cost $500 each and additional site work would need to be done to create tee boxes and putting areas. Osmundson estimated an 18-hole course to cost around $20,000. Different sites currently are being looked at to see where it would work within the existing park system. The PAC agreed to keep this project in mind when work begins again on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Dance Studio Update: Recreation Supervisor Esser reported that the privatization of the dance program and subsequent leasing of the city-owned dance studio continues to be a successful relationship. Dawn Schulberg and family currently operate the program with an estimated 500 dancers enrolled. There have not been any serious issues with the building or lease to date. Sand Point Beach and Ponds Park Concession/Restroom Facilities Improvements: Public Works Director Osmundson reported on the progress of updating the restroom and concession facilities at Sand Point Beach and The Ponds. Osmundson shared the working floor plans of the two buildings showing the proposed improvements. At Sand Point Beach the existing concession area will be converted to a unisex restroom compliant with the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. In addition a new concession stand with storage will be built on the east end of the existing building and a guard room/training area/first aid station with storage will be added on to the west end of the building. The Ponds improvement will include: The construction of a new concession stand. The existing building will be converted to ADA accessible restrooms and a storage and electrical room. The new concession building will be located on the opposite end of the shelter containing the existing building and restrooms. The construction cost estimate for Sand Point is $115,000 and for the Ponds $95,000. ©smundson reminded the PAC that the design for Sand Point, minus the guard room/training area/first aid station will be a model to renovate the facility at Watzl's Beach. PAC members asked if the improvement were large enough in scale considering the continued growth of the community. Staff feels confident that they are due to the overall user capacity of each respective park and facility. Motion by McFadden to recommend the presented design of the Sand Point Beach and The Ponds restroom and concession facilities to the city council. Second by Borger. Ayes: 6. Nays: 0. Prior Lake-Savage Hockey Association Operation at Lakefront Park~ Winter 2004- 05 Update: Recreation Supervisor Esser reported that the meeting with PLSHA members to iron out the details of the operation of Lakefront Park for 2004-05 season that occurred immediately after the October PAC meeting went very well. The parks crew is well underway retrofitting the building on the former Kop property in anticipation of the PLSHA Zamboni storage for the upcoming skating season at Lakefront Park. Esser distributed a memo that served as a follow up to the October 11, 2004 meeting with the PLSHA members and their signed Letter of Understanding. There were no additional questions or concerns from PAC members. Park Advisory Committee Bylaw Update - Membership: Recreation Supervisor Esser distributed a redline copy of the latest changes to the PAC Bylaws under the "Appointment" section. The update states, "The Committee shall consist of no more than seven (7) members and no less than five (5) members appointed by the Prior Lake City Council for a term of three (3) years from November 1 to October 31." The meeting time stated in the Bylaws was also changed from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Youth Athletic Organization Liaisons: Per PAC direction, Recreation Supervisor Esser distributed a draft of a letter inviting a representative from the community youth athletic organizations to act as a liaison to the PAC including: Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (PLAY). · Prior Lake Soccer Club (PLSC). · Prior Lake-Savage Hockey Association (PLSHA). The goal of the invitation is for each liaison to represent the views of their respeCtive organization and be a participant and resource in the PAC decision-making process. The letter will be sent to the president of each association on behalf of Chair Feriancek. A response from the organizations is desired by the end of the month so that the new representatives can be included in the December meeting mailing. Thomas Ryan Memorial Park Field Li.qhting: PLAY representative Mark Schroeder informally approached the PAC regarding the issue of adding lighting to the Thomas Ryan Memorial Park baseball fields. Public Works Director Osmundson shared some estimates on costs gathered by staff. The cost of lighting the four baseball fields including: the lights, electrical, engineering, and irrigation repair would cost an estimated $450,000. To include the four full-size soccer fields would add $400,000. Loose, speaking as a representative of the PLSC stated that soccer lights would not be necessary due to Iow demand in the summer and weekend daytime use for the fall season. After some discussion, the PAC agreed that land acquisition expenditures would be a better alternative to spend the estimated amount on (if they present themselves) rather than expending that amount on lights. The PAC agreed to keep the lighting proposal in mind for the future. Feriancek offered to contact Mark Schroeder to summarize the PAC's discussion. Bike and non-motorized watercraft rental concession:- Recreation Supervisor Esser distributed a proposal from Wheel Fun Rentals outlining the operation of a bicycle and non-motorized watercraft concession at Lakefront Park. The concession will support the 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan as another tool to tie downtown Prior Lake to the lake. The concession operator will fully supply and staff the rental operation and pay the city $2,500 minimum rent or 8% of gross sales, whichever is greater. PAC members questioned liability. Esser added that the proposal will be converted into the City of Prior Lake's standard contract by the city attorney and will cover liability and insurance requirements for the concession operator. PAC members felt the proposal was positive and worth executing on a trial basis. (Dick Carlson had to leave the meeting at this point). Winter recreation program review: Recreation Supervisor Esser distributed copies of the winter season recreation programs that will be advertised in the November/December issue of the Wavelength city newsletter. Highlights included Tot classes and activities for ages 3-5, winter holiday trips for ages 6-12, adult trips and new adult dodgeball league, and the Senior Socials. Winter Maintenance Policy fOr 2004-05: Public Works Director Osmundson outlined additions to the 2004-05 Winter Maintenance Policy. Added areas of maintenance and plowing include: · New sidewalk along Rutledge Street. · Sidewalk along the new Village Lake Drive, formerly the Ring Road. PAC members appreciated reviewing the new areas before the snow arrives for the season. Memorial Tree and Bench Pro.qram Update: Public Works Director Osmundson announced that former city council member Gene White was recently honored at a council meeting for his service to Prior Lake. Gene passed away recently. The city council dedicated the overlook with the swinging bench adjacent to the FiN pond in Lakefront Park in his honor. Osmundson continued that the Memorial Tree and Bench program prices are being raised due to the rising coSts of the materials themselves and shipping charges. Staff is recommending the following price changes: · 8' Redwood contour bench increase from $650 to $730. · 6' Redwood contour bench increase from $500 to $650. ° 8' Redwood landscape bench increase from $500 to $745. · 6' Redwood landscape bench increase from $425 to $645. · Bronze engraved plaque increase from $50 to $100. Osmundson mentioned that this would be the first price increase in over five years for these items. PAC members agreed with the pricing increase recommendation. Other Business: Recreation Supervisor Esser announced plans for a joint city council, Lake Advisory Committee (LAC), and PAC meeting on December 20, 2004 to discuss the new boat slips at Watzl's Beach and 2005 objectives. Discussion was held regarding the appointment of a Vice Chair to the PAC. MOTION by McFadden to appoint Ruth Harris PAC Vice Chair for the remainder of 2004 and 2005. Second by Borger. Ayes: 5. Nays: 0. McFadden recommended that staff look into the possibility of adding floating docks to the swim areas. Staff will do some research and share the finding at a future PAC meeting regarding other similar facilities, insurance implications, and feedback from other beach operators. MOTION by Loose to adjourn. Second by Borger. Ayes: 5. Nays: 0. Respectfully submitted, Christopher J. Esser b. The task of managing a dock ordinance is too complicated based on the symmetry of the lake and lake lots. C. The jurisdiction between the below the 904 elevation is in question. Therefore the Lake Advisory Committee recommends .that in matters of dock disputes and questions the City should continue to refer to Minnesota State Statutes and that no ordinance be adopted pertaining to docks at this time. The LAC approved the recommendation as stated by Beneke. b. Boat Slip Policy Poppler stated that the City Council has asked the LAC to talk about and give a recommendation regarding the 18 boat slips which are being constructed at Watzl's Beach. The issues include overnight policy, reservations, hour limits on certain slips, and enforcement. Mankowski stated that a reservation policy would be difficult to administer and that the boat slips should be done on a first come first serve basis and that the boats should be gone when the park closes. Mankowski also stated that signage should be placed detailing the park hours and that no overnight parking is allowed. Alcorn stated that the sign should read that the City accepts no liability for damage to the boat. Mirsch stated that lighting should be ~laced near the dock area since the park remains open when it is dark. Additional bouys may be needed within the bay. Aicorn asked if the dock does not have railings, is the City liable for someone falling off the dock and drowning? The Lake Advisory Committee recommends that the City Council consider the following items when adopting the boat slip policy: 1. The boat slips should be utilized on a first come first serve basis. No reservations should be taken for the boat slips. 2. The boat slips should only be utilized during park hours. 3. Signage should be placed outlining these policies as well as stating that the City accepts no responsibility for damaged or lost property during dock usage. 4. Lighting should be placed near the dock as the park hours extend beyond daylight hours. 5. Additional buoys may be needed near the location of the boat slips.