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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120991 HERITAGE 1891 COMMUNITY 1991 19J.3fJ./V 2Q91 *PLEASE REVIEW FOR MEETING OF 12/09/91* PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991 COMMUNITY ROOM, CITY HALL - 7:00-9:00 P.M. 1. Call to order 2. Minutes from meeting of 11/25/91 3. Staff Reports A. Director of Parks and Recreation 1. Status of Grant Application 2. Update on skating rink season 4. New Business A. Action plan for addressing safety issues with Scott County regarding trails on Franklin Trail. Please review attached Action Plan. B. Discussion on timeframe for trail construction throughout the city. Please review attached memo. 5. Old Business A. Year-in-Review. Review of accomplishments of PAC for 1991 based on established goals. Enclosed is a copy of tasks as accomplished by the PAC. 6. Set next meeting date A. Next scheduled meeting would be Monday, January 13, 1992. 7. Adjourn the meeting **PLEASE---CALL TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE!!** AGEN24 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447.4245 HERITAGE 1891 COMMUNITY 1991 19J.3l(J% 2Qgf MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: RE: DATE: Parks Advisory Committee Bill Mangan, Director of Parks and Recreation TIMEFRAME FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION OF TRAIL SYSTEM December 3, 1991 I have timeframe Recreation memorandum listed the following information for you based on as established by Scott County, MNDOT, and Parks Department Capital Improvement Program. is for your future reference. the and This TRAIL SEGMENT YEAR 1. Franklin Trarr- 2. C.R. 44 3. C.R. 42 4. C.R. 21 5. Highway 13 COST 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 FUNDING $ 75,000 75,000 150,000 125,000 250,000 General Fund General Fund Referendum Referendum Referendum This is a partial list of identified trail segments for the next five years. Completion of the entire system is projected to take 8-10 rears with most of the trail being funded through a referendum (If successful). I think it is important for you to know what Scott County has planned in the future so that we can piggy-back on their plans and install trails at the time the county upgrades their county road system. Please understand that the above mentioned schedule is always subject to change contingent on availability of dollars for the county to complete their work. If there is no county funds, pro~ects will be delayed until such time as they can complete thelr projects. 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 HERITAGE 1891 COMMUNITY 1991 ctYJ$% 2Q91 199 1 H I G H L I G H T S The Prior Lake Parks Advisory Committee did, indeed, have a very productive year in 1991. The accomplishments of the Committee are as listed below, however, one of the most significant was the initiation of the Citywide Trail System by completing the trail segment in Lakefront Park. Lakefront Park can now be accessed via C.R. 21, C.R. 44, and Main Avenue. Some of the highlights for 1991 include the following: 1. Adoption of the Bylaws for Parks Advisory Committee. 2. Initiated the "MEETING-IN-THE-PARK" Program. 3. Celebrated Prior Lake receiving TREE CITY, USA status in 1990. 4. Conducted a joint park tour with Prior Lake City Council. 5. Reviewed and recommended approval for the Citywide Trail conceptual Plan. 6. Recommended to the City Council to proceed with construction of trails for Lakefront Park and Franklin Trail. 7. Reviewed and recommended approval for the Parks and Recreation Department 5 year capital Improvement Program. 8. Conducted a Public Hearing to receive input to apply for State and Federal funds to acquire the Bill McDonald proJ?erty. 9. Revlewed and recommended alignment and standards for the trail along Franklin Trail for construction in 1992. While it was a very busy year, as you can see by the above list, the PAC was extremelr im~ortant in the actions taken in 1991. The initiation of the CltYWlde Trail System will have a huge, positive impact on the residents of Prior Lake. Almost equally as important, getting out into the neighborhoods in the "MEETING-IN-THE-PARK" program served its purpose as well by educating the community as to what the Parks Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department is all about. At this time, the status of the grant application is unknown but anticipation for success is very high. All in all, the Parks Advisory Committee has, indeed, played a vital role in the shaping of our community. Most of their recommendations and actions will have a positive, long-range impact on our community. They deserve credit where credit is due! 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 HERITAGE 1891 COMMUNITY 1991 1/.!TJ.5fJ-K 20)1 PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1991 The Parks Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman, Doug Berens at 7:16 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 1991. Those present were Tony Anderson, Doug Berens, Ron Ceminsky, Pat Heaney, Art Schoot, Kathy Smith and Bill Mangan, Director of Parks & Recreation. There were six (6) residents from the Franklin Trail area also present. Kathe Abrams was absent. The minutes from the October 14, 1991 meeting were reviewed. Bill Mangan asked if there were any corrections to be made on the McDonald motion. He indicated that #1 of the recommendation should read GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION rather than GENERAL LOCATION. ART SCHOOT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH THE ABOVE CHANGE. TONY ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Dan Wehrs made a comment in regard to Al Friedges report at the last meeting about the number of shrubs and trees that are planted. He felt that it would be good to inform the residents of this. Bill Man9an indicated that the editor of the Prior Lake American is very lnterested in what the Parks Dept. has done in this area and that he could publish an article next spring in conjunction with Arbor Week about our greenhouse, etc. Doug Berens asked for the next item on the Agenda, Staff Reports, with Bill Mangan reporting. Bill stated that the Bulk Truck Street Flusher has been delivered from Superior Ford. This will be used for floodin9 rinks and watering shrubs and trees. Originally, this was gOlng to be bid out last Spring, 1991 and, if we would have had a company do the entire project, the vehicle would have been about $75,000. We did the Specs in-house and wrote the specifications for the bulk tank, etc. The truck chassis cost about $30,000 & a company in South Dakota built the tank, motor, nozzels, etc. for about $24,000. We have a complete unit for $54,000; a savings of $21,000. It has a 2100 gallon capacity and should have a 20 year life. This will be a great timesaver and can be a one man operation now because of all the valves, etc. being on the inside. Fifteen (15) skating rinks will be maintained this year. The bulk are at the neighborhood park locations and there are two (2) hockey and one (1) pleasure rink at Lakefront Park. The only warming house is at Lakefront Park with an attendant starting on December 15th. 4629 Dakota 51. 5E, Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 Parks Advisory Committee Minutes - November 25, 1991 - Page 2 Bill Man~an attended the MRPA (Minnesota Recreation of Parks Associatlon) state conference last week. The entire conference focused on customer & 9Uality service both internal and external, and employee staff tralnin9' The key for the 90's will be customer & quality servlce. An interesting element is that we spend approximately $150,000 a year on employee salaries and we only spend about $500.00 per year on employee training; Generally spend less than 1% on training. A lot of work needs to be accomplished in this area. New Business, the next item on the Agenda, regarding discussion and recommendation on the Franklin Trail bike/hike trail. Bill Mangan acknowledged the six residents present from the Franklin Trail area. Those present were Sandy Andersen, Dee Houle, Mr. & Mrs. Pat Senftner, Nate Girard and Ed Beuch. These residents were the spokes~eople for the Franklin Trail bike/hike trail. Two other informatlon meetings have been held for the residents to voice their concerns with this trail and to inform them as to what the City's plans were. Since the Parks Advisory Committee had made the recommendation for this trail, these residents had requested to meet with the Parks Advisory Committee to express their opinion as to why the trail was and continues to be included along Franklin Trail. The residents are not interested in an 8 foot bike/hike asphalt trail going through front yards of residential homes; however, they would be open to a five (5) foot concrete sidewalk which would connect the residential areas and public areas with on-street bicycle striping with "no parking" posted for the bike lanes. This information was discussed with the City Engineers to determine the legality, etc. Bruce Loney, Asst. City Engineer has determined that the cost of concrete runs somewhat higher than asphalt. Presently, Franklin Trail is a county road, and the "no parking" signs would not be allowed because it is a collectors street; however, effective January 1, 1992 Scott County may request that the City take over the maintenance of this street and at that time "no parking" could be posted and striping could be done on the street to accommodate bikers. Hikers & walkers could use the concrete sidewalk. The lower wetland area just south of County Road 21 between Countr Road 21 and County Road 39 to the east of Highway 13 was looked lnto but it does not accomplish the Parks Advisory Committees task of getting something on Franklin Trail to provide the safety for pedestrians off the street. Bill Mangan indicated that the Parks Advisorr Committee recommendation is to continue with the Franklin Trall proposal and opened it up for discussion with those residents present. Parks Advisory Committee Minutes - November 25, 1991 - Page 3 Sandy Andersen (a resident of Prior Lake for 17 years) voiced her concern about the intersection problem on Franklin Trail and County Road 21 and Franklin Trail & County Road 44 and people do not stop at the stop signs. She has voiced her concern to the County but the only answer she ever got was that there wasn't enough traffic to warrant a stop sign or light. Dan Wehrs said that he was concerned for the safety of the children and the elderly and thus providing them a safe area to walk and/or bike. Pat Senftner (a resident of Prior Lake for 18 years) said that he only knew of one elderly lady from Prior Manor that did any walkin9 and felt that we would be forcing more traffic onto Franklln Trail and in the residents front yards. Dan Wehrs reminded the residents that according to the survey, the majority of the Prior Lake residents wanted safe trails. Pat Senftner and Sandy Andersen agreed that they felt that by indicating "trails" on the survey, this meant in the parks rather than in residents front yards. Dan Wehrs said that the trail system must include residential areas in order to get to the parks trails. Pat Senftner than suggested that the trail should be continued from Kop's farm and go along Highway 13 to connect with County Road 21. He felt this would be much safer than crossing County 21 from Franklin Trail. Bill Mangan stated that the Committee felt that the Franklin Trail proposal would get the people off of Highway 13 and safely travel on bike or walk to schools, shopping, etc. Franklin Trail was a natural trail corridor because it had County Road designation and because of the amount of traffic and safety hazard that it poses to kids walking & hiking in the street i tsel f. It was agreed by the Committee and the residents present that a concrete sidewalk would be agreeable; the residents definitely did not want an 8 foot asphalt trail. The cost difference from asphalt to concrete for the Franklin Trail project would be approximately $3500.00. Funds have already been allocated out of the general fund balance to complete this project. Bill Mangan reviewed the location of the trail with the group. The plan, as presented, indicates that the trail will be on the east side from Highway 13 to County Road 44 along the businesses and from County Road 44 to County Road 21 on the west side, ~rimarily because most of it is rental property with the exceptlon of a few homes. It will cross at County 21 & Franklin Trail and be on the west side until Highway 13 at the EZ stop. Parks Advisory Committee Minutes - November 25, 1991 - Page 4 Discussion continued regarding the safet~ at the two major and very busy intersections where people w111 have to cross; a very high concern of all present. It was felt that until something is done about controlling these intersections, the sidewalks should not be put in. They felt that this would only be encouraging more problems/accidents. Pat Heaney asked what kind of authority would we, as a Committee and as residents, have to put up stop signs. Bill Mangan confirmed that we have no authority in putting up stop signs; this is strictly up to the County based on traffic counts. We can make a request, perha~s through petitions or whatever, but that does not mean that it wlll happen. Dan Wehrs felt that with the sidewalks being installed that perhaps this would give us more leverage in obtaining the stop signs and/or traffic lights. Bill Man~an stated that one of the things addressed at the last informatlonal meeting by the Asst. Engineer, Bruce Loney, was that before the city agrees to take over the maintenance of Franklin Trail, the City has notified the County on three different occasions that the design on 21 and 39 is not acceptable and must be corrected. Pat Sentfner once again suggested changing the trail route to along Highway 13. Pat Heaney felt that the proposed trail (sidewalk) is the best way to proceed with painted route on the street for the bikes and eventually incorporate the bike trail alon~ Highway 13 and work to get a stop light at the various intersectlons. Art Schoot voiced his concern about inviting people to use Franklin Trail even though it is presently a collectors street. He felt that there are other alternatives and that perhaps this is not the correct choice. Sandy Andersen was concerned about the fact that the trail (sidewalk) would stop at two points on Highway 13 where there are no traffic lights. She suggested that perhaps another area should be done first and walt on this until sufficient signal lights are installed. Ron Ceminsky felt that there should be some focal point, of which the proposed plan is. Bill Mangan also added that the different areas will all be tied in the next few years when the County takes care of their areas. Parks Advisory Committee Minutes - November 25, 1991 - Page 5 Dan Wehrs commented that the committee has seriously taken this route into consideration and felt that what was recommended was in the best for the entire community. Sandy Andersen questioned why the trail was not completed on Highway 13 from Lakefront Park. Bill Mangan indicated that this was not done because Main Avenue may be widened with turn lanes and ther did not want to put the trail in and have to take it out agaln because of downtown improvements. The Town Center Association will have something finalized this fall and/or winter. If they decide not to do anything, the trail will be completed; if they do decide to do something, the trail will be incorporated into the new street design. Doug Berens suggested that the sidewalk should not go to Highway 13 (by Lakers Restaurant) at this time, but stop by the Gateway Center area. Sandy Andersen suggested that the same be done on the other end of Franklin Trail; be cut short of Highway 13. Bill Mangan indicated that the trail would go behind EZ stop, behind where the outdoor theater is and down to the road by bowling alley. Ron ceminsky suggested that we direct the intersection concern to Dick Underferth. He said that this sidewalk needs to be initiated to force the County to look at the situation. Art Schoot stated that the only way he could 90 alon9 with the sidewalk/trail would be contingent upon gettlng the lntersection problem resolved; that some measure would be taken. Kathy Smith indicated that the committee is a Parks Advisory Council and the committee can help with petitions, etc. but cannot guarantee that the traffic light situation will be changed. She agreed that this is an issue to be addressed but that this committee is only a parks advisory body. Doug Berens asked for a motion concerning the sidewalk/trail on Franklin Trail. DAN WEHRS MADE A MOTION TO INSTALL A 5 FOOT CONCRETE SIDEWALK ALONG COUNTY ROAD 39 AND CUT IT SHORT OF HIGHWAY 13 BY GATEWAY SHOPPING CENTER AND THAT THE SAFETY ISSUES BE ADDRESSED TO DICK UNDERFERTH AND THE COUNTY THROUGH BILL MANGAN BEFORE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WALKS BEGIN. RON CEMINSKY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE COMMITTEE VOTED; 5 YES VOTES AND 1 NO VOTE BY ART SCHOOT. MOTION CARRIED. PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - NOVEMBER 25, 1991 - PAGE 6 It was agreed that Bill Mangan will work with the Engineering Department concerning the safety issues to get their input as to what can be done and will try to have some information on an action plan for the December meeting. Sandr Andersen requested that she be contacted about the next meetlng or any future information regarding the safety issues. Nate Girard, Pat Senftner, Ed Beuch and John Anderson will also be contacted. The next item of New Business was the non-resident fees. Bill Mangan indicated that City Manager, Dave Unmacht, had requested that he do research on non-residential fees. He did a survey of surroundin9 and other communities as to how they handled non-residentlal fees for recreational programs & athletic leagues. Ralph Teschner and Dave Unmacht made the recommendation to city Council that a non-resident fee of $5.00 per person be included as revenue effective January 1, 1992 for recreational, youth athletic programs, etc. Anyone outside of the city limits of Prior Lake would be charged this fee. This has been adopted into the 1992 budget as revenue. We are one of the last communities to incorporate this. This will make a lot more work for the Parks staff but should bring in some additional revenue. Discussion followed regarding the non-residential fees. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 1991. KATHY SMITH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. RON CEMINSKY The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Bill Mangan Director of Parks & Recreation Department Nancy McGill Recording Secretary