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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 ~ . . . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 11, 2006 Member's Present: Randy Oswald, Dawn Johnson, Paula Higgins, Karen Neal and Robin Hanson (arrived 6:05 p.m.) Member's Absent: None Other's Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Randy Distad I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Quorum was present. II. Approve Meeting Agenda Motion by Neal and second by Higgins to approve amended meeting agenda to include a discussion on the City's snowmobiling ordinance. APIF. Motion carried. III. Approval of Minutes. Motion by Johnson and second by Higgins to approve the December 14, 2005 meeting minutes. Voting in favor of the motion: Oswald, Higgins, and Johnson. Abstaining from the vote: Neal IV. Presentations None v. Old Business A. Riverbend Plat Update Director Distad updated PRAC on the status of the Riverbend Development Plat. He informed Commission members that staff had a meeting with the developer to discuss a replatting of Outlot D, which is where the park in the development was to be platted. After reviewing the revised plat, it was determined that the original final plat actually had the correct amount of park dedication in Outlot D and so the park will be a little more that 6 acres. This means that the City will have the original park size without having to pay additional funds for the park. Distad also shared that the developer was interested in building a private pool within a comer of the public park and making it available only to residents who lived in the development. Distad said that he told the developer that the City would not be interested in having a private facility in public space. Distad said that he proposed to the developer that perhaps a partnership could be formed that resulted in an aquatic facility such as a sprayground or splash pad that the City and the developer could build together that would not only be available to the residents of the development but also for all residents in the community. The developer said that this would have to be reviewed with their staff first and that they would let the City know if this was something that they would be interested in doing. Commission members agreed that a private facility in a public park would not be a good idea. B. Recommend Project Budgets for 2006 Park Improvement Projects Director Distad reviewed the 2006 projects and the associated costs of the projects that Parks and Recreation Department staff are recommending to be completed in Evergreen Knoll Park. Neal moved and Higgins seconded to recommend that the City Council approve the 2006 park improvement projects for Evergreen Knoll Park. APIF. Motion carried. Director Distad reviewed the 2006 projects and the associated costs of the projects that Parks and Recreation Department staff are recommending to be completed in Meadow Creek Third Addition Park. Johnson moved and Neal seconded to recommend that the City Council approve the 2006 park improvement projects for Meadow Creek Third Addition. APIF. Motion carried. . Director Distad reviewed the 2006 projects and the associated costs ofthe projects that Parks and Recreation Department staff are recommending to be completed in Depot Way Arts Park. Hanson moved and Johnson seconded to recommend that the City Council approve the 2006 park improvement projects for Depot Way Arts Park. APIF. Motion carried. C. City Council Workshop Discussion Director Distad asked for ideas about agenda items for the workshop that the City Council and Commission will have on Wednesday, February 15th. The following agenda items were suggested by Commission members: * Review park planning and future direction of parks and trails * Community center discussion * Comprehensive plan update regarding parks, trails, facilities and recreation programs * Long term funding for the maintenance and operation of parks, trails and facilities * Present Commission's mission statement and vision statements Distad stated that he would put the agenda and packet together and it would be mailed out prior to the workshop. D. Review Snow Plowing Priorities Director Distad presented information about the history of the development of a snow removal priority map that was created in 2003. He said that this is a map that has been followed for the past three years but wasn't opposed to reviewing this map in the fall of 2006 but felt that any change at this point would not be good timing for the park maintenance staff given the resources and time available to clear trails and sidewalks. He also informed Commission members about the snow removal policy that the City Council was looking to establish for Ash Street. This policy would require park maintenance staff to remove snow from the sidewalk that is located on the north side of Ash Street. This would only become City staffs responsibility if the residents agreed to allow the City to blow or push the snow on private property and not in the boulevard due to the lack of space in the boulevard for snow from both the street and sidewalk to be pushed into. He felt that perhaps a sub . committee could be formed similar to how the snow removal map was created in 2003. E. Discuss PRAC Retreat A reminder was given that there was going to be a Commission retreat on January 18th and that thus far the items on the retreat agenda included developing a 2006 work plan for the Commission and creating vision statements for the Commission. It was agreed by Commission consensus that these should be the only two items on the agenda as Commission members felt that both items would fill the entire meeting time. VII. Additions to the Agenda A. Snowmobiling Ordinance Discussion Director Distad reviewed the existing City snowmobiling ordinance with Commission members. Chair Oswald shared that this was a question asked during his re-appointment interview with the City Council and wanted to have the Commission start reviewing this ordinance for content and to see if there should be any language changes made to the ordinance. There were some questions asked related to the location of snowmobile trails. Commission member Neal stated that she knows where an electronic map could be acquired and said that she would email the map to other Commission members. It was discussed by Commission members that this item should be further discussed at future meeting. . IX. Staff Report Director Distad reviewed a draft version of the existing park and trail map and an inventory grid of what amenities are in each park. He said that staff have been working on this map over the past several months and have been able to get the map updated to the point where it reflects new trails and parks in recent plats including the Parkview Ponds development, Mystic Meadows First Addition development and the Charleswood Crossing development. He asked for feedback from Commission members. Commission member Johnson noted that Depot Way Arts Park is not on the map. Distad said that he would correct this. " . . . Distad informed Commission members that the Existing and Proposed Park, Trail and Open Space Plan Map had gone to the City Council for approval of amending the map to show trails on the Perkins Property but that the City Council wanted to wait on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment until this property had gone through annexation and had been given MUSA. Distad informed the Commission members that a tour with Paul Paige from Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. had occurred earlier in the day and that a proposal will be forthcoming from Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. to master plan Westview Park, Daisy Knoll Park, Dakota County Estates Park and the park shown in the Second Addition of Mystic Meadows. He also mentioned about the possibility that if the Riverbend Development developer wanted to partner with the City on an aquatic facility in their development's park, then there may be a need to add this park as a fifth park to master plan in 2006 so that the aquatic and other park features could be planned in conjunction with one another. X. February 2006 Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were identified for the February 2006 meeting agenda: · Officer Elections · Sub-committee representatives for snow removal, snowmobiling liaison, park master plan public meetings and MUSA Committee . Approving the 2006 Commission work plan . Snowmobiling Ordinance XI. Adjournment Motion by Higgins and seconded by Neal to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted ~~~ B4k(J Randy Di~lad, CPRP Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . . . II Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on February 15, 2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald, Karen Neal, Paula Higgins and Robin Hanson Members Absent: Dawn Johnson Other's Present: Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Election of 2006 Officers Chair Oswald opened the floor up for nominations for Chair. Hanson moved to nominate Oswald for Chair for the coming year. Neal seconded the nomination. Oswald called twice more for nominations but there were none. Oswald called for a vote and all voted in favor except for Oswald who abstained. Oswald opened the floor up for nominations for Vice-Chair. Higgins nominated Neal for Vice Chair and nomination was seconded by Hanson. Oswald called twice more for nomination and there were none. Oswald called for a vote. All voted in favor for Neal to be Vice-Chair except for Neal who abstained. Oswald will be the PRAC Chair and Neal will be the PRAC Vice-Chair for 2006. III. Approval of Meeting Agenda. Motion by Higgins, seconded by Neal to approve an amended agenda to include adding a discussion on the outdoor ice season under Additions to the Agenda. APIF. Motion carried. IV. Approval of January 11,2006 Minutes. Motion by Hanson, seconded by Higgins to approve the minutes from the January ll, 2006 meeting. APIF. Motion carried. V. Presentations There were no presentations made to the PRAC. VI. Old Business A. Update on 2006 Park Improvement Projects Distad shared with Commission members that the City Council approved a budget for the 2006 projects. He stated that the park improvement projects had to be scaled back somewhat given the balance that remained in the Park Improvement Fund. He stated that the major components that were removed from funding included one of the picnic shelters at Evergreen Knoll Park, the ornamental fence at Evergreen Knoll Park and some of the site amenities costs were reduced to reflect more closely what is paid for the site amenities. B. Veteran's Memorial Update Distad stated that he would be attending an upcoming meeting of the Veteran's Memorial Committee and asked that the Commission provide direction to both Veteran's Memorial Committees regarding two sites for two different memorials. Commission members felt that both groups should work together and identify one site that would serve as a memorial to veterans and others who served in the various branches of the military. Moved by Hanson and seconded by Neal to direct the two different groups to work together and consolidate a veteran's memorial on one site. APIF. Motion carried. C. Work Plan Distad asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the work plan that was created for the Commission at their retreat in January, 2006. There were none. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to approve the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission's 2006 Work Plan. APIF. Motion carried. . VII. New Business A. Community Center Discussion and Recommendation Distad reminded Commission members that the community center study summary report was going to be presented to the City Counci I at its February 21 st meeting and that a recommendation or recommendations should be made by the Commission to the City Council regarding the construction of a community center. Director Distad suggested that the Commission should approve the three following recommendations to the City Council: Approve the location of the Newland Community property as the preferred site Approve the site plan and community center concept pIa Approve continuing to explore other financial partners Approve postponing a decision on the community center until after the March lOth City Council goal setting retreat but before an April 30thdeadline. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to make the above recommendations to the City Council. APIF. Motion carried. B. Review Boardwalk Preliminary Plans and Cost Estimates Distad reviewed the boardwalk construction plans and informed the Commission members that because of the way that the pier support system and decking is being designed, the cost estimates are exceeding the estimates that were identified in the park master plans for Meadowview Park, Vermillion Grove Park and Middle Creek Park. He stated that staff are planning on bringing this item to the City Council's March lOth work retreat for discussion on funding and to receive direction from the City Council about future construction. Distad stated that he would bring this item back to the March meeting in order to inform Commission members of the outcome from the City Council discussion on this project. . C. Agreement with 3rd Lair Skate park Distad reviewed the draft agreement with Commission members and stated that the basic sticking point in the agreement with 3rd Lair Skatepark had to do with the revenue split from the daily admission fees being charged. Stafffelt that the City should get a 20% cut of the gross revenue and 3rd Lair felt that they wanted to have all of the revenue to cover their operational costs. Commission members by consensus directed Distad to go back and counter offer that the City should receive a 10% cut ofthe gross revenue but that if 3rd Lair did not agree to this, then the Commission was willing to sacrifice the revenue split in order for 3rd Lair Skatepark to operate a skatepark in Farmington. D. Determine Committee Representation for 2006 The following Commission members were selected for representation on the following committees: Snow Removal: Hanson MUSA: Oswald Park Master Planning Liaison: Neal Trail Signage: Higgins Veteran's Memorial: Johnson Liaison to Farmington Sno- Tigers Club: Neal Moved by Hanson and seconded by Neal to approve the committee appointments. APIF. Motion carried. . E. Update on Empire Township Distad updated Commission members on the Providence Development Second Addition. He stated that the Second Addition included a four field softball complex. He reviewed with Commission members the plat that had been provided to the City. He reviewed the design detail for the park area including the ballfield complex, playground equipment site and site amenities. He stated that he thought that it might be a good idea to set up a . . . . meeting with Empire Township's Park and Recreation Advisory Board to discuss the ballfield complex and how it was going to be operated and maintained. Commission members by consensus agreed with this and wanted to discuss possible meeting dates at the March meeting. VIII. Additions to the Agenda A. Outdoor Rink Discussion Higgins asked about the length of the season for outdoor ice and how long the warming house was scheduled to normally be open during the outdoor ice season. She wondered if there was some contingency plan that could be put into place that would allow the City to extend the outdoor ice season and to also keep the warming house open should the outdoor ice season be extended. Distad stated that it could be reviewed and that if the outdoor ice season was extended and the warming house stayed open and staffed to a later date, then this would have to be a budgetary request for 2007 from the City Council. The budget has always been set up to flood outdoor ice so that the ice can begin to be skated on by the weekend of the first week ofthe holiday break from school in December and to stop flooding no later that February 15th. The warming house season is set up to parallel the flooding of the outdoor ice. He stated that this was a difficult year to keep outdoor ice and staff made a decision to close early because of how much melting had occurred. No action was taken on this item due to it being added to the agenda at the meeting. IX. Staff Report There was no staff report given. X. Adjournment Motion by Higgins and seconded by Hanson to adjourn the meeting. APIF. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 7:58 p.m. ~)~ Randy Distad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . . . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on March 15, 2006 Members Present: Oswald, Johnson, Higgins, Neal and Hanson Members Absent: None Other's Present: Kellee Omlid, Recreation Specialist, Patti Norman, Recreation Supervisor and Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director. I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Neal moved and Higgins seconded to approve the meeting agenda. APIF. III. Approval of Meeting Minutes. February 15, 2006 City Council and Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Neal moved and Higgins seconded to approve the City Council and Park and Recreation Advisory Commission joint workshop meeting minutes. Voting in favor: Oswald, Hanson, Neal and Higgins. Abstaining from the vote: Johnson February 15,2006 Regular Meeting Minutes Higgins moved and Neal seconded to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 15, 2006. V oting in favor: Oswald, Hanson, Neal and Higgins. Abstaining from the vote: Johnson IV. Presentations A. Recreation Division 2005 Annual Report Patti Norman and Kellee Omlid presented the following information regarding the program highlights in 2005: * Grand Rios Water Trip was a huge success * Secret Holiday Shop program saw an increase in participation and revenue * Youth tennis program participation increased * Summer weather for outdoor pool was ideal resulting in an increase in revenue * On-line registration program continues to be successful and majority of payments are occurring by credit card * The Rambling River Center saw an increase in annual memberships * The fitness room at the Rambling River Center in the first year exceeded expectations for memberships Patti Norman and Kellee Omlid presented information regarding upcoming summer programs: GPS event, which will be sponsored by South of the River Recreators Summer playground programs will be looking at adding sites and will be having to move some sites because of street construction Swim bus will continue to be offered but will be analyzing the routes and may need to change some of the stops based on number of riders who used the bus last year Oswald suggested looking at offering an outdoor basketball league for teens to utilize the City's new outdoor full court basketball courts. Commission members thanked Norman and Omlid and commended them on the good job they do with recreation programs and events. V. Old Business A. City Council Work Retreat and Goal Setting Workshop Distad shared information with Commission members regarding the March lOth City Council retreat. He stated that the City Council discussed a number of projects including the Community Center. He said that the City . . . Council is concerned about the cost of the community center and the impact that this cost will have on the City's debt load. Distad briefly explained the three year financial impact that was presented on the City's debt load during the retreat. Distad also explained that past City Council's adopted a policy that stated that no more than 25% of the City's over all levy could be for retiring debt. If City Hall and the Community Center were to be both constructed, this would push up the debt part of the levy over the 50% mark. Distad also reviewed the preliminary results of the property impact a 16 million dollar community center would have on residential property that the City's financial advisors put together. Distad stated that the City Council asked that the PRAC consider this issue and then forward a recommendation to the City Council regarding a referendum for a community center. General discussion by commission members resulted in a feeling that it should be up to the community to vote on a community center through a referendum. Motion by Higgins and seconded by Neal to make a recommendation to the City Council to move forward with a community center referendum this fall. Motion passed unanimously. B. Snowmobiling Ordinance Commission members felt that the discussion on the snowmobiling ordinance should be referred to the Commission's snowmobiling subcommittee. Moved by Hanson and seconded by Higgins to refer ordinance discussion to the Snowmobiling subcommittee and staff for further review and recommendations. APIF. VI. New Business A. 200S Park and Recreation Department's Annual Report Director Distad briefly summarized the 2005 Annual Report providing a few of the highlights in the report. Commission members were appreciative ofthe information and the work that is accomplished on a daily basis. B. Concept Plan Review for Peterson and Adelman Properties Commission members generally seemed to like what they saw in the concept plan. It appeared that there was some interest in getting a larger park that would have more street frontage on the most southerly east and west street that runs through the development. This means showing a larger park. There was also agreement on showing a trail along 220th Street and a trail along the east and west street that runs through the residential property. Hanson moved and Higgins seconded to recommend to take the maximum amount of land required to be dedicated for a park. APIF. Motion carried unanimously. C. Warming House Season Review Commission members felt that the past outdoor ice season including the warming house opening and closing dates should be referred to the outdoor ice subcommittee. Motion by Neal and seconded by Hanson to refer the review of the outdoor ice season to the subcommittee and staff for further review and a recommendation. APIF. D. Identify Possible Meeting Dates for a Meeting with Empire Townships Park and Recreation Commission After some discussion, it was determined that Director Distad should contact Empire Township's Park and Recreation Commission chair to see if a June 21 st meeting date at 5:30 p.m. at Tamarack Park would work. Director Distad will provide an update at the April meeting about whether or not this meeting time and date will work for a joint meeting to occur between the two Commissions VII. Additions to the Agenda There were none. VIII. Staff Report Chair Oswald and Director Distad provided an update on the status of the MUSA Committee's review and recommendations concerning allocation of additional MUSA for new properties. These included the following properties: Perkins, Peterson, Adelman, Mystic Meadows Second Addition and Newland Communities. Oswald also stated that there was initially some inquiry about MUSA being taken away from both the Devney and Winkler properties but that the Committee decided not to do that because of a policy that the City has in place . . . .\. that states that the developer has up to 5 years to develop the property and if after 5 years no development occurs, then the City can consider giving the MUSA to other properties. Director Distad updated Commission members on the status of the following items: 3rd Lair Agreement was approved at the March 6th City Council meeting and staff are working on securing the necessary signatures on the agreement. Veteran's Memorial Committee met in February and will be working on developing a concept plan that they can bring back to the PRAC and City Council in order to be able to move forward with fundraising. Lakeville Park and Open Space Plan draft was passed around for Commission members to look at and if there are comments about the plan they needed to be provided by the deadline. IX. April 2006 Meeting Agenda Items 1. Review Playground Plant Proposals 2. Status of Meeting with Empire Township Park and Recreation Commission 3. Park Dedication Ordinance Review 4. Vandalism Issues Policies X. Adjournnent Motion by Neal and seconded by Higgins to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 7:44 p.m. 1ZZSUbi# Randy DiS~ Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . e . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 12, 2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald (arrived at 6:01 p.m.), Dawn Johnson, Paula Higgins and Karen Neal Members Absent: Hanson Other's Present: Robin Roland, Acting City Administrator, David Schrier, Farmington Area Historical Society, David Rotty, Farmington Class of 1986 and Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director. I. Call To Order Vice-Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Higgins moved and Johnson seconded to approve the meeting agenda. APIF. III. Approval of March 15, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Johnson moved and Higgins seconded to approve the March 15, 2006 meeting minutes. APIF. IV. Presentations A. Community Center Referendum Financial Impact Acting City Administrator, Robin Roland presented the following information regarding the financial impact a community center would have on the City's financial picture: * Explained that the City's legal debt margin is based on the total market value of all taxable property and then this amount is multiplied by 2% which provides a total amount of money that the City is able to take on in debt * Explained how the current and upcoming City projects such as the second fire station and new city hall will impact the legal debt margin * Explained how the proposed $16 million community center would impact the legal debt margin Explained how the community center referendum would project to impact residential property taxes * Explained how there were some other ways to finance the community center including delaying the issuance of bonds to a later year if a referendum were passed Oswald asked what the City Council's current policy is on debt versus operating levy. Roland stated that previously City Council had identified that no more than 25% of the total tax levy should be in the form of debt. If a community center were to be built, the debt levy would increase to 46% of the total levy assuming that the operating budget doesn't increase beyond what has been increased in past years. In the last several years, the City Council has decided to increase the operating levy based on the annual increase in the total market value. Roland stated that the current financial picture is somewhat bleak for a community center given the City's current legal debt margin and the current City Council policy of no more than 25% of the total levy could be in the form of debt. Oswald asked if the PRAC members would like to reconsider the previous motion that was made to recommend to the City Council to move forward with a referendum. Since the member who had made the previous motion to recommend moving forward with a referendum to the City Council did not offer a motion to reconsider the recommendation the recommendation to the City Council remained unchanged. . . B. Roll of Honor Location Proposal David Schrier from the Farmington Area Historical Society made a presentation on a proposal to included a roll of honor in the community center facility. Mr. Schrier proposed that if the community center were not built, then he would like to propose that it be built as part of the new City Hall building. He stated that the roll of honor could be built so that it could be portable and thus could be moved to other City facilities as well. Since this proposal was only for informational purposes only and Mr. Schrier did not request a decision be made at the meeting, Commission members said that they would give the proposal some thought and thanked Mr. Schrier for the presentation. C. Fee Reduction Request for Class of 1986 David Rotty from 709 Walnut Street who was representing the Farmington High School graduating class of 1986, presented a request that the fee for the use of Rambling River Park be reduced for a class reunion picnic event to be held on July 30th. There were 132 class members who graduated but they were unsure about how many would attend and so they wanted to have the even fee reduced from $200 to $40 to cover only the cost of the picnic shelter reservation. Rotty said that the class would be willing to work with the City regarding extra garbage containers should they need them if the attendance at the picnic exceeded 150 people. Distad said that this arrangement would be acceptable to staff. Johnson moved and Neal seconded to reduce the event fee from $200 to $40 to cover the picnic shelter reservation fee and that the class of 1986 reunion committee would work with City staff regarding the need for additional garbage containers should the event exceed 150 people. APIF. Higgins left the meeting at 7:15 p.m. V. Old Business A. Update on Meeting with Empire Township's Park and Recreation Board Distad stated that he had made contact with the chair of Empire Township's Park and Recreation Board about the proposed meeting date and that the Chair was going to let him know if the date, time and location of the meeting worked for Empire Township's Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Distad stated that he had not heard back from the chair yet regarding if this meeting date, time and location worked. He said that he would update Commission members at the May meeting regarding this joint meeting with Empire Township. VI. New Business A. Playground Plan Proposals Director Distad displayed the playground proposals that were received for Meadow Creek Third Addition Park and Evergreen Knoll Park. Commission members reviewed and discussed the different playground equipment proposals. Neal moved and Johnson seconded to approve the purchase of playground equipment for the two parks in the following manner: 1. Meadow Creek Third Addition Park playground equipment for 2-5 year old children: Earl F. Andersen 2. Meadow Creek Third Addition Park playground equipment for 5-12 year old children: Flanagan Sales, Inc. 3. Evergreen Knoll Park playground equipment for 2-5 year old children: Webber Recreational Design, Inc. 4. Evergreen Knoll Park playground equipment for 5-12 year old children: MN/WI Playground APIF. . B. Park Dedication Fees Distad distributed information about the cash in lieu of land fees that other communities are receiving through their park dedication ordinance. Distad said that no decision was to be made tonight regarding . . . the City's current ordinance and that the information handed out was only meant to serve as background information in the event that the Commission would like to look at amending the City's current ordinance. c. Vandalism at Parks Director Distad reminded the Commission members that Don Hayes, Parks Maintenance Supervisor was tracking and documenting vandalism in parks and would be providing a summary report later this year to Commission members about the vandalism that occurred in parks. VII. Additions to the Agenda There were none. VIII. Staff Report Director Distad informed Commission members that request for picnic shelter proposals have been sent out and will be received in time for review and selection by Commission members at the May meeting. Director Distad also stated that he will need to have a meeting notice posted for the City Council meeting if three or more members ofthe PRAC would be attending the April 1 ih City Council meeting. It appeared that there will be three or more members present at the City Council meeting so Distad stated that he would make sure that a quorum notice would be sent out. IX. May 2006 Meeting Agenda Items 1. Park Dedication Ordinance 2. Update on Status of Meeting with Empire Township Park and Recreation Commission 3. Picnic shelter design selections for Meadow Creek Third Addition and Evergreen Knoll Parks X. Adjournnent Motion by Neal and seconded by Johnson to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 8:12 p.m ~lYSU))~ ~.& Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 17,2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald, Dawn Johnson, Paula Higgins and Robin Hanson Members Absent: Karen Neal Other's Present: Krista Fleming, Newland Communities, Peter Coyle, Newland Communities and Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director. I. Call To Order Vice-Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Hanson moved and Johnson seconded to approve the meeting agenda. APIF III. Approval of April 12, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Higgins moved and Johnson seconded to approve the April 12, 2006 meeting minutes. Voting in favor: Higgins, Johnson and Oswald. Abstaining from the vote: Hanson . IV. Presentations A. Park, Trail and Open Space Early Ideas for Newland Communities Site by Newland Communities Staff Krista Fleming and Peter Coyle from Newland Communities presented information about its new development in Farmington called Fair Hill. They both provided background information about who Newland Communities was (induding literature that was handed out) and what ideas they have come up with so far for their development. Fleming distributed some maps of the concept plan for their development that included park, trails and open space, residential development and commercial development. Both Fleming and Coyle emphasized the importance that they were placing on park, trails and open space in their development. They discussed the idea of combining an elementary school and community center on the same parcel but did not get into specifics about how these two facilities would work together. Commission member Hanson was concerned about how chopped up the ballfields and soccer fields were and felt that they should be laid out so that you could have the fields more in a complex nature. It was questioned whether or not the site was big enough to accommodate the facilities as they were laid out on the site plan. Fleming stated that the site plan was to scale and that all recreational facilities were to scale and did fit on the site. Fleming reminded Commission members about the tour of Stone mill Farms in Woodbury on Tuesday, May 23rd. V. Old Business There was no old business to discuss. VI. New Business A. Set Future Meeting Date to Discuss Recreational Facility Options Director Distad stated that he would be gone during the regular Commission meeting date of June 14th and asked Commission members what alternate date that they would like to meet. He also reminded them that the June 21 st date would not work either because of the meeting planned with Empire Township's Park and Recreation Board. After some discussion it was determined that the June meeting should occur on Wednesday, June ih at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. . . . . B. Picnic Shelter Selection Distad displayed the three park shelter proposals that he had received. Commission members went through each of the plans and determined which plans met the selection criteria. After some discussion it was determined that the shelter plan submitted for Meadow Creek Third Addition by Flanagan Sales, Inc. should be selected for construction. After some discussion it was determined that the shelter plan submitted for Evergreen Knoll Park by Flanagan Sales, Inc. should be selected for construction. c. Youth Scholarship Program Funding Director Distad informed Commission members that the current funding system that was established in 2003 is not meeting its objective of raising enough funds on an annual basis to cover the cost of the Youth Scholarship Program. He stated that the objective was to receive enough funds from the 2% charge and from donations over time to create a reserve of money that would generate enough interest to fully fund the scholarships that the 2% charge against registrations could be eliminated He stated that what is happening is that the 2% charge that comes from the program registrations is being removed from the overall General Fund revenue generated and then is being put right back into the General Fund to cover the scholarships that had been requested for the year. In some years this has been barely enough to cover the scholarships. Because of this and as a result of very few donations received, a large enough reserve fund has not been created to fully fund the scholarship program. He said that staff members met early in 2006 to discuss this situation and determined that it would be best to identify a separate but dedicated funding source. Staff felt that this dedicated funding source should either come from the liquor store or solid waste operations since both of these are enterprise funds. He stated that this means that they generate enough revenues through fees and sales to cover the operating and capital costs and also allows them to set aside profits in the form of a cash reserve. Distad suggested that the Commission make a recommendation to the City Council that identifies the dedicated funding source so the budget would show an account being identified for youth scholarship funding. Commision member Hanson asked what the annual cost is to fund the Youth Scholarship Program. Distad stated that on average it is about $2,500 annually. Commission members felt that since the liquor store was providing funding to the Park Improvement Fund already that they felt that it shouldn't have to cover the cost of youth scholarships. Commission members agreed that since the Solid Waste Division was within the Parks and Recreation Department, it made the most sense to have the dedicated funding for the Youth Scholarship Program to come from the Solid Waste Division. Moved by Higgins and seconded by Johnson to recommend to the City Council that dedicated funding in the Solid Waste Division's budget be established to fund the annual costs of the Youth Scholarship Program. APIF. D. Power line Easement Agreement with Great River Energy in Rambling River Park Distad explained that Great River Energy has met with City staff about the acquisition of an easement for a power line to be constructed through a part of the Rambling River Park. Distad stated that staff have reviewed the location of the easement where the power line will be constructed and is satisfied that it will be in a location where there will not need to be significant tree removal and that the trees that will need to be removed will be mostly box elder and willow trees. He also stated that the offer that Great River Energy has made to the City regarding the purchase of easement for the power line is similar to what staff have seen for other easement purchases. He stated that the percentage that are identified and provide two different sets of value for the easement reflects that some of the land is in the floodplain and some of the land where the easement will be located is outside of the flood plain. Moved by Hanson and seconded by Higgins to recommend to the City Council to approve accepting the compensation amount offered by Great River Energy for the power line easement through Rambling River Park and that the money obtained for this easement be deposited in the Park Improvement Fund. APIF. . . . VII. Additions to the Agenda There were none. VIII. Staff Report 1. Meeting with Empire Township on June 21 st. Director Distad informed Commission members that he received word that it will work for Empire Township's Park and Recreation Board to meet with Farmington on June 21 sl at 5:30 p.m. at Tamarack Park. He suggested at the June meeting that Commission members discuss what food items it wants to provide for the picnic and what agenda topics it wishes to discuss. 2. Trail Easement Acquisition Director Distad identified a trail easement that staff was working on to acquire that would result in a paved trail being constructed from the existing Akin Road trail to the trail in the Parkview Ponds development. 3. May 23rd Workshop at Stonemill Farms Distad reminded Commission members about the Stonemill Farms tour in Woodbury on May 23rd. IX. June 7, 2006 Meeting Agenda Items 1. Recreational facility options for City Council consideration 2. Discussion on Newland Communities Fair Hill Development 3. Discussion about picnic meeting with Empire Township's Park and Recreation Board X. Adjournment Motion by Higgins and seconded by Hanson to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 8:48 p.m u~S1~ Randy Distad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . . . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 7, 2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald, Karen Neal and Robin Hanson Members Absent: Dawn Johnson and Paula Higgins Other's Present: Krista Fleming, Newland Communities, Peter Coyle, Newland Communities, Lee Smick, City Planner, Dan Meyer and Nick Schultz from the Southern Dakota County Sportsmen's Club and Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director. I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Neal moved and Hanson seconded to approve the meeting agenda. APIF III. Approval of Meeting Minutes A. Approval of May 17,2006 City Council and PRAC Workshop Meeting Minutes. Neal moved and Hanson seconded to approve the April 12, 2006 meeting minutes. APIF B. Approval of May 17, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes Hanson moved and Oswald seconded to approve the April 12, 2006 regular meeting minutes. Voting in favor: Hanson and Oswald. Voting in opposition: None Abstaining from the vote: Neal IV. Presentations A. Trout Monument Request in Rambling River Park by Nick Schultz and Dan Meyer from the Southern Dakota County Sportsmen's Club (SDCSC) Nick Schultz and Dan Meyer introduced themselves and explained who the SDCSC was. They informed the Commission members about the SDCSC interest in constructing the world's largest brown trout monument in Rambling River Park. They are asking the City to consider this request and to also consider contributing money towards this project. Schultz said that they are hoping to raise 50% of the money and then have the City match this amount. He is estimating that it will cost about $100,000 to purchase and install the monument. He said the purpose of the monument is to attract visitors to Farmington. He said that he has been in contact with a company in Wisconsin that makes fiberglass monuments. There plan is to also recognize donors on a plaque that would be installed with the monument. Schultz thought it would fit well in the triangle between the shelter, CSAH 50 and the tennis courts. Hanson asked about the timing of the project and when the funds would be raised to do so. Schultz said that he thought funds could be raised by the spring of2008. Neal asked if they had thought about asking the (Dakota Dreamcatchers) 4H club to help with the fundraising. Schultz said they have not but that they were not opposed to ask for their help. Oswald asked how they came up with the $100,000 amount. Schultz explained that he thought that the trout monument would cost about $30,000 and with additional amenities such as rocks, kiosk and landscaping he thought it would cost up to $100,000. Commission members thought that more information should be gathered by the SDCSC about the costs associated with the monument and brought back to the July meeting for further discussion. V. Old Business A. Discussion with Newland Communities about the Fairhill Development's Comprehensive Plan Amendment . . . Krista Fleming from Newland Communities provided background information about the next steps for the Fairhill Development. She said the next step is to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan for their development and this will occur at the June 13th Planning Commission meeting. She explained the hashed area in the southwest part of their development was a mixture of residential and public space. It was being identified this way because they know that this area has been identified as a park and that they have also identified it as their favored site for a new elementary school. She said the residential component was only being used so that it still provided an opportunity for housing to be included in this area if the public space changed. She also discussed the park and open space that was being shown between the railroad tracks and North Creek in the northwest part of their development. Hanson asked about the back up plan should the school district decide that it wants the elementary school to go somewhere else in the development. Fleming said that an elementary school could go anywhere in the development and that it does not need to be identified as part of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment they were proposing. Oswald asked what does it mean higher side versus lower side. Fleming stated that higher side refers to the property that is east of the railroad tracks and the lower side refers to the property that is west of the railroad tracks. She asked Commission members what they thought of these land use designations. Commission members collectively said that they would like to preserve the southwest comer of the development for a park. It was also stated that the Commission favors changing the color of the hashed area to green rather than blue to reflect park and open space. Commission members also stated that they did not like the park and open space designation between the railroad tracks and North Creek in the northwest part of the development and that it should be changed to residential designation. Fleming stated that they would make the changes and then bring the Comprehensive Plan Amendment with these changes to the Planning Commission meeting on June 13th. B. Meeting with Empire Township's Park and Recreation Board A discussion occurred about an agenda and the picnic food items to bring to the workshop. Agenda items identified included: updates on current development, updates on current trails plans and an update on Empire's new ballfield complex. The following food items were identified to be brought by the following Commission members: Neal: hot dogs and buns Hanson: dessert Distad: beverages, cups, plates and napkins Oswald: Chips Higgins: vegetables and fruit Johnson: salad Distad stated that he would contact Empire about having them bring an additional dessert and salad VI. New Business A. Discussion on Parks and Recreation Referendum Options Distad reviewed three options for a community center that the Commission was to consider. Commission members by consensus liked Option B the best. Commission members reviewed and determined by consensus that the following building components should be eliminated in order to reduce the cost of Option B: concessions, rock climbing, games room, auxiliary fitness room, teen center, youth fitness, babysitting area and separate entry. Hanson wanted to find out what the cost of the track was if it were around the gym floor versus being elevated above the gym floors. Distad said that he would take this information back to Jim Maland with Bonestroo and have him run some new numbers after eliminating these spaces. VII. Additions to the Agenda There were none. VIII. Staff Report Distad provided the following information: . . . . Some of the playground equipment at Meadow Creek Third Addition park has been installed and wood fiber will be installed around the playground equipment so that it can be used . Orders have been placed for the Meadow Creek Third Addition and Evergreen Knoll Park shelters . Bonestroo working on putting together a cost estimate of doing a bridge design and crossing for the trails connection from Meadow Creek Third Addition to the Meadow Creek Fourth Addition over the Lake Julia Waterway. . Evergreen Knoll Park improvements will not be started until after the outdoor pool season has concluded. . Due to expected absences by some Commission members resulting in a quorum not being present during the normal monthly meeting date of July Ith, Distad suggested that the meeting be moved to July 19th IX. June July 19,2006 Meeting Agenda Items 1. Referendum Options 2. Newland Communities Fair Hill Development Park Dedication X. Adjournment Motion by Neal and seconded by Hanson to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 7:49 p.m. ~IYh~ed' Randy Distad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . . . , Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 19,2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald, Robin Hanson, Dawn Johnson and Paula Higgins Members Absent: Karen Neal Other's Present: Nick Schultz from the Southern Dakota County Sportsmen's Club and Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director. I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Higgins moved and Johnson seconded to approve the meeting agenda as amended with removing Newland Communities Park Dedication item and adding Oswald sharing with Commission members comments concerning his membership status on the Commission. APIF. Motion carried. III. Approval of Meeting Minutes A. Approval of June 7,2006 Regular Meeting Minutes. Hanson moved and Oswald seconded to approve June 7, 2006 meeting minutes. Voting in favor: Oswald and Hanson. Voting against: None. Abstaining: Johnson and Higgins. Motion carried. B. Approval of June 21, 2006 Special Meeting Minutes Hanson moved and Higgins seconded to approve the April 12, 2006 regular meeting minutes with an amendment to show that Neal was absent from the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. IV. Presentations There were no presentations made to the Commission. v. Old Business A. Trout Monument Discussion Nick Schults from the Southern Dakota County Sportsmen's Club distributed a revised cost estimate to purchase and install a trout monument in Rambling River Park. The new estimate was $52,000 and previously he had estimated $100,000. This would include the cost to purchase a monument, installation, landscaping around the monument and a small shelter to be constructed. He also thought that a donor plaque would be purchased and installed in the shelter that would recognize monument donors. He felt that he could get a lot of the labor donated from contractors and from Club members. He said that he thought that the Club could raise the money but that he was looking to the City to make a commitment to fund any shortage that might occur in order to complete the project. Johnson stated that Rambling River Park is going to be master planned in 2008 and would like the community to give input on whether or not a trout monument should be included in the park. She also stated that there were already two other groups interested in doing memorials to veterans and that she wants to make sure that all of these monuments fit in the park and complement one another. Hanson stated that the park improvements that are determined during the park master planning process would most likely not be completed until 2010. She said that the park may change from what it is today when the park master plan is developed. Commissioners indicated that they were interested but wanted to find the best timeline that fits with the park master planning process. They informed Mr. Schultz that the trout monument would be something that could be considered in 2008 during the park master planning process. . B. Newland Communities Park Dedication This item was pulled from the agenda and is anticipated that it will be on the August 9th PRAC agenda for discussion. C. Referendum Options Distad reviewed the three options that staff would like to have the Commission review and give consideration for a referendum based on the direction that the City Council gave to the Commission at a May 17, 2006. Staff identified that tennis courts and outdoor hockey rinks were added for consideration. Previously two options had been considered by the Commission but staff now was recommending that three options rather than just two options be considered as land acquisition was separated from outdoor athletic facilities. Commission members determined that they did not want to add tennis courts to the outdoor facilities but that they were interested in adding two outdoor hockey rinks and adding additional square footage to the concessions and restroom building to create a warming house for the hockey rinks. There was also some discussion about whether or not additional land should be included to expand Hill Dee Park but the Commission determined that it should not include this land as part of the referendum options. . Hanson suggested that Option 2, which included outdoor facilities and trails connections and Option 3, which included land acquisition and completing the development of Middle Creek Park should be combined as one option to create a fourth option for City Council consideration. Higgins moved and Hanson seconded to recommend to the City Council that Option 1, which consisted of the outdoor athletic facilities, trail connections, land acquisition and completing the Middle Creek Park development, was the Commission's highest priority for a referendum. Roll Call: Hanson: yes Johnson: yes Higgins: yes Oswald: yes Motion carried unanimously. Distad asked if Commission members were planning on attending the August ih City Council meeting and if they were, then a notice would need to be published about a possible quorum being present. Commission members said that a notice should be published as there would be a chance that at least three members from the Commission would be present at the City Council meeting on August 7th. D. Review Annual Work Plan Commission members reviewed each of the 2006 work plan goals and determined that one goal has been completed, two goals are nearing completion, one goal will need to be carried over into 2007 and one goal will continue to be an ongoing goal because of the funding issue for parks and trails. . VI. New Business A. Discussion on 2007 Fees and Charges Distad reviewed the fees and charges for the Parks and Recreation Department. He also explained that the Rambling River Center Advisory Board was having a special meeting on July 24, 2006 and would be discussing and recommending to the PRAC the 2007 fees and charges for the Rambling River Center. Oswald suggested that no decision should be made regarding a recommendation on the fees and charges until after the Commission has had the opportunity to receive and review the Rambling River Center Advisory Board's recommendations. He thought that it would be appropriate to wait until the August 9th , .. PRAC meeting to make a formal recommendation to the City Council concerning the fees and charges for 2007 but that it would also be okay to discuss the fees and charges at tonight's meeting. Commission members by consensus agreed. . The following fees and charges were discussed for possible changes: · Increase the outdoor pool's individual season pass five dollars · Increase the outdoor pool's family season pass five dollars · Increase the ice arena's rental fees five dollars an hour for all rental hours · Increase ad rate twenty five dollars for one and three years (it was noted that the ad dates in the fee schedule was incorrect as it identified 2007 dates instead of 2006 dates) There was discussion on the punch cards not expiring at the end of the pool season. Distad said that staff prefers that they expire at the end of the season. Commission members were interested in seeing what kind of revenue was generated from the per participant fee and for the additional dragging that traveling baseball requests. Commission members wanted to know what hours are considered prime time for ice rental at the arena. Distad stated that he would research both of these items and try to have this information available at the August 9th meeting. VII. Additions to the Agenda A. Oswald's Comments Regarding His Status on the Commission Oswald informed other Commission members that he will be staying on the Commission. . VIII. Staff Report Distad provided the following information: . Information was provided regarding some amendments that occurred to the State statute concerning park dedication ordinances. He shared that the City Attorney has reviewed the current City ordinance and has found that it is still in compliance with the new amendments. . Information was distributed about the park improvement fund including a 2006-2011 projected fund balance form, a form containing the park master planning and improvement schedule along with associated costs and a draft of the 5 year capital improvement plan for parks that is going through the budget review process. IX. August 9, 2006 Meeting Agenda Items 1. Referendum options update 2. 2007 fees and charges 3. Park master plans presentation 4. Outdoor ice hours 5. Newland Communities Fairhill Development park dedication 6. Dakota County Parks systems plan meeting X. Adjournment Motion by Higgins and seconded by Johnson to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 8:00 p.m. :BR. ectfully ~b:nitted, . ....1.. pJt;P andy ~&tad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . . . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 9, 2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald, Karen Neal and Paula Higgins Members Absent: Robin Hanson and Dawn Johnson Other's Present: Paul Paige and Lillian Leatham from Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc., Kevin Bresnahan, Ardi Voss, Craig Pendrel, Jon Brimacomb, Tammy Nelson, Guy Kinney, Michelle Kinney, Amy Johnson, Nancy Gray, Krista Fleming and Peter Coyle from Newland Communities, Inc and Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director. I. Call To Order Vice-Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Quorum was not present. Oswald arrived 6:08 p.m. Quorum present. II. Approval of Agenda. Neal moved and Higgins seconded to approve the meeting agenda as amended with removing the outdoor ice season schedule discussion item and switching Riverbend Plat before referendum update discussion items. APIF. Motion carried. III. Approval of Meeting Minutes A. Approval of July 19,2006 Regular Meeting Minutes. Higgins moved and Oswald seconded to approve the July 19,2006 meeting minutes. Voting in favor: Oswald and Higgins. Voting against: None. Abstaining: Neal. Motion carried. IV. Presentations Paul Paige and Lillian Leatham from Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. presented the third draft of the master plans for Daisy Knoll Park, Westview Park, Dakota County Estates Park and the softball field complex in the Mystic Meadows development. The first master plan presented was for Daisy Knoll Park. New improvements for the park include: replacing playground equipment with new 2-5 and 5-12 year old equipment, picnic shelter, enlarging the existing basketball court, adding security lighting, providing a water source, restoring native plant area, and providing additional trail connections. Neal questioned how old the playground equipment was. Distad said that he thought it was installed in the late 1980's or early 1990's. Ardi Voss, 18400 Euclid Street commented about the trail connections and thought it would be good but was concerned with where the trail crossed Euclid Street by the Cameron Woods Condominiums. Kevin Bresnahan, 5730 Upper 183rd Street, was concerned about the trail access off of Upper 183rd Street and thought that the security light and gate will improve the safety of the park. He also thought that the City should consider a three way stop sign at Esquire Way and Essence Trail. He thinks it should go in because people do not stop for pedestrians traveling to and from the park. Jon Brimacomb, 18657 Euclid Path, likes this plan and would also like to see stop signs put in at Esquire Way and Essence Trail. Ardi Voss asked when the park improvements would be completed. Distad stated that some improvements were planned for 2007 but not all of the improvements could be completed because of budgetary constraints. Vice-Chair Neal thanked everyone who attended the public meetings to give input. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to recommend to the City Council that the master plan for Daisy Knoll Park be approved. APIF. Motion carried. . The second master plan presented was for Dakota County Estates Park. New improvements for the park include: removing existing playground equipment and installing new 2-5 year and 5-12 year old playground equipment, constructing new picnic shelter, remove existing half court basketball court and constructing a new full court basketball court, providing additional trails, adding security lighting and landscaping areas of the park. Guy Kinney, 5311 Upper 182nd Street, was concerned about pedestrian safety and wondering if a crosswalk could be installed to help slow down traffic but otherwise liked the plan. Distad suggested that the master plan could provide language about considering a stop sign at Upper 182nd St and Ely intersection. Moved by Higgins and seconded by Neal to recommend to the City Council that the master plan for Dakota County Estates Park be approved. APIF. Motion carried. The third master plan presented was for Westview Park. New improvements for the park include: leave remaining 5-12 year old playground equipment but install new 2-5 year old equipment, construct a new picnic shelter, remove existing half court basketball court and construct a new full court basketball court, create a rain water garden and shows a potential paved trail connection to a Farmington School District paved trail. Leatham identified that an accessible trail from the existing trail to the basketball court and picnic shelter will need to be added to the park master plan. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to recommend to the City Council that the master plan for Westview Park with the accessible trails added be approved. APIF. Motion carried. . The fourth and final master plan presented was for the softball four field complex in the Mystic Meadows Second Addition development. Improvements identified in the master plan include: lights for four fields, future expansion for an additional four field softball complex, in ground irrigation, concession and restroom building, two picnic shelters, maintenance equipment storage building, trails, parking lots and a park road through the site. Consensus was that commission members liked the master plan. Moved by Higgins and seconded by Neal to recommend to the City Council that the master plan for the softball field complex be approved. APIF. Motion carried. . v. Old Business A. Newland Communities, Inc. Fairhill Development Park Dedication Krista Fleming and Peter Coyle from Newland Communities, Inc presented a revised concept plan for its Fairhill Development. The revised concept plan showed a smaller 32 acre community park that would be just to the east of the future Diamond Path Road and Deerbrook Path. A 40 acre park was also shown in the northwest corner of the development between the railroad tracks and North Creek. Another public park of 40 acres was also shown as a central park along the steep sloped area of the development. The net developable acreage was 765 acres with a net density of 2.6 units per acre meaning that based on the net density, 12% of the 765 acres or 92 acres would be required to be dedicated in the development for park land. Fleming identified some possible ideas for what these parks could include such as an amphitheatre, sledding hill and disc golf course. They are proposing to give 117 acres for park land and additional acreage for open space around the north creek greenway and other wetlands identified in the development. Higgins was concerned about Phase 4 residents on the west side of the development being so far away from the private facilities. She also said it was the Commission's goal to get a large community park in the southwest comer ofthe development but doesn't see this being shown this way. Fleming said that residents who purchase homes in the Phase 4 part of the development will know this prior to purchasing a home and so it will be by their choice. Higgins asked about the central park area and the amount of slope and all we are offering is public trail access. Fleming said that this area could be developed for a sledding hill and an amphitheatre. Neal asked why central park would now be available to the public when it was discussed earlier that it was going to be a private park. Fleming said it wasn't talked about specifically as a private park only that it was first being explored that way and now they are exploring that it become public space with the . . . exception of the land that the private facilities will be on. Fleming said that this park was also shown on the park plan map. Neal asked about what was included in the 40 acre park in the northwest part of the development. Fleming acknowledged that the 40 acre park included the future Diamond Path Road right of way. Fleming also explained that in the southwest comer of the development residential housing to the east of Deerbrook Path and North Creek was being shown because the school district did not agree to purchasing land in this part of the development. Higgins was concerned about the school location. Fleming said that there will be a school somewhere in this vicinity of the school district boundaries but it could also be on the east side of TH 3 rather than in their development. It will be up to the school district to determine where an elementary school should go and then work out the purchase of the land with whomever is the property owner. Peter Coyle made a comment about density and that the development has less density than what the Met Council wants. Oswald stated that he thinks it is important that the City receives a 55-60 acre park in the southwest comer of the development and that the developer should provide this to the City. He is not opposed to taking some ofthe other park land that the developer has shown but doesn't want to give up the 55-60 acre park. He was also concerned about access to the Central Park site as there didn't appear to be any public parking lots shown. Distad suggested that the community park be larger and that it open up to the North Creek Greenway rather than the community park being isolated between Diamond Path Road and Deerbrook Path. Fleming asked ifthe Commission had a preference for doing all of the park dedication up front rather than over each of the various phases of the development. Commission members by consensus favored doing the park dedication up front. Oswald asked what the theoretical timeline was for the park land to be dedicated. Fleming said that it would dedicated either in 2007 or 2008. Fleming asked about the City's theoretical timeline for developing the park. Commission members informed Fleming of the City Council's willingness to discuss in 2007 a possible referendum for 2008 for this community park. Fleming suggested that the Commission members should tour the site so that they can get a better perspective of what land is being proposed to be dedicated for parks in the development. Fleming said that she would contact Distad to set up a date and time. Fleming thanked the Commission for being allowed to present this concept plan to them. She said that they would take the comments back and look at them to see if there is any changes that can be made to the concept plan. Commission members also thanked Fleming and Coyle for attending the meeting and presenting the concept plan for the Fairhill Development. B. 2007 Fees and Charges Distad reviewed the fees and charges that the Commission had previously discussed. He stated that he discussed the outdoor pool punch cards with the City's Finance Director to see ifthere were any issues with carrying over unused punches to the next season. He was told by the Finance Director that the City's auditor would have issues with carrying unused punches over from one year to the next because it creates a financial liability for the City from year to year and will be difficult to track who has the unused punches. Distad also reviewed the Rambling River Center's 2007 fees being recommended by the Rambling River Center's Advisory Board. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to recommend to the City Council to approve the amended 2007 fee schedule for Parks and Recreation. APIF. Motion carried. C. Riverbend Plat Distad presented the preliminary plat for the Riverbend Second Addition development. He informed the Commission members that the park acreage and trail locations have not changed but the way the park is . configured has changed slightly. This reconfiguration will not have any impact on what improvements can be done in the park. He noted that there were 12 additional lots being proposed from what the original plat showed and that is why it has to be replatted. He asked Commission members if they had any concerns with the way the preliminary plat was drawn. There were none. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to recommend approval of the park acreage, park location and trail locations for the Riverbend Second Addition Preliminary Plat. APIF. Motion carried. D. Referendum Options Update and Discussion Commission members expressed their disappointment in the City Council not approving moving forward with a parks and trail referendum. They were also disappointed that staff did not communicate to them that the City Administrator had recommended to the City Council to postpone a referendum until 2008. VI. New Business A. Outdoor Ice Season This item was pulled from the agenda. VII. Additions to the Agenda There were no additions to the agenda. . VIII. Staff Report Distad provided the following information: . An update was given on the Dakota County Park Systems Plan meeting that occurred at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Main issue expressed at the meeting was the lack of trail connections offered between the regional parks. Dakota County Park staffwould like to come to Farmington and meet with staff to receive additional input on its systems plan. . Three youths from the community had met with Distad to discuss the possible creation of a BMX track in Farmington. They had researched and provided information to Distad. Distad would like them to come to a future meeting to present their idea. It was suggested that the September meeting would be best. . Distad updated Commission members about a memo that he wrote addressing concerns with trail and sidewalk locations at the new high school site. He wasn't sure if the concerns would be addressed when the preliminary and final plat for the high school were presented to the Planning Commission and to the City Council but stated that at least it would be part of the record. IX. September 13, 2006 Meeting Agenda Items 1. Outdoor ice schedule 2. Newland Communities, Inc. Fairhill Development 3. BMX track presentation X. Adjournment Motion by Neal and seconded by Higgins to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The PRAC meeting was officially adjourned at 8:41p.m. ~... se ecctt~fully. Submitted, -_M~ Randy Distad . Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . . . ; < Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 13, 2006 Members Present: Randy Oswald, Robin Hanson, Karen Neal and DawnJohnson. Members Absent: Paula Higgins Other's Present: Parks and Recreation Director Randy Distad. I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Oswald stated that the Outdoor Ice Schedule agenda item should be pulled. Moved by Neal and seconded by Hanson to approve the amended agenda with the Outdoor Ice Schedule item being pulled from the agenda. APIF. Motion carried. III. Approval of August 9, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Moved by Neal and seconded by Oswald to approve the August 9, 2006 meeting minutes as written. Voting inf favor: Oswals and Neal. Voting against: None. Abstaining from the vote: Johnson and Hanson. Motion carried. IV. Presentations There were no presentations. V. Old Business A. Outdoor Ice Schedule This item was removed from the agenda. B. Newland Communities Fairhill Development Since all Commission members attended the development tour from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. a discussion took place about what Commission members thought about the site tour. Oswald stated that he thought that a workshop should be held between the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, Planning Commission and the City Council so that there is an opportunity for all three groups to discuss the large community park location so that everyone can agree on what the size of the park should be and the location of the park. He doesn't want to be pushing for the larger community park if there isn't support from both the Planning Commission and the City Council. Hanson agreed and is okay with having a workshop with the City Council and the Planning Commission provided that they both are willing to have all members attend the workshop. She said that she is also frustrated with having to keep telling the developer that the Commission wants 55-60 acres for a park. Distad stated that he will note this in the summary of the meeting that is sent to City Council members so that they are made aware of that the Commission members would like to have a workshop with the Planning Commission and City Council to further discuss the community park in order to get some direction about the size and location for a community park in the Fairhill Development. VI. New Business A. October Meeting Date Distad stated that he would be unavailable to attend the regularly scheduled October II th meeting and was wondering if the Commission would be willing to change the October meeting to Wednesday, October 4th instead. By consensus, Commission members were in agreement to move the October meeting date to October 4th. VII. Additions to the Agenda There were no additions to the agenda. . . . VIII. Staff Report Distad updated Commission members on the park improvements that have been completed in Evergreen Knoll Park, Depot Way Arts Park and Meadow Creek Third Addition Park. IX. October Meeting Agenda Items The following agenda items were identified: 1. Continued discussion about Newland Communities Fairhill Development 2. Presentation about a BMX Track 3. Outdoor Ice Schedule 4. Snow Removal Priority Plan IX. Adjournment Neal moved and seconded by Johnson to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. ~:ullY /)JJ:tJ RJ;;J~ Df:iad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary .~ Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on October 4, 2006 . Members Present: Randy Oswald, Robin Hanson (arrived at 6:30 p.m.), Karen Neal and DawnJohnson. Members Absent: Robin Hanson Other's Present: Parks and Recreation Director Randy Distad. I. Call To Order Vice-Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Distad requested that the Fairhill Development discussion be moved back after the snow removal policy so that staff who are attending the meeting can leave after that item. Moved by Neal and seconded by Johnson to approve the amended agenda. APIF. Motion carried. III. Approval of September 13,2006 Meeting Minutes. Moved by Neal and seconded by Johnson to approve the September 13, 2006 meeting minutes as written. APIF. Motion carried. . IV. Presentations A. Rambling River Days Celebration Ed Samuelson, Chair of the 2007 Rambling River Days celebration presented the following information to the Commission: · The celebration will be moved from the downtown area to the ice arena, to the area adjacent to the arena, Rambling River Park and high school property. · Arena will be used for the craft show. · The land on the east side of the arena will possibly be used for a carnival. · Rambling River Park will continue to be used for a softball tournament and dodgeball tournament and the Tour de Farmington could possibly also begin there. · He would like to be able to send a letter to Adopt a Park volunteers to see if they would be willing to assist with cleaning up during and after the celebration Neal suggested that he should contact the girl scouts and boy scouts for the clean up and didn't think that Adopt a Park volunteers should be contacted since they already do clean up in other parks. Commission members thanked Samuelson for the presentation and wished him good luck in the planning of the celebration. B. BMX Track Scott Chesick a youth from Farmington provided the following information to Commission members: · There are many benefits to having a BMX track including keeping kids off of the streets and out of trouble, builds character in kids who participate in this sport and it would benefit local businesses due to tournaments and events that would bring people into the community who will spend money in Farmington. · Minnesota is the 3rd largest state in the country with BMX track racing. · There is a local contractor who would be willing to volunteer to construct a BMX track. · Maintenance would be entirely completed by volunteers and that there are already 7-8 people who have already said they would help with maintenance. · A request is being made to construct it either on City property or on the County Fairgrounds. They still have to meet with the County Fairboard to see ifthey would be willing to allow them to build on the fairgrounds. · Other communities such as Faribault and St. Michael have BMX tracks that are run by volunteers where the land is leased from the City and volunteers run and maintain the track. . J, Troy Stocker who owns an excavating company with his father said that he would be willing to construct the BMX track. He said that he would build a track that would be sanctioned through the ABA and that the ABA would provide the proper liability insurance for the track that would cover participants and the land owner. . Johnson asked how much land is needed for a BMX track. Stocker stated that about 2-5 acres so that it could accommodate a track and parking. He said that St. Michaels has there track by an athletic complex and so parking can be shared. Oswald asked what response was received from the Fairboard. Chesick replied that he is hoping to meet with the Fairboard in November sometime. He was suppose to meet with them earlier but it was postponed until November. Commission members stated that they would like to hear if the Fairboard would allow a BMX track to be built on its grounds and requested that they be updated after Chesick speaks to the Fairboard. v. Old Business A. Outdoor Ice Schedule Distad introduced Don Hayes, Parks Maintenance Supervisor and Kellee Omlid, Recreation Specialist. Both employees are involved with outdoor ice operations. Hayes eXplained to Commission members the time and work it takes to make outdoor ice and what it takes to maintain outdoor ice once a good base is established. He stated that it is the Department's goal to have ice that can be skated on by the Monday before the school district goes on holiday break and that they stop maintaining the outdoor ice on February 15th. The main issues with maintaining outdoor ice are warm temperatures, rain and the sun. Omlid explained how the scheduling of seasonal staff works for the warming house. She said that it is hard to keep staff motivated to keep working when there are long periods of warm weather resulting in the warming house being closed. She said that she will make sure to communicate to the seasonal staff that they will need to be prepared to work on short notice due to the temperatures getting colder after a period of warmer weather. Last year a decision was made to close the warming house for the season a couple of weeks before the February 15th date and then it got cold again and there were no staff members left to supervise the warming house. . Commission members want to make sure that the warming house hours and length of warming house season are communicated better to the public and to user groups such as Farmington Youth Hockey so that they are more aware of how the outdoor ice schedule works. B. Trail Signage Don Hayes presented a conceptual plan for how directional signage could occur for the City's trail system. He said that he and Commission member Paula Higgins worked on developing the plan. They discussed many different types of signs and posts that could be used and decided that aluminum signs with wood posts would be the recommended design for the trail signage. He showed Commission members a map of how trail signage could be laid out in the City that would direct trail users to different parks. Commission members liked the concept plan and would like Hayes to further research the cost of the signs and posts and provide this information at a future meeting. c. Snow Removal Priority Policy Hayes reviewed the current policy on what areas of the City receive priority by his staff for snow removal. He showed Commission members an existing map that identified that downtown sidewalks and trails that lead to schools have the highest priority. The next priority is outdoor ice rinks. The lowest priority is outlying trails that do not directly lead to a school and/or facility but still provide a walking loop for residents. He asked Commission members if they wanted to revise the priority list for snow removal. Commission members by consensus liked the current Snow Removal Priority Policy. . D. Fairhill Development Distad shared that Newland Communities continues to not want to give 55 acres of park land for a community park in the southwest area of its development. He stated that they would be willing to provide 36 acres of upland with an additional 6 acres of adjacent floodplain for a 42 acre park. Distad asked if the Commission ~ would be okay with this offer. Commission members by consensus said that they want the developer to provide 55 acres of parkland in the southwest area of the development for a community park. . VI. New Business A. Amend Park, Trail, Open Space Plan Map for Olson Property Annexation Distad showed Commission members the Olson property area (current Fountain Valley Golf Course) that is being approved for annexation. He stated that since this land area was now being brought into the City that the City's Comprehensive Plan should be updated to show where the park should be in the development. Commission members agreed by consensus that it should be located in the west central part of the Olson property so that it is closer to the Executive Estates development in order for better access to all residents who live in both developments. Distad stated that he would update the Plan Map and that it would then be presented to the Planning Commission at its November 14, 2006 meeting in a public hearing format. B. Twin Ponds Development Plat Distad showed the Commission members a previously submitted concept plan that was submitted by Dakota County's Community Development Agency for the Twin Ponds development. Commission members by consensus were in agreement with allowing a small private park in the development and liked the location ofthe trails but wanted to see a small sidewalk connection being made to the north in order to connect to a proposed trail. Distad stated that he would provide this recommendation to the Planning Commission when this development is reviewed at its November 14, 2006 meeting. C. Bituminous Trails versus Concrete Sidewalks Distad stated that City staff have discussed whether or not an 8 foot wide bituminous trail should be constructed in the boulevard or if a concrete sidewalk should be constructed instead. Distad asked if Commission members favored a paved trail or a concrete sidewalk. Commission members by consensus favored a concrete sidewalk in the boulevard as long as trails are allowed in the back of homes in order to keep the City's paved trail system in place. If paved trails cannot be constructed behind homes then the concrete sidewalk should be widened so that it will serve as a trail connection. . VII. Additions to the Agenda There were no additions to the agenda. VIII. Staff Report Distad updated Commission members on the following items: · Depot Way Arts Park celebration on September 22,2006 · Status of park improvement completion · Rotary Club of Farmington Youth Scholarship Program sponsorship IX. November Meeting Agenda Items The following agenda items were identified: 1. Continued discussion about Newland Communities Fairhill Development 2. Snowmobile Report 3. MUSA Report 4. Budget Update IX. Adjournment Neal moved and seconded by Johnson to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. ~ctfullY )1~ ~~tad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary . Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 8, 2006 . Members Present: Randy Oswald, Robin Hanson, Karen Neal, Paula Higgins and Dawn Johnson. Members Absent: None Other's Present: Mike Pierce, Farmington Youth Travel Baseball and Parks and Recreation Director Randy Distad. I. Call To Order Chair Oswald called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of Agenda. Moved by Higgins and seconded by Neal to approve the agenda. APIF. Motion carried. III. Approval of October 4, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Moved by Neal and seconded by Johnson to approve the September 13,2006 meeting minutes as amended to show that Hanson was absent and Higgins was late and identify who else was at the meeting. Voting in favor: Oswald, Higgins, Johnson and Neal. Voting against: None. Abstaining from the vote: Hanson. Motion carried. . IV. Presentations A. Farmington Youth Traveling Baseball Request to Make Improvements to Prairieview Park Ballfield Mike Pierce from the Farmington Youth Traveling Baseball organization requested that his organization be allowed to use the funds the Jake Baskerville won from the Briggs and Stratton essay contest to make improvements to the ballfield at Prairieview Park. The following is a summary of the improvements that were requested to be completed: · Construct an ag-lime warning track around the perimeter of the field · Install fencing down the first base and third base lines to an outfield fence that will also be constructed · Constuct concrete floor in dugouts · Pour footings for enclosed dugouts · Construct enclosed dugouts Distad requested that before any improvements were completed that the organization contact Don Hayes to make sure that the construction design meets with his approval. Pierce said that his organization would do that. Moved by Hanson and seconded by Higgins to allow the improvements identified by the Farmington Youth Traveling Baseball organization to be completed in Prairieview Park. APIF. V. Old Business A. Fairhill Development Review Distad updated Commission members on the development and that the developers continue to not show a 55 acre park in the southwest corner in their latest concept plan. He asked for feedback from Commission members. Hanson stated that she is not interested in reducing the 55 acre community park and does not want to see the City backing down from requiring a 55 acre community park in the southwest corner of the development. Higgins said that she continues to be concerned about the private facilities and what kind of statement it make to the rest ofthe community about the facilities not being available to the entire community. Oswald stated that the Commission worked long and hard on the park plan map and the reason the 55 acre park was identified was in this development was because it could be done so through the park dedication process and it wouldn't require the City to have to pay for the land. Neal wondered where the money would come from to develop the park. Distad explained that in all likelihood it will need to be paid through a bond referendum given the type of facilities proposed in the park. The consensus by Commission members was that the City continue to ask for the 55 acre community park. . B. 2007 Budget Request . . . '~ -, Distad explained the 5 year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to Commission members and stated that the improvements that had larger costs would not necessarily come from the Park Improvement Fund but that they would have to be funded through a bond referendum. He said that it was very evident that the Park Improvement Fund would not have enough funds available to complete all of these projects but that smaller neighborhood park improvements could be funded through the Park Improvement Fund. Moved by Neal and seconded by Higgins to recommend to the City Council to approve the 5 year CIP for parks. APIF. C. Review 2006 Goals Distad reviewed the 2006 goals that the Commission had set for itself as part of its annual work plan. He identified the goals that were achieved and which goals had not been achieved. Oswald stated that he would like to see Goal #5, which was not completed in 2006, be moved to 2007 because long term funding of parks and trails will need to be addressed as soon as possible. Goal #1, which was not completed, should be moved to 2007 as well because it addresses the development of an updated systems plan for the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is a Metropolitan Council requirement. Consensus seemed to be to move these two goals to 2007 since they were not completed in 2006. D. Fairhill Development Distad shared that Newland Communities continues to not want to give 55 acres of park land for a community park in the southwest area of its development. He stated that they would be willing to provide 36 acres of upland with an additional 6 acres of adjacent floodplain for a 42 acre park. Distad asked if the Commission would be okay with this offer. Commission members by consensus said that they want the developer to provide 55 acres of parkland in the southwest area of the development for a community park. VI. New Business A. Discuss 2007 Goals Commission members discussed possible goals for 2007 and came up with the following draft list: Goal #1: Update the Parks and Recreation Chapter Master Plan in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Goal #2: Identify future long-term funding sources for park and trail improvements. Goal #3: Continue meeting annually with surrounding townships and communities to discuss parks and recreation issues. Goal #4: Set up two workshops with the City Council to discuss a possible referendum and other park and recreation issues. Hanson thought that the Commission should be able to meet with the City Council when they do their annual retreat to discuss the Commission's 2007 goals. Commission members by consensus felt that this topic should be tabled to the December 2006 meeting where these goals and other possible goals could be discussed further. B. MUSA Report Chair Oswald provided an update on the MUSA Committee meeting. He stated that the Fountain Valley Golf Course property and the Mock Property were both recommended for approval for MUSA designation. It will go to the Planning Commission and City Council for approval. C. ISD #192 Facility Concept Plan Distad and Hanson provided an update on the School District's proposal for an activity center that would consist of a competitive pool, two sheets of indoor ice and a four court gymnasium. The funding for the construction and operation/maintenance of the facility is proposed to be through the fees that are charged. A copy of the draft financing plan for the facility was distributed to Commission members as well. D. Geocaching Request Distad informed Commission members that a request from the public for a geocache site in the Farmington Preserve be allowed. Distad stated that he has concerns about the public having access to the site and the damage it could cause. Several alternate sites were discussed including Rambling River Park and Lake Julia Park, which were ultimately selected by the consensus of Commission members as sites for geo caching. Distad stated that he would communicate this to the person who made the request. . VII. Additions to the Agenda There were no additions to the agenda. VIII. Staff Report Distad updated Commission members on park improvements that have been completed and included: · Silver Springs Park: Single pole shelter has been constructed and prairie planting have been completed · Vermillion Grove Park: Single pole shelter constructed and the disturbed area around the shelter has been restored · Meadow Creek Park: All improvements have been completed except for the shelter being constructed, restoration of disturbed areas and the seeding of prairie plants around the periphery of the park, which is being requested to be completed in 2007 · Hill Dee Park: Two new lights and sidewalk around the perimeter of the park were installed and water was stubbed into the park as part of Hill Dee reconstruction project · Evergreen Knoll Park: Both the 2-5 and 5-12 year old playground equipment have been installed and new wood fiber placed around it, a concrete pad and footings for the new shelter have been installed, two security lights were installed, full court basketball court with no poles installed yet and a looped trail around the west side of the park that provides a connection from the parking lot and street to the basketball court, picnic shelter, playground equipment and outdoor pool bathhouse · Depot Way Arts Park: Installation of a new irrigation system, park signs, art pieces, decorative fence and new lighting have occurred . IX. December Meeting Agenda Items The following agenda items were identified: 1. Continued discussion about Newland Communities Fairhill Development 2. Snowmobile trails 3. 2007 goals 4. Dakota County systems plan update IX. Adjournment Higgins moved and seconded by Hanson to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. -1ZtfUlly 2!~ Randy D~ad Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary .