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Home My WebLink About07/17/2001 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE July 17, 2001 Minutes of the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee held July 17, 2001. PRESENT: Committee Chair Greg Kopischke; Committee Members Russ DeFauw (arrived at Charlie Maus, Tina Rankin, Loren Hegland, and Sarah Johnston; Parks 6:40 p.m.); and Recreation Director Randy Johnson; Park Maintenance Superintendent Tom Adamini; Traditions Development Representatives Jake Enebak and Rob Wachholz; Westood Professional Services Representative Dan Siordal; Sun Current Newspaper Reporter Heather Carlson. ABSENT: John DiRico ITEM #1. Committee Chair Greg Kopischke called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. ITEM #2. Approval of Agenda. MOTION: by Tina Rankin, seconded by Loren Hegland to approve the agenda as presented. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0 ITEM #3. Approval of March 2001 Minutes. The following corrections were requested: 1. Item #2 (last paragraph) – change the name of the high school for Ms. Johnston to Eastview. 2. Item #4.A. – delete the seventh paragraph as irrelevant. th 3. Item 4.A. (13 paragraph) – delete the last sentence. MOTION: by Tina Rankin, seconded by Charlie Maus to approve the minutes with the noted corrections. VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0 1 ITEM #4.A. Cobblestone Lake Park Update. Greg Kopischke abstained from the discussion on this topic and turned the meeting over to Acting Chair Tina Rankin. Randy Johnson reviewed what has been previously discussed over the last several months with this project. Traditions Development has proposed an approximate 46 acre park in the southeastern section of the city and has provided design diagrams for review. Mr. Johnson noted that diagrams included more than what the City would normally put in a city park. The City of Apple Valley, working with the engineering firm of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, redesigned the diagram models incorporating suggestions from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and city staff, resulting in an approximate 27 acre park, for further discussion and review. Rob Wachholz and his staff have taken into consideration the City’s recommendations and suggestions to come up with a new design model. Mr. Wachholz stated that in large measure the City’s plan and Traditions plan are similar. There is green space around the lake, and the function and utility is very similar. Plan differences include the area of emphasis of the park, the enhanced focus of the park, and the purpose of users. Traditions’ latest design shows the node of land has been moved from the south side of the lake to the north side, a wider corridor to connect the proposed park with Apple Valley East Park, and a more accessible north entrance. Traditions sees the primary focus of the park off Pilot Knob Road, where they’ve provided the largest area of green space. The Advisory Committee members have suggested that the Traditions area of focus is too far into the project. Traditions shows this area to be the highest density area. They’d add signage into the park. The area would include a plaza area and adequate parking. It would provide a dramatic setting as the visitor looked to the east across the lake. The City’s plan included a dual trail around the lake. Traditions is proposing a dual trail in what they see as the highest use areas around the west end of the lake. A single trail with a dividing line is proposed for the east side of the lake. They suggest the dual trail encourages higher speeds by cyclists, it effects the landscape plantings, and restricts move-ability of the trail. They see their trail design as passive friendly and believe the character of the landscape will set this park apart from others within the city. Staff has met with Westwood reprentatives, and believe the 12’ wide trail with a dividing line will accomplish the intent of a dual trail. Dual trail versus single trail discussion continued. Mr. Wachholz reviewed the proposed development time schedule as beginning on the east side and continuing in approximately two year increments to the west in four phases. Gravel mining operation is allowed by City agreement with the gravel company until 2008. Traditions Development proposed developing this park in partnership with the City of Apple Valley. The City’s contribution being what would reasonably be invested in a park that would accommodate the number of people in a development of this size. 2 Traditions acknowledged the maintenance issues, and proposes that a master homeowner’s association would be responsible for the entire development, with assistance of the City in the amount similar to what would be appropriate for the development population density. They see the association as trimming bushes, maintaining fences, landscaping, etc. and the City maintaining all hard structures. Mr. Wachholz asked the Committee to have faith in the organization’s ability as development designers. The company is motivated by the civic space concept. They are working successfully with the City of Blaine on a joint-powers park. The Blaine Parks and Recreation Director, Jim Peterson, has indicated to Apple Valley staff that he is very satisfied with Traditions Development and the company has been living up to all their commitments. Mr. DeFauw questioned, “Should this be a private development? Is it going to be parkland in the sense of mass public use? It’s a public policy issue item.” He believes it is part of the value proposition of the development. Mr. Johnson stated that he feels it fits the parks and recreation mission for the City of Apple Valley and will serve the residents. The development projections alone say up to 8,000 people. The City needs to provide recreation for this active community. He believes the park could be a real jewel in the community. Additional discussion included the benefit of having the plans in place before the development begins. Homeowners will know up front what the park design includes. The homeowners association will have a sense of ownership in the park, and the developer believes they’ll act as caretakers for the park. Staff, speaking from experience with other parks, will need to work with the developer and builders to guard against homeowner’s taking too much ownership. For comparison purposes, using current rates, the developer would be required to provide approximately $1.2 million in park dedication if it were done cash in lieu. The developer is proposing to spend approximately $1.33 million in development costs for the park plus the almost 40 acres. Jake Enebak stated that the land is part of the deal, it has been taken out of the numbers reported in the Concept sheets. Mr. Johnson reported that his direction from City Council is authorization to proceed with what would be typical for a development of this size and density, which equates to $900,000 using park dedication funds. Council has suggested getting as much land around the lake as possible and a joint powers agreement for maintenance. MOTION: by Tina Rankin, seconded by Charlie Maus recommendation to proceed with the endorsement of the Cobblestone Park plan concept, with a budget of $900,000, and staff pursuit with the developer of a joint-powers agreement VOTE: Yes – 4, No – 1 (DeFauw), Abstain – 1 (Kopischke) Greg Kopischke resumed his position as Committee Chair. 3 ITEM 4.B . Hayes Park Arena Update. The Valley Athletic Association LaCrosse program has successfully expanded and outgrown their indoor rental space at Hayes Park Arena. As a result of their moving to outdoor facilities, the Parks and Recreation staff has been researching new use/revenue sources for the arena. After reviewing various options, and seeing the success of the Johnny Cake Ridge Park outdoor tier I skate park, staff is proposing a tier II indoor skate park be installed in the Hayes Park Arena. A tier II offers ramps over three feet in height. The City’s insurance fees are estimated to increase approximately $2,000 per year. Staff anticipates an average of 100 youth daily, five days per week. Operating and maintenance costs would be covered by user fees. The initial cash expenditure is estimated at approximately $60,000. This is comparable to some of the City’s playstructures which cost $50,000. There is adequate remaining park bond referendum money to cover the $60,000. Maple Grove and Minneapolis report that their tier II skate parks have been very successful. MOTION: by, Charlie Maus, seconded by Sarah Johnston supporting Parks and Recreation staff in their effort to promote a tier II skate park in Hayes Park Arena. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 1 (DeFauw) ITEM 4.C . Update on Valley Middle Shelter Project. $125,000 was budgeted for the renovation project. Bids came in at approximately $180,000. Staff then worked with the architect to scale back the project and lower costs. th The next round of bids will be opened July 19. ITEM 5.A . Advisory Committee Shirts. The new 2001 shirts were distributed to committee members. ITEM 5.B . Budget Thoughts. Distributed for informational purposes, was a copy of a comparison sheet showing the cost of incarcerating a juvenile offender for one year versus what could be done using the same money though parks and recreation activities. ITEM 6.A. Adjourn There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Charlie Maus to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0 4