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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/1979r , � . • CITY OF APPLE VALLEY � PARK COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 7, 1979 PRESENT: Chairman Joe Bell, Ellen Milos, Ginny Sterling, Carolyn Rodriguez, Joanne Hollenbeck and Bob Naegeli; Mike Bassett. ABSENT: Dave Miller. 1. Chairman Bell called the meeting to order. 2. Minutes of the June 19, 1979 meeting were approved as written. 3. Mike Bassett introduced representatives of Interdesign; Harold, Wes and Tom - they were present to review the park plans to date. Harold reviewed plans and the philosophy; he reviewed the attached booklet entitled "Apple Valley Park Improve- ments." He asked for questions. There was some discussion on the timetable and when the bids would be let on the parks. Ellen Milos stated that she is in favor of the recycled types of things for the play- ground equipment. Harold noted that they will be preparing estimates for costs for each park. Bob Naegeli questioned the 20' Kim and the use of brand names. Harold explained that it is lighting that is aesthetic as well as functional. Joe Bell questioned the STimetable and the hesitation. Harold stated that the bids could be let this fall; however, the contractors would protect themselves because of the weather and would bid at next years prices. He feels that it is better to bid everything in February, however, suggested purchasing the materials as far as play equipment, lighting, etc. now at this years prices. Mike Bassett stated that they could store some things at Farquar Lake Park. Carolyn Rodriguez questioned problems with insurance and Mike stated that it shouldn't be a problem. Harold stated that the buildings should be built before the site work, etc. is done in the parks. Their recommendation is to begin construction next spring. Carolyn Rodriguez suggested doing some of the landscaping this fall; people are questioning when they are going to begin the park construction. Harold stated that there are some parks that have a minima.l amount of work. They have been working with Mike Bassett regarding the phasing of the construction and development. Mike Bassett stated that they are presently _working with a contractor in the northern suburbs to get some 22 to 3 inch trees. He explained the savings and the plan for reimbursement from the State. Bob Naegeli questioned the City's reforestration plan; Mike Bassett stated that the only City program is for removal of dead trees. There are not funds for reforestration. Ellen Milos stated that there were some changes in the Five Year System Plan for the Parks and asked if they have been ma.de. Mike stated that the plan will be updated and included in the Comprehensive Plan. Wes explained the models defining areas in the nucleus; they have established several .key elements; 1) earth berms; 2) land mark structures for crawling; 3) shade for adults so they can supervise the children, etc. He explained the different crawling experiences. He further explained the different activities in the different areas of the model and the social activities as well as the physical activities. He also stated that they are •interested in having the neighborhoods helping with the construction; they hope to get the people involved in building and they will be more involved in the maintenance, etc. of the park. He stated that the model is prototypical and something to be built upon. He explained the model far 131st Street Park. Costs were discussed and the plans for Diamond Path Park were reviewed. Page ��2 Park Co�nittee Psinutes • e 8/7/79 The location of the tennis courts at Diamond Path Park were discussed. Mike Bassett stated ithat they have discussed signage and hope to integrate it with the park development. Joe Bell suggested moving the tennis court so it is easily seen by people driving by the park. Carolyn Rodriguez stated that she feels that it is important to keep the active sports away from the homes. 4. Farquar Hills Park. Steve questioned if it is valid to create a historical setting at Farquar. They envision the town hall and school house in a prairie town in a restoration project. He suggested taking the town hall and placing it in another park. It could be used as a warming house and for the summer programs. He stated that Farquar is a farmstead and the buildings do not fit. Mike Bassett suggested getting some input from the Historical Committee on the park. He stated that it needs to be determined what we want the park to function as. Harold stated that it could be restoration or remodeling. The Committee agreed to meet with the Historical Committee at a later date; they will discuss the park at another meeting and then meet with the Historical Committee. Harold noted that the biggest problem at Farquar is the existing buildings. Mike Bassett reported that the City has submitted a LAWCON proposal for approximately $190,000. He stated that if they are interested in reviewing the grant application it is available in his office. He noted that a picnic pavillion with rest rooms was included in the application. The City should be notified preliminarily in September and the f inal decision will be made in January. 5. Public input concerning the park at 139th and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Mike reviewed the concerns of a resident living adjacent to the park. He is concerned about access to the park through his yard. Mr. Bassett asked him to attend the meeting to discuss his . concerns w�th the Committee, however, he is not present. 6. Belmont Park. Mike reviewed a letter from a citizen (see attached copy.) Mike Bassett reviewed a memo (see copy attached) regarding purchase of additional land adjacent to Belmont Park. He stated that the funds will come from the park dedication fund. Ellen Milos stated that she felt it would be good for the Palomino area. MOTION: of Milos, seconded by Sterling to recommend that the City Council purchase the 1. 7 acres as proposed for $5,000. YES - 6 - NO - 0. 7. Review Ordinance concerning park rules and regulations. Mike Bassett reviewed the concerns expressed at the meeting with the Lake Alima.gnet Homeowners last Thursday evening. There were two items which related to the Park and the Park Committee which Mike reviewed from John Gretz's memo. He stated that the old Park Ordinance doesn`t address the problems at Alimagnet and they are proposing a new Park Ordinance (see attached). He reviewed the ordinance and stated that it is being submitted to the Council for review. Joanne Hollenbeck questioned contacting the Police Department; Mike Bassett stated that the police need a Park Ordinance to be able to c�errect the �roblems at Alimagnet Park. He stated that the kids at the park are not only from Apple Valley, but also from other areas in the Metropolitan area. He stated that they were congre�ating around the rope swing and it has been taken down. He also stated that the proposed ordinance is similar to the Dakota County ordinance. iBell questioned the intoxicating beverages and taking them to the parks and if it is enforceable. Mike stated that this allows the family picniker to bring in beer and they have found that that section of the ordinance works. Page ��3 . � Park Committee minutes 8/7/79 � Joanne Hollenbeck questioned the selective enforcement; should it be so much er adult. P Mike Bassett stated that the police department have reviewed the ordinanae and they feel it is enforceable and they are in favor of it. Ellen Milos is concerned about all of the detail; how can it be enforced in all of the parks. She asked if we will have to have a park patrol rather than police officers. She feels that it needs to be pointed out to the Council that alot of money will be spent in the development of the parks and they will have to be patroled. Mike Bassett stated that it is his feeling and from experience it is better to have all of the officers working the parks rather than a specific officer. Carolyn Rodriguez stated that she wants to reinforce what Ellen stated about the police enforcement, however, she is concerned about the selective enforcement, can we some way make sure it is not selective enforcement. Bell noted that the ordinance is trying to alleviate the late evening parties; that is what needs to be enforced. Bob Naegeli stated that he would like to see the "Park Committee" included in the definition section. He is concerned that in order to be able to prove that they are doing their job that they could pick on some one that doesn't need to be picked on. He is concerned about all the rules, regulations and permits. He doesn't feel that the average citizen can't stay at a park past 10:00 is reasonable. Joanne Hollenbeck asked if there are problems in other parks; Mike Bassett stated that not at the present time, however, the ordinance is needed for the future. Joanne Hollenbeck stated that she recently had a call from a lady about a woman that brings her dog to the park and leaves a mess; she feels that it should be restricted and that people should be required to clean up after their pets. It is a public nuisance. • Mike stated that a sentence can be added to the ordinance. Bob Naegeli suggested that Section 16, Item 1 should state "can be or may be" rather than shall be. He is also concerned about Section 7, Item 1 regarding boating. Mike noted that the City would like to restrict the locations where boats can be launched. There was some discussion regarding further input in the ordinance from the Park Committee. Joe Bell suggested that Mike review the suggestions from the Park Committee with the Council. MOTION: of Milos, NO SECOND, to recommend approval of the preliminary draft with suggested changes and subject to approval by the City Attorney, with a stipulation that the Committee would like to express s strong concern for enforcement. Bob Naegeli suggested that it be recommended that the Gouncil not adopt the ordinance on Thursday night because it needs more consideration by the Park Committee. MOTION: of Bell, seconded by Hollenbeck to submit the draft ordinance to the City Council with the recommendations of the Park Committee and that the Park Director point out the concerns of the Committee. Bob Naegeli stated that he doesn't feel that the ordinance should be recommended at this point as the Committee members need more time to review it. Mike stated that there is a need for an enforceable ordinance now to correct the problems at Alimagnet Park. He is asking for the approval of the Committee. Bell stated that he feels that the consensus � of the Committee is that they would like to recommend an ordinance, however, they are con- cerned about the draft ordinance. VOTE ON MOTION: YES - 1 - NO - 3 - 2 Abstained - Motion Failed. Page ��4 • Park Committee Minutes � 8/7/79 ' �MOTION: of Sterling, seconded by Carolyn to approve the concept of an expanded park ordinance, but request the opportunity to further review the content of said ordinance before final adoption. YES - 6 - NO - 0. 8. Appointment of Park Committee as Reforestation Advisory Committee. See attached copy of Resolution. Mike Bassett stated that it is the intent to have the Park Committee act as the Reforestation Advisory Committee; he will have the City Forester attend one of the next meetings to discuss the program. The items regarding the reforestation will be incorporated into the regular Park Committee agenda. 9. OTHER ITEMS Ginny Sterling made several favorable comments regarding the BMX Track that has been constructed. Bob Naegeli stated that there was favorable publicity and that the Park Committee should be included in the P.R. in the future. Mike Bassett reviewed the proposed resolution on the LacLavon acquisition and development. Ellen stated that she sees lacking the emphasis on the energy situation; that should be a selling point to the Park & Open Space Commission. She feels that it should be included as a "Whereas". MOTION: of Naegeli, seconded by Carolyn to adopt the Resolution supporting the acquisition of LacLavon. • MOTION: of Milos, seconded by Rodriguez adding the following: "Whereas, emphasizing • the energy situation as a further reason for developing LacLavon as a regional park." VOTE ON AMENDMENT: YES - 6 - NO - 0. VOTE ON MOT2'ON AS AMENDED: YES - 6 - NO - 0. Ellen Milos stated that she purchased a gift for Robinette Fitzsimmons from the Park Committee. Chairman Bell asked that members contribute to Ellen for the gift. Ginny Sterling questioned picnic tables at Alimagnet Park. Mike Bassett stated that the Park Department will be building the tables this winter and reviewed the remaining items that need to be completed at the park. E11en Milos stated that she had a phone call from a member of the Burnsville Park Committee and they are interested in meeting with the Apple Valley Park Committee to discuss LacLavon, trails, etc. The Committee agreed to meet with them later this fall. Bob Naegeli questioned the trail in Carrollwood and asked if the City received cash in lieu of the trail. The situation was discussed and Mike Bassett stated that it was not agreeable to the developer and the City didn't have a pathway easement. Joe Bell questioned keeping the Committee members informed on what is going to the Council regarding the parks. There was also discussion on getting the agendas and minutes to the Committee members by Tuesday prior to the meeting. The Committee also discussed publicity and getting agendas, etc. in the newspaper as well as a paragraph about the �meeting. Mike Bassett suggested that a member of the Committee write the articles and submit them to the newspaper. Mike Bassett will contact the newspapers to find out the process involved in getting articl:es in the paper. MEETING ADJOURNED.