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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/1979 . • � CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARK COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 21, 1979 PRESENT: Chairman Joe Bell, Park Committee Members Ginny Sterling, Dave Miller, Carolyn Rodriguez, Joanne Hollenbeck, and Bob Naegeli; Park Director Bassett. ABSENT: Ellen Milos. 1. Chairman Bell called the meeting to order. 2. Minutes of the August 7, 1979 meeting were approved as written. 3. Review Park Ordinance. Mike Bassett noted that the City Council received the draft of the ordinance at their last meeting; he noted that the Committee has received the latest draft of the ordinance with the City Attorney's suggested changes. He also stated that the Alimagnet Homeowners Association is in the process of reviewing the draft of the ordinance. He stated that it will provide the necessary tool for the police to correct the problems in the parks. • The Committee discussed swimming areas; Mike Bassett stated that when the swimming areas are designated the City is saying that "this area is safe for swimming." Carolyn Rodriguez stated that she is concerned about the swimming in the storm water retention ponds. There was also discussion regarding Keller Lake. The Committee also discussed non-motorized and motorized vehicles on the lakes; Bob Naegeli noted that the DNR controls the water of the lakes. Bob Naegeli questioned the 10:00 p.m. closing time and stated that he feels it is too encompassing. Joe Bell stated that he feels it is a logical time to close the parks. Bob Naegeli stated that Apple Valley's park situation is different from other park situations; Apple Valley's parks are in the residential areas in alot of cases. Joe Bell noted that Apple Valley is no longer a small town; as we grow we need a strong ordinance. Naegeli pointed out that at this time we have not had a ' problem any where else except at Alimagnet Park. Joanne questioned if Burnsville has a 10:00 p.m. curfew; the ordina�ce needs to be the same for the entire park so that it is compatible. There was considerable discussion on the 10:00 p.m. closing time for the parks. Dave Miller stated that he feels there needs to be a time. Bob Naegeli doesn't feel we need a time limit in the ordinance for the parks. It was noted that the City has a curfew of 10:00 p..m. for children 16 and under and 12:00 p.m. for 17 year olds. Dave Miller stated that if you don't have a time limit on the ordinance then you don't have anything to hang onto. Bob Naegeli stated that we still have a curfew and the public nuisanee ordinance. Carolyn Rodriguez stated that she feels that it should have a time limit and also that it should be coordinated with Burnsville's ordinance. Mike Bassett checked and stated . that Burnsville's park system has a 10:00 p.m. closing in their park ordinance. There was some discussion about people walking through the parks at night and it was felt that adults should be able to walk in the parks at night. It was noted that the ordinance gives the Police Department the "club" that they need to get the people that are causing problems out of the park. Page ��2 Park Committee Minutes � � 8/21/79 . Ginny Sterling asked if there is anyway that it could be noted that you would get a "warning ticket" the first time. Mike Bassett stated that the ordinance will be used for enforcing the rowdyism in the parks. Naegeli pointed out that the reason for the ordinance is because of the problems at Alimagnet Park and the police need the ordinance to enforce the problems there. He feels that the ordinance is too strong. Mike Bassett stated that he received a letter from a resident questioning some of the points inthe ordinance. The resident questioned the "proper swimming attire" and stated that it should state "no swi�mming in the nude." The Committee discussed the section of the ordinance and didn't see a problem with "proper swimming attire." On page 3, Section 3, 4�10 the resident questioned not allowing children to fly kites and small airplanes in the parks. The Committee agreed to delete "or other flying apparatus" from this section. On page 7, Section 15, 4�'S it was noted that this is unenforceable; the City can be sued anyway. In Section 3, ��11 Naegeli felt the wording should be stronger; the Committee agreed to use the DNR wording. In Section 4, 4�5 it was agreed to use the wording from Hennipen County's ordinance. MOTION: of Rodrigues, seconded by Bel1 to recommend approval of the proposed Park Ordinance with the following changes: • 1. Section 3, 4�11 changed to DNR wording. 2. Section 3, ��10 eliminate "other flying apparatus." 3. Section 4, #5 substitute the following - "Bring a dog, cat, or other pet into a park unless caged or kept on a leash not more than 6 feet in length, or tether any animal to a tree or plant. 4. Section 4, 4�5 insert "unleased" animal. DISCUSSION: Dave Miller stated that he is not in agreement with ��10 of Section 4 because the person that puts his dog on a leash ; it is discriminatory against the individual that abides by the "leash law." The Committee discussed Section ll; Bob Naegeli stated that he is concerned about the word "Loitering". The Committee felt it should be left in there. VOTE ON MOTION; YES - 5 - NO -1 (Naegeli) . 4. Discuss Farquar Park Development. Chairman Bell reviewed the background from the last meeting. Mike Bassett stated that InterDesign was concerned that the farm house is unsalvage- able. He met with a gentleman yesterday that is familiar with restoration projects and his opinion was encouraging. He felt that the house is solid and also that the � barn should be saved. He is going to generate some cost figures to make them structurally sound and will be getting back to Mike Bassett. Page 4�3 Park Committee Minutes� i 8/21/79 � Dave Miller stated that he is not familiar with the house, however, he feelsthe barn is great and the City would be remiss if they let anything happen to it. Bell stated that the question is "how" would it be used. He noted that InterDesign felt that the restoration of the house could be very costly. It was noted that $60,000 was included in the bond issue for restoration of the buildings. Mike Bassett stated that if the City gets the $143,000 LAWCON Grant that would free some monies that we could use for other things. Joanne Hollenbeck asked if the Park Committee could justify renovating an old house when people don't have swings in the parks. Mike Bassett suggested rhat the Committee determine in their minds how they envision the park and then meet with the Historical Committee. Ginny Sterling stated that she would like to see things done at that park that you couldn't do at the smaller neighborhood parks. Joanne Hollenbeck questioned the Historical Committee getting monies together to restore the house. Mike Bassett suggested that the Committee visit a restoration site in Brooklyn Park; he feels that the Committee should look at the costs before they right the farm house off. There was some discussion on the multiple uses for the barn. It was the general concensus of the Committee�.that the house should be restored outside of park funds; everyone agreed that the barn could be a multiple use facility and should be restored. They agreed to go to the Historical Committee with that idea. Mike Bassett suggested that first priority should be the barn; however, if we rennovate the barn and have additional funds then we can justify them for tYe house. Restoration of the buildings at the park were included in the bond issue. Ginny stated that she feels the top priority should be the tennis courts, etc. It was � suggested that the Historical Committee get a group of people to work with them to restore the house. The Committee agreed to have a Joint meeting with the Historical Committee on September 11, 1979 at 7:30 p.m. Joe Bell will contact Marlene Romain, Chairman of the Historical Committee. 5. Trail Master Plan - Consider Contract with InterDesign. Mike Bassett stated that the Planning Commission has been talking about a definite need for a Trails Master Plan for the City. They need to know how to address the trail issue when they are reviewing a proposed plat and how the City can best provide the trail links to have a system for the entire City. The Council is in agreement that we need a Trail Plan. He stated that InterDesign is interested in doing a trail plan for the City. They have to do some trail planning as they work with the parks so a portion of their gresent contract includes looking at some of the trails. He stated that the City could use John Voss, however, with the fact that we are using InterDesign for the parks it seems to make sense to use them for the Trail Plan. He has asked them for an estimate as far as costs for a Trails Plan. He stated that the Trai1 Plan that is included in the Comprehensive Plan is just a basic system; we need additional supporting information, how to fund, etc. Bob Naegeli stated that the cost of trails was not included in the bond issue; how would it be funded. Mike Bassett stated that will have to be determined with the development of the plan, we may have to go back to the people. Mr. Bassett � stated that the Council feels that the trails along the major roads should be funded by the entire community, not just the property owners along those major roads. There is a 65-35 State Program for Trails; he also stated that at this point it is a good time to get the County involved with the upgrading of ��42 and Cedar Avenue. At this point the County has resisted putting in trails. He also noted that the residents in Valley Park have been discussing the pathway along Cedar Avenue. Page �1�4 � � Park Committee Minutes 8/21/79 � Chairman Bell questioned about what the amount of money the contract with InterDesign would be. Mike Bassett stated that the City will have to spell out what we want, however, he feels it would probably be in the area of $5,000 to $6,000. Ginny suggested that they complete the parks rather than spending time on the Trails Plan. Mike Bassett stated that InterDesign has a sufficient staff to handle both. Bob Naegeli stated that John Voss prepared the original plan that was adopted by the Park Corarnittee and is a part of the Comprehensive Plan. He feels that maybe he should be asked to do the plan. Joanne Hollenbeck stated that if John Voss was I, in the beginning of the plan, aren't we better off to put it all in one place. Mike Bassett stated that John Gretz spoke to John Voss. John has a small office staff and he probably wouldn't feel bad if we had InterDesign do the job. He stated that he is comfortable with InterDesign because of the way they approach their projects and they did an excellent job-with the Minneapolis Park Trail Project. Joe Bell stated that he would like to know what the cost will be and where the money will come from. Bob Naegeli stated that he does not want the money to come from the bond issue. He stated that he would feel more comfortable with John Voss doing the project. There is not another person that knows more about the City than John and he has been here since the very beginning. Bob stated that he feels that John would have more of a grasp of the situation than InterDesign. He is more atuned to the App1e Valley problems. InterDesign designs; he is not concerned about how the Trail Plan looks aesthetically, it needs to be functional and the trails must be located in the best place for them. • Mike Bassett stated that he and John Voss spent four days at a Trails seminar and both of us found the development of a comprehensive integrated :trail plan to be a very difficult program to develop. The development of a Comprehensive Trail Plan involves more than knowing the community well. In addition, to a graphic plan, additional documentation is needed with respect to design standards, signage, funding and so on. Dave Miller questioned if John Voss would have the time, it sounds like it is a prettg complex situation. He also questioned the comparison of dollar amounts. We may not get as aesthetically a designed plan from Voss as we would from InterDesign. Bob Naegeli stated that the concern is that the Plan be functional. Mike Bassett stated that a Trails Plan is not just drawing trail locations - Inter- Design ha.s the expertise to put together the documentation to go along with the plan; they would work on the plan with his help. Bob Naegeli stated that he does not feel that the City should pay InterDesign to become acquainted with the City. Mike noted that they are studying the City at the present time with their park planning. Chairman Bell stated that if we are going to spend $6,OQ0 for a trail system plan to be able to move around the City without a motorized vehicle basically we are building a blacktop strip. He questioned having Mike do the plan; basically the planning department and the park department working on the plan. Mike Bassett stated that he doesn't feel that he has the time or all the expertise necessary. He further stated that John Voss will do it for the City if we want him to do it; the cost would probably be the same amount of dollars. John is an especially gifted person, however, he is one person and InterDesign is a group of people with additional areas of expertise. He will get one or two proposals for the Trail Plan and the Committee can discuss the situation further. Mike stated that he basically wanted the Committee's concurrence that • we need a plan. The Committee will discuss this further at a later date. 6. Other Items Ginny Sterling questioned people camping at Alimagnet Park. She was told that people were camping there and asked what the situation was. Page ��5 Park Committee Minutes� . 8/21/79 � She also stated that the Park Department put up a new net at Pennock Park tennis courts and some of the tennis players felt that another net was needed on the other court so they proceeded to tear the old net up. Bob Naegeli questioned the City mowing the gasline easement. Mike Bassett stated that it is a public easement and the City is responsible for mowing. Joe Bell will contact the Chairman of the Burnsville Park Committee about a joint meeting in October. Mike Bassett reported that he spoke to the newspapers and they stated that someone could call them the day after the meeting with a recap of the meeting and they also asked for a copy of the agenda. Ginny Sterling feels that it would be good to have a summary of what happened at the meeting in the paper. The Committee felt that it would be good to have a recap of the meeting in the paper. Dave Miller questioned the lighting at Alimagnet Park; Mike Bassett explained. There was some discussion regarding the Committee's support of the trail from Valley Park to Apple Valley along Cedar Avenue. Mike Bassett stated that the residents of Valley Park plan to go to the County to get the trail funded. Meeting adj ourned. � .