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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03 CITY OF LAKEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 3, 2000 ITEM #1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order in the Lakeville Council Chambers by Chairperson Larson at 6:00 PM. ITEM #2. Roll call. Present were K. Manias, P. Messinger, J. Berg, J. Larson, R. Boldus, L. Lulf, H. Lovelace, J. Larson. Also present were Park Director Steve Michaud and Recording Secretary Donna Quintus. Absent: C. Wanless-Sobel. ITEM #3. Approval of Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee minutes of April 19, 2000. The minutes of the April 19, 2000 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting were discussed. There were no additions or corrections and the minutes were approved as printed. ITEM #4. Citizen Comments. There were no citizens present for items not on the agenda. Chair Larson requested a modification to this evening?s meeting agenda order to receive information and hold discussion on Item #6 to accommodate those present in the audience for comment on this topic. The Committee members concurred with the Chair?s request. ITEM #6. Leash Law ordinance public information meeting. Chair Larson outlined the procedure for hearing public comment regarding a proposed draft ordinance regulating restraint of dogs on public property within the City of Lakeville. A presentation will be given by staff and then discussion will be opened to the floor for public comment and input. Each individual will be given three minutes to state their position and/or issues and concerns and possible suggestions regarding the leash law issue. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud presented a historic overview of the number of calls and complaints received by the Parks and Recreation and Police Departments regarding dogs. In the past couple of years the City has received an increasing amount of complaints regarding unleashed dogs from residents who walk, jog or bike on existing City trails or are in attendance at various youth or adult sporting events in the City parks. Statistics were given on the amount and types of dog restraint calls received by the City in 1998, 1999 and as of this date 2000. Mr. Michaud indicated that the members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee took it upon themselves to address these concerns by approving the draft of a leash law ordinance. The current City of Lakeville ordinance requires the restraining of dogs and defines the restraining of dogs as follows: ?A dog is under restraint if controlled by a leash or by a competent person and immediately obedient to that person?s command or within a vehicle or within a secured fence or building within the owner?s property limits, or if picketed.? Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 3, 2000 Page 2 of 7 Enforcement of the voice command ordinance can be difficult when complaints are made and police, community service officers, animal control officers and park rangers confront the owners who claim that their pets are under voice control. Mr. Michaud noted that, due to the increased complaints about dogs running loose in parks, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee reviewed current dog leash laws and recommended to City Council changes in the ordinance language that would make it mandatory for dogs to be leashed at all times when in a City park and on City trails/sidewalks. When this recommendation was presented to the City Council a resident indicated his opposition to the draft ordinance and requested an opportunity to have his concerns and those of others be heard regarding the proposed ordinance. City staff agreed to hold a minimum of two meetings to receive comments and suggestions from the public. The committee will collect and review all comments and information received and make a recommendation to City Council based on their determination as to the most effective regulation(s) that will address concerns related to dog restraints. This is the first of two public forums for this committee to receive comments from the public. The next opportunity for public input will be at the regular Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. Chair Larson opened the discussion to the audience at this time. Len Libbey, P.O. Box 823, indicated that he lives in the Dakota Heights development in Lakeville and stated he had submitted a letter to City staff dated April 5, 2000 expressing his opposition to the proposed ordinance requiring leashes on dogs when on public property. He stated his opinion that it would be more appropriate to have dog owners appointed to the committee responsible for reviewing and recommending modifications to the leash law. Mr. Libbey also requested that the recommended ordinance include the definition of approved leashes and to specifically allow automatic or reflex leashes. Dar Ackerman, 20827 Howland Avenue, stated she has resided in Lakeville for 41 years and had worked in an animal hospital for 13-½ years. She currently does pet sitting in her home. Ms. Ackerman expressed her support for the proposed leash law. Ken Freitay, 17750 Ixonia Avenue, stated his opposition to the draft ordinance requiring leashes on dogs in public parks. Mr. Freitay indicated that he and many other dog owners use the parks to exercise their dogs. He stated that he uses the parks to play fetch with his golden retriever and a large open field is necessary for this type of activity. Mr. Freitay stated that he has not witnessed any problems with loose dogs on the City?s paved trailways or sidewalks. However, he stated he would not object to using a leash on the public trails and sidewalks when these pathways are busy with pedestrian and bike traffic. nd Gene Hokenson, 6872 - 162 Street, stated his support of the recommended leash law. He stated his belief that even though some owners believe they have good voice control of their dogs, this is not true of all dog owners. Mr. Hokenson stated his concerns for potential injuries to children when dogs are allowed to roam freely. Further, Mr. Hokenson noted that pet owners are required to clean up after their animals, both on their own property and the property of others, whether it?s a City park, public or school property or someone's lawn. When a dog is permitted to run freely, it is easy for their owner to fail to notice when or where clean-up after their pet is needed. C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF616\05-03.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 3, 2000 Page 3 of 7 nd Wenzel Ruhmann, 7250 Upper 162 Street, indicated that his wife, who has a true fear of dogs, likes to walk in the City parks. He stated that most dog owners do not understand her fear and try to assure her that their dog is harmless. Mr. Ruhmann stated that public parks and trails are for residents and residents should be able to enjoy the parks without fear of being accosted by dogs. Mr. Ruhmann further stated his concern that the cost of rounding up dogs ?at large? by the City?s Police Department is funded by the taxpayer. The dog owner should be obligated to be responsible for the cost to round up their own pets. th John Raplinger, 11897 West 210 Street, expressed his support of the proposed leash law. Mr. Raplinger indicated he was speaking on behalf of the senior residents who have access to public parks and trails. Many seniors are challenged by dogs and the potential dangers that dogs pose. Mr. Raplinger stated his belief that dogs need to be controlled by their owners when on public property. He indicated his opinion that stricter fines would be one way of reducing ?dogs at large? and dog leash violations. Sally Beaucheman, 21750 Laigle Avenue, requested clarification of ?dogs at large? and ?dog leash? laws. Ms. Beaucheman stated that she had assumed that the City already had a leash law. Chair Larson responded that the proposed leash ordinance would affect public parks, trails, and sidewalks. The ?dog at large? ordinance requires that dogs be under the control of their owners by confining them to private property and not allowing them to roam freely throughout the City. Ms. Beaucheman stated her opinion that the ordinance should more clearly identify the difference between ?dogs under control? and ?dogs at large.? She agreed with Mr. Raplinger that the City should have greater penalties for ?dog at large? complaints. Ron Glaub, 17468 Goodland Path, stated his support for the proposed leash law and noted that he previously lived in a city that had and aggressively enforced their leash laws. He indicated that he is a responsible dog owner who disciplines and trains his dogs. He suggested that the draft ordinance should provide expanded definitions of permitted leashes noting that there are 12-foot, 20-foot and even 40-foot leash lengths that offer opportunities to pet owners to train their pets while keeping them under control. He also indicated that the flexi-leash is a excellent training tool. Mr. Glaub indicated that other opportunities that would allow residents to play or train their dogs without leash control could be explored and cited hockey rinks that are normally boarded up could be used to allow dogs to run free without frightening seniors, children and other residents who are intimidated by dogs. Wayne Bruns, 17840 Isle Avenue, stated his support for the proposed leash ordinance including the proposed 8-foot leash length. However, he expressed concern that if this ordinance becomes law and it is not enforced then it becomes worthless. Mr. Bruns further stated his belief that most dog owners do not us flexi-leashes correctly. Michael Sobota, 20465 Howland Avenue, stated his and his wife?s support for the proposed leash law. He noted that they use a leash when walking their dog on public trailways; however, when other unleashed dogs approach them, their dog tries to pull away and run with the C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF616\05-03.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 3, 2000 Page 4 of 7 unleashed dog. Mr. Sobota suggested that Murphy Hanrahan Park, located in Scott County at the northwestern corner of Lakeville, offers a ?loose dog park? within a designated area for use by dog owners wishing to provide unleashed exercise and training for their pets. The opportunity to provide a similar site for Lakeville residents within the City limits, such as the use of hockey rinks, could be reviewed by staff for implementation into the ordinance. Peggy Glaub, 17468 Goodland Path, indicated that although the current ordinance allows voice control of dogs by responsible dog owners, dogs cannot be 100% trusted to not run out in the street and into traffic. Ms. Glaub indicated her belief that the proposed leash requirement will address a safety issue for the dogs, as well as the public. Chair Larson noted that there were no further comments from the audience. He encouraged all the residents who spoke this evening to submit their comments in writing, if they have not already done so, to the Parks and Recreation Department. The next opportunity for public input will be at the May 17, 2000 regular meeting of this committee. ITEM #5. Staff reports and summary of current projects. Park Director Michaud presented a brief overview current Parks and Recreation Department projects and programs and an update of their status. Projects/Programs discussed included: ?Schedules for youth and adult athletic activities in the numerous City parks for the spring and summer seasons are complete and underway. Mr. Michaud indicated that 36% of the recreation program registrations were accomplished through the newly established credit card program and was favorably accepted by registrants. The touch-tone registration program has not yet been installed; however, it is anticipated that, once initiated, registration will be more quickly responsive and easier for both City staff and the program participants. ?Parks maintenance staff have completed the spring clean-up and preparation of all City parks, ballfields and are now ready for public use. The beaches will be prepared for their June start-up. ?Staff discussed the areas in Lakeville under private landscape services. Contracts are now in affect and work has begun. ?The Parks Operations Superintendent position has not been filled as yet. Additional interviews have been scheduled. ?City Council, City staff and board members of the newly created Lakeville Area Arts Center Board will be meeting with three finalists for the Arts Center Coordinator position next th Tuesday, May 9. All the applicants were highly qualified and the final candidates have very impressive résumés. This position will be under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Department Director. th ?The 2000 Ironman Ride held on Sunday, April 30 was very successful with minimal incidents. Approximately 5,800 participants cycled through Lakeville for the Ironman Ride. Mr. Michaud indicated their were minimum complaints. However, some areas of concern have been identified and will be reviewed by the Ironman Ride sponsors for improvement and implemented for the 2001 Ironman Ride event. ITEM #7. Review Vermillion Springs preliminary and final plat and make park and trail dedication recommendation to City Council. C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF616\05-03.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 3, 2000 Page 5 of 7 Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud presented the Vermillion Springs preliminary and th final plat plans, a proposed residential subdivision located north of 165 Street and west of Highview Avenue. Mr. Michaud indicated that the proposed Vermillion Springs development consists of 90 single family lots, one church lot and six outlots on 78.75 acres of land. This plat also includes the relocation of Highview Avenue from its current access onto County Road 46 to the west to align with Garden View Drive in Apple Valley. Mr. Michaud noted that the site consists of extensive wetlands and rolling topography which is not favorable as a park site. The City?s Park and Open Space System Plan does not identify the need for any additional parks in the area of the Vermillion Springs Plat. However, the recently completed Oak Hills Elementary School has substantial open space, a small ball field, playground and basketball facilities on site and provides necessary park facilities for the area. Staff recommends a cash contribution to satisfy the park dedication requirement for the Vermillion Springs plat. Mr. Michaud presented a brief description of the locations of existing trails in the area and the trail connections that will be constructed with the proposed plat. The developer will construct a th trail along the east side of the realigned Highview Avenue from 165 Street to County Road 46 and will grade for the future construction of a trail along the west side of Highview Avenue. Also, the developer will construct a trail connection within proposed Outlot E at the southern th portion of the plat to 165 Street. The developer will also construct a trail on the north side of th 165 Street from its present terminus to Highview Avenue. 00.12 Motion was made by Manias, seconded by Messenger, to recommend to City Council approval of the Vermillion Springs preliminary plat and to accept a cash contribution to satisfy the park dedication requirement. The developer will be required to construct new trails along Highview th Avenue, 165 Street and through Outlot E. The developer will be reimbursed for the trail construction. Motion passed. ITEM #8. Review Lakeway Park preliminary and final plat and make park and trail dedication recommendation to City Council. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud presented the Lakeway Park preliminary and final plat consisting of two lots and two outlots on 50.86 acres of land located in the northwest corner th of Kenwood Trail (County Road 50) and 185 Street (County Road 60). The Lakeway Park plat proposes one church lot (5.40 acres), one office/business lot (4.66 acres) for future development, Outlot A (17.72 acres) for future multiple family residential development and Outlot B (18.91 acres) for park purposes. Mr. Michaud noted that Outlot B covers high quality wetlands and ponding areas, large wooded area with oak tree stands, rolling hills and steep slopes that will be kept intact and utilized for natural passive park purposes. The developer is proposing to deed the 18.91-acre Outlot B to the City to meet the park land dedication for the property being platted as Lakeway Park, as well as th the property owned by the developer located west of the railroad tracks and north of 185 Street. th Mr. Michaud noted there are existing trails located along Kenwood Trail and 185 Street adjacent to the Lakeway Park preliminary plat. The developer will bench cut for a future trail th within Outlot B that will extend from the existing trail located on the north side of 185 Street, C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF616\05-03.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 3, 2000 Page 6 of 7 north to the south line of the adjacent 8.7-acre exception parcel. The trail will be constructed and will follow the alignment of the future loop street when Outlot A and the exception property develop. 00.13 Motion was made by Messenger, seconded by Lulf, to recommend to City Council approval of the Lakeway Park preliminary plat and to accept Outlot B, a 18.91-acre parcel, as land dedication to satisfy the park dedication requirement for the entire base parcel which includes property located west of the railroad tracks that is currently owned by the developer, Fortune Realty, Inc. Motion passed. ITEM #9. Consider Park Dedication fee increase. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud stated that the residential Park Dedication fee was last reviewed in November, 1998. Staff completed a survey of metro area cities and their current park dedication rates. Currently, the City of Lakeville?s Park Dedication fee is in the lower half of those cities surveyed. Therefore, staff is recommending the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee consider recommending an increase of $100.00 per dwelling unit resulting in a $1,425.00 Park Dedication fee per dwelling unit for the remainder of 2000. The fee would become effective upon final approval by the Lakeville City Council. Staff would request City Council consideration of the proposed increase at their May 15, 2000 meeting. Applications for residential plats submitted prior to City Council approval would utilize the current fee of $1,325.00 per residential lot. Committee Member Manias excused himself and left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Committee Member Messenger suggested a $200 per residential lot increase or $1,525.00 per lot, noting that this rate would still be one of the least expensive charges of comparable cities. Committee Member Boldus expressed his support for the staff recommended increase of $100 per residential lot at this time. He stated his preference to perform a more in-depth review of the current rates and determine what rate increase would be more representative of the expenditures incurred by the department and justify the increase at the end of the year. Committee Member Berg suggested a $175 rate increase resulting in a $1,500 per residential lot Park Dedication fee. Mr. Berg noted that the City of Lakeville?s Park Dedication fees should be more equitable with comparable cities. 00.14 Motion was made by Berg, seconded by Lovelace, to recommend to City Council approval of a Park Dedication fee increase of $175 per residential dwelling unit to the existing residential fee of $1,325.00 for a total $1,500.00 per dwelling unit. Ayes: P. Messinger, J. Berg, J. Larson, L. Lulf, H. Lovelace, J. Larson. Nays: R. Boldus. Committee Member Boldus indicated that his negative vote on the Park Dedication rate increase was because a $175.00 rate increase was over 10% and too high at this time. Mr. Boldus indicated he would support a Park Dedication fee of $1,450 per residential dwelling unit, an increase of $125.00 or $25.00 over staff?s recommendation. C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF616\05-03.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 3, 2000 Page 7 of 7 ITEM #10. Unfinished business. None. ITEM #11. New business. None. ITEM #12. Announcements. The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is scheduled for May 17, 2000. ITEM #13. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Quintus Recording Secretary C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF616\05-03.doc