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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19 CITY OF LAKEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMIVIITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19, 1994 ITEM 1. -Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Illa. ITEM 2. -Roll call. Present were A. Raymond, L. Lulf, C. Wanless-Sobel, K. Illa, G. Grenz, and H. Lovelace. P. Messinger had another commitment with an ISD #196 committee meeting. Also present were Park Director Steve Michaud and Recording Secretary Judi Ryan. ITEM 3. -Minutes of December 1, 1993. The minutes of the December 1, 1993 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. ITEM 5. -Staff reports. Due to the number of citizens present, the Director postponed his report until after Item #6. ITEM 6. -Discussion of Ritter Farm Park equestrian trails. Staff gave residents a brief background of this issue and stated that a few weeks ago a .letter had been received from a resident who was very disappointed with his hiking experience at Ritter Farm Park and critical of his encounters with horseback riders. Staff stated that each year, as with snowmobiles, complaints are received. Usually the inappropriate users are not representative of the sport, but tend to be the ones who receive the most attention. About 45 letters were sent out informing equestrian trail users of this meeting. Staff has taken suggestions from equestrian trail users concerning signage in the park, and also rerouted a portion of the trail, diverting it further from the archery range for safety purposes. Staff discussed the possibility of phasing out equestrian trails as Ritter Farm Park achieves its end use per the existing master plan.. . As the land surrounding the park is developed, snowmobile trails within the park will be inaccessible and at that point their continued existence will also be discussed. Staff has received several requests to allow mountain biking in the park, but to date this has not been addressed. Wetland and environmental issues within the park will become more critical as long range planning is accomplished. Dick Watland a neighbor ,along Judicial Road, stated that he and his wife use the park t~iree to four times a week for walking and several times a week for riding horses. For that reason they are very familiar with the property. Mr. Watland stated he has not witnessed horses going off the trails or damaging foliage, as was claimed in the letter. He said he has seen violations of other ordinances, such as hunting within the, park, for which he has called the game warden. He feels that a vast majority of park users are adhering to the rules. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes January 19, 1994 -2- Karin Watland said she had witnessed a coupple riders leave the path and personally went .to their boarding stable to inform them of the rules. She stated the new signage is good and has cleared up some confusion with trail location. Staff stated that more communication with boarders as they come and go would be a good idea. He said the Park. Dept. would be willing to help with that but could probabl use some financiar resources to assist with preparing a new trail map. Char Shabinger said she felt it was a good idea to have these informational meetings as it keeps everyone informed. Karin Watland a so requested that when complaints are received, the members of this group would like to be notified so they can work with the offenders to make them aware of the rules. Char Shabinger said she and most other riders value the privilege of being able to use the park. She asked if the trails could possibly be kept open a couple weeks or a month longer in the fall as the ground is usually hard enough so that damage would not occur and it is a pleasant time of the year to ride. Staff stated this would require an ordinance amendment but did not rule it out. Another resident stated that the trails at Murphy-Hanrehan are used throughout the winter. • The Parks and Recreation Department is currently working on a long rangge plan for Ritter Farm Park and equestrian trails as a compatible use will be reviewed during the process. Resident Pat Haley mentioned that the gate by the lower parking lot could be a little wider to make it more accessible for his horses. Another resident stated that one of the biggest problems for the riders is dogs not being controlled by their owners in the park. John Schulte of the Minnesota Trail Riders Association volunteered to help in whatever way was needed. He said their group sends out a newsletter eight times er year, which would be a good avenue for communication. He also offered ~inancial support. Michelle Schueller runs a stable on Judicial Road and says she glues potential boarders a packet of information including a Ritter Farm Park equestrian trail map and a list of park rules and regulations. She said she also keeps the list of rules posted in her barn. She commented that the new signs which were put up this year were very helpful Committee member Lulf asked how many horses use the park in a typical week and was told that in the months of May, June, September and October there would be about 50. During the months of July and August the mosquitoes and flies discourage the riders from using the trails. • It was decided that another meeting of the equestrian group would be held in March or early April and a work party would be formed at that time to discuss signage needs and other trail related suggestions for the upcoming season. Staff will notify all those on the mailing list when a meeting date has been set. • Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes January 19, 1994 -3- ITEM 8. Discuss roposal from Southern Cruzers Car Club to hold annual Pan-O-Progg Car Sow at Antlers Park on July 9, 1994. Gene and Mary Hokenson, 6872 - 162nd Street, were present to discuss the possibility of holding the annual Pan-O-Prog Car Show at Antlers Park. The outhern Cruzers are also involved with the an-O-Prog Cruise Night and most of the participants from that event return on Saturday to display their vehicles. Approximately 200-250 cars would be exhibited. The event has relocated several times over the past years and they feel .that Antlers would be a good site, as there is adequate parking, it is close to the downtown, and is accessible to the public. Staff's biggest concern is having leaking gas or oil cause dead spots in the grass. Every precaution must be taken to avoid this situation. The Southern Cruzers were given a list of recommendations to work on prior to a recommendation to City Council concerning the event: 1. An overall plan will be developed showing the .types of uses and their locations throughout the park, including a parking scheme, registration areas, and location of concessions and sound systems. 2. The event sponsors .must describe the method and materials that will be • used to prevent engine and rear end leaks from killing grass where cars will be parked. 3. Event itinerary/time line will be submitted. 4. The Southern Cruzers Car Club will be required to complete all necessary reservation forms and submit to the City of Lakeville proper insurance certificates and a $100.00 damage deposit. 5. Any loudspeaker noise or music should be kept at a minimum due to the close proximity of surrounding neighbors. 6. Contact should be made with area residents prior to City Council consideration. The Southern Cruzers Car Club will be responsible for printing and distribution of that letter. 7. All vendors, both food and merchandise, must have Pan-O-Prog concession permits or receive a waiver from the Pan-O-Prog Board of Directors. 8. The Southern Cruzers should meet with Chief of Police Don Gudmundson and receive a recommendation from him as to the need for auxiliary or regular police assistance. The Parks and Recreation Director will reiterate these items in a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Hokenson and will supply them with the names and addresses of the area residents. Due to the fact that the annual Groundpounders Run is • already scheduled for the same morning, special consideration must be given to a safe, orderly transition between events. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes January 19, 1994 -4- Parks and Recreation committee members expressed, concept approval of the event, but will delay making a recommendation to City Councir contingent on the previously mentioned items being completed. ITEM 5. -Staff reports. A. Committee members received a copy of the January 14, 1994 "Breezes" which discussed the condition of the ice rinks. The extremely cold temperatures prevented the rinks from opening a few days, as well as postponed ice skating lessons. B. The core ice arena project group is, traveling to Albert Lea tomorrow to view some used arena equipment which was removed from a facility which closed in Maine. Staff showed committee the site plan and rendition of Lakeville's ice arena. The building will be completed in phases with. the first phase including only _ the basic necessities. It is Tanned to have temporary bleachers providing seating. , A meeting was he~d recently with local arena mansgers to review Lakeville's plans and staff felt the core group had received some very good insights and suggestions. C. Lori Covey is completin an internship from Inver Hills Community College at the Lakeville Senior Center. She will be working 15 hours a • week on some special projects for Eileen and helping with daily duties. D. Committee members received a report from Tom Hakala of the Lakeville Police De t. concerning the recent snowmobile enforcement/education program. ~he program was very successful and plans will be made to hold a similar proggram in February Committee member Raymond informed SnoTrackers liaison Larry Lulf that a portion of the trail west of North Park is on private property and will need to be relocated, or the proper permits secured. Several new plats have been introduced at the staff level. Staff mentioned that several small park areas and lift station sites will be maintained by ,private contractual services. The bid process will be completed this winter. ITEM 7. -Review proposed changes in resolution establishing rules and rental fees for Lakeville parks and make a recommendation to City Council. The committee reviewed Resolution #93-147. Under section A, . l.c. has been added which would require softball tournament sponsors to provide a minimum of $600,000 general liability insurance. For MRPA tournaments the USSSA will provide coverage and for LAA and RAAA tournaments, coverage will be provided by the respective association. This addition would basically apply. to private teams or groups who sponsor a tournament at a Lakeville athletic complex. It was suggested that the term "softball" be changed to "athletic" tournament to cover a broader range of events. • The addition of A.3 on a e 2 rovides for fees to be char ed for special field striping servic a bg the park maintenance department. g These Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes January 19, 1994 -5- fees will apply to, private groups who request this service and not to the youth athletic associations who regularly use the park. Under Item B., Shelter/Building Rental, on page 2, staff explained the urpose of the additional statement requiring groups to be headquartered in Lakeville to receive the resident rate. The Park Dept. is trying to discourage Lakeville branches from reserving parks for their .entire company. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee agreed with the concept for the change but recommended that when referring to a business, the words "resident" and "non-resident" be changed to "Lakeville" and "non-Lakeville" . Item C.3, page 3 provides for a Facility Usage Release and Indemnification Agreement to be signed by group representatives in the future. On Exhibit "B", #15 has been added which deals with remote controlled model airplanes which are becoming an ever increasing problem. Staff informed the committee that about ten years ago a grou requested permission to fly their remote controlled airplanes , at Aronson Park. At that time it was decided to allow flying under certain conditions. First, they must form an official club and be a member of a national group which provides $1,000,000 of liability insurance. The club could then be scheduled during non-prime time hours for flying. This sport has gotten more popular over the years and staff feels the rule needs to be implemented. 94.01 Motion was made by Raymond, seconded by Wanless-Sobel, to recommend to City Council the revisions to Resolution #93-147 establishing rules and rental fees for use of City parks and property, as discussed and amended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Motion passed unanimously. ITEM 9. - Report on the progress of the Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum Task Force. Task Force Chair Kevin Illa informed the committee that 29 members of the Task Force had turned out for their first meeting. A welcome was iven by Mayor Zaun and excellent presentations were made by Jon Gurban, L~xecutive Director of the MRPA, Alan Brixius of NAC, and Dr. Bill Morris of Decision Resources. Mary Liz Holberg consented to cochair the committee. Following the presentations there were several questions and comments and the group seemed to be very excited and positive about the bond referendum process. The next task force meet~i~n~ will be held on January 27th and will include resentations from Barry Warner on the Parks and Open Space System Plan, ~teve Michaud on the Comprehensive Trail System Plan, and representatives of .athletic groups who will discuss projected needs of their specific sport. . ITEM 10. -Unfinished business. There was no unfinished business at this time. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes January 19, 1994 -6- ITEM 11. -New business. Committee received a memo and drawings depicting the conflict created by soccer and softball fields bein too close together at North Park. Staff is recommending the softball f~elds be relocated and the area used for additional soccer fields. Approximately two larger or up to five smaller fields could be cut into this area which would help alleviate the shortage of fields during summer soccer. The problem with illegal access to Lake Marion was discussed. The Park Maintenance Dept. has taken a huge boulder and strategically placed it where illegal vehicle traffic has become a problem entering the lake. Snowmobiles continue to use this access. Committee member Raymond mentioned the article written by Lorraine Halli and ublished last weekend in the Lakeville Life and Times. The article praised ~teve Michaud for his continued efforts in the community. Officer Nominations. Committee member Messinger had talked to the Park Secretary earlier in the day , and had expressed an interest in continuing as Committee Vice Chairperson. She had also nominated Kevin Ilia as Chair and Colette Warless-Sobel as Secretary. Committee members were asked if there were any • other nominations for officers. There were none. 94.02 Motion was made by Grenz, seconded by Lulf, to approve the following slate of officers: Chairperson, Kevin Illa Vice Chai erson, Pat Messinger Secretary,~olette Warless-Sobel Motion passed. ITEM 12. -Announcements. The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is scheduled for February 2, I994, 7:00. PM, at the City Hall Council Chambers. ITEM 13. -Ad'ourn. The meeting a~journed at 9:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Judi y n, Re rding Secretary • Kevm Illa, Chair