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2010.05.04 Council Meeting Packet CITY OF CRYSTAL City Council Meeting Packet Tuesday, May 4, 2010 MEETING SCHEDULE Time Type of Meeting Place 6:00 – 6:25 p.m. 1st Council Work Session to discuss proposed Disc Golf expansion at Bassett Creek Park with members of the Parks & Recreation Commission Conference Room A 6:30 – 6:55 p.m. EDA Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Council Chambers After the Regular City Council Meeting Council Work Session to discuss: Amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance; Ward 4 vacancy & recruitment process; County proposal to restripe Douglas Drive to 3-lane; Section from Medicine Lake Road to CP Rail Tracks; and Update on Project No. 2007-11; City Hall & Library parking lots. Conference Room A G:\City Clerk\Council\Work sessions\beforewsagenda5.04.10.doc CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL FIRST WORK SESSION AGENDA Tuesday, May 4, 2010 6:00 – 6:25 p.m. Conference Room A Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter, the Work Session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive, Crystal, Minnesota. I. Attendance Council members Staff ____ L. Moore ____ Norris ____ J. Moore ____ Hansen ____ Selton ____ Mathisen ____ Anderson ____ Lewis ____ Bowman ____ Therres ____ Hoffmann ____ Hackett Commission Members ____ II. Agenda The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following item: Proposed Disc Golf expansion at Bassett Creek Park III. Adjournment The Work Session adjourned at ______ p.m. Page 1 of 6 Memorandum DATE: April 27, 2010 TO: Mayor and Council Members Anne Norris, City Manager FROM: Rick Rauen, Park Superintendent Gene Hackett, Recreation Director Tom Mathisen, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Expansion of the Disc Golf Course at Bassett Creek Park Background Disc golf has been a part of Bassett Creek Park for many years. Over the years, the course grew from 9 holes to 12. Disc golf is a pop ular activity for all ages and the course is well used. The current 12 hole layout keeps the course on the periphery of the active and passive park areas. The Park and Recreation Commission was approached by a group of disc golfers wishing to expand the existing 12 hole course. The group is willing to pay for the expansion as well as perform the construction work. The City would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep. The players submitted proposals for 16, 18 and 27 holes using a variety of configuration and property. The additional holes were located in 4 areas: The turn back property from the highway 100 construction along old Vera Cruz Property on the east side along the trail to the pedestrian bridge. The wooded area on the west side of the creek The peninsula area in the central part of the park Expanding the disc golf course is one of the objectives of the Long Range Parks and Open Space Plan that was adopted in April 2007. Discussion The Commission held a lengthy discussion regarding this proposed expansion. Expanding to an 18-hole course would make this a premier facility in the area. Disc golf is a popular activity for all ages and abilities and meets many recreation needs. There were concerns regarding the increased traffic to the area, wear and tear on the park, increased vandalism, interference with other park activities and safety of other Page 2 of 6 park users. Some complaints have been received regarding littering and inappropriate language among disc golfers. The locations of the additional holes were reviewed: The turnback property is not available for use as it is earmarked for another development. The property along the trail to the ped bridge is useable, however it may be wet part of the year and would make play there difficult. The Commission did not want any holes in the wooded area. There was discussion both for and against the holes on the peninsula. By using that area, it makes a nice circular flow for the course and adds a water feature to play; however it could interfere with passive recreation activities and golfers could cause erosion and trample the vegetation trying to get their discs from the pond. The Commission discussed the possibility of reverting the course to the original 12 holes, adding only a few holes or changing the configuration of the course depending on an ongoing evaluation of the expanded course use and impact. Because the turnback property is not available, a revised layout was drawn and submitted. (Attachment 1). Excerpts from the Commission minutes are attached. (Attachment 2) Staff Discussion: After review of the revised layout (Attachment 1 – orange markers), staff has the following comments: Hole #1 Too close to the picnic area; maybe a safety hazard with errant discs. This could be moved closer to the east along Welcome Avenue. Hole #2 Tee box is too close to the picnic area; sh ould be moved. Holes #3, #4, #5 These holes will need a lot of construction as they are in a wooded area – they have been kept off the low ground areas since the ground is often wet there. Hole #13 This existing hole has had issues with excessive litter and vandalism since part of it is located in the woods. Hole #16 This existing hole has had erosion issues Hole #17, #18 Concern over use of this area for disc golf as it may interfere with other park users and passive recreation pursuits. In addition, staff has concerns regarding parking. With the newly constructed dog park and all the other park uses; staff would prefer to monitor the parking situation at the park before the course is expanded. Page 3 of 6 Recommendation The Park and Recreation Commission reco mmended 5 - 2 to move forward with the proposed 18 hole disc golf course. They are looking for City Council input on: Expansion - is the City Council agreeable to expanding the course at this time Layout – discussion and input on the proposed layout Next Steps – if the Council is agreeable to move forward, should a neighborhood meeting be held ATTACHMENT 1 – Bassett Creek Disc Golf Course: Existing (white) and Proposed (orange) Page 4 of 6 ATTACHMENT 2 Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Approved Minutes March 3, 2010 The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Merriam, Ms. Sodd, Ms. Kalvik, Mr. Schuneman, Mr. Lehnertz and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were, Mr. Selton, Council Liaison; Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff and Mr. Solberg and Mr. Hutchinson from Disc Golf. Since there were visitors, the agenda was re-arranged so that Disc Golf would be the first topic discussed. Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Jungroth, Mr. Mathisen and Ms. Hackett met earlier to discuss course layout. Mr. Hutchinson presented a disc golf layout that could include 18 holes. The first overhead was the existing course , the second one showed a 16 hole course. This layout uses the MNDot turnback property along highway 100, and restructures some of the existing holes. The sub -committee was mostly in agreement with this layout. The 3rd overhead showed options to get the next 2 holes to make 18. These options included either 2 holes in the woods, 2 holes on the peninsula or a combination of 1 woods/1penisula. Discussion between the Commission and Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Solberg: East section of course and turnback property: Heavily wooded, will the holes show fit there? When combined with the park property along highway 100, 6 holes should fit in there. There are some wet areas that may be a problem during certain times of the year. Can we use the turnback property? Mr. Solberg said that a permit can be obtained from MNDot. Mr. Selton thought that the city EDA is looking at purchasing the property from redevelopment. Staff will check into this. Concern over the curving hole #2 and proximity to the houses. The hole can be re-adjusted as necessary. Concern over the holes behind the houses on Welcome. A neighborhood meeting will have to be held to get input. Again, the holes can be adjusted. Woods – West side: Prefer to stay out of the woods – leave for conservation area. There is a lot of buckthorn in there. The disc golf group would be willing to clean out the buckthorn and plant desirable vegetation. It may help with some erosion from the present course as players take a short cut across the hill instead of on the pathway, and these new holes would change the trail. Maintenance concerns if holes were in the woods. Maintenance could be an issue because of park staff cutbacks. Mowing will be minimized in some areas (here and the turnback property). Discs will go into the woods. Players will be intrusive. Discs may fly off course and players will go get them. Page 5 of 6 Peninsula Concern regarding using this passive open space. These 2 holes make the course flow since players end up back at the start. A water hole lends an interesting aspect to the course. Concern that discs will go into the water and players will wear down the shoreline vegetation to get them. Provide only 1 way to get down to the water. Concern that by using this area, the disc golf is taking up too much area. T he Commission needs to remember that the park is for all users. Disc golf is popular and having 18 holes would be beneficial to the players and make this a premier course. The passive area can still be used to enjoy the pond. Compromise Holes Suggestion that doing a combination of 1 woods and 1 peninsula hole may work. Either one of the woods holes will require extensive work to clear the buckthorn; the group is willing to do that. Temporary baskets for tournament have been used on the peninsula. Moved by Mr. Jungroth and seconded by Ms. Kalvik to expand the disc golf course to 18 holes using 2 holes on the peninsula on a trial basis and contingent upon receiving a permit form MNDot for the 3 holes on the turnback property. If the turnback property is not available, 15 holes will be planned. Development of the expansion is dependent that the additional holes are developed at no cost to the city and the baskets are donated by the disc golf group. Motion Carried 5 – 2 Aye: Haney, Jungroth, Kalvik, Sodd, Lehnertz Nay: Merriam, Schuneman The next steps will be to: Check with the EDA and MNDot regarding the permit process Schedule a City Council work session Depending on that outcome, schedule a public meeting. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Draft Minutes April 7, 2010 The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were:, Ms. Sodd, Ms. Kalvik, Mr. Schuneman, Mr. Lehnertz and Mr. Jungroth. Al so present were, Mr. Selton, Council Liaison; Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff and Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Solberg from Disc Golf. Ms. Hackett reviewed the Disc Golf memo. The turn back property is not available for the course so the Commission should discuss where the expansion could take place. Mr. Hutchinson showed alternatives to the Commission so that this could be attained. Page 6 of 6 The woods are still off limits so Mr. Hutchinson suggested adding a hole over by the picnic area and then instead of reconfiguring the holes in the west field, they would remain the same there. This would give the course 18 holes. The Commission still would prefer to expand the course to 18 holes. Mr. Schuneman said that while at the park on a Saturday, discs were going off course. He had a safety concern with the amount of people using the park. Mr. Jungroth and Ms. Haney said that the course could be changed if there are problems and complaints. The next step is to schedule a work session with the city council. Ms. Hackett will check into their schedule. Mr. Hutchinson will work on drawing the new course layout for the work session. THE CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS ARE IN BOLD. Crystal City Council Meeting Preliminary Agenda May 4, 2010 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers I. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. PROCLAMATIONS The Mayor will issue the following proclamations: a. May 9 – 15, 2010 as National Police Week and May 15, 2010 as Peace Officer Memorial Day in the City of Crystal; and b. May 17 – June 13 is Step to it Challenge Month in the City of Crystal. III. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES The Council will consider the minutes from the following meetings in a single motion: a. The Regular City Council Meeting from April 20; and b. The Council Work Session from April 20, 2010. IV. CONSENT AGENDA The Council will consider the following items, which are routine and non -controversial in nature, in a single motion: 1. Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the City Clerk to the City Council, a list that is on file in the office of the City Clerk; and 2. Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the Finance Director to the City Council, a list that is on file in the office of the Finance Director. V. OPEN FORUM (Open forum is a time for individuals in the audience to address the Council on subjects not on the regular Council agenda. Individuals are asked to step up to the podium and speak clearly into the microphone. You are allowed 3 minutes to make your comments. The Council will not take action on items discussed during open forum; however, the Council may add the item to a future meeting agenda and ask city staff for follow-up.) Crystal City Council Meeting Agenda May 4, 2010 Page 2 of 3 VI. REGULAR AGENDA 1. The Council will consider the appointment of Samantha Erickson to the Planning Commission representing Ward 2 for a partial term expiring December 31, 2012. The interview committee recommends Samantha Erickson’s appointment to the Planning Commission. 2. The Council will consider a resolution ordering the Feasibility Study and SEH Contract for Phase 11 Broadway Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Project #2010-11. In order to keep next year’s project, Phase 11 (the Broadway neighborhood), of the Street Reconstruction program on schedule, the feasibility study and contract with SEH need to be approved. 3. The Council will consider a resolution awarding Project No. 2007 -20; Twin Oaks Pond Construction Contract. Competitive bids were received on April 27 for the Twin Oaks Pond project. Recommend approval of the resolution awarding the bid to the low bidder. 4. The Council will consider a resolution ordering preparation of plans and specifications and advertisement for bids – Project #2010-01; Winnetka Hills Sealcoat Project. Sealcoating of the Phase 1 (Winnetka Hills) area is scheduled for this year. Recommend approval of the resolution ordering plans and specifications and advertising bids for this project. 5. The Council will consider the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 215.03 of the City Code; election dates. Section 215.03 of the City Code needs to be modified to reflect recent changes in election dates. Recommend approval of the first reading of the ordinance making these changes. 6. The Council will consider a resolution authorizing the vacant office of Ward 4 Councilmember to be included in the 2010 Municipal Elections. To fill the vacancy of Ward 4 councilmember created by Councilmember Grimes’ resignation, Section 2.07 of the City Charter requires the vacant position to be filled at the next regular municipal election. Recommend approval of the resolution including this position in the 2010 municipal elections. Crystal City Council Meeting Agenda May 4, 2010 Page 3 of 3 VII. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION a. Citizen Input Time will be discontinued during the months of May through August but will resume again in September. The Mayor is available by appointment. b. The next City Council Meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. c. The City’s 50th Anniversary Celebration will be June 25-27. Sign up for the Amazing Race and attend the free picnic lunch on Saturday at Becker Park, order a personalized, commemorative banner, which will be displayed on West Broadway and Bass Lake Road during the summer. Submit a historical photo for inclusion to the memorable display at Becker Park. Registration deadlines are fast approaching. To learn more, call City Hall or visit the city’s website at www.ci.crystal.mn.us VIII. ADJOURNMENT IX. MEETING SCHEDULE ON MAY 4, 2010 Time Type of Meeting Place 6:00 – 6:25 p.m. 1st Council Work Session to discuss proposed Disk Golf expansion at Bassett Creek Park with members of the Parks & Recreation Commission Conference Room A 6:30 – 6:55 p.m. EDA Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Council Chambers After the Regular City Council Meeting Council Work Session to discuss: Amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance; Ward 4 vacancy & recruitment process; County proposal to restripe Douglas Drive to 3-lane; Section from Medicine Lake Road to CP Rail Tracks; and Update on Project No. 2007-11; City Hall & Library parking lots. Conference Room A Have a great weekend; see you at Tuesday’s meeting.