Park Advisory Board

10801 Town Square Drive City of Blaine Blaine, MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final Park Advisory Board Tuesday, July 28, 2015 7:00 PM Council Chambers 1. Call To Order The Blaine Park Advisory Board met in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. 1. Chair Bird called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Staff Present: Shari Kunza, Recreation Manager Bob Therres, Public Services Manager Present: 7 - Chair Bird, Comissioner Lester, Comissioner Pribbernow, Comissioner Das, Comissioner Varian, Comissioner Markle, and Comissioner Walsdorf 3. Approval of Minutes 3.-1 PB 15-27 APPROVAL OF MAY 26, 2015 PARK BOARD MINUTES The name of the architect is Mr. Scott Wiestling to fill in the blanks of the minutes. Motion by Commissioner Walsdorf to approve the minutes of May 26, 2015 as revised. Motion seconded by Commissioner Markle. Motion approved unanimously. Aye: 7 - Chair Bird, Comissioner Lester, Comissioner Pribbernow, Comissioner Das, Comissioner Varian, Comissioner Markle, and Comissioner Walsdorf 4. Open Forum for Citizen Input Chair Bird opened the Open Forum at 705 p.m. No one appeared to address the Commission. Chair Bird closed Open Forum at 7:06 p.m. 5. New Business 5.-1 PB 15-28 BUNKER-CHAIN OF LAKES REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN Ms. Karen Blaska from Anoka County Parks presented a draft of the City of Blaine Page 1 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 Bunker-Chain of Lakes Regional Trail connection through Blaine. She noted the Anoka County Regional Parks and Trails System has 7 Regional Parks, 1 Park Reserve, 2 Conservation Areas, 4 County Parks and 10 Regional Trails. Regional facilities are required to have an approved Master Plan to be eligible for funding through the Met Council. Over the past few years, she has worked to prepare the master plans. Currently the Bunker - Chain of Lakes Regional Trail Master Plan was drafted in July 2015. She reviewed the Master Plan in detail reviewing Boundaries & Acquisition Costs, Demand Forecast, Development Concept, Conflicts, Public Services, Operations, Public Engagement and Participation, Public Awareness and Accessibility. The Cost Estimate is $6M for three miles of trail including a pedestrian bridge at 35W and Sunset. There is no schedule for construction at this time. Funding is provided through a variety of sources, Met Council CIP, Park & Trail Legacy, Federal, etc. Now they are seeking public input on the Master Plan. The county will come back before the Council for a resolution showing support. Chair Bird asked about the section that goes through The Lakes Development. He stated everything to the East of the lakes is it part of the Wetland Sanctuary. It is just outside the Wetland Sanctuary to the north. He noted they are struggling of how people will go from the Wetland Sanctuary across to the Athletic complex. Ms. Blaska asked if a boardwalk would work and Chair Bird stated this would be across Lexington Avenue. Ms. Blaska stated she will look into the option of a pedestrian bridge over Lexington connecting the trails. Commissioner Varian asked how the City trails intersect with the plan. Ms. Blaska stated they are connected to the Regional Trail. On the west side of the City, there are a few trail connections that could be identified. Commissioner Markle thanked Ms. Blaska for her presentation. He asked if the trails that are in now and that are proposed are they different than the three Cities are using for their asphalt trails. Ms. Blaska stated they would be asphalt trails 8-10 ft. wide. Commissioner Markle asked about the signs for the trails. Ms. Blaska stated in some cases signage is deferred to the City. Commissioner Markle asked about the trail going out of East Lake Park into the Wetland Sanctuary and asked if that could be shared for some cost savings. Parking could be maximized. Ms. Blaska stated she will City of Blaine Page 2 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 research that to see if adjustments can be made. Commissioner Markle asked when talking about costs, how are the negotiations going on with the Cities as far as sharing the costs. Ms. Blaska stated generally the funds available require local participation. Commissioner Varian stated there is the same situation on 109th (Trail 2). Ms. Blaska stated she will look at that also. There is an existing trail that goes into Lochness Park. Commissioner Walsdorf asked if the pedestrian bridge over 35W doesn’t go through what is the alternative. Ms. Blaska stated the hopes are if the vehicle bridge is reconstructed the trail would be part of that. The pedestrian bridge would be the second option. Commissioner Das asked if there was a timeline and Ms. Blaska stated not at this time. Discussed 5.-2 Com 15-02 DISCUSSION ON BOAT DOCKS ON CITY PROPERTY Public Services Manager Therres reviewed the City has encountered a situation in the Lakes Development where a private resident has placed a boat dock for their boat on city owned property. The resident has asked the City if there is a way to keep the dock on the city owned property. Staff discussed three options with the City Council at a May workshop meeting. These options were: 1. Detain the property and continue to not allow docks or boats to use City property. 2. Lease or license the property to neighboring property owners who then could use the property to access the lake. 3. Turn back the property to abutting homeowners associations and retain easement over the existing trail. This led the City Council to refer it to the Park Board for discussion and a recommendation. The Council wants the Park Board’s input on whether we want to lease or license the City owned property, similar to our community gardens, or do we want to create a marina type setting where people lease slips at Lakeside Park. Or, do we not want to get into this type of operation. There was also some discussion on whether it would work, or not, to City of Blaine Page 3 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 put public docks at Lakeside Commons Park and charge a fee for usage. Staff requests the Park Board have a discussion on how to handle docks on City Property and discussion on installing a boat dock at Lakeside Commons Park. Mr. John Sawyer, 3236 122nd Avenue, Member of board for Lakes Master Association. They own the lake and manage the buffer zone. They are very interested in working with the City on what they want to do. Chair Bird asked if the Association controls who can or cannot put a dock on the lake. Mr. Sawyer stated in the sub-Association he belongs to there are bylaws that pertain to docks being put in. Everyone pays the same association fees. The bylaws allow the residents to develop 30% of their property in the buffer zone. Chair Bird stated his concern is the number of boats and how that would be controlled. He is not interested in leasing out slip space. He has seen pontoons beached along Lakeside Park. Commissioner Varian asked where the current dock is located. Mr. Therres stated it is not shown on the map, but indicated its location for the Commission. This is on City property. Chair Bird asked how far the owner of the dock lives from the dock and Mr. Therres stated they most likely live in the Townhouses and live 100 feet from the dock. Commissioner Das asked how a marina would work. Mr. Therres stated there are many options. Chair Bird asked how many boats are owned by the residents there and Mr. Sawyer stated there were 55 boats in the 4th of July boat parade. Mr. Sawyer added there are more than 55. Commissioner Markle asked if the owners of the homes/townhomes were aware of this issue when purchasing their homes. Mr. Sawyer stated the bylaws were part of their information package they received. Commissioner Markle stated he does not support the City getting into the marina business. He would like to provide an option that allows homeowners some access to docks. The leasing option would give the City more control. The Association owns the lake and everything but the trails. He is supportive of either option 2 or 3. City of Blaine Page 4 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 Mr. Sawyer stated there are many associations and he is not aware of how his board would vote. He stated the sub-associations may support it but he does not know how the Master Association would vote. The Master Association has control over the buffer zone and putting in docks. Chair Bird stated he is reluctant to give up the land and keeping control. He suggested a small marina might work. The Council may see that as a rental opportunity. He is more inclined to look at a limited option #2. Commissioner Das stated the City could try it and if it doesn’t work, go back to the way it was. He asked who maintains the shoreline and Mr. Sawyer stated it depends who owns the property. Commissioner Lester stated when all residents pay the same master association fees and if we went with option #2, they would be paying twice. Mr. Sawyer stated in the Emerald Bay Association their bylaws show actually who has rights and access to the lake. Commissioner Markle asked if the land was given back to the Association would it be owned by the Association or the homeowners. Mr. Sawyer stated there are different options. Commissioner Lester asked if the land was given back would the City be overriding the Master Association. Chair Bird stated when dealing with multiple associations there can be a mess when trying to determine which residents get docks. Mr. Therres stated the city would be giving it back to the adjoining property owner and they can decide how to deal with docks and enforcement. The City would be removed from the process. The Council would like to see a way this can be accommodated. Commissioner Markle stated there are many options and no clear answer. We haven’t given those residents any input at this point. He proposed that a meeting be held with concerned owners and have a way they can express their interest. In the meantime, the dock that is there should be removed since it is against City ordinance. Chair Bird requested staff research where dock area could be constructed in Lakeside Park. This would never be a revenue source for the City. City of Blaine Page 5 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 Commissioner Varian stated she likes the idea of having a meeting. She would like more information on the lease or license of the property would work. Chair Bird suggested a meeting be held separate from the regular Park Board meetings. Discussed 5.-3 PB 15-29 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FOR REPLACEMENT PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $220,000 FROM MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN PLAYGROUND FOR AQUATORE PARK Recreation Manager Kunza reviewed Aquatore Park Playground equipment is 21 years old and is in need of replacement. The cost of this playground with installation will be $220,000. The CIP Parks Fund will contribute $200,000 and the final $20,000 will be donated by the Blaine Festival. Staff exercised the purchasing cooperative of U.S. Communities Government Alliance and chose the playground equipment line manufactured by GameTime and supplied by Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground. This improvement will also include concrete border, playground equipment, benches, fiber, rubber surfaces, and installation. If approved, playground installation will be completed by October of this year. A drawing of the design and cost of the playground was provided for Board review. The signature piece of the playground would be a 100-foot zipline. Commissioner Walsdorf asked if the zipline is supervised. Ms. Kunza stated it is not a high-level zipline. The product would not be on the market without the safety zone. He stated he has a concern about the safety factor with the zipline. He asked if there have been issues with ziplines in other areas. Ms. Kunza stated none that she has heard of. Parent supervision is recommended at all playgrounds and parks. Commissioner Varian stated she is concerned about there being enough benches for parents to sit on. Ms. Kunza stated there are four but none in the swingset area. Ms. Kunza stated she will look to see if there is room near the swings and also near the zipline. Commissioner Das asked if this playground is suited for 6-7 year olds and Ms. Kunza stated there are items for younger kids also. Commissioner Das asked about picnic tables. Ms. Kunza stated there are quite a few picnic tables but none with concrete pads. Chair Bird stated the new system footprint is within the existing City of Blaine Page 6 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 footprint and Ms. Kunza stated it is the same exact size. His initial concern was with the zipline but he assumes the League of MN Cities would have checked that out. Commissioner Bird asked if trees would be removed and Ms. Kunza stated no trees will be removed for this project. Commissioner Markle asked what the receiving end landing surface was constructed of. Ms. Kunza stated she does not know and will research and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Markle suggested the more seating available would be good. He feels there needs to be more than 4-6 benches. Chair Bird suggested possibly an Eagle Scout project would be benches. Commissioner Das asked if any of the equipment is ADA compliant. Ms. Kunza stated it is partially handi-capped accessible. Commissioner Walsdorf stated in the cost estimate he doesn’t see the zipline listed. Ms. Kunza stated the $123,000 includes the zipline. The zipline is approximately $11,000. Motion by Commissioner Pribbernow to recommend the proposal from Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground for playground equipment purchase and installation at Aquatore Park in an amount not to exceed $220,000. Motion seconded by Commissioner Varian. Motion approved unanimously. Aye: 7 - Chair Bird, Comissioner Lester, Comissioner Pribbernow, Comissioner Das, Comissioner Varian, Comissioner Markle, and Comissioner Walsdorf 5.-4 PB 15-30 STAFF SPOTLIGHT: JOY HANDT, RECREATION COORDINATOR Recreation Manager Kunza reviewed Joy Handt has worked for the Parks and Recreation Department since May of 2008. She coordinates the Play-Net Blaine summer playground program and the Leader in Training (LIT) program. The Play-Net program has approximately 450 participants, 15 staff and 12 LIT. Joy is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, coaching and evaluating staff; providing the plan for the 8-week summer program; communicating with parents, staff, and participants; and securing supplies. Joy also teaches our babysitting courses and assists at events and on field trips. Joy works full time during the summer months and part-time during the school year. Joy also served as a Park Board Member from 1997-2002. Joy works as a special education paraprofessional for the Mounds View School District at the Snail Lake Kindergarten Center. Joy has a degree in Child Development and opened a home day care for 11 City of Blaine Page 7 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 years. Many of the children who attended her day care are now working for us. Joy lives in Blaine with her husband Kenny, sons Derek and Nick and her Yorkie Minnie. She loves to spend her weekends at her cabin on Knife Lake. Joy also enjoys reading and gardening. When asked about why she likes to work for our department, Joy responded, “I enjoy being out at the parks and watching the kids”. The playground program provides kids with a fun, structured atmosphere where they can be kids, enjoy their summer, and participate in active games and crafts. Joy helps make memories for these participants and staff that will last a lifetime. Joy’s staff are mainly 17-22 year olds. Joy enjoys helping them develop their leadership skills and live up to their full potential. Joy is one of our top performing staff. She brings creativity and energy to our department. She is one of those people that you enjoy working with and want her to stay around forever. We are grateful to Joy for all she has given to our department and residents of Blaine. Joy is supervised by Nate Monahan. Nate had this to say about Joy: “Joy is a model employee who has a great passion for making the Parks and Recreation Department the best it can be by showing a great work ethic in all aspects of the job. Joy is someone we could NEVER REPLACE and we plan on keeping her until she retires at ANY COST!” Informational: no action required 5.-5 PB 15-31 PARK UPDATES Recreation Manager Shari Kunza provided Park Updates on the following: Kids Triathlon - The 2nd annual Blaine Kids Triathlon distances include; 100 or 165 yard swim, 2.3-mile bike and finishes with a 1 mile run. Questions please call Nate at 763-785-6151. Fee includes race shirt, swim cap, refreshments and a medal. This race is not timed. Parents are encouraged to be the timekeepers for their children. For more information and to register go to blaineparks.com. Registration begins May 16, 2015 Max 100. For Ages 7-14 at Lakeside Commons Park. Saturday, July 25 8a.m. $30/Resident; $33/Non-Resident. Family Fun night was a huge success. 50 Park Challenge - The rules for the 50 Park challenge were provided for Board review. This is being sponsored by the 50th Anniversary City of Blaine Page 8 Park Advisory Board Minutes - Final July 28, 2015 Committee. The deadline is August 7, 2015. Back to the 60’s - Tuesday, August 11, 2015, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Aquatore Park. Pig Roast $5 per person - ticket required includes pork, sides, beverage and dessert. Purchase tickets in advance at the Senior Center or City Hall. Limited to 300 people. Dinner served 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tickets not available at the door. Bring a lawn chair. Games include lawn twister, outdoor yahtzee, playdough, hippity hop races, hoolahoops, bag toss and three square. Everyone welcome. A ticket is not needed for games or entertainment. Featuring the Rockin’ Hollywoods. Lexington Athletic Complex Grand Opening will be held August 18, 2015. Commissioner Varian stated she heard on the radio that 90% of the adults in Finland participate in sports. Informational: no action required Adjournment Commissioner Das motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Pribbernow seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. Chair Bird adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Aye: 7 - Chair Bird, Comissioner Lester, Comissioner Pribbernow, Comissioner Das, Comissioner Varian, Comissioner Markle, and Comissioner Walsdorf City of Blaine Page 9