Parks & Natural Resources Commission

City of Woodbury Woodbury City Hall 8301 Valley Creek Road Woodbury, MN 55125 651-714-3583 Minutes of Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Commission Members Present: Bruce Montgomery, Deborah Musser, Rachel Nelson, Wallace Wadd, Brandon Mersch, Emerson Siefken Commission Member(s) Absent: Arin Kurttila, Timothy Brewington, II Commission Member Virtual: Greta Bjerkness Councilmember In-person: Councilmember Kim Wilson Staff Present: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director Sergeant Chris Donahoe Josh Kinney, Parks Planner Belinda Reed, Recording Secretary Staff Virtual: Jodi Sauro, Parks and Recreation Coordinator Call to Order Commissioner Musser called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Okada introduced Sergeant Chris Donahoe to the Commission, noting Sergeant Donahoe will be a valuable resource during the Commission’s ordinance discussion. Open Forum Members of the public were in attendance in-person and virtually. Action Items A. May 3, 2022, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Commissioner Musser asked for the approval of the Minutes of the May 3, 2022, meeting of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Montgomery, seconded by Commissioner Wadd, to approve the May 3, 2022, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes. Vote: In favor All present Against None Absent Commissioners Bjerkness, Kurttila, Brewington B. 2023-2027 Parks and Trails System Capital Improvement Projects Annual Review – Memorandum No. 22 – 17 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes June 7, 2022 Page 2 Ms. Okada noted staff presented the draft 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at the City Council workshop on May 18, 2022, during which time the Council provided initial direction to staff to fine tune the plan, prior to the City Council’s formal adoption of the plan scheduled at the June 15, 2022, City Council meeting. Ms. Okada noted that, as outlined in the memorandum, the CIP is a five-year planning document with no expenditure authorized until the capital project or equipment is placed in the annual budget for appropriation authorization. It was noted that the PNRC work plan includes a review of the CIP. The PNRC was encouraged to let staff know if there are any questions, any projects they think are missing from the current draft plan or identify items they would like to see evaluated or considered in a future CIP. Ms. Okada highlighted the higher-level park and trail system related projects proposed in the CIP, which projects would be funded primarily through the Capital Improvement, Parks and Trails Replacement, Park Dedication Fund and Enterprise funds: Eagle Valley Golf Course (EVGC) and M Health Fairview Sports Center (MHFVSC). Ms. Okada noted that Central Park is shown as a line item and as the project continues to evolve, the City Council will provide direction to staff regarding Option A and/or Option B. It was noted that as no bonding bill is being proposed at this time by the Minnesota State Legislature, the Central Park bonding request is up in the air; however, there is still potential for a special session to be called. Ms. Okada highlighted a number of park developments including Dundalk Green, now being called Canvas North, which includes a small park adjacent to a private neighborhood amenity and development of Turnberry Park, which has been on hold for several years waiting for the nearby areas to be developed, but the park development process is now anticipated to begin with neighborhood meetings taking place in the fall of 2022. With regard to the East Woodbury/Cottage Grove Drive park project (located east of Bailey Nursery property, which is adjacent on the east side of Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Church property), Ms. Okada noted that $80k is proposed for the study portion of the master planning process, which is similar to what was done in the South of Dale Master Plan. Ms. Okada noted that the master plans position the City to maximize the desired new parks and trail locations to complement the entire City park system, so that when developers are ready to develop the area, they already are aware of what the City is looking to provide. A discussion ensued with regard to the proposed replacement of the Colby Lake Park rink area to include 6 pickleball courts, under lights, which will allow play earlier in the spring and extend play in the fall. It was noted that with the desire and call for additional pickleball courts, staff continues to look at opportunities and cost-effective ways to add amenities to the overall park system. At this time, Chair Bjerkness joined the meeting virtually. C. Park Ordinance Change Recommendations – Memorandum No. 22 – 18 Ms. Okada thanked the Commissioners for the ordinance discussion which took place during the May PNRC meeting and again thanked Sergeant Chris Donahoe for being present to address Public Safety related questions, as the Commission continues the ordinance discussion. It was noted that after taking into account the Commissioner’s previous input at the May meeting, as reflected in the ordinance changes being proposed at the meeting, that if there is Commission consensus, the recommendations could be made by one motion and staff would then move the ordinance changes forward for City Council’s consideration. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes June 7, 2022 Page 3 Ms. Okada noted that the City Attorney has advised to only reference the Minnesota State Statute by subdivision, as sections may be updated in the future and by only using subdivision references, the City Ordinance would not have to be updated. An in-depth discussion took place with regard to Sec. 16-36. – Definitions and Sec. 16-46. – Bicycling of Chapter 16 – Parks and Recreation of the City Code. During the May PNRC meeting, there was consensus to stay consistent with State Statute and define “Bicycle” and Electric-assisted Bicycle” as defined by MN State Statute, which would include allowing Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes in our trail system. Commission concerns included:  Alcohol consumption while operating an electric-assisted bicycle; either Class 1 or Class 2 on City trails  Operating an e-bike near a playground or where children are present  The 20-mph trail speed  Injuries to others should a crash occur between a pedestrian trail user and an e-bike operator  Enforcement Sergeant Donahoe noted that while a DWI charge for a human powered bike rider is not enforceable, if an incident occurred on a trail with someone impaired and operating a bike or e-bike there are other avenues available for enforcement like disorderly conduct that could be applied. It was noted that as with any manually peddled bike, any crash could result in a possible injury with the seriousness depending on the angle of the contact. It was noted that motorized recreation vehicles, such as golf carts, are not currently allowed on City trails. Ms. Okada noted that staff has received complaints regarding manual bike riders going too fast on City trails. According to State Statute, e-bike operators must be at least 15 years old. Mr. Smidt noted that e-bikes are becoming lighter, and they are going to become more normal looking like a regular peddle bike. The ordinance change being proposed would allow fines to be applied if an accident should happen and help Public Safety address any issues that might come up. It was noted that a DWI is a civil process and has to do with licensure. Operating an e-bike does not require a license. It was further noted that State Statute involves another process if a golf cart operator is driving under the influence. Section 16-40 – Hours and Access – Ms. Okada noted that the changes provide consistency and practical application. There are times the Parks and Recreation Department has to temporarily close a certain section of a park – i.e. Carver Lake Park beach closure due to blue green algae. Any permanent closure would require City Council approval. There was consensus to the changes proposed in the Park Ordinance Change Recommendation PNRC Memorandum No. 22-18, namely: Section 16-40 – Hours and Access; 16-52 – Hunting, fishing and molesting wildlife; Sec. 16-53 – Fires; Sec. 16-59 – Alcoholic beverages; Sec. 16-67 Traffic Rules; Sec. 16-68 – Tobacco. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes June 7, 2022 Page 4 Sec. 16-53 – Fires, staff will review signage as well as add language to exclusive rental permits with regard to where grilling is permitted in public space. Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the proposed ordinance changes to Chapter 16 – Parks and Recreation of the City Code, as outlined and summarized in the Park Ordinance Change Recommendations – Memorandum No. 22 – 18, (with the exception of Sec. 16-36. – Definitions and Sec. 16-46. – Bicycling), to move forward as the Parks and Natural Resources Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for consideration and adoption. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Musser, seconded by Commissioner Wadd, to approve the proposed ordinance changes to Chapter 16 – Parks and Recreation of the City Code, as outlined and summarized in the Park Ordinance Change Recommendations – Memorandum No. 22 – 18, (with the exception of Sec. 16-36. – Definitions and Sec. 16-46. – Bicycling), to move forward as the Parks and Natural Resources Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for consideration and adoption. Vote: In favor All in-person and/or Virtual Against None Absent Commissioners Brewington, Kurttila Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the proposed ordinance changes to Chapter 16 – Parks and Recreation of the City Code, Sec. 16-36. – Definitions and Sec. 16-46. – Bicycling, as outlined and summarized in the Park Ordinance Change Recommendations – Memorandum No. 22 – 18, to move forward as the Parks and Natural Resources Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for consideration and adoption. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Musser, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery, to approve the proposed ordinance changes to Chapter 16 – Parks and Recreation of the City Code, Sec. 16-36. – Definitions and Sec. 16-46. – Bicycling, as outlined and summarized in the Park Ordinance Change Recommendations – Memorandum No. 22 – 18, to move forward as the Parks and Natural Resources Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for consideration and adoption. Vote: In favor Commissioners Bjerkness, Montgomery, Musser, Wadd Against Commissioner Nelson Absent Commissioners Brewington, Kurttila Discussion Items A. Current Projects Mr. Kinney provided the Commission with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting images of the parks currently under construction including: Highcroft Park, park at the Briarcroft development, and completed parks: Fair Haven Park, Summerlin Park and Valley Creek Park. Valley Creek park playground was noted as substantially complete with the exception of installing woodchips in the playground container. The Miller Barn is complete and the Phase II trail project is approximately 50 percent completed. Ms. Okada noted that the City is working with the Woodbury Heritage Society on planning a grand opening event at Valley Creek Park. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes June 7, 2022 Page 5 Ms. Okada noted the Federal program, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Shawnee Park, includes a new hockey rink, revamped softball fields, drainage improvements, trails, playground replacement, and work in the pickleball court area. B. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 22 – 16 Ms. Okada highlighted the Miracle Field, which is celebrating 10 years, noting the league has grown and the City is now hosting two leagues as well as adding additional adaptive programs as the community continues to grow. M Health Fairview Sports Center west rink change from a sand floor to a concrete floor involved 26 truckloads of cement poured over almost 10 miles of piping under the concrete. Council Report – Councilmember Wilson Councilmember Wilson noted the upcoming meetings of the City Council include a Council workshop retreat at EVGC Clubhouse, Wednesday, June 8, starting at 6 p.m.; City Council meeting on June 15 at 7 p.m.; two listening sessions on the subject of water quality coming up at the end of the month: Tuesday, June 28 at noon and Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m.; Council workshop on Wednesday, June 29 at Central Park at 6:30 p.m.; and the City’s 4th of July celebration at MHFVSC on Monday, July 4, starting at 6 p.m. with bands, food trucks, fireworks at dusk, etc. Announcements/Miscellaneous Ms. Okada noted that PNRC Chair Bjerkness will be presenting the Commission’s Environmental Stewardship recommendation letter to the City Council for consideration during the Council’s upcoming workshop on June 8. Ms. Okada noted that the scheduled PNRC July 12, meeting has been cancelled and noted that no meeting was scheduled in August. The Commission agreed to meet at Andy’s Bark Park and Community Garden site prior to the September 6, PNRC meeting. In the meantime, the Commissioners were encouraged to visit the various new park sites and provide feedback to staff. Woodbury Days in August. Ms. Okada noted that there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the Woodbury Days event being held on August 19, 20 and 21. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Belinda Reed ________________________________ Belinda Reed Administrative Assistant Approved by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on September 6, 2022.