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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 10-19 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 19, 1993 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Mead, Peterson, and Russell. Also present were City Councilmember Kristen Mann, City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone, Westwood Professional Services Representatives Tim Erkilla and Ann Deuring. PUBLIC HEARING - TWIN LAKES' TRAIL Chairperson Sorenson introduced commissioners and staff members present at the meeting. Erkilla reviewed the history of the city's development. He said in 1989, Westwood Professional Services was asked to conduct a planning study of the Twin Lakes' area. Erkilla reviewed the goals of the Twin Lakes' study, which included establishing a format for inter- city communications, establishing a year-round approach to management, preserving natural resources, improving water quality, and developing a trail system. Erklla said Westwood looked at ways to link the lakes but were troubled by barriers such as Highway 100, no east- west crossing, railroad tracks, and water hazards. An attempt was made to provide a more organized way to go around the lakes. Erkilla said this is an informational meeting with a planning concept being presented at this time. Deuring proceeded to review the specifics of the trail concept. She noted feasible but safe trails would not always be on the lake, but rather the focus is on loops around the lake. She reviewed four general profiles of trails, including on-road trails, a sidewalk on at least one side of the street, a detached-from-the-road trail, and sidewalks on both sides of the street with no room for a detached trail. The Director of Recreation pointed out all of this information is preliminary at this time. Erkilla said the routes would be indicated in various ways, such as posting signs that say "Lake Loop", striping on the street, signs on the streets, or available maps or handouts. He added in residential settings there would not be massive changes. Any off-road trails would have to be constructed. 0 10/19/93 - 1 - Chairperson Sorenson opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing. He recognized Rosemary Wiley, who said she owns property at the north end of the lake and would be affected by the alternate route presented. She suggested using existing streets and park land rather than going after vacant property. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Peter Bruske who asked if there would be a marking like a yellow line on the streets so motorists know this is part of the trail. Erkilla responded the City would look for input from residents on how much identification is needed, adding this is a decision the community needs to make. Bruske asked how the section between the Middle and Upper Twin Lakes would work. Erkilla noted in other cities boardwalks have been installed. In response to a question on how to deal with the railroad tracks, Erkilla said there has been a dialogue opened up with the Soo Line. Bruske noted in the letter from the City sent to residents, there was information indicating there may be as many as six private properties purchased, and he asked where these are located. Erkilla indicated these are usually in the green areas on the map before everyone this evening. Chairperson Sorenson recognized George Knath, who identified himself as a property owner in the northeast area of the proposed system. He thought the trail system is an excellent idea and is looking forward to its implementation. He wondered how much detail there is known on the acquisition of property. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Bill Swanson of 5737 June Avenue North. Swanson noted the proposed alternate route on the north end will impact most of those who live in this area. He said some of this route has been under four feet of water and installing a trail system would disturb a natural wetland. The Director of Recreation said when this process started, City staff asked Westwood Professional Services to propose the best possible trail. However, he pointed out the City does not want to buy houses if not necessary. Swanson said it is very important to have neighborhood input in this process. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Harlan Lewandowski who had questions regarding the green strip on the south end of Upper Twin Lake. He asked if all the trails need to be tarred, and Deuring responded they do not. Lewandowski noted the Soo Line's major route into the Twin Cities comes through this area, and it is also close to a switching yard. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Jim Krebsbach, who said he lives at the north end of Twin Lake. He expressed concern about the cost of putting in one and one-half blocks of sidewalk and suggested removing this part of the trail right now. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Kermit Kalleberg of 5718 June Avenue North. Kalleberg asked what the cost of this project is and where the money will come from. Erkilla said the money is not available now because this is not a funded project. He reviewed some cost estimates and was unsure of what Brooklyn Center's exact costs might be. Erkilla added the cost of the loops would be shared by the cities. Deuring noted the total loop cost for all three cities is estimated at $872,000, of which $476,000 are capital costs. She suggested Brooklyn 10/19/93 -2- 0 Center's final cost would be approximately $283,000. The City Manager noted this does not include any purchase of rights-of-way. A discussion proceeded regarding easements. Erkilla said there are a multitude of grant programs available. He added the City of Brooklyn Center is in complete control of any work that is done in Brooklyn Center. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Kevin Sitter from June Avenue North, who said the northern routes in green lines through the properties as indicated on the map would be much more costly than the other alternative. The Director of Recreation pointed out with any upgrading of Highway 100 in the next few years, having a plan in place will help defer the City's cost for trails near the highway. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Bill Gentry, the chair of the joint city committee who lives in Crystal. Gentry said the City of Crystal's informational meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening. Erkilla noted when grant programs and shared costs are factored in, there may not be a great expense to the City of Brooklyn Center. He said some of the bigger issues of concern should be safety, impact on neighborhoods, and disruption of neighborhoods. Erkilla said this is a big plan and probably could be done piece-by-piece over time. He urged residents to think about what they would like to leave their children and grandchildren. Erkilla added people who would use the trail will be neighbors, and there will not be a lot of outside people using the trail system because it will not be big enough or attractive enough to attract people from outside of the area. Lewandowski asked if the trail could be put on the other side of the railroad tracks near the channel. Deuring said this is all wetland, although Erkilla noted this might be a viable option. Councilmember Mann suggested another alternate route might be an option if the Wileys are thinking of subdividing their property. She asked if this is done, would June and Indiana Avenues connect. The Director of Public Works said he is not sure about this. Councilmember Mann asked residents if they would oppose an on-street trail in front of their homes. Swanson said he would oppose connecting June and Indiana Avenues North. He added the street is safe for younger children now, and if it is opened up, the increased traffic would be to everyone's dissatisfaction and may create a safety problem. Knath suggested an alternative on the north end of the system would be to close June Avenue to Bass Lake Road but let a path go through this area. The Director of Public Works said with regard to the issue of routes in the north area, the discussion indicates a need to meet with the property owners to identify alternatives and look at what works. Erkilla added there are some critical areas in the system with few options and others where there are multiple alternatives. • 10/19/93 -3- Chairperson Sorenson asked for general comments on the proposed system as a whole. Swanson said a lot of the existing trail is used right now but is not marked. He does not disagree with the concept presented this evening. Sitter said he likes the concept of thinking in terms of safety. Bruske asked a question regarding the section along the Joslyn property, and Erkilla noted there may be a new route on land currently privately owned and zoned industrial. The Director of Public Works said the Joslyn property is vacant and is in the process of soil corrections (the contaminated soils are being dealt with). There is very little contamination on the western edge of this property. The Director of Public Works said the Joslyn site is open to discussion, particularly because this property is at the edge of a wetland and cannot be developed even though it is zoned industrial. Krebsbach said he does not understand why the alternate route at the top end of the system was even put there when homeowners are impacted. Jeff Klein of June Avenue North said he favors the loop system but prefers the upper of the two green lines on the map for the trail in the north area. Lewandowski noted there is a dead end on the west end near Middle Twin Lake where it is necessary to go around to get through. Chairperson Sorenson thanked the residents for attending this evening's meeting. The City Manager said the cities of Brooklyn Center, Crystal, and Robbinsdale are holding informational meetings and any recommendations will be presented to the city councils. He added when our city council addresses this issue, there will be a formal public hearing. The City Manager encouraged residents to call the him, the director of public works, the director of recreation, or Councilmember Mann if they have any questions regarding this issue. RECESS There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to recess the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission recessed at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened at 8:37 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Mead to approve the minutes of the September 21, 1993, park and recreation commission meeting. The motion passed. MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROJECT/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE It was noted there were some pages missing from the draft of the Comprehensive Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement Summary for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The City Manager said he has information he will forward to the commission regarding this. He noted the park service would serve more in a coordinator role rather than a dictator role. He added the regulations are in draft form and would not be finalized until next year. 10/19/93 -4- 0 The City Manager said the Department of Natural Resources is constructing a handicap- accessible fishing pier in River Ridge Park. There is also a proposal to finish the trail from the freeway to 57th Avenue North. There was discussion regarding this trail system. Commissioner Mead asked if the fishing pier is under the jurisdiction of the county, and the City Manager responded affirmatively. He added the City does police the area, however. Commissioner Russell said the City of Minneapolis is in the process of finishing the trail section south of Lions Park. Commissioner Pollock entered the meeting at this time. OTHER BUSINESS The City Manager said the city council approved replacing the playground equipment in Central Park this year. He noted in the capital improvements program, there is a request for preliminary funds for flood plain analysis, particularly because of the great deal of traffic on the Shingle Creek trailway near Palmer Lake. The Director of Public Works said the 69th Avenue bridge across Shingle Creek is in bad enough condition so the City is eligible for state and federal funding to replace it. It will be similar to the bridge across Shingle Creek where pedestrians can cross underneath the road. The City Manager said traffic should be running through 69th Avenue North by approximately November 15. He has received a lot of positive comments on the parkway design on 69th Avenue North, east of Brooklyn Boulevard. The City Manager said it will be necessary to take a good look at the Shingle Creek trail because it is approximately ten to 12 years old. With regard to the Joslyn property, he said soil remediation should be complete by the end of next year. Councilmember Mann asked the City Manager if the city council had asked the park and recreation commission to look at equipment types as they are replaced in the playgrounds at city parks. The City Manager said one of the council members expressed a concern that the equipment looks all the same. Chairperson Sorenson asked what age range is targeted for the equipment installed at Freeway and Northport Parks. The Director of Recreation responded the age group is from between three and 12 years old, noting eight feet is the highest height allowed for playground equipment under safety standards. The Director of Recreation said officials from Willow Lane School may be approaching the City about doing a joint playground project. Commissioner Russell said it is a good idea to work jointly when possible. The Director of Recreation said he received a nice letter from some Northport area residents who like the equipment installed in that park. Commissioner Mead pointed out the playground equipment at Northport School is oriented towards older children, and the new city equipment is geared towards younger children. He thought this is a good balance to have. There was discussion regarding equipment at Evergreen Park. 0 10/19/93 -5- Commissioner Peterson asked if 1993 is an illustration of a 100-year flood. The Director of Public Works said we did not get close to the 100-year flood; this was more like a 20-year flood. He said the most significant flooding occurred at East Palmer Lake Park and the golf course. NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY GROUPS/PARK WATCH GROUPS The Personnel Coordinator reviewed a list of considerations the police department developed regarding the feasibility of activating park watch groups. Chairperson Sorenson requested this item be placed on the November commission agenda. PUBLIC HEARING - TWIN LAKES' TRAIL (Continued) Chairperson Sorenson asked if there is anything the park and recreation commission should decide or recommend this evening regarding the Twin Lakes' trail. The Director of Recreation suggested waiting for the cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale to hold their informational meetings before making a recommendation. Chairperson Sorenson asked that this item be included on the November agenda. OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) Chairperson Sorenson said he got a request from a resident who asked that Brooklyn Center residents receive a discount at the golf course. The Director of Recreation said this would be difficult to enforce. Chairperson Sorenson asked that this item be added to the November agenda. The Director of Recreation pointed out the golf course is not costing taxpayers anything. He added the fall rates are in effect at the golf course at this time. Commissioner Mead pointed out only regular golfers know of the discount. Barone said she will ask the communications coordinator to send a press release to the newspapers regarding the fall discount. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the park and recreation commission is scheduled for November 16, 1993, at 6:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Mead to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Chairperson 10/19/93 -6- 0