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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP April 8, 1997 If CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (612) 755-5100 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL/PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING ~ APRIL 8, 1997 - MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council and Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on April 8, 1997, 7:05 p.m., at the Bunker Hills Activity Center, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Knight, Orttel Councilmember absent: Dehn, Kunza Commissioners present: Chairperson O'Toole, Anderson, Barringer, Blackstad, Grabowski, Kieffer, Lindahl Also present: Parks Department, Kevin Starr Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas City Engineer, Scott Erickson Others PRESENTATION ON CITY-WIDE BIKEWAY/WALKWAY TRAIL SYSTEM Mr. Erickson reviewed the City-wide bikeway and walkway trail system as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in 1991. The purpose is to provide routes to get to and from various places such as the City Hall park complex, Kelsey-Round Lake Park, etc. The system would consist of 10-foot wide bituminous interconnected trails. At the moment, the Park Board is concentrating on the construction of those trails in the urban area. COON CREEK BIKEWAY/WALKWAY TRAIL DISCUSSION/IP95~24 Mayor McKelvey opened the item up for public comment. Dave ? . Creekview Crossinq - asked if the trail is going to stay on the service road along the creek or will it move off of it. Today flag markers were placed toward property lines. Mr. Erickson stated the markers were not placed there by the City. The trail will be placed along the service road because of economics and the wetland. ? - felt the portion of the path along Hanson Boulevard from the creek to Andover Boulevard would be a waste of money since it wouldn't be used if the trail continues along the south side of the creek west of the road. He felt that money would be better spent trying to provide a safe way across Bunker Lake Boulevard or Hanson Boulevard. Also, the foot bridge across Highway 10 is being removed, and he suggested possibly the City could check into purchasing that bridge to use ?s a crosswalk. Mayor McKelvey stated that could be done. He also noted that eventually the trail will go up Hanson Boulevard to connect with those by the schools and the City parks. When the EPA allows it, the City will place the trail along the south side of Coon Creek between Hanson and Crosstown Boulevard. At that time, arrangements will be made for an underpass or overpass across Hanson Boulevard. There is no time' "-.- ... ..-. (ITì , ~ " Joint Andover City Council/Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 8, 1997 Page 2 (Coon Creek Bikeway/Walkway Trail Discussion/IP9S-24, Continued) frame for that yet. Staff answered several other questions on the proposal. It still calls for a bridge on the east side of the tra~ks. Potentially there may be a bridge on the west side in the future. ? - stated it doesn't make sense to have a bridge on the west side. Mayor McKelvey stated he received several calls from people in the Hills of Bunker Lake to the south of the creek askiI,g for a bridge so they. can have access to the trails. Greq Larson. 1294 141st Lane NW - stated it sounds like regardless of how much opposition there is, the Council is still planning to go ahead with the path. If so, he asked if their taxes, which are higher for those living along the nature park, will be adjusted accordingly. He purchased his property with the understanding this was to remain a nature park and have a nature trail, not a 10-foot wide exercise path. Council explained the taxes are based on market value. If people £eel there is a problem, they should call the county assessor and have their properties re-evaluated. Mr. Larson - stated this is an issue of good faith. They purchased their homes in good faith, then the City upgraded their plans on the trails in 1991 and now an exercise trail is being proposed. 'The developers were not notified of that change. The Park Commissioners explained the intent when the City acquired that property has always been to construct a trail along the creek. That intent has never changed. It is a multi-use trail, and the state has changed its standards recently on such trails to 10 feet wide. There are no classifications of nature versus exercise trails. Tonv Broski. the south side of the creek - asked how the proposed' bikeway will get from the north to the south side of Bunker Lake Boulevard. He suggested the trail run down Hanson Boulevard to Bunker Lake Boulevard where there can be a safe crossing at the light, then go east along the south side of Bunker Lake Boulevard to the Bunker prairie park. He felt that is a wiser use of the monies for the trails and addresses the safety issue now. There is also a problem with the br~dge under the railroad tracks because it is so low and gets flooded. As proposed, he speculated people would only be able to use the propûsed trail several months of the year when it is not under water. He felt his proposal will result in a path that can be used right away and will get the people to the Activity Center the most direct route. No money would be spent on a bridge, and it can be used even this time of year when there would be water under the bridge at the railroad tracks. Also, by continuing to go south along Hanson Boulevard to the compost site, it may be a benefit during the Burnett Golf Tournament, and the county may be willing to participate in the cost of the construction. He asked that these options be researched before proceeding with the project as proposed. Staff, Council and Commission noted that the property south of Bunker Lake Boulevard is owned by the county. Also, the DNR grant is specifically for a nature trail along the creek and in all likelihood could not be used for a trail along major county roads. Also, if this grant is refused, it is unlikely that the City wil~ be· offered any grant monies in the future. . - . - ~. (l' I f Joint Andover Ci ty Council/Park and Recrea tion Commission Meeting Minutes - April 8, 1997 Page 3 (Coon Creek Bikeway/Walkway Trail Discussion/IP95-24, Continued) Chuck Sikora. 1456 146th Avenue - agreed that there should be no bridge west of the railroad tracks, feeling those east of the tracks and by Hanson Boulevard would be adequate. He also believed the path should run along Hanson Boulevard farther south to the stop lights at Bunker Lake Boulevard, then east. The path along Coon Creek should be just a Class 5 or a natural surface. Tim ? - asked why isn't it economically feasible to put the path more toward the center of the park. Mayor McKelv~y stated it will increase the cost by about $100,000. Mr. ? - asked the cost of the City-wide trail system. Council noted that cost had not been calculated. The gentleman argued the cost of moving the trail to the center of the park is only a small percentage of the cost of the overall system. Staff explained the cost of the system will be spread over about a 20-year period. Also, there are wetlands between the proposed location and the creek which the City cannot encroach by law. The Wetland Conservation Act is very restrictive. Bob Nowak. 1306 141st Lane - stated a group of people expressed concern with the safety of their children using the trails, whether or not these trails invite additional crime and how these trails will be maintained. It was suggested at the last meeting that the Park Board contact some cities who have installed bikeway trails. He asked if anyone did contact other cities and what did they learn. Chairperson O'Toole stated he talked with the Sheriff's Department, who stated there is no evidence of increased crime along trails. Commissioner Blackstad stated he contacted the City of Plymouth, which has about 75 miles of trails. The police chief told him the trails do not attract crime. In the pry, they reduce crime because there are more people watching the properties. He noted a published article that stated research has shown that trails do not depreciate property values within one-fourth mile of them; as a' matter of fact such trails actually appreciate property values. The City Planner in Plymouth stated they have neighborhoods demanding that trails be constructed in them to connect to the other trails. Councilmember Knight also reported the people consider the Loose Line trail through Wayzata and Long Lake a real plus. Mayor McKelvey stated the Sheriff's Department has said the City's CSO could patrol the bikeway at the request of the City. Mr. Nowak - felt it is an additional, unnecessary cost to have a CSO police the trails. He asked that the money be spent "smart", and start the trail where more trail could be constructed for the dollar. The Council noted it is unlikely that a CSO would patrol the trails full time. If there is a problem, patrols will be asked to come in. Mr. Starr also explained there is a standard maintenance procedure in place to maintain the trails. Councilmember Orttel stated Councilmember Dehn had asked him to express her desire to have shrubs, trees, wild flowers, etc. , planted between the trail and the houses, especially where the trail comes close to . - ~- u... _~.___ " -- -~' , . I, -' Joint Andover ci ty Council/Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 8, 1997 Page 4 (Coon Creek Bikeway/Walkway Trail Discussion/IP9S-24, Continued) private property. Mr. Starr stated they would definitely want to do that. Mr. Haas stated that could be included into the cost of this project. The discussion continued, with residents expressing their concern with the flooding under the railroad crossing in the spring and during heavy rain storms, how that crossing will be reinforced, continued arguements that other portions of the trail such as along Hanson and Bunker Lake Boulevards should be done first, and concern that snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles would be using the trail. The Staff, Council and Commissioners explained the proposal to make the crossing of the railroad track a safe one, that the City is working with the railroad in that regard, that it is common to have asphalt in the flood plain, that the bridge will be above the 100-year flood elevation, and that no motorized vehicles will be allowed other than City vehicles -for maintenance purposes. Several residents asked for a guarantee that motorized vehicles will not be allowed in the future. The Council noted that while they cannot commit future Councils, it is in a City ordinance that motorized vehicles are not allowed in park. Also, there has actually been pressure in the City to outlaw snowmobiling all together; but there is a very active Snowmobile Club in the City that has been responding to complaints. Mr. Haas stated the intent had been not to plow the trail in the winter but to use it as a cross-country ski trail, though they do not intend to groom such trails. There was more discussion with the residents detailing the cost of the project and the grant monies awarded the City, noting that other sections of the trails are in the process of being constructed so this is not the first one. Councilmember Orttel understood the concerns and frustrations of the residents, but he reviewed some of the history of the areas along the creek, explaining it was taken by the City during the developments to preserve some natural area. The trail system allows all of the residents to enjoy these natural areas. Those residents living there now have had the benefit of the natural area, but the only, reason it is not developed into lots is because it was taken for park for the trail system. Some residents argued the trail will mean the end of the wildlife, song birds and other natural habitat. councilmember Orttel indicated he also lives on the creek and that has not been his experience. The residents also expressed frustration that it appears the Commission and Council have already decided the trail will be constructed and that their appearance this evening has had no affect at all. There was also frustration that few people were notified, and concerns again raised on maintenance, crime, loss of privacy, loss of nature and loss of good faith. The Council and Commission explained this has been planned for the last 15 years. Those people on the north side of the creek were sent letters, and an official notification was placed in the Anoka Union. It was also explained that the Parks Department will maintain the trail and that they will be patrolled as necessary, but not on a '_0- ~.__ _.~~~__ (fl'. ~ ' Joint Andover City Council/Park and Recreation Commission Meeting _ Minutes - April 8, 1997 Page 5 (Coon Creek Bikeway/Walkway Trail Discussion/IP95-24, Continued) full-time basis. The intent would be to keep the area as natural as possible to discourage people from going off the trail. The City will deal with the different nuisances as they arise. - Linda Miller. south of the creek - didn't think people in the neighborhood objected to the trail but to the 10-foot wide path. She asked how many people will use it and should the City be experimenting with an area that is critical to nature. Why does this need to be the first part of the trail system? She expressed great frustration that no one is listening to them as residents. Commissioner Anderson again explained the City has acquired the property over several years for the explicit purpose of constructing a trail along the creek. The intent was to beautify the area for all of the residents to enjoy. Commissioner Lindahl explained that the requirements for the path must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act so tnose with disabilities can have access to the trails as well. A hard-surfaced 10-foot wide trail is required, as a gravel or Class 5 base would not accommodate those with restricted mobilities. He also explained that as volunteers on the Park and Recreation Commission, they are developing many parks and now a trail system for the residents to enjoy. Commissioner Kieffer also explained they have learned that it is better to install the trails prior to anyone moving into a development; however, that was not financially possible when these developments north of the creek were done. The trails along Bunker Lake Boulevard near the eastern border of the City are now being installed as the development is done, which will eliminate these frustrations of the residents moving into the City. The Commission did not know what was meant by a change in plans for the trail, as the intent has always been for a trail. However, the standards and regulations for the trail construction itself have changed. Mr. Erickson also explained Staff is working with the Anoka County Highway Department on an appropriate crossing of Bunker Lake Boulevard to access Bunker Prairie Park. The county is willing to put in signs for the trail crossing. Several Commissioners indicated that in other parks around the metropolitan area, there are crossings of busy roads which are done very safely. Mr. Haas stated the intent is to have the project completed by the middle of July. The grant monies have to be' expended by November, 1997. The engineering and inspections will be done in-house. Councilmember Orttel suggested the exact location of the trail be moved slightly to accommodate some of the residents' concerns if possible. Also, the plans and specs should be made available for review by the residents prior to construction. Mr. Erickson stated they will have the ability to jog around trees, etc., and will be happy to meet with any property owners about concerns with the location and landscaping either now, when the plans and specs are done or once it is staked. A woman asked what has been done to determine how many people will actually use the trail. The Council explained that is not known; however, a random survey done prior to the Comprehensive Plan in 1990 showed a very strong desire to have trails in the City. The City is ,_ >_ ... _0-_- ._.~_ _ _ _.~ ___~. _____ ___ ~ ,T' , ll,f Joint Andover City Council/Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 8, 1997 Page 6 (Coon Creek Bikeway/Walkway Trail Discussion/IP9S-24, Continued) reacting to that demand. They have also observed a very high use of other trails in neighboring cities No further comments or actions were taken on this item by the Council and Commission. APPROVE ALLOCATION FUNDING SOURCE/IP95-24/COON CREEK BIKEWAY/WALKWAY TRAIL It was agreed to table the discussion of allocating TIF funds to reimburse the Park Dedication funds that will be used for this trail now until there is a full Council. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, that the Council authorize the expenditure of Park Dedication funds for the trail system as requested. Motion carried on a 3-Yes, 2-Absent (Dehn, Kunza) vote. DISCUSS POLICY/TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS/NEW DEVELOPMENT The Council was again uncomfortable discussing the item with two members absent, though there was agreement that there should be a policy applied consistently to all developments. It was agreed this item should be placed on a work session agenda. MOTION by Knight, Seconded by Orttel, to table this and schedule a work session to deal with the issue with the Park Board. Motion carried on a 3-Yes, 2-Absent (Dehn, Kunza) vote. BUNKER LAKE BOULEVARD TRAIL UPDATE/IP97-14/DISCUSSION Mr. Haas updated the Council and Commission regarding the proposed trail project along Bunker Lake Boulevard and the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition Park. He met with the adjacent property owners, who arE"! willing to cooperate with the City. Those residents understand that the trees would be removed when Bunker Lake Boulevard is reconstructed, and Staff has indicated that because the project is eligible for Municipal State Aid, the City would be in a position to have trees installed along the property lines to help offset those trees that would be lost as a' part of the walkway/bikeway project. The Council agreed with including trees in the project, even suggesting that spaded trees be considered rather than seedlings. No Council action was taken this evening. DISCUSS IRRIGATION WELL/IP96-9/SUNSHINE PARK Mr. Erickson asked the Council to discuss the irrigation of Sunshine Park. Because of the high cost of using the municipal water, the Park Board has asked that the option of drilling an irrigation well be explored. The estimated watering cost for 1997 using the municipal .-.- - -_.--- . ~ - - T I . , . Joint Andover City Council/Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 8, 1997 Page 7 (Discuss Irrigation Well/IP96-9/Sunshine Park, Continued) system is $48,000. The estimated cost to drill an irrigation well is $41,000 plus additional expenses of $10,000 to $15,000 and an annual cost of about $2,000 per year. The concerns with drilling an irrigation well is the number of additional wells that will be needed in the future, all in the same' aquifer, and the draw on that aquifer. Besides the City's wells, both of the schools also have irrigation wells which is another draw on the aquifer. Other options may be to waive the requirement to pay for the use of the municipal water and establish a flat yearly user rate for the park or to set lower fees for irrigation to help fund the cost associated with the delivery of that water. The Council asked about the possibility of not treating the municipal water for irrigation and whether that much water is really needed. ·Mr. Erickson estimated the cost of treating the water at about $1,000 a year, an insignificant amount. Mr. Starr stated it is highly recommended that the fields be watered 1 1/2 inches each week, though the estimate is calculated for six months and it is unlikely that that much irrigating will be needed. They are also being very conservative; as there will be a rain sensor to shut the system off when it is raining. After discussing the matter further, the Council asked Staff to explore, the possibility of being able to get a permit to dig an irrigation well, as that would be the most economical means of irrigation. Mr. Erickson stated they will look at the well options and provide more information to the Council. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor McKelvey noted the bill to provide funding for the removal of the hazardous waste in the salvage yard area along Bunker Lake Boulevard passed another committee. Only one more committee needs to approve it before it goes to the floor. MOTION by Knight, Seconded by Orttel, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 3-Yes, 2-Absent (Dehn, Kunza) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfu~ submitted, ~è;x;-:L Ma cella A. Peach Recording Secretary --- - .~.- -".. ----.- _u_ ___ .---_.