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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-19 Parks and Trails Minutes1 Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes December 19, 2024 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on December 19, 2024, at City Hall in Corcoran, MN. Present were Commissioners Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, and Schmidt. Present at City Hall was Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck. Commissioner Erzberger arrived at 7:14 pm. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Chair Christenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Christenson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Friedrich, to approve the agenda as presented. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, and Schmidt. (Motion carried 5:0) 4. Minutes a. Minutes – November 21, 2024, Meeting Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Nybo, to approve the minutes as presented. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, and Schmidt. (Motion carried 5:0) 5. Open Forum Chair Christenson noted no attendance in the audience. 6. Presentations – None 7. Unfinished Business a. Park Enhancement Program (PEP) Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided background information on the Park Enhancement Program and See My Legacy. She highlighted that the examples were removed from the policy itself. She requested feedback from the Commission regarding how the cost of the program would be managed and possible options for the enhancements. Commissioners discussed if the benches would be themed to match the parks and if there was an estimate for the number of benches that would be installed each year. Commissioners discussed the possibility of having two policies that encompass a new bench program and an existing bench program. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that this would be complicated when it comes to estimates for lifespans on existing benches. Commissioners discussed the equity of the program in allowing existing benches to encourage those that may be able to contribute towards a new bench, but still want to participate. Commissioners discussed an interest in allowing donors to determine a spot if they have a preference. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that there is a spot in the policy that would allow for donors to request an unlisted location but See My Legacy would have pre-determined locations for a more streamlined approach. Commissioners discussed a desire to soften the language at the beginning of the policy to a more compassionate tone. Commissioners agreed to adding a note about one dedication per enhancement. Commissioners determined that the Park Enhancement Program should include new enhancements, and a separate policy would be necessary to incorporate adding dedications to existing enhancements. Motion: Made by Friedrich, to have the donor pay for the cost of the plaque at $89 or $199, and split the 2 cost of the shipping, concrete pad, and enhancement with the City as the dedication. Commissioner Erzberger asked if that was standard comparatively to other policies, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that a bench dedication was generally around $1,500. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that she had not intended to include the cost information within the policy itself. The motion died for lack of a second. Motion: Made by Christenson, seconded by Friedrich, to recommend approval of the Park Enhancement Program, with softening the language of the program purpose and including one dedication per enhancement. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, Friedrich, Nybo, and Schmidt. (Motion carried 6:0) Commissioners agreed that the cost of the plaque should be at the expense of the donor, however, the cost of the shipping, concrete pad, and enhancement itself should be split between the donor and the City. Commissioners expressed preferences for some of the enhancement options. They preferred benches with a 2-tone look, at least 8’ in length, and included armrests. Preferences from the options in the report for benches were the first and fourth options. Commissioners expressed preferences towards drinking fountains with a water bottle filler as well, but did not feel the need to include the dog dish. Commissioners preferred bike racks that could hold more bikes, with preferences towards the 7’4” Contemporary Bike Rack from Burke and the Arches from Landscape Structures. b. City Park Survey Results Recreation Supervisor Christnesen Buck highlighted noteworthy areas of the City Park Survey responses. She noted that 194 online and 3 in-person responses were received. Of those responses, the preferences for primary amenities were playground, splashpad, and park building, respectively. Alternate amenity preferences were for the detached shelter, bituminous trails, and 3rd playground container, respectively. The preferred vegetation was shade trees. Responses showed preference towards a natural themed splashpad, with both above and below-ground sprayers. Priorities for the playground equipment was towards slides, climbers, and ziplines, respectively. There was a strong preference for individual swings, tall embankment slides, hillside climbing loops, and shade trees near seating areas. Other requests that came from the survey included a dog park/off leash area, pickleball facilities, trail connections, restrooms, drinking fountains, seating, and picnic areas. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that 90% of the respondents reported living in Corcoran and majority of the respondents were 35-44 years old. c. City Park 60% Design Review Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided introductions of the consultants in attendance at the meeting including Thomas Stromsodt, Vice-President of Oertel Architects Ltd. and Gabrielle Grinde, Principal for HKGi. Gabrielle provided history of the project and where the project was on the schedule. HKGi Principal Grinde highlighted that staff was seeking input from the Commission on playground equipment, splash pad, and the draft 60% design. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided information on the engagement survey and insights, including top amenity priorities, design and landscape preferences, playground and splash pad insights, and additional park system desired features. HKGi Principal Grinde provided an overview of the site plan with a multi-purpose field, stormwater, paved parking lot, youth ballfield, destination playground, splashpad, patio and shelter, park building, overflow parking, and pickleball courts. She highlighted proposed asphalt, concrete, regional, and boardwalk trails located throughout the park for access and connectivity. Commissioner Erzberger asked about the previous stormwater between the youth ballfield and the playground, to which HKGi Principal Grinde noted that there may be a need for a rain garden or something similar. It was discussed with Stantec and would likely be more aesthetic in nature due to the soils, but there would also be berming along the edge of the ballfield as a buffer. HKGi Principal Grinde showed a trees and landscape plan, with trees that would be removed, remain, planted, or landscaped areas. Staff informed the Commission that the City does not have a policy in place to protect the ash trees and the treatment that would be required would be on-going once the tree was infected. Commissioners discussed options of keeping the trees along the hillside for shading near the playground. HKGi Principal Grinde noted that trees could be planted in those areas to help fill the canopy over time. Commissioner Friedrich recalled that the survey reflected people wanted trees within the park, so removing the trees that exist when not required did not seem like the best course of action. 3 HKGi Principal Grinde noted the screening along County Road 50 would be heavy with a combination of deciduous and coniferous trees for variety. Commissioners expressed a desire for more maple and oak trees along County Road 50, to which HKGi Principal Grinde noted that a nice oak tree near the building is proposed to stay. She also noted easily maintainable landscaping that still provides some habitat value and nice texture. Commissioners noted that it can be windy within the park, so utilizing trees that can provide as a buffer might be a good idea. Commissioner Friedrich inquired about irrigation to water the trees, to which HKGi Principal Grinde noted would likely be proposed within the landscaped areas at a minimum but likely as an alternate elsewhere. HKGi Principal Grinde highlighted the proposition to adjust pickleball back to its original positioning to provide a buffer between the multi-use field and stormwater pond. She noted, this would provide potential infrastructure and piping costs of approximately $30,000. HKGi Principal Grinde noted winter activities that could take place within the park including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow play, a sledding hill, 4-season building, hockey rinks, and leisure skating rink. HKGi Principal Grinde gave an overview of the lighting within the park, with the main goal to provide security lighting for the parking lot, while considering pedestrian lighting at playground areas as an alternate. Commissioners expressed interest in seeing alternative options to the cobra lighting in the parking lot. Commissioner Schmidt suggested adding a pedestrian light to the southwest corner of the parking lot, near the start of the regional trail. Commissioners discussed preferences regarding locations of lights, noting that people would likely not be using the splashpad during the evening hours. Commissioners liked the bollard lights in front of the building but preferred a pedestrian light near the pickleball courts. Commissioners also preferred to remove the bollard light between the playground containers. Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt provided an overview of the park building, consisting of a main gathering space that can split into two functioning spaces, a catering kitchen, 4 total restrooms, a mechanical/storage room, and 2 additional storage rooms for the kitchen and gathering space. He noted 75-90 person capacity within the main gathering space when combined, or 30 and 60 within the split spaces. He provided an overview of the 4 bathrooms, including one family restroom with an adult changing table that is accessible from the inside or outside. Two of the restrooms are only accessible from the inside and the final restroom is only accessible from the outside. Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt highlighted the opening to the outdoor space along the northeast wall, noting that the overhead door that would be there has yet to be determined. He also comments on the two doorways to the southeast wall that open to a covered patio. Commissioner Friedrich inquired about the sizing of the mechanical/storage, asking if that could be reduced in size and opened as a hallway. Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt expressed that there may be a security concern if people have to access the bathrooms through the building if the building is closed. He also noted that there is a likely need for the full mechanical/storage room to house the systems of the building. Commissioners discussed the catering kitchen, with notes from staff and Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt that it would not include open flame, but would likely have sinks, a refrigerator, and many outlets. Commissioners discussed the location of the kitchen and storage rooms, to which Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt noted once he had specifications for the mechanical needs he could look further at potential adjustments. Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt provided an overview of the external building perspective, noting that it has two main roof peaks, wood framing system, vertical wood siding, and a metal roof. Commissioners inquired about the siding and if it would make more sense to use some sort of fiber board. Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt noted that it depends on the maintenance priorities and that he thinks that wood performs better over time. Commissioner Anderson inquired about the energy conservation of the building, to which Oertel Vice- Principal Stromsodt highlighted that they have a sustainability expert that sees all the detailing. Commissioner Friedrich inquired about adding a natural light feature on the western side of the building and the main gathering space, to which Oertel Vice-Principal Stromsodt noted a light study would be conducted and that could be considered. Commissioners discussed the colors of the building, playground, and splashpad together, noting that they would like to see an example in a more classic wood tone. Commissioners also discussed ordinances regarding materials that could be used for the building. Commissioners highlighted possible additions such as a cupola and weathervane. HKGi Principal Grinde highlighted the 3 different playground vendors submitted options, that were based on 4 the same instructions to include a large and small embankment slide, a large tower, bridge, custom tractor, and multiple swing bays. Commissioners discussed that they did not prefer option B for playground options, but did like the pull behind tractor on option C. Commissioners expressed interest in the towers on option C, noting the different materials and height. Commissioners also noted that they liked the silo look to option A’s tower, but would prefer the slide go all the way to the top. HKGi Principal Grinde provided an overview of the two splashpad layouts, with instructions to include farm/agricultural theme, clear areas of younger versus older activity, above and in-ground features, integrated lighting, and possible future changeouts of in-ground to above ground features. Commissioners expressed interest in option A for the splashpad. Commissioners discussed the areas of most interest, noting the towers and spaces that have loops to play games around. Commissioners inquired about which vendors were easier to work with, to which HKGi Principal Grinde noted that option A had sent over several iterations. Commissioners directed staff to reach out to options A and Cand see if they could adjust portions of their designs to accommodate the preferred features. Commissioners discussed the splashpad options, preferring more creatively themed options to nature, with possibility to incorporate agricultural elements. Commissioners discussed a preference for the play table within the design and no inclusion of boulders. Commissioners also noted a watering can that tips as a idea for the splashpad. HKGi Principal Grinde noted that it was anticipated rough grading for the trail corridor was included in phase one, but in refining the budget, the initial $900,000 estimate would come down. As the numbers are refined, she anticipates potential for a full build out as phase one with the funding from Three Rivers Park District in 2025. HKGi Principal Grinde noted later phase amenities including the gravel parking lots off County Road 10, Diamond Lake Regional Trailhead off County Road 50 where the current warming house is, pedestrian crossing on County Road 10, amphitheater, Regional Trail, tennis courts, and park equipment storage buildings. HKGi Principal Grinde highlighted alternate items as the paved trails through the cloverleaf, 3rd playground container, 6 pickleball courts, accessible paved trail to t-ball fields, open air shelter behind the park building, and expanded storage at the splashpad mechanical building. Commissioner Nybo inquired about pickleball being an alternate, to which HKGi Principal Grinde noted that it would be designed and bid, but pricing would likely determine if it would be built. Commissioner Friedrich inquired about the previously shown basketball court, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that it would be a later phase item as it was previously shown located within the new ice rinks. Commissioners discussed possible tough decisions ahead due to the cost, but noted the work session on February 13, 2025, would likely provide helpful feedback. 8. New Business a. DRAFT 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Priorities Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided an overview of the draft 2024 annual report and 2025 priorities. As part of this, she highlighted recommendations to City Council regarding policies, plats, and project updates. Included under the 2025 priority list were the Diamond Lake Regional Trail development, park system plan development, City Park remaster, wayfinding, and future financial obligations. Commissioners felt that the information would be more impactful if it was categorized by topic, rather than chronological. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that she could update that for the City Council meeting. 9. Reports/Information a. Planning Project Update – Information Only No discussion occurred. b. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted items that she had been working on since the last Parks and Trails Commission meeting, including park planning, policy updates, park financing, Parks and Trails Commission items, and the Holiday Toy and Food Drive. 5 10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports a. Garden Club Report Tom Anderson informed the Commission that we are approximately 18 or 19 weeks away from seed planting time. b. Park Dedication Fund Commissioner Friedrich inquired about upcoming developments and park dedication funds, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed her that she could send over the forecasted park dedication fund spreadsheet. 11. Other Business/Announcements Commissioner Anderson noted that there would be a work session prior to the Parks and Trails Commission meeting regarding the South Fork Creek Stream Restoration project. He noted that there were similarities from their project that he felt could be translated to Corcoran in some ways and felt it would be helpful for the Commission. 12. Adjournment Motion: Made by Friedrich, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 pm. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, Friedrich, Nybo, and Schmidt. (Motion carried 6:0) Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor