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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-20 Parks and Trails Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on July 20, 2023, in Corcoran, MN. Present were Chairperson Anderson, Vice-Chairperson Christenson, and Commissioners Erzberger, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels. Also present was Councilmember Nichols, City Administrator Beise, and Public Works Director Mattson. 1. Call to Order / Roll Call Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Chairperson Anderson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Christenson, to approve the agenda as presented. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels. (Motion carried 7:0) 4. Minutes a. Minutes – June 15, 2023, Meeting Commissioner Friedrich noted a typo in Commissioner Strehler’s name. Motion: Made by Erzberger, seconded by Nybo, to approve the minutes with the typo correction. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels. (Motion carried 7:0) 5. Open Forum Chairperson Anderson informed those that are interested in speaking, that the open forum is available for them to speak. City Administrator Beise informed those virtually in attendance, they would be addressed following those in the audience. Bill Halfrich, 19434 103rd Ave, spoke to the Commission and requested an update on park planning in the Bellwether Development, specifically with regards to a dog park. Mr. Halfrich noted that many individuals in the development have dogs, but there is a lack of space to let dogs roam openly. Dan Mesick, 19409 103rd Ave, spoke to the Commission regarding his interest in a dog park and involvement in the park planning process for the Bellwether Development. 6. Presentations City Administrator Beise provided an update on things happening in Corcoran including the goals set by City Council at the beginning of the year, water supply system project, Hunters Ridge Road, City Center Drive and 79th Place, and 2023 developments. 7. Unfinished Business – None 8. New Business a. Pedestrian Crossing Policy Steve Heglund, Stantec Consulting, provided background information on the pedestrian crossing policy, highlighting the March 9, 2023, City Council work session about developing a policy and evaluation of two crossings, with an additional draft of the policy being presented at the June 8, 2023, City Council meeting. Heglund noted components included as part of the policy such as ways to evaluate crossings, provide criteria for consideration, and a matrix to help guide recommendation. Commissioner Erzberger inquired about pedestrian volumes, to which Heglund noted that Stantec looked at a variety of guidelines for assessing times. Commissioner Erzberger inquired about how this would potentially apply to roads not owned by the City, such as County Road 101, to which Heglund stated the policy could be referenced, but it would be the decision of those whose CITY OF CORCORAN jurisdiction it is. Councilmember Nichols informed the Commission that the Council had a desire for Parks and Trails feedback on alignment of trails and recommendation of crossings where appropriate for future, with focused feedback on the policy for future guidance. Chairperson Anderson highlighted a focus on pedestrian crossings around parks and trail environments to ensure safety for patrons. Commissioners discussed an example provided by Councilmember Nichols that does not align in the Ravinia development behind the park wetland and the trail to the south of Gleason Parkway. Commissioner Friedrich inquired about a separation between pedestrians and bicyclists, to which Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that there is nothing currently but could be discussed as part of trail maintenance. Commissioners discussed alignment of trails with surrounding Cities, with Commissioner Nybo noting they had done that years ago when creating the trails plan and inquired if they no longer line up. Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that sometimes the developable land does not allow for trail alignments in certain areas. b. Snow Removal/Ice Policy City Administrator Beise provided an overview of the snow removal/ice policy, highlighting key areas of discussion around method, prioritization, and expectations of trail maintenance for the community. Public Works Director Mattson highlighted MS4 requirements and future acceptance of trails as the reasoning behind this policy. Commissioners discussed if salt would be included in maintenance of the paved trails, to which Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that the trails could be noticed that they would not be salted. Commissioners discussed alternative options to salt including adjustments in trail construction or utilizing grit instead. Chairperson Anderson commented on the transparency of the plan and highlighting the routes that will be prioritized and expectations, with Public Works Director Mattson noting that education should help with clearer expectations. Commissioner Erzberger expressed an interest in maintenance organizations accountable to ensure the services meet the proposed expectations if that is the route the City chooses to go. Public Works Director Mattson noted that the contract with any homeowners’ associations would be working with the snow removal vendors while maintaining communication with the homeowners’ association as well for efficiency. Commissioner Friedrich expressed concerns with the wording regarding snow removal around fire hydrants, noting that if it is “highly encouraged” it might not be done and inquired about including it to be done by the contracted snow removal company. City Administrator Beise and Public Works Director Mattson explained that it would have to be included in the contract as it is not currently included. Commissioners discussed the work required of homeowners with fire hydrants on their property and Commissioner Friedrich inquired about coverings for them; Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that those are intended primarily to keep the salt off the fire hydrant. Commissioners looked at existing and planned trails, where discussion followed regarding trail connections. Commissioner Nybo inquired about the trail easements as previously there was confusion regarding which easements were owned by the City, to which City Administrator Beise informed the Commission that the planning staff had worked through the easements to the best of their ability. Commissioners discussed the open space park located in the Ravinia development with questions regarding the material of the trail, access points, and the vision of the park. Public Works Director Mattson informed the Commission that the decisions for the vision of the park have not been discussed yet, but he would envision the park looking different as it is an open space park. Staff highlighted the access points for the park and the parcels that surround the open space park, noting that additional access points may become available as other parcels develop. Councilmember Nichols proposed the conversation regarding snow covered trails and requested the Commission consider if that was something they would like to see, and if so, where. Commissioner CITY OF CORCORAN Friedrich noted that an open space park trail would be preferred for the snow-covered trails but would like to see trails along collector roads cleared. Vice-Chairperson Christenson noted that grooming is still required for some snow-covered trail activities, such as cross-country skiing. Vice- Chairperson Christenson noted the potential for inconsistencies with the varying contracted services, to which Commissioner Friedrich asked if hiring seasonal employees would be an alternative. Public Works Director stated that Chanhassen likely has a crew dedicated to parks and trails maintenance, but at the current size of Corcoran, the staff has a primary focus on roads. Commissioner Nybo inquired about the maintenance of trails in developments during the 2022-2023 winter season. Councilmember Nichols stated they were done in a timely manner and noted that Bass Lake Crossing residents had expressed to City Council a desire to have the trails groomed, but currently did not have a preference to who completed the work. Public Works Director Mattson noted that the timing of the maintenance is the concern with staff maintaining the trails as they are accepted. Commissioners agreed roads would be the first focus, to which Public Works Director Mattson noted that trails could be part of Priority B during street clean up. Public Works Director Mattson summarized the Commission’s key points of trails with a priority of maintaining trails in-house, some potential assistance from homeowner’s associations’ snow removal companies, and would follow road maintenance. Public Works Director Mattson noted that trails that cross over driveways can tend to cause timing challenges for plowing, to which Councilmember Nichols noted Rice Lake in Maple Grove that utilizes an approximately 30’ wide vegetated median with trail to avoid driveway crossings. Public Works Director Mattson commented on the need for early planning with the approach and that it can take up more space. c. RFPQ for Park Services City Administrator Beise provided an overview of the request for proposals and qualifications, informed the Commission that the draft is also being reviewed by legal and engineering staff, and would likely be included on the July 27 or August 10, 2023, City Council meeting. Commissioner Nybo inquired about how many companies staff were planning to send the RFPQ to, at which point Public Works Director Mattson noted that staff has a list but is working with legal to ensure the processes are followed correctly. Chairperson Anderson informed staff that he found some typos in the document that should be updated prior to release. d. TRPD Cooperative Agreement City Administrator Beise highlighted that the agreement would allow for the City to be reimbursed for trails, to avoid utilizing park dedication funds for a Three Rivers Park District trail. Commissioner Erzberger inquired about the minimum widths for corridors and expressed concerns with alignment of expectations between Three Rivers Park District and the City of Corcoran. City Administrator Beise informed the Commission that while Three Rivers Park District would like to see wider corridors, it is not an option in every scenario, but Three Rivers Park District would be included in development discussions to facilitate alignment of expectations. Councilmember Nichols requested that as developments come in, Commissioners consider trail alignments, expectations, and vision, while providing feedback. 9. Reports/Information a. Active Planning Applications – Informational Only No discussion occurred. b. Recreation Supervisor Update c. Program Coordinator Update City Administrator Beise highlighted the soccer season was going well and staff was staying busy. CITY OF CORCORAN 10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports a. City Council Report Councilmember Nichols highlighted the items regarding City Center Drive and 79th Place, as well as the legalization of cannabis. Commission Friedrich requested additional information regarding planter baskets on the light poles along the road, to which Public Works Director Mattson noted that options with lower maintenance were highlighted. Councilmember Nichols requested an addition to the next City Council discussion that involves adding planter baskets. Chairperson Anderson highlighted the donation from the Corcoran Athletic Association and the contributions made by Kevin Dale especially. Commissioner Nybo requested more information on the new City logo discussion, to which City Administrator Beise informed Commissioners a discussion would take place at the August 10, 2023, City Council meeting to determine community involvement. b. Garden Club Report Michelle Friedrich provided an overview of the Garden Club’s recent activity, which included planting, weeding, and watering the Memorial Garden. Friedrich noted the next project would likely be working on the front areas of City Hall to beautify the entrance. Friedrich informed the Commission that the money previously approved during the May 18, 2023, Parks and Trails Commission meeting, was not all used as there is still a need for mulch and topsoil in the Memorial Garden. c. Park Dedication Fund Councilmember Nichols inquired about obtaining higher interest on the account, to which City Administrator Beise informed Commissioners that interest had not been allocated yet for 2022. Commissioner Nybo requested information be added to the report to reflect the Northwest Area Jaycees donation was specific to the splashpad proposed for the City Park remaster. 11. Other Business/Announcements – None 12. Commissioner Liaison Calendar 07/27/2023 08/10/2023 08/24/2023 09/14/2023 09/28/2023 10/12/2023 10/26/2023 Anderson Erzberger Strehler Friedrich Nybo Wyffels Christenson 13. Adjournment Motion: Made by Nybo seconded by Strehler to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 pm. Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels. (Motion carried 7:0) Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor