HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-08 Parks Packet s FILE COPY
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
Monday, January 28, 2008 — 6:00 p.m.
I. Call To Order
II. Approval. of Agenda
III, Approve Parks Commission Minutes — December 17, 2007 (1)
IV. Presentation by Alex Bildeaux of Bildeaux Services Regarding Proposed Thinning
Operation, Pine Plantation at 5502 Osgood Avenue (2)
V. Department /Commission Liaison Reports
1. Arborist
2. Public Works Director (3)
3. Other /Commission Liaison Reports
VI. Visitors /Public Comment
"T his is an opportunity for the pub is To adds - ess The Commission )Vith questions or wil ems nod on
The agenda. Please limiT cormenis to three minutes.
• VII. Public Hearings
VIII. New Business
1. City Hall Citizen's Advisory Committee (4)
2. Review of Parks Commission By -Laws (5)
3. Schedule Parks Commission Annual Meeting
IX. Old Business
1. Pine Plantation at 5502 Osgood Avenue — Make Recommendation
2. Discussion of 2008 Park and'Frail Projects (6)
X. Informational
Upcoming Meetinizs: Monday, February 25, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Council Representative: January 8 & 22 — Commissioner Zeuli
February 11 & 26 — Commmissioner Dougherty
XI. Adjourn
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• CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 17, 2007
1. Call to Order:
Chair Zeuli called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dougherty,
and Estes; City Administrator Johnson, - i, Public Works Director Ozzello, Arborist Widin and
Commission Liaison TvIcCorriber. Absent: Commissioners Wagner and Nelson.
11. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved
to approve the Agenda. Carried 3 — 0.
III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — November 27.2007: Commissioner Dougherty,
seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 3 —
0.
IV. Department /Commission Liaison Reports
1 Arborist:.Arborist Widin stated that she has been working on the end of the year
reports, the annual forestry activity report, and the Tree City USA report. She reported
that she has been working on the pine plantation thinning update at 5502 Osgood
Avenue. She stated that she met with the Commodities Management Forester and met
• with a logger to review the site. She stated that the l recommended that about 30
percent be thinned out. Widin stated that the l would also remove buckthorn and
any box elder or elm trees that are in p oor p or poor condition. She noted that if
the City decided to do the thinning, the corridor for the trail would need to be chosen.
She stated that the logger could commence the Job in late February or he could wait until
next winter. She suggested a meeting with the Parks Commission and possibly the City
Council to discuss the process.
Ch Zeuh suggested a meeting on January 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. prior to the scheduled
Parks C meeting. Arborist Widin will contact him to see if that works with
his schedule.
Commissioner Estes questioned whether it would be wise to obtain several bids as far as
the market for the wood. Arborist Widin stated that there are not a lot of people who
would come in to utilize the wood. She stated that she can investigate that.
Chair Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to accept Arborist Widin's report.
Carried 3 — 0.
2. Public Works Director:
Chair Zeuli stated that the Public Works Director was not present at the meeting to
provide a report. City Administrator Johnson stated that the Public Works Director
provided a short memo to the Parks Commissioners. He stated that they have been
• working on the ice rinks and are hoping to have the rinks open by the weekend.
Page 3 of 34
Parks Commission Minutes
December 17, 2007
Page 2 of 3 •
Johnsoii also reported that trails are plowed after the roads and access ways are cleared.
Chair Zeuli stated that they have been doing an excellent job of clearing the trails.
3. Other / Commission Liaison Reports: Commissioner Liaison McComber stated that she
received the new playground equipment catalog and that she had some information on
different types of elements for skateboard parks. She stated that City Administrator
Johnson will pass that lnf()rinatlon on to the Parks Commissioners.
City .Ad111inlstratoi' Johnson reported that the City received one bid on the picnic tables
from a resident. He stated that Council will need to award the bid to the bidder and will
need to dispose of the remaining tables in another fashion.
Commissioner Estes, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty, moved to recommend that
the picnic tables be donated to the Disabled Vets Camp on Big Marine Lake. Carried 3
—0.
V. Visitors /Public Comment:
Kevin Simpson, a resident of Oak Park Heights, came forward and stated that the tennis
courts at Swager Park are unusable right now and he would like the courts to be resurfaced.
City Administrator Johnson reported that the City received bids about two years ago for
reconstruction. He stated that under New Business on that evening's agenda was Capital •
Projects for 2008 and tennis courts could be discussed as part of that item. Chair Zeuli
reported that a survey was provided to residents within a one mile radius of the park and the
tennis courts did not come out as a top priority.
VI. New Business:
1. 2008 Meeting Dates: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes,
moved to approve the meeting dates. Carried 3 — 0.
2. Review handouts from the Last Meeting: Chair Zeuli stated that she reviewed the
requirements for Playful City USA and stated that the City already meets most the
requirements. She stated that the Parks Commission could be the Play Commission and
that Party in the Park could be considered the annual play day. She also noted that the
Parks Commission does conduct two park walkthroughs each year for an audit of play
equipment.
Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to recommend to
the City Council to make an application for Playful City USA designation. Carried 3 — 0.
3. Capital Projects for 2008: City Administrator Johnson stated that the total funds allotted
for budgeted projects for parks and trails in 2008 is $240,000. Mayor Beaudet came
forward and suggested the Parks Commission create a list of projects they would like to
be bid. He stated that once the bids come in, the Parks Commission may pick which
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Page 4 of 34
Parks Commission. Minutes
December 17, 2007
• Page 3 of 3
projects should move forward.
The Parks Commissioners discussed several projects that they would like the engineer to
begin work on for 2008. They compiled a prioritized list.
Chair Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to submit the following
prioritized list of capital projects to the council:
1. Playground Equipment at Swager Park
2. Concrete of hockey area at Brekke Park
3. Raymic Johnson Trail
4. Valley View Landscaping — replacement of railroad tic retaining wall
5. "Plan A" trail across northern boarder of 5502 Osgood Ave Property
to I3rekke Park
6. Tennis Courts
7. Skateboard Park
Carried 3 — 0.
VII. Old Business:
1. 5502 Osgood Avenue Property — Pine Plantation Thinning- Update: Chair Zeuli reported
that this item was covered by Arborist Widin in her previous report.
• VIII. Informational:
1. Upcoming Meeting: Meeting with logger, Monday, January 28, 2008 at 6 pm @ City Hall
Regular Meeting, Monday, January 28, 2008 at 6:30 pm @ City Hall
2. Council Representative: December 27 — Wagner
January 8 and January 22 — Zeuli
IX. Adjournment:
Chair Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to adjourn at 7:18 p.m.
Carried 3 — 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Thoen
Administrative Secretary /Deputy Clerk
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`
Eric Johnson
W orn: K.D. VVidhn[kdwidi net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 09 2008 8:53AM
To: Eric Johnson; Tom Ozze|kz
Subject: LoggeMeetingwithParkaOumm.
Eric, Tom -
I contacted the lugger, Alex�Bildoacw~of-Bildeaou Services and be is able to meet with
the Parks Comm. on Mou.(jan. 28th at 6:00 F .m.,
regarding thinning and tl�66k s�16'fr6m 5502 Osgood Ave.. I asked him to bring a
proposal./description of what typo of work he proposes to do, and a rough estimate of what
it might cost the city, after sale of the wood. He estimates at this time that the work
would be done uoot winter. z will also contact St. Croix Tree Service for an estimate to
thin the plantation and remove buckthorn, for comparison. I have also started the tree
inventory of that pacoel and intend to have it completed by Jan. 28th. Let me know if you
have any questions or xill uond more information.
Kathy Widiu
azboziat
City of Oak Pack Heights /
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—
�
Park UKK���ate�� for U����u��ry 28, 200��
Public Works Director: Tom OzzeOo.' -'
CovmrPark — VVor ' has continued on maintaining the ice cm the rink. VVu have attached the
attendance numbers Through January 21 from both x Cover and Brekkefroferonoa. The
| d closing of the rinks but the brutal on|d has
J (G'8)Uhewure��du»mmmmior »»oan nu»»0 i o inowarmuwharodmmn�omuy
eUoweduoto restore ice VVe may impose naotrononoan}nm mo
' if (like the wnvviU keep aUuse o�to
vuau|t�omumoofmka�u.or m�( .
avoid damage. The other extreme \n cold weather has resulted in minimal use un some days.
VVe purchased — new professional style hockey nets for 8nakka and Cover. Brokke should bo
installed within the week and Cover will follow.
BnmkkePmrk —VVorkhauconUnuedonmmintainingthmic*onthahnk. VVa have attached the
attendance numbers Through J -- 21 h reference. Bnahkmfurro�enoa. The
January (G'8) thaw created some major loss and closing of the rinks but the brutal cold has |
allowed ua1uraabor � restore VVo may impose vasthctinnoon\dimo the ice warms where damage may
if UkaUnn6 wowiU keep aUuse off \o
avoid damage. � veeu|thnmuxeofmkah�.cv me( .
The other extreme in cold weather has resulted in minimal use on some days.
We purchased new professional style hockey nets for Brekke and Cover. Brekke should be
installed within the week and Cover will follow.
Autumn Hills Park —No additional work is planned until spring, Trails are open.
Swaacier Park — The parking lot and trails are open and clear. We placed some banked snow in
the park west of the tennis courts and did not realize there was unfrozen ground under some of
the deeper snow at the time. This area was selected since it is scheduled for root removal and
leveling in the spring after the brush was removed in 2007. It did cause some unsightly areas
that we expected to get snow cover on. I would not make a good weatherman as I have missed
predictions on snow, temperatures and sunshine very well this year. Hopefully the work and
plantings in the spring will allow Public Works to redeem itself.
Vallev View Park — The drive and lots are open.
1[giLs — Are all open and in use, The occasional dusting of snow has been cleared with some
effort. The dry snow, in cold weather, does not plow well and blows right back in place at times.
Other We have had several repairs on the tractor implements this last month and have also
scheduled repairs on the tractor. The snow blower and the sweeper both experienced down time
from power transfer and cylinder issues. Drive chains, scraper bars, broken rams and lost oil can
be addressed by our staff. We have a leaking seal on the front axel that we will have the
dealership address.
The building on Osgood is being checked regularly and a detailed inspection is done each Friday.
We have received two quotes for Portable Toilets at the parks. They are being evaluated for the
best interests of the city.
Picnic table have been sold or donated.
Page 9 of 34
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Page 12 of 34
City of Oak Park Heights
Memo
To: Parks Commission
From: Jennifer Thoen
Date: January 25, 2008
Re: City Hall Facility - Citizen Advisory Committee
At their December 27, 2007 meeting, the City Council voted and approved the
creation of a Citizen Advisory Committee for the purpose of reviewing information
related to the possible rehabilitation or replacement of the current city Hall facility.
The Committee shall be compromised of three citizen representatives, two
Councilmembers, one Planning Commissioner and one Parks Commissioner.
Generally, the primary issues to be considered by the Committee will be the
examination of City facility needs, cost-effectiveness of any construction
project, long-term building serviceability, and fiscal impacts upon the
• community. Upon review and discussion of significant information, the
Committee will be requested to make recommendations to the City Council
about the above issues so as to provide the City Council additional direction
as it looks to and considers the future.
It is anticipated that this Committee will meet several times over the next 60
days to discuss the above matters. Meetings will typically be held in the
evening, but as scheduled by the Committee once convened.
City Administrator Johnson has followed up with several individuals, who were
indicated to him as having interest in participating on the committee, with
information on how to submit their formal request to participate as a citizen
representative. An online form was also placed on the City web page with a
deadline of 4:30 p.m., January 11, 2008 for citizens to submit their request to
participate.
Action Reauested: Nominate and vote to recommend a Parks Commissioner to
serve upon the City Hall Facility Citizen Advisory Committee.
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City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007 •Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651) 439-4439 • Fax (651)
439-0574
January 16, 2008 nn
;F-,
MEMO
TO: City Council Members '(!b
FROM: Eric Johnson, City Ad rill or
t
nii for
RE: Park Commission
The Park Commission is approaching t eir al quired annual meeting and we have a few
issues that that must be addressed by th ity Council.
• • Current by-laws of the Comm on only allow persons to serve two consecutive
terms (see Art. 3C).
• Appointments to Chairperson and Vice-Chair positions are limited.
In both of the above instances the Commission is in conflict with the By-laws. The Council
should review the enclosed comprehensive memo as prepared by Julie Hultman and
discuss possible remedies which can include elimination of term limits, extending term
limits and possibly how officer terms are constituted.
In the past the City has had difficulty finding citizens to serve on this committee and has
likely precipitated the current situation. It should be understood that the current Park
Commissioners have served in good-faith and are seeking clarity on these issues and do
desire to be in compliance with the by-laws.
Please review the enclosed memo and we will discuss at the 1/22/08 work-session. There
are several recommendations on the last two pages of this packet.
f rl
c: Park Commissioners
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Page 15 of 34
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS •
PARK COMMISSION BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1 - ORIGIN AND POWERS
A. Authorization. The City is authorized and empowered to establish a Park
Commission under the provisions of Chapter 205 of the code of ordinances for
the City of Oak Park Heights.
B. *Establishment. The Park Commission was created in an advisory capacity by
action of the Oak Park Heights City Council pursuant to Chapter 205 of the code
of ordinances of the City of Oak Park Heights and to Commission Bylaws
established on June 8, 1999.
ARTICLE 2 — DUTIES AND OBJECTIVES
A. Advisory Capacity. The Park Commission is designed to serve in an advisory
capacity to the Oak Park Heights City Council. •
B. Objectives. The objectives of the Park Commission are to make
recommendations to the City Council, which will guide the development of city
parks and related services and facilities.
C. Public Hearings. The Park Commission shall hold such hearings as are
provided within the City Ordinances and shall make recommendations on same
as requested by the City Council.
D. Special Public Hearings. The Park Commission may hold such public
informational hearings as the City Council directs and may make
recommendations on same as requested by the City Council.
ARTICLE 3 — MEMBERSHIP
A. Voting Members. The Park Commission shall consist of five citizen members
who are eligible voters residing within the Oak Park Heights City limits and who
are appointed by the City Council.
" Chapter 205 of Zoning Ordinance as amended May 25, 9999.
Page 16 of 34
• B. Ex- Officio Members. There shall be a City Council person designated by the
Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, to be a liaison to the Park
Commission. Such City Council person shall serve without voting power and in a
capacity as ex- officio to the Park Commission. The Mayor, with the consent of
the City Council may also appoint non - voting, ex- officio members to represent
other groups or organizations from the community.
C. Terms. The five members of the Park Commission shall be appointed by the
City Council. All such appointments shall initiate and be established by
Resolution of the City Council. The term of each member shall be for three years
with initial terms being staggered by the City Council Resolution of appointment.
Unless extended by special order of the City Council for a period of one year, no
member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the Park Commission.
D. Absenteeism. If any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetings
or a total of four meetings (or 25 percent) during the calendar year of March to
February, the Park Commission shall notify the City Council of the same with a
recommendation from the Park Commission. Park Commissioners shall notify
the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated.
E. Removal. Any member of the Park Commission may be removed at any time
by a four - fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council with or without cause.
• F. Compensation. shall serve n wit without Park
compensation members
exccept aasselected
the City Council otherwise
established by Resolution of the City Council.
G. Training. The Chairperson and the City staff shall meet with each new Park
Commissioner to explain Park Commission procedures.
H. resignation to the member who
who shall in resign
n turn shall
sameitto written City
resignation p
Council.
1. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring within the Park Commission shall be filled for
the balance of the appointment by the City Council.
ARTICLE 4 — OFFICERS, DUTIES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. Officers. The officers of the Park Commission shall be Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson.
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2 Page 17 of 34
B. Duties of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, •
appoint Park Commission members to committees, appoint Park Commission
representatives, rule on procedural questions (subject to reversal by a two - thirds
(2/3) vote of those members in attendance), meet with all newly appointed
members, exercise the same voting rights as other Park Commissioners and
carry out such other duties as are assigned by the Park Commission or by the
City Council.
C. Duties of the Vice - Chairperson. The Vice- Chairperson shall act in the
absence or inability to act of the Chairperson, and in such instances shall have
the powers and functions of the Chairperson.
D. Terms. The Park Commission officers shall be elected from among its
appointed members for the term of two years. No member shall serve as
Chairperson or Vice - Chairperson for more than two consecutive terms. The
election shall occur at the Park Commission's annual meeting.
E. Vote. Candidates for office receiving a majority vote of the entire membership
(three -fifths (3/5)), shall be declared duly elected.
P. Date of Office. Newly elected officers shall take office at the annual meeting in
March.
G. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in the offices of the Park Commission shall •
be filled immediately by the above election procedure.
ARTICLE 5 -- MEETINGS
A. Annual Meeting. An annual organizational meeting shall be held the third
Monday in March of each year. Election of officers shall be conducted at that
time.
B. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Park Commission shall be held at
6:30 PM on the third Monday of each month in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The regular meeting date of the Park Commission may be changed by
resolution of the City Council.
C. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the
Chairperson, after consultation with City staff.
D. Notice of Meetings. Notice in writing of all regular and special Park
Commission meetings, setting forth the time, place and agenda of such
meetings, shall be mailed by the City staff to all Park Commission members
at least five days in advance of each meeting.
3 Page 18 of 34
•
E. Site Investigation. Prior to each meeting, all Park Commission members
shall endeavor to visit any properties to be discussed at the meeting.
F. Park Commission Representative at City Council Meetings. Each Park
Commission member shall in turn represent the Park Commission at regular City
Council meetings.
ARTICLE 6 — PRE - MEETING PROCEDURES
A. Agenda. The agenda for each meeting of the Park Commission shall be
developed in writing by the City staff and shall be available at the City Hall prior
to each meeting.
B. Withdrawal. If a petitioner or applicant desires to withdraw a matter from an
agenda, such request must be submitted to the City staff in writing, and if any
public notice has been given, all persons appearing at the noticed hearing on
said petition or application shall be entitled to be heard.
• ARTICLE 7 — PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
A. Time. The time of each public hearing shall be stated on the agenda, and no
hearing may begin before this time. Each hearing shall begin as soon as
possible after this time.
B. Presentation. If a public hearing is required for a request by a petitioner, the
petitioner or an appointed representative shall state the request, explain the
proposal and answer questions of the Park Commissioners. If no petitioner is
involved, the Chairperson or the City staff member shall explain the purpose of
the hearing. The Chairperson may impose reasonable restraint upon the number
of times one individual may speak.
C. Termination of Hearing. The Chairperson may close a public hearing after
hearing those present who care to speak, or any member may move to continue
the public hearing until a specified date. If a hearing on the petitioner's request is
closed, the Park Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council
within 30 days following the close of the hearing. If a hearing is continued,
mailed notices of the continuation may be requested by any voting member.
•
4 Page 19 of 34
ARTICLE 8 — MEETING PROCEDURES •
A. Rules of Order. Unless otherwise specifically designated, Roberts Rules of
Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the meeting procedure.
B. *Quorum. A majority of the voting membership (three- fifths (3/5)) shall
constitute a quorum for meeting purposes. Whenever there are vacancies on the
Park Commission the Commission may meet and transact business with half of
the non - vacated seats being present. Votes on issues where the commission
members are equally split will be deemed to be passed onto the City Council
without recommendation.
C. Conflict of Interest. Whenever a Park Commission member shall have a
direct or indirect personal or financial interest in an application or petition before
the Park Commission, that member shall declare such interest and excuse
himself /herself from the discussion and vote.
D. Agenda. The order of business at regular meetings generally shall be as
follows:
1. Cali to order.
2. Roll call of members.
3. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. •
4. Public hearings.
5. Informational hearings.
6. Old business.
7. New business.
8. Adjournment.
E. Appearance of Petitioner. No application or petition shall be given final
approval unless the applicant or petitioner appears personally or by
representative at the hearing called thereon, or unless he /she makes satisfactory
explanation or presentation in lieu thereof.
P. Tabling. A tabling motion, if passed, has the effect of laying a matter over until
the next regular meeting, unless otherwise specified.
G. Reports. Any matter may be tabled for a technical report or study which the
Park Commission may make or request of the petitioner, the City staff, the City
Attorney, the City Engineer or other sources. Such report shall be presented to
the City staff for forwarding to the Park Commission at least five days prior to the
meeting at which said matter will be heard again.
" As amended April 27, 2004.
5 Page 20 of 34
• H. Non - Agenda Matters. No binding or final action may be taken on any matter
not on the written agenda except by unanimous vote of the members in
attendance or four - fifths (415) vote of the entire membership.
ARTICLE 9 — COMMITTEES
A. Park Commission Committees. The Park Commission may establish
committees of its own membership for a specific purpose and duration.
B. Ad Hoc Committees. The Park Commission may request that the City Council
appoint other members of the community to Ad Hoc Commission committees,
which may be created by the Park Commission for a specific purpose and
duration. At least one voting member of the Park Commission also shall be
appointed to each such committee.
ARTICLE 10 — RECORDS
A. Minutes. The City shall supply a secretary at all regular and special meetings of
the Park Commission who shall be responsible for taking full and complete
minutes and record all such meetings. The City staff shall be responsible for
keeping a record of all Park Commission resolutions, transcriptions, minutes and
• findings.
B. Open Meetings. All meetings shall be a matter of public record.
S:1Parks\By1aws.doc
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6 Page 21 of 34
City of Oak Park Heights
•
Memo
To: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
From: Julie Hultman
Date: January 4, 2008
Re: Park Commission - Annual Meeting & Commission Terms Issues
At your request, I have completed a thorough review of the terra appointments for the
current Park Commissioners. Attached to this memo you will find a sheet for each
Commissioner, detailing the appointment information I was able to locate as to
appointments to the Commission, Chair and Vice Chair Officer positions and sub-
committee representation.
The information outlined on the summary sheet for each Commissioner can be found in
their respective Park Commission file, bearing their name. I am comfortable in that the
term appointment and Officer appointment information is complete; however I cannot
assert that the information to sub - committee appointments is complete as I had to rely
on information found in our system, searching each Commissioner.
The Bylaws for the Park Commission, which were adopted in 1999, direct: •
1. That an annual orizanizational meetine is held. in March each vear: wherein the
election of Officers is to be conducted.
Assuming the 2 -year officer term, annual meetings with officer election should occur
every two years from 1999. This would constitute officer elections in 2001, 2003, 2005,
2007, 2009 and so on.
The unexpected departure of a Commissioner who also held an Officer position would
naturally result in an election of a replacement Officer which would not necessarily occur
at the annual meeting such as occurred in July of 2000 when Gina Zeuli was elected to
replace departing Daria Berger as Vice Chairperson.
An annual meeting was held in 2001, and both 2002 and 2003, with different
individuals being elected as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. 2001 elections resulted
in Kevin Furlong as Chairperson and Gina Zeuli as Vice Chairperson, with terms that
should have run to March 2003. The event of a 2002 annual meeting being held re-
elected both Kevin and Gina to the same officer positions but effectively reduced their
previous term appointment by one year and ultimately balanced out as a 2003 annual
meeting was held and Officers elected.
The Annual Meeting and Office election in 2003 was the last held. At that time Gina
Zeuli was elected Chairperson and Chuck Dougherty elected Vice Chairperson. They
have been serving in such capacity since.
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City of Oak Park Heights
•
2. That unless extended by special order of the Citv Council for a period of one vear,,
no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the Park
Commission.
The current Commissioners term should have or should expire as follows:
Chuck Dougherty received three full appointments from City Council with consecutive
terms having been held from January 2000 through December 31,
2008. With a term extension by special appointment from the City
council of one year, Chuck's term per the Park Commission
Bylaws should have expired December 31, 2006. Chuck remains
participant with the Commission.
Pat Estes received his first appointment from the City Council to a partial term that
expired December 31, 2006, though he has remained participant with the
Commission during 2007 and having not heard otherwise is anticipated to
continue doing so as of January 2008.
Per the Park Commission Bylaws, Mr. Estes is able to seek reappointment.
He should be queried as to his desire to seek reappointment and indicate
one way or the other, preferably in writing. Depending upon his response,
reappointment (to a term period of l/ 1/2007 to 12/31/2009) or
Commissioner vacancy advertisement should occur.
• Beth Nelson received her first appointment from the City Council to a partial term that
ended December 2005 and was reappointed to her first full term period in
2006 which expires December 31, 2008.
Randy Wagner received his first appointment from City Council to a partial term
that ended December, 2004 and was reappointed to his first full
term period in 2005, which expired December 31,2007. Having not
heard otherwise, it is anticipated that he will continue to participate
as of January, 2008.
Though Per the Park Commission Bylaws, Mr. Wagner is able to
seek reappointment. He should be queried as to his desire to seek
reappointment and indicate one way or the other, preferably in
writing. Depending upon his response, reappointment (to a term
period of l/ 1/2008 to 12/31/2010) or Commissioner vacancy
advertisement should occur.
Gina Zeuli received her first appointment from City Council to a partial term that
expired December 2000. She has been consecutively reappointed since
and completed to full Commissioner terms of 3 years each in 2006. City
Council reappointed Gina to full 3 year term in January, 2006 resulting in
a term period ending December 31, 2008. With a term extension by
special appointment from the City council of one year, Gina's term per the
Park Commission Bylaws should have expired December 31, 2007. Gina
• remains participant with the Commission.
Page 23 of 34
City of Oak Park Heights
3. That Park Commission Officers be elected from among its appointed members for
the term of two nears, which election occurs at the annual meeting. No member
shall serve as Chaimerson or Vice - Chairperson for more than two consecutive
terms.
Gina Zeuh is the current Chairperson.. Through a 10 month partial term and
subsequent annual meeting elections, she has served in the role of an Officer
consecutively since June of 2007 when she was first elected Vice Chair at the time of
former Commissioner Dana Berger's departure. Gina has served as a Commission
Officer in the following capacity:
Vice Chairperson June 2000 to March 2003 2 years, 10 months
Chairperson March 2003 to March 2005 2 years
Continued as Chairperson
without formal re- election March 2005 to present (1 / 08) 2 uears, 10 months Approx
7 years, 8 months total
Total Consecutive Officer Term Periods Broken Down By Office:
Vice Chairperson (1 partial and 1 full term) 2 years, 10 months
Chairperson (elected and unelected capacity)
(1 full elected term) 2 years •
(1 full term + 10 months) 2 years, 10 months
Chuck Dougherty is the current Vice Chairperson. Elected as Vice Chairperson at the
2003 annual meeting and having continued in capacity without formal re- election,
Chuck has served in the role of an Officer, namely as Vice Chair person, consecutively
since March of 2003.
Vice Chairperson March 2003 to March 2005 2 years
Continued as Vice Chairperson
without formal re- election March 2005 to present (1 / 08) 2 uears,10 months Avorox
4 years, 10 months total
4. That if any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetinr?s or a total of
four meetings (or 25 percent) duriniz the calendar vear of March to February, the
Park Commission shall notify the City Council of the same with a
recommendation from the Park Commission. Park Commissioners shall notify
the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated.
Attendance and notice of absenteeism per the bylaws has been somewhat sketchy. 1
know we have had to call periodically to check on people coming and you have addressed
the Commission on the importance of letting staff know in advance that they will not be
in attendance for quorum purposes.
Page 24 of 34
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City of Oak Park Heights
•
Attendance records from 2001 through 2007, reconstructed from the Minutes when
necessary, shows that we peaked in 2002 with full Commissioner attendance at
meetings 55% of the time and then dropping to below 30% in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
2006 and 2007 are our worst years for full Commissioner attendance at 9% and 8%
respectively.
Based on the Bylaws calendar of March to February, and just for the past three years,
there have been two incidents of one Commissioner absent 3 consecutive meetings and 4
incidents (4 Commissioners) where they were absent 4 or more times or greater than
25% of the periods meetings. The 2007 -2008 Park Calendar Year attendance cannot be
calculated until after the February, 2008 meeting; although presuming full attendance
for both January and February of 2008, shows that the incident of 4 meetings and /or
25% being missed has occurred by 4 of the 5 Commissioners.
In Summaru:
Terms:
• Beth Nelson's term is accurately on schedule.
• Chuck Dougherty and Gina Zeuli are both currently participant and have both
exceeded term limits established within the Park Commission Bylaws.
• Based on the present Park Commission Bylaws neither Chuck Dougherty
nor Gina Zeuli would be permitted to serve as a voting member of the
• Commission. -
• Pat Estes has served beyond his appointed term, which expired December 31,
2006 and should be reappointed to a first full term if he so desires (1 / 1/07
12/31/09).
• Randy Wagner's term expired December 31, 2007. She he so desire, he should
be reappointed to a second full term (1/ 1/08 - 12/31/2010).
Annual Meetings & Officer Terms:
• An annual meeting should be held in 2008, electing Officers for a one year period
from the 2008 Annual Meeting date to the 2009 Annual Meeting date, at which
time Officer elections should occur as needed for departing officer members and
at the Annual Meetings held in odd numbered years when current Officer 2 -year
terms period culminate.
• Based on the present Park Commission Bylaws neither Chuck Dougherty nor
Gina Zeuli would be permitted to be elected as an Officer.
Attendance:
• Steadily declining full Commission participation at regular meetings
• Incidents of 3 consecutive meetings missed by a member and no report to City
Council or other activity of record during Park Calendar years of 2005 through
2007.
• Four of five Commissioners have had at least 1 incident where they were
absent 4 or more times or greater than 25% of the meetings held.
•
Page 25 of 34
PARKS COMMISSION •
Commissioner: Chuck Dougherty
12/14/99 CC appointed to 3 -year term.
➢ First Full 3 -year term. (1/1/2000 -12/31/2002)
Chairperson.
03/17/03 PC elected as Vice Chair p
➢ First Full 2 -year Officer term (3/2003 - 3/2005)
03/25/03 CC re- appointed to second 3 -year term.
➢ Second Full 3 year term. (1/1/2003 - 12/31/2005)
01/10/06 CC re- appointed to third 3 -year term.
➢ Third Full 3 year term (1/2/2006 - 12/31/2008)
Commissioner Term(s) Officer Term(s)
1St Full - 1/00 -12/02 (3 yrs) 151 Full- 3/03 - 3/05 (V. Chair)
2nd Full -1/03 -12/05 (3 yrs) 2006 Vice Chair - unofficially
3rd Full -1/06 -12/08 (3 yrs) 2007 Vice Chair - unofficially
( i
Other Anbointment sl:
➢ 2001 Hwy. . 36 Partnership Study Committee Alternate
➢ 2002 A.S. Kin g Landfill Future Park Development Group
( Moelter Fly Ash Site )
➢ 2006 OPH City Comprehensive Plan Update Review Committee
tY P p
Page 26 of 34
• PARKS COMMISSION
Commissioner: Pat Estes
02/28/05 PC recommended appointment to complete uncompleted term of
outgoing Commissioner Janel Belz, who did not return for term 2004
2006.
03/08/05 CC appointed to complete 2004 -2006 term vacancy created by outgoing
Commissioner Janel Belz who opted to not seek a re2004-2006 term re-
appointment.
➢ Partial to begin ul March and end 12/31/2006.
Commissioner Termisj Officer Term(s)
Partial - 3/05 -12/06 (1 yr. 10 mo.)
15 Pull -
s h3U- d ,.�,oure�
40-In J
Other Appointments: A OI? - Dool - 2,00
•
Page 27 of 34
PARKS COMMISSION •
Commissioner: Beth Nelson
04/18/05 PC reconunended appointment to complete outgoing
Commissioner Furlong's term (ending December 31, 2005),
04/26/05 CC appointed to complete unexpired term of Kevin Furlong
➢ Partial Term to begin in May and end 12/31/2005. (6 months)
01/10/06 CC Re- appointed to first full 3 -year term.
➢ First full term period (1/1/06 - 12/31/2008)
Commissioner Term(s) Officer Term(s)
Partial - 5/05 -12/05 (6 mo.)
1St Full -1/06 -12/08 (3 yrs)
Other Appointments:
Page 28 of 34
l r
• PARKS COMMISSION
Commissioner: Randy Wagner
09/15/03 PC recommended appointment to complete outgoing Commissioner
Weyer's term (ending December 31, 2004)
09/23/03 CC appointed to complete the unfinished term of Mark Weyer who
resigned effective 07/21/03.
➢ Partial Term to begin in October and end 12/31/2004.
01/25/2005 CC re- appointed to first full 3 -year term.
➢ First Full Term period (01/01/05 - 12/31/07)
Commissioner Term(sl Officer Term(s)
Partial -10/03 -12/04 (1 yr. 3 mo)
1St Full - 01/05 -12/07 (3 yrs.)
Other Appointments:
• Ov.� �Ju.�
( �SJ J 2o)0
Page 29 of 34
PARKS COMMISSION •
Commissioner: Gina Bias - Zeuli
1/26/99 CC appointed to complete unexpired term of Lynae Byrne, who moved
to City Council. First meeting shown in attendance is 3/99.
➢ Partial Commissioner Term, expiring 12/31/2000.
7/ 17/00 PC elected to serve as Vice Chairperson. Replacing resigned
Commissioner Berger.
�- Partial officer term ending in 2001
2/1.2/01 PC recommended Re- appointment to 3 year term.
➢ First Full Commissioner Term, 1/1/2001 to 12/31/2003.
04/23/01 Re- elected to serve as Vice Chairperson.
03/18/02 Re- elected to serve as Vice Chairperson.
Term noted as March 2002 to March 2004
➢ First Full 2 -year Officer Term - Vice Chair
03/17/03 Elected to serve as Chairperson (March 2003 to March 2005)
Note: 2003 Was the correct year to hold an Annual Meeting for officer election.
Gina's Vice Chair election in 2001 should have carried up to 2003 Annual •
Meeting)
➢ Second Full 2 -year Officer Term - Chair
11/25/03 CC Re- appointment to second full 3 year term.
➢ Second Full Commissioner Term, 1/1/2004 to 12/31/2006. \
01/10/06 CC Re- appointment to third full 3 year term. Note: Using this date for netu
term for Gina her term is nozo ending 1 �t
➢ Third Full Commissioner Term, 1 /1/2006 to 12/31/2008.
Commissioner Term Term
(s)
Officer Ters)
Partial - 3/99 -12/00 f q rn0,) Partial - 06/00 - 04/01 V. Chair t l� mu�
Full - 1/01 - 12/03 (3 yrs) 1 Full - 4/01 - 3/02 V. Chair (Yr.1)
Full -1/04 -12/06 (3 yrs) or 12/05 (2 yrs) - 3/02 - 3/03 V. Chair (Yr.2)
Full -1/06 -12/08 (3 yrs) 2»d Full- 3/03 - 3/05 Chair (Yrs 1 & 2)
Other Appointments:
> 1999 Strategic Planning Update Committee 0 lA
➢ Hwy 36 Partnership Committee (Withdrew 10/21/02)
L) 4h r1
Page 30 of 34
City of Oak Park y Heights
g
FOLLOWING UP ON 2007 PARK ACTIVITY:
At their April 16, 2007 meeting, the Park Commission moved recommend continuance of
the Annual Meeting for one year and that during that time the City Council re- examine
the Park Commission Bylaws and make appropriate changes to them.
The motion made by Chair Zeuli, seconded by Vice Chair Dougherty and voted aye by
Commissioner Estes for a 3 -0 vote and carried. Commissioners Nelson and Wagner were
absent from the meeting and dial not vote.
I have found no documentation that suggests that the City Council has re- examined the
Park Commission Bylaws or that they have made any changes to them. It would my
suggestion that the Park Commission or their City Council Liaison, on their behalf,
elaborate and relay to the City Council what changes the Commission are seeking to the
Bylaws.
The following are my suggestions for consideration:
1. Remove term limits, while continuing the 3 year term appointment process.
• In the capacity of an advisory board there is little argument for a long -term
commission member becoming overly influential in the ways of checks and
• balance for fairness.
• It is beneficial to have members with a history of activity participation to be
involved with current activities.
• Historically, members have left the Commission of their own accord for the most
part versus having to due to term limitations being imposed. It is reasonable to
expect that this type of departure would continue thereby creating change to the
overall composition of the Commission.
• Stimulating interest to membership of the Commission has been challenging;
despite advertisement the Commission had a vacant seat the full year of 2004
and part of 2005.
• Continuing with 3 year term appointments creates the opportunity for members
to resign at a fixed point in time versus haphazardly as well as allows for in house
tracking of citizen service to the Commission.
2, Remove Officer cumulative term limits, while continuing the 2 -year term period
for them upon election and continued re- election every two years at the Annual
Meeting or when necessitated by the departure of a Commission who is also
serving in the capacity of an Officer.
• The cumulative term limits really have no bearing on influence or effect of
limiting leadership by another Commission member as long the Officer
term period maintains the 2 -year election periods and elections continue to
be held at the Annual Meetings.
•
Page 31 of 34
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,'- City of Oak Park Heights
Election periods create an opportunity for a change in Officer •
position (eg. Current Vice Chairperson may become the
Chairperson by election).
• Elections at the Annual Meeting create an opportunity for different
members to be elected to either Officer Position or for the
Commission to affirm their desire to maintain the Officers elect as
they are for another 2 year term.
If cumulative Officer terms are kept, I would like to see the term language in Article 4,
Section D revised to make it clear whether the two consecutive terms permitted is 4
years total in the capacity of Chairperson for 4 years or Vice Chairperson for 4 years or a
combination of either for a total period of 4 years.
3. Change the calendar year of March to February to a January through December
calendar year, thereby keeping it in line with that of a regular fiscal year for
stipend payments and attendance calculation, and easier to monitor with
December 31 Commission term ending dates.
4. Change the Annual Meeting month from March to January to simplify the
transition of Officer election with December 31 Commission term ending dates
and the potential of a member leaving who is also an Officer.
5. Either clarify what other organizational items are to be facilitated at the Annual
Meeting beyond Officer election or direct Annual Meetings to be held every two •
years commencing in 2009. To date no other business beyond officer election has
been had at the Annual Meeting. If there is no other business, I believe it lends
confusion to elected Office terms.
6. Require that Commissioners declare their intention, in writing, to seek
reappointment to a new three year term in September, so that in the event of non -
intention, a period of transition may exist wherein vacancy is advertised,
applicants received, interviewing done and appointment made before the outgoing
Commissioner departs.
7. Clarify a more specific advanced absenteeism policy (eg. Email a specific party,
etc) and clarify what recommendation the City Council would like in the event of
absences meeting the criteria of Article 3, Section D. For example, does the City
Council want to know when it occurs regardless of the Commission wishing any
action to be taken or otherwise?
8. Article 5, Section D Notice of Meetings: states that these are to be mailed at lest 5
days in advance of each meeting. Presently materials are hand delivered to
Commissioners the Friday preceding the meeting. Consider revising language to
preferred number of days and manner of distribution.
9. Article 5, Section F Park Commission Representative at City Council Meetings.
Consider revising the language to clarify which meeting or that all regular Council
meetings following the Park Commission meeting be attended. There is some
confusion as to what is required presently.
Page 32 of 34
2335 Highway 36 W
St. Paul, MN 55113
Tel 651- 636 -4600
• fax 651.636-1311
wwwbonestroo,coin
January 16, 2008
Mr. Eric Johnson 7r Bonestroo
City Administrator
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd., P.O. Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 -2007
Re: 2008 Trails and Park Improvements
Conceptual Cost Estimates
BRA File No. 55 -08 -000
Dear Eric:
As directed, we have estimated the costs for various trail and park improvement projects throughout the
City of Oak Park Heights. Improvements are identified at Brekke Park, Swagger Park and Valley view Park.
A detailed description of each improvement is identified in your memo of January 7, 2008 and summarized
on the attached Preliminary Cost Estimate.
The table below summarizes the total cost for the improvements at each park. The low end of the range is
for the base improvements as identified by City Staff and the high end includes the cost of all the alternates,
The total cost range includes preliminary survey, engineering design and construction administration. (The
• attached Preliminary Cost Estimate identifies the total cost for each improvement identified at the parks.)
{ Park Total Cost Range*
Brekke Park $184,800- $432,000
{ Swagger Park $100,800 - $130,800
{ Valley View Park $560,000- $729,600
*Soil Borings are not included in the estimate.
This estimate was done based on visual observations performed at each snow covered park in January 08.
Per the memo of January 7, 2008 it was requested that all trail improvements be ADA compliant, Prior to
confirmation that the trails can meet ADA standards it will be necessary to perform a preliminary survey of
the sites, It may be necessary to switchback the trails to meet ADA standards, specifically for the
improvements at Brekke Park (Identified as Project number Alternate 1 B on the attached table.)
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at (651) 604 -4788 or Dennis
Postler at (651) 604 -4815.
Sincerely,
BONE TROO
Karen S, Erickson, P, E.
St, Paul
cc: Scott Richards, City Planner St. Cloud
• DMP, CWL2, GDK, File— Bonestroo Rochester
Milwaukee
Chicago
Architects
Planners
� Bonestroo
City of Oak Park Heights
2008 Trail and Park Improvements
Preliminary Cost Estimate
17- Jan -08
Estimated Engineering Estimate Total
Project Number Project Description Summary Construction Cost Fees* Cost **
Improvements at Brekke Park
1 Placement of a concrete hockey rink at Brekke Park $154,000 $30,800 $184,800
Alternate 1A Placement of a concrete pleasure rink at Brekke Park $98,000 $19,600 $117,600
Alternate 1A.1 Placement of 1/2 concrete pleasure rink at Brekke Park $54,000 $10,800 $64,800
Installation of new bituminous walkway /trail from the parking lot at
Alternate 1 B Brekke Park to the south side of the Brekke Park Shelter. $27,000 $5,400 $32,400
Installation of a new 8` wide bituminous trail from Brekke Park through
the property at 5502 Osgood Ave. to a point along Osgood Ave, directly
Alternate 1C adjacent to Upper 55th Street. $81,000 $16,200 $97,200
Improvements at Swagger Park
Replacement of the tennis courts at Swagger Park, including replacement
2 of the fencing, net posts and a new practice wall. $84,000 $16,800 $100,800
Installation of a lighting system at the Tennis Courts at Swagger Park.
Alternate 2A This system would be on a timing system. $25,000 $5,000 $30,000
Improvements at Valley View Park
Installation of a bituminous trail from Valley View Park northerly to the
Project 3 intersection of Ozark Ave. and 58th Street N, $467,000 $93,400 $560,400
v installation of a bituminous trail from the intersection of Ozark Ave. and
CID Alternate 3A 58th Street to the Xcel Energy Fly ash trail. $74,000 $14,800 $88,800
� Replacement of the retaining wail that surrounds the eastern and
0 Alternate 3B southern sides of the Valley View Park Shelter $67,000 $13,400 $80,400
*Estimated at 20% of construction cost for budgetary purposes �Gl.
* *Soil borings are not included in the estimate 2q 0 �o:✓b +(— Ts F>�1 p6F �- t�'1!`'"