HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-07 Parks Packet a
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
Monday, May 21, 2007
5.•OOP.m. - Park Walk - Through: Meet at Cover Park
630P.M. - Regular Parks Commission Meeting @ City Hall
I. Call To Order
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — April 16, 2007 (1)
IV. Department /Commission Liaison Reports
1. Arborist (2)
2. Public Works Director
3. Other /Commission Liaison Reports
V. Visitors /Public Comment
This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission nth questions or concerns not on the
agenda. Please limit comments to three minutes.
VI. Public Hearings
VII. New Business
1. Swager Park and Trail Improvements
2. Report on Brekke Park Improvements — Ball Field Renovation (3)
3. Acquisition of Property Adjoining Brekke Park (4)
VIII. Old Business
1. Moelter Fly Ash Park Update — Discussion with Darrell Knutson
2. Autumn Hills Park Shelter Update
3. Oakgreen Ave. Trail Extension — South of 56 Street (5)
IX. Informational
1. Upcoming Meeting: Monday, June 18, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. @ City Hall
Council Representative: May — Commissioner Estes
June — Commissioner Nelson
2. Tree City USA — Press Release (6)
X. Adjourn
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, April 16, 2007
L Call to Order:
Chair Zeuli called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dougherty and
Estes; City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Ozzello, Arborist Widin, and
Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Commissioners Nelson and Wagner.
II. Approval of ALyenda: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved
to approve the Agenda with Park Bench Donation added as item 3 to New Business.
Carried 3 — 0.
Annual Meeting:
Chair Zeuli stated that it this point of the meeting they were intended to adjourn to the
Parks Commission Annual meeting but that in lieu of doing so, and on behalf of the
Commission, she moved and was seconded by Commissioner Dougherty to recommend to
the City Council that the Annual Meeting be continued for one year and that during that
time the City Council re- examine the Parks Commission Bylaws and make appropriate
changes to them. Carried 3 — 0.
III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — March 19, 2007: Commissioner Dougherty,
seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to approve the meeting Minutes. Carried 3 — 0.
IV. Department /Commission Liaison Reports
1. Arborist: Arborist Widin reported that the City has officially been awarded the 2006 Tree
City U.S.A. Award as well as the 2006 Growth Award for its preparation of a boulevard
tree inventory and creation of a boulevard tree management plan. She reminded
residents that the City provides Arborist services through her and that she is available for
questions via telephone and will schedule appointments for site visits. Lastly she noted
that during the course of the park walk through she noted that it would be beneficial for
her to prepare an inventory of trees in the parks to plan for pruning of some of the
larger trees in the active use areas at the parks and other necessary tree maintenance
Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to accept Arborist
Widin's report. Carried 3 — 0.
2. Public Works Director:
Public Works Director Ozzello noted that he took notes during the park walk through
and would be updating his work list for the parks and would keep the Commission
posted with task progress. He advised the Commission that May 19th was the target date
to get the City Parks officially open, that advertisement for park attendants should occur
by the end of the week and that the goal was to get them hired on board for opening
da
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Parks Commission Minutes
April 16, 2007
Page 2 of 4
He noted that crews got a jump start on spring work, with the assistance of Sentence to
Serve, and got some work done at Cover Park and completed a major brush clean up at
Brekke Park.
Chair Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty, moved to accept Public Works
Director Ozzello's report. Carried 3 — 0.
3. Other / Commission Liaison Reports /Hwy. 36 & Bridge Project: Commission Liaison
McComber noted that there are some feasibility studies underway but that there was
really nothing new going on with the Hwy. 36 and Bridge projects. She added that she has
spoken to staff about having this report removed from the Agenda until such time there
is more to report but that should something occur, she would update the Commission.
City administrator Johnson provided updates to:
Autumn Hills Park Shelter
Johnson reported that the City Council has directed staff to negotiate with the
performance bond holder of DNR Construction as to their potentially becoming the
general contractor to the project and assuming that responsibility and to their
potentially contracting with DNR Construction subject to a list of conditions and
criteria. Should mutual negotiation be reached, the established date of completion is
June 15 11, and is subject to the stated contract price with appropriate contract
amendments and corrections to the project. Failure to perform according to the
contract results in a $30,000 penalty. Should mutual negotiations not be found, the
City has already gone out for bids for a new general contractor for the project's
completion. The bids are due April 23rd. The new contract also requires a
completion date of June 15th and carries a 20% penalty for failure to perform.
Trails Construction
Johnson reported that the City went out for bids for trail construction projects and
that the City Council took action on those bids last Tuesday. He noted that bids
received were quite favorable and that they should see work commence within the
next two to three weeks, weather dependant. Johnson noted that the trail work
includes a trail on Oakgreen Avenue and through the Linear Park, trails at Autumn
Hills Park and the trail and parking lot construction at Swager Park.
V. Visitors /Public Comment: None.
VI. Public Hearings: None.
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Parks Commission Minutes
April 16, 2007
Page 3 of 4
VII. New Business:
1. Approve 2007 Regular Meeting Dates & Council Representative Schedule
Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Chair Zeuli, moved to approve the 2007
regular meeting dates and council representative schedule as presented. Carried 3 — 0.
2. City of Oak Park Heights 150 Year Celebration
Commission Liaison McComber reported that she brought the 150 year city
anniversary to the attention of the City Council several weeks ago and suggested that
a celebration event be held. She has met once with a group of local residents to
brainstorm and advised the Commission that the draft schedule is an idea list from
their discussion. McComber noted that the City Council had also reviewed and
discussed this list and that they have directed the event be limited to one day.
McComber stated that the group would be meeting again to condense the schedule
and to come up with some additional ideas and asked the Parks Commission for
their thoughts and ideas.
The Parks Commission commented that they thought a celebration was a great idea
and that they liked the idea of receiving older stories and pictures even if they
weren't as far back as 150 years. Commissioner Estes suggested that a history of the
parks would be nice as would pictures and /or stories that document how some of
the parks got their names and who the people behind the names were. Chair Zeuli
stated that she thought a street dance and parade would be a lot of fun. General
discussion ensued as to using several areas within the City, the need to contact and
receive approval from business locations, focusing on event dates, time and activities
for all age groups in order to maximize community involvement. McComber noted
that she had received access to and is having copies made of the original Oak Park
Heights area plat and an older aerial photograph. She asked the Commission to
contact her if they had any additional thoughts or ideas.
3. Park Bench Donation
City Administrator Johnson reported that he has spoken with Mark Walker as to his
desire to donate and place a park bench, in Valley View Park near the shelter, in
memorial of Earl Vielhaber. Johnson noted that Mr. Vielhaber worked in the park
as an attendant.
Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to recommend
City Council approval of the memorial bench donation to Valley View Park, subject
to staff verification and final placement. Carried 3 — 0.
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Parks Commission Minutes
April 16, 2007
Page 4 of 4
VIII. Old Business:
1. Spring Park Walk - Through
Chair Zeuli reported that the Parks Commission commenced the annual Spring Park
Walk Through prior to the meeting and completed their walk through three - fifths
(3/5) of the City Parks. The walk will continue on at 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 21,
2007 commencing at Cover Park. It was noted that the area to be walked will
include Cover Park, the trail from Cover Park and Autumn Hills Park and that
during the trail from Cover Park walk, signage needs will be considered as to leash
law reminder to trail users with pets.
IX. Informational:
1. Upcoming Meetings: Monday, May 21, 2007 -
5:00 p.m. Spring Parks Walk Begins at Cover Park
6:30 p.m. Regular Parks Commission Meeting at City Hall
2. Council Representative: April — Commissioner Dougherty
May — Commissioner Estes
3. Spring Clean Un: Saturday, April 28, 2007 — 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Behind Andersen Corporation (former
St. Croix Mall —14617 59 St. N, Oak Park Heights)
X. Adjournment:
Chair Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to adjourn at 6:53 p.m.
Carried 3 — 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie A. Hultman
Planning & Code Enforcement Officer
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u
Arborist's Report April 2007
To: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
City Council
Oak Park Heights
From: Katharine D. Widin, Ph.D.
Municipal Arborist
In April I attended staff meetings, discussed tree issues with staff members and
prepared memos and reports concerning these issues.
For the April 16th Parks Commission meeting, I reviewed the Parks Commission
packet and presented a short report regarding forestry activities within the city.
I attended the parks walk - through on April 16 prior to the Parks Comm. meeting.
I visited Swager Park and Valley View Park (picnic area) with members of the
commission, the City Administrator and the Dir. of Pub. Works. We noted several items
of work needed regarding trees in these parks.
In April I looked at several issues regarding both park and boulevard trees.
This month I reviewed the Arbor Day /Month proclamation, received the Tree City
USA award for the city for 2006 and submitted an article to the Stillwater Gazette
regarding the city receiving both the TCUSA annual award (for 25 yrs.) and also
receiving a TCUSA Growth award for 2006 because of completion of the boulevard tree
inventory and the boulevard tree management plan.
In April I put together some information to go out to residents and sent it to Pub.
Works to send out with a notice they are putting on the website.
This month I attended the Shade Tree Shortcourse (April 3 and 4) and presented a
talk on "Plant Problem Diagnosis ". I also attended a number of sessions on issues related
to trees on both public and private property. The costs for me to attend this educational
program was shared with the communities of Stillwater and Lake Elmo, which I also
work for.
In April I returned to inspect the installed landscaping at the Wal -Mart
Expansion site, particularly as it related to cutting of twine and removal of burlap per the
approved planting detail on larger deciduous trees on the site. I also spoke with the
landscape contractor for that project regarding tree survival on site. This month I also
reviewed the revised landscape plan for the Goodwill project and sent a report to the city.
For the Lowe's project, I reviewed the landscape plans, made a site visit to inspect the
landscaping and wrote a report on the findings of my inspection.
In April I returned phone calls and made site visits regarding risk trees, nuisance
trees, boulevard tree pruning, ash flower gall mites, tree i.d. and buckthorn.
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Arborist's Report June 2006
To: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
City Council
Oak Park Heights
From: Katharine D. Widin, Ph.D.
Municipal Arborist
In June I attended staff meetings, discussed tree issues with staff members and
prepared memos and reports concerning these issues.
For the May 15th Parks Commission meeting, I reviewed the Parks Commission
packet and presented a short report regarding forestry activities within the city. This
month I also walked the trails in Autumn Hills and Swager parks and noted any tree
issues and work needed.
In May I checked trees on boulevards for risk situations and responded to requests
by property owners to inspect boulevard trees. There were a number of calls from
residents regarding requests for new or replacement boulevard trees. I inspected sites of
requests and made decisions re: new or replacement plantings for 2006.
This month the majority of my work focused on completing the boulevard and
park tree inventory for the City, which consisted of confirming and entering data,
checking trees in the field, consulting with a data analyst and writing a management plan
for boulevard trees. The tree inventory report will be delivered to the DNR and city the
first week of June.
During the month of May, I was involved in the review of plans for the following
projects: Oakgreen Village - reviewed the revised landscape plan, calculated tree
replacement requirement and prepared a memo; Memorial Office Condos - I reviewed
the revised landscape plan, site plans, attended site review meetings and prepared a memo
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regarding landscaping for this project; Fox Hollow — I made site visits, made
recommendations for the landscape plan and reviewed the new plan.
In May I returned telephone calls and made site visits regarding new and
replacement boulevard trees, squirrel damage to pine and maple, ash flower gall mites,
bronze birch borer, ash anthracnose, oak anthracnose, decay, transplant stress, winter
injury, how and when to prune trees and shrubs, and pruning trees ar
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Ball Field Renovation
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Phase I
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The public works Department re-
alized the little league ball fields at
Brekke Park were in dire need of at- �l1
tention. Upon surveying the project
the crew decided to split the renova-
tion into three phases, brush removal
and erosion control, dugout rehab,
and infield rehab.
Phase I consisted of Brush re-
moval and erosion control. With the
help of STS, the public �,vorks crew
removed over 60 cubic yards of
thorny brush. To solve the erosion
problem, the crew installed a simple
- gravity feed drainage system. The
system consist of plastic catch ba-
sins, corrugated drain pipe, and PVC
outlets.
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Phase II & III
Dugout Rehab
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Phase II &III
Dugout Rehab
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Project completion
Under time constraints, the P.W.
managed to accomplish the major
portion of the Brekke Park ball field
renovation. The project included
brush removal, erosion control, instal -
lation of a drainage system, demolition
of the players dugouts, removal of
players benches, rehab of dugout and
reinstallation of benches. Grounds
clean up and minor infield mainte- �
nance was also executed, but is not
complete, as it is a seasonal long task - '�� e � <
to manage a weed free infield. Minor `
improvements such as adding sturdy
trash receptacles may be completed
as time allows throughout the summer
of 07.
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In other business,
the council... —
• received its annual financial 011k Park
report for 2006. David Mol of
HLB Tautges Redpath said the Heights named
accounting firm issued a "clean
opinion" on the city's finances. Tree City USA
• hired Judy Tetzlaff to fill the
city accountant position vacat-
ed by Roxann Mendoza in the —Oak Park Heights has
March. Tetzl who now been named, a Tree. City
works in the City of USA Community by the
Maplewood's accounting. National Arbor Day
department, was one of 29 Foundation to honor the
applicants for the position. Her City's Commitment r its
starting salary will be $40,392 community forest.
a year. It is the 25th year Oak
• adopted a proclamation mak- Park Heights has
ing April 27 Arbor Day and received this national
May Arbor Month in the City recognition.
of Oak Park Heights. The Oak Park Heights is
observance of Arbor Day is one also the recipient of a
of four criteria for being named Tree City USA Growth
a Tree City USA community by Award in 2006 for com-
the National Arbor Day pletion of both an inven
Foundation; this is the 25th tory and a management
year the City of Oak Park plan for the boulevard
Heights has earned the distinc- trees within the city. The
tion. In 2006- 81 Minnesota boulevard tree inventory
communities received the des- and, management plan
gnation. were completed with the
• accepted the donation of� a help Of a MnRel_eaf
park bench in memory of long grant from the Minn.
time city D
, park 'attendant attendant Earl Dept. of Natural
Viehuber. The bench will be Resources.
located in Valley View Park, Oak Park Heights has
near the horseshoe area. met the four standards
• decided to invite Sen. Kathy to become a Tree City
Saltzman (DFL- Woodbury) ree
and Rep. Julie Bunn (DFL- board, a tree care USA community: a t tree
Lake Elmo) to meet with city Hance, a comprehensive
officials at their earliest con- community forestry pro
venience to discuss ways the grant and an Arbor Day
state legislature could address observance.
the poor condition of the
frontage roads along Highway
36 in its next legislative ses-
sion.
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