Belle Plaine Park Board Nov. 22, 2004

November 22, 2004
Minutes
BELLE PLAINE PARK BOARD
REGULAR SESSION
NOVEMBER 22, 2004


1. CALL TO ORDER. 1.1. Roll Call.

The Belle Plaine Park Board met on Monday, November 22, 2004 in the Council Chambers, 127 South Cedar Street, Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Chairperson Jacobs called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with Commissioners Dan Gardner, Esther Tikalsky and Alternate Member Cary Coop. Commissioners Steve Rost and Chad Duerkop were not present. Chairperson Jacobs upgraded Member Coop as a voting member. Council elect Tim Lies was also present.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

Tikalsky requested the addition of business item 4.7, Update on Lyman Development.

MOTION by Coop, second by Gardner, to approve the agenda with the addition of item 4.7, Update on Lyman Development. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 3.1. Special Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2004. 3.2. Regular Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2004.

MOTION by Gardner, second by Coop, to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2004 and the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2004. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED.

4. BUSINESS.

4.1. Review of Plat  Farmers Ridge Second Addition.

Chairperson Jacobs welcomed Tom Gonyea, Gonyea Development.

The members discussed park land in the vicinity of the 423 acres of land purchased by Gonyea. Chairperson Jacobs explained that at the visioning session that was held on November 15, 2004, the members discussed a parcel of land approximately 30 to 40 acres in size for a future community center. Gonyea suggested that the Harlan Laabs land be purchased by the City for future park land, using the park land dedication fee from the Gonyea development. The members also discussed the site south of the ridge of trees along old Kittson Boulevard.

The members discussed the appropriate amount of land for a future community center and ball fields. A joint planning session with the Park Board and the Steering Committee will be held in December which will help facilitate the planning process for future parks.

It was the consensus of the Park Board to request that Tom Gonyea meet with Harlan Laabs regarding the sale of land as an option. The other option would be to pursue the site south of the ridge of trees along old Kittson Boulevard.

Chairperson Jacobs suggested that the members tour area community centers.

4.2. Lighting at Veterans Park.

Erna and Harold Kruschke of the BP Historical Society have requested permission to install three electrical outlets at Veterans Park. The cost is estimated at $250.00 and will be borne by the Historical Society.

The members discussed the expanded electrical service for holiday lighting. The member of the Vets Club had indicated their approval.

MOTION by Coop, second by Jacobs, to recommend the Public Works Superintendent authorize expanded electrical service at Veterans Park, as verbally approved by the Vets Club, and to be paid by the Belle Plaine Historical Society. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED.

The members discussed the installation of four light poles at Veterans Park. Maynardt Bahrke visited the Park Board on October 25 and requested the assistance of the Park Board to install lighting along the trail to prevent further vandalism to the flag poles. The pole and light fixture, which is similar to the style that is installed in residential subdivisions, is estimated to cost $703. The lights illuminate a 25-foot radius. The quote for underground electrical conduit for four poles is $1,600. The total project cost is $4,412.00.

MOTION by Coop, second by Tikalsky, to recommend the Public Works Department and City Council authorize the purchase of four light poles, similar to the style that is installed in residential subdivisions, at an estimated cost of $703 per light pole and fixture, and the underground electrical conduit for four poles at a cost of $1,600, for a total project cost of $4,412.00, to be expended from the park dedication fund. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED.

4.3. Review of Sidewalks for the Proposed 2005 Street Improvement Project.

The members were informed that a feasibility report on the 2005 Street Improvement Project was presented to the City Council, which includes an area in the vicinity of Chestnut and Cedar, and Church and State Streets. The installation of sidewalks for the streets has not been determined. The members discussed previous street improvement projects in which existing sidewalks were replaced, but new sidewalks were not added. The Park Board was encouraged to support the installation of sidewalks to help make Belle Plaine a walkable community. After a discussion, it was the consensus of the Park Board to bring this issue back for further study and possibly look at developing a policy for sidewalks.

4.4. Decorative Lighting.

A new frontage road along Highway 169 will be constructed in 2005 from Meridian Street to Ash Street. Due to the narrow width of the right-of-way, sidewalks are not being planned. The street is proposed to be called Commerce Drive. Staff would like the Board to discuss the placement of decorative street lights along the frontage road corridor, or at least at the intersection of Meridian and Commerce Drive. These lights would be at City expense (not MnDOT). Tikalsky inquired as to why the Park Board is making a recommendation. Staff explained that no other entity has taken up the decorative lighting cause and therefore is asking the Park Board for support. Tikalsky suggested decorative lighting fall under the expanded duties of the Design Committee.

MOTION by Coop, second by Jacobs, to recommend that the Design Committee support the installation of decorative lighting within the City. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED.

4.5. Review of Ravine Area for Off Road Cycling.

The members reviewed the map that indicated the property owners along the ravine corridor. The members discussed liability. It was suggested that the property owners be invited to a meeting in which Tim Wegner, Off-Road Cyclist, would make a presentation about bike trails. It was the consensus to have staff do research on the liability issue and report back at the next meeting.

4.6. Upcoming Joint Session with the Steering Committee.

A joint session with the Comprehensive Park Plan Steering Committee will be held in December. Notices will be sent to the Board when the meeting date is determined.

4.7. Lyman Development Update.

Tikalsky provided the members with an update about the Lyman Development proposal for land dedication for a new school. She informed the Park Board that Lyman has requested that the City waive park land dedication requirements due to the donation of land to the school. Tikalsky explained that further meetings are being held between the City and school district on this issue and she will keep the Park Board informed.

5. ADMINISTRATION. 5.1. Next Regular Meeting  December 27, 2004.

The members were reminded of the next regular meeting as listed.

6. ADJOURNMENT.

MOTION by Tikalsky, second by Coop, to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.



Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Krings
Recording Secretary