05/15/1986 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MAY 15, 1986
Chairman Martin called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Members present:
Porter, Alt, Ketcham, Martin, Thurston, Kubik, Masin, Caponi, and Bertz. Also
present were: Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation, Steven Sullivan,
Landscape Architech/Planner.
AGENDA:
Commission members approved the agenda.
FAIRWAY HILLS/ATHLETIC SITE ACQUISITION
In reference to the Fairway Hills proposal, Director Vraa felt that it was
necessary for the Commission to determine if it was acceptable to have an
athletic facility in a neighborhood setting. Once decided, the Commission
could further define and analyze additional athletic facility sites.
Chairman Martin preferenced that athletic facilities should not be next to R-1
areas. Four soccer fields within the Ohmann parcel would create a large
parking lot, with too much automobile circulation. Commission member Kubik
felt that soccer fields would only provide additional open space within the
Ohmann parcel, because no cumbersome equipment would be involved within their
operations. Commission member Caponi preferred the Northview expansion and
any option which would be complimentary to this expansion. Derrick Land
Company liked the idea of the neighborhood park, but would consider the
athletic park if it were not to be lighted, and if the park design, layout and
acquisition would be a joint process between the City and themselves.
Director Vraa gave a short presentation of the four potential site parcels.
The first parcel: Northview expansion was the purchase of a three (3) acre
site that is currently zoned for a church and approximately seven (7) acres of
adjacent land to the park. The church currently wants to relocate and it is
felt that they would readily sell the three (3) acre parcel. Northview
expansion would provide for three (3) additional softball fields. The
topography is conducive for athletic field development. Fairway Hills and
Northview Expansion would provide for four (4) soccer and three (3) softball
fields. The terrain at both locations is relatively flat and easily
accommodates athletic facilities.
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The Peterson parcel provides for: four (4) softball and two (2) soccer fields.
The terrain has moderate slopes and with some grading could accommodate these
athletic facilities. The Peterson parcel is forty-three (43) acres. Some of
this acreage being lake, and, "unusable" resulting in a net acreage of closer
to 32 acres.
The Southeast parcel is comprised of two properties. One being forty
three (43) acres, and the second being twenty-two (22). The park can
accommodate up to seven (7) athletic facilities. The site also offers
opportunities for additional development, other than athletic.
Director- Vraa-'=indieated that- several options should be-considered-in
determining future park acquisition. =For example: The Commission could
consider purchasing both the Ohmann parcel and the Northview expansion
properties. This would provide for three (3) softball and four (4) additional
soccer. Commission member Masin questioned whether or not the church really
was going to move. Director Vraa stated that he had met with the church
pastor, and it was indicated to him that the existing church site is too small
and the location no longer desirable. Commission member Kubik questioned
whether there was anyone interested in the Peterson parcel. Commission
member Martin stated that there may be some potential for athletic field
development if the Kirschner property was available. Commission member Bertz
.liked the Northview expansion and Ohmann property joint development, with the
Southeast parcel being an option for future considerations. Commission member
Masin and Commission member Kubik preferred the Northview expansion and
Ohmann property combination. Commission member Kubik felt that the
acquisition of the southeast parcel would provide for future opportunities.
Commission member Porter felt that the Ohmann parcel would not be adequate for
athletics, because it was not to be lighted. He also indicated that the
expansion of Northview would provide for a reasonable athletic facility. He
was concerned with the existing railroad and highway three along the
southeast parcel, and was.-curious in regard to the development of the
Peterson parcel, with the acquisition of the Kirschner property. Commission
member Caponi preferenced the Ohmann/Northview combination. He felt that it
was necessary for the Commission to make a decision as soon as possible, in
order not to loose an existing opportunity. Commission member Ketcham liked
placing additional softball fields at the Northview expansion property. He
felt that the Ohmann property worked in regards to soccer fields. Also, he
considered the potential for development within the Southeast parcel.
Commission member Thurston stated that the City had made precedence with
placing Rahn Athletic Facility adjacent to an existing family neighborhood.
The development of the Ohamann property would concurr with this existing
precedence. She also felt that the Northview expansion would be a cost
effective way for the development of additional softball fields. The
Southeast Parcel has poor access due to highway three, and therefore was not a
good choice for an athletic site. Commission member Thurston expressed the
need for the Commission to look ahead of the referendum, and provide
properties for future development. Commission member Alt preferenced the
Northview/Ohmann combination. She was concerned with the railroad and highway
three for the development of the southeast parcel. She would consider the
development of the southeast parcel for future development.
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Chairman Martin expressed that the final decision should be: which plan would
be best for the citizens. He stated that he felt the Ohmann parcel, as laid
out, provided an inadequate neighborhood park for the adjacent single family
homes. He felt that by reducing the number of soccer fields, this - could
expand the neighborhood park and the neighborhood park area. He also opposed
the $24,000 per acre price for the Northview property. He did feel that it
would -serve future needs, and would-complement the existing facilities at
Northview Park. Chairman Martin favored the purchase of the south section of
the-southeast parcel, for the development of an adult athletic complex. He
felt'that the removed soccer field-at the Ohmann parcel could be placed within
the southeast parcel to accommodate the lost facility. Commission member
Masin moved, seconded by Caponi for the purchase of the Northview expansion.
All Commission 'timbers voted' in favor, with the exception of Chairman Martin.
Commission member Kubik mentioned that the Commission should be sensitive to
both the community's immediate needs and long term needs. He felt that it
could be- necessary for the purchase of properties for- these facilities; at
this time. Commission' member Thurston felt that the Southeast parcel could
provide for future needs. -She was also interested in the development
potential for the Kirshner property. Commission member Kubik felt that the
Northview expansion property would provide for our immediate athletic needs.
The Peterson parcel was too small, and expensive. The Southeast parcel could
provide for future parkland opportunities. Commission member Caponi felt that
the City should buy the Northview parcel now. He felt the Ohmann parcel
could be considered for development, and the Southeast parcel used for future
development. Chairman Martin expressed the need for the Commission to
consider the athletic needs and existing parkland as a package, and not as
individual sites. Commission member Caponi moved that we proceed with
acquiring in principal, the Northview Athletic Field expansion, and the Ohmann
parcel based on the Staff working with the developer, layout and configuration
,of the property. Commission member Masin seconded the motion. The motion
failed three to six.
The Commission had an extended discussion regarding the various sites.
Chairman Martin indicated he favored the Peterson Parcel if the Kirshner Land
could be acquired.
Mr. Kubik stated that, because the Commission was to be at the Trails Meeting
beginning at 7:00 p.m.; that staff be directed to obtain information on the
Kirshner Parcel for discussion at the next Commission meeting. All members
agreed. Commission members then adjourned to attend the County Bike Trail
meeting.
Dated: /S" 98(
Advisory Parks & Recreation Secretary
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