09/22/1982 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 22, 1982
Committee members present at the meeting were Roger Martin, Sandy Masin,
Carolyn Thurston, Tom Gustafson, Dough McNeely. Also present were City
Council members Jerry Thomas and Mayor Blomquist. Staff present consisted
of the City Administrator, Director of Parks and Recreation and Tim Erkkila
from Erkkila and Associates.
The Director of Parks and Recreation briefly reviewed for the council and
committee members the direction that was given to the consultant and staff
regarding concept plans for Rahn Park expansion at the September 9th meeting.
The director explained that he and the consultant had spent several hours
reviewing various layouts with the intent of trying to meet some of the basic
criteria for the site. He reviewed those criteria stating that some of the
chief concerns was for the adjacent residents and in trying to minimize the
impact of the development. He stated that the fact that development would
occur and become a disruption to the existing site there will still be
complaints from adjoining residents. However, it still remains within the design
criteria to minimize that impact wherever possible. He further stated that
other criteria required that sufficient parking was placed on the site to avoid
conflicts with residential streets and neighborhood areas, that there be effective
functioning and an non conflictive usage pattern and concern for cost effective-
ness.
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed three concept plans indicating
the positive aspects and concerns of each plan concept. Chairman Martin
stated that he did not favor the second plan because of the road alignment
behind the homes of the Cedar Cliff addition indicating that this was not
very desirable. Members commented on each of the first concept plans as they
were presented. The third concept plan provided adequate parking and provided
functional alignment with facilities. Member Thomas stated he favored this
plan because of the relationship of the infields being the furthest away
from the adjacent homes. The director pointed out that the existing bitumi-
nous trail through the highline would have to be rerouted because of the
location of the two northern most softball fields. Commenting on the location
of the bituminous trail, the consultant indicated that the original concept
plan prepared by Brauer and Associates, the exact trail location was not
accurately recorded. Even under the Brauer plan and other concepts previously
identified, the trail would have to be relocated because of the necessity of
regrading the entire site to accomplish placement of the ball fields and
parking area. Mr. Erkkila reviewed the grading site for the committee showing
drainage and slope variations.
In response to a question the director indicated that the deflection of the
trail was approximately 280 feet to the south but the trail users would not
be inconvenienced. He illustrated from the user perspective, how this trail
might function. The consultant also indicated that the location of the trail
would move the bike traffic further away from homes and the greater conflict
would be for the center fielder. This player would be closer than a trail
user to the homes, but be there less frequently having less impact on back
yards than other proposed layouts. The Director of Parks and Recreation
Minutes of a special meeting of the Advisory Parks Recreation Committee
Page 2
also indicated the limits of the existing vegetation both on the north and
south indicating that once completed additional plant material would be
suggested for screening purposes. Chairman Martin indicated that he favored
this plan and as the major elements of the design criteria minimized the
impact on the homes to the north and south. He indicated that he did not
like the crossing of the trail over the parking lot driveway and discussion
ensued about the possibility of rerouting this trail element. Committee
member Gustafson suggested that perhaps a speed bump or a technique for
slowing down vehicular traffic would be desirable. Members suggested that
signage might also be considered.
In response from a question from Mayor Blomquist, the director indicated
that plan elements would also allow for future lighting, when such lighting
seemed desirable and necessary. He indicated that the field locations would
mean that light standards would have the least amount of impact on the resi-
dents because of there placement of lights. He further illustrated in terms
of distance and topography how the lights might affect the site. Further,
he indicated that consideration for security lighting in the areas of the
parking lot and proposed future shelter building location should be made.
The director indicated that the shelter would provide for field maintenance
items such as chalk, bases and posting of announcements as well as restroom
facilities.
Committee member Martin indicated he favored the plan as it was the most
desirable of the options shown.
Mayor Blomquist indicated that this plan was certainly preferable and had
the least amount of impact on the residential neighborhood. Other positive
remarks were noted. It was the consensus of the council and committee
members present to proceed with this plan for further detailing and the
work to be submitted with the Rahn grant application due October 1.
With the conclusion of this item on the agenda, members were invited to
stay to review some early concept plans for the Capricorn and Wedgewood
Park sites, as part of the park system plan. It was indicated that these
park site plans will be reviewed at the next parks committee meeting and
staff and the consultant will be happy to review them in a preliminary
nature at this time.
K.L.V.
Advisory P.rks"F Recreation Committee
Secretary