09-09-09 PR11-117EM S-1
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763,231.2561 planners@nacplanning.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Otsego Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Daniel Licht, AICP
DATE: 1 September 2009
RE: Otsego — Lahn Farm Park
NAC FILE: 176.08 — 09.08
BACKGROUND
The City has agreed to purchase 6.29 acres of land within the River Place development
for a neighborhood park from U.S. Homes with a closing set for 17 September 2009.
The property is Outlot A, River Place 3 rd Addition. The City Council has also authorized
the City Engineer to being preparing a grading plan to allow Public Works to being site
work this fall. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed a concept plan for the
proposed park at their meeting on 12 August 2009 and directed that an alternative site
plan be prepared and more information be presented regarding possible play equipment
for the park.
Exhibits:
A. Concept Plan A
B. Concept Plan A Preliminary Cost Estimate
C. Concept Plan B
D. Concept Plan B Preliminary Cost Estimate
E. Structure Overview
ANALYSIS
SRF has prepared a second concept plan for Lahn Farm Park reflecting the comments
from the Park and Recreation Commission meeting on 12 August 2009. The changes
from Concept A to Concept B include:
0 Addition of a tennis court.
• Addition of a shoot around basketball hoop.
• Relocation of the play containers and pavilion to one side of the internal trail.
• Elimination of the splash pad.
Fixtures. SRF has provided additional materials related to choices of equipment to be
installed within the play area containers for continued discussion. The containers are
divided into three sections: K-5, climber/rock wall container and swings.
Cost Estimate. The preliminary construction estimate for Concept B is $439,450.00.
In comparison, Concept A is estimated to cost $417,450.00or $22,000.00 less to
develop. The difference in cost is primarily attributable to the substitution of a tennis
court for the splash pad.
Parking. City staff also considered showing a third concept plan that included an off-
street parking area in the southern portion of the park shown to be developed with open
play areas and/or a small scale baseball field. However, the City Engineer estimates
the cost of an off-street parking lot similar to that built in other parks would be another
$45,000.00. Given the need to minimize construction costs for Lahn Farm Park, City
staff reviewed the opportunity for on -street parking. Randolph Avenue may be restriped
to provide space for 40 spaces along the west side of the street. There is also space
for parking approximately 40 cars along the east side of 54 th Street, although these
would not be striped. Based on the availability of on -street parking, City staff would not
recommend construction of an off-street parking lot at Lahn Farm Park.
Schedule. The following are key dates in the schedule for acquisition and development
of the proposed park:
0 9 September 2009 — Parks and Recreation Commission reviews Concept B.
0 October 2009 - Neighborhood Open House; specific date and location TBID.
0 11 November 2009 — Parks and Recreation Commission to finalize concept plan.
0 23 November 2009 — City Council to order plans and specifications
N Public Works to undertake site grading to be completed before Winter 2009.
0 Construction starting Spring 2009 and completed Summer 2009.
CONCLUSION
The Parks and Recreation Commission will review the two concept plans for Lahn Farm
Park at their meeting on 9 September 2009 at 7:00 PM.
C. Mike Robertson, City Administrator
Tami Loff, City Clerk
Brad Belair, Public Works Supervisor
Ron Wagner, City Engineer
Ken Grieshaber, SRF
Timothy Wold, SRF
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Lahn Farm Park
Preliminary Cost Estimate
Otsego, MN
Lahn Farm Park
Preliminary Cost Estimate
City of Otsego
SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
Project No. 0025521
8/4/2009
Survey, Staking, and Mobilization
$25,000.00
Earthwork
$50,000.00
-Site Grading/Erosion Control
-Agg-lime Infield
Jop Soil (if needed)
Site Utilities
$7,500.00
-Water Service for Splash Pad
-Splash Pad Drainage
Pavement/Curbing
$45,000.00
-Bituminous Trails and Basketball Court (1/2)
-Concrete Walks and Pads
-Concrete Curbing
Site Furnishings
$155,000.00
-Play Structures and Swings
-Ballfield Backstop/Players Benches/Fencing
-Picnic Tables, Benches, Trash Receptacles
-Satelite Enclosure
-Park Entrance Sign
-Park Information Sign
-Drinking Fountain
-Prefabricated Pavilion
Splash Pad
$50,000.00
-Ground Sprays (4-6)
-Mechanical (piping, controller, etc.)
-Colored Concrete Pad
Landscaping/Turf Establishment
$20,000.00
-Seed and Sod
-Landscape Plantings
Irrigation System
$25,000.00
Site Electrical
$2,000.00
-Electrical Service to Irrigation System
-Lighting and Outlet within Pavilion
Estimated Subtotal
$379,500.00
10% Construction Contingency
$37,950.00
Total Estimated Construction Costs
$417,450.00
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Lahn Farm Park
Preliminary Cost Estimate
Otsego, IVIN
Lahn Farm Park
Preliminary Cost Estimate - Concept B
City of Otsego
SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
Project No. 0025521
8/31/2009
Survey, Staking, and Mobilization
$25,000.00
Earthwork
$50,000.00
-Site Grading/Erosion Control
-Agg-lime Infield
-Top Soil (if needed)
Pavement/Curbling
$39,000.00
-Bituminous Trails
-Concrete Walks and Pads
-Concrete Curbing
Half -Court Basketball
$6,000.00
Shoot Around Court
$2,500.00
Site Furnishings
$155,000.00
-Play Structures and Swings
-Ballfield Backstop/P layers Benches/Fencing
-Picnic Tables, Benches, Trash Receptacles
-Satelite Enclosure
-Park Entrance Sign
-Park Information Sign
-Drinking Fountain
-Prefabricated Pavilion
Single Tennis Court
$75,000.00
Landscaping/Turf Establishment
$20,000.00
-Seed and Sod
-Landscape Plantings
Irrigation System
$25,000.00
Site Electrical
$2,000.00
-Electrical Service to Irrigation System
-Lighting and Outlet within Pavilion
Estimated Subtotal
$399,500.00
10% Construction Contingency
$39,950.00
Total Estimated Construction Costs
$439,450.00
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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 plan ners@nacplanning.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Otsego Mayor and City Council
Otsego Parks and Recreation Commission
Otsego Police Commission
FROM: Daniel Licht, AICP
DATE: 1 September 2009
RE: Otsego — City Code; Special Vehicle Use
NAC FILE: 176.08
BACKGROUND
Ms. Diann Norfolk has inquired at City Hall about the use of a motorized golf cart upon
City trails and streets. This issue is being forwarded to the Parks and Recreation
Commission relative to trail use and to the Police Commission related to street use for
recommendations to the City Council.
Exhibits:
A. MN Statutes 169.045
ANALYSIS
Trails. Section 6-7-4.N of the City Code regulating parks and trails prohibits the use of
any motorized vehicle on or across any portion of a City park or trail (other than a
driveway or parking area). The prohibition of motorized vehicle on City trails is intended
to avoid conflicts between the size and speed of the motorized vehicle with pedestrians,
bicyclists, rollerblades, etc. There is also potential for damage to the trail surface, which
is not designed to accommodate the weight of motorized vehicles or their frequent use.
City staff does not recommend amending the City Code to allow for motorized vehicles
on City trails.
Streets. Use of motorized vehicles such as golf carts having an engine displacement of
less than 600cc or weight of less than 800 pounds upon City streets is allowed only if
the City adopts an ordinance specifically authorizing such vehicles pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes 169.045. Otsego has not adopted an ordinance allowing these
types of vehicles to operate upon City streets making them prohibited. Consideration
may be given to amending the City Code to authorize these vehicles to operate on City
streets. Potential concerns with these vehicles operating on City streets would include
conflict with automobile and truck traffic and enforcement of traffic laws.
CONCLUSION
Allowance of motorized vehicles such as golf carts to operate upon City streets is to be
considered by the Police Commission at their meeting on 8 September 2009 at 7:00 PM
and by the Parks and Recreation Commission at their meeting on 9 September 2009 at
7:00 PM. City staff is seeking a recommendation to the City Council from both
commissions as to whether the City Code should be amended to allow operation of
these vehicles upon City trails and/or streets.
C. Mike Robertson, City Administrator
Tami Loff, City Clerk
Andy MacArthur, City Attorney
Diann Norfolk, 14281 78 th Street NE
2
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008 169.045
169.045 SPECIAL VEHICLE USE ON ROADWAY.
Subdivision 1. Designation of roadway, permit. The governing body of any county, home
rule charter or statutory city, or town may by ordinance authorize the operation of motorized
golf carts, or four-wheel all -terrain vehicles, on designated roadways or portions thereof under
its jurisdiction. Authorization to operate a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all -terrain vehicle
is by pen -nit only. For purposes of this section, a four-wheel all -terrain vehicle is a motorized
flotation -tired vehicle with four low-pressure tires that is limited in engine displacement of less
than 800 cubic centimeters and total dry weight less than 600 pounds.
Subd. 2. Ordinance. The ordinance shall designate the roadways, prescribe the form of the
application for the permit, require evidence of insurance complying with the provisions of section
6513.48, subdivision 5 and may prescribe conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this
section, under which a permit may be granted. Permits may be granted for a period of not to
exceed one year, and may be annually renewed. A permit may be revoked at any time if there is
evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate the motorized golf cart or four-wheel all -terrain
vehicle on the designated roadways. The ordinance may require, as a condition to obtaining a
permit, that the applicant submit a certificate signed by a physician that the applicant is able to
safely operate a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all -terrain vehicle on the roadways designated.
Subd. 3. Times of operation. Motorized golf carts and four-wheel all -terrain vehicles may
only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset. They shall not be operated in
inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions, or at
any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a
distance of 500 feet.
Subd. 4. Slow-moving vehicle emblem. Motorized golf carts shall display the slow-moving
vehicle emblem provided for in section 169.522, when operated on designated roadways.
Subd. 5. Crossing intersecting highways. The operator, under permit, of a motorized golf
cart or four-wheel all -terrain vehicle may cross any street or highway intersecting a designated
roadway.
Subd. 6. Application of traffic laws. Every person operating a motorized golf cart or
four-wheel all -terrain vehicle under permit on designated roadways has all the rights and duties
applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the provisions of this chapter, except when
those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts or four-wheel all -terrain
vehicles and except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision 7.
Subd. 7. Nonapplication of certain laws. The provisions of chapter 171, are not applicable
to persons operating motorized golf carts or four-wheel all -terrain vehicles under permit on
Copyright C 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.
2 MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008 169.045
designated roadways pursuant to this section. Except for the requirements of section 169.70, the
provisions of this chapter relating to equipment on vehicles is not applicable to motorized golf
carts or four-wheel all -terrain vehicles operating, under permit, on designated roadways.
Subd. 8. Insurance. In the event persons operating a motorized golf cart or four-wheel,
all -terrain vehicle under this section cannot obtain liability insurance in the private market, that
person may purchase automobile insurance, including no-fault coverage, from the Minnesota
Automobile Assigned Risk Plan at a rate to be determined by the commissioner of commerce.
History: 1982 c 549 s 2; 1986 c 452 s 19; ]Sp]986 c 3 art 2 s 12; 1987 c 337 s 121,122;
1997 c 159 art 2 s 18
Copyright (D 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.
VrIEM 0-2
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August 19, 2009 JUU AUG 2 0 2�,u-:
Otsego Park and Recreation Commission
8899 Nashua Avenue
Otsego, MN 55330
Dear Members of the Otsego Park and Recreation Commission:
I am writing this letter to you, Mayor Stockamp, Council Members Darkenwald, Heidner, Thorsted
and Scharber, and Otsego Elementary Principal Talley. With the safety of our community's children
in mind, I am requesting a change in the speed limit and signage on the 8100 and 8200 block of
Parell Avenue, Otsego. I have been a resident of 8187 Parell Avenue since 2001, when I built my
home. I am employed as a Sheriffs Detective for the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office and am
aware of safety issues regarding traffic and pedestrians, especially children. I have been employed as
a licensed Peace Officer since 1995.
I have concerns for the safety of not only my two children but also the children of my neighbors on
the block and in the area. The speed Emit on our block is the typical 30 MPH city street Emit. Our
two -block section travels north and south; on the north end the street curves to the west. We
constantly have vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed around the curve coming south. At times,
vehicles are traveling so fast around the corner I can hear the tires squealing as they approach my
residence. When vehicles travel that fast there is no possible way they have the reaction time
necessary to avoid something in the road around the curve. This problem is greatly enhanced if
there are vehicles parked on the street, especially on the west side. They just can't see what is in or
coming into the street. This also goes for children entering the street looking for cars. When they
stop and look north for cars coming, they can't see what is coming around the curve. It's even worse
for the kids trying to see when there are cars parked on the west side of the street. I can honestly
say I don't feel comfortable traveling more than 20 MPH around this curve. I have continuing
education every two years on the capabilities of a vehicle; how long it takes to observe, comprehend,
react and avoid, or come to a complete stop. I assure you, from my training and experience, there is
not enough time to react or stop when coming around this comer at 30 MPH, let alone faster. I can
make any stopping distance available to you as it compares to vehicle speed, time of observation,
comprehension and reaction time to a complete stop. If you are interested please let me know.
Directly to the east of our neighborhood is Otsego Elementary. Directly from the front parking lot
of the elementary school is a paved park path that comes to the 8100 block of Parell Avenue. This
path also gives access to the Otsego Elementary playground and baseball fields and School Knoll
Park, located northwest of the school. This causes a high volume of foot and bicycle traffic to and
from the path at all times, not just before and after school. There is no sidewalk on our street so
pedestrians and bicyclists share the street with vehicles. This is the only path to the park and school
for the many homes located to the west. As you can imagine, the majority of the traffic is kids on
foot, bikes, scooters, etc.
I have seen many "dose calls" with children and vehicles. I have, on a few occasions, yelled out to
drivers traveling at a high rate of speed to "slow down." Usually the drivers don't even look up as
they are driving while talking on the phone, texting or with their music turned up. The texting really
scares me; a driver when texting is just simply not looking at what's ahead of them. I have, on a
couple of occasions, even observed other neighbors shout out to drivers to slow down. I have
observed drivers stop, get out, and get into verbal altercations with the neighbor shouting out. These
-2— August 19, 2009
situations have come close to physical altercations. I have seen my neighbors become more and
more frustrated with vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed on our block.
From my experience, I do not believe an increase in patrol will have a lasting effect. An increase in
patrol would have a short-term effect on area residents who drive too fast. Area residents are only
part of the problem. A change in speed limit, signage and increased patrol should have a lasting
effect on area residents and people visiting the neighborhood
I have observed this problem continue for too long. I believe the city could post 20 N1PH and
School Zone signs for this section of city road. I consider this portion of road to be a school zone.
It is the main route of travel for all the kids who live west of the school going to and from the
school. It is also the main route of travel for kids and families to the school and city park. I feel,
after eight years of living on this block, and my experience as a peace officer, there will be an
incident between a child and vehicle on this block.
I believe each of us is responsible for creating a safe environment for our community, especially to
the children in our community. I feel I am doing my part in making you aware of this dangerous
situation. Please react before an incident occurs. All too often there is no change until after a
tragedy. I am calling on each of you, as leaders of our community, to help protect our children and
change the speed and signage on the 8100 and 8200 block of Parell Avenue. It would be an absolute
tragedy if something happened to one of our children, or a member of our community, when simply
changing the speed limit and signage might have prevented it. I can be reached at 763-443-1023 if
you have questions or would like to discuss this matter. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Richard L. Palaia