1993-12-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes December 14, 1993 Page 4 Council Business. continued Theresa TheIl, 2821--12th St., said her house is located directly behind the proposed tennis courts and noted concern regarding the potential noise that might be generated from these courts. She asked if berming will be provided and feels the cost to construct these courts might be better used to replace trees removed during overall park construction. Anderson confirmed the court area would be properly bermed, and most of the remaining trees are not in good health and will eventually die. Benke asked if the other tennis courts created nuisances for adjacent property owners. Anderson said the Parks Department has not received many complaints regarding tennis courts, except for a resident who bordered Freedom Park. Benke asked if the tennis court would be a future addition. Anderson said its decision is dependant upon Park Board and Council approval. Benke noted the unsold lots in the area, and feels perspective buyers should be aware of this proposal. Rebelein suggested the plan should include the wording "possible" tennis courts. Parviz Razi, 2882--12th St., strongly supports the tennis court installation and feels those in opposition to the plan consider the park an extension of their backyards. He does not recall the residents requesting a gazebo, but noted the great interest for the courts and presented a petition of support. Anderson confirmed that two items not requested by residents were the basketball hard court area and gazebo. The reasons for these inclusions was the need for consistency among all City park facilities. The installation of one tennis court would cost about $30-35,000. Gunderman has been a member of the Park Board for many years and experienced similar resident concerns when Hansen and Freedom Parks were developed. Property values do increase when a park is developed and supports construction of the tennis courts as soon as possible. Fulton confirmed there is a $35,000 balance in the 1994 budget to fund the park's development. The project will be funded by dedicated revenues and no tax levy dollars will be used. The funding involves the trail system, grass and tree plantings. Anderson said the features to be installed in 1995 include the parking lot, soccer field and playground equipment. Features to be installed in 1996 involve the gazebo, hard court area, basketball court and parking lot improvements. If Council wishes to accelerate the park's development, this could be investigated. Benke requested staff to investigate this matter. Glenn Burleson, 2987 Bent Tree Hills, feels the trail system is unattractive and proposes it be eliminated or adjacent homeowners be polled of their preference. Fulton pointed out the neighborhood value of the trails and indicated that if the trails were eliminated, park users would cut through backyards to enter the park. Fulton asked Burleson if his concern reflects the trail access or asphalt material. Burleson noted concern of the use of asphalt and stated that the pond is incorrectly identified on the map. Anderson said some grading has been performed, and acknowledged the pond is close to the backyards. Natural vegetation will used near the pond. Gunderman asked the pond's depth. Anderson said the pond is about 3 or 4 ft. deep, but could become deeper with heavy rainstorms. Benke asked if the pond's slope would be graded to prevent injuries to small children. Anderson conflrmed that the grading plan is now being reviewed by the Rice Creek Watershed District, and could be modified further. Council Business I Innsbruck 5th Addition Park Plan Report 93-335 I I