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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-27 PRC MINPARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Jan. 27, 1997 Present: David Junker, chairperson Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry, Ken Meister, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson, and Mike Polehna Others: Tim Thomsen, Parks Director Absent: Steve Wolff Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Mr. Junker introduced and welcomed new members, Linda Amrein and Leah Peterson. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval of the minutes of Dec. 16, 1996; all in favor. Update from Tim Thomsen Mr. Junker explained this would be an on -going agenda item to provide members with an update on the day-to-day operations of the department. Mr. Thomsen said snow removal and flooding of the ice rinks currently occupy most of the staff time. He reported that all of the city's 9 rinks are in fair shape. In was not possible to do anything with a skating area on Lily Lake this year due to the weather conditions. Mr. Thomsen provided members with an inventory of park equipment and facilities. Mr. Junker asked members to review the material for discussion at the February meeting. New development update Mr. Cummings said, at this time, the sports complex is the biggest new development. Mr. Cummings noted that in addition to the new sports complex, the Soccer Association is looking for a 40 acre site for development, the Aiple property will be reverting back to the city in the near future, a plan is being developed for the McKusick/Neal Avenue area. He said he felt that now is the time for the city to develop an overall comprehensive park plan and a funding mechanism to implement such a plan. Mr. Polehna showed members elevations and schematics of the sports complex. He noted several changes are being proposed -- an increase in seating capacity for the ice arena and an increase in the size of the dome facility. He said there is a potential problem with parking if the site also has to accommodate the city's public works facility and armory/community center. Mr. McGarry asked how the proposed changes in the facility will affect those who have already made a financial commitment and how the changes will impact the city's contribution. Mr. Polehna said one potential financial problem is debt service, since the contributions received are not up -front donations but rather are spread out over a number of years. He also pointed out that increasing the size of the dome is primarily responsible for increasing the cost of the project from what was initially estimated. Mr. Junker said a key will be to maximize the usage of the field house and market the facilities for diverse activities. Mr. Junker's comments raised the issue of management of the sports complex. Mr. Polehna handed out the city of Chaska's job description for its director of parks and recreation and a copy of Chaska's organizational structure. He noted that a reorganization of the city's public works department is upcoming and suggested that might provide an opportunity to look at the management structure of the parks department as well. He suggested holding a workshop with the City Council to discuss how the city wants to manage the sports facility and to look at the "big picture" for the future of the city's parks/planning/management. New business Mr. Junker reported that Feb. 17 is the suggested date for a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Park and Rec Board to obtain public comment on the water surface use of Long Lake. Mr. Peterson suggested having someone from the DNR at the meeting. Mr. Thomsen reported that School District 834 is requesting the use of Lily Lake and Northland tennis courts from June 16 through July 31 for tennis lessons. Members had no objection to allowing the use. Mr. Thomsen also reported that the city's grant application for reconstruction of the Pioneer Park wall and fence was not successful. Ms. Amrein asked about the status of the Pioneer Park plan. Mr. Thomsen explained the original donation for improvements to Pioneer Park was for playground equipment. The playground equipment will be moved to the location of the current parking area. However, that can't be done until the wall is repaired at a cost of about $185,000. Old business Mr. Peterson raised the issue of having staff from the planning department in attendance at meetings as previously requested. Mr. Junker said he had discussed the matter with City Administrator Nile Kriesel on several occasions. Mr. Kriesel has indicated that Mr. Cummings' membership on the board and Mr. Thomsen's attendance at meetings is sufficient. Mr. Polehna suggested the issue is a case in point for creating a new Park Director position. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to request a workshop with the City Council to discuss the issue; all in favor Mr. Junker reported that he had discussions with Mr. McKnight regarding the problem of locking the gate at Sunrise Park. Mr. McKnight has indicated the problem definitely will be resolved. Mr. Junker reported that he had talked with Richard Anderson regarding the problem with the roof leaking at Lily Lake Ice Arena, as well as the graffiti in the restrooms. Mr. Anderson is checking on alternatives to having the roof repaired. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 1997 Mr. McGarry, seconded by Mr. Liehr, nominated Mr. Junker as chairperson; all in favor. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Cummings, nominated Mr. Peterson as vice chairperson; all in favor. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p. m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary