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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-17 PRC MIN Parks and Recreation Board Minutes of August 17, 1998 Present: David Junker, Chairman; Linda Amrein, Del Peterson, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Mike Polehna, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Steve Wolff Absent: Rob McGarry, Leah Peterson Others: Tim Thomsen, Parks Director; Steve Russell, Community Development Director The group went on a tour of the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Wolff moved to approve the minutes of July 27, 1998. Mr. Polehna seconded the motion. All in favor. Review of 1999 Budget Request: Mr. Thomsen stated that a $300,000 request for land purchase was omitted from the budget. Mr. Cummings informed the Commission that there are some big expenses that will need to be covered in the next few years, including a new hook and ladder truck for the Fire Department at a cost of $600,000 and a new Public Works Building. These items will have an impact on other areas of the City’s budget. Mr. Cummings stated that he felt that Council has given much consideration to the Parks budget in years past, but may have to be a bit stricter this year. He stated that if the Public Works Building is approved, then it would include office and storage space for the Parks Department. The Parks budget should be prioritized in order of importance. Mr. Junker said that the Parks are in nice shape, however, the items in the budget for this year will put the finishing touches on many ongoing projects. He commended Tim for the good job he has done in maintaining the parks. Mr. Cummings stated that there may be grant money available from State or Community organizations to help fund items such as the Territorial Prison monument. In addition to the capital outlay budget, Tim has requested a full-time secretary. This person could help to free up some of Tim’s time by taking over the clerical work and also research grant opportunities. Mr. Cummings felt that the addition of a full-time secretary for Parks carried the highest priority for the Parks Department. Mr. Thomsen stated that, other than the secretary, top priority items would include the mower and attachments, aeravator with roller, storage building, and the Lily Lake improvements. Low priority would be the basketball courts at Schulenberg. Mr. Polehna stated that the Lily Lake Ice Arena needs some improvements that are not in the budget for 1999. The Commission felt that the $11,000 paid by Dick Anderson should be put back into the maintenance of the Arena. Mr. Cummings said that he would bring this up at the next Council meeting. Update on Neal Meadows-Summerfield Subd. Parks and Open Space Dedication: Mr. Russell presented the group with the recommendation of the 10 lot Summerfield park dedication. This item was brought before the Parks Board in July, since then Planning staff met with the developer to consider other options. The City Council approved Option A and referred the application to the Parks Board. Option A increases the neighborhood park to .65 acre, Brown’s Creek Conservation/Open Space easement to 4.01 acres, and the trailway dedication to .55 acres. There will be a paved trail for bicycles and a nature trail along the back of the development. This totals 1.7 acres of dedicated parks space, 1.13 acres were required. Mr. Junker felt there was no need for the nature trail as long as there was already a paved trail to use. He would rather have seen the neighborhood park size increase than use the nature trail as part of the dedication. Mr. Russell stated that the developer is looking for ideas on what to do with the neighborhood park. The City cannot require him to help with the park, but he may be willing to anyway. Mr. Thomsen stated that he will work with Sue Fitzgerald, City Planner to put together some designs for the neighborhood park and present them to the developer. Motion by Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Cummings to approve the park dedication plan as amended. Ayes: Ms. Amrein, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Flinn, Mr. Liehr, Mr. Polehna, Ms. Brown, Mr. Cummings, and Mr. Wolff. Nays: Mr. Junker Update on Staples Field Basketball Court: Mr. Thomsen reported that the Basketball Court opened on August 6. Since then one of the neighbors has complained about music being played at the courts. Next week signs will be posted with the following rules: 1. No music allowed. 2. Profanity prohibited. 3. Bikes & Skateboards prohibited. 4. Use Schedule: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Court closes at 9:30 p.m. Follow the Rules: Noncompliance with the rules may lead to ejection and could cause the court to close. There was some discussion over verbiage on the signs. Mr. Thomsen reported that although there has been this one complaint regarding the music, there have also been numerous compliments about how nice the courts are. Update on Northland Park Skateboard Facilities: Mr. Thomsen reported that the Northland Park Skateboard Facility is working out well. The kids are using the park as it should be used, putting the trash where it should go and comments regarding the park have been positive. There has only been one complaint and that was on the very first day it opened. Since then things have gone smoothly. Ms. Brown handed out a copy of flyer from a city in Florida that built a skateboard facility and is charging fees. This would something to look into in the future. Update on Meadowlark Park: Mr. Thomsen informed the group that a questionnaire was sent out to residents by Meadowlark Park on August 5, to be returned by August 21. The questionnaire asked residents what they would like to see done with the park. Once all the results have been summarized, Mr. Thomsen will work with Sue Fitzgerald, City Planner to develop 2 or 3 different plans for the park. These plans will then be presented at a community meeting. Mr. Thomsen stated that Commission is invited to attend. Tax Forfeiture Property: Mr. Cummings informed the group that there are several parcels of land available due to tax forfeiture. The group looked at the location of the parcels and what could be done with them if the they acquired by the City. It was determined that only the two contiguous lots in Radle’s Hilltop Addition would be worth acquiring. They are located next to an existing park and pond area and would extend the open space in this area. Motion by Mr. Polehna, seconded by Ms. Flinn to acquire the two contiguous lots in Radle’s Hilltop Addition and forgo the rest. All in favor. New Business Mr. Liehr stated that Pioneer Park looked very nice with the new play equipment. Mr. Thomsen stated that there were no bids received for restrooms at Pioneer Park. The City will have to re-bid the project. This will set construction back about 1 ½ months. Ms. Amrein suggested that the Commission put on a Celebration of Our Parks Day in the spring or summer of next year. This would be a good way to get the residents of our neighborhoods out to the Parks. Mr. Polehna stated that Washington County has a Explore your Washington County Park Day that we could use as a model. Motion by Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.