HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 01-10-2013MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
January 10, 2013
PRESENT: Commissioners: G. Anderson, N. Carroll, K. Wyse, M. Riley
Staff: D. Evans, B. Northway, D. Sankey
Planning Commission Liaison: D. Kobusson
City Council Liaison: G. Black
ABSENT: A. Vanderwall, J. Vecere
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Carroll called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION was made by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Wyse
to approve the December minutes.
Vote: 4 Ayes. Motion approved.
3. OPEN FORUM
none
4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS (NON -ACTION ITEMS):
a. 2013 City Budget & CIP
Director Evans provided an update on the Budget and CIP. The budget was increased
1.59% for 2013 to cover wages and materials. It has been 0% for the past few years.
The Council also approved the CIP. Money is available from the bond for purchase of
land for the Northwest Greenway when it is available. We are planning one or two
playground replacements this year. At Parkers Lake, we are scheduling parking lot
lights replacement. Ice Center projects include repair or replacement of a Zamboni.
With new state laws for air quality, the resale value of our old electric zamboni may
make it feasible to purchase a new one. Council approved Fairway Greens Park, so
construction will commence. We are undertaking assessment of our yard waste site.
An asphalt pad needs to be installed to guard against contamination. We did not
receive the grant for the training facility at the Ice Arena. Chair Carroll asked about
how the grant was scored and if we would re -apply. Evans said we did score very
well. It was more about the relationship of having a private vendor leasing the space.
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We have not heard back from administrator of the grant on the future viability. Evans
does not think we will go back to the county for this grant.
b. 2013 City Council Goals
Director Evans explained that the Council sets goals each year, and she discussed
some of these goals. We are also celebrating the 20th
anniversary of our volunteer
program this year, and we are considering acquiring a piece of art to commemorate
the program. Jackie Maas has put in place a program to encouraging volunteerism,
and she is ordering commemorative t -shirts. We will probably have two volunteer
recognition events this year - an ice cream social and the yearly dinner. Legislative
priorities include a third lane expansion for 494 and improvements to 169. These have
been ongoing issues for the Council for many years, and they want to focus on this
with our legislators. Councilmember Black said MNDOT approached the city for a
meeting.
c. Community Survey - video & results
Director Evans introduced a video of a report about the resident survey that was
presented to the City Council. The presenter said that it is obvious that the citizens are
very happy and satisfied with their community. There were very few low ratings.
Almost a quarter of the people responded that we have no problems. Commissioner
Anderson asked if the city will get on Facebook. Evans said it is under review. We
would need a lot more staff time to keep the Facebook page up to date.
d. Luce Line Trail
Director Evans said that a pedestrian bridge is being constructed by Three Rivers Park
District, and they are planning to use a detour through Gleanloch Park. Chair Carroll
asked if there would be room for both walkers and bike riders on the bridge. Deputy
Director Northway said it will be 12 feet wide.
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS):
a. 2013 Work Plan - draft
Director Evans said we provide the Council a work plan as part of the annual report
every year. New this year is a separate report for the work plan. Commissioner
Anderson asked when we would have enough data from the trail counters for a report.
Evans said we are providing this in the annual report. Chair Carroll asked if there are
plans to collaborate with the county on the trail gap plan. Evans replied that there will
be a representative from the county at the February commission meeting. Anderson
said the biking committee he belongs to is very interested in the trail gap issue. Evans
suggested that they come in with a presentation.
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b. 2012 Annual Report - draft
Director Evans presented the rough draft of the annual report and spoke on the
highlights of 2012. The department received the Tommy Johnson Award of Excellence
for our donation of playgrounds. New technology is being used in Parks & Forestry to
aid in efficiency. She pointed out the acquisition of open space for parks and the
Northwest Greenway. A new special event was the Pet Expo. We will get $100,000
from the county for a trail on Xenium lane. We are using the LEAN program to make
some of our services more efficient. She spoke on the budget and general fund
allocations, and she pointed out how program fees compared to the budgeted
amounts. Volunteers donated over 27,000 hours - a record number. Our special
events have become very important in our community.
In Parks and Forestry, we forged a great relationship with Home Depot who did so
much fine work for us. Chair Carroll asked who did this volunteer work. Deputy
Director Northway said that it was the Home Depot staff who did the work on their own
time. They use their own tools, and the company also provided some products from
the store. Councilmember Black asked if they were invited to the volunteer
recognition. Evans said yes, they had their own special table. They are a very
outstanding company who wants to give back to the community. The Plymouth Creek
Center worked with Parks and Forestry on a refurbishment project for some of their
plantings. The Millennium Garden has 60-65 weddings each year. The Fieldhouse has
new turf. A few seniors have complained that it is too soft and harder to walk on. It will
firm up over time to some extent. The Fieldhouse is starting to get booked more and
more by lacrosse and golf, which makes it harder to have the walkers using the track.
Commissioner Riley said that the Preschool Open Play is a wonderful program. It is
cost effective and a great service for the public. Evans said it has really grown over the
years. We also do open play for high school kids. The biggest users of the Fieldhouse
are PSA and Parks & Recreation, and we do pay the Fieldhouse for our time. Ice
arena usage is down a bit because of Armstrong leaving. Carroll commented that he
really likes the new format of the Annual Report.
c. Open Space Management Plan
Deputy Director Northway presented the changes made to the Open Space
Management Plan.
County Road 73 Open Space - we added 5.25 acres that help fill in the space
between two parcels.
Fazendin Open Space - we sprayed for buckthorn. We have buckthorn buster
volunteer groups go out in the fall and spray and pull the dead stumps.
Ferndale Open Space - we removed 35+ elm trees because of Dutch elm
disease. Chair Carroll asked if there was buckthorn removal there. Northway
said no buckthorn was removed in this area.
Hartenbergh Open Space - we sprayed for buckthorn.
Northwest Greenway - a little spot was sprayed for buckthorn.
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6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE:
a. Upcoming Community/Special Events
Director Evans reported that the New Year's Eve event was a success with over 500
people in attendance. Fire & Ice is coming up on February 2 at Parkers Lake. Next
Friday is the Skate With the Mayor event. Chair Carroll encouraged everyone to
volunteer at Fire & Ice. He has done it and it was a lot of fun.
b. February Meetinq - Selection of Park Commission Chair & Vice Chair
Director Evans pointed out that at our next meeting, we could have a new member,
and we will have a discussion on chair and vice chair positions.
Commissioner Riley congratulated the staff on the Tommy Johnson award. Mayor
Slavik said she attended the ceremony today, and she was very proud of our staff.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Carroll entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner
Riley and seconded by Commissioner Anderson.
Vote: 4 Ayes. Motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on February 14 in the Council Chambers
Donna Sankey - PRAC recorder