Loading...
4-19-16CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY SSEERRVVIICCEESS CCOOMMMMIISSSSIIOONN AAGGEENNDDAA Regular CSC Meeting Tuesday, April 19, 2016, 7:00 pm Richfield Municipal Center (Heredia Room), 6700 Portland Ave Commission Members Staff/Others Liaisons Reed Bornholdt (Chair), Crystal Brakke, Joannette Cintron de Nunez, Carolyn Engeldinger, Art Felgate, Emma Nollenberger, Lisa Rudolph, Michele Thompson (Vice Chair) Jim Topitzhofer (Staff Liaison) John Evans (Secretary) Chris Link (Public Works) Rick Jabs (Planning Com) Edwina Garcia (City Council) 1. Approval of Minutes/Agenda  Regular Meeting Minutes: March 15, 2016 2. Public Comment  Resident comment and items not printed on agenda 3. Staff Reports  Recreation Services (Topitzhofer) 4. Action Items  Appoint liaison to Friends of Wood Lake Board 5. Discussion Items  Emerald Ash Borer (Link)  Shared Programs and Capital Projects with Three Rivers Parks District (Topitzhofer) 6. Committee Reports  Transportation Commission (Felgate)  FOWL Board  New meeting time: 5:30-6:30 pm (still the third Thursday)  Planning Commission (Cintron de Nunez)  Arts Commission (Rudolph)  Friendship City Commission (Topitzhofer) 7. Next Meeting Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 7:00 pm Richfield Municipal Center (Heredia Room), 6700 Portland Avenue 8. Adjournment March 15, 2016 REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave) PRESENT CSC: Reed Bornholdt, Art Felgate, Michele Thompson, Carolyn Engeldinger, Lisa Rudolph, Emma Nollenberger, Crystal Brakke STAFF: Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Chris Link PUBLIC: Birgit Johnson, Steve LaVictoire ABSENT CSC Joannette Cintron de Nunez COUNCIL: Edwina Garcia PLAN COM: Rick Jabs Call to Order/Minutes Chair Bornholdt called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Thompson moved, seconded by Rudolph, to approve the minutes of the regular February meeting. Approved, ayes all. Brakke moved, seconded by Thompson, to approve the agenda for tonight. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Recreation Services Vets Park Boardwalk: Public Works Superintendent Link reported that many of the floats are cracked and are leaking Styrofoam pellets. Staff has been skimming the leaked pieces with a butterfly net. A contractor will be replacing floats on the sections, beginning with ones that have the largest cracks. Link said that the work will be done around April 1. Topitzhofer said that the cost to replace all of the floats, spread out over a few seasons, will be $40,000. Link said that the contractor will do a final cleanup after the work is done this season. Action Items 2017-2021 Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Plan: Topitzhofer presented the items in the plan. Felgate said that he was shocked by the large amount of the plan that has to be devoted to the conversion of the Arena refrigeration system. He asked if closing the Arena is something needing to be considered; he also asked if we can plan on any more liquor store revenue in future years. Topitzhofer said that the City is hoping for State of Minnesota Mighty Ducks funds to help pay for the conversion work. Felgate asked if it may be worth studying and considering the future demand of the Arena and if the resources may be better applied to new soccer fields or other types of facilities. Topitzhofer said that closing the Arena would be a very big policy decision; he said that there have not been surveys that have asked that direct question. Cintron de Nunez wondered if there is demand for the Arena among neighboring communities. Rudolph asked how our rink rental rates compare to other area arenas. Topitzhofer said that the rates are comparable and are adjusted each year. Brakke asked what the operating budget is and said that it would be an important consideration to know how much revenue the Arena produces. Bornholdt asked if this has affected smaller rinks in Minnesota; Topitzhofer said that there are rinks closing. Topitzhofer said that ice time is still being sold, despite hockey programs ending in Richfield. He said that, with the revision of the Parks Master Plan in 2018, community surveys will be a part of that, which could include this question. Brakke asked if we could inquire about more liquor store funds, or other funds, to help us with the rink conversion process. Topitzhofer said that we will know more when we find out how much funding will be coming from the State of MN. Engeldinger asked if the Arena breaks even; Topitzhofer said that it doesn’t quite break even and is still subsidized by the general fund. Engeldinger said that she believes that the Arena is a key part of Richfield’s brand and closing it would have a negative impact. Felgate said that changes in demographics and recreational interests, like bike trail development, make the issue worth raising. He wondered if an arena serves the people of Richfield. Topitzhofer said that we did sell all of the ice time we lost from the Richfield hockey program ending. Brakke asked if the Wood Lake floating boardwalk work would change its location or size; Topitzhofer said that it is just budgeted to replace it as is. Nollenberger asked if both rinks have to be converted. Topitzhofer said that the refrigerant from rink #1 can be stockpiled and used in rink #2, which would delay the necessity to convert rink #2. He said that there may be items identified in the Parks Master Plan that would require a bond referendum; Felgate said that putting the rink conversion on a bond referendum would be a direct way to gauge the community’s interest in keeping the Arena open. Bornholdt asked if the recommendation should include a stipulation to flag the rink conversion item. Felgate moved, seconded by Cintron de Nunez, to recommend the 2017-2021 Recreation Capital Improvement Plan, stipulating further study to determine if or how the rink conversion item should be included in the capital improvement plan or if other funding can be identified. Approved, ayes all. Friends of Wood Lake Board Appointments: Thompson moved, seconded by Brakke, to reappoint Gordon Hanson and appoint ReAnn Dargus Robelia, to the Friends of Wood Lake Board of Directors. Approved, ayes all. Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Felgate provided the report. Band Shell Taskforce: Topitzhofer reported that additional soil borings were done closer to the Arena and the soil is considerably better than the other location. He said that cost estimates were done and the better soil will save some money, but not as much as hoped. He said that Stahl Construction put together a cost estimate that is still $67,000 over budget; they are revising their numbers to see if the project would be more viable. Friends of Wood Lake: Bornholdt provided the report, reminding people of the FOWL Dinner on April 29. Planning Commission: Brakke provided the report. Arts Commission: Rudolph provided the report. Friendship City Commission: Topitzhofe provided the report. Next Meeting/Adjournment Regular April Meeting: Tuesday, April 19, 7:00 pm, Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave) Adjournment Meeting adjourned by consensus at 7:54 pm. DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: April 19, 2016 Agenda Item: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Report Agenda Section: Discussion Items Attachments: None Contact: Chris Link, Operations Superintendent Recommended Action: None Chris Link, Operations Superintendent, will be presenting a report regarding the current situation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the City of Richfield. Chris will also be offering some suggestions to update the below Current EAB Policy. Current Emerald Ash Borer Removal/Treatment Policy Introduction The City of Richfield believes it is in the best interest of the resident for the City to assume the basic responsibility for the removal, treatment, and detection of trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The City will provide these services in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns. The City will use City employees, and/or private contractors to provide these services. Determination of Emerald Ash Borer The City of Richfield Tree Inspector will determine trees that are infected with EAB. A tree inspector must carry a tree inspector’s license, which is distributed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To become a licensed tree inspector one must pass a test showing proficiency in diseased tree management, firewood identification, and shade tree management, and attend annual recertification workshops. Marking Trees for Removal After a tree is determined to be infested with EAB, the City’s Tree Inspector will mark the tree for removal. The Tree Inspector will mark a boulevard tree with an orange dot and tag with a specific number. For private trees, the Tree Inspector will mark the tree with an orange stripe around the circumference of the tree and a numbered tag. All marks will be placed at breast height. Time Limits for Removal No ash tree that has been deemed to be infested with EAB shall be removed within the months of May through August. During this time EAB is most active and removal of trees during this period may cause unintentional movement of the pest. All ash removals and pruning shall be completed during the months of September through April. Treatment/Prevention Options Recent studies conducted by universities of Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and Illinois have stated that chemically treating trees offer protection and improve the health of a tree from the effects EAB. Specifically the chemical emamectin benzoate has shown to successfully protect and improve the health of a tree for up to three years. City staff will advise residents of all types of treatment options. Injecting trees on public and private property will only be performed by a certified pesticide applicator. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: April 19, 2016 Agenda Item: Partnership with Three Rivers Park District Agenda Section: Discussion Items Attachments: Short List of Potential Programs and Capital Projects Contact: Jim Topitzhofer Recommended Action: None (discussion only) Staff has been in conversation with Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) about a potential partnership to fund further improvements and possible joint recreational programming in the City of Richfield. The Park District is interested in increasing its presence in first tier communities and providing recreation opportunities to populations that are currently underrepresented in TRPD visitor base. A presentation was given to the CSC July 17, 2015 and the group reacted very positively. Staff between the two organizations has met on a number of occasions since then and have developed the attached list of potential joint programming and capital projects. Jim Topitzhofer will present each item in detail and will lead a discussion. Background on the potential partnership follows: Purpose: Have a greater physical presence in the first tier communities and create touch points to connect with populations and communities that are currently underrepresented in TRPD visitor base. Key Strategy: Refurbish 'found' spaces into vibrant nodes that are readily accessible to and purposefully serve targeted populations (immigrants, persons of color, poverty/low income, non-english speaking, etc.) Supporting Goals: 1) Create new assets and vibrant nodes that complement our Mission and Vision and help introduce/bridge people to the greater regional park/trail system 2) Thoroughly engagement the community/community members throughout the entire process to ensure ownership and an outcome that is relevant and desirable 3) Build off of existing assets (i.e. along regional trail corridors) - where it makes sense 4) Be open to new ideas What is it? 1) Vibrant spot that creates a sense a place within the greater community/trail corridor. 2) Complements who TRPD is (nature resource based park system) but responds to the physical community in which it is located and the underrepresented communities TRPD is looking to better connect with. 3) Builds off of existing infrastructure and, possibly, underutilized land or ties into an existing vibrant place that TRPD can tap into its success/visitation/etc. 4) Destination, gather node, reflection space, pocket of nature, programming area, etc. 5) Bridging facility – increases awareness – possibly first introduction with TRPD (go to where the people are and connect with them on their home turf where they are most comfortable). 6) Could be as small as one city to lot to as big as a hundred acres City Richfield/Three Rivers Park District Partnership   Short List Summary  April 11, 2016    Draft Summary Prepared by Kelly Grissman, Director of Planning – Three Rivers Park District and Jim  Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director, City of Richfield.  Program Ideas  Biking Safety: Bike Rodeo, Safety Camp, and/or Bike Rides  Bike safety education is a high priority of the City.  There is an opportunity to partner/expand off of  existing police safety camp for fourth graders and/or partner with Bike Advocacy Group (staff contact:  Jeff Pearson).  Could include bike rides on the regional trail as well as biking safe routes that connect  parks throughout the City.    Fishing Programs at Taft Park (Located next to Nokomis‐Minnesota River Regional Trail)   City has a new fishing dock and several platforms in place and is finalizing an ADA route to the dock that  could support fishing programs – including ice fishing.  City has a partnership with DNR and Home Depot  for fishing programs that could be expanded.  Current fishing programs have been very popular (200  kids at one event, 9 AM – Noon) and a need for additional support exists.    Canoe/Kayak Lessons at Taft Park (Located next to Nokomis‐Minnesota River Regional Trail)   City recently changed its ordinance to allow non‐motorized boats on Taft Lake.  There is not currently a  program in place promotes or provides kayak/canoeing lessons in Richfield.  Partner with local business  sponsor to enhance program.  Multi‐City Regional Trail Event ‐ 2018  Host a grand opening walk/run/bike ride on Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail once fully complete.    Participants would have to obey traffic laws (i.e. stop at stop signs) in order to reduce staff/police need  at every intersection.   Start the Event at Roosevelt Park.  Capital Ideas  Shelter, Canoe/Kayak Rental, and/or Non‐Motorized Boat Launch at Taft Park  This would further enhance the Taft Park fishing dock area.  The shelter and non‐motorized boat launch  would support TRPD programming (fishing/boating) as well as local park users.  The rental component  could be similar to the http://www.ipaddleport.com/ system where reservations are made online and a  code provides access to paddles, life jackets, boats, etc.     Shelter, Realigned Paved Trail connecting Regional Trail to Parking, Entry Plaza/Gathering Space, and  Soccer Fields  This would be a joint effort between the City and Park District to reconfigure a portion of Roosevelt Park  to better serve as soccer facility and a regional trail head (trail connection, wayfinding, bike repair  station, etc.) and adjacent neighborhoods (soccer).  Additional soccer fields, shelter and entry plaza  would benefit both trail and local park users.