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5-19-15CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY SSEERRVVIICCEESS CCOOMMMMIISSSSIIOONN AAGGEENNDDAA Tuesday, May 19, 2015 7:00 pm Regular Meeting Richfield Municipal Center (Bartholomew Room), 6700 Portland Ave Commission Members Staff Liaisons Reed Bornholdt (Chair), Crystal Brakke, Joannette Cintron de Nunez, Dan Edgerton, Carolyn Engeldinger, Arthur Felgate, Tracy Hollenback, Teresa Kruse, Charles Rima, Michele Thompson (Vice Chair) Jim Topitzhofer (Staff Liaison) John Evans (Secretary) Rick Jabs (Planning Com) Edwina Garcia (City Council) 1. Approval of Minutes/Agenda  Regular Meeting: April 21, 2015  Agenda: May 19, 2015 2. Public Comment  Resident comment and items not printed on agenda 3. Welcome New Member  Charles Rima 4. Staff Reports  Recreation Services (Topitzhofer)  Bike/Pedestrian Friendly Community Events  Taft Park Fishery Improvements  Garage Sale  FOWL Dinner  Farmers Market 5. Action Items  Partnership with Three Rivers Park District to Improve Roosevelt Park (Topitzhofer)  Richfield Bloomington Watershed Management Organization Assessment (Topitzhofer) 6. Discussion Items  Organized Garbage Collection (Topitzhofer) 7. Committee Reports  Transportation Commission (Felgate)  Band Shell Taskforce (Topitzhofer/Bornholdt)  FOWL Board (Brakke)  Planning Commission (Engeldinger)  Arts Commission (Thompson) 8. Next Meeting Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 pm Richfield Municipal Center (Heredia Room) 9. Adjournment April 21, 2015 REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, April 21, 2015 Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave) PRESENT CSC: Reed Bornholdt, Teresa Kruse, Carolyn Engeldinger, Art Felgate, Michele Thompson, Joannette Cintron de Nunez STAFF: Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans COUNCIL: Edwina Garcia PLAN COM: Rick Jabs ABSENT CSC: Tracy Hollenback, Dan Edgerton, Crystal Brakke Call to Order/Approval of Minutes & Agenda Bornholdt called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Kruse moved, seconded by Felgate, to approve the minutes of the regular March meeting (3/17/15) with noted corrections to roll call. Approved, ayes all. Motion was made and seconded to approve this evening’s agenda (4/21/15). Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: Wood Lake Conservation Partners Legacy Grant: $44,000 received to help control invasive plant species. Egg Scramble: Held March 28 at Veterans Park. Filled to capacity. Friends of Wood Lake Dinner: Friday, April 24, MN Valley Country Club Action Items Garfield Park Play Equipment Proposal Selection Topitzhofer presented the two proposals that were selected as the two highest-scoring of the five submissions by the selection committee, a group consisting of two CSC members, a neighborhood resident, a parks maintenance staff person, and Richfield’s adaptive recreation supervisor. He said that the two top proposals were posted on Richfield Connect and received a few opinions. He said that the proposal from Midwest Playscapes received the highest score and was unanimously favored by those who shared their opinions on Richfield Connect. He said that the Midwest Playscapes proposal met the most criteria of the neighborhood preferences and the RFP. He said that the winning proposal also looked to be a greater value because of a third standalone play station and an extra tire swing. Felgate asked if there is still room in the budget for a hedge. Topitzhofer said that there is room in the budget for a hedge and a gate in the fence between the park and the apartment. Felgate asked about the colors; Topitzhofer noted that the neighborhood was favoring light colors. Topitzhofer said that the selection committee is recommending the Midwest Playscapes proposal and the CSC can make that recommendation to the Council in time to award the contract at the April 27 meeting, which will leave plenty of time for installation completion early in the season. Kruse moved, seconded by Engeldinger, to recommend Council approval of a contract with Midwest Playscapes for the Garfield Park play equipment replacement. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items Organized Garbage Collection Topitzhofer said that the City of Bloomington is proceeding with their plans to investigate an organized hauling program. He said that they have received a proposal from their seven licensed trash haulers to divide the City into territories; staff is currently reviewing the proposal. He said that a joint work session with the CSC and the City Council has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 5:45 pm, to discuss direction on organized garbage hauling. Kruse asked how the territory-based proposal would lower the price of garbage hauling for residents. Topitzhofer said that the invitation to submit proposals is the first step, as defined by the State, of the process of organizing hauling. Garcia and Kruse mentioned that a curbside garbage pickup like Bloomington’s service may be a good service to work into any organized-hauling plans. Engeldinger said that it would assist with keeping properties clean. Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Felgate provided the report. He said that he may make a presentation to the group regarding the “smart city” concept, using technology to streamline services and communications. Band Shell Taskforce: Topitzhofer reported that the group will work with contractors, engineers, and architects to bring down the project cost. He said that the plans will be submitted to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on May 27. Friends of Wood Lake: Topitzhofer mentioned the FOWL Dinner on 4/24. Planning Commission: Engeldinger provided the report. Arts Commission: Thompson provided the report, mentioning the monthly Art Center open houses at the Farmers Market. Topitzhofer mentioned a statue by a sculptor from Heredia to be installed in Heredia Park. Next Meeting/Adjournment Bornholdt said that a presentation called Where the Heck Is Downtown Richfield will be held on Saturday, 4/25, at the Richfield History Center. Regular May Meeting: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 pm, Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave). Adjournment: Kruse moved, seconded by Engeldinger, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm. DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: May 19, 2015 Agenda Item Partnership with Three Rivers Park District to Improve Roosevelt Park Agenda Section Discussion Items Attachments None 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 to Roosevelt Park. 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. They are looking at doing a pilot program to develop two pocket parks and would like explore doing one within Richfield, preferably along a regional trail corridor. Additional background information 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 After discussing this with staff, TRPD is interested in investing funds to further improve Roosevelt Park and to conduct a community engagement process to determine what our residents would like to have done in this park. Roosevelt Park is along the new TRPD regional trail and is close to housing occupied by a large concentration of Latino families. Jim Topitzhofer will provide additional information at the meeting. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: May 19, 2015 Agenda Item Richfield Bloomington Watershed Management Organization Assessment Agenda Section Discussion Items Attachments None Contact Jim Topitzhofer Recommended Action None (discussion only) The Community Services Commission is the Community Advisory Committee for the Richfield Bloomington Watershed District (RBWMO). This year the RBWMO is going through a self-evaluation of its mission and goals and wants to form an advisory group to conduct an assessment. The new advisory group is expected to have two members from both the Richfield and Bloomington City Councils and 1 member from each cities Citizen Advisory Commission for a total of 6 members. The goal is to have the assessment completed by the end of the year and for the group to come up with recommendations for the full board to consider related to the purpose and mission of the RBWMO. The estimated timeframe for this task is about 5 meetings or less. A volunteer from our Commission is requested. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: May 19, 2015 Agenda Item Organized Garbage Collection Update Agenda Section Discussion Items Attachments None Contact Jim Topitzhofer Recommended Action None (discussion only) At the request of the Mayor, a joint work session between the Richfield City Council and the Community Services Commission has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 23, 5:45 p.m. at the Municipal Center to discuss direction on organized garbage collection. All Commission members are encouraged to attend. Jim Topitzhofer will share the following summary of the large item collection program currently offered by the City of Minneapolis. As part of the organized garbage service, residents may place up to a maximum of two large items at the curb for pickup, at no additional charge. Non-recyclable, burnable, items are collected on the regular garbage day. Non-burnable, recyclable items (major appliances, items more than 50% metal, and hide-a-beds) are collected on the next business day after recycling pickup. Residents are asked to attach a note to each item that says "For Solid Waste". Additional collection of large items beyond the two free items is available year round for an additional fee. The following story was printed in the Star Tribune on May 10, 2015: Single-hauler trash pickup plan rouses Bloomington residents John Reinan, Star Tribune They’re talkin’ trash in Bloomington. Passions are running high as Minnesota’s fourth-largest city considers turning its garbage collection over to a single hauler. Currently, seven trash haulers are licensed by the city. With different trucks for trash, recycling and other waste, residents report as many as 27 garbage trucks coming down their streets on the weekly pickup day. The city’s proposal would turn over trash pickup to a consortium of the current seven haulers, splitting the pie based on the market share each one has now. By going to a single hauler, Bloomington hopes to reduce noise, cut down on emissions, improve safety and minimize wear on its roads. The city also says that its plan will be cheaper for the average household. But try telling that to residents who have voiced strong objections in letters, phone calls and e-mails. At a City Council meeting last week, council members were given a packet with more than 300 citizen comments about garbage. By nearly 2-1, they trashed the single-hauler plan, often vehemently. “Another government power grab in order to dictate behavior!” wrote Ed Hafemann. “Middle class and fed up with GOVERNMENT taking away my money and taking away my CHOICE to choose the best economic choice for me!!!!!!!” wrote Jeanne Benick. Those in favor most often cited the need to cut down on the number of trucks in the neighborhoods. “Every Thursday morning my normally serene suburban home life is shattered by a steady caravan of heavy trucks,” wrote John Zimmerman. “Air brakes squeal, backup alarms chirp, and I lose track after the tenth truck has rolled through.” The city still is negotiating with the seven haulers, but the most recent proposal would cost the average household $18.42 a month for trash and recycling pickup, said Public Works Director Karl Keel. Currently, Bloomington’s 26,000 households pay an average of $26.72 a month. Keel estimated that city residents would save about $13 million over a five-year hauling contract. Many residents have pointed out that by negotiating with different haulers, they’ve been able to get extremely low rates. Council Member Tim Busse was skeptical of some claims. “I’d like to meet the residents who are getting their trash [picked up] for 10 bucks a month,” Busse said. “I want to take you with me the next time I buy a car. That’s some pretty good negotiating.” In the end, the council voted 6-1 to continue negotiating the single-hauler deal, with only Cynthia Bemis Abrams opposing. A public hearing will be held before a final decision is made. Immediately after the vote, city resident Ray Hudson jumped up and accosted the council. “You, in your immense brilliancy, have just chosen to take my choice away,” he said heatedly. “We’re moving in that direction,” replied Mayor Gene Winstead. Crystal Brakke found this story on MPR the next day: In Bloomington, trash as a symbol of freedom, by Bob Collins 5/11/15 It’s “trash day” in my neighborhood. Just before sunrise, the first of a dozen private trash trucks works my street. The assault on the senses — not to mention the pavement, which I was assessed $2,000 to have repaved a couple of years ago — is relentless. This should, apparently, stir my patriotic passion and fill me with pride because nothing says “America” like a trash truck in the morning. That’s the takeaway from Star Tribune reporter John Reinan’s article today, detailing familiar themes as Bloomington considers something a little more efficient — one trash hauler. Residents are opposing the idea by a 2-to-1 margin. Because freedom. “Another government power grab in order to dictate behavior!” wrote Ed Hafemann. “Middle class and fed up with GOVERNMENT taking away my money and taking away my CHOICE to choose the best economic choice for me!!!!!!!” wrote Jeanne Benick. “You, in your immense brilliancy, have just chosen to take my choice away,” one resident said at a meeting on the subject last week, where he was told the average household would pay less for trash removal under the single-hauler plan. For sure, it’s a bit complicated. First, there’s the impact on local businesses (there are still a few) and a question of competition. But Americans seem to embrace their trash hauler like the flag itself. This isn’t the first time the rhetoric has gotten heated over trash. In 2011, sections of Maplewood seemed ready to secede from the union over the issue when the city awarded a contract to just one company. It was the first time in more than 20 years that a city made such a revolutionary move in the trash business. The City Council member who pushed the initiative was voted out of office and when the single-hauler program began a year later, officials noted no other community was considering following suit, for fear of political challenge. A year later, the Pollution Control Agency estimated that the move saved Maplewood $1.1 million. Consider it the price of freedom.