Loading...
1999-09 CSC RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 14, 1999 Wood Lake Nature Center Present: Commissioners Arnie Auchstetter, John Enger, Tim Erlander, Rick Jabs, Carol Krohn, Denise Schaefer, Chad Sharkey Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Steve Devich, Frank White Council Liaison Susan Rosenberg School Liaison None Others Camillo DeSantis Absent: Commissioners Robert Dietl, John Easterwood, Maureen Scaglia Council Liaison School Liaison Jim Sloss Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes Auchstetter moved, seconded by Krohn, to approve the minutes of the August 10 Regular Meeting. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Enterprise Funds Administrative Services Director Devich reported that construction on the ice sheet was going very well with an October 1 opening date (or shortly thereafter). He said that interior painting of the new building has delayed construction somewhat, but ice rentals are already very good. Mini-Golf had a good season, he reported, but down somewhat due to the heat; some of the carpet and landscaping will need work before next season. He reported that numbers were down a bit at the Outdoor Pool, but there were no major breakdowns. He said that a goodbye to Rich Acres was scheduled for October. Since it will be vacated by April 1, 2000, he said, they plan to play the course into the ground. Staff is working with architects to examine the possibility of reworking and operating the Fort Snelling Course. There are, however, union issues and other issues, he said, with taking control of the course. Recreation Services – Ballfield Replacement Project Topitzhofer said that work at the Holy Angels site had begun with the removal of 33 trees with no negative feedback from area residents. He reported that the athletic groups are not happy with the contouring at the Donaldson/Junior High site, but the contouring is an effort to improve drainage. Recreation Programs/Athletics Manager White said that a maintenance plan is being worked out between the schools and Public Works. Recreation Services – Soo Line Corridor Bike Trail Topitzhofer said that David Gepner has agreed to lead a citizen trail advocacy group with the hopes of connecting a trail to the Fort Snelling Upper Bluffs area. Gepner, Transportation Engineer Tom Foley, Steve Devich and Jim will attend meetings with Hennepin County to work on a plan. Recreation Services – Youth Athletics Merger White said that the first official board meeting for the newly merged Richfield Baseball Association had been held the night before (9/13). He said that an open house was being planned and they may look at the possibility of selling concessions at Roosevelt. Topitzhofer mentioned the option of using the existing warming house or using a concessions trailer. Auchstetter congratulated White on the merger. Recreation Services – Adams Hill Playfeature Replacement Topitzhofer said that new play equipment would be arriving in September. Public Works has been preparing the lot for the installation of the new equipment. A dedication of the new equipment is scheduled for September 30. Enger asked about the budget. Topitzhofer said that it is $65,000 ($50,000 for the equipment). He said that drain tile was installed and the bed of the playlot would be filled with wood fiber, which is becoming an industry standard. Recreation Services – Outdoor Pool Task Force Topitzhofer said that according to a directive from the Council, a task force is being assembled to examine the future of the outdoor pool. Action Items RCHSPC Members Needed Camillo DeSantis, Chair of the Richfield Community Human Services Planning Council (RCHSPC), made a request for participation on the RCHSPC from other Commissions and Boards. He asked for a representative from the CSC. Rick Jabs volunteered. Veterans Park Tree Transplanting Plan Topitzhofer showed the group different planting plans, prepared by Sanders, Wacker, Bergly, Inc. He explained that residents voted on the plans at an Open House, held August 12 and chose a denser planting plan. Jabs suggested leaving site line open to shelter and mini-golf. Krohn said that the shelter is very windy. Enger suggested a curve of trees around NW corner of shelter. Sharkey suggested planting trees by the 11th Avenue pump house. Devich suggested some trees on the east side of the second ice sheet. Topitzhofer said that the trees would be used for some of the other parks around Richfield as well. Shaefer said that SWB’s Plan B, which is less dense than the plan that came out of the open house, but denser than what many Commission members and Firefighter Dave Buzicky support, would be a good happy medium. Enger supported the denser planting plan. White, Erlander and other pointed out the clear site lines as a deterrent to vandalism and other crime. Erlander moved to recommend Plan B, created by SWB. Sharkey amended the motion to include trees by the 11th Avenue pump house and the second ice sheet. Shaefer seconded. Approved, five ayes, one nay (Enger). Enger asked about the sale of trees. Jabs said it was discussed at the last meeting (trees left over after Vets, other parks, and Wood Lake may be sold to the public). Community Garden Lease Topitzhofer said that a draft of the lease was with MAC and they will review and approve, perhaps with minor changes. The lease will be $1/year, revised yearly, which they can terminate at any time. Sharkey asked about water. Topitzhofer said that water installation would be about $10,000. Ames Construction will provide free fill for the garden. He said that Karen Shragg and Chuck May from Wood Lake designed the new plots and placed the pipes around the outside. Auchstetter moved to approve the lease, seconded by Erlander. Approved, ayes all. Topitzhofer said that the Richfield Bank has turned down an offer to sponsor the gardens, but Wagner Nursery is being approached. Discussion Items Replacement Archery Range By general consensus, the CSC okayed the investigation of a replacement archery range. Topitzhofer said that such a facility might only cost $500 to $1000 to build, including a wood deck. An archery group could maintain the facility. He said that an area near the replacement garden site might be a possibility. Committee Reports Richfield Community and Recreational Center Jabs said that a bond referendum election was approved by the Council on August 23. The Task Force would be holding several open forum meetings throughout September. He said that the plan would be to paint yard signs for the referendum. FOWL Dietl was absent. Planning Commission Auchstetter provided the Planning Commission report. Other CSC Packets Jabs mentioned the Richfield Foundation 10th Anniversary dinner. Adjournment Auchstetter moved, seconded by Sharkey, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm by consensus.