2000-06 CSC
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES
ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, June 13, 2000
Wood Lake Nature Center
Present: Commissioners Arnie Auchstetter, Chad Sharkey, Rick Jabs, John Enger, Maureen Scaglia, Allen Yun, Jake Sedlacek Staff John Evans, Jim Topitzhofer, Steve Devich, Al Payne Council
Liaison Susan Rosenberg School Liaison Jim Sloss Others Members of the Outdoor Pool Task Force, Larry Wozniczka Absent: Commissioners Tim Erlander, Bob Dietl, John Easterwood,
Linda Slocum Council Liaison School Liaison
Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:08 p.m.
Approval of Minutes Sedlacek moved, seconded by Yun, to approve the minutes of the May 9 regular meeting. Approved, ayes all.
Special Joint Session with the Outdoor Pool Task Force Outdoor Pool Renovation Options
Recreation Services Director Jim Topitzhofer introduced OPTF Member Nelson French. French presented four options, identified by the OPTF, for renovation of the pool, each different
in scope and price.
Jabs asked how other managers viewed Richfield’s facility. French said that it is generally thought that Richfield’s pool primarily serves East Richfield and South Minneapolis and some
Richfield residents have been lost to other communities’ facilities.
Sedlacek said that Option 1 (light renovation) should not be an option; if money is spent for renovation, the facilities should be updated significantly enough to be made inviting for
young families. Topitzhofer noted that the different options could be progressively phased in.
Councilmember Rosenberg encouraged the OPTF to explore the idea of partnerships with private companies and different organizations; she also thanked the OPTF for their work.
Auchstetter said that he favored Option 3. Enger said that we owe it to the people who made the investment to build the pool in 1960 to maintain and improve it.
Jabs encouraged the group to gather as much information as possible about public opinion and pool usage patterns. Topitzhofer said that the group will prepare for the July 10 CSC/CC
meeting by examining pool renovation projects in other communities, by identifying some possible funding sources and by gathering a sense of the community’s feelings.
Sharkey moved, seconded by Enger, to approve the agenda outlined by the OPTF for the joint CSC/CC meeting. Approved, ayes all.
Staff Reports Enterprise Funds
Administrative Services Director Devich reported the following:
Holes are being recarpeted at the Adventure Gardens Mini-Golf.
Ice Arena rentals have been good. New signage is in the works on 66th Street.
MAC has been contacted regarding demolished undepreciated assets at Rich Acres Golf Course.
Recreation Services
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer reported the following:
The new playfeatures have been installed at Heredia Park.
The Community Gardens replacement has been successful.
The trail-raising project at Wood Lake Nature Center is complete.
Safety Camp began today.
Topitzhofer discussed a perimeter trail at Roosevelt Park that altered during the construction of the ballfields last year for design, maintenance and other reasons. In response to
a neighbor of the park, Topitzhofer said that a redesign of the walking trail could be considered; funding for swings at Roosevelt Park could be used. Jabs, Sedlacek and others encouraged
Topitzhofer to ask the neighbor to pursue his other funding sources because the swings are imperative.
Action Items Appointment of FOWL Board of Director Members
Secretary Evans reviewed the five re-applying boardmembers and explained that no applications have been received for the sixth position, but FOWL Chair Bob Dietl would come to the Commission
when an application was received. Auchstetter moved, seconded by Sharkey, to re-appoint Jan Chorzempa, Bob Dietl, Dave Thielman, Gordon Hanson and John Hamilton to the FOWL Board of
Directors. Approved, ayes all.
Discussion Items Skate Park Proposal
Topitzhofer introduced the group to the skate park proposal, a cooperative effort between the Cities of Richfield, Edina and Bloomington. The park is being proposed for Adams Hill Park
and would be operated by the Southdale YMCA. He said that a rally is being planned to gauge the interest of the youth of the community and to recruit a few young people to help drive
the initiative.
Committee Reports Community Center Sub-Committee
Jabs said that the CCSC met with some of the user groups of the Community Center and asked them their opinions about the facility. The next meeting will be to discuss the mission of
the Community Center.
FOWL
Secretary Evans said that the group has begun to plan the FOWL Ball Golf Klassic, which will be held at Fred Richards Golf Course.
Planning Commission
Auchstetter provided the PC report.
Other Jabs reminded the group of the joint meeting with the City Council on July 10. Items would be the skate park and the outdoor pool.
Adjournment Auchstetter moved, seconded by Sedlacek, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. by consensus.
June 13, 2000 Minutes