2001-09 CSC
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Wood Lake Nature Center
Present: Commissioners Chad Sharkey, Rick Jabs, Tim Erlander, Kari Johnson, Jake Sedlacek, Gary Ness Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Ray Wroblewski, Karen Shragg, Rick Beane,
Frank White Council Liaison Others Absent: Commissioners Linda Slocum, Allen Yun, Bob Dietl, Gary Ness, John Easterwood, Bob Dietl, Maureen Scaglia Council Liaison Susan Rosenberg
Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:00 p.m.
Chair Jabs asked for a moment of silence in observance of the day’s tragedies.
Approval of Minutes Sharkey moved, seconded by Ness, to approve the minutes of the September 11 regular meeting. Approved, ayes all.
Items Not On The Agenda None
Action Items Tree-Removal Policy
City Forester Wroblewski said that staff called around to other cities and found that Richfield is somewhat lenient by comparison; other cities are far more reluctant to remove a tree
in conflict with a sidewalk. Wroblewski said that Mr. Hall’s tree is within five feet of the curb, which is similar to only about 20-30 other trees in Richfield. Wroblewski said that
not all trees in these situations would be removed at once, but as residents request action, staff would remove and not replace. Sharkey moved, seconded by Erlander, to approve the
removal of Mr. Hall’s tree and consider future tree removals within five feet of the curb on a case-by-case basis. Approved, ayes all. Wroblewski said that a tree purchase program
has not prompted much interest. Jabs suggested presenting the program at the Remodeling Fair.
Dandelion Control Policy In Parks
A video about the dangers of some consumer chemicals was shown prior to the meeting. Nature Center Manager Shragg provided background about anti-herbicide/pesticide opinions. Parks
Maintenance Supervisor Beane said that staff contracted a dandelion spraying and received few complaints about dandelions. He said that healthy turf is often able to fight off weed
invasion; aerating can promote healthy turf and effectively control dandelions. So, Beane said that staff will aerate and seed and spray selectively. On ballfields, he said, it’s easier
to spray and control park usage. Topitzhofer said that this is a gradual move towards non-chemical dandelion control. He said that staff will concentrate on certain parks to start
these new turf care techniques. Shragg said that the City may be in a position to be leaders in the movement away from chemicals. White complimented Beane’s staff on park turf maintenance.
Discussion Items No Smoking Policy In Parks
White said that a No Smoking In Parks policy is consistent with several local cities. He said that second-hand smoke prevention, positive role modeling and cleanliness are reasons why
smoking has been banned near youth activities in parks. He said that enforcement is difficult, so an ordinance amendment is not recommended, but it’s a statement of a philosophy; signage
would be funded by tobacco settlement money. Sharkey said that no smoking signs in parks can be perceived as a violation of a smoker’s rights. Jabs said that in the presence of organized
youth events, most parents are in favor of the demonstration of healthy philosophies. Erlander moved, seconded by Sedlacek, to approve the policy to prohibit smoking within 25 feet
of park facilities during organized youth events. Approved, five ayes, one nay (Sharkey).
Committee Reports Outdoor Pool Task Force
Topitzhofer said that a presentation to the Council at the September 10 study session. The leaks were discussed and Task Force Members spoke. Council was in favor of staff proceeding
with the preliminary planning of renovation services. He said that six RFP’s have been received and a proposal will be selected by a five-person selection committee; vendors will be
asked if there’s a way to keep the pool open next year. He said that bidding for work should begin in February.
Skate Park Task Force
No report was given.
FOWL
Jabs said that the FOWL Ball Golf Klassic is scheduled for September 15.
Planning Commission
Johnson provided the PC report.
RCHSPC
Jabs provided the RCHSPC report.
Staff Reports Recreation Services
Topitzhofer reported the following:
Cattail Days was successful.
Adjournment Erlander moved, seconded by Sharkey, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
September 11, 2001 Minutes