2002-08 CSC
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Wood Lake Nature Center
Present: Commissioners Chad Sharkey, Rick Jabs, Gary Ness, Gordon Vizecky, John Easterwood, Barb Kritzman, Maureen Scaglia Staff John Evans, Jim Topitzhofer, Ray Wroblewski Council
Liaison Planning Commission Liaison Others Absent: Commissioners Bob Dietl, Linda Slocum, Tim Erlander Council Liaison John Enger
Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:06 p.m.
Approval of Minutes Easterwood moved, seconded by Kritzman, to approve the minutes of the joint meeting with the City Council on July 9 and the regular meeting of July 9. Approved,
ayes all.
Action Items None
Discussion Items Pool Tree Replacement Location
Topitzhofer said that the pool renovation will necessitate the removal of 24 trees, as was discussed at a previous meeting, written about in the Sun, and posted on the website and signs
at the pool. Topitzhofer said that the trees could be native to the area. He said that a key resident that was opposed to the removal of the trees on the west side of the park called
to say that she did not oppose the removal of the trees by the pool if they’re replaced on the west side of the park. Easterwood asked about a wind break near the picnic shelter; City
Forester Wroblewski said that creating a visual screen at the park always creates a hiding place for delinquent behavior. Topitzhofer said that some trees were transplanted from the
golf course to the west side of the park a few years ago. Sharkey asked if more trees are needed in Vets Park. Wroblewski said that the area immediately south of the water plant and
the area north of the park entrance were potential areas to build small groves. Jabs said that he was concerned about planting too many trees without a master plan for the park. He
said that some areas on the east side could be supplemented with trees. Easterwood also suggested the southeast corner of the park. Topitzhofer asked if the planting could wait until
more general plans are established for Veterans Park. The group agreed, by consensus.
Tree Removal Policy Revision
Topitzhofer said that this issue came to the CSC once before when Mr. Bob Hall approached the group about his boulevard tree. Topitzhofer said that Councilmember Enger raised the issue
again; he suggested that any boulevard tree that damages a sidewalk more than once should be replaced. The Council sent the issue back to the CSC for further discussion. Wroblewski
said that this scenario represents a small number of trees. He said that maybe 30 trees are positioned between the sidewalk and curb that cause damage to the sidewalk. He said that
it’s worth being prudent about tree removal because Richfield’s mature trees are a unique and desirable trait. Easterwood said that the current case-by-case policy doesn’t seem to be
a pressing financial or emotional problem and the case-by-case policy should be re-affirmed. Jabs said that he agrees with Mr. Hall that some standard for cost-effective removal of
trees causing damage may be necessary. Topitzhofer said that assessing future damage of a tree that a homeowner chooses to keep may be a consistent way to allow the homeowner to decide.
Jabs said that standards would be needed to determine when a tree needs removal. Easterwood said that if a tree has damaged a sidewalk, then the City would determine it a problem tree
that the homeowner could choose to keep with future repairs assessed. Topitzhofer said that this policy would probably require the passing of an ordinance and he would explore the legal
requirements of an assessment process. Scaglia asked how likely there would be a second incidence of damage to a sidewalk. Wroblewski said that it’s not likely, in most cases, that
after the roots have been cleared, the tree will cause damage a second time. Jabs said that since it’s only 30 potential trees, they should be considered by the CSC as the situations
arise.
Committee Reports Outdoor Pool Task Force
Topitzhofer said that the bid opening was August 7 for two contracts: the bathhouse and specialized pool renovation. The low bidders were Gen Con and Thor Construction; the total contract
amounts leave a $159,000 contingency. He said that the awards of contract will be considered by the Council on August 21. He said that the building is demolished and the trees will
be removed in the upcoming week. He said that the project is still on schedule.
Skate Park Task Force
Topitzhofer said that a final application has been submitted to Best Buy, the chief potential corporate contributor. He said that the asked for more quantitative data regarding potential
usership of the facility.
FOWL
Jabs asked for team members for the FOWL Ball Golf Klassic.
Planning Commission
Kritzman provided the report.
Richfield Community Human Services Planning Council (RCHSPC)
Jabs shared the RCHSPC work plan with the CSC and asked for feedback. Topitzhofer said that the Community Center Inter-Council has been undergoing planning efforts regarding older-adult
issues in Richfield using both the Hennepin South Services Collaborative Community for All Ages Senior Study and the Visions 2020 document. This group could serve as an advisory board
to the RCHSPC regarding older-adult outreach and planning. Easterwood suggested that Frank White might want to contribute to the plan regarding recreation initiatives. Topitzhofer said
that the CSC could help assemble community forums to discuss youth athletics that could be conducted jointly with the RCHSPC. Kritzman mentioned that the Optimists hosted an ice cream
social-type event near the apartments that resulted in a strong turnout of non-English-speaking people. Scaglia said that Assumption Church has successfully reached out to this population,
as well. Sharkey said that House of Prayer has, as well.
Staff Reports Topitzhofer reported on the following:
Off-leash dog park is being considered in Richfield
Neighborhood meetings regarding the Fourth of July have been conducted. Suggestions were forwarded to the Council. The Fourth of July Committee will consider changes at their evaluation
meeting in September (shortening the duration of the carnival, methods of controlling personal fireworks in the park, etc.).
The architect has provided possible floor plans for the remodeling of the Community Center. He will be providing cost estimates.
Jabs asked about providing a plaque for the Fourth of July Committee each year.
Adjournment Easterwood moved, seconded by Vizecky, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
August 20, 2002 Minutes