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2003-02 CSCFebruary 18, 2003 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 18, 2003 Richfield Community Center Present: Commissioners Chad Sharkey, Rick Jabs, Gloma Hamernick, Gary Ness, Gordon Vizecky, Bob Dietl, Barb Kritzman, Rodney Schmidt, Linda Slocum, Jana Pan, Bob Dietl Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Tom Foley (Transportation Engineer) Council Liaison John Enger Absent: Planning Commission Liaison Mark Tolvstad Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:04 p.m. Approval of Minutes Slocum moved, seconded by Kritzman, to approve the minutes of the January 21 regular meeting. Approved, ayes all. Action Items Appointees The following appointments were unanimously approved Motion Second Appointment Alternate Slocum Susag Rick Jabs - Chair --- Kritzman Slocum Gordon Vizecky - Vice Chair --- Slocum Ness Barb Kritzman - Planning Commission Liaison Rodney Schmidt Vizecky Ness Linda Slocum-Community Human Services Planning Council Liaison Gloma Hamernick Kritzman Vizecky Bob Dietl - FOWL Board Liaison Jana Pan Slocum Dietl Rick Jabs, Rodney Schmidt & Barb Kritzman - Ballfield Improvement Task Force --- Kritzman Vizecky Rick Jabs, Chad Sharkey, Linda Slocum & Bob Dietl - Vets Park Planning Task Force --- Transportation Engineer Foley said that Council direction will be sought on the formation of a Transportation Committee. Jabs suggested that we wait to appoint a liaison until the committee is more defined. Discussion Items Off-Leash Dog Park Kritzman, Slocum and Schmidt volunteered to meet before CSC meetings to discuss options for an off-leash dog park. Sharkey suggested an area north of Crosstown 62 and west of Cedar Avenue. Sidewalk and Walkway Issues Foley discussed the City’s sidewalk construction policy. He talked about the feasibility of constructing a sidewalk along Humboldt Avenue, between 68th and 70th Streets (as Ness had suggested at the January meeting, noting the high volume of car and foot traffic). Jabs recalled that Ness also suggested a non-cement walking trail (wood chip, ag lime) that would require less maintenance. He said that an assessment may not be favored by the residents of this stretch and the less infringement upon residents, the better (financial assistance from MnDOT). Foley suggested the west side because of snow plow issues with the east side of Humboldt. He said that staff could consider arranging a special assessment in response to a petition from area residents. Slocum suggested that the Transportation Committee and City Council might consider an assessment formula that doesn’t place 100% of the burden on the residents. Vizecky suggested investigating MnDOT’s involvement (the east side being their property). Foley said that staff will work with the Planning Commission to inventory sidewalks and determine a standard for width and other dimensions. In response to Susag’s concern about snow and ice on a stretch of sidewalk on Nicollet, Foley said that this was an issue that would be addressed by proper sidewalk setback. Foley said that, if a Transportation Committee is formed, further sidewalk construction might be desired. 2004-2010 Capital Improvement Budget & Plan Topitzhofer outlined the plan and asked the CSC to provide feedback. Ness asked if the DNR assists with prairie restorations. Topitzhofer said that we have applied for 2004 and haven’t received grants in the past. Sharkey said that February 18, 2003 staff has assembled a good plan and staff should proceed. Slocum asked about moving prairie restoration up; Vizecky asked about the cost of removing it rather than wait to have it removed for free. Topitzhofer said that paying to move the pile right away may cost as much as $250,000. Schmidt asked about coordinating removal with work being done on Lyndale. Topitzhofer reminded the group that to wait a few more years means not having to pay anything. Ness asked about Public Works using it; Foley said that they do use it, but it doesn’t make much of a dent in the pile. Slocum said that the prairie restoration is a great environmental education/volunteer opportunity. Jabs said that, unless other suggestions come forward, this is the plan that the CSC will discuss with the Planning Commission. Committee Reports Ballfield Improvement Task Force Jabs reported that the group held its first meeting on February 4 and the two key groups (Richfield Baseball Inc. and Richfield Girls Softball) didn’t show up. Jabs said that, from February through May, the group will inventory and evaluate the current facilities and assess needs for the future. He said that long-range plans and a formal recommendation will be formulated and presented to the CSC regarding the future of Richfield’s athletic facilities. He said that the work done in 1997 will be replicated and updated for this process. FOWL Next FOWL Board meeting: Thursday, February 20. He said that the FOWL Dinner will be held on Friday, May 2, Thunderbird Hotel, Bloomington. Planning Commission Kritzman and Topitzhofer provided the PC report. RCHSPC No report was given. Community Center Remodeling Topitzhofer reported that the Council approved Oertel Architects to proceed with bid plans and specs. Veterans Park Master Plan Task Force Jabs reported that the Fourth of July Committee will meet on Thursday, February 20. The Task Force and members of the CSC are invited to attend. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the 2002 Council goals and the corresponding accomplishments. He also provided an update on the YMCA/Tri-City Skate Park. Other Next meeting: Monday, March 24. Joint meeting with the Planning Commission (John will send out notices). Adjournment Sharkey moved, seconded by Slocum, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.