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2003-09 CSCSeptember 16, 2003 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, September 16, 2003 Wood Lake Nature Center Present: Commissioners Rick Jabs, Gloma Hamernick, Gary Ness, Gordon Vizecky, Rodney Schmidt, Linda Slocum, Barb Kritzman, Bob Dietl Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Al Payne Absent: Commissioners Chad Sharkey Council Liaison John Enger Planning Commission Liaison Mark Tolvstad Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:06 p.m. Approval of Minutes Slocum moved, seconded by Vizecky, to approve the minutes of the July 15 regular meeting. Approved, ayes all. Other Schmidt corrected the “Next Meeting” section of the agenda (should say “October 21”). Program Spotlight Facilities Manager Payne reviewed the Outdoor Pool and Mini-Golf summer season. He said that the pool showed strong attendance, but not as strong as was projected. He said that numbers were down all over the metro area. He said that the swim meet was successful: revenue from the swim league fee and concessions was great and the teams had great comments about the pool. He said that changes will be made to marketing and staff scheduling, new umbrellas, tables and chairs will be purchased, more fencing will be built around the picnic area, another diving board will be considered and a new season pass system will be considered (possibly a photo ID). Slocum asked if keeping the pool open longer would increase revenue. Payne said that it would likely lose money (with season passes being the strongest source of revenue, most regular operating days are a loss. Only extremely hot days show a profit). He said that they may focus on marketing to Richfield and South Minneapolis since other neighboring communities have new pools now. Jabs congratulated Payne, Topitzhofer and Payne’s staff for a great job running the newly-opened pool, as well as Mini-Golf and the picnic shelter. Jabs urged staff to market directly to kids and their families through the schools. Slocum suggested coupons in South Minneapolis papers. Topitzhofer said that the actual cash expenditures could be considered less the amount of depreciation since that is a “bookkeeping” expenditure, not a cash expenditure. Payne said that Mini-Golf attendance was down this year, which could be weather-related or economy-related. He said that much of the artificial rock is deteriorating and may need repair, some of the holes may need renovation and the picnic shelter will need refinishing and some additional blacktopping for the Farmers’ Market operations. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: COMMUNITY CENTER REMODELING Remodeling is substantially complete and the Center re-opened one week behind schedule, which did not significantly affect programs or rentals. A grand opening will be held on November 4. TRI-CITY/YMCA SKATE PARK A grand opening will be held October 1. Discussion Items Park Naming ROOSEVELT PARK FIELDS: DEL MEYER A request has been received from Steve Klopp about renaming the fields at Roosevelt Park for Del Meyer, an active member of the Richfield Little League community for 39 years as a board member, tournament sponsor and booster. Little League Booster Oz Mullerleile said that Richfield Sun Editor John Sherman wrote a tribute to Meyer in July. Jabs said that a policy should be established since many local residents have devoted time and energy to youth athletics and deserve recognition. He also said that boys athletics shouldn’t overshadow girls athletics, who don’t have a home facility. Ness asked about the DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. September 16, 2003 tournaments; Topitzhofer asked about naming the tournaments after him. Mullerleile said that such a tribute wouldn’t be as permanent. Kritzman suggested a permanent plaque recognizing the fields as the home of the tournaments. NO NAME PARK Slocum suggested that staff investigate naming policies used by other communities and revisit the issue. Jabs asked if some people would want to discuss it before the next meeting: Slocum, Schmidt, Jabs, Topitzhofer Action Items First-Tier Trails Plan Topitzhofer reported that work will begin soon on the segment of bike lane on 76th Street between Emerson and Lyndale Avenue, which is one section of the corridor identified by Three Rivers Park District as a possible location for a bike trail that would link to other neighboring communities. Jesse Symynkywicz, a landscape architect working with Three Rivers Park District, presented some updated first-tier trail plans. Topitzhofer said that the plan for the bike lane along 76th Street would be to extend it all the way to Cedar Avenue and pass underneath. The run from the east side of 35W to Adams Hill Park is a challenge to be considered next (the corridor passes over busy streets and through school property and residential areas). Jesse said that there are other options for that stretch, including 76th Street all the way to York Avenue. Ness asked about relationships to parking in residential areas. Jesse said that there are difficulties with passing through residential areas without conflicting with on-street parking. Topitzhofer said that these challenges could be addressed later, but the CSC is asked to recommend approval of a Council resolution in support of the concept of a regional trail. Resident Larry Wozniczka suggested that the walking bridge over 35W could be used in some fashion with ramp access. Jesse said that the ramp would have to be a 5% slope to comply with ADA and there wouldn’t be room for that modification. He said that additional surveying at every stretch of the trail would be required later in the process. Motion and second to recommend Council approval of a resolution of support for the First-Tier Trails Plan. Slocum amended that the support would be for the plan with modifications that would best suit the community. Amendment seconded. Amendment approved, ayes all. Motion with amendment approved, ayes all. Committee Reports Ballfield Improvement Task Force Jabs reported that he and Kritzman were present. The discussion pertained mainly to renovating Lincoln Field as a girls facility. Jabs, Frank White and Topitzhofer will meet to define design standards for the facility before the next task force meeting. FOWL Dietl reported on the FOWL Ball Golf Klassic, held on Saturday, September 13. He said that the event raised about $6,500 (after ten years, revenue from this event reached $75,000). Jabs reported that the CSC team beat the Planning Commission team for the fourth straight year. Also, the team took second overall and Jabs won first place for the drive closest to the pin. Planning Commission No PC meeting; no report. RCHSPC No report was given. Other Next meeting: Tuesday, October 21, Location TBD (possibly the Richfield Community Center) Adjournment Ness moved, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.