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2003-01 CSCJanuary 21, 2003 Minutes RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, January 21, 2003 Wood Lake Nature Center Present: Commissioners Chad Sharkey, Rick Jabs, Linda Slocum, Gordon Vizecky, Gary Ness, Maureen Scaglia, Tim Erlander, Bob Dietl, Barb Kritzman Staff John Evans, Jim Topitzhofer, Lil Hipp Council Liaison John Enger Others Jeff Oertel (Oertel Architects), Andy Beggs (Skate Park Task Force Member), Jim Straiton (Community Center Inter-Council Member) Absent: Commissioners John Easterwood Planning Commission Liaison Mark Tolvstad Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Jabs at 7:03 p.m. Approval of Minutes Dietl moved, seconded by Slocum, to approve the minutes of the November 19 regular meeting. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items YMCA/Tri-City Skate Park Alternative Design Topitzhofer said that the youth committee had produced a design based on the old projected budget. During the fundraising process, a major corporation passed on a $100,000 grant request. So, Jim and the other staff returned to the drawing board and are proposing a modified design that would meet the $305,000 budget. The number of bowls was reduced from three to two, decking surface was reduced and plans for a building were eliminated. He said that the Richfield youth from the original task force were invited to tonight’s meeting [one family attended]. Ness asked who would operate the facility (answer; the Southdale YMCA). Jabs asked about potential liability for the City of Richfield. Topitzhofer said that the agreement states that Richfield is only a financial contributor to its construction; the park is in Richfield, which removes Richfield even further from liability. Jabs asked about a scholarship program for admission. Topitzhofer said that the YMCA’s program scholarships should cover assistance with paying for admission (Richfield’s Passport program only covers Richfield residents and Richfield-operated programs). He said that punch cards and season tickets would be offered, as well. Ness asked if parking would be an issue. Topitzhofer said that the neighborhood was concerned, too, but a screen of trees was planted near those neighbors’ houses. He said that the neighbors are satisfied; also, he said that the YMCA’s rear overflow lot will probably be used for this. Topitzhofer said that the Cities of Bloomington and Edina and the YMCA will probably contribute the remaining money needed. Vizecky asked if Tony Hawk’s foundation was approached; Topitzhofer said that his foundation contributes to free parks only. Task Force Member Andy Beggs suggested that smaller skate facilities be built at other neighborhood Richfield parks. Topitzhofer said that that idea was considered before the alternative plan was presented; smaller facilities may still be included in the CIP process. Dietl moved, seconded by Sharkey, to approve the commencement of final design, bidding and construction of the project. Approved, ayes all. Action Items Community Center Remodeling Update Topitzhofer said that Oertel has revised the plans. Oertel said that the budget has been considered; essential mechanical and electrical items have been considered and ample funding would be left for cosmetic items, though we may need to work with the committees and be judicious about luxuries. Hipp asked about a divider where Cheryl’s office is being removed. Oertel said that if the vaulted ceiling is a priority, it may stand in the way of certain wall modifications. Sharkey asked about expanding computer access. Oertel said that category five cable and more plug-ins would be needed. Sharkey asked about charging for computer access; Topitzhofer said that there may be possibilities for a public computer lab in the future. Ness asked about Best Buy’s grants to the community; Hipp said that they have already been approached as an inter-generational computer lab, but without a youth-oriented curriculum, their criteria may not be met. Jabs asked what comes next. Topitzhofer said that the Council will be approached on February 11 to hire Oertel to write plans and specs. Then, we advertise for bids with lots of adds and subtractions in case we’re over/under budget. After bid, the Council will award the contract. Hipp said that plans are in the works for a fundraising event for the project. Sharkey moved to recommend Council approval to proceed with plans, specs and bidding documents. Approved, ayes all. Sharkey asked that the title for the land on which the Community Center sits be researched to determine the feasibility of adding on some day. Discussion Items Walking Path Along West Side of I-35W January 21, 2003 Minutes Ness suggested a walking path along Humboldt Avenue where it runs adjacent to I-35W on the west side. He said that there is no sidewalk and yet, there are lengths of green space along the side of the road. He suggested a walkway (sidewalk or even wood chip trail). He asked if there might be obligations for federal money to build something in relation to the I-35W project. Jabs asked Topitzhofer to contact Public Works about providing a report at the February meeting. Master Plan for Veterans Memorial Park Topitzhofer reminded the group that Sanders, Wacker, Bergly had been hired to design a master plan, but the CSC had asked that the contract be terminated. Now, Topitzhofer said that a committee may choose to revisit ideas for the park. He said that there is a plan to replant 24 trees that were removed for the pool renovation project. He said that the Fourth of July carnival and other events might be moved to the west side of the park, north of the Legion, and the street dance to the arena parking lot. Topitzhofer said that several residents on Park Avenue were not happy with the old location. Scaglia said that the Fourth of July Committee approved of the move. Topitzhofer said that it was important for the CSC to be satisfied with this policy change. Jabs asked for sub-committee volunteers: Sharkey, Slocum, Jabs, Dietl. Dietl suggested that the Fourth of July issue warranted involvement with the entire CSC. Topitzhofer said that the expansion of the Ice Arena parking lot was the third major issue for the park. Sharkey suggested removing the grassy area in the parking lot. Jabs suggested a meeting regarding Vets Park after the new members are on board in February. Youth Athletics Field Usage Survey Topitzhofer said that the surveys will help to consider usage and needs. He said that all of the athletic organizations have been invited to a meeting on February 4, which will be attended by Jabs. Topitzhofer said that all of this information will be used as we consider park improvements, particularly to Lincoln Field, in an effort to consider any inequities between the associations that may exist. 2004-2010 Capital Improvement Budget and Plan Topitzhofer said that the internal loan for the pool occupies funding until 2010, but less and less every year (as the Council requested). He said that the $100,000 parks maintenance money has remained intact for all of the years and funds have been allocated for a few other projects that the CSC had prioritized, but the CSC may have other suggestions. Jabs suggested that this plan be kept mostly intact since much time was spent last year defining this list. Sharkey suggested that staff recap and make recommendations for the plan next month to include the new members. Dietl suggested that 2001 and 2002 also be detailed to help bring new members up to speed. Proposal for Art Center In Richfield Jabs said that this plan was brought to him through a friend. He said that this issue should be passed to the newly-forming Richfield Arts Commission, if they do form. Jabs said that the Community Center could be used in this capacity to some degree if such a center is not built. Enger said that there has been considerable interest expressed about this new commission (and the Celebration Commission) among applicants. Committee Reports Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K Topitzhofer reported that this event, which will be held on August 9, will fund Wood Lake’s environmental education programs and the event planning is well underway. Sponsors are almost all in place and the event is growing every day. FOWL Dietl said that the FOWL Dinner will be held on Friday, May 2, at the Thunderbird Hotel. Planning Commission Kritzman provided the Planning Commission report. Richfield Community Human Services Planning Council (RCHSPC) Slocum provided the report. Bjostad was elected Chair of the Council. Staff Reports Outdoor Pool Renovation Project Topitzhofer reported that the bathhouse shell is done (floors, ceiling, walls). He said that the mechanical work on the inside of the pool building will be built soon. He said that the adventure pool concrete has been poured and the equipment will be installed in March. He said that the project should remain on schedule. Other Tim Erlander and Maureen Scaglia Jabs thanked Tim and Maureen for their service on the CSC. January 21, 2003 Minutes Adjournment Ness moved, seconded by Dietl, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.