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2004-05 CSCMay 18, 2004 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 18, 2004 Richfield Community Center PRESENT Commissioners Barb Kritzman, Gordon Vizecky, Gary Ness, Linda Slocum, Rodney Schmidt, Anna Berend, Gloma Hamernick Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Frank White Council Liaison John Enger Planning Commission Liaison Kyle Hartnett ABSENT Commissioners Kevin McVay, Dean Johnson, Bob Dietl, Michael Christian Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Vizecky at 7:15 p.m. Approval of Minutes Slocum moved, seconded by Ness, to approve the minutes of the regular April meeting. Approved, ayes all. Program Spotlight Latino Outreach Programs Recreation Programs & Athletics Manager White reported on staff’s efforts to reach out to Richfield’s Latino community with Spanish-speaking staff and materials, contact through the church and MIRA, special registration events. He said that a very successful Soccer registration was held and a well-attended family tennis program. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported that interviews were held today for the Adaptive Recreation Supervisor. He said that the FOWL Dinner was a success, thanks in large part to event sponsor Gramercy. Discussion Items Crosstown Improvements: Madison Park Mitigation Topitzhofer said that a group of about 30 people attended the Madison Park neighborhood meeting at 6:00 pm, prior to this meeting. Vizecky said that most attendees were not in favor of trails to the parks and most attendees favored more lighting and fencing. Hamernick said that the neighbors obviously took pride in their homes, but the park was a bit rundown and neighbors seemed frustrated by the lack of influence they seemed to feel against MnDOT and they seemed glad to voice their opinion. Ness agreed that the residents seemed to have a need to voice an opinion. Ness suggested an investment that will last, be it land acquisition or permanent fixtures; excessive vegetation might block site lines for public safety. Topitzhofer said that many residents did cite security concerns and what they perceived as criminal activities. Topitzhofer said that one of the residents, an architect, suggested capital improvements, including resurfacing of the walking path (and connecting it as a perimeter path); the resident second from the north on the east side suggested that the property be sold to the neighboring residents. Vizecky said that doing this would increase the net loss land by 6,000 square feet. White wondered if a land sale would create a precedent and restrict any future access points. Topitzhofer said that cul-de-sacs are difficult for emergency access, but the group was very clear in their opposition to trails, north access to the park and the aesthetics of lighting. Enger said that neighbors along 77th Street seem to like the circle roads and bike path. Topitzhofer said that the CSC has been clear about opting for land instead of money. Vizecky said that the two properties closest to Crosstown are City property and there may still be the possibility of unpaved pedestrian access to the parks while still respecting the neighborhood’s wishes. Ness suggested leasing these properties to leave open the option of paving or trail development. Berend questioned the connection between trails and park access and criminal activity. Topitzhofer said that, if this group feels strongly about trails, the CSC will need to meet with the neighborhood. Vizecky said that a future meeting that includes this neighborhood should be in the context of the whole project, not just Madison Park, and other affected neighborhoods. Topitzhofer said that perhaps 63rd Street may be the designated linkage route for a trail. Schmidt and Kritzman suggested a dedicated trail removed from the street. Topitzhofer said that final approval of the mitigation plan will be in September. He suggested that the upcoming public hearing on June 15 regarding the Crosstown project might be the appropriate forum for the neighborhood to voice their opinion. Vizecky suggested that it may be a compromise at this time to leave the space in the north corners as green and City-owned. Topitzhofer said that the upcoming public hearing may require a decision about ring roads versus cul-de-sacs. DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. May 18, 2004 Committee Reports Ballfield Improvement Task Force Topitzhofer said that the task force postponed meetings while CAD drawings of Lincoln Field were done. He said that a survey of the park will be done and the feasibility of a four-field complex will be determined. Golf Practice Facility Task Force Topitzhofer reported that the group will have a feasibility study and cost analysis done, particularly at Taft and Vets Parks. If a facility is possible at one of these parks, then a market study will be conducted. Transportation Committee Ness reported that the 76th Street “fly-over” plan was approved by Council, which minimizes impact to the park on the west and the homes on the east (he said that this issue may come back to the group to discuss park impact). The group discussed the Crosstown project and impact on Madison Park. Ness said that plans were shown to dig a new retainage pond. Topitzhofer said that impact on Richfield Park related to this may present opportunities to redevelop the park. FOWL Topitzhofer said that the FOWL Dinner was a great success. Planning Commission Slocum provided the PC report. RCHSPC Hamernick provided the RCHSPC report. City Hall Task Force Schmidt provided the report. He said that the group has assessed the condition of the building and will begin evaluating plans. Other Evans introduced Planning Commission Liaison Kyle Hartnett. Next Meeting Tuesday, June 15, 7:00 pm, Community Center (this meeting may be cancelled in lieu of the aforementioned hearing) Adjournment Schmidt moved, seconded by Kritzman, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.