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2005-05 CSCMay 17, 2005 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, May 17, 2005, 7:00 pm Richfield Community Center PRESENT Commissioners Gordon Vizecky, Gary Ness, Michael Christian, Ron Schwartz, Barb Kritzman, Gloma Hamernick, Catherine Peloquin Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans Others Greg Ingraham (Ingraham and Associates) Planning Commission Liaison Kyle Hartnett ABSENT Commissioners Anna Berend, Dean Johnson, Rodney Schmidt Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Vizecky at 7:09 p.m. Approval of Minutes Ness moved, seconded by Kritzman, to approve the minutes of the regular April meeting. Approved, ayes all. Other Items Topitzhofer added the MnDOT item to the agenda (see action items). Park Reports Richfield Lake and Little Bob’s Parks Hamernick provided a report on Richfield Lake and Little Bob’s Park. She said that there were plantings on land that appeared to be park property and wondered if that was a code violation. Topitzhofer said that it is not encouraged, but the ordinance only covers disturbance of vegetation. Hamernick said that the picnic tables at the park were in rough shape. Topitzhofer said that the playfeatures are due for replacement, but staff was waiting until the Crosstown project progresses further as it affects Richfield Lake (as a stormwater run-off basin) and a new park may be incorporated into that project along with raised paths and a new holding pond. Hamernick reported that Bob’s Park many need some grass seed in areas, but wasn’t sure if it was to a degree that would require City resources. She said that neighbors of the park said that cars parking by the park at night are an issue, but the police have been quick to respond to calls. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: • The Earth Day event at Wood Lake was held on May 15. • The Adult Softball Program, the Farmers Market, and Adventure Gardens Mini-Golf had all begun. • The All-City Garage Sale had 120 sales and was publicized on local TV news shows. Discussion Items Parks Master Plan Topitzhofer said that the City’s Master Park Plan was due to be updated for inclusion in the City’s Comprehensive Guide Plan in 2007. He said that the plan was revised in 1998 by a sub-committee of the CSC, but asked the group to consider hiring the services of a consultant like Ingraham. Ingraham explained to the group that a park plan is a blueprint for the future and takes into consideration factors such as national and local trends in recreation and athletics, changes in demographics, development plans, and feedback from meetings, forums and surveys that help define a community’s priorities and wishes. Topitzhofer said that a parks dedication ordinance, which dedicates a certain amount of resources to recreation usage when development projects occur, does not exist in DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. May 17, 2005 Richfield and other inner-ring suburbs, but could also be considered for adoption through this process. Christian asked if the $20,000 to $30,000 cost of the consultant could be saved by having staff and volunteers write the plan. He said that past plans seem to include projections that are inaccurate and plans that never come to fruition due to lack of funding. Peloquin said that the plan would be worth doing professionally and is an opportunity to formally state ideas that could have great impact on the entire community. She said that the plan could include fewer descriptions of every individual park and take on a broader scope. Schwartz agreed and said that this would be the right group to dream big and be mindful of new trends in recreation and potential partnerships for new facilities. Vizecky added that a formal plan may strengthen the dedication of liquor-store proceeds to parks and recreation facilities. Schwartz moved, seconded by Kritzman, to authorize staff to begin the process by drafting an RFP and identifying a budget for park planning services to revise the Richfield Master Park Plan. Approved by consensus. Topitzhofer said that he’d bring the group a budget report and a draft of the request for proposal. Results of Joint Community Education Program Survey Topitzhofer reported that 207 surveys were conducted regarding family recreation programs and facilities in Richfield. Peloquin asked what the results of the price-point questions revealed. Topitzhofer said that they seem to reveal that the prices of our programs and services have been suitable to the community. He said that it was encouraging to read how many families have access to the internet as staff will be offering online registration in the fall. Kritzman noted that there was a strongly favorable response to the question about developing trails connecting parks, schools and other parts of the community. Topitzhofer said that this information would be valuable at the upcoming meeting being proposed regarding bike trails along Crosstown and elsewhere. Support to the Richfield Historical Society Topitzhofer said that staff had met with Lisa Plank, the Director of the Richfield History Center, and have offered to list RHC programs and events in the Recreation Services brochure, and to register participants with the City’s class registration software. He reminded the group that the Richfield History Center grand opening is Saturday, May 21. Action Items MnDOT Request for Occupancy of Veterans Park Topitzhofer distributed copies of a letter from MnDOT that asks for permission to temporarily occupy a portion of Veterans Park to widen an existing culvert that runs into the park at the north end. Widening the culvert would require the construction of a bridge over the new culvert along the walking path. Vizecky said that MnDOT should clearly state the duration of the impairment of the trail and any other amenities in the park. Christian asked if the bridge would be ADA-compliant. Kritzman asked if the water level would be affected; Topitzhofer said that MnDOT said it would not. Schwartz said to ask MnDOT to define the dates and duration of the occupancy. Vizecky said that some signage may be necessary to communicate any impaired facilities. Schwartz said to ensure that damage incurred during construction would be repaired and suggested that the City Attorney review the request. Ness moved to approve the MnDOT Request for Occupancy provided that the aforementioned concerns (date and duration of construction, duration and degree of facility impairment, accessibility of bridge, signage) are addressed acceptably. Seconded by Christian. Approved, ayes all. Committee Reports Ballfield Improvement Task Force Christian reported that the group is assessing field usage to help determine the facility needs. Golf Practice Facility Task Force Schwartz showed the group a plan drafted by Herfort-Norby that proposes a driving range southwest of the mini-golf course (just north of the American Legion), hitting towards the west. Topitzhofer said that the next step would be to examine the market viability of a facility. City Hall Task Force Ness said that the group formally recommended a new City Hall to the Council along with a few related proposals for Public Safety and the Licensing Division. Transportation Committee Kritzman said that the group discussed proposed plans for the 66th Street and Portland Avenue area. Family Friendly City Task Force May 17, 2005 Vizecky provided the report. FOWL Kritzman provided the report. Planning Commission Hartnett provided the PC report. RCHSPC No report was given. Next Meeting Tuesday, June 21, 7:00 pm, Community Center Adjournment Kritzman moved, seconded by Schwartz, to adjourn the meeting. Ayes, all. Meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.