2005-11 CSCNovember 15, 2005
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Wood Lake Nature Center
PRESENT
CSC Members Gary Ness, Ron Schwartz, Gordon Vizecky, Barb Kritzman, Gloma Hamernick, Michael
Christian, Rodney Schmidt, Anna Berend
Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans
Others Russ Susag (Golf TF Chair), Tom Foley (Transportation Engineer)
Council Liaison Fred Wroge
ABSENT
CSC Members Catherine Peloquin, Dean Johnson
Planning Com Liaison Kyle Hartnett
Call to Order
Chair Vizecky called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Approval of Minutes
Ness moved, seconded by Kritzman, to approve the minutes of the regular October meeting. Approved, ayes all.
Other Items
FOWL Ball Golf Klassic Report
Susag reported that the CSC and the Planning Commission tied at this year’s event.
Discussion Items
Action Items
Golf Master Plan Revision RFP
Susag reported that the feasibility study has been submitted to the task force and the conclusion was that an irons-only
range would operate at a loss. He said that the task force will recommend to the Council that an irons-only range not be
developed at this time. He reported that staff and the task force are investigating the possibility of operating the Fort Snelling
Golf Course. Topitzhofer said that the DNR may be preparing to turn over control of the bluff area, possibly to Hennepin
County. Ness moved, seconded by Kritzman, to support the findings of the Golf Facility Task Force and their forwarding to
the City Council. Approved, ayes all.
Cedar Point Development: Impact on Taft Park
Topitzhofer outlined the plans for the Cedar Point development and its impact on Taft Park. He said that this development
will affect access to the south parking lot at Taft. Foley showed the group the plan and said that one option would be to
restructure 17th Avenue into the primary north-south route in the area, possibly with some linear green space and a
connection to Bloomington Avenue north of the park. Topitzhofer said that the group should consider how a road linking the
north-south route to traffic from the north and how it might affect the park. He said that this may include alternate access to
the park. Foley said that this project will present opportunities to make some changes to Taft Park, possibly including the
addition of park land or the addition of pedestrian trail or other linear green space. Topitzhofer said that there may be key
park redevelopment opportunities on the east side of the park when Cedar is vacated north of 66th Street. Vizecky suggested
that, in the short term, the group express support for a linkage to a new north-south corridor. Berend moved, seconded by
Ness, to authorize the investigation of a road linking traffic to a new north-south corridor and how such a road could optimize
access to the park and possible mitigation for any loss to the park. Approved, ayes all. Foley said that he would investigate
any limitations related to curvature and grade difference and how it may affect direct access to a south lot.
Traffic Control at Park Avenue on 66th Street
Wroge asked about the possibility of a traffic-control device, like an old-fashioned school crossing, that may regulate traffic at
Park Avenue on 66th Street, where kids cross to go to the pool. Foley said that he will research that. Topitzhofer said that
the group could discuss it further at a future CSC meeting.
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.
November 15, 2005
Staff Reports
Recreation Services
Topitzhofer reported on the following:
Outdoor Pool: Revenue at the pool was strong this year. If depreciation is not considered, the facilities are breaking even.
Wood Lake Nature Center’s Halloween Safari: Well-attended, good weather, strong revenue.
Community Center Holiday Boutique: Well-attended, good weather, strong revenue.
2005 Youth Sports Alliance Summit: Well-attended, good weather, strong revenue.
Cancellation of December Meeting
Kritzman moved, seconded by Schwartz, to cancel the regular December meeting. Approved, ayes all.
FOWL Board Member Appointment
Schwartz moved, seconded by Ness, to appoint Claire Killan to the FOWL Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Staff Reports
Recreation Services
Topitzhofer reported on the following:
· Jefferson Park: A neighborhood meeting was held prior to this meeting regarding some kids who are causing trouble at
the park. Public Safety and Recreation Services gathered the neighborhood to work out the issues.
Park Reports
Christian and Roosevelt Parks
Christian reported that Roosevelt is in good shape (redeveloped seven years ago). He noted some damage (flaking off the
top of play equipment, graffiti on building). He said that the youth baseball groups are happy with the park. He noted that
the ice rink area is well-utilized by Hispanic groups for soccer, which seems to work well. He reported that Christian is also
in good shape. He said that a few of the boards on the tennis bang wall may need replacing. He asked if the picnic tables
were moved for a reason. Topitzhofer said that they may be in the shop for reconditioning.
Committee Reports
Transportation Committee
Kritzman reported that the group studied stop signs.
City Hall TF
Ness said that the group is discussing ways in which to utilize City property.
Veterans Memorial TF
Berend reported that they met with the gentleman who is proposing the memorial, who is currently assembling a concept.
She said that the memorial may recognize WWII-veteran Charles Lindberg, but would likely recognize veterans of all
branches.
Family Friendly City TF
Vizecky provided the report.
FOWL
Kritzman provided the report.
Planning Commission
No report was given.
RCHSPC
Hamernick provided the report.
Next Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 7:00 pm, Wood Lake Nature Center
November 15, 2005
Adjournment
Ness moved, seconded by Kritzman, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm.