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2006-06 CSCJune 20, 2006 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, June 20, 2006 Richfield Community Center PRESENT CSC Members Gary Ness, Gordon Vizecky, Catherine Peloquin, Michael Christian, Ron Schwartz, Dean Johnson Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Frank White ABSENT CSC Members Anna Berend, Gloma Hamernick, Rodney Schmidt, Barb Kritzman Council Liaison Fred Wroge Planning Com Liaison Kyle Hartnett Call to Order Chair Vizecky called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Approval of Minutes Ness moved, seconded by Christian, to approve the minutes of the regular April meeting. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: Pool: Opened on time, ahead of last year in season passes Arena: Ice rental time ahead of last year, recently awarded the Paget Award by MIAMA Urban Wildland HM5K: Registrations way ahead, no-waste event this year Action Items Background Check Policy Recreation Manager White said that not all youth sports volunteers are participating in our background check policy, which prevents people with certain prior criminal convictions from using City facilities to work with kids. He said that hockey and soccer already work with statewide organizations, so the City would ask for a list of cleared individuals. Schwartz said that a similar policy is used to good results in Hopkins and Minnetonka. Peloquin asked how it would state who would be checked; White said that it’s all volunteers who work with kids on City property and related board members. Peloquin asked if pending charges would apply; White said that they wouldn’t show up. Schwartz said that this would be a diligent effort put forth by the City. Vizecky asked if past addresses should be gathered; White said that the check would not include any time in another state and any checks of other states might require greater resources than City staff can provide. Christian asked if it would be possible to list any potential consequences for associations that allow a convicted (or non-participating) volunteer to be involved. White said that we would rely on a good-faith effort by the associations to enforce the policy. Vizecky suggested that the policy clearly state that a consent form should be submitted a certain amount of time before the first practice or a posted deadline. Schwartz asked if we request proof of tax-exempt or non-profit status from associations. White said that we have a priority list, but it’s stated as giving preference to “recognized Richfield athletic organizations.” Schwartz moved to approve the policy with stated changes, seconded by Peloquin. Approved, ayes all. Park Reports Little Bob’s Park Schwartz provided the park report for Little Bob’s Park. Discussion Items Bicycle Plan Topitzhofer said that the plan is the result of meetings he attended with Transportation Engineer Tom Foley, and other area engineers. He said that Foley will work with the Transportation Commission to finalize it. He said that Foley identified problem areas along the routes. Topitzhofer said that both internal and external routes need to be considered with a bike plans. Schwartz said that any sections of trail should connect to other destination routes. Vizecky said that the plan, as initially proposed, could proceed to the next stage of planning as it is with more input throughout the process; making external connections could be a later concern. Ness said that more input would be solicited by the Transportation Commission as planning proceeds. Christian said that crossing Nicollet at 73rd Street, an uncontrolled intersections, would DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. June 20, 2006 be a concern. Vizecky asked if there are any concerns, other than crossing arterial roads at controlled intersections, that Ness could bring to the Transportation Commission. Topitzhofer said that he will get details from the consultants about the next step in the process. Committee Reports Transportation Commission Ness provided the report. City Hall TF Ness reported that the existing site is now the only one being considered. Vizecky suggested that the CSC make an official statement saying that this group should be involved with discussions about how Heredia Park will be affected. Schwartz asked if Ness’ involvement would be representative of this group. Ness said that the task phase will move on to a third phase, a site planning phase. Topitzhofer said that this report will be made more prominent on the CSC agenda and feedback from this group could be forwarded to the City Hall TF in a formal memo. Peloquin and Schwartz asked if Vizecky should attend the first of these new City Hall TF meetings. Ness said that this phase will be months away since funding will not be available for over a year. Veterans Memorial TF Topitzhofer said that the location of the memorial is being determined; the front runner is atop the slight hill north of the American Legion, a spot with good space, accessibility, lighting and visibility. He said that fundraising has begun. Planning Commission Peloquin provided the report. RCHSPC & FOWL No report. Next Meeting Joint Meeting w/City Council Tuesday, July 11, 6:30 pm, Richfield City Hall Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 11, 7:00 pm, Richfield Community Center Vizecky suggested that the regular meeting be held immediately after the joint meeting. Approved by consensus. Other White said that long-time Richfield Babe Ruth volunteer Gordy Larson passed away. White suggested some kind of recognition for his work; the CSC suggested that staff express sympathies and appreciation on their behalf. Topitzhofer said that the City of Minneapolis is interested in giving up their lease for the golf course grounds; the City of Richfield could not get them out of their lease, but may express interest in renegotiating the lease. Adjournment Peloquin moved, seconded by Christian, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.