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2007-09 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, September 18, 2007 Richfield Community Center PRESENT CSC Members Gordon Vizecky, Gary Ness, Jim Lunderby, Sarah Till, Michael Christian, Rodney Schmidt, Barb Kritzman, Gerry Charnitz Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Frank White, Ray Wroblewski Planning Com Liaison Rick Jabs Others ABSENT CSC Members Catherine Peloquin, Joe Springer Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Vizecky called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Approval of Minutes Ness moved, seconded by Christian, to approve the minutes of the regular July meeting. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Public Works Wroblewski provided the Forestry report. He talked about Dutch Elm disease cases and boulevard tree removal and replacement. Schmidt and Christian asked about the possibility of a drop-off site for tree limbs; Topitzhofer said that staff could do a feasibility study on the possibility of a brush drop site. Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: Successful summer programs and events, including the Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K, Outdoor Pool, Concerts In the Park, Kids in the Parks, Free Lunch Program Arena Manager recruitment closes Friday. Discussion Items Parks Master Plan Topitzhofer outlined some of the draft plans for the Parks Master Plan. He called for the group’s reaction to the site plans that were distributed, although nothing is being finalized. Augsburg Park: Christian suggested a clearer demarcation for a loop trail. Kritzman asked about indicating a new or renovated community center site; Topitzhofer said that a large community center project would not be included on a site map without concrete plans. Jabs suggested that, within a 10-year plan, it’s a funding possibility, so it should be proposed on the plan as a potential, as a reminder that it’s in the 10-year plan. Vizecky said that the proposed site should be labeled clearly as a potential site for a new center (laid over the existing center). Kritzman said that including a potential site on the plan would open up discussion about any other possible locations for a center. Donaldson Park: A potential soccer field site is identified. The I-35W expansion right-of-way is identified and would take the road and parking. Topitzhofer said that the expansion may be beyond 10 years, but new plans for that area should not be made at this time. Roosevelt Park: A playground expansion is identified to add playfeatures for younger kids. Christian asked about parking and the addition of soccer fields. White said that soccer and baseball probably could not be scheduled on the same nights. Ness agreed that parking is a problem at Roosevelt and overflows to the credit union, Assumption, and residential streets to the north. Jabs asked about an indentation along Portland for parking. Ness said that parking needs to be addressed in the plan. Topitzhofer said that maybe some combination of plans A and C would address parking. Vizecky said that 76th Street changes had been proposed as part of the bike trail plan and should be included in this plan. White said that the soundwall hinders visibility coming out of the lot and may have to be opened up a bit more in that spot. Taft Park: Topitzhofer pointed out the proposed second fishing pier. Schmidt said that lots of people fish on the northwest side of the lake, so it would be a good location for a third fishing pier. He proposed that the ordinance be changed to allow non-motorized boats. Topitzhofer said that the road around the lake could probably be vacated, so a trail has been proposed around the lake; Vizecky noted that the City’s stormwater plan includes some ponding for the area, as well. Topitzhofer noted a proposed soccer field, which would take some trees, and a larger softball facility for girls instead of one of the proposed Lincoln Field fields. Topitzhofer said that the Taft plan could include either the new soccer field or the softball field. White pointed out that lacrosse fields will also be in great demand. Charnitz asked about a park shelter proposed for Taft. Topitzhofer suggested a plan that includes a couple of shelters and either a soccer or softball field. Vets Park: Topitzhofer noted moving mini-golf to the pool area and building a dog park where it was located, expand parking and play area on west side. South and east side could include a disc golf course. Christian noted that a disc golf area can still be used as an open area for events, etc. Charnitz suggested a path to connect the pool area to the picnic area. Richfield Lake Storm Water Project Update Topitzhofer provided the report: the Council approved the plan as the CSC recommended it. A maintenance plan has been drafted since the July CSC meeting and is attached. Athletic Facility Use and Charge Policy By consensus, the group tabled the item until October. Facility and Amenity Naming Policy Topitzhofer said that Charnitz has drafted a policy with some criteria for dedicating a facility with a plaque or demarcation, but not an actual renaming of a facility. Jabs said that he and Topitzhofer both talked with Rod Keith about the CSC being surprised about the idea to install a large rock at Upper Donaldson, but are okay with a plaque dedicating the fields to him, but not renaming them. Charnitz said that he wrote the policy to allow staff approval regarding what type of item is being proposed (plaque, etc). Kritzman said that the policy suggests that renaming facilities is allowed. Topitzhofer suggested that it could be called an amenity dedication policy. Kritzman said that renaming shouldn’t be strongly discouraged, but simply prohibited. Kritzman suggested that it could be referred to as recognition or memorializing of individuals in City amenities and facilities. Christian asked if the policy will leave open the possibility of renaming; Kritzman said that part of the policy makes reference to the possibility of overriding or an exception. Topitzhofer said that he and Charnitz will work together to revise the policy to reflect these points. Action Items FOWL Board Reappointments Ness moved, seconded by Christian, to reappoint Luettinger, Ticen and Hoyne. Approved, ayes all. Committee Reports Transportation Commission Ness provided the report. Tomorrow is the final Council consideration for the roundabout. City Hall Task Force Ness provided the report. He said that the CSC is encouraged to get involved regarding renovation opportunities for Heredia Park. Topitzhofer said that he had heard from a resident about the possibility of a tier one skate park at the site of the Heredia tennis courts (right behind the police station). FOWL Ness declared the CSC FOWL Ball team as superior to the Planning Commission team (debated by Jabs). Honoring All Veterans Memorial Schmidt provided the report. Planning Commission Jabs provided the report. Celebrations Commission Topitzhofer provided the report. Community Human Services Planning Council Till provided the report. Next Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 7:00 pm, Richfield Community Center Adjournment Kritzman moved, seconded by Ness, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:22 pm. September 18, 2007 DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.