Loading...
2008-06 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Richfield Community Center PRESENT CSC Members Jim Lunderby, Sarah Till, Gary Ness, Joe Springer, Greg Mangold, Joe Hoover, Gordon Vizecky, Michael Christian Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans Planning Commission Rick Jabs Other Russ Rooney (resident) ABSENT CSC Members Gerry Charnitz, Rodney Schmidt Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Chair Vizecky called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Approval of Minutes Ness moved, seconded by Till, to approve the minutes of the regular May meeting. Approved, ayes all. Other Items Community Gardens Till asked if there had been consideration about building a community garden in Richfield city limits. Topitzhofer said that Garfield Park had been considered as a possible community flower garden site and the issue can be addressed when the Parks Master Plan is reviewed. He said that the existing garden, on MAC property, is sold out each year and is very popular. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported the following: The pool has been opened and the cool weather has affected attendance somewhat. He said that a Crosswalk Attendant was added this year and the service is getting used. The Honoring All Veterans Memorial Statue Unveiling is Friday, July 4, 3:00 pm. Jabs reported that this year, the 4th of July Parade route will travel down 70th Street, rather than 66th Street. Action Items Adams Hill Park Easement Topitzhofer introduced Russ Rooney, owner of property adjacent to Adams Hill Park. Rooney said that he’s requesting to subdivide the lot, build on the other lot, and build a driveway that would encroach upon park easement. Hoover asked if the land was even buildable and not a violation of any wetland provisions. Mangold asked if this request would open a precedent for the forfeiture of future park land. Hoover said that the greatest effect is on the immediate neighborhood and would be interested in the reaction of the surrounding residents. Vizecky said that this is being considered by the CSC for them to provide recommendation to the Planning Commission. Vizecky said that ultimately, it is up to Council to make a decision on the subdivision, which could override the easement decision by the CSC. Christian said that the situation is similar to any subdivision and access issue as it relates to street setback. Hoover said that, although it may look like boulevard land, it is still park easement. Rooney said that part of the process involved writing a letter to every resident living along the park and received one neutral response and two positive responses. Topitzhofer said that Community Development wants a response for the Planning Commission. Hoover said that neighborhood feedback is necessary for a decision and the impact on the park would be greater than just the piece of park land under consideration. Mangold said that, although there may be no net park land loss, it would have to be written why this was approved since it appears to violate the no-net-loss park land policy. Vizecky said it would be relevant to the decision to consider where the boulevard ends and park land begins, as there may be much of this land that is technically boulevard in any other setting, but is being considered as park easement here. Springer and Christian said that, if it affects a negligible amount of property, which would be mitigated on the other side anyway, it may not be a violation of the no-net-loss policy. Topitzhofer said that the Planning Commission wants opinions from a parks perspective. Ness moved, seconded by Lunderby, to recommend City Council to consider granting an easement of Adams Hill Park land adjacent to 7300 Upton Avenue, provided that it fully adheres to the no-net-loss-of-park policy, upon reporting back to the CSC with the actual square footage of the land, and after considering the feedback of neighboring residents at a neighborhood meeting. Other Items FOWL Board Reappointment Springer moved, seconded by Hoover, to reappoint Nancy Stiller to the Friends of Wood Lake Board. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items Parks Master Plan Topitzhofer said that the group will be asked for reactions to the major points of the Parks Master Plan: Desirable land acquisition properties near Vets Park, Taft Park, and Lincoln Field). Potential improvements (group agreed with plans as written, unless noted below) Donaldson Park: reconsider the full-sized lighted soccer field Garfield Park: consider community flower garden (possibly relocated, maybe interactive with local businesses) Taft Park: investigate allowing non-motorized watercraft Lincoln Field: explore north access by trail Park Reports Topitzhofer suggested Ness’ idea to visit the parks from time to time. Committee Reports Transportation Commission Ness provided the report. City Hall Task Force Jabs provided the report. Planning Commission Springer and Jabs provided the report. Celebrations Commission Topitzhofer provided the report. Other Items Jacob Reeb resigned Adjournment Hoover moved, seconded by Ness, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm. Next Meeting Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Richfield Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) June 17, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.