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2008-09 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, September 16, 2008, Madison Park (6244 Knox Ave) PRESENT CSC Members Gerry Charnitz, Gordon Vizecky, Greg Mangold, Jim Lunderby, Sarah Till, Gary Ness, Joe Springer, Joe Hoover, Rodney Schmidt Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Randy Hughes Planning Commission Rick Jabs Others Roger Schmidt (skate park planning volunteer) ABSENT CSC Members Mike Christian Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Vizecky called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Approval of Minutes Hoover moved, seconded by Springer, to approve the minutes of the regular August meeting. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items Boulevard Tree Replacement Program Topitzhofer said that Hoover had inquired about the tree replacement program and possible language barriers with non-English-speaking residents. He said that the City’s process is to remove diseased trees and, if the resident chooses, the tree is replaced. Hoover said that a Vietnamese family did not have a tree replaced and they and other non-English-speaking families may not be understanding their options. Operations Coordinator Hughes said that a map comparing removals with the following year’s plantings would tell the story. He said that there is a possibility that the program is missing people. He said that the letter delivered to the homeowners could be presented in multiple languages. Hoover asked if landlords are getting the letters; Hughes said that the letter goes to the home, so renters may not care to respond. Hughes said that the budget has not kept up with the number of removals; people who do not get a tree are put first on the list for the following year. Hoover said that staff may consider contacting the non-residing property owner, clarifying that replacing a boulevard tree would be no cost, and offering the letter and card in multiple languages. Hoover asked if the letter/postcard could automatically be mailed to the homeowner, whether they occupy the home or not. Vizecky said that it does require the involvement of the tenant for watering, etc. Mangold asked if the postcard could be to opt out of a new tree. Hughes said that lots of people don’t want a tree and if somebody misses the postcard, they may not be pleased about the tree and may not have the vested interest in caring for the tree that somebody would who opts in. Hughes said that some of the materials could be reworked and brought back to the CSC. Tier One Skate Park Topitzhofer introduced Roger Schmidt, who is volunteering to help develop plans for a Tier One skate park using the basketball court at Augsburg Park. Topitzhofer said that they have discovered that having a builder build the components on-site would be significantly cheaper than pre-fabricated skate-park features, enabling them to also add a path around the park. A park planner in Mound has volunteered his services to draw up plans for a park. Schmidt explained that, using the existing court surface would save a great deal of money and, with a small perimeter path, the park would not be invasive to the park. Hoover said that, given the reaction to the bike trail on Oliver, he wondered what the reaction would be of people who may have misunderstandings about what skateboarders would bring to the park. Schmidt said that the location is an advantage there because it will be conspicuous to police and isn’t extremely close to residents. Jabs suggested strong public relations about the positive benefits of such a facility and suggested a neighborhood meeting soon, before plans are even drawn up. Schmidt said that some of the visuals of a display with plans could help demonstrate to neighbors what is being built. Topitzhofer said that this arrangement and concept is different from other facilities out there, so it wouldn’t be accurate to bring pictures of existing facilities to a meeting. Jabs said that bringing a group of skateboarder kids would be valuable to the neighbors; Vizecky suggested bringing neighbors of the Tri-City/YMCA Skate Park to talk about real effects of a skate park. Topitzhofer asked the group for their general reaction; the CSC was supportive of the idea, by consensus. Jabs also suggested having representatives from Public Safety present. Topitzhofer said that staff will try to hold the public meeting about the skate park before the October CSC meeting. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported that the Centennial Mural was unveiled on September 6 at a well-attended event. Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Ness provided the report. FOWL: Topitzhofer: FOWL Ball Golf Classic was held on Sat, 9/13, Fred Richards & the Community Center. Honoring All Veterans Memorial: Schmidt said the granite tablets will be purchased; pancake breakfast on 10/19. Lincoln Planning Team: Topitzhofer said that the first meeting will be tomorrow (9/17) Planning Commission: Springer/Jabs provided the report. Celebrations Commission: Topitzhofer provided the report. Community Human Services Planning Council: Till provided the report. Arts Commission: Hoover provided the report. Adjournment Ness moved, seconded by Hoover, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm. Next Meeting Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Location TBD September 16, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.