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2008-01 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Richfield Community Center PRESENT CSC Members Gordon Vizecky, Catherine Peloquin, Jim Lunderby, Gerry Charnitz, Joe Springer, Rodney Schmidt, Michael Christian, Sarah Till Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Kristin Asher Planning Commission Rick Jabs, Others Jack Ganz (HR Green), Jonathan Vlaming (Three Rivers Park District), Joe Hoover (resident) ABSENT CSC Members Gary Ness, Barb Kritzman Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Vice Chair Christian called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Approval of Minutes Schmidt moved, seconded by Lunderby, to approve the minutes of the regular December meetings. Approved, ayes all. Action Items 75th/76th Streetscape Schematic Design Vlaming, Three Rivers Planning Manager, asked the group to reconsider the Transportation Commission’s recommendation to include an 8’ bike trail along 75th Street, and consider instead a 10’ trail width along 75th Street. Christian said that more experienced bikers will opt for the on-street bike path and consider it safer to use than a multi-use sidewalk, so the 8’ sidewalk with on-street bike path provides options for all riders. Vlaming said that the park district would strongly prefer a wider trail that better accommodates kids on bikes. Joe Ganz, HR Green, presented three alternatives with varying sidewalk widths and options with and without on-street bike lanes. Hoover asked about the possibility of providing narrower on-street bike trails and sidewalks. Christian asked if the CSC should make a recommendation; Asher said that they could or they could wait until more public input and bring it back to the group. Topitzhofer asked Asher to summarize the recommendation of the Transportation Commission. Christian asked if option B or C could be modified to include the 10’ sidewalk. Ganz said that they would take that option to the public for feedback. Schmidt asked how the on-street parking would affect the on-street parking near Donaldson Park. Topitzhofer recommended on-street bike lane the entire way; near Donaldson Park, that segment (between 35W and Penn Avenue) along 75th Street would be off-street to retain on-street parking. Lunderby moved, seconded by Peloquin, Alternative A east of Sheridan Avenue to 35W with 10’ trail and Alternative C west of Sheridan with 10’ off-street trail and maintain parking along Donaldson Park. Approved, ayes all. Ganz presented the 76th Street options. Hoover said that he has observed a need for a sidewalk on both sides of the street. Asher said that maintenance in the winter would not be possible on the 4’ walk and a wider walk would take green space. Topitzhofer noted that a narrower walk (4’) would be adequate and provide snow storage and green space. Schmidt moved, seconded by Springer, to recommend approval of Alternative B. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items Capital Improvement Budget and Plan Topitzhofer presented the previous year’s plan and asked the group for any issues or differences. He said that internal loans are still being paid off, so there aren’t many items on the agenda for a few more years. Schmidt asked if the idea of using more liquor store money each year has ever been raised. Topitzhofer said that $50,000 has been earmarked for a reconstructed liquor store. Schmidt asked if that $50,000 could be reclaimed. Schmidt mentioned the veterans memorial; Topitzhofer has asked Dan Larson to introduce legislation to abolish the law prohibiting city money to memorials, in which case, capital money could be allocated. Schmidt asked about an addition to the community center; Topitzhofer said that it wasn’t included with the parks master plan and wouldn’t be considered in the next five years. Fort Snelling Golf Course Topitzhofer said that the City of Minneapolis asked the City of Richfield about the possibility of assuming the lease of the Fort Snelling Golf Course. He said that Minneapolis would need a recoup on their $10 million investment, plus the lease, so Topitzhofer said that the City may not be in a financial position to do so in the near future. Jabs and Topitzhofer said that it has always been a City goal to get a golf course back. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: Resident Roger Schmidt will work with Jim to study the interest in a free, type-one skate park. Commission chair training Committee Reports The following reports were given: City Hall Task Force (Jabs) FOWL (Topitzhofer) Honoring All Veterans Memorial (Schmidt) Planning Commission (Springer) Celebrations Commission (Topitzhofer) Community Human Services Planning Council (Till) Next Meeting Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 pm, Richfield Community Center Adjournment Springer moved, seconded by Charnitz, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:09 pm. January 15, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.