2008-05 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Richfield Community Center
PRESENT CSC Members Gerry Charnitz, Jim Lunderby, Sarah Till, Gary Ness, Rodney Schmidt Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans, Kristin Asher Planning Commission Rick Jabs Other Pete
Willenbring (WSB), Roger Schmidt (resident) ABSENT CSC Members Jacob Reeb, Joe Springer, Michael Christian, Greg Mangold, Joe Hoover, Gordon Vizecky Council Liaison Fred Wroge
Call to Order Ness called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Approval of Minutes Schmidt moved, seconded by Lunderby, to approve the minutes of the regular April meeting. Approved, ayes all.
Other Items Topitzhofer introduced Roger Schmidt, a Richfield resident who has been helping to research Tier One skate parks and the possibility of building one in Richfield. Schmidt
said that many local skaters are excited to hear that there may be a plaza-style park in the works, which would simulate a street scene (stairs, railings, etc). He presented equipment
descriptions and diagrams from a few different manufacturers. Topitzhofer said that different locations were considered, including Heredia. He said that they developed site selection
criteria: existing hard-court surfacing, buffer from homes, centrally-located, access to facilities (water, shade, bathrooms). Topitzhofer said that they decided to recommend the basketball
court at Augsburg Park, near the library. He said that representatives from the Augsburg Park Library were favorable to the idea. He asked the CSC for their reaction. Lunderby asked
about insurance. Topitzhofer said the City’s self insurance would cover it and it would be similar to that of play equipment (no supervision required). Ness asked how it would affect
the Tri-City Skate Park. Topitzhofer said that Roger Schmidt has said that it would draw a different participant from the bowl-style TCSP and most likely would not have a negative effect,
being a different experience entirely. Charnitz said that, if it is something that would get used, it would be worthwhile. Lunderby said that the Augsburg court doesn’t appear to get
much use. Rodney Schmidt asked if there was some way for it to be self-funded with a sponsorship. Topitzhofer said that we have lots of other groups seeking sponsorship and another
venture seeking sponsorship would stretch us thin. Rodney Schmidt asked about waivers and insurance. Roger Schmidt said that he has not seen waivers at Tier One parks. Ness asked
if skateboarding has cross-cultural appeal. Roger Schmidt said that it’s dictated by the racial breakdown of the area, but it’s primarily Caucasian participants. Jabs asked if there
might be local businesses that could donate skateboards. Roger Schmidt said that areas of Minneapolis do that, but not many boards are loaned out. Topitzhofer asked the group if, in
general, they agree that plans should proceed (talk to Public Safety, kids, start to assemble an RFP).
Discussion Items Water Quality Management: Ponds and Lakes
City Engineer Asher introduced Willenbring, who told the group that, in an agreement with Edina, Richfield needs to address water quality issues at Adams Hill Pond by 2011. He said
that they considered different options and are considering the best option to be a NURP basin, which is like an on-site stormwater treatment system. He said that the system could remove
phosphorus and disinfect stormwater before passing downstream. Ness asked how long a cycle would take and how loud would it be. Willenbring said that it would take about a month and
would run on electricity, so it wouldn’t be loud. Asher said that a neighborhood meeting would be held. Asher said that the CSC would receive information about the neighborhood meeting.
Parks Master Plan
Topitzhofer asked for a consensus reaction to 14 Parks Master Plan policies, included in the packet, that have been compiled from discussions with the CSC as the plan was being assembled.
The group responded to all of the items.
Park Reports Ness suggested that the group visit some of the parks at a meeting.
Committee Reports Transportation Commission
Charnitz provided the report.
City Hall Task Force
Jabs and Ness provided the report.
FOWL
Topitzhofer provided the report.
Honoring All Veterans Memorial
Schmidt and Topitzhofer provided the report.
Planning Commission
Jabs provided the report.
Celebrations Commission
Topitzhofer provided the report.
Community Human Services Planning Council
Till provided the report.
Other Items Adams Hill Park Expansion
Topitzhofer said that he was approached by a homeowner whose property meets with Adams Hill Park, who wants to sell a section of his property to the City to be used as park land. Topitzhofer
said that there may be state matching grant money available for it, which may cost approximately $50,000. Schmidt recommended getting an appraisal; the group agreed by consensus (agreeing
on spending about $500).
Richfield Lake Park Basketball Court
Topitzhofer said that, during the play equipment replacement project, some neighbors have suggested that the basketball court not be replaced. He asked the group for their reaction
to this idea. The group, by consensus, recommended that the basketball court be replaced.
Adjournment Schmidt moved, seconded by Lunderby, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm.
Next Meeting Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Richfield Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave)
May 20, 2008
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.