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2009-09 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Thursday, September 29, 2009, Christian Park (6900 Bloomington Ave) PRESENT CSC Members Gerry Charnitz, Gary Ness, Arlan Nelson, Mike Christian, Reed Bornholdt, Michele Thompson, Joe Springer, Rodney Schmidt Planning Commission Rick Jabs Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans ABSENT CSC Members Greg Mangold, Sarah Till Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Ness called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Other Items Christian reported that Richfield Baseball Inc. first Fall Baseball Program has begun this year. 80 kids are playing and it’s going well. Approval of Minutes Christian moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve the minutes of the regular July meeting. Approved, ayes all. Action Items FOWL Board Appointment Thompson moved, seconded by Bornholdt, to appoint Angela Antony to the Friends of Wood Lake Board of Directors. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: Open Meeting Law: The City Attorney reminds commission members not to conduct official business by e-mail. Lincoln Athletic Complex: Construction is on schedule; grass is growing. Building is under construction. Ice Arena Energy Reduction Project: Harris is the contractor; new HVAC will save energy; pay for itself over 20 years. Discussion Items Veterans Park Taskforce Topitzhofer said that, in July, staff met with residents who live near the east end of the park to talk about the maintenance of a patch of land on the east side of the park; a resident had raised the issue of keeping an area natural and not mowing. Charnitz said that the meeting seemed to go well and there didn’t seem to be an issue by the end; he said that all but one attendee wanted the City to continue mowing. Topitzhofer said that there was interest in putting together an event to pull some non-native invasive species (like burdock). He said that he’s meeting with a few residents about this and to discuss naturalizing an area of the park, and would like to invite members of the CSC to be involved. Charnitz said that there was also talk of involving Scout groups to do the work. Bornholdt suggested recruiting a sentenced-to-serve crew to help. Christian said that, as long as the neighborhood doesn’t feel like a couple of vocal neighbors are making decisions about the park. Ness said that the CSC may just need a report from that group so the CSC can stay abreast of the suggestions. Schmidt and Jabs suggested that a couple of CSC members get involved; Jabs said that Vets Park is a community park and input should be received by more than a small number of residents near the park. Topitzhofer said that he’s meeting with the residents on Thursday, October 1, during the day, but eventually, the group will meet in the evening or weekend. Schmidt and Charnitz agreed to attend meetings. Park Ordinances Topitzhofer said that a couple of issues need resolution. He said that the CSC had suggested investigating water craft on bodies of water. He said that the DNR actually defaults to allowing water craft, so years ago, Richfield had to seek DNR approval to ban water craft. Nelson said that the decision was probably made because of the depth of the lake; being so shallow, the quality of water is poor for swimming. Topitzhofer said that, if the ordinance was changed, a boat launch should be installed. Schmidt said that there is an area for launching boats and it may not need improvement just for canoes and small rowboats. Nelson said that the east side would be the only feasible location and may require removal of a couple of small trees and some minor re-grading. Topitzhofer asked the group their opinion; several members expressed favoring allowing water craft; nobody expressed disapproval. Ness said that DNR laws could apply; Topitzhofer said that a few rules may be added by the City (no motorized boats, etc). Bornholdt asked about skating, ice fishing, etc. Topitzhofer said that ice houses are not allowed. Schmidt said that thin-ice signs may be necessary because of the aerator. Mangold asked if any other parks could support boating activity. Schmidt and Ness said that most other bodies of water are too small. Topitzhofer said that the no-tobacco addition to the City Code will be presented to and discussed by the Advisory Board of Health and will also be discussed by the City Council on October 27. Schmidt says that a no-tobacco law would be a violation of civil liberties. Thompson said that cleanliness and maintenance is just as important and cigarette butts cause a major litter problem. Nelson said that the policy against smoking near youth events should cover it and people should be allowed to smoke in parks. Mangold asked if limiting smoking to certain areas may or may not address second-hand smoke. Jabs said that it should be prohibited in the whole park or nothing. Topitzhofer said that this same general discussion will be had with the Council and he’ll tell them that the majority of the CSC supports a ban. Topitzhofer asked Ness if he could act as spokesperson for the CSC at the October 27 Council meeting. Topitzhofer asked about adding language protecting vegetation in the parks; he said that Wood Lake has rules about staying on the trails, but it’s allowed to walk anywhere in any other park. Topitzhofer said that the proposal is to add wording prohibiting walking on any vegetation that has been planted or programmed to be natural. Jabs asked if there would be signs marking such areas. Topitzhofer said that there were attendees to the Vets meeting who felt that no vegetation should be walked on. Charnitz asked if signs could be put up anywhere keeping people off certain areas; Topitzhofer said yes. Topitzhofer suggested that the wording only prohibit going where signs indicate no foot traffic. Schmidt suggested excluding authorized personnel. Nelson asked about the proposed ordinance against feeding wild animals because it’s a popular activity. Schmidt agreed. Topitzhofer said that it’s an important rule to control excessive animal waste buildup and for the welfare of the animal. Schmidt recommended adding language excluding authorized personnel to all items (including the sound system item). Topitzhofer suggested that sound system usage be by permit only; Mangold suggested that community events be excluded. Adventure Gardens Mini-Golf Planning Topitzhofer said that information will be brought to the CSC regarding usage, financial performance, and condition of the facility at the mini-golf course and the group will be asked to analyze the pros and cons of investing in fixing up the course and make a recommendation to the Council. He asked what information would make for a good decision. Thompson and Jabs said usage statistics should be considered. Thompson said that the cost-worthiness of fixing it up may be determinable by seeing how much it’s used. Ness suggested statistics from neighboring communities’ courses and the pros and cons of having an outside management company operate it. Schmidt suggested bringing information on national trends regarding mini-golf. Christian asked about the idea to convert it to a dog park with the existing fencing; Topitzhofer said that it’s still an idea. Bornholdt said that many people don’t know about it and wondered what the advertising efforts have been. Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Ness/Charnitz provided the report. FOWL: Bornholdt provided the report. Successful FOWL Ball Golf Classic. The Jabs Squad took home the trophy again. Honoring All Veterans Memorial: Schmidt provided the report. Pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 18. City Hall Advisory Taskforce: Jabs provided the report. Good feedback at Cattail Days. Planning Commission: Jabs provided the report. Arts Commission: Thompson provided the report. Other Nelson said that he will be attending an emergency response task force meeting on Tuesday nights and will miss occasional CSC meetings. He asked if the group objects; members did not object. Adjournment Thompson moved, seconded by Christian, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm. Next Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 7:00 pm Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue September 29, 2009 DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.