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2010-08 CSCAugust 17, 2010 REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, August 17, 2010, Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) PRESENT CSC Members Dan Edgerton, Michele Thompson, Greg Mangold, Gerry Charnitz, Arlan Nelson, Sarah Till, Reed Bornholdt, Rodney Schmidt Planning Commission Rick Jabs Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans Others Kent Fairbairn (Augsburg resident) ABSENT CSC Members Joe Springer, Bob Shotwell Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Charnitz called the regular CSC meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Approval of Minutes Mangold moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve the minutes of the regular July meeting. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items Tier-One Skate Park Topitzhofer summarized Augsburg neighborhood meeting held on July 28 regarding a proposed skate park at Augsburg. He said that many neighbors were opposed to the idea for various reasons (what they see as unwanted potential users, conflicting use with an otherwise serene setting). Topitzhofer said that the location at the basketball court was chosen because of the existing pad, among other reasons. He said that the group could consider an alternate location elsewhere in the park: north of the tennis courts in the dirt area that’s flooded as a rink. He said that this location is the site of a storm sewer, installed there last year. Nelson said that this may not be a problem and the park may be able to be built around it. Charnitz asked if the tennis court lighting is an advantage or disadvantage. Jabs said that it may invite people to use the skate park too late. Thompson wondered if a lower-level park like this would attract beginners or at least not the experienced users that the residents may be fearing. Jabs said that the opposition to the park can probably be traced to an image problem with skateboarders and a positive message from the skateboarding community may be needed, regardless of where the park goes. Mangold said that the discussion at the meeting was good and one youth asked why skateboarders are seen as delinquents when he’s a good student and kid, but just enjoys the sport. Jabs said that he felt that the meeting ended on a positive note as an alternate location was discussed. A guest resident came to ask if the basketball court would be replaced and asked if the budget is able to handle such a project at this time. He asked if the money could be spent a better way. Topitzhofer explained the difference between the operating budget and the capital improvement budget and said that the capital budget is liquor store revenue that can’t be spent on operating expenses. Fairbairn said that a skate park would benefit a small number of people. Jabs said that we are obligated to build amenities, like playground equipment and tennis courts, that may not be used by everybody but offer a recreation alternative. Fairbairn said that a sign should have been put up at the basketball court to inform basketball players of the proposed change. Edgerton said that he understands the loss of an amenity, but the skate park offers an amenity is not currently offered anywhere in the City. Fairbairn said that people will be upset who have played basketball at Augsburg. Jabs said that we have to change and offer different amenities, such as cricket and soccer, and there is no open land on which to build. He said that this group evaluated all possible sites and scored them objectively and determined that the Augsburg location was the best choice. Thompson said that the existing basketball court makes this location the most financially feasible one. Topitzhofer clarified that the basketball court does lend itself well to future growth, but doesn’t decrease the cost significantly (another site could be considered). Charnitz asked if the group might consider distributing an RFP that asks for proposals at multiple locations to see which one would give you more for your money. Jabs said that we may not gain by considering a different location; the site at the basketball court has already been determined to be the best for many reasons. Mangold agreed that the original proposed location would still rate as the best. Jabs asked if the RFP could include a wall that still allows for a half-court at the south end. Topitzhofer said that national trends show more kids skateboarding and lots of parents who get their grade-school kids into it. Topitzhofer asked the group their thoughts about alternate locations for the RFP. Schmidt moved to recommend Council approval to issue an RFP for tier-one skate park designs at multiple locations (one at Augsburg near the basketball court, one being a generic flat area). Seconded by Thompson. Approved, ayes all. Next Meeting Regular September Meeting Tuesday, September 21, 7:00 pm Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) Adjournment Schmidt moved, seconded by Nelson, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm. DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.