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2010-01 CSCJanuary 19, 2010 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, January 19, 2010, Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) PRESENT CSC Members Arlan Nelson, Michele Thompson, Greg Mangold, Joe Springer, Gary Ness, Rodney Schmidt, Sarah Till, Mike Christian, Gerry Charnitz Planning Commission Rick Jabs Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans Others Dave Butler (Richfield Symphonic Band), Bob Shotwell (upcoming CSC Member) ABSENT CSC Members Reed Bornholdt Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order Ness called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Approval of Minutes Schmidt moved, seconded by Christian, to approve the minutes of the regular November meeting. Approved, ayes all. Other The group acknowledged the service of Ness and Christian, whose terms expire at the end of January. Discussion Items Parks Capital Improvement Plan Topitzhofer presented a draft of the capital improvement plan, explaining that the plan is revised each year and projects out the plan to spend liquor store revenue on park improvements and major maintenance items. He outlined the items projected for the next five years. Topitzhofer introduced Butler, who advocates for the construction of an amphitheater with some kind of bandshell and sound system; he said that the band has found a need for improved facilities where they play now at Augsburg. Topitzhofer mentioned the possibility of some kind of fabric canopy or backdrop in the short term to build interest in the concert series. Nelson asked if speakers could be put up in Augsburg Park; Butler said that the band got a grant from Best Buy to purchase a sound system. Ness asked if a motion is needed for tonight; Topitzhofer said that feedback is needed tonight so he can revise the plan and bring back another draft. Mangold wondered if the Council will seek to maintain existing projects rather than expand project plans in light of budget constraints again in 2010. Topitzhofer said that Richfield was faced with losing end-of-year financial aid at the end of 2009 and the Council was worried, but the aid did come. He said that the Council does anticipate a cut in local government aid in 2010, though. He said that the City Hall project is overbudget and parts of the project will be rebid to bring down the project cost. He said that he has received clear instruction to pay off the Lincoln project as soon as possible. Christian asked what the plan is for a skate park in Augsburg and asked if it would be a good usage mix with an enhanced amphitheater. Topitzhofer said that the two wouldn’t likely be a good mix of usage. Ness said that it would probably be okay; the skateboarders wouldn’t be here when some types of bands are playing. Schmidt suggested waiting to see how the Council feels about the skate park in 2010; if they want to push it back, some of the extra money could be used for the vets park sign and maybe the amphitheater equipment. Adventure Gardens Mini Golf Analysis Topitzhofer said that the CSC concluded that staff should continue operating the facility in 2010 with minimal repairs to address safety concerns, and examine the feasibility of moving the course over by the pool in the future. He said that staff has identified 2014 as a possible year to move the course, since that was the year previously planned for building the pool splash pad, but that item isn’t in the plan at this time. He said that staff consulted with a group to get an estimate on expanding to 18 holes. He said that a low-buck option would be about $100,000, while a fancier facility like Moose Mountain at the Mall of America would be more like $700,000. He said that a middle-of-the-road option might be like the Science Museum course, at about $300,000. Parks Ordinance Revisions Topitzhofer said that the Council expressed support of proposed rules regarding wild animal feeding, restricting sales in parks, and restricting use of tobacco. He said that the Council suggested using administrative fines as a penalty. He said that the City Attorney is drafting text to propose amendments to suggest such enforcement penalties. Other Items Ness said that, if the City is considering possible locations for a fenced-in off-leash dog park, the area along the east side of Wood Lake Nature Center may be a feasible area. Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Charnitz provided the report. Honoring All Veterans Memorial: Schmidt provided the report. Arts Commission: Thompson provided the report. Adjournment Schmidt moved, seconded by Christian, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm. Next Meeting Tuesday,February 16, 2010, 7:00 pm, Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.