Loading...
2011-06 CSCJune 21, 2011 REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, June 21, 2011, Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) PRESENT CSC Members Dan Edgerton, Greg Mangold, Gerry Charnitz, Sarah Till, Reed Bornholdt, LuAnn Werner, Dave Gepner, Michele Thompson Staff Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans ABSENT Planning Commission Tom Rublein CSC Members Joe Springer, Bob Shotwell, Arlan Nelson Council Liaison Fred Wroge Call to Order/Approval of Minutes/Addition of Agenda Items Charnitz called the regular CSC meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Mangold moved, seconded by Gepner, to approve the minutes of the regular April meeting. Approved, ayes all. Note that the recommendation related to the organized solid waste hauling issue was reworded and clarified in the Committee Reports portion of this meeting (see below). Topitzhofer added a discussion item: 63rd Street Greenway. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported that the public hearing was held regarding the skate park proposal at Augsburg Park. The Council was in favor of the new east-west orientation, which will save money on soil amendment; a new RFP will be sent out to solicit new proposals for the project. Discussion Items Use of Richfield Parks for Private Use Topitzhofer said that, in the past year, the Recreation Department had seen more requests for use of public space (streets and parks) for large public events like running/walking events. He said that the City has a permit application process, but wanted to gauge the CSC’s thoughts about limiting the number of such events. Gepner and Edgerton said that these types of events demonstrate healthy living and a vibrant community and are a positive use of the parks. Topitzhofer said that Minneapolis has begun to limit the number of permits issued and charges much more for the permits. Thompson asked if the groups pay for their own security; Gepner asked what other requirements they need to meet, like notifying neighbors. Topitzhofer said that groups would pay for their own security, toilets, and related expenses and they do need to follow the same process followed by the City for such events, like marking stretches of road where parking is temporarily closed and notifying neighbors. Werner asked if the fee could be scaled according to projected attendance. Gepner suggested a lower fee for resident groups. Topitzhofer said that he would survey other communities to find out their policies and fees. 63rd Street Greenway Proposal Topitzhofer showed preliminary plans for a greenway that would connect Vets Park and Taft Park along 63rd Street, which would encourage pedestrian travel and would either close 63rd Street entirely in some stretches or would leave small access roads open for driveways on the street, but would otherwise maximize the green space along the corridor. He said that it would tie in bike rental at Vets, the Farmers Market, the pool, mini-golf, events like the 4th of July, and the north-south parkway to be developed along Richfield Parkway and Bloomington Avenue that will link to the Minnesota River and the Grand Rounds. He said that the Council and Planning Commission have been intrigued by the plan and have directed staff to further discuss the plan. Charnitz, Edgerton, Gepner and other members spoke favorably of the idea. Edgerton said that Minneapolis is gaining a national reputation for such pedestrian corridors. Gepner said that a similar study was done many years ago along other east-west routes, which have few homes compared to north-south streets. Topitzhofer said that the Transportation Engineer will be holding an open house on July 11 to get feedback on the idea. Committee Reports Waste Hauling Study Group Mangold clarified that the recommendation he was proposing to forward to the Council was for them to approve a resolution of intent to organize solid waste hauling in Richfield. The group agreed by consensus; Topitzhofer said that he, Mangold, and Werner would take that recommendation to the Council at an upcoming study session. Edgerton, Gepner, and Charnitz asked if the recommendation was for the Council to study the issue. Mangold and Topitzhofer said that the resolution of intent would, by state statute, begin with a study process and public hearings to gauge the opinion of the public on the issue and would not commit the City to any plan. Bike Task Force: Gepner provided the report. Community Bandshell Planning Group: Edgerton reported that the group met with the Cornerstone Group developers and they are in favor of building a bandshell and deeding it over to the City. Bornholdt said that Vets Park is still in the running as a potential site. FOWL: Werner provided the report; Topitzhofer said that the FOWL Ball Golf Classic will be discontinued and a real golf tournament will be held instead. Honoring All Veterans Memorial: Topitzhofer provided the report; the fifth tablet was unveiled on Memorial Day. Arts Commission: Thompson provided the report. Next Meeting/Adjournment Regular July Meeting Tuesday, July 19, 7:00 pm, Location To Be Determined (Charnitz suggested holding the July meeting at the new Municipal Center. Recreation staff has to confirm that this can be booked.) Thompson moved, seconded by Till, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 pm. DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.