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2012-07 CSCJuly 17, 2012 REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Richfield Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) CSC: Gerry Charnitz, Greg Mangold, Arlan Nelson, LuAnn Werner, Terry Heinze, Bob Shotwell, Reed Bornholdt PRESENT STAFF: Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans PLANNING COMMISSION: Tom Rublein OTHERS: Dave Butler (Bandshell Committee) ABSENT CSC: Michele Thompson, Dan Edgerton COUNCIL: Fred Wroge Call to Order/Approval of Minutes Charnitz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Bornholdt moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve the minutes of the regular June meeting. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reports Topitzhofer reported on the following: Construction work at the Honoring All Veterans Memorial. Installation of the new Roosevelt Park play equipment. Construction work at the new skate park site in Augsburg Park. 4th of July Celebration: successful and safe, not as well-attended due to the heat (except the usual crowd at the fireworks) Discussion Items Bandshell Committee Report Butler reported that this group formed to discuss the need for a bandshell in Richfield, estimate the necessary budget for such a facility, and identify possible locations. He said that the group had determined an ideal budget of $1 million and Best Buy has expressed interest in purchasing naming rights. He said that the group has identified Veterans Park as an ideal location. He said that there have been discussions about airplane noise at the site. He said that those tracking airplane activity over the park have recommended against that site for a bandshell. He said that the group has used a flight-tracking website to monitor flight patterns over the park at around 7:00 or 8:00 pm. Charntiz said that, between the noise and the potential for parking and traffic issues, the Vets Park site wouldn’t be his first choice. Charnitz said that it would also be a concentration of quite a few amenities in one park, with the pool, arena, mini-golf, and the veterans memorial. Charnitz suggested the possibility of Adams Hill Park for parking; Topitzhofer said that parking would probably be inadequate there. Shotwell said that it has a nice, natural bowl shape, but it would be close to Centennial Lakes and may attract a lot of Edina residents. Charnitz suggested the picnic area of Wood Lake Nature Center, in the northeast corner. Topitzhofer said that the site will be discussed more and brought back to the group, but the pressing issue is to act on the interest from Best Buy to be involved. Rublein said that Augsburg has come up and parking would be adequate; Fairwood and Monroe are also nice, but it would be all street parking in a residential area. Topitzhofer said that the group will need to authorize the committee to proceed with plans while keeping the option open to offer naming rights to Best Buy. Werner asked what might happen if Best Buy’s future is in doubt; Shotwell suggested that the group act quickly on the offer. Mangold said that he isn’t fully supportive of the idea for a bandshell in Richfield when they exist just over the border in Bloomington, Edina, and Minneapolis, and if we think of this as a metro area, rather than separate municipalities, it may not be the greatest way to spend that much money. Heinze said that, if the naming rights would involve nothing more than a logo and the name without too many strings attached, the City should go for it. Butler said that the committee has told Best Buy that the City could provide $250,000. Bornholdt moved, seconded by Nelson, to authorize the Bandshell Committee to represent the CSC in soliciting funds from Best Buy, up to $750,000. Approved, six ayes, one abstention. Community Garden Relocation Topitzhofer said that the gardens, located on airport property at 59th Street and 28th Avenue, was moved to that site when the first gardens needed to be relocated from its old spot on airport property when the north/south runway was constructed. He said that the gardens are popular and sell out every year, but staff has been considering moving it into Richfield so it can be regularly patrolled by Richfield law enforcement since thefts are common and because there may be an opportunity to make use of a SHIP Healthy-Living grant if a plan can be formulated soon. He said that staff has identified the need for a water supply, ample parking (20 cars), fencing, security lighting, a consolidated location for easy plowing, good soil, room for a trash container and a portable toilet, ample sunlight, and sponsorship signage. Mangold suggested a spot in close proximity to a bus route. Topitzhofer mentioned Garfield Park, a small patch of park land one block east of Lyndale by the Lyndale Gardens site. He said that it’s mostly fenced already and has residences on the east side. Topitzhofer said that the next step would be to consider different sites and score them with a criteria chart. He said that the CSC will host public meetings and invite the neighborhood to express their opinions. Rublein asked if any land at the cemetery on Penn could be leased. Charnitz suggested the old Public Works garage site; Rublein suggested some raised beds at the garden site if the ground proves to be too contaminated. Charnitz asked about the possibility of the northeast corner of Taft Park. Action Items August CSC Meeting Cancellation Charnitz asked about issues that may need to be considered. Topitzhofer said that the healthy concessions policy will need to come before the CSC soon, but could be brought in September instead. Bornholdt moved, seconded by Mangold, to cancel the August meeting. Approved, ayes all. Committee Reports FOWL Board: Werner provided the report. Green Team/Waste Hauling Group: Mangold provided the report. Planning Commission: Rublein provided the report. Topitzhofer said that PennFest planners will recruit for help from CSC. Next Meeting/Adjournment Regular September Meeting Tuesday, September 18, 7:00 pm, Richfield Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave). Bornholdt, moved, seconded by Mangold, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.