2018-11 CSCREGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave)
PRESENT CSC: Kevin Wendt, Carolyn Engeldinger, Lisa Rudolph, Art Felgate, Andy Soto, Ava Noack STAFF: Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans ABSENT CSC: Anne Flake, Dan Smieja, Ron Macklem,
Joannette Cintrón de Núñez, Danielle Indovino Cawley
PLAN COM: Rick Jabs COUNCIL: Edwina Garcia SCHOOL BOARD: Crystal Brakke
Call to Order Topitzhofer called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda Minutes and Agenda: Felgate moved to approve the minutes of the regular October meeting and this evening’s agenda. Approved.
Staff Reports Recreation Services (Topitzhofer)
-Organics Drop-Off Sites Program funding was approved by Hennepin County and the program has begun, with 395 people signed up.
Discussion Items Play Equipment Replacement Status
Topitzhofer summarized the plan to replace play equipment at Jefferson, Nicollet, and Taft Parks. He reported on a subcommittee meeting held with Wendt, Flake, and a play equipment
vendor, where they talked about inclusive playgrounds and possible locations for such a playground, including the possibility of Augsburg Park. Topitzhofer said that the sub-committee
is almost ready to hold neighborhood meetings and write a request for proposal, but they will need to have some direction regarding the location of an inclusive play structure. The
group concluded that Augsburg is the best location for an inclusive park, but 2021 is too far out; the group recommended replacing Augsburg Park possibly in 2020 and moving Donaldson
to 2021, and keeping Jefferson, Nicollet, and Taft in 2019 (none entirely inclusive, but with inclusive elements).
Potential Holiday Lights Event
Rudolph reported that a discussion occurred on Facebook about having holiday lights at Augsburg Park. She said that the group has begun to discuss low-cost options for festive holiday
decorations or happenings in the park. Engeldinger said that the group was excited about some kind of winter celebration and lights, possibly later in the winter. Noack mentioned that
a lot of foot traffic on the path can disrupt the grooming of the RHS Cross Country Ski trail. The suggestion was made to hold an event in February, to avoid disruption of the ski
season, possibly with ice luminaries along the walking path. Topitzhofer said that the City would have to do any lighting of trees because of liability, etc. but one of the little
crab apple trees could be decorated.
Action Items Cancellation of December Meeting
Engeldinger moved to cancel the regular December meeting of the Community Services Commission. Approved.
Committee Reports Arts Commission: Rudolph reported. Honoring All Veterans Memorial: Topitzhofer reported. Organics Task Force: Topitzhofer reported.
Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment Regular January Meeting: Tuesday, January 19, 7:00 pm, Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave).
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:49 pm.
November 20, 2018
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.