Loading...
2018-02 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, February 20, 2018 Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave) PRESENT CSC: Hayley Hadges, Anne Basso, Meg Slindee, Kevin Wendt, Dan Smieja, Lisa Rudolph, Art Felgate, Diana Bautista STAFF: Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans <HUMAN RIGHTS COM: Grace Verbrugge ABSENT CSC: Joannette Cintrón de Núñez, Danielle Indovino Cawley, Carolyn Engeldinger <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: Rudolph moved, seconded by Felgate, to approve the minutes of the January regular meeting and tonight’s agenda, with the addition of an item by Topitzhofer regarding a cell tower lease proposal for Lincoln Field. Approved, ayes all. Introduction of New Members New members Slindee and Wendt were introduced. Topitzhofer mentioned the Commission Member Orientation on Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 pm, Municipal Center.< Action Items Election of Chair and Vice Chair/Appointment of Liaisons Chair nominations: Basso nominated Rudolph. Felgate nominated himself. Wendt nominated himself. Six votes in favor of Rudolph. Vice Chair nominations: Smieja nominated Felgate. Wendt nominated himself. Six votes in favor of Felgate. Rudolph conducted the appointment of liaisons. Transportation: Basso, FOWL Board: Slindee, Planning Commission: Smieja, HAVM: Smieja/Topitzhofer, Arts: Rudolph, Friendship: Topitzhofer. Organics Task Force liaison to be determined. Friends of Wood Lake Board Appointment Felgate moved, seconded by Basso, to appoint Grace Hung to the Friends of Wood Lake Board of Directors. Approved, ayes all. Discussion Items Richfield Curling Club and Program Rudolph detailed the plans to introduce curling to the Richfield Ice Arena, with focus on instruction and introduction to the sport. She said that there is interest in a team at Richfield High School. She said that the club plans to partner with the Richfield Fourth of July to attract attention to the sport and provide introduction to the sport. She talked about Jessica Schultz, a Richfield resident and Olympic curler, who is going to be involved with the Richfield Curling Club. She said that there is always increased interest during the Winter Olympics, so the timing is perfect to introduce it.< Topitzhofer said that they’re considering timing curling events with Magicians games, when beer and concessions are sold. Rudolph said that the club has a Facebook page with a website coming soon. She said that the first curling event is scheduled for June 10.< Capital Improvement Plan Topitzhofer reviewed the 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan and the $450,000 annual budget. He mentioned two annual items: the $45,000 parks major maintenance item and the Wood Lake fence repair item for $5,000. He mentioned the conversion of Rink 1 at the Ice Arena to indirect refrigeration for $300,000, a State-mandated improvement. He said that this leaves $100,000 for improvement items identified in the Parks Master Plan. Topitzhofer said that other funding sources may be available for the Arena upgrade, including State bonding money. Felgate said that the Lyndale Avenue reconstruction has been moved up in priority, which will directly impact the fence along Wood Lake Nature Center. He said that this may make funding available for reconstruction of the fence. Topitzhofer said that the CSC will hopefully have some say in the Lyndale Avenue project if there’s encroachment on any park land. Topitzhofer talked about the prioritization of projects, with a dog park being the next project to begin considering, including site assessments, neighborhood meetings, etc. He said that play equipment replacement is also a high priority, with Donaldson and Taft being the next parks scheduled for replacement. He said that adding lighting to the Honoring All Veterans Memorial is a priority to be able to proceed with accepting engravings on the backs of the tablets. Wendt asked when we may know if State bonding funds would be available for the Arena project. Topitzhofer said that we don’t know yet if or when. Basso said that the CSC has expressed a strong preference to remove the Arena upgrade in the capital improvement plan. Topitzhofer said that the project is currently on hold. Topitzhofer said that another draft plan will be brought to the CSC in March. Wendt asked if the specific projects are determined year-by-year. Rudolph said that items are prioritized, which enables the assembly of the plan each year. Topitzhofer said that another source of capital being proposed is the park dedication ordinance, which allocates a certain amount of money towards park infrastructure when a new development is approved. He said that the park dedication ordinance item will be brought to the CSC for consideration, based on the financial needs in the capital improvement plan. Smieja asked if more park signs are going up in 2018. Topitzhofer said that ten more will be put up this year. Cell Tower Lease in Lincoln Field Topitzhofer reported that a cell provider is inquiring about leasing land in Lincoln Field for a 75’ cell phone tower, which would provide revenue of $20k to $30k per year. He said that the proposal would require a zoning variance. Basso said that, having watched many games there, it doesn’t appear that the placement of the tower would interfere with foot traffic or site lines. Felgate said that cell towers are all over the metro area; Basso said that it would not be obtrusive. Wendt asked if the pole would get hit with foul balls; Rudolph and Basso didn’t think that would be an issue in the proposed area. Smieja asked if the neighbors across the street would object to a tower; Topitzhofer said that the proposal would be vetted by the Planning Commission, who would hold a public hearing to which neighbors would be invited. Rudolph asked if other providers will be approaching Richfield to put up other towers; Basso said that we always have the right to refuse any tower proposal. Felgate suggested asking the cell provider if other towers or infrastructure upgrades would be needed in the future with the introduction of 5G in coming years. Smieja asked if the CSC needs to consider a cell tower lease policy for any other anticipated needs. Felgate said to ask the provider for their road map in upcoming years. Topitzhofer said that the group seems to be in favor of the placement of this tower, but there is concern about creating a precedent with proposals from other providers. Wendt said that such a policy might identify the type of facility at which a tower is being proposed, i.e. a ballfield with light towers versus a facility like Wood Lake Nature Center. Rudolph said that such a policy might identify which locations would be available and which wouldn’t. < Staff Reports Recreation Services: <Topitzhofer reported the following: Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Felgate reported. Human Rights Commission: Verbrugge presented a Human Rights survey being conducted to identify demographics in Richfield for recruitment purposes Friends of Wood Lake Board: Topitzhofer reported that Karen Shragg, Nature Center Manager, is on medical leave. The Board is preparing for the fundraising dinner in April. <Arts Commission: Rudolph and Topitzhofer reported on public art policies and an annual budget for sculptures and art that isn’t already part of another project, like sidewalk poetry. <Organics Task Force: Topitzhofer reported that the first order of business will be the consideration of an organics drop-off site at Roosevelt Park. He said that there will be some vetting and neighborhood meetings on the topic. Felgate said that there will be an education component necessary to familiarize people with sorting organic waste.< Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment Regular March Meeting: <Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 pm, Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave) Adjournment: <Wendt moved, seconded by Felgate, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm. February 20, 2018