2024-09 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Jefferson Park (6700 Thomas Ave)
PRESENT
CSC: David Vrieze Daniels, Kris Anderson, BJ Skoog, Jim Reilly, Grace Bronken, Tessa Johanson, Hayley Tompkins, Jessica Johnson Kreps, Mike Devane
STAFF: Karl Huemiller (Recreation Director), John Evans (Analyst/Recording Secretary), Chris Link (Public Works)
ABSENT
CSC: Adam Kerekes, Jeff Klein
CALL TO ORDER/COMMENTS
Chair Johanson called the meeting to order at 7:01. Devane relayed comments received at Penn Fest regarding the play equipment at Fairwood being very similar to the equipment at Monroe
Park.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Anderson moved, seconded by Skoog, to approve the minutes of the regular July meeting, with a correction to a date error. Approved.
STAFF REPORTS
Public Works
Deputy Public Works Director Link reported on the following:
Damage to some trees at Richfield Lake that occurred when clearing the vegetation back from the walking trail. He said that some of the work done was meant to be followed up with finish
work, but then the storm hit and the workers were not able to get back to finish the work at Richfield Lake, with over 200 reports of limbs hanging and down. Other landscaping and cleanup
work is performed as staff is able, but the budget doesn’t permit a complete landscaping renovation.
A park infrastructure report is being completed this fall that will be brought to the CSC to help inventory equipment and identify needs.
Crews continue to treat for Emerald Ash Borer and remove and replace affected trees. Removed trees are replaced the following year; about 30 different varieties are used to establish
a diverse boulevard tree stock.
The group brainstormed ways to share information with the community (social media, e-communication channels, etc).
Recreation Services
Director Huemiller reported on the following:
Wood Lake Nature Center Building Project is in the design/development phase. Science Museum of MN has contracted with Richfield to design the science and nature educational displays.
Mortensen has been chosen as the Construction Manager. Wood Lake Open House: September 25, 6:30-8:00 pm.
Wood Lake fundraiser at Ice Arena in October called Paddles and Stones, a Pickleball and Curling tournament.
Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K had about 1,000 runners. Course will be altered for 2025 due to building construction.
Veterans Park splash pad: permits in progress; construction begins this fall.
Ice Arena will lease ice time to Minneapolis Hockey while other area arenas are down. Five-year lease.
Farmers Market has been going strong: grant was received to buy leftover food for VEAP.
Vets Park shelter rentals have been numerous, but there have been issues with parking on the grass, so staff will probably charge a damage deposit of $200.
Programming is growing; new programs have been introduced; much fewer cancellations due to low enrollment. Adult Pickleball leagues have been very popular.
Fee Assistance Program has been well-used.
Field rentals have been very strong this year. Soccer fields are in high demand.
Hoop Local 3v3 Tournament was held at Donaldson on July 20. DJ, food truck, etc. Raised money for new hoops at Monroe Park.
Penn Fest was held on Sunday, September 15. Lots of attendees.
Local Sales Tax referendum. Three projects that will be on the ballot: Wood Lake Nature Center, Community Center, and improvements to the Vets Park facilities (Pool, Ice Arena, shelter,
trails). Facility tours have been held and more are scheduled. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.
Donaldson Park planning is underway for the new building, needed for the grant application, but the project will happen in 2026.
Augsburg Skate Park expansion project is complete and the facility is re-opened.
Tompkins reported that a group of teenaged residents will be reporting to the City Council regarding their feelings and observations about public spaces around Richfield.
ACTION ITEMS
Friends of Wood Lake Member Appointment
Skoog moved, seconded by Tompkins, to appoint Jessica Snively to a three-year term on the Friends of Wood Lake Board. Approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Transportation: Devane, Arts: Skoog, Sustainability: Anderson
OTHER/NEXT MEETING/ADJOURNMENT
Regular October Meeting: Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 pm, Municipal Center
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by consensus at 8:12 pm.
September 17, 2024