HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes for January 9, 2017MEETING MINUTES
Monday, January 9, 2017
6:30 p.m.
City Hall, 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave.
City of Falcon Heights
Parks & Recreation Commission
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm.
Attendance (AB=absent)
Shawn Hubert Chairperson
Tim Sandvik Staff
AB Tim Pittman Staff
AB Randy Gustafson Council Liaison
Mary Hannon Jacobson Co-Secretary
Ron Eischen Co-Secretary
AB Dave Thomas
AB Gordon Strom
Ben Reichelt
Walt Dunlap
2. Approval of Sept 12, 2016 meeting minutes
The meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.
3. Discussion of Parks Programming
The city is currently working on our offerings for summer programming, which will be made public
towards the end of Feb or early March.
We haven’t hosted programming at Curtiss Field the last few years because of the construction and
now the lack of a shelter. We may offer some sort of opportunity that doesn’t require a shelter but
that can get tricky with the weather; the city is looking at options.
Programming at the CTC (Commonwealth Terrace Coop – student housing at UMN campus) is in
question. Last year we offered 4 programs and we only had 2 registrants signup – so we had no
programming there last year either. CTC is challenging because of how marketing/communication is
done (the city does not manage/dictate this).
The city will be spending the next 6 weeks on how to manage our summer park and rec offerings: in
house programming vs. special instructors (similar bottom lines) at Community Park, what will we offer
(if anything) at Curtiss Field and CTC, field rentals at Community Park, etc. The city is currently having
discussions with various special instructors and organizations about what Falcon Heights can offer for
field space.
4. Discussion of Special Events – Fall Fete
Our “Fall Fete” event was in mid October. This event was offered to make up for the cancelled Ice
Cream Social in the summer (due to the heat index.) The event offered live music, jump house,
s’mores, bonfire, etc.
The city will not be hosting Winterfest this year.
The city hopes to host a Movie in the Park event this spring… possibly in May since we still have the
movie license from the cancelled event last summer.
The Community Engagement Commission has talked about hosting/co-hosting more events this year.
Suggestion: What about a Movie in the Park at Curtiss Field? The city is investigating this and will talk
more with the Community Engagement Commission (they are considering another Pot-Luck type event
there this year.)
5. Discussion of Park Rentals
There were many issues last summer (2016) with people not adhering to rules when renting the park
shelters, leaving them a real mess. We also saw a big increase in alcohol consumption. Marketing has
not changed and the rentals are very affordable….not sure what triggered the change.
The city is currently deciding how to address this issue and looking at how other cities handle their
rentals. Biggest concern is how to remedy the situation without giving benefit or priority to certain
groups or individuals. The city is not accepting park rentals at this time.
6. Infrastructure Updates
Curtiss Field sidewalks were completed this summer. More infrastructure changes coming up in 2017
being dictated by MNDOT, including Snelling turn lanes and a sidewalk from Hoyt to Larpenteur along
Snelling for walkability.
Snelling Ave is a state road and therefore MNDOT is responsible for it. Although they will work with
the city of Falcon Heights during the planning and implementation process, MNDOT has final
say/decisions on the changes made to Snelling Ave. MNDOTs top priority is walkability.
MNDOT is building a sidewalk from Hoyt to Larpenteur along Snelling Ave as a part of their 2017
project. Until work is completed, tree plantings and landscaping at Curtiss Field is on hold.
7. Update on Recent Grant Submission
The historical grant for Curtiss Field (aviation history) was submitted in October - but we were
declined. The MN Historical Society made some suggestions for improvements and we will be
resubmitting this grant request to them (this grant is part of the Legacy Act of 2008).
8. Additional Updates
The city is proposing that the Park & Recreation committee change its schedule and instead meet
quarterly instead of monthly.
The proposed Park & Rec Commission dates for 2017 are:
1. January 9th (today)
2. April 3rd
3. June 5th
4. September 11th
5. December 4th
Meetings will still be held at 6:30pm at city hall. All meeting attendees agreed to this schedule change.
9. New Business
None.
10. Meeting Conclusion
Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
a. Summary of Decisions Made
i. The 2017 Schedule for the Parks & Recreation Commission is:
1. January 9th (today)
2. April 3rd
3. June 5th
4. September 11th
5. December 4th
b. Summary of Action Items
i. N/A
c. Next meeting date: April 3, 2017
d. Submitted By: Mary Hannon Jacobson