HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCMin_90Apr9Minutes, Parks and Recreation Commission
a
7:00 p.m., Monday, April 9, 1990
Present: Connie Lasser, Jeff Johnson, Jyneen Thatcher, Steve Schugal, Linda McLoon,
Carol Kreigler, Park Director, Sam Jacobs, Council Liason
Absent: Jean Suppes, Lloyd Jacobson
1. Introductions
Our new Council Liason, Sam Jacobs, was introduced, along with a new commission
member, Steve Schugal who lives near Falcon Heights Elementary School.
2. Update on Park Building
The big news was that the city council had unanimously approved the bid for the
construction of the park building at the Community Park. The accepted bid was from
Jefferson Construction Co. for $290,463. Included in the bid was a sprinkler system and
security system for the building, for $10,000, but no alarm system. Also excluded were
kitchen cabinets, since that was an item which could potentially be donated by private
organizations, and staining and sealing of the building. This would save $6,800 (less the
cost of stain) and will be done by volunteers. Seeding and sodding was accepted in the bid.
Scott Midness suggested that for the price quoted, it was worth having it done
professionally. '
The ground breaking ceremony will be Friday, April 13 at 2 p.m. The mayor and all city
council members would be there. Jeff indicated that he would try to make it there also.
The building is scheduled to be completed by July 26, the date of the ice cream social.
3. Update on City Code
Connie gave the history of the city code and the commission's recommendation that the
parks be alcohol-free. The city council never changed the city code that reads that alcohol
is allowed by permit only, to groups of 25 or above. Connie indicated that Tom Baldwin
thinks alcohol should be allowed in the parks. Connie suggested that we attend the town
meeting on "Mayors' for aDrug-Free City" on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. and voice our
concerns about alcohol use in our parks. The comment was made that to be smoke free but
not alcohol free was a bit contradictory. Essentially the city council has tabled our efforts
to change the city code to prohibit alcohol use in the parks. Sam indicated that he
basically supported our position, and would try to make this issue an agenda item for the
city council to discuss.
4. Park Building Amenities
Carol suggested that she and a few volunteers from the commission work on developing a
plan for what we might want up at the community park to make the building functional
upon completion. These include: picnic tables, waste receptacles, bike racks, benches,
kitchen cabinets, appliances for the kitchen, drinking fountains, and replacement of the
dangerous toys in the park. Linda presented the selections she and Jean had made for
replacement of the spring toys and swinging gates. These included a spring toy which
handicapped children could use, a spring toy for multiple children and a spring board for
older children to use. Jean sent word that she thought it would be nice to add something
distinctive to the park, such as the sandbox ship in the Kompan catalogue. Everyone
agreed that a complete "wish list" should be drawn up and proposals made to organizations
that fund these types of things. Jeff and Jyneen said they would help Carol in drawing up
these plans, including selecting specific items and price ranges. They would report back to
the Commission at its next meeting. Sam said that the sooner the better, since many of
these organizations are currently deciding on how they will spend their budgets. He also
stated that he thought it was better to present a "wish list" to an organization, rather than
ask for one specific item. That way the people could select what most interested them.
5. Torch Run
Due to mileage and time constraints Carol submitted an altered race route for the torch run
on July 4. A number of council members had suggested it would be best to go through
residential areas. The new route has us getting the torch at Roselawn and Snelling, it
would go south on Snelling to Garden, East to Albert, South to Hoyt the West on Hoyt back
to Snelling, where it would be taken into St. Paul. This is about 1.5 miles. Carol staid she
would probably need help painting marks on the streets. Every 1 /4 mile needed to be
indicated along the route. Volunteers have already been identified to help out with the
torch run through the city. Carol said she would also need volunteers to man the route to
help direct the runner and his or her entourage.
6. Bike Safety Rodeo
The rodeo is set for Falcon Heights Elementary School on May 5. Carol said it would
essentially be the same as last year, with a presentation by a police officer, a film on bike
safety, introduction of the bike patrol, and stations to practice various bike riding rules.
Refreshments would also be offered. Carol asked for as many volunteers as possible, who
could be trained the day before the event to make the morning of the 5th easier. Connie
said she and her husband would help. Sam said he would talk to the Lions to see if they
could help again.
7. Summer Programs
The summer program brochures have been distributed to all the local schools. Everyone
agreed they looked really good this year. Additions include a fire prevention seminar at
the fire station and a variety of special events to be held at the new community building at
the Community Park.
8. Garden Park
Sam asked about why we couldn't renew the lease at Garden Park, since the Park Plan
included this in its design. Carol said the University did not make renewal of the lease for
that property an option. We reviewed the history of that plot of land.
9. Insurance
Sam asked about the price of insurance for the old park building and wondered why it
seemed underinsured. We all agreed that the issue of replacement insurance should be
examined, in light of our putting in a $290,000 + building. Carol said she would consult
with Jan about the issue of insurance, and Sam indicated that he thought it was something
for the city council to consider.
10. As no further business was at hand, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda McLoon