HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCMin_93Nov8PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
• MEETING MINUTES
11/8/93
Members present: Lloyd Jacobson; Steve Schugel; Jyneen Thatcher; Carol
Weisberg; Carol Kriegler, Parks Director; and Sue Gehrz, Council Liason.
Minutes from meeting of 10/11/93 were approved.
D-1: University Grove Park Improvement Project.
Carol K. gave a report on the progress of improvements to Grove Park.
The basketball court surfacing was not done by the street improvement
crew, but was given to a specialty firm, one of the firms who originally
bid on the project. The surface project will include removal of the
existing surface, adding a new base around the existing court to
increase the court size, then resurfacing with black-top. It should be
done this week, if weather is acceptable. The color-coat and striping
will be done in the spring, in warmer weather and after the black-top
has cured. Striping of the surface will provide game lines for
4-square, hopscotch Cchild-size) and possibly shuffleboard, in addition
to the three basketball stations. The basketball standards are being
placed tomorrow, before the resurfacing is started, which will allow a
solid surface over and around the footings.
The park has experienced some vandalism in the form of a car driving
along the sidewalk into the park, on two occasions. One episode is
known to be by a Grove resident. Both episodes caused extensive damage
to the newly laid sod, which will need replacement in the spring. One
~pisode also damaged shrubbery on the Grove Common Ground or private
yard. No charges will be brought against the known vandal, as an
apology was given. It maybe that park neighbors have gained access to
their yards by driving across the park, and never caused any damage
until now. Methods suggested for stopping this park use include the
placement of obstacles near the park entrance, such as trees, signs or
boulders, and sending a letter to neighboring residents asking for their
help in observation of the park for this type of unacceptable park use.
The lighting for the park will be installed by Muska Lighting. The plan
is for a 30' pole with two "shoebox" fixtures, featuring directional
light with a soft orange color. A push-button control with override
timer, as discussed at earlier meetings, will be installed. NSP has
been directed to remove the existing light, and replace it with a "down
light" which will shine on the shelter. This light will be lit during
normal lighting hours. Carol K. has met with representatives of 1666
Coffman, who seem pleased with the lighting proposal.
Overall, the park improvements have remained under budget, with the
major savings we gained from having the street improvement crew do the
path more than covered the costs attributed to the specialized lighting
needs.
D-2: Community Park Prairie Planting, Carol K. and Jyneen reported on
the recent prairie planting. Eagle Scout candidate Brian Malzer led the
volunteers, who planted nearly 2000 seedlings in the area around the new
wetland. It was a small group of volunteers, possibly due to the cold
temperatures and snow flurries, but they worked hard and finished in a
.few hours. Landscape Alternatives, who supplied the seedlings, donated
additional plants. Seeding of the prairie was done in the morning,
before the volunteers arrived. The rest of the prairie restoration will
be done in the spring. This area, including around the old wetland,
will be done by a private contractor, but may also include a community
~olunteer effort for seedling planting. The Commission expressed their
thanks to Brian for his efforts, and to Jyneen for her work with this
project. Jyneen will send a letter of thanks to Brian, on behalf of the
Commission, Carol K. will also send a letter, on behalf of the City.
The trail around the wetland has been reconfigured, and the trail surface
has been replaced, but the material used doesn't appear to be what was
specified. This will be pursued, to get the correct trail surface in
place. According to Carol K., a University student has asked the county
about using the new wetland as a research site. She is interested in
planting several species of sedges, a native grass-like plant, along the
wetland edge.
D-3: City Park Rental Fee Schedule and Policy, Carol W. led the
discussion pertaining to the definition of which groups should be exempt
from rental fees. Generally, the Commission feels that groups which
promote the building of community should be exempt, regardless of the
formality or informality of their structure. Loosely structured
neighborhood play groups or neighborhood picnics should be encouraged to
use the parks. After some discussion, it was felt that the current
wording in the City Codes should be modified by removing the example
limits from the category of "Neighborhood Groups." The Commission felt
that area youth athletic associations (such as Little League) should be
allowed to use the parks at no charge. In all these cases, existing
reservation policy, including deposit, is to be followed, and the
responsible party is to be a Falcon Heights resident.
~eview of rental fee schedule resulted in a change in the policy from two
rental shifts per day.t~. The coordination of two groups with time
limits and a cleaning crew in between shifts, has been difficult, and
the time limits themselves may discourage park use. The new rental
policy will consist of X50. per 6 hours, plus ~ 5. for each additional
hour.
D-4: Other business:
A meeting was held regarding Curtiss Field, involving Job Corps
Director, city representatives, and park neighbors. Curtiss Field is,
and has been, off limits to the Job Corps students. Job Corps security
should be called if teenagers are seen hanging out at the park. The
number to call is 642-1133; be sure you give the report to a staff
person, not the student who answers the phone. Since the meeting, Job
Corps patrols of the park has increased, and behavior at the park
appears under control.
Staffing for the ice rinks looks good for this year. Many of the rink
attendants are returning, as well as the rink supervisor/ coordinator
who did such a good job last year.
Lloyd's term of service on the Parks Commission will be expiring soon.
Another member of the Falconeers has expressed an interest in serving.
Jyneen Thatcher, Secretary
Falcon Heights Parks and Recreation Commission