HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCAgenda_06Oct9Date: October 2, 2(}06
To: Parks & Recreation Commission
From: Greg Hoag, Parks & Public Works Director and Lisa Abernathy, Recreation Supervisor
lZe: October 9, 2006 Meeting
Enclosed is the agenda for the October: Gom~nission meeting along with the minutes from the June's meeting. Due
to a lack of a quorum at the September's meeting, those who were present discussed items on the agenda but
nothing: was motioned on so we will be approving that agenda at October's meeting as well. I've also enclosed the
:notes from the discussions that took place. Please come with .ideas or thoughts on survey topics, questions and
ideas pertaining: to the Comprehensive Plan. We will be meeting at City Hall at our regular time 6:34pm. Items
that were to be discussed at he September's meeting have been moved to the Octobers Agenda. If we have a
..quorum. we will approve then and move on to new items.
n t either Gre or Lisa. You can
ttend the meetin lease co tac
able to
rare un a
u tions o
an of ou have an es g P g
~ Y Y Yq
reach Greg at: (651) 792-7618 or greg.hoag@ci.falcon-heights.mn.us or Lisa at: (651) 792-7616 or
lbernathy@ci.falcon-heights.mn:us.
City of faicon Heights.
Parks & Recreation Commission
.AGENDA
City Hall
Monday October 9, 2006.
6:30 p.m.
Patrick Dolan_ James Evans~Chuck Long+ Gene Ozasky_ Annie Green_
Paula Mietke Council Liaison Pamela Harris_ Staff Greg Hoag_ Staff Lisa
Abernathy-
1. Call to order
2. Approval of agenda.
3. Approval of minutes June 12, 2006 meeting
4. Staff Report
a. Recrea#ion Update
5. Dead of Winter- Date of Event- January 21St or 28tH
6.. Curtiss Field Playground
7. Adopt-A-Park Program
8. Comprehensive Plan. -Survey Ideas, Time Line
8. Ad}oumment
Minutes
City of Falcon Heights, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
September 11, 2006
6:30PM
Meeting Chair. Chuck Long
Minutes By. Lisa Abernathy
Present: Pamela Harris, Greg Hoag, Chuck Long, Lisa Abernathy, Gene Ozasky, ,
Jim Evans
Absent: Paula Mielke, Annie Green, Pat Dolan
1. Meeting called to order 6:35 PM
•
2. Approval of agenda
Due to not enough members to form a quorum the agenda could not be
approved.
3. Approval of minutes April 10, 2005 Meeting
Due to not enough members to form a quorum the minutes could not be
approved.
4. Staff Report
Recreation Update
Abernathy reported that the 2006 Ice Cream Social had a great turn out, there
was less ice cream left over than from last year, the entertainment was very
good and she heard many positive comments overall regarding the event. It is
estimated that 200-250 people were present throughout the evening.
The expansion of the Infant Toddler classes had a good turn out. Abernathy
received great feedback on the class as well as the instructor so she will
definitely have Jo back next year and look into more programming for that age
group. Abernathy also reported that the 2006 fall/winter activity brochures
have gone out to households. Coming up is Fall Soccer, which is set to begin
. on Saturday, September 23`d, the Community Playroom will open Wednesday,
November 1St and Open Gym will start Thursday, November 2"d. We have
added another session in hopes to expand the Open Gym program and
increase participation numbers. The program will still be held on Saturday
mornings as it has been offered in the past. The cost of the program will be
$1.50 for youth and $2.00 for adults.
5. Dead of Winter
Abernathy reported that the 2007 Super Bowl will again conflict with our city
event, so would like to look at alternative dates in hopes to increase
attendance at this event. The dates looked at are January 21St or 28tH
Another reason for the date change is weather. If we hold the event earlier in
the winter season, the greater potential there is for good ice on the skating
rinks. Abernathy also asked the Commission to begin thinking of a new name
for the event. There have be many comments on the current name and
inquires about changing it.
6. Curtiss Field Playground
Hoag reported his research on improving or replacing the current playground
apparatus at Curtiss Field. Hoag met with two vendors so far and received
plans from each on updating or replacing the playground, option one being
that the wood components of the playground be replaced and updated.
Option two, replacing the whole playground. Evans asked about the usage
and if it had picked up since the redevelopment. Hoag reported that he has
seen more people using the park daily, usually 3-4 people there at a time.
Long pointed out the spring apparatuses and the concerns he is hearing •
about those items. Hoag said he would take a look and consider replacing
those with whatever option the Commission decided to take. Hoag then
reported the costs of each option. To just replace the wood with updated
structures it is estimated at $3,700 and to replace the whole thing it would be
close to $40,000. Other than the paint chipping and the wood structures Hoag
was told by the vendors that the playground is in good shape and could last
another 5-7 years. Ozasky and Harris asked about repainting the playground
to help its visual appeal. Hoag responded that at this time he hadn't found a
company or person who could successfully repaint the structure but would
look into it further. While it was not voted on, the Commission liked the idea of
saving money and just replacing the wood parts of the playground at this time.
On the topic of Curtiss Field, Harris brought up some concerns the Human
Rights Commission is having with disturbances occurring at the park and
asked the Staff if there had been any complaints. Hoag or Abernathy had not
heard any complaints about disturbances but would look to the St. Anthony
Police Department regarding complaints. Harris also noted that the Human
Rights Commission would like to have a joint meeting with the Parks
Commission on this subject.
7. Adopt- A- Park Program
Abernathy reported that since the advertisement came out in the City
newsletter on the Adopt- A- Park Program there have been three people i
interested in adopting Curtiss Field. Abernathy then reported Mielke's
suggestions and asked for more feed back. Overall the Commission liked
how it was worded but needed some clarification. Abernathy made notes of
these items and will work with Long to create a more clear and informational
brochure. Harris also brought up the fact that we should be promoting this to
more groups or organizations or combine interested individual residents. The
plan is to gather those who stress interest in the same parks to group them
together so it promotes the community in working together to beautify our
parks. Those who called interested have been contacted and are in the works
of getting things going.
8. Miscellaneous Items.
Hoag reported to the Commission that Kuhens will no longer serve on the
Commission due to leaving for college so the Commission will be looking for a
Youth member. Hoag also reported that for a few of the members, their terms
will soon be up so recruiting members will soon begin. Harris then reminded
the Commission the Comprehensive Plan and that the Commission has to
start thinking about what items need to be put into a survey to help with the
development of the plan. Long asked that the item of survey ideas or what
areas we want to know about be added to next months agenda.
9. Adjournment
Due to the lack of a quorum the meeting was not adjourned, the discussion of
topics was ended.
• Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Abernathy. If there are any corrections or
additions, please contact Lisa Abernathy by phone at 651-792-7616 or by email at
lbernathy@ci.fatcon-heights.mn. us.
•
Minutes
•
City of Falcon Heights, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
June 12, 2006
6:30PM
Meeting Chair. Chuck Long
Minutes By. Lisa Abernathy
Present. Pamela Harris, Greg Hoag, Chuck Long, Annie Green, Lisa Abernathy, Pat
Dolan, Gene Ozasky, Kimberly Kuhens, Jim Evans
Absent: Paula Mielke
1. Meeting called to order 6:30 PM
2. A royal of a ends _
PP 9
Motion made by Green, seconded by Evans
The meeting began as a joint meeting with the Environment Commission
regarding the creation of a Community Garden. Presenting was Ila Dunteman
from Garden Works a joint program with The Green Institute and the
Minnesota State Horticultural Society. She gave a brief overview of community
gardens in the area and gave the members of the commissions helpful tools
and resources to use when starting a community garden. After the
presentation the Commissions split up for separate meetings.
Long asked for a motion of resolution to support the Environmental
Commission in their proposal to go forth in pursuing a community garden.
Motion was then made by Evans and seconded by Dolan.
Long asked that we add an update on the Friends of the Park Fund Brochure.
It was added as item 5.5 to the agenda.
3. Approval of minutes April 10, 2005 Meeting
Motion made by Evans and seconded by Kuhens
Evans asked about the Walkable Communities workshops and what
information was presented. Abernathy and Long reported that both workshops,
the Roseville and Lauderdale were very informational. Abernathy reported that
the Roseville workshop focused mainly on County Road B2 in Roseville and
the lack of it being pedestrian friendly and how it could be improved or •
updated for easier access whether on a bike or on foot. Long reported that the
Falcon Heights workshop presented useful ideas or solutions the City could do
to improve its walkability. The study was done by University of Minnesota,
Humphrey Institute Graduate Program. The area needing the most concern to
them was the intersection of Larpenteur anal Snelling. Their study gave many
different ideas of making it more walkable for pedestrians or mobile for
bicyclist. Some ideas were realistic others were not as realistic at the present
time. The City will have access to the Study so it can be used for future
reference.
Long also added that after talking to Mayor Gehrz, the Commission should
come up with a survey of some sort analyzing the current activity or leisure
habits of Falcon Heights' residents. This could possibly show us the
recreational needs the city may need as well as the walkable habits of
residents. Long added that the community garden would also be a great fit in
this survey: Mayor Gehrz has been approached by an instructor from the
Humphrey Institute for any studies such as ours in need of students to
implement for a class project. Any interest for a potential study or using
students are to go to Mayor Gehrz.
4. Staff Report i
Recreation Update
Abernathy reported that summer staff training would be held this week. It is
one and a half day training for those coaches and leaders who will be working
out in the programs. Summer programs are to start the following Monday. Ice
Cream Social prep has begun and will continue till the event. Abernathy then
asked if anyone had any ideas they had regarding the events at the Ice Cream
Social or if anyone was interested in volunteering to let her know.
Haag briefly updated the Commission on a project for Butterfly signage in
Community Park. Hoag was contacted by Karen Oberhauser from the
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at the University of Minnesota, who
currently uses Community Park as a lab for the study of Monarch Butterflies.
Hoag then passed out potential sign pictures to show the Commission what
the public would see when walking around Community Park. One sign is
information on Monarch Butterflies and the other is information on the different
plants and ecosystems that are present in Community Park. Hoag then asked
for a motion on the signs being in the park. All Commission members agreed
the signs will be a great addition to the park.
5. Ice Cream Social
Abernathy reported that Ice Cream Social prep has begun and will continue till
the event. This year the entertainment will be provided by Kidsdance, and
interactive DJ and there are many groups and other commissions interested in
displaying informational tables at the event. Abernathy then asked if anyone
• had any ideas they had regarding the events at the Ice Cream Social or if
anyone was interested in volunteering to let her know.
5.5 Friends of the Park Fund
Long reported that the Friends of the Park Brochure is still in the works. Long
and Green have been working on the contents of it and will soon have a draft
in paper form. Long brought up the idea of implementing an Adopt a Park
program or something similar to encourage residents or groups to help with
the clean up and upkeep of the parks. This could take the place of a talked
about "Clean up day" where those who have adopted a park for a certain
amount of time would have a designated day for cleaning and maintaining the
park grounds. Hoag stated that there are pros and cons for the idea and it
wouldn't hurt to discuss it further.
5.6 A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Dolan and seconded by
Evans.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Abernathy. If there are any corrections or
additions, please contact Lisa Abernathy by phone at 651-792-7616 or by email at
lbernathy@ci.falcon-heights.mn. us.
•
•