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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCAgenda_93Apr13 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION April 13, 1993 7:00 p.m. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY HALL AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: Huso Jacobson Nicholson Schugel Sundquist Thatcher Weisberg Kriegler Gehrz C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1993 D. REPORTS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: D-1. Playground Program D-2. University Grove Park Planning Task Force Report D-3. Falcon Heights School Facility Planning Update D-4. Greening Resolution ADJOURNMENT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ~~i'~~k~ ~IINIJTES 3!8/93 Members present: Cars~l Huscs, L1Wyd ,Jacubracrn, MWrrie Ni~hWlecan+ ~~eYa Schugel, Jyneen Thatcher, Carol Weisberg, Carol Kriegler, Parks Director, and Sue Gehrz, Council Liason. Minutes from January meeting were approved. 1) Ice Rink season report: Carol K. reportQd that this was our longest ice season ever, and credited this to the hiring of a rink supervisor to oversee rink maintenance, and to decent weather. Records indicate that 1927 skaters used Community Park rink, over 55 days, and 2400 skaters used Curtiss Field over 60 days. The rinks opened on 12/22, (with flooding beginning in November, and continued until 2/22. The season is budgeted until 2/15, and Falcon Heights tries to continue ice through the school break. Because of the good ice, this was no problem this year. The rink at Curtiss Field was re-opened due to public demand, with warming house on the weekend, and lights only during the evenings. In comparison, last year the rinks opened on i/il, and had only about half as many days for skating. The down side of this season is the cost. Rink costs are approximately ~ 4000 per rink this year, with flooding being done 3-4 nights per week. The Parks budget will need to be adjusted, and as the budget is based on previous years numbers, this outstanding season was beyond the projections. Part of the cost of Falcon Heights School rink and the University Grove rink were covered under Public Works budget, not Parks. Carol K. felt this cost per rink reflects the improved care of all the rinks, and mentioned that we have proportionately more rinks than Roseville. In looking ahead to next year, it was mentioned that Lauderdale has an audio system and suggested that we consider music for Community Park. Several Commission members agreed that music would be desirable. Concerns were raised about the potential for vandalism, including theft of the speakers and / or the cassette player- radio. A pay phone will be installed this spring at Curtiss Field. Steve extended additional compliments to the staff as Curtiss Field. 2) 1993 Summer Programs: Programming is based on last years schedule. In response to a question from Carol W. about activities being held at University Grove park, Carol K. explained the existing policy. When a waiting list becomes long enough, an additional section is added, usually located at University Grove. She is willing to try scheduling some activities at the Grove, and if they don't fill up, they can be transferred to Community Park. Carol W. will suggest some activities to try. It was noted that the lack of toilets and water could be a problem. Carol K. is considering extending the "Dog Days of August" program to all summer. This type of daily activity program is offered by other cities, and may help attract coaching staff by balancing staff hours. Payment options were briefly discussed, including weekly increments and a "punchcard". It was noted that this type of scheduling might be misinterpreted as a day care program, especially if payment is required. However, if no payment is required, than planning and staffing is difficult. Sue reminded us that last year the City Council had agreed to cover any scholarship shortfall, although it didn't become necessary. After some discussion of fund raising, it was decided to place a scholarship donation option on the program registration form. After Sue reminded us of an earlier interest in providing food at the parks, Carol H. suggested the addition of a juice vending machine. Carol K. will look into this, as the Commission all agreed this was a good suggestion. Sue also suggested expanding the junior leader program, by contacting middle school counselors and connecting to the youth- community service program. The program may then qualify for additional outside funding. Morris suggested that the participants be given as much official recognition, as possible, such as news coverage. 3) University Grove Park Planning Update: Carol W. reported that the task force is progressing slower than expected. They have endorsed the fallowing items: two skating rinks (hockey and pleasure); a simple shelter as windbreak for changing into skates (gazebo-like with removable plexiglass panels, which could be used year-round); a focused, low-intensity light for early evening skating (starting with redirecting the existing light, and Carol K. will get an estimate on this); backstop for casual baseball games (coated to blend in); non-replacement of the tennis bangboard; increase the number of basketball standards to 2 regulation height plus 1 junior height; addition of horseshoe and bocce ball courts; and obtain an estimate for installation of water fountain or spigot. Items yet to be discussed are playground equipment, landscaping, and trails (exercise/ fitness stations have been mentioned). Jyneen pointed out that the task force is being very concerned with the cost-effectiveness of each improvement. 4> Falcon Heights School Facility Planning Update: Carol K. reported on the survey results. There was poor response, with just 91 of 500 surveys returned (compared to 62% returned for UG survey, and 29% for city-wide survey of 1989). The survey results were quite negative, with many respondents desiring no additional improvements or spending of money. Carol K.'s interpretation of the comments indicate the top choices for improvements were basketball, ballfields, and night 1 fight ing. The F.H. School Facilities Committee has been meeting with the architect, and preliminary plans show a new gym that is 52'x 70'- only 12' larger than existing gym, and still below the accepted standard for elementary schools in Minnesota. It appears to members of the Parks Commission that Falcon Heights is being pressured to contribute additional funds to the school improvement project. At Carol W.'s suggestion, any further decision on grounds improvements is deferred until members can review the survey results more closely. 5) Morris presented a resolution proposal. Wording will be revised by Jyneen, and offered again at the next meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:00. ~ ~ / :, ,~ ~ /,,f , Jyneen Thatcher, Secretary, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: 4/13/93 Agenda Item: D-1 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Playground Program SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Rec Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION/SUNIlKARY: Discussions took place at the March commission meeting concerning the possible implementation of a traditional playground program for the summer of 1993. The playground program would entail staffed playground sites ( 1 - 3 p.m., Monday - Thursday at Community Park and Curtiss Field) with supervised recreational activities for kids in Grades 1-6. Staffing costs for the program would be approximately $700 per park for the 7 week summer season. Several suggestions were made for funding the program. The city council endorsed the program at its March 24th with the stipulation that the commission continue to explore funding mechanisms. Suggestions for further exploration include a voluntary suggested donation (from users) and grants and donations from civic organizations. ACTION REQUESTED: Discussion of possible funding mechanisms for summer playground program. Meeting Date: 4/13/93 Agenda Item: D-2 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: University Grove Park Planning Task Force Report SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks & Rec Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION/SUNIIKARY: Carol Weisberg will report on the progress and work to date of .the University Grove Park Planning Task Force. Meeting Date: 4/13/93 Agenda. Item: D-3 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Falcon Heights School Facility Planning Update SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks & Rec Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION/SUNIlKARY: Carol Kriegler will give a report on the progress .and work to date of the school's facility committee. ACTION REQUESTED: Further discussion of .the city's parks and recreation facilities survey of the Northeast quadrant. Meeting Date: 4/13/93 Agenda Item: D-4 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Greening Resolution SUBMITTED BY: Jyneen Thatcher, Morris Nicholson REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION/SUNIlKARY: The attached "Greening Resolution" is presented for discussion and possible adoption. Resolution: Whereas responses to the University Grove Park survey, as well as the city-wide survey of 1989, have indicated a desire for additional natural areas, gardens and landscaping, and in view of the pending street improvement projects, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council adopt a policy encouraging "greening" efforts coincident with city improvement projects, to improve the city's appearance as a comfortable community in which to live. Such "greening" efforts may include methods such as tree planting for energy conservation and air quality improvement, boulevard plantings for aesthetics, and provision for parkland and openspace in new development areas.