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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 3.10.08Minutes ______________________________ City of Falcon Heights, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting March 10, 2008 6:30PM _____________________________ Meeting Chair: Annie Green Minutes By: Lisa Abernathy Present: Eric Maronde, Annie Green, Tim Pittman, Michael Thomas, Jason Schober, Melissa Weber-Sanders and Chuck Long. Absent: Paula Mielke and Paul Faust Meeting called to order 6:50 PM Approval of minutes February 11, 2008 Meeting. Motion made by Maronde and seconded by Thomas Joint meeting with the Environment Commission The Parks Commission and Environment Commission held a joint meeting to discuss the topic of fertilizers being used in our parks and possibly moving towards a more environmentally safe product. Thomas gave some background to the group on information he has learned in a college course and how some Cities are moving towards being a “chemical free” City. City Administrator Justin Miller asked Pittman to explain to the group what currently is being done. Pittman then summarized his explanation that the City has changed to use a granular application process in place of the chemical spray that was applied by an outside contractor. Pittman has been working with a representative from TurfWerks on finding the most environmentally friendly fertilizer for this spring. Both Commissions’s agreed to continue researching environmentally friendly fertilizers for future use. Staff Report Recreation Update-Abernathy reported that summer registration has begun and program guides will be hitting schools in the next couple of weeks as they have closed for spring break. Abernathy also reported that the City will be kicking off its Walking Club this spring. People of interest should call City Hall with their email address and they then will be invited to view a calendar that will have organized walks posted on it as well as members can post walks they wish to organize. This program will be mainly administrated by City Staff but ask that the Park Commission support and promote it to get residents outside and walking. Abernathy then announced two upcoming meeting Commissioners may want to attend. First meeting is with the University Grove Association to talk about the interest of pursuing the trolley path project again. This meeting will be held Monday, March 24th at the St. Anthony Library at 6:30pm. Second meeting is the Joint Commission meeting at the City Council Meeting being held Wednesday, March 26th at 7pm. This meeting is for all City Commissions to come and report to the Council and other Commissions what projects they have been working on this past year. Rink Updates- Rinks are now closed for the Season Tim’s Updates- Preparations for Spring/Summer have begun. Public Works will be posting a job announcement seeking seasonal help with mowing and maintenance this summer. Adopt-A-Park Review Abernathy reported that at this time Curtiss Field is the only park officially adopted. Abernathy did send letters to some groups who frequently use Community Park but has gotten no response from them at this time. Maronde’s National Honor Society group will be cleaning Community Park as part of their public service requirement but officially the park is not adopted. Abernathy also contacted past Commissioner Gene Ozasky regarding adopting Grove Park but has not received a response. This program will continue to be promoted through City events, the website and the informational brochure. 6. Park needs for spring/summer Pittman reported the parks needs based on what is budgeted for the remainder of the year. Community Park’s basketball courts are up for resurfacing and the tennis court is up for reconstruction. Abernathy mentioned the possibility of applying for a grant from USTA and NRPA on helping with the cost of the tennis court reconstruction. She will be looking into grant information for this year and reporting back when she has more information. Pittman also reported regrading is needed to be done at Curtiss Field and for Grove Park a few grills will be purchased as noted in our park visits this past fall. 7. New Business Abernathy announced the Commission will be welcoming another member next month. Resident Gary Kwong will be joining the Parks Commission. Schober announced that next month may be his last month with the Commission as his employment has changed and he may be relocating. Next Park Commission meeting will be Monday, April 14th at 6:30pm. Adjournment Motion made by Schober and seconded by Thomas. 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 lisa.abernathy@falconheights.org.