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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09.11.06Minutes ______________________________ 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 Meeting called to order 6:35 PM Approval of agenda Due to not enough members to form a quorum the agenda could not be approved. Approval of minutes April 10, 2005 Meeting Due to not enough members to form a quorum the minutes could not be approved. 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 23rd, the Community Playroom will open Wednesday, November 1st and Open Gym will start Thursday, November 2nd. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 labernathy@ci.falcon-heights.mn.us.