09-07-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION September 7, 2017 Horwath questioned how the Commission should prioritize the powerline trail extension since it may be done in conjunction with scheduled maintenance with Edgerton Street. He noted it was a priority according to the community survey, but the City had not yet acquired the land. The City Administrator stated he believed the City owned the land directly under the powerlines, but thought it may be best to wait because of the increased traffic it would cause to the existing farming operation and potential vandalism. Horwath asked if the City Administrator had a recommendation on the prioritization of projects. The City Administrator explained he had mentioned to the County that the City was interested in this project. He noted Edgerton Street maintenance was most likely beginning to show up in the County’s five year plan. Horwath suggested coordinating the trail extension with the County’s planned maintenance. He noted focusing on extending the east side up to Edgerton would be a good place to start. Horwath stated he would like to move #5 Phase I of the powerline trail up on the prioritization list. Chair Miller asked if the Commission wanted a tunnel or a crosswalk. The City Administrator suggested budgeting for the more expensive project and then decide which option later. Chair Miller suggested categorizing the list by high dollar amounts and low dollar amounts. Councilman Fischer agreed, noting the City has done a good job funding a mix of projects, but this may help prioritize projects. He added that based on the survey people wanted to see more lighting and benches and these items should be included in the list. Chair Miller suggested the Lower Shelter be moved to the high dollar list. Councilman Fischer wondered if the Spooner Park drinking fountain could be done at the same time as Gilbertson Field’s drinking fountain, or if both were needed. The Community Services Manager noted the plan for Spooner Park’s drinking fountain was a fill up station with a tiered fountain while the LCRA wanted a single drinking fountain at Gilbertson Field. The Community Services Manager suggested the Commission consider cleaning up the Northwest corner of Spooner Park. He noted it has a lot of buckthorn as well as ash trees, and there are signs of people loitering in the forested area. The Community Services Manager explained additional parking or open space could be added. He stated parking could be helpful if the shelters are remodeled and able to hold larger groups of people. The Community Services Manager explained more parking may prevent illegal on street parking. He stated he would also like to see more bicycle racks and bike stations for small repairs. The Community Services Manager also suggested focusing on screening portable restrooms. Sullivan asked if grant money was available to clear buckthorn from Spooner Park. She