08-04-11 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AUGUST 4, 2011 The Director noted the additional workshop agenda item on emerald ash borer. He noted that he had an ash tree inventory done of the critical City property areas to determine the impact that the emerald ash tree borer could have at these sites. In addition to presenting this information at the workshop, the Director indicated that he would be reviewing both tree replacement as well as treatment options. Some communities are pro - actively taking down all ash trees while some are treating them. The Director noted that the jury is still out on whether or not treatment is an effective means of dealing with the problem. He also indicated that it may be beneficial to replace ash trees in key areas of City property, such as between the ballfields in Pioneer Park. The Director reported that he will have more information at the workshop, including estimates for treatment. He noted that the emerald ash borer was found in Shoreview a couple of weeks ago. The Director noted the information in the workshop agenda relative to the Community Survey, specifically survey results pertaining to parks and recreation items. He asked that the Commissioners review this information prior to the workshop on Wednesday. Sanders felt the survey is positive in general and specifically to the parks and recreation items. The Director indicated that Decision Resources will present a summary of the survey results at the August 10'x' Council meeting if the Commissioners would like to stay to hear that presentation. It was also noted that there will be discussion about the feasibility of an off - street trail along County Drive at the workshop meeting. The Director indicated that this discussion item was raised after the fatality that occurred on Country Drive. SPOONER The Commission discussed in detail the Canadian Days Committee request for PARK regrading of Spooner Park in order to better accommodate the carnival, car show REGRADING and additional vendors. There was concern expressed with regard to the impact on drainage as well as the visual appearance of the park. It was noted that in order to be ready for the 2012 Celebration, work would have to commence very soon. There was also some discussion on whether the car show could be scaled back in size to make room for an expanded carnival and additional vendors. Again, this matter will be discussed in detail at the upcoming workshop meeting with the Council. ICE The Director reported that the Ice Cream Social was held on Thursday, July 28`", CREAM and was very successful with approximately 175 attendees. The Director thanked SOCIAL the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, the Little Canada Fire Department, the REPORT Roseville Parks & Recreation Department puppet wagon, and the St. Paul Clown Club for their help with the activities. A special thanks was given to Culvers of Little Canada for donating all of the product for the ice cream social and also providing employees to serve it. Page 2 of 3