03-01-2012 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 1, 2012 EMERALD ASH BORER REFORESTATION PLAN 2012 GOAL REPORT & PARK - RELATED GOALS Fahey questioned whether the area to be cleared was large enough, pointing out that there is a great deal of additional room between the park and Centerville Road. The Director reported that the area as laid out was shown to Canadian Days. The Director noted that the widest area is 60 feet, and Heikke noted that the north /south distance is quite long. Again, the Director encouraged the Commission to go out and physically view the area. The Director reported that Bill Sanders has reviewed the reforestation plan relative to the emerald ash borer problem. The plan is calling for the planting of various species in areas where the City has ash trees. Ash trees will not be removed proactively, with removal occurring when ash trees become infected. The Director reported that the new trees will be planted so that they are not under the canopies of the ash trees. This plan will be implemented in the spring, and there is money budgeted for it. The Director noted that the Commissioners were sent a copy of the 2012 Goal Setting Report. Sullivan and Heikke attended this session on behalf of the Commission. The Director reviewed the park - related goals that were suggested at the session. The main goal is "Re- prioritization of Trail Construction Segments ". The Director submitted to the Commission the trail prioritization list from a few years ago. He asked that the Commission review this list in preparation for the April meeting. At that time, the list will be updated, reprioritizing trail segments, adding new segments, etc. The Director indicated that once that is done, ajoint workshop of the Council and Commission should be held to review the priority List. The Director then reviewed in detail the other parks - related goals. The first was "Parks Safety (lighting trails, signage, playground equipment) ". The Director indicated that there were suggestions for lighting the City's trails and placing additional signage at trail segments that connect to on- street paths. He also noted that he has a vendor working on a playground equipment replacement plan and will contact that vendor relative to the status of the plan. Maida noted that the City Code closes parks at sunset. He indicated that there have been a lot of studies that correlate the lighting of trails with an increase in crime rates. Once trails are lit and people use them after dark, there is an increase in crimes against persons. The Director noted that even with trails being lit there are opportunities for people to hide in wait near the trails. The next suggested goal was "Reconfigure the Old Fire Hall Complex - consider acquisition of property from Church ". The Director noted the reorientation of the skating rinks at the complex and his desire to move the warming house further into the property for better access from both rinks. The Director reported that the existing warming house structure is 2