10-04-07 Parks Commission Minutes

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MINUTES Parlc & Kecreation Commission October 4, 2007 SKATEBOARD The Director said the Skateboard Park would be located by the Old Fire Hall on Little Canada PARK Road. They currently are working on engineering issues, primarily on the design and costs for the concrete slab. It is not likely that it would be built this fall. 'I'HUNllER The Director stated that Xcel Energy wanted to trim many of the trees in that area because of BAY PARK the interference with their power lines. The city initially planted the pees and instead of having them trimmed, the city is planning to transplant approximately twenty-five 15' tall spruce trees next week to Pioneer Park. The city has budgeted to replace these trees. The tree inspector is working with the residents in that area to assure them that there will again be a tree buffer for them O'i'HER The Director reported that the playground equipment at Spooner Park and Pioneer Park are in dire need of being repainted. The city put the work out for bids and the contractor has started repainting this week. The work will be completed this fall. The tennis courts resurfacing project is near completion. The striping and fence repair should be completed within the next week or so according to the Director. The Director stated there was an increase of vandalism at Rondeau Park. He has been notifying the sheriff and documenting the information. The Director believes the graffiti is being done by youth and is encouraging all residents to call him if they see any vandalism in the area. Davis inquired whether any appreciation had been extended to the prison work crew that the city has been using for parks maintenance jobs. The Director responded by saying that the city staff does host a couple special luncheon events per year to show our appreciation for their work efforts. The Director reminded all that the terms of service as Parlc & Recreation Commissioner were complete at the end of this year for Tony Mans, Chair, Kevin Steinert, and Ruth Steinwall. He stated the term of office is for three years and the position is filled by appointment from the City Council. Mr. Dave Himmelbach, 2970 Lahore Road, commented about his findings many years ago of some rare tennis ball sized stones that appeared to have geooves cut into them in the area around the Ritchie Place Subdivision. He believes they might be very old and thinks they could be from an ancient burial sight. He never continued with any research until now because of the land development going forward in that area. A representative from the Bureau of Indian Affairs out of Bemidji did some research of the area and did not venture an opinion on whether or not it was a burial plot. Himmelbach has asked the city council to not allow any digging in the area until he finds out more from researchers, thinking that the area could come under the jurisdiction of either a protected State or Federal Park. Mans stated the Parks and Recreation Commission has already assessed the per lot par]< charge fee in lieu of land for the Ritchie Place park charge. Fahey suggested he do additional research on these stones. Page 3 of 5