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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2006 Park Board MinutesPark Board Meeting – March 6, 2006 Minutes 1 The March 6, 2006 City of Lino Lakes Park Board meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Chair Lindy. Roll call was taken; members present were Pam Taschuk, Katie Boyle, Aaron Frederickson, Pat Huelman, Bill Kusterman, Paul Montain and George Lindy. Also present was Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director and Sandie Wood, Public Services Department Office Manager. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 6, 2006: Pam Taschuk made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Katie Boyle. The minutes were approved as written. SETTING AGENDA: Item 7b was moved to the front of the agenda after Open Mike. OPEN MIKE: No one was present for open mike. CENTENNIAL SOCCER LETTER: Rick DeGardner explained that on February 23, 2006 he received a disturbing e-mail from a representative from the Centennial Soccer Club (CSC). Recreation Department Staff had contacted CSC to reserve one field on Thursday evenings to accommodate the growing lacrosse program. Based on an e-mail he received, this apparently upset the CSC. Rick attached the original e-mail correspondence sent to him and his subsequent response. Rick also provided a packet of information to everyone in attendance that details the history of the CSC field use issue the past several years. He stated that perhaps we need to reexamine our current scheduling process of fields to ensure that our allocation of fields is fair and equitable to all Lino Lakes participants. Dave Knoll, President, Jay Peterson, and Kim Harrison, Centennial Soccer Club Board Members were present to discuss the allocation of Lino Lakes’ soccer fields to the CSC. After lengthy discussion Rick said he would have staff assess the available fields immediately and would get back to the association as soon as possible. REVIEW 2005-2006 WARMING HOUSE REPORT: Rick told members that this year’s warming house report was attached for their review. He said this was a very poor year as far as ice skating goes. Rick reminded them that the City provided a supervised warming house at City Hall Park on a limited basis. He also pointed out that the report indicated that City Hall Park was utilized by area residents. Rick advised Park Board Meeting – March 6, 2006 Minutes 2 members that the daily skaters count did not include the Centennial Hockey Associations practice skaters. Mr. DeGardner said this issue will come before the Board in November so a determination can be made as to which rinks will have warming houses for the 2006-2007 season. OLD BUSINESS 2006 GOALS UPDATE: Rick reported that the City Council unanimously approved the 2006 Park Board Goals at their February, 27 City Council Meeting. The following items were presented for consideration: Birch Street Trail in Front of Rice Lake Elementary School Connecting Both Trails Along North Side of Birch Street and Underpass ($170,000) - There is currently a “gap” within the Birch Street trail in front of Rice Lake Elementary School. This project would essentially provide a complete, uninterrupted transportation trail along the north side of Birch Street from Hodgson Road to Sherman Lake Road. In addition, the proposed trail will also connect to the underpass which will provide direct access to/from the trail along the south side of Birch Street (Hodgson to Fawn Lane). Rick feels this project could be done by the end of June if everything goes as planned. Open Air Shelter at Behm’s Park ($30,000) - This six acre park consists of playground equipment, ½ court basketball court, open play area, looped trail, and a natural prairie area. This heavily used park is also one of the most popular sites for our summer playground program. Behm’s Park most visible shortcoming is lack of shade. An open air shelter will be well utilized by area residents as well as our summer playground participants. Open Air Shelter at Highland Meadows Park ($30,000) - This four acre park consists of playground equipment, ½ court basketball court, open play area, and looped trail. This park is also enjoyed by area residents as well as our summer playground program. Highland Meadows Park is also lacking shade. An open air shelter will be a tremendous asset for this neighborhood park. Rick anticipates that both shelters will be ready for use by the beginning of our summer playground program. Funding for the above goals will be from the Dedicated Parks Fund. Park Board Meeting – March 6, 2006 Minutes 3 2006 SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM: After reviewing the survey results and discussing with staff, a decision has been made to offer the “Option 1” format for the upcoming summer playground program. Each session will consist of two days per week (Monday and Wednesday, Tuesday and Thursday) from 8:30am – 12 Noon or 1pm – 4:30pm. Participants may sign up for two sessions resulting in a four day per week summer playground program. He explained that Friday afternoons from 1-4:30 p.m. will be an additional program that will be rotated throughout various sites. Games, arts and crafts, and many other fun activities will be held. The cost is $5 per child/per day. A big playground finale will be held on August 4 at Sunrise Park. Again pre-registration is required along with a cost of $5 per child. Rick said another mailing would probably be sent out to past participants describing this year’s program and let parents know family discounts would not be offered because of budget cuts. SUPER RINK UPDATE: Rick told the Board that The City Council approved Resolution No. 06-28, Approving City Participation in the Super Rink Expansion Project at the February 13 City Council Meeting. The City Council then approved Resolution No. 06-37, Approving National Sports Center Super Rink Expansion Guarantee Agreement at the February 27 City Council Meeting. He explained that in essence, the City of Lino Lakes has committed to provide a capital contribution of $72,000 over a three year period ($24, 000 in 2007, 2008, and 2009). In addition the participating entities are also required to backup 1,340 hours of ice rental income to cover any unsold hours during the months of September – March over the 20 year repayment period. The City of Lino Lakes’ commitment of guaranteed hours is 346 hours per year. In Rick’s opinion there is virtually no risk of there being a shortage of rental hours where the participating cities would be expected to assume any unsold hours. (In 2005 each sheet generated 2,850 hours and there was more demand than what was able to be met.) In addition: • The Lino Lakes Parks and Recreation Department (LLPRD) will be granted priority access to program ice hours at the new arena. • On an annual basis the City of Lino Lakes will be granted at least one evening of free skating at the NSC for Lino Lakes’ residents through 2046. Park Board Meeting – March 6, 2006 Minutes 4 • On an annual basis the LLPRD will be given 216 free public skating passes to be distributed to Lino Lakes’ residents through 2046. • The LLPRD will be given the opportunity to access and publicize all NSC public skating programs to residents in appropriate city publications. • CYHA and the NSC are committed to expand the public use of the Super Rink and expansion to offer Centennial area skaters programs such as public skating, senior skating, learn to skate, and figure skating. Rick included the staff reports and resolutions that were presented to the City Council for approval in member’s packets. He also talked about the benefits of being involved in this venture. NEW BUSINESS CLEARWATER CREEK ICE RINK MEETING: Rick said he had been invited to attend this meeting. He attended the meeting to answer any questions residents may have. Rick explained that there were 10-12 residents in attendance. He said the group decided they need to poll more residents before coming to the Park Board. Rick will keep members informed as further information becomes available. RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Rick referred to the Program Highlights Flyer from February, 2006 and asked members to review it. He touched on the Sock Hop, Snack and Skate, and 5 Player Basketball. PARKS DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Rick reviewed a memo from Mike Hoffman, Parks Supervisor, which summarizes the maintenance highlights for February, 2006. Rick talked about wood duck houses and the tree removal that had been done by staff. He asked members to read the update and responded to questions about LaMotte and Woolan’s Parks. He was also asked about the city survey. He told members he would provide the final results to them as soon as they were available. NEXT PARK BOARD MEETING:Chair Lindy advised the next Park Board meeting would be held on Monday, April 3, 2006, 6:30 p.m. Park Board Meeting – March 6, 2006 Minutes 5 ADJOURN: Pam Taschuk made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Paul Montain. The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Sandra Wood Public Services Office Manager These minutes were approved at the May 1, 2006 Park Board Meeting.