09-27-1999 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 13 Mr. Sonterre stated the residents have not used the playground equipment in the past two months, because there had not been any maintenance to the playground area during the entire summer. He commented that the playground area is presently knee-high in weeds and thistles, He acknowledged that mowing has been done, and has improved the situation, however, he would like some verification that the park will be maintained in the future. Mr. Sonterre stated the plans appeared to be very attractive, and he would be happy to have this in his neighborhood. He commented that the area was a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and inquired if there had been any consultation with the Department of Natural Resources in this regard. City Administrator Whiting stated he was uncertain if they specifically target Woodcrest Park, however, they do spray the City once a month via helicopter, and if the area is indicated on their map as wetland to treat, it is treated. Mr. Sonterre inquired if they would be made aware of the significant increase in the amount of wetland in that area. City Administrator Whiting stated staff would provide notification in this regard. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated they had gone through the process for many months, in the knowledge that the park was planned to become a wetland, and acknowledged that the maintenance on the playground structures has been slack. He explained they had installed sand volleyball courts in both Woodcrest and Greenfield Parks, twice replacing the nets, and within days the nets are gone. He explained that the Park and Recreation Commission had advised the nets be kept in the office, and be available to the residents upon requests. Council Member Marty stated he had been to the park recently with his 2%2-year old. He acknowledged that the rest of the park was mowed. He commented, however, the ditches do give the impression of a lack of maintenance in the park. Mike Doran, 1592 Mounds View Drive, stated he had purchased a home in the area, and had lived there for approximately five months. He explained that the primary reason they chose this house was because of the park. He stated he was concerned regarding the playground, and felt it was used quite regularly. He stated he did not see any thistles in the area. He stated he had been to the park with his Godchildren, and he and his wife were expecting a child. He commented that County Road H is a busy road. He explained that both he and his wife worked, and he did not want to have his children crossing the roads to get to the park. He stated he was not concerned with the rest of the park, and if it was a swamp or tall weeds, in his opinion, it would look the same, however, he would hope they keep the playground. Mayor Coughlin stated it had been the unanimous consensus of the Council to keep the park at this location. He explained that the playground equipment would simply be relocated to a higher and drier area in the hope that it could be used more often. Mr. Doran stated this has been a fairly wet year, and there has never been a time they could not go out and play in the park. He stated he did not realize that they could rent a net, adding that they had considered purchasing a net. Mayor Coughlin stated staff would make this point better known to the residents.