11/7/96 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• "THIS IS IT" PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY WEEK OF OCTOBER 7 - 11, 1996 PARKS: Continued work to accomplish mowing and turf management activities on athletic fields. Also, work at Random has begun and will continue in the next weeks to re-energize the building and park with repairs and cosmetic improvements. The fencing replacement at City Hall and Silver View fields has begun with participation by the parks crew in removing the concrete skirt. The new fencing will not have concrete skirting as it is a hazard. The fenceline will be surrounded with ag-lime as a continuation of the warning track, and the area will be chemically treated for weeds each spring. Steve has been providing assistance with the new Irondale Fast Pitch Softball field. He has been providing grading and layout work. The school coaches and booster clubs are very appreciative of Steve's work. Zack Hanson from Ramsey County called to inform us that the County Commissioners passed the plan for improvements at the compost facility located at Ardan Park. The work will not begin until Spring 1997. • RECREATION: Sharie has been working on preparation of the Budget Newsletter which will be completed this week. Likewise, programs and information for the November/December City Newsletter is being prepared. Programs are being supervised and special arrangements made for upcoming MEA activities and trips. There has been at least three groups that have called and are interested in using the Bel Rae for various gatherings. Appointments for meeting at the Bel Rae have been made for those who are thinking about its use. Staff continues to plan activities to be offered in the Bel Rae. A new activity for mid November to mid December is line dancing instruction. Staff attended a meeting last Monday evening hosted by the School District (Community Education) who invited school district wide athletic associations and City Parks and Recreation staff to discuss athletic field availability. Association members have expressed great concern regarding the difficulties in using school facilities, and with the lack of maintenance of such facilities. While City facilities are available and well maintained, there are not enough city facilities to fulfill the demand and needs of athletic associations. The school district is lacking funds for improvements and maintenance - and while that is understood by the associations - the school districts reluctance to permit the associations from maintaining the fields through the summer is a frustration to the association members. Example used: Mounds View High School Baseball field needed mowing, the district didn't have the time and Babe Ruth offered to mow it themselves - but the district did not approve the Babe Ruth team to mow it. They played the game on grass that was as high as their mid-calves. While some athletic fields are better than • others, there is a problem with cooperativeness regarding shared use of school facilities with the