Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Packet - December 20, 2007

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Motion by Peterson, 2" by Kunz to table the disc golf course idea and ask for input from residents as to how to revitalize Oakwood Park. Motion Passed 6-0. Council Member Flaherty spoke to address the Oakwood Park issue. Asked the Commission to put concrete ideas out to residents. Ideas include disc golf, improving the trail, adding other amenities to the trail, making it a nature walk with labeling trees, etc. inviting Pinewood School to get involved in ideas. Commissioner Peterson will draft something for the Mounds View Matters. Commissioner Palm will contact Pinewood School science teacher for ideas. c.) Developing a Volunteer Coach of the Year award and naming it after Patrick "Homer" Holmes — The Commission developed selection criteria, who would be eligible, and the process for approval. The Commission will next finalize the application and set deadlines for this award. The Commission may want to review and recommend the wording for the plaque. Commissioner Kroeger will make contact with Jennifer Holmes regarding the title of the award. Wording for the plaque will reflect the name of the award. 6. New Business: NONE 7. Commissioner/Staff Reports: a) Oakwood Playground Equipment Replacement Project Update — The play equipment has been installed. Grass is doing well and will be ready for next soccer season. Commissioner contacted an area soccer association that would be willing to assist with equipment for the Oakwood fields. City staff will work with MVCC /YMCA to look into lacrosse equipment and the desire to start some programs for MV youth. b) Woodcrest Park —Staff was directed to look into the cost of dredging the ponds. It would cost $7-$9 per cubic yard if we had a place to build a berm or drop excess sediment in the city. If the material needed to be moved off site it would increase the cost to $12-1 3 dollars per Cu/yard. Staff will utilize these unit costs to develop an overall estimated cost to dredge the ponds at Woodcrest Park. City Forester, Rick Wriskey reported via email that the "wetland/holding pond areas of Woodcrest park were viewed on 11/14/07 and found to be in functional balance from a vegetation point of view. The mix of cattails and fringe willow pretty much follows the intent and plan of this wetland. While occasional dredging for water volume purposes might be a concern over time, I don't see any reason to cut or trim the fringe area of willows or other woody vegetation. With no public objective of such an activity, this action and the follow-up control of re -growth would not be in line with the natural wetland function and intent." Council Member Flaherty reported his concerns about safety for mothers at the park with children. Direct staff to trim and remove trees and vegetation from the access trail to the east. c) Policy/program for memorials within City Parks. This was presented to the City Council on November 5, 2007 for review. The City Council was very pleased with the efforts of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission on this matter. This policy will be presented to the City Council for consideration of approval on November 26th. d) Lakeside Lions Park — A meeting was held on October 30, 2007. Commissioner Kroeger is the City's representative for this park. The playground will be installed spring 2008. The funds for the playground recommended by the Commission are on the Capital Improvement Plan for 2008 and will be addressed by the city council for final approval at upcoming meetings.