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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-07 PRF Minutes • MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, November 7, 1996 Bel Rae Community Center Before the meeting, the Commissioners had a tour of the Bel Rae Community Center facility to get a better handle on visualizing the spaces that have been included in the many proposals. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Burmeister called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners present included Chair Burmeister, Commissioners Silvis, Dentz, Long, Stevenson, and Gunn. Also present were Councilmember Trude and Director Saarion. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Gunn made a motion to approve the minutes of September 26 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Dentz. Motion passed unanimously. i BEL RAE UPDATE: Director Saarion and Councilmember Trude shared the latest facility plan and proposal provided by the architects. After discussion reviewing the Bel Rae informational meeting, the Commission agreed that the Children's Home Society is a good partner to have as part of the Community Center. Commissioner Silvis made a motion to recommend that the City Council accept the Children's Home Society as a partner and work out the details for accommodation so that the Children's Home Society has the opportunity to move from their present location as soon as possible. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Dentz. Motion passed unanimously. The Commission recommended that instead of giving away the spaces of the present Bel Rae facility, additional spaces be constructed to fit the needs of the partners. The Commission favors leaving the large dance floor - providing a flexible multi-purpose space with the use of folding doors. In addition, the Commission is hopeful that the side spaces are not entirely gobbled up by the School District and Children's Home Society. The Commission was in agreement that they would encourage the construction of additional spaces for those groups that will be joined as partners in the facility, leaving as much space as possible for community uses. The Commission expressed their adamant conclusion the gymnasium is very important. "Don't even think of building it without a gym", was the words of Commissioners. It was the unanimous feeling of all the Commissioners that a gymnasium is important for the Community Center. • Commissioner Dentz made a motion to recommend to the City Council the importance of a gymnasium , seconded by Commissioner Silvis. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioners asked whether and when the City Council will be forming a citizen task force or 410 committee to participate in the planning process. Commissioner Long expressed his strong recommendation that the City include the residents when planning the Community Center. All Commissioners present expressed their agreement that it is important that all the groups and associations of the community have the opportunity to have input in the plans. Commissioner Long made a motion seconded by Commissioner Silvis recommending the formation of a citizen planning committee for the Community Center. Motion passed unanimously. SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE: Director Saarion reported on the many special events that have been held at the Bel Rae Community Center. The Commission brainstormed various other activities and events that can be held at the Bel Rae. The levels of participation has been high, giving support for continued programming. QUAD ICE RINK PROPOSAL UPDATE: • Director Saarion passed on information of thequad ice rink proposal asprovided P P by Administrator Whiting. Presently, it looks like the quad ice rink proposal is a reality, having sponsorship of all four sheets of ice. ARDAN PARK IMPROVEMENT: Director Saarion reported that Ramsey County Commissioners approved the improvement plan for Ardan Park compost facility including the lighting. However, the improvements will not be made until the Spring of 1997. TRAILWAY UPDATE: Director Saarion reported that the City of Blaine was awarded an ISTEA grant for the installation of a trailway along County Road J from Hwy 65 to 35W along the north side. 1997 WORK PLANS: Director Saarion requested Commissioners to think about goals and objectives for 1997 with the hopes of formulating a 1997 work plan at the next meeting in December. This will be a good way • to evaluate 1996 work plans, to forward goals that were not achieved, to add goals or to remove goals from the plans. PARK PROJECTS UPDATE: Director Saarion reported that two fields at Silver View and one field at City Hall are in the process of having new fencing installed. The old fencing has been removed and posts have been set. The fabric will be installed at a time when the fencing company has time, since it is not as weather dependant as the post installation. Director Saarion informed the Commission that a Community Gardens grant application has been received and will be prepared and submitted. This grant is for the purchase of tools and seeds. Criteria includes participation by youth groups, community groups, and intergenerational gardening. The School District hosted a meeting with the cities and athletic associations to try and coordinate improvements and schedules to impact each group as little as possible. Steve Dazenski has been volunteering his time and expertise during the construction of the Girl's Fastpitch Softball field. Because of his extra-ordinary efforts, the Commission has requested that Steve be nominated for the Outstanding Service to Youth Award. Commissioner Long made a motion to nominate Steve for this award, seconded by Commissioner Gunn. Motion passed unanimously. • NEXT MTG: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 6:30pm. At CityHall. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Silvis made a motion seconded by Commissioner Long to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. I