2017.05.17 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Anderson informed that removal of trees increases visibility of the property. Another option would be to build a pond to get infiltration credits but there are no real plans in place. Commissioner Strub confirmed that there isn't a plan to clear cut the property but that ideas and opinions were being taken. There would be a follow up with notices with a decision. He also stated that it should be understood that they are the Parks Commission and the City Council makes the final decision but there isn't a deadline or schedule for that. Commissioner Berger asked how the property would get spit and maintained. How would the transition process work? What happens with it is privately owned and still used by the public? Emotions are high. A resident at 13565 Geneva Ave N approached to podium and said that some kids have an attitude but that they would call the police, make a complaint and not get further involved. The police would take care of it. Commissioner Berger asked the resident what vision she has to make it dissipate. The resident at 13565 Geneva Ave N replied that it will be trespassing. Jay Manke, 13514 Goodview Ave N, approached the podium and stated that the wanted to touch on what has happened in the last month. He reported seeing cars parking on the street, leaving no room on Goodview, honking, and traffic issues. Commissioner Arcand asked if they were parked to go in the park. Manke replied that it signals that there is an adult in the park, but sometimes it is 16 year old kids causing trouble. He stated that the track is getting bigger and nothing good happens there. He appreciates that the dirt bikes were stopped. He asked how many police and fire calls do there have to be. He preferred that the property be flattened and the track removed. The track should be located somewhere more visible. Commissioner Berger asked if there is a need for a BMX track. Manke replied that they need to go wild in a more managed place, where the police can see, and there is no hiding. Commissioner Berger asked if the kids would go elsewhere to ride or is it tied to property history. If you take it away, will they go away? Jay Manke replied that it's cyclical, that the kids use it until they are 16. He said that it is some sort of rite of passage to get in trouble at the property. He expressed gratitude for the city opening up the property. Anne Manke stated that she has had to call 911 several times and tell the police where the kids are hiding. She can't deal with the profanity and the lack of rules. She said that there is a need for a track, but not there. She said that they can't walk through the property so it isn't usable by many. Their only recourse is to call the police. They do not want to fence their [large] property. Mike Atkinson, at 5560 140th Street N, informed of his son started going to this park 18 years ago and all the kids out there had a lot of fun. He said that if they opened it up, and had the police force there, that it could be a good play area.