Parks Commission Minutes 08-15-1996
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MINUTES
Regular Meeting. Parks Commission
Thursday, August 15, 1996.4:30 p.m.
Parks Members Present: Bruce Thielen, Fran Fair, Earl Smith, Robbie Smith
Parks Members Absent: Larry Nolan
Staff Present:
Jeff O'Neill, Roger Mack, John Simola, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call meetin~ to order.
Chairman Thielen called the meeting to order.
2. Consideration of approvin~ minutes for the re2Ular meetin~ .July 18. 1996
and the special meeting AU~1.1Rt 5, 1996.
COMMISSIONER EARL SMITH MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRAN
FAIR, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 18,1996 MEETING.
Motion carried unanimously.
COMMISSIONER FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY
ROBBIE SMITH, TO APPROVE THE MEETING OF THE SPECIAL
MEETING AUGUST 5TH, 1996. Motion passed unanimously.
3.
Consideration of adding items.
John Simola, Public Works Director, made a request to the Parks
Commission for assistance in writing a set of standard guidelines for the
development of parks in new subdivisions. Simola would create a draft of
guidelines for the next parks meeting for the Commissioners to review and
add comments.
4.
Tree Ordinance:
A. Explanation of Joint Trench-John Simola
B. Discussion on placement of trees in boulevards
C. Planting responsibility: City, Developer, Builder
John Simola, Public Works Director, explained the joint trench policy to the
Commissioners. The joint trench policy is a cooperation of all the utilities to
be located in a combined trench in the blvd. Because of all the utilities in the
blvd. the requirements for tree planting will have to be very specific so trees
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Park Minutes - 8-15-96
are not planted over the utility area. The trees will need to be 3-4 feet
behind the curb. Simola added he had some concerns of sidewalks being
pushed up from the roots of the trees but he had checked into this in other
communities with established tree programs and found very few problems.
The Commissioners discussed the options of the developer, builder,
homeowner, or City being responsible for planting the trees. The fees could
be collected on the building permit and once a year the City contract with a
nursery to do planting. This would be uniform but would raise the permit
cost and "dictate" the kind of trees planted. Another suggestion was to
initiated a program for a new homeowner tp receive a credit or certificate for
two trees. This was discussed as good PR idea but would take some work to
start. Currently the developer or builder is responsible, at the time of closing,
to plant two trees or provide the escrow for the trees. If this procedure is
continued the placement of the trees will be marked on the survey at the time
the building permit is issued and inspected at closing.
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, stated generally people will plant trees
in their yards but it will be up to the City to organize a way to create a
canopy look to the streets.
The Commissioners also discussed the planting of trees in already developed
areas of the City. This would be completed by selecting an area each spring
to plant trees, then contracting with a nursery to plant them. The areas
along Starling Drive and School Blvd. were suggested to target for 1997.
The Park Commission's recommendation was to continue to have property
owners plant trees but change the policy to plant on the boulevard-3 to 4 feet
from the curb. (In place of on the lawn within 4 feet from the property line.)
5. Discussion of 1996 Budget and Capital Improvement Items.
The Commissioners did not have any changes to the budget except to
emphasize the pathway costs should be split between the parks budget and
transportation budget. Also there was a suggestion to add signage along
River Street to indicate the bike route.
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6.
Discussion of Lion's park.
The Commissioners discussed supporting the Lions Club's request to develop
a park along West 7th Street. This concept will need to be discussed with the
City Council because if 7th street is extended it could change the value and
use of the land. If the Lions put together a preliminary plan of the size,
location, and layout of the park, City Staff will put it on the council agenda.
7. Discussion of NSP Social Club donatinr: trash containers alonr: pathway.
Susie Wojchouski, NSP Social Club, contacted City Hall on possibly donating
trash containers along the pathway. Roger Mack, Parks Superintendent,
would check into the costs and locations.
8. Update on joint meetinr:-Aur:ust 20, 1996.
The Commission was reminded of the joint meeting with Parks, Planning
Commission and the HRA on Tuesday, August 20, at 7:00 p.m.
9.
Added items.
There were no added items
10. Adjourn.
COMMISSIONER FAIR MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER ROBBIE SMITH, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
Respectfully submitted,
[(0,ndD. }{iM1ne/L-
Wanda Kraemer
Development Services Technician
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