Parks Commission Minutes 07-20-2000
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Minutes
Regular Meeting - Parks Commission
July 20, 2000
4:30 PM
Members Present:
Members Absent:
S talT Present:
Earl Smith, Fran Fair, Rick Traver, Nancy McCaffrey
Larry Nolan
Greg Engle
I. Call to order by vice-chair Earl Smith.
2. Approval of Minutes.
There were no minutes from the last meeting available for approval. Nancy McCaffrey
will take minutes at this meeting.
3. Additions to the Agenda
MCP - Fran Fair
Safety Issue at City Ball Fields - Mike Jacobson & Dale Harris
4.
Citizens' Request: Safety hazard caused by back stop at City Ball Fields.
Pole Cat Baseball players Mike Jacobson & Dale Harris described the difficulty players
arc experiencing in seeing fast moving baseballs that are hit down the first base line.
T'here have been several incidents where baseballs hit, or just missed, first base players
and coaches because the ball coming at them visually blends into the multi~colored
backstop, which is a see~through chain link fence. Seeing the ball is also complicated by
the movement of people see through the fence.
The Pole Cats would like the backstop to be replaced with a solid color wall. Greg Engle
agreed that it is a safety issue that alIects all users of the city Ball Fields, and that the
backstop should be replaced with something. Greg also pointed out that the space in that
area was tight, therefiJre limiting space for the fans. Installing a solid backstop screening
would decrease fans' viewing area which may create another problem of fans dispersing
to the sides for better viewing and add to safety issues.
Greg Engle suggested installing a solid colored screening/wall as a backstop, and raising
the bleachers to provide better viewing for fans. Considerations for the bleacher situation
are to purchase a new one for approximately $7,-8,000, retrofit and raise the current
bleacher, or exchange with Freeway Field bleacher, or a combination thereof Pole Cat
representatives were thanked for bringing this to the Parks Commission.
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5. Parks Tour
The parks tour was conducted July] 2 at 4:30. Twenty four parks were visited. All
appreciated the progress made over the past year. Improvements have been recognized by the
many nice comments from members of the community. The Parks Department staff is to be
commended.
6. Budget Review
Greg Engle reviewed the Special Revenue Fund for the 2000 Budget Park Fund which
compared budgeted and real costs. He also stated that the budget book is available for review.
Questions remain regarding "Misc. Operating Supplies" and "Pathway Maintenance".
The City's Capital Improvement Plan was mailed previously to each Commissioner.
Discussion topics included budgeted Park funds being removed and/or transferred without the
Commission's knowledge, and whether some line items should be included in the Parks budget,
i.e. pathway, cemetery, park land acquisition. It was decided that the City Administrator should be
present to claritY questions.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY RICK TRAVER, SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR, THAT
THE PARKS COMMISSION STRONGLY REQUESTS THE PRESENCE OF THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR TO EXPLAIN THE PARKS DEDICATION FEES AND BUDGETING
PROCESS. Motion passed unanimously.
Greg Engle continued discussion of the 2001 budget projections, and distributed copies of
the individual park plans, discussing the current stage of each park. In addition to the general
overview, there were discussions about:
· Including a general ADA fund in the budget
· The purchase of an turf aerator would benefit the Parks Department and save dollars
· Pioneer Park--On August 1"\ Gregg Engle will meet with the Lions Task Force to review the
building plans and guidelines for the use of the shelter.
· River Mill Park-The approved concept plan was cut by the Council: Next steps?
· Park Side Park (near Meadow Oak park)-Is not a functional park; needs to be addressed
· East Bridge Park-- The need for a permanent irrigation system was reiterated. As a City
gateway park, it's time to move towards completion on improvements to both Bridge Parks.
· West Bridge Park-Has received lots of positive feedback. Fran Fair invited Greg Engle to
meet with MCP members to discuss progress of the park. A photo/art rendering of the gazebo
redesign and landscape wall was reviewed. It could be completed within 2 weeks, upon
approval by the Parks Commission.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY RICK IRA VER, AND SECONDED BY NANCY
MCCAFFREY, THAT GREG ENGLE GO FORWARD WITH THE GAZEBO AND
LANDSCAPING CONCEPTUAL DESIGN. Motion passed unanimously.
This review and discussion has prepared Commissioners for the August meeting, which
will mark the beginning of the year 2001 budget process. A first draft of the 2001 budget will be
submitted to the Council for review in September, adjusted and resubmitted in October, with a
final submitted December, for approval in January 2001.
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7. Administrative Staff Support
Commission unanimously agree that the City needs to address the importance of
providing a City support staff person to assist with Commission meeting schedules, agendas,
minutes, and communications. Earl Smith will ask Larry Nolan to address this issue with the City
Administrator.
8. Park Maintenance Report
Greg Engle reported that staff is updating the Parks Book with photos. He also reported
all the maintenance items completed for the month. Special mention was made of the following:
. Discussions have begun again bout paving the 4th Street Park rink for inline skating practice..
. Cardinal Hills Tot Lot is now completed.
. The Baseball Association has purchased a drag that the Parks Department will most likely
inherit in 2 years.
. The lights are up at the City Ball Fields and awaiting final work by Lehn Electric.
. Park staff will not dredge Balboul Park ponds because it will ruin the wetlands. It may
become an issue at a later date.
. Playground equipment has been ordered for Par West.
. Eight skunks have been trapped, some of them being the adults.
. There will be a Rotary Day this fall to plant flowers at the Otter Creek park gazebo and stone
fIng.
9. Park & Recreation Plan
Greg Engle reported that the has not had time to gather information necessary as directed
at the June 8th meeting.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY NANCY MCCAFFREY, AND SECONDED BY EARL
SMITH, THT THE REPORT BE DELAYED UNTIL THE REGULAR OCTOBER MEETING
OF THE PARKS COMMISION. Motion passed unanimously.
10. Concert in the Park
Greg Engle informed the Commission that he has approved a written application for a
local church group to conduct a 2-day event which will include people, food and music on a flat-
bed trailer in Ellison Park. He stated that we need to develop specific guidelines for park usage
for such events
11. Added Item: MCP Announcements
The Monticello Community Partners Garage Sale Fundraiser will be held Wednesday
through Friday, August 2-4, from 2-7PM at 107W. Broadway. Good quality used items will be
accepted for this sale (no clothing).
Volunteers are needed for the August 11th street dance and party. Please let Fran Fair
know if you can help in any way.
12. A MOTION WAS MADE BY FRAN FAIR, SECOND BY RICK TRAVER, THAT
THE MEETNG BE ADJOURNED. Motion passed unanimously.
Nancy McCaffrey
Parks Commission
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