Parks Commission Minutes 05-24-2007
Parks Commission Minutes: 5/24/07
MINUTES
PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 4:30 p.m.
"To enhance community pride through developing maintaining
City parks with a standard of quality."
Members Present:
Nancy McCaffrey, Larry Nolan, Rick Traver and Council Liaison Tom Perrault.
Members Absent:
Ben Hitter
Others Present:
Seth Nelson, Parks Superintendent.
1. Call to Order.
Chair Larry Nolan called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
2. Approve minutes of April 26. 2007 rel!ular Parks Commission meetinl!.
There were corrections to the minutes and follow up discussion on some items presented at the
last meeting. Larry Nolan asked about the location for the downtown bike rack. The site owned
by the HRA was okayed for the bike rack and it is proposed to place some picnic tables at the site
as well. The approval was conditioned that if some type of development came up for the site, the
bike rack would be removed. Seth Nelson noted the bike racks have not been put in place at any
of the other proposed sites as he wanted to discuss whether the Parks Commission wanted the
bike rack placed on a concrete platform. Seth Nelson said the reason they would add the
platform was for maintenance reasons. The consensus of the Parks Commission is that before
the staff puts in the concrete platforms they need to be sure the bike racks are located where they
want them.
Rick Traver asked about the prices for the old cemetery fencing. Seth Nelson reported that he
had called a number of places and got a range of prices. An antique dealer in town quoted a
price of $50/section. A dealer in Buffalo suggested a price of $200-$250/section. John Simola
and Seth Nelson suggested starting with a price of $200/section.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 26, 2007
REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING WITH CORRECTIONS. NANCY
MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Consideration of addinl! items to the al!enda.
The Parks Commission bus tour, Walk N Roll and Hillcrest Park equipment were added to the
agenda.
4. Citizens comments and reauests.
Seth Nelson stated he had received a request from the group who sponsors "Kids in the Park" to
have a petting zoo. When he has more information on this item, Seth Nelson will bring it back
before the Parks Commission.
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Parks Commission Minutes: 5/24/07
5. Parks Maintenance.
Seth Nelson reported on the maintenance work the Parks staff had completed. He talked about
the ballfield use. Larry Nolan suggested that since the MCC is running the concessions, the
Parks Commission should set if they could get a financial report from the MCC about the
ballfield concessions. Seth Nelson noted the playground inspections are completed and the
docks are in. Installation of the equipment for the added holes of disc golf at Par West should be
done within the next week or two. Seth Nelson brought up that staff believes there was a
homeless person who had been sleeping in the park shelter. They discovered that the door wasn't
being locked because the clock on the automatic lock was not working.
The Parks Department is beginning a pathway inventory noting the condition of the pathway
segments and what areas are in need of repair. There are a number of areas that need milling out
and crack filling. There is a segment by Meadow Oak that will need to be replaced entirely.
Seth Nelson also reported that there are a number of cracks on the ISTEA bridge and the
contractor will be out to check it. Some of the summer help is in place now and the rest will be
on board by June 4th.
6. Update on fIllinl! vacancv on Parks Commission.
The Parks Commission has not received any applications for the vacant position. Larry Nolan
suggested that application forms be made available at the Parks Department booth on Walk N
Roll.
7. Update on plans for recol!llizinl! Fran Fair's service to the City.
Seth Nelson reported that the cost for a bronze marker would run close to $1,000 so he had
checked the cost oflandscape rock with a design etched in. This would cost approximately $200.
The proposed location of the marker would be on the east side at the beginning of the pathway in
East Bridge Park. Nancy McCaffrey talked with the other gardeners and they suggested
dedicating the perennial area in honor of Fran Fair. The Parks Commission discussed what
should be etched on the marker and it was determined that Seth Nelson will check with the
vendor and come up with a scene representative of the parks to be etched on the rock.
The Parks Commission discussed the wording for the marker. It was suggested that the following
be used: "In recognition of Fran Fair's commitment and service to the City of Monticello and its
park system." A brochure providing information on Fran Fair's contribution to the community
will be made up for the dedication ceremony.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO ORDER THE LANDSCAPE ROCK CONTAINING THE
LANGUAGE THE PARKS COMMISSION HAD SELECTED AND WITH A
BACKGROUND DEPICTING A PARK SETTING. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Parks Commission discussed the budget needed for the dedication ceremony. An estimated
cost for the landscape rock, refreshments and other expenses will be prepared and submitted to
the City Administrator. Nancy McCatrrey will contact the Riverfest Committee to determine an
appropriate time in the Riverfest activities for the dedication ceremony. Larry Nolan will draft
an agenda for the dedication ceremony. Riverfest is scheduled for July 12-15, 2007. The Parks
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Parks Commission Minutes: 5/24/07
Commission noted there may be a need for a special meeting to finalize the details for the
dedication ceremony.
Added Items:
Park Tour: Seth Nelson submitted the following information from the Parks Commission tour
conducted on May 9,2007.
1) Groveland Park: The Commission toured Groveland Park and the suggestion was made that
an open air shelter be constructed at the park. Larry Nolan suggested contacting the Lions Club
about assistance with the shelter. Some work was done on the parking lot to correct an area
where water was standing.
2) Pioneer Park: Three trees were planted for markers for the cross country running trail. The
Parks Department is also trying to get an automatic lock for the shelter at this park.
3) Hunters Crossing: It is proposed to start development of this park in 2008.
4) Water Tower Park: Parking lot would be constructed this year. The parking lot is the first
step. There will be further planning for future development of the site.
5) East Bridge Park: The Parks Commission had looked at the park to determine a site for a
marker in recognition of Fran Fair's service. The Parks Commission also discussed erecting a
small gazebo at the park to be used for weddings.
Walk N Roll: The Parks Department is booth #46 located in East Bridge Park. Rick Traver and
Larry Nolan will be available to work. In addition to the giveaways, the booth will also provide
the following: 1) Trail maps; 2) Application forms for the Parks Commission vacancy and 3)
Brochures on the disc park.
Hillcrest Park Equipment: The Parks Commission discussed a play structure for this area. The
area is smaller size and is near the power lines. The Parks Commission felt the structure should
be something unique that would generate a lot of activity such as climbing or crawling through
tunnels. They also felt swings should be included as part of the playground equipment. Seth
Nelson will contact a number of vendors to get some plans. He will try to have this information
for the next meeting. Seth Nelson will also check with Xcel Energy as far as restrictions in the
power line easement area.
Nancy McCaffrey asked about resurrecting the skating rink at Hillcrest Park. Residents had
expressed some interest in having an area flooded for skating.
8. Adiourn.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO ADJOURN. NANCY MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Recording Secretary Cl
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