Parks Commission Minutes 11-18-2004
Parks Commission M inutes- 1 1/18/04
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MINUTES
PARKS COMMISSION
November 18,2004 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Fran Fair, Ben Hitter, Nancy McCaffrey, Larry Nolan, Rick
Traver, Council Liaison Robbie Smith, and Council member-
Elect, Wayne Mayer
StatT Present:
Adam Hawkinson, Park 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 October 28, 2004 re2ular Parks Commission meetin2.
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FRAN FAIR MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER
28, 2004 REGULAR MEETING. RICK TRAVER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3.
Consideration of addin2 items to the a2:enda.
None
4. Citizens comments and requests.
No one present. Fran Fair presented a book prepared by Cathy Kerry which
outlined the history of East Bridge Park as far as plantings, design. etc.
5.
Tree Ordinance.
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Adam Hawkinson brought up the proposed the tree ordinance. It was noted that
the Council did not support funding of any othertree diseases as part of the
program. Adam Hawkinson noted that the reimbursement policy f(x the Dutch
Elm program had been changed at some point but he has not been able to
determine when that happened. The City needs to go back and correct the
reimbursement policy. The second item he noted is that the existing tree
ordinance requires that the removal of any diseased tree be brought before the
City Council. He was not aware if that had ever been done and he questioned
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Parks Commissioll Millutes - 11/18/04
the length of time Council approval would add to getting the trees removed.
Adam Hawkinson reviewed the tree removal procedure with the Commission.
Adam Hawkinson will review this procedure with John Simola and JetTO'NeiIl
as well as check the procedures used by other communities.
6.
Park Maintenance.
Adam Hawkinson submitted a list of the work completed noting the Parks
Department staff was short handed because of injuries. The Parks Commission
asked about whether the pier at West Bridge Park had to be taken in. Adam
Hawkinson indicated that it may not have to be brought in. He also noted that
the pathway to the pier had been paved since the DNR did not allow a pathway
surface of loose materials such as wood chips or Class V.
Larry Nolan indicated that there appeared to be a remnant of a flagpole in the
Front Street Park area and asked what the plans were for that. Adam
Hawkinson will check into this and make a determination on whether or not it
should be removed. Nancy McCatTrey asked about the steps in the area and if
they were going to be removed. Adam Hawkinson indicated that they probably
would remain. Nancy McCaffrey suggested that as a safety concern maybe
railings should be installed. Adam Hawkinson will check with the Building
Department as far as what the code requires. Adam Hawkinson also reported
that the benches in East Bridge Park would not get done this year and that he has
placed the tree order for the spring tree planting event. Some of the species of
trees were changed because of some stock not being available. Approximately
400 trees will be planted in the boulevard area throughout the City as part of the
tree planting event.
Adam Hawkinson brought some samples of fencing colors for the Riverside
Cemetery fence. The Parks Department will be getting quotes for the fencing
work and bring it back before the Parks Commission. Adam Hawkinson noted
that 2004 budget funds would need to be used before the start of 2005. The
estimated cost of the fencing would be approximately $32-$34/11. for a 4 foot
high fence. The Parks Department is also trying to come up with the number of
staff hours spent on cemetery related work.
Other items, if any.
Councilmember-elect, Wayne Mayer, brought up the Insignia Development and
a meeting he had attended with the developers. The plan he had showed three
balltields. The Parks Commission indicated that in earlier discussion with the
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Parks Commission M inulcs - I 1/18/04
developer, the Parks Commission had indicated that a ballfield complex was
proposed for this area with a minimum of at least four fields. The Parks
Commission expressed their dismay and concern that the developer was
presenting something different than what the Parks Commission had approved.
Wayne Mayer asked if the proposed balIfields would be lighted and the Parks
Commission indicated that was the plan.
8.
Ad iourn.
RICK TRAVER MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 5:25 P.M. NANCY
MCCAFFREY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSL, y.
VCu..D'Y\ ~~5~0--~
Recording Secretary (j
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