Parks Commission Minutes 07-28-2005
MINUTES
PARKS COMMISSION
Thursday, July 28, 2005 ~ 4:30 p.m.
"To enhance community pride through developing and
maintaining city parks with a high standard of quality."
Members Present:
Ben Hitter, Fran Fair, Nancy McCaffrey and Council Liaison, Tom Perrault.
Members Absent:
Larry Nolan and Rick Traver
Others Present:
Adam Hawkinson, Park Superintendent
1. Call to Order.
Acting Chair Fran Fair called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum
present.
2. Approve minutes of June 23. 2005 reeular Parks Commission meetinl!.
It was noted that the minutes of June 23, 2005 stated that the signs for East Bridge Park, West
Bridge Park and Parwest Park were going to include the Monticello logo. Instead of the logo,
it was determined that the signs for East and West Bridge Park would show a bridge and the
Parwest sign would have a golf related symbol. Since that change came after the meeting, the
minutes reflect what took place at the meeting and would not be corrected.
NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 23, 2005
REGULAR PARKS COMMISSION MEETING. BEN HITTER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Consideration of addinl! items to the aeenda.
Adam Hawkinson added to the agenda: 1) Sign for Parwest Park; 2) Capital improvement
items for 2006 and 3) List ofprojects to be completed in 2005. Nancy McCaffrey added an
update on the storage situation at East Bridge Park.
4. Citizens comments and requests.
None.
5. MCC/Swan River Charter School ~ PlaVl!round Proposal.
The Parks Commission was informed that this item would not be considered at this meeting
but a special meeting to discuss this item is scheduled for Thursday, August 4, 2005 at 4:30
p.m.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 7/28/05
Adam Hawkinson stated that the City had been requested to carry the liability insurance for
the playground. In checking with the City's insurance carrier, they indicated that the City
cannot provide any insurance coverage for liability of premises/structures that are not owned
by the City.
Fran Fair noted that in the Council minutes attached to the agenda packet it stated that there
was a need for a park in the area between TH 25 and County Road 39 and that only Outlot A
of Country Manor was available. The site proposed at one time for the MCC is now being
utilized by the National Guard. Fran Fair questioned whether there were other areas the Parks
Commission should be looking at and there was discussion on other possible locations.
6. Park Maintenance.
Park Superintendent, Adam Hawkinson submitted a list of the work that had been completed
for the month. Fran Fair asked that Adam Hawkinson stop by East Bridge Park on a Monday
when the gardening group was out there so they could discuss ideas for the park. There was
discussion on what kind of surface should be utilized, pavers, asphalt or concrete. The feeling
of the garden group was that they didn't want too many different surface types.
Fran Fair said she supported the idea of drinking fountains in both East and West Bridge
Parks even though she felt the fountain at West Bridge Park needs to be addressed first.
Adam Hawkinson stated if they are extra daylilies from the park they could be used around the
retaining wall in Meadow Oaks.
Tom Perrault stated in regard to Pioneer Park a resident had stated that they wanted the path
kept natural and not paved. Adam Hawkinson stated the pathway would be kept natural and
that pathway is currently be used by the cross country team. However the pathway from
Farmstead A venue to the parking lot would need to be done.
7. Updates:
A. Mississippi Park - Parking Lot: Adam Hawkinson indicated that Public Works
Director John Simola had some sketches of the proposed parking for this area. There
was concern about the bus traffic on the street during the swan viewing period. The
sketch proposed would provide angle parking. The Parks Commission stated it was
important to keep the residents in the area informed of what was proposed. The Parks
Commission also discussed whether staff or an outside contractor would do the work;
the estimated cost ofthe work and the time frame for doing it. This item will corne
back at the August Parks Commission meeting.
B. Block 35 Landscaping Improvements - Al Loch had approached Adam Hawkinson
about sight problems in the area. Block 35 is a City owned parking lot. The cedar
trees according to Mr. Loch present a visibility problem and need to be trimmed back.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 7/28/05
The Parks Commission felt since impaired visibility was a safety issue, the City should
take the necessary steps to correct the problem.
C. Park Dedication - Commercial Property - This was tabled until the next meeting.
D. Transportation Plan - Discussion ofthe transportation plan was tabled since neither
Rick Traver nor Jeff O'Neill were present to update the Parks Commission.
Adam Hawkinson brought up the Monte Club Villa development and the elevation
problem where the pathway comes in. There is a 20' difference in elevation. The
Parks Commission requested a copy of the drawing for this development be given
them.
Parks Commission also discussed pedestrian crossing ofTH 25 noting with the
amount oftraffic on the road it is not a good situation for pedestrians. A pedestrian
bridge over TH 25 or tunnel were options suggested.
Added Items:
Signs: Adam Hawkinson showed sketches of the revised signs for East and West Bridge Park and the
Parwest Park. The cost for the signs quoted by Nick's Signs is $650/each for a total of $1,950.00.
Capital Improvements - 2006: Among the items listed for capital improvements in 2006 were: 1)
Play structure for city ballfields; 2) Play structure for Pioneer Park; 3) Surveillance system for Pioneer
Park; 4) 4 x 4 pickup truck; 5) $50,000 in reserve towards future athletic complex; 6) Parking lot at
the Groveland Park; 7) Ellison Park restrooms; 8) Pathway overlay program; 9) Park development for
Sunset Ponds and 10) Water fountains in parks. Based on preliminary estimates the total capital
improvements proposed would cost approximately $337,000. Adam Hawkinson stated that in 2004
and 2005 funds were budgeted for the athletic complex so there is a reserve of funds being
established.. He also reviewed in more detail what each project entailed.
Storage at East Bridge Park: A resident near the East Bridge Park allows the gardeners to use his
shed to store their tools. It was indicated that he was no longer interested in allowing the gardeners to
use this space. The question was whether there was any confirmation as to whether or not this space
was available and if not, what other options for tool storage are available.
Projects to be completed in 2005: Adam Hawkinson reviewed a list of projects that they anticipate
completing yet this year which include: hard court at the Groveland Park; hard court at the 4th Street
Park; dumpster bin enclosures at Ellison and West Bridge Park; improvements to the Meadow Oak
Pathway, youth football fields and baseball field fencing.
Adam Hawkinson discussed purchasing 6 wood and 6 aluminum picnic tables for the parks. It is
proposed that the aluminum tables would be moved to the parks that need additional seating for
special events since they would be easier to move.
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Parks Commission Minutes - 7/28/05
NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO HAVE ADAM HAWKINSON PURCHASE THE
ADDITIONAL PICNIC TABLES. BEN HITTER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Parks Commission discussed Groveland Park and emphasized the need to continue on with
getting the park developed. The Parks Commission felt some kind of shelter should be located at the
park. They felt it was needed to provide shading for those who use the parks.
Adam Hawkinson informed the Parks Commission on the status of the additional area from Excel
Energy for field use. He indicated that the person currently renting the land has stated that the City
might as well take all of the land for field use..
Adam Hawkinson also brought up the fall protection from the playground equipment at the Balboul
and ParWest parks. What is currently there does not meet standards.
Ben Hitter asked if there was going to be a fall tree planting programs. There was discussion on the
time frame needed to order the trees and get the information out to the public.
8. Adjourn.
NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 6:20 P.M. BEN HITTER
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
\)c:L.u.. hl--- .~. S'~ ?-____
Recording Secretary (l
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