HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-21 PRC MinutesCITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
7:OOpm
COUNCIL CHAMBERS — MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST
Chair Schmidt indicated that there was a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:03PM.
2. ROLL CALL
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Commissioner Craig Brannon, present
Commissioner Don Christianson, present
Commissioner Peter Fischer, present
Commissioner Dan Maas, present
Commissioner Bruce Roman, present
Commissioner Therese Sonnek, present
Commissioner Roy Adams, present
Commissioner RJ Erhardt, present
Chair Kim Schmidt, present
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Parks Manager, Jim Taylor, present
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Commissioner Fischer moved to approve the agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner Christianson Ayes: All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. November 16, 2011
Commissioner Christianson noted that the minutes stated that he was present when in fact he was
absent.
1
Commissioner Christianson requested clarification under Commissioner Comments. He would like
"Commissioner Sonnek noted that she would prefer planning meetings to not always be on a
Tuesday" be corrected to "Commissioner Sonnek noted that she would prefer scheduling of
neighborhood meetings to not always be on Tuesdays."
Commissioner Erhardt moved to approve the minutes as amended.
Seconded by Commissioner Brannon
The motion passed.
671& 1 IF- AIML
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. 2012 Parks and Recreation Goals and 2011 Annual Report
Ayes: All
Abstain:
Christianson
Jim Taylor, Parks Manager, presented the 2011 goals and the progress that has been
made. He also discussed all of the 2012 projects that are currently scheduled.
Commissioner Fischer distributed the draft of the 2011 Annual Report.
i. The Commission discussed the Parks and Recreation Commission Goals of 2011 and
made amendments to the wording of their goals.
ii. The Commission discussed the draft of the 2011 Annual Report and made changes.
iii. Setting of 2012 Parks and Recreation Goals
The Commission discussed and brainstormed potential 2012 goals.
8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a. Update on Gladstone Savannah
Jim Taylor, Parks Manager, updated the Commission on the project, and stated that City
Council approved the Master Plan and is moving forward. City Staff are also going
forward with grant writing and are planning for Phase I.
9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Adams wanted to recognize the Maplewood Community Center Staff for an
outstanding job. His son's birthday party was held at the Maplewood Community Center along
with many other events that day. The building and the parking lot were full; however, inside the
Maplewood Community Center everything ran smoothly. As a community member he thought
that they did an outstanding job. Commissioner Adams also thought the Maplewood
Community Center is doing a remarkable job with staffing and wanted to take the time to
acknowledge that.
Commissioner Son nek wanted to point out that tomorrow is the shortest daylight day of the
year. Everyone had time left after the meeting to enjoy the parks, which would have closed
about five hours prior if the park hours would have not been changed.
Commissioner Roman wanted to make a comment of the Gladstone Savannah Master Plan. He
is very impressed with the way that it was handled. Going through the entire process with the
Commission's input and the input through neighborhood meetings, he thought that it was a
great thing how they really listened to what the people had to say. He was pleased that they
listened to the suggestions and came up with a plan that makes most of the people happy. He
also wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Commissioner Brannon recommended that the Commission reviews their goals quarterly.
Commissioner Christianson commented on the difficult process of getting the Maplewood
Community Center built. Many people argued against it because they thought it would not be
used and was a waste of time and money. He noted that it was very nice to hear what
Commissioner Adams had to say about the Maplewood Community Center and their dedicated
staff. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Commissioner Fischer noted that he was on the website and the agenda was from November
and the most recent set of minutes was from July. He requested to get the website updated.
Commissioner Fischer commented about the Open Space Policy or how the Parks are going
about encroachments onto property. This has been an issue with some of the parks in the past.
At Prairie Farm, Commissioner Fischer noted that it looked like some of the backs of the
townhomes off of Woodlynn seemed to have the grass and some of their sheds almost
underneath the power lines. He thought that it may look like it was over the borderlines over
there. He would like to know what the policy is and how the issue is addressed. His
recommendation was to check the boarders of the south side of Prairie Farm.
Jim Taylor, Parks Manager, commented that they work with Code Enforcement and send out a
Cease and Desist Order to the resident. The order states a certain number of days that the
homeowner has to correct the issue.
Commissioner Erhardt had a difficult time finding the Water Aerobics Schedule online. She
wanted to know if there was a way to make it easier to find.
Jim Taylor, Parks Manager, stated that he would speak with the MCC about this and see if the
schedules can be more accessible on the website.
Chair Schmidt wanted to say thank you from the Friends of Maplewood Nature Center for
having their calendar out again. She encouraged the citizens to pick one up at the Nature
Center and support the Friends of Maplewood Nature.
Chair Schmidt thanked the Commission for allowing her to be the Chair this year, she is
advocating for fellow committee members to step forward to be the Chair. She thinks that it is a
good learning opportunity for people.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Brannon moved to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner Christianson
The meeting adjourned at 9:21pm
Ayes: All
Next meeting is January 18, 2012.