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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/1997 MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Tuesday, March 4, 1997 Maplewood Room 6:00 P.M. AGENDA *NOTE START TIME AND ROOM LOCATION FOR JOINT MEETING* I. CALL TO ORDER Joint meeting of HRC and Park & Recreation Commission to discuss racial tension and diversity issues in Maplewood parks. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Continue planning entertainment for Open House - All B. Update on school contacts for Poster Contest and Diversity Award - All C. Discuss possible topics for May inservice - All (tabled from last meeting) D. Review Annual Report or submission to City Council - All V. NEW BUSINESSA\ ¢. .... A. Elect new Secret- �,, .e . VI. OTHER BUSINESS ® a /76 ":45 VII. REPORTS ` 1�, Nt. 1.1 y,sik A. City of Maplewood Ir4, B. Agenda items for next timer � r, t ,;. VIII. ADJOURNMENT e °° df/°r kNcvvPWI HRC\AGENDA MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION February 4, 1997 Meeting Minutes PRESENT - Members: Regina Laroche-Theune, Lynn Croes, Gordy Heininger, Katie Thein Kimlinger; Ex-officio: Mike McGuire, Sherrie Le; Guests: Sharon Cox, School District 622; Nancy Cottle, School District 623; Corrine Schmidt, NE Residence Administrator. I. Call To Order: 7:04 p.m. by Gordy Heininger who acted as meeting chair. II. Approval of Minutes: It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve 1/7/96 minutes as written. III. Approval of Agenda: It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve the agenda with the following amendment: discussion of point V.A. (inservice topics) was postponed until the next HRC meeting. IV. Old Business: A. Review of the Intro Letter for Businesses and Schools -- additions were made by attending HRC members. This letter will accompany the HRC Annual Report which should be approved by the Maplewood City Council at their 2/24/97 meeting. B. The Annual Report was finalized: - The cover art was presented - The Letter to the Citizens of Maplewood was edited - Grammar and styling corrections were made on the Appendices - The Calendar of Activities and Accomplishments was altered. C. Open House Entertainment -- The City's Open House will be August 5, 1997 (National Night Out). Mike and Sherrie predicted that this open house will be larger than last year's: more food vendors, increased fire department involvement, a blood mobile drive, and a mini health fair are expected. It was recommended that a schedule for open house events and performances be set and published. Sherrie announced that listings of multicultural artists and entertainment will be copied and sent to HRC members prior to next meeting. Members are to review the material in preparation for selecting an HRC-sponsored program at the Open House. D. Poster/Diversity Contests -- Sherrie mentioned that letters had gone out to eligible schools, and that HRC members should have contacted their assigned schools. Mike revealed that Premier Bank may not sponsor both the diversity calendar and the contest cash awards. When the bank finalizes its decision, commission members must notify their assigned schools. Lynn and Gordy each shared about their school follow up encounters. Maplewood HAG 2/4/97 Minutes PAGE TWO V. New Business: Update on Joint Integration Project -- Sharon Cox reported on upcoming joint school programs. She reiterated Tri-District School principal Fred Storti's invitation for commission members to attend the schools's grand opening open house on Feb. 10th. Sharon introduced Corrine Schmidt and referred to the NE Residence proposal. VI. Other Business: NE Residence Proposal -- Corrine Schmidt summarized the services offered by NE Residence to children with developmental disabilities and their families. She described a proposal she was presenting to the Maplewood Community Center in which the community center and NE Residence would collaborate to provide an After School Shared Care Program. Corrine requested a letter of support for this proposal from the HRC. She said such a letter would help as she seeks grant funds for this project. Sherrie reminded the group that Corrine's request would have to be on a future agenda for consideration. Mike explained some of the policies by which the Maplewood Community Center is operated, and how those policies might impact the proposed collaboration. VII. Reports: A. City of Maplewood - Mike reported that 'The Partnership" is considering disbanding. He mentioned briefly a White Bear Lake newspaper article which cited problems between that city's HRC and their city council. Mike closed his report with a reference to a hearing process, underway this month, which will determine the Maplewood police chief's employment status. B. Agenda Items for March Meeting -- 1. Open House Entertainment 2. Inservice Topics 3. NE Residence Proposal VIII. Adjournment: it was moved, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.. Respectfully Submitted, Ci?12/, sge6m,--e Regina M. Laroche-Theune Acting Recording Secretary a ^� ck.1J NSC YT-f- Maplewood Community Center Zero Tolerance Policy PURPOSE: The health safety and well being of every patron utilizing MCC is our primary objective. Respect for the MCC staff, patrons and the building is paramount. POLICY: Maplewood Community center shall enforce a zero-tolerance is policy with regards to negative participant conduct while on site, including, but not limited to, smoking in restricted areas, profanity, rowdy or disruptive behavior, fighting, underage mischief, alcohol/drug/ or other substance use or possession. MCC staff shall be the sole judge of what constitutes inappropriate behavior covered by this policy. Behavior witnessed by the public shall be investigated by MCC staff. MCC is a family based facility and all participants will be expected to govern themselves accordingly. Failure to do so will result in either temporary or permanent expulsion from the facility. MCC staff shall involve the Maplewood Police officers to enforce its zero-tolerance policy. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Behavior or activity in violation of this policy shall be addressed immediately. 2. Use good judgment. If the behavior is a serious violation immediate expulsion is required. If the behavior is minor in nature a strong verbal warning shall be issued. Expulsion follows if any behavior is repeated by the same party. 3. The Community Center is committed to creating an environment in the activity program which promotes respect and appreciation of racial, gender and ethnic differences and is disability aware. Fairness, equity, and professionalism are required when addressing behavior. Our goal is to correct the behavior and encourage all participants to enjoy the center, in a safe and respectful manner. 4. As MCC staff, and patrons we must set the example. Ignoring disruptive behavior demonstrates acceptance. Be an effective role model and a professional representative of the exceptional standards maintained at MCC. C►. ' (q ycl, 111 MEMORANDUM • . • rnt .• TO: Michael A. McGuire, City Manager • FROM: Bruce K Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation DATE: January 17, 1997 SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Report INTRODUCTION In compliance with Article II, Section 21-20, of the Maplewood city code the Parks and Recreation Commission is required to submit an annual report for City Council consideration. Attached is a copy of the annual report, which highlights our department's accomplishments as well as shortcomings. BACKGROUND The tremendous change and growth that was the 'norm in 1995 was replaced in 1996 with greater stability due to department reorganization and experience. A brief review of our department's major issues in 1996 is as follows: 1. The Parks and Recreation Department was reorganized in February 1996, creating four divisions; nature center, community center, recreation programs and park maintenance. 2. Additional personnel changes included establishing Ann Hutchinson as the lead naturalist to provide day-to-day supervision at the nature center, establishing the recreation division as a direct report to the Parks and Recreation Director and eliminating three full-time positions at the Maplewood Community Center. 3. Three major park improvements were accomplished in 1996: a. The nature center entryway was completed including a new bench/seating area, native prairie grass and flower plantings, water garden, pedestrian bridge, new trail and a wrought-iron entrance gate. b. Maplecrest Park received a new look including new playground equipment, sidewalk/trail area, resurfacing of the tennis courts and creation of a new basketball hard court surface. • Park and Recreation Commission Annual Report Page 2 January 17, 1997 c. Phase one of Edgerton Park was completed including new playground equipment, hard court surface and trail access to Edgerton School. 4. The David M. Griffith Associates study was enacted and recreation fees were increased by 25 percent in 1996, generating an additional $60,000 in revenue for the recreation activity fund. 5. The City acquired a new neighborhood park to serve the Kohiman Overlook neighborhood. 6. Master plans were developed for Kohiman Overlook Park and Wakefield Park which are both scheduled for development in 1997. 7. Four Commission park tours were scheduled during the year, in addition to the Planning Commission tour. 8. Park dedication fees were received totaling approximately $300,000. In addition, the P.A.C. rate was increased for single-family residential properties. 9. The Maplewood Community Center fell short of its projected shortfall, but generated 82 percent of the actual costs. A five-year plan was reviewed by City staff with the City Council to ensure that the Community Center will be self supporting in five years. RECOMMENDATION it is my recommendation that the City Council accept the annual report which is recommended by the Maplewood Parks and Recreation Commission. kdlannrpt96.comm 11 CITY OF \: mAPLEWOO * 1830 E. COUNTY ROAD B MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA 55109 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 612-770-4570 February 17, 1997 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers: In compliance with Article II, Section 21-20 of the Maplewood City Ordinance, the Parks and Recreation Commission hereby submits its annual report and 1997 activity plan. We reviewed the accomplishments of the past year and discussed the various programs and activities we wish to pursue in the coming year. Our continuing goal is promoting our city parks, open spaces, Community Center and maintaining a quality park system geared to the continually changing demographics of our community. We appreciate your past support and anticipate continued interaction between the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission during 1997. We also appreciate the support and assistance provided by the Parks and Recreation Department Director and his dedicated staff. Respectfully submitted, Peter Fischer, Chair Craig Brannon, Vice Chair Donald Christianson, Secretary Bonnie Qualley Carolyn Peterson Marabeth Timmers Rick Brandon Lon Mullen Audrey Duellman • Equal Opportunity Employer MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ACTIVITY PLAN FOR 1997 CITY OF MAPLEWOOD • The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department is "to provide a community environment for all citizens to participate in and enjoy cultural and recreational activities on an equitable basis."In 1996 we expanded on our mission statement and have developed a vision statement that we believe reflects the values and ultimate goals of the Parks and Recreation Department. The new vision statement is as follows: 'OUR VISION TO YOU" As citizens and customers, you deserve the best possible service, programs and facilities. We, the Maplewood Parks and Recreation Department staff, promise to do everything possible to cheerfully and respectfully serve you by providing clean, safe facilities, enjoyable, safe programs and timely and effective service, which includes listening and responding to your suggestions and concerns. The Parks and Recreation Commission had two major goals in 1996, the first was to manage the growth of the Parks and Recreation Department, and secondly to provide strong leadership in our role as the liaison to the Maplewood City Council. We believe that the following activity plan reflects the strides that we have made toward each objective. In 1996 the Park and Recreation Department was reorganized (see attachment)to provide an improved management structure. We believe that the department reorganization and completion of the Edgerton and Carver Community Gymnasiums made excellent inroads toward stabilizing the department and managing the tremendous growth experience in 1994 and 1995. The Parks and Recreation Commission conducted fourteen public meetings to solicit input and comments from residents regarding proposed park improvements to open space park acquitsitions, park dedication fees, and recreation programs. The 1996 park design/review process proved to be extremely effective and the Parks Commission was pleased to present to the City Council master plans for Kohlman Lake Overlook and Wakefield parks (six meetings)with a strong citizen consensus and support. It is our intent to continue to improve upon and utilize the "new and improved" public review process for future park projects as well. A list of the department's accomplishments is as follows: COMMUNITY CENTER 1. The Maplewood Community Center completed its second full year of operation.The Community Center served over 500,000 residents in 1996. 2. Program participation increased tremendously at the Community Center with approximately 700 birthday parties involving just short of 8,000 young people participating and swimming lessons participation almost doubled from 1995. Activity Plan for 1997 Page 2 February 6, 1997 • 3. The concert/entertainment series was increased in 1996 with 29 community concerts and 416 individual events scheduled in the Community Center Theater. 4. Staff reductions were made at the Community Center, including the elimination of five full- time positions. 5. The City Council reviewed a five-year plan to reach financial self-sufficiency for the Community Center by the year 2000. 6. The City Business report indicated that the Maplewood Community Center is the ninth largest fitness center in the State of Minnesota, based on annual membership, with 3100 membership packages sold.. PARK DEVELOPMENT 1. Western Hills Park was completed in 1996 including tennis court/hard court surface area, trail system, playground equipment, landscaping and ball field development. The project was completed on schedule and under budget. 2. Maplewood Nature Center received a facelift with the development of a new entryway, including an outdoor paver system, water garden, natural prairie development, extended trails, improved access and wrought iron entry gate. • 3. Maplecrest Paris was redeveloped including resurfacing of the tennis court, new playground equipment, trail system, new outdoor hard court surface and landscaping. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission coordinated six public hearings to develop a master park plan for Wakefield and Kohlman Overlook Parks. The public hearing process was restructured in 1996, and many of the ideas will be incorporated in future park planning efforts. The public hearing process culminated in the City Council adopting the park master plans on January 27, 1997. 5. The City Council approved the recommendation for park dedication fees in December 1996. The Paris and Recreation Commission recommended a three-year step process to increase park dedication fees to make them comparable to surrounding first-tier developing communities. The park acquisition and development fund is the main funding source for all park improvements. 6. . Development of phase one Edgerton Park/School complex including installation of new playground system, trail and hard court surface. 7. Completion of Edgerton and Carver Community Center gymnasium. A grand opening was held in September, 1996 for both sites. Activity Plan for 1997 Page 3 February 6, 1997 PARK LAND ACQUISITION 1. City staff initiated the park boundary process and surveyed Harvest and Nebraska Parks. It is the intent of the Parks Commission and City staff to ultimately have park boundary markers for all neighborhood and open space properties. 2. The Parks and Recreation Commission assisted City staff and the City Council in providing a recommendation for the acquisition of five open space properties. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission acquired two neighborhood parks with park development fund monies; the first being the Kaiser property located off of Matterhorn Drive and Sterling Street in southern Maplewood, and the second being Kohlman Lake Overlook Park. The acquisition of these two parcels leaves one neighborhood park yet to be acquired in the Hillside neighborhood. This acquisition is scheduled for consideration in 1997. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and provided recommendations to the City Council regarding the Ramsey County land conveyance. These negotiations have been reviewed by City staff for the past three years and it is anticipated they will culminate in the conveyance of six neighborhood parks to the City of Maplewood in the spring of 1997. COOPERATIVE VENTURES 1. The Parks and Recreation Commission coordinated three scout projects; the first being flower planting along White Bear Avenue, the second being the construction of bat houses at open space properties, and the third being construction of duck houses for open space properties. 2. Numerous joint power relationships were developed at local school district, businesses and surrounding communities. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission conducted four tours of the Maplewood park system and worked in close cooperation with the Planning Department as part of the fall city tour. Our 1996 goals were as follows: 1. Implement plan for Maplewood Nature Center entrance-completed 2. Update P.A.C. ordinance-completed 3. Finalize land management plan for open space and park areas-completed 4. Evaluate athletic facility plan-completed 5. Monitor and evaluate current recreation program fees and adopt-a-park partnership- completed • Activity Plan for 1997 Page 4 February 6, 1997 6. Review of recreational trail and park access needs in the City - in process 7. Review and monitor Maplewood Community Center policies - completed 8. Acquire land for Kohlman Lake Overlook area and GatewayWllard Munger trail head - approved by City Council; sale currently being negotiated by City Attorney. 9. Develop master plan for outdoor facilities at Edgerton and Carver schools in cooperation with the school district- completed 10. Standardization of park equipment and facilities - in process 11. Continual long-range plan development by assessing current and future funding of capital improvement plans - in process 12. Continue park open space boundary process - in process The Parks and Recreation Commission continues to strive to develop a long-range planning process to guide the Parks and Recreation Commission fulfilling our mission statement. Following are some of the medium and long-range goals we anticipate to be of importance: 1997 Goals: 1. Finalize plans for Wakefield and Kohlman Lake Overlook Parks and initiate development process. 2. Develop a master plan for a "state-of-the-art"trail head at the intersection of the Willard Munger and Gateway trails in cooperation with the Maplewood Fire Department.. 3. Pursuit of grant monies for recreational and park projects. 4. Present to the City Council the open space land management plan, including proposed funding sources for development of open space projects. 5. Continue to foster and develop joint ventures with other government agencies, such as the Tri-District School and St. Paul Water Utilities. 6. Implement the second phase of the David M. Griffith program fee study. 7. Present open space policy to City Council for their approval. Activity Plan for 1997 Page 5 February 6, 1997 Long-term goals are as follows: 1. Continue searching for park sites in the Oak Ridge neighborhood. 2. Establish inter-connecting trails/greenway systems throughout Maplewood. 3. Identify future funding sources beyond P.A.C. charges. 4. Development of Maplewood Community Center park and the Linwood/Highwood park area known as Matterhorn Park. 5. Finalize the new Parks and Recreation Department brochure. 6. Initiate planned development for city-wide trail system. kd\actvp197.mem 0) i Q N ' N •E cE 'i c co eo d y co a, a c a cCal I 1 .� ti , A Ly RI N y y a, ._ D J io !a 1 ? 47 Z' I t6 ' LSI Z 1 Q C c y C C N .. S2k _ � Z U W N Q CC ti co-coU d N 13) T � a c C c co W 'C E a.) C13 zL U mm c Z E. c d �U — n U O _'l 0 H ° Q d o E o W •N � 6 Ti co m c ad ma5 C s E co a i V L CL 00 Sd VI • . 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