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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-18-PRC-MinutesMAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL • MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Craig Brannon, Don Christianson, Peter Fischer, Peter Frank, Michele Gran, Carolyn Peterson, Bruce Roman Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Gaoly Yang, Tom Gerskermann Staff: Bruce Anderson, Parks and Recreation Director Ann Hutchinson, Nature Center Lead Naturalist Visitors: Greg Copeland, Interim City Manager Will Rossbach, City Council Member Char Wasiluk, Chairperson, Historical Commission 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Brannon, seconded by Commissioner Peterson, to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed, 7 ayes, 0 nays. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • A motion was made by Commissioner Frank, seconded by Commissioner Christianson, to approve the August 21, 2006 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed, 7 ayes, 0 nays. 4. 2007 BUDGET OVERVIEW Interim City Manager Copeland attended the meeting at the request of Chairperson Peter Fischer to address the 2007 budget proposal. Mr. Copeland indicated that one of his priorities in 2007 is to diversify revenues for the city. He said he has proposed to implement an electric franchise tax which would spread revenue sources over a number of new entities. He also expressed his concern regarding the community center failure to pay for operating costs. The commission asked Mr. Copeland a number of questions regarding the 2007 budget impacts. Commissioner Frank indicated his strong concern over the elimination of a recreation supervisor position. Chairperson Fischer expressed concern regarding short- term decisions that would have potentially long-term impact, specifically regarding park maintenance and lack of coordination between open space and parks. Mr. Copeland indicated that the focus for the parks and recreation department in 2007 should be on the Maplewood Community Center. 5. MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER STATISTICS Director Anderson reviewed a memorandum dated September 8 regarding Maplewood Community Center statistics and provided background information. He reviewed the operating deficit of ten comparable revenue facilities in the metropolitan area as well as outstate Minnesota. The operating deficit for public community center facilities range from a low of $100,000 for the Maplewood Community Center to a high of over $850,000 for the city of Eden Prairie. Staff indicated that this would remain a priority and the commission will become more involved in establishing an in-depth marketing plan for 2007. 6. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Christianson indicated that he has enjoyed past park tours and city tours and wants the tours to be continued. Commissioners Brannon and Gran had no comment. Chairperson Fischer asked the status of the Gladstone Savanna master plan process. Staff indicated that a schematic will be prepared for the commission to review at their October meeting. Commissioner Peterson outlined the upcoming cemetery tour by the Maplewood Historical Society. Commissioner Frank reported N.E.S.A.'s willingness to be involved in providing financial support for maintenance of the Hazelwood soccer fields. Commissioner Roman said he is enjoying the commission meetings and he would "continue to speak up at future meetings." 7. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Anderson reviewed the monthly update and indicated that the city has received an award of excellence for the Applewood Park design. He further indicated that the Gladstone schematic project would be a priority within the next three weeks. Lastly Mr. Anderson indicated that the city council had awarded the community center catering contract to five firms for 2007. 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:35 p.m. Ily Director of kph /0918.06. m i n. co m m r� • 0