HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-16 Parks Minutes
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLE WOOD CITY HALL
1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST
1. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chair Roman indicated four commissioners were absent; there was quorum.
Chair Fischer and Commissioner Mackey arrived late.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Commissioner Craig Brannon, absent
Commissioner Don Christianson, present
Chair Peter Fischer, present
Commissioner Dan Maas, present
Commissioner Mary Mackey, present
Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, absent
Commissioner Bruce Roman, present
Commissioner Therese Sonnek, present
Commissioner Kim Schmidt, present
Staff
Staff Liaison, Parks Manager, Doug Taubman, present
Recreation Manager, Jim Taylor, present
Recreation Manager, Audra Robbins, present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Sonnek made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner
Christianson Seconded the Motion.
Ayes: All
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. October 21, 2009
Commissioner Sonnek moved to change the agenda to match the order of how the items
were discussed during the meeting. The Minutes should then be changed to match the
amended agenda. Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion.
Ayes: Sonnek, Christianson, Mackey
Nays: Maas, Roman, Schmidt
The motion did not pass.
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Mr. Taubman stated he would look into how the City Council handles situations where
items on the agenda are moved during the meeting once the agenda has already been
approved.
Commissioner Sonnek questioned the Spelling of Richard Bennett's last name on page 3.
Mr. Taubman stated he would look into that.
Commissioner Sonnek stated that on page 4 under commissioner comments for herself,
Geo-cashing is spelled "geocaching".
Commissioner Christianson stated that the minutes on page 4, under commissioner
comments, do not include Commissioner Christianson or Chair Fischer. He stated that
this does not require any change but just wanted to point it out.
Commissioner Christianson motioned to approve the minutes for October 21, 2009,
noting that section 5 & 11 are out of order from the agenda. Commissioner Maas
seconded.
Ayes: Christianson, Maas, Roman, Schmidt
Nays: Sonnek
The motion passed.
b. November 18, 2009
Commissioner Schmidt had a change on page 2, under unfinished business in the last
paragraph; Harvester Park should be changed to Harvest Park.
Commissioner Sonnek had a change on page 2, under visitor presentations; Jen Car is
spelled "Jan Carr".
Acting Chair Roman requested that the title used for Chair be consistent throughout the
minutes.
Chair Fischer arrived at the meeting at this time.
Commissioner Maas stated the paragraph describing the Staff Presentations is confusing
on page 3. Clarification should be added to specifY the sentences after "This item will be
brought back in December", which are referring to Gethsemane Park.
Commissioner Sonnek motioned to approve the minutes for November 18, 2009, as
amended. Commissioner Schmidt seconded.
Ayes: Christianson, Maas, Roman, Schmidt,
Mackey, Sonnek
Abstain: Fischer
The motion passed.
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5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
1. Ron Cockriel, 943 Century Avenue addressed the commission. Mr. Cockriel
presented the Friends of Maplewood Nature 2010 Calendar. He stated these
are still for sale. Mr. Cockriel also stated that the Friends of Maplewood
Nature will support the Lions Park and will donate 100 different types of
berry plants to this park. The Friends of Maplewood Nature will plant them
once city staff provides them with the location for the berry patch. During
Phase two ofthe project, Friends of Maplewood Nature will also bring in
blueberry plants and grapes.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Dog Park Selection
Mr. Taubman went over the maps provided to the commission and the bid on fencing.
The Commission discussed each of parks on the list.
Commissioner Christianson moved to make Sherwood Park the Commission's primary
park selection for a dog park consideration.
Commissioner Sonnek seconded the motion.
The commission asked if staff would be able to distribute a mailing to residents near the
park to get input on the proposed dog park, if one was provided to staff Mr. Taubman
stated that staff could distribute the mailing.
Ayes: All
The motion passed.
This item will come before the Commission at the next meeting. It is requested that the
members ofthe subcommittee put together some survey questions for discussion
purposes at the next meeting. Staff should look into the suggestions given by the
commission during the discussion and bring information back to the next meeting.
b. Park Assessment - Prioritizing Projects
Mr. Taubman went over the report.
Commissioner Sonnek moved to have staff complete the top six items on the report
provided during 2010. Staff should attempt to achieve other items on the list if
time/funding allows.
Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion.
Ayes: All
The motion passed.
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7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Sign Code Changes - Advertising in the Parks
Mr. Taylor went over the staff report.
The commission discussed the report. This item was for informational purposes and to
get feedback from the commission. No action is needed on this item.
b. Wakefield Park Picnic Shelter
Ms. Robbins went over the staff report.
The commission discussed the report. This item was for informational purposes. No
action is needed on this item.
Chair Fischer asked staff to bring back design plans for the picnic shelter so the
commission can have input on the design.
c. Park & Recreation Commission Interview Questions
Mr. Taubman stated that staff is looking for input on questions used during the interview
portion ofthe appointment and reappointment process.
The commission went over the existing questions and gave input. Mr. Taubman will
compile the questions suggested by the commission for use during the interview process
for commissioners and board members.
8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a. Commission Minutes Discussion
Mr. Taubman explained to the commission that the type of minutes utilized to document
the meetings from now on will be summary minutes, as directed by the City Council.
Soon the City will be streaming video ofthe meetings on the city website, which will
give people easier access ifthey wish to have more detail as to what went on during the
meeting.
b. Mississippi Tot Lots Update
Mr. Taubman requested that this item be tabled until the next meeting when the
Community Development and Parks Director, DuWayne Konewko, will address this
item.
c. Lake Links Trail Update - McKnight to Joy
Mr. Taubman stated that the trail is done and in place and the project is 90% completed.
9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Sonnek noted that where a trail meets Hazlewood Street, the curb cut to
allow trail users to cross the street does not meet up with the trail. This actually
encourages people to stop and safely cross the street. She likes that effect.
Commissioner Mackey had no comments.
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Commissioner Schmidt thanked Mr. Taubman for his service and wished him well.
Commissioner Roman thanked Mr. Taubman as well and agreed with Commissioner
Sonnek about the curb cut.
Commissioner Christianson acknowledged Mr. Taubman's and Pauline Staples' for their
years of service. Mr. Taubman went over the possible distribution of duties once he and
Ms. Staples are retired.
Commissioner Maas thanked Mr. Taubman for his service. He also inquired about the
signage for the Lake Links Trail on County Road D. Mr. Taubman stated he will put in a
request for a sign but it may not get installed until spring.
Chair Fischer passed out papers to the commission that included a recap of where the
commission was in July and as well as information on what was in the brainstorming
process last year. Chair Fischer also thanked Mr. Taubman and Pauline Staples for their
service to the City.
10. ADJOURN
Commissioner Maas moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Christianson
seconded the motion.
Ayes: All
Chair Fischer adjourned the meeting at 10:09 p.m.
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