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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-17 PRC MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS — MAPLEWOOD CITY ALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST 1. ,.CALL TO ORDER Chair Roman indicated there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners Commissioner Craig Brannon, present Commissioner Don Christianson, present Commissioner Peter Fischer, present Commissioner Dan Maas, present Commissioner Mary Mackey, absent Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, present Chair Bruce Roman, present Commissioner Therese Sonnek, present Commissioner Kim Schmidt, present &aff Recreation Manager, Jim Taylor, present Recreation Manager, Audra Robbins, present 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Taylor stated that staff would like to discuss the Trout Brook Regional Trail under Staff Presentations. Ms. Robbins stated that staff is asking for the commission to table item A under staff presentations as Mr. Konewko is not present at the meeting. Commissioner Roman made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Fischer Seconded the Motion. Ayes: All N a. January 20, 2010 Commissioner Fischer stated on page 4, it should state that Chair Roman adjourned the meeting, not Chair Fischer. Commissioner Brannon moved to approve the minutes as amended. Commissioner Fischer seconded the motion. Ayes: All Abstain: Christianson 5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Ron Cockriel, 943 Century Avenue, addressed the commission. Mr. Cockriel spoke about the Beaver Lake greenway and spoke in favor of the City or County purchasing a parcel that is for sale in the greenway for park preservation. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Dog Park Survey Questions Mr. Taylor stated staff is looking for clear direction as to what questions the Commission would like to be asked in the survey and then staff will move forward with the survey. Commissioner Roman went over the questions the sub -committee is suggesting for the survey. The Commission discussed the questions and gave input. The Commission also went over the area the survey will be distributed. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Parks and Recreation Commission Goals and Annual Report i. Review of 2009 Goals The Commission went over the goals for 2009 and discussed their progress on each goal. Discussion of 2009 Annual Report Commissioner Fischer stated he would draft a report to bring back to the next meeting for discussion. Once approved by the commission, it will be brought to the City Council. iii. Setting 2010 Goals The commission went over goals to carry over from 2009 and added new goals for 2010. Staff was directed to compile the goals the commission would like for 2010 and bring it back to the Commission at the next meeting for ranking. b. Gethsemane Park Lease Agreement Mr. Taylor went over the report. It is anticipated that a draft lease agreement will be brought to the Commission at the next meeting. 0 The Commission expressed interest in exploring the idea of purchasing the Beaver Lak parcel and requested that it be put on the agenda in the future for discussion. The Commission stated that purchasing Beaver Lake may affect the ability to purchase Gethsemane Park and should be considered in the process of creating the new lease agreement. I 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. Mississippi Tot Lot Update This item was tabled. b. Lions Park Update Ms. Robbins updated the Commission on the Lions Park progress. c. Goodrich Park Master Plan Mr. Taylor updated the Commission on what will be going into the master plan. d. Athletic Associations — Contributions to the City Mr. Taylor discussed MESA and Maplewood Athletic Association and how they impact the recreation programs in Maplewood. e. Wakefield Picnic Shelter Update Ms. Robbins updated the Commission on where the project is at. f. Community Gardens Update Ms. Robbins updated the Commission on the Community Gardens progress. The Commission asked that once the Community Garden Committee is formed that they come to a Parks & Recreation Commission meeting to update the Commission on what Lheir process will be for making decisions and how the program is go g. Phalen Keller Regional Park Task Force Ms. Robbins gave the Commission an update on the task force and stated that the meeting minutes are available on the City of St. Paul website. She also went over what the task force will address at their next meeting on March 4. h. Trout Brook Regional Trail Mr. Taylor went over the Master Plan and gave a handout to the Commission to go over the location of the Trail. (The handout was not available prior to the packet being completed). Commissioner Fischer motioned to have staff continue to working on the process and to keep the Commission informed. Commissioner Peterson seconded. Fay =-4 "al I 1 9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Maas expressed concern that there are no lights in the tunnel that goes under Kennard on the Lake Links Trail. Mr. Taylor stated that the concern will be brought to the attention of DuWayne Konewko, the Community Development & Parks Commission. Commissioner Christianson asked if a letter of appreciation was ever given to Doug Taubman and Pauline Staples from the Commission. Commissioner Fischer suggested that a*"few trees be planted in their honor. The Commission agreed on the idea. Ms. Robbins stated she would work with park maintenance to find a suitable place for the trees to be planted and bring that back to the commission. It was agreed that it would b discussed further amongst the commissioners outside of the meeting as this would be using pers-onalfunds and would not be considered City Business. Commissioner Fischer had no comments. ��ivp�o�q I —61 Commissioner Sonnek commented that since the next meeting takes place on St. -'atrick's Day that each commissioner should wear green. NIs. Robbins stated that in the ongoing effort to re-establish the Parks & Recreation Department, a new office specialist has been hired and will be starting in the next few weeks. An intern who is helping with this process will be attending the March meeting for the Commission to discuss the Needs Assessment Survey for Parks & Recreation. The Department is also on track to hire a full-time recreation assistant. Chair Roman asked for an update on the Winter Carnival Medallion question. Mr. Taylor stated he never heard a response and will follow-up again. Chair Roman also stated that he attended an event in Franconia that showcased a cast iron pour and thought it would bz�l an interesting thing to look into for the sculpture garden. Chair Roman also encouraged the Commission members to visit dog parks within the Twin Cities to see what they are all about. He handed out a few maps of dog parks. Commissioner Brannon moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Fischer seconded. a!