Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 6 8 10PRESENT:
ABSENT:
OTHERS:
MINUTES
APPROVED;
VOTE:
UPDATE ON
TRAI L
PROJECTS:
REQUEST FROM
MCFC TO HAVE
BOOTHS AND
VENDORS AT
JACKSON PARK;
VOTE:
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
4:30 p.m., Annex Room Pavilion, Eagle Point Park
Bob Blocker, Paul Hoffmann, Karen Lyness, Evelyn Nadeau and Mark Noble
Tom Blocklinger and Gary Harjehausen
Staff present: Marie Ware, Pat Prevenas, Bob Fritsch and Eileen Trimble
It was moved by Hoffmann, seconded by Lyness, to approve the minutes of the
May 11, 2010, meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Bergfeld Trail: The Bergfeld trail is complete except for the parking lot at the
Pennsylvania end. The Engineering Department was asked to review the site
stopping distances. After review it was determined to move the entrance 80
feet to west. The walking trail around the pond had ground water going over it
and moss growing. Parks did a temporary fix a few years ago but now
excavated and backfilled a 100 -yard area and put in drainage tile. We have
received a lot of positive feedback about the area — employees from Hormel,
Medline and Kendall Hunt use the trail a lot and think the whole area is
wonderful.
Northwest Arterial: Asphalt laying is complete on phase 2 and a punch list is
being created for the contractor. Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
is looking at a REAP grant for phase 4.
Catfish Creek: A meeting was held with property owners in late May. There
were several people that do not want the trail but MSA reiterated that it was
just a feasibility study. The study shows if it can be done and a number of
ways to do it. The next step is the public hearing. We would publicize and
anybody would be welcome to come. After discussion it was decided to have
the public hearing on Tuesday, June 29th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tara Velez from the Multicultural Family Center is requesting permission to
have information booths and vending opportunities highlighting local African -
American owned businesses at the Music in Jackson Park celebration on
Sunday, June 13th. Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware said we have
allowed several things like this in the past but don't seem to have a totally
consistent policy. She is recommending the commission approves this request
but then look at the ordinance and current practices as a winter project.
Commissioners agreed that we need to look at the current "policy" versus
current "practice" and change the actual policy and /or ordinance accordingly.
It was moved by Nadeau, seconded y Hoffmann, to approve the MCFC
request to have booths and vending opportunities for Sunday, June 13th
concert/celebration at Jackson Park, for this year only to allow for policy
review. The motion passed unanimously.
June b. Lu t meetlna
PARK DIVISION Park Division Manager Bob Fritsch updated commissioners:
REPORT:
OTHER
BUSINESS:
ADJOURN;
VOTE:
Attest
June 8, 2010 meeting
page two
• Mike Horsfall has done a tremendous job with the planters by the Roshek
building. He worked with Mary Gronen in February. They are doing six more
planters this week. We are billing Gronen Restoration for those hours,
estimated at $4,000. The planters should look fantastic in late June or July. •
Iowa Workforce Development is working with us to employ at risk or
disadvantaged youth. There are two people for twelve weeks, paid by the state
with an AmeriCorps person to train them. They will focus on work at the
Roshek Building doing weeding and watering plants etc. There could be up to
five workers. Our staff will be teaching them landscape maintenance. • BMX
bike track at McAleece: City Council approved the project and diverting
money from other CIP projects. Kids and bike shop owners will be invited to be
involved in construction of the BMX track. It is hoped they will want to take
some ownership and help maintain the track. • Grandview /Rockdale entry:
development should be done within about eight weeks. Park Division Manager
Bob Fritsch is working with an Eagle Scout on the retaining wall and plantings.
Additionally, we will be doing brick pavers, lights and ornamental landscaping.
RECREATION Recreation Division Manager Pat Prevenas updated commissioners:
DIVISION
REPORT: • golf rounds were down for May but it was about the same average month as
the last ten years. • pools had a decent Memorial Day opening with good
weather; a middle school pool party is being offered at Sutton Pool on June
13th with DJ and games, etc. • summer classes start Monday; we have been
registering the last two months.
• Commissioner Nadeau asked if department attempts to get middle school
age students more involved in activities had been successful. Mr. Prevenas
said only so -so.
• Manager Ware said it has been very busy and if commissioners were out
and about and saw employees working, thank them for their efforts. The
phones have been crazy and the office very busy.
It was moved by Blocker, seconded by Lyness, that the meeting be adjourned
at 5:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson