PR 03/14/1979 - 31242�
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING
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MARCH 14, 1979
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Peterson cal-led the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M.
ROLL� CALL :
Members Present: Robert Peterson, Robin Suhrbier, Betty Mech, Jan Seeger
Members Absent: Leonard Moore
Others Present: Barbara Hughes (Term beginning 4-1-79)
David Kondrick (Term beginning 4-1-79)
Charles Boudreau, Park & Recreation Director
Jack Kirk, Recreation Supervisor
Connie McMillion - Program Supervisor
APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES: NOVEMBER 27, 1978
M4TION by Suhrbier, seconded by Mech, to approve the Parks &-Re.ct°e,�tibn
Commission minutes of November 1979 as written. Upon a voice vote, all voting
aye, Chairperson Peterson declared the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The following items were added to the agenda:
1. Topic of "Sister City."
2. Status of Sear's Property
3. Harris Lake Park status.
MOTION by Seeger, seconded by Suhrbier, to approve the agenda as amended.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chairperson Peterson declared the motion
carried unanimously.
]. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBERS
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Mr. Peterson welcomed the new Commission members, �dt�6ara�Hughes and Da��d
Kondrick. He stated that according to the Charter, these new i,iemb�r�s term would
begin on April 1, T979, therefore, they could join in any disc•assion, but would
be unable to be voting members at this meeting,
2. DIRECTOR`S REPORT
A. Concerned Citizen
^� Mr. Boudreau stated that he had one call frc;n a concerned parent who requested
that the Commission mandate..a rule that all people using the Fridley hockey rinks
� be requ�red to wear a helmet. He stated that he told this person that the City`s
Hockey League requires the use of a helmet. Mr. Boudreau said that this person
was not referring to just league hockey, but to anyone who uses the hockey rink
on his own. He said he then told this person that he thought it would be very
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Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting March 14, 1979 Page 2
�d7fficult to mandate what a person would have to wear to use the City's facilities.
Mr. Boudreau stated that this person wanted this issue brought to to Commission's ^
attention.�
Chairperson Peterson asked that Mr. Boudreau place this item under "Old Business ~
so that the Corrnnission could act upon it.
B. Staff Introduction
Mr. Boudreau introduced Connie McMillion, the top candidate out of 78
applications for the position of program director. Mr. Boudreau explained that
the City had advertised for the position in the seven state area. He then
explained the qualifications and experience Ms. McMillion had for this position.
He further stated that she will be in charge of the summer program and the senior
citizen's program.
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Mr.Boudreau informed the Commission that they would be losing three other
. CETA staff inembers at the end of April when funding�ran out. This would leave
Mr. Kirk, Ms. McMillion, and himself on staff. He stated that their concern
would be in providing the serviees not available with the reduction in staff. -
C. LAWCON Funding
Mr. Boudreau stated that he was at a State Le�islature meeting Monday night
on funding for a facility at North Park. He said that the legislature was having
problems with the funding, because they have never funded nature center buildings
per se, under LAWCON monies. He further state that the legislature had accepted
applications from the City of Fridley and St. Louis Park, and that both cities
ranked in the top three for funding pusposes. Yet, he stated, the legislature
wanted to wait, because they didn'tknow if they wanted to open the door on fund-
ing buildings. If they do fund a building, they are looking at a possible upper
limit of $35,800. He stated that the legislature reverted the funding back to
the LCMR staff for further recommendations and guidelines. The LCMR staff said
they had to have a decision before Apri1 4th on whether they would fund`the
Fridley or St. Louis Park projects. Mr. Boudreau stated that they j:ust had to
wait and see what the legislature decides to do.
D. Sear's Property ,
Mr. Boudreau said they were still working on getting LAWCON money for the
purchase of twenty-two acres of the Sears's property. He felt that there may
be no problem in obtain the money for the Sear's property, but that the buiJ ding
at North Park�could go either.way. He then presented the Commission members
with the department's ideas of what they would like to see happen on the Sear's
property. He stated that the total cost to the City for the acquisition of the
property could be somewhere around sixty to sixty-three thousand dollars. He
further stated that if this area were to be completed as proposed, it would
eliminate some of the high activity use in Common's Park, so that this park
could become a neighborhood park area.
E. Harris Lake Park
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� Mr. Boudreau said that l�ist fall a Fridley youth had taken a four-wheel
drive vehicle and damaged the Harris Lake Park area by tearing up the turf,
damaging trees. etc. The damage amounted to about $3,000. This incident took
place as the first snow was falling, so that there was no way of determining the
exact extent of the damage done. The court left restitution measures up to the
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Parks & Recreatian Commission Meeting, March 14, 1979 Page 3
pr�bation officer. The officer had been in contact with Mr.Qoudreau, �nd had
^ suggested that the youth be employed by the Park Department so that"he could
make restitution. He said that they had discussed this proposal and determined
/� that there may be problems with some of the Park employees feelings of working
with this youth, and maybe it would be better if he saught emplo�nent elsewhere,
whereby he could make restitution. The probation officer explained that this
was a problem in that problem youths are usually difficult to employ, and if they
were employed it was generally a short term emplayment. The officer also stated
that sometimes it was difficult to get restitution.
Chairman Peterson and the other Cammission members discussed the possibility
of insurance coverage through the juvenile's parent's insurance. Mr. Boudreau
told the Commission that he had already discussed this with the probation officer
who said he would check on this and get back to Mr. Boudreau. He said that was
over a month ago, and up to this time, he had had no response from the o�ficer.
Mr. Beaudreau said they would be replacing the trees from the nursery and be
reseeding the damaged area this spring.
F. Congregate Dining
Connie Mcf�fillion gave a report on congregate dining. She stated that there
had been a lot of growth of this program. When it began there were between 17 to
40 people participating. The latest reports are that there are about 75 people
participating. The program is stabilizing so that there about 40 or more people,
on the average, who were participating in the program. She mentioned changes in
the program that have encouraged attendance. One change was changing the time
of the Senior meeting from noon to one o'clock. Another change was to schedule
^ activities far senior either befor�e of after congregate dining. She said that
� beginning April 1, 1979, the City was putting together a transportation system,
for the seniors, to an from congregate dining.
Mr. Boudreau interjected that they are starting with a house to house transport
system, with the seniors calling in two days in advance for a reservation. If
this failed, central pick-up sites would be arranged. _One such pick-up would
include the Senior Mid-rise (Village Green}, upon completiant of this building.
He said there are looking at uray to serve the handicapped, such as ramps, etc.
G. North Park School (Tennis Courts)
Mr. Boudreau stated that the City of Fridley had approached School District
16 in Columbia Heights. The City of Fridley wants to install two tennis courts
on the Columbia Heights property adjacent to the blacktop surface. With the thought
in mind that the City would then light them in the future, when funds become
available. Mr. Kirk has attended the meeting in Mr. Bourdeau's absence, and had
gotten a very positive attitude from the School Board on the possibility of allowing
the City of Fridley to lease this area and develop this sport facility. Mr. Boudreau
further stated that the City was now in the process of getting a written lease
agreement for this area at North Park Schoal. Ne said he had some terminology
he wanted included in the lease agreement so that if the City leased the outside
ground area, they may also include some inside use of the building.
Mr. Boudreau said that the department had contacted, and will be attending the
/'1 Tuesday evening school baard meeting, of School District #14. to request permission
� to light the six tennis court complex behind the Junior High School, as opposed to
the City's four courts in Common's Park. He said that it was the department's
thinking that the courts at the Junio►° High were further away from the residential
area and would give the City two additional lighted courts. He said he was not
Park & Recreation Commission Meeting, March 14, 1979
sure how the School Board would react to this proposal.
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Mr. Boudreau said that the City was looking into a new system for lighting
of the tennis courts. The new system under consideration would be a push button
type, that is wired to a clock, so that a person could push the lighting on and
off, and they would automatically go off at a specified time. Also, the type
of sysiem could be turned of� by the City on rainy days when the court would not
be in use. This would be an energy saving devise.
Chairperson Peterson interjected that even if a cost benefit analysis was
negative he felt that such a devise would be beneficial in that the City has
an Energy Project Committee going, and he felt the City should set an example of
energy conservation.
Mr. Boudreau said that he and Mr. Habel were working together to see if there
was a possiblility of installing a permanent hockey rink at Rice Creek School, and
then a possible lighted tennis court.
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After discussion between Ms. Suhrbier and Mr. Bourdeau on the problems of
equipment, and access, etc., in the Innsbruck area for ice, it was decided that
Mr. Boudreau would ask Jerrold Boardman, City Planner, to set up a neighborhood
meeting to discuss the problems and solutions for that area.
Mr. Boudreau said that in April or May he would be coming back to this Commission
with a list of hockey, and ice placements, in the City. Upon the Commission's
approval, he would then request approval by the City Council. He would have to
have written permission for access at that time.
3. UPDATE ON NEIGHBORNOOD PARK MEETINGS
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Mr. Boudreau said that the Planning Department was in the process of developing
a Parks and Open Space System Plan. In this process, the department identified
thirteen neighborhoods. From these thirteen neighborhoods, volunteers were
solicited to work with the Planning and Parks & Recreation departments. Surveys
w�re done to find out what each neighborhood's activity interests were. Mike Franzen
of the Planning Dept, compiled all this info�mati�n and used i't to canstru�t•
various site plans for �ach neighborhood park and then he constructed
models ofi each park. A series of informal meetings were held with people from
each park area, so they could see how their ideas were implemented into the design,
and also to receive additional input for each park. These neighborhood parks service
about a six block area. The attendance at these meetings averaged about 15 people.
Mr. Boudreau stated some of the views that were brought out at these meetings,
1. Craig - l�anted water fountains, and rebound boards, and lights -;"^
on the tennis court area. They would like the tennis court area to be
color codes with lines, new play equipment, and they would like to keep
general ice, withaut a warming house.
2. Sylvan - Wanted the City to look at the drainage, vranted water fountains,
additional landscaping, and wanted to retain it as a playground location.
They wanted a double tennis court with a hard surface added on to the end
of it. Also wanted new play equipment, and wanted to keep it as a general
ice area with no hockey rink. ^
3. Ruth Circle - They would like tennis court lights, general skating area, a
hard surface area for basketball. Someone suggested a sand area for volley-� �
ball. Also walkway's from the west side was suggested for easy access to
the park. They also would the hockey rink maintained.
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Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting , March 14, 1979 Page 5
Mr. Boudreau said the park plans would be modified to inciude some of the
� suggestions that were made. Then the plans would be presented to the Parks
�, and Recreation Commission for additional input. He thought that the Planning
Commissian would eventually be holding public hearings on the Park and Open
Space System Plan and their recommendation would go to the City Council for
their approval and acceptance.
Ms. Mech asked Mr. Boudreau about the Benjamin-Briardale Park. Mr. Boudreau
stated that this was the newest park, and had some new equlp�aen�2 but thdt the
City had to set priorities. He thought it would be up to the Cl�ty CRu�ci1-to
allocate priorities according to the badge�, as to where t�e mQney �o�ld go, and
what the City cou1d do.
Ms. Mech then asked for the status of Harris Lake park, Mr� Bouedreau stated
that they did not have neighborhood meetings for Harri_s La,ke, �ecdu�e. 1'� did not
fall into the classification of a neigh6orhood park, He sdi'� that ,from �he i�p�t
he had gotten from this area was that the residents wanted a �andscaped facll�ty
area with walkways, and some open areas wi'th an open shelter 6u�`1�1ngx with sa�e
picnic tables. They wanted a very low acti�vity level �ecause. of t�e. da,��ers of
Mississippi Street.
Mr. Boudreau, at Ms. Mech's suggestion, stated that he would �e11 Mr. Boardman
that Ms. Mech had requested a neigfi6orhood meeti'ng to di'scuss the wants and ne.eds
of the Harris Lake area, and an update on Rice Greek School p1ans,
Mr. Boudreau said that he had 6een di�smayed at the fac� that t�ere w�r-e no
^ Commission men�bers present at the Benjamin�Briarda1e nelghborh�ood n)eeti�ng.
�� Chairperson Peterson stated in defence that the Camm�ssian members ne.ver go�
a notice of the meeting. Mr. Boudreau stated that fie would make sure that the
Commission was informed of any further neigh6orfiood meeti'ng dates,
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4. WINTER-SPRING PROGRAMS
Mr. Kirk was asked to give the Commisslon an upddte pn th� Winter-Spring
program schedule. Mr. Kirk stated ihat most of the wi�nter act�vit�es w.ere
winding down now. The basketball playoff's were ta 6e held i'n St. C7oud this
weekend. Also the volleyball playoff's for the State were coming up shortlya
Mr. Kirk stated that the disco lessons tiie Ci`ty Fras had fiave 6een very popalar,
and they had had to add extra sessions of the 1essons to accommodate the num�er
of registrations. The "Ladies Day Out" was very successful, wl�th trips to the
Guthrie Theatre, and to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. He further stated that
the exercise programs were starting some day sessi'ons to accommodate the Various
working schedules of adu1ts. They have 6oth a men"-s and women�s exerc��se group,
Mr. Kirk said that this program had been a s1ow starter, 6u� they have a6out 2Q
women and about 15 men in the progran� now. The City hopes to have more activl'tes
throughout the day to accommodate the differnt working shlfts Zn tFie C1ty.
Mr. Kirk stated that the "After S�hoo1 Activities" are continuing at Nortti �
Park, Stevens, Rice Creek, Hayes and Parkview. He sald they had contacted ttie
Spring Lake Park School District to see if ihey could coordi'nate something wi�th
the 6Joodcrest School. Spring Lake Park responded that they had their own a�ter
school programs and felt that Fridley wou1d be dup1icating their own programs,
Mr. Kirk
to 350 junior
snow tubing,
stated that the "Teen Fest" pronrams are continuing to draw between 300
high students two times a nionth. Some of the teen field trips were
a sleigh ride, and seeing the Harlem Globe Trotters. Mr, Boudreau
Park & Recreation Commission Meetinq March 14, 1979 Paqe 6
said that Fridley was one of the few cities that had a good turn out for the
Globe Trotters. He said that Brooklyn Center and 6rooklyn Park had combined �`'
efforts, but they did not have enough to fill a bus. He said that Fridley had ''
contacted Moundsview, for a cooperative effort, because Fridley had more people
than they could accommodate. The extra Fridley people were made aware that they
could possibly be accommodated with Moundsview.
Mr. Kirk stated that the Senior Program always seems to be growing. He
had received numerous calls from people who want membership. There were now
about 400 people on the mailing list.
Mr. Kirk said that concerning the spring programs, they would be starting the
middle of April. The City offers some tennis Tessons, swim and stay fit programs,
men and womens exercise programs. The after school program will be shorter this
spring. The City will be offering some tennis lessons for the elementary age.
There is also a new program going on nationally called the "New Games" program,
which is desig��ed to be low competitive games. They City will be trying to have
a fourth to sixth grade disco dance lesson program, and some art programs.
Mr. Kirk stated that last fall he had contacted a representative from Unity
Hospital for a cooperative effort in working out a running fitness program. He
stated that every one who joins this program receives a certificate of participation.
This certificate will record their progress in the program. This program will
hopefully begin the first part of April.
Mr. Kirk said the softball program is beginning with the manager's meeting �
next Wednesday and Thursday evening. They are anticipating around l00 teams to
participate. Mr. Kirk stated that with Fridley's facilities, they run about '�
one night per week per league with this program. Mr. Broudreau said he wanted
ta familiarize the Cammission with a couple of changes they had made to streamline
the program. One change was a$50 deposit which wi11 guarantee the eligibility of
a team. If the team goes throughout the season, and successfully completes the
year without a prozest to their eligibility, this deposit would be refunded to
them. If there was a protest, and they were found in violation, the $50 would
be forfeited. The first forfeiture would be warning, the second one would be an
automatic elimination from the league. If a team forfeited their initial $50, they
would then have to redeposit unother�$50. .This �50 deposit was in addition to the
user's fee. The second change is that the City has standardized the user's fee.
It used to be that every league had a different price.
Chairperson Peterson questioned why there was a difference in fee schedule
prices, because he felt that the Commission had set a standard user's fee, and
he questioned where and how it had been changed. Mr. Boudreau said they did
increase some of the prices of last year's schedule. Mr. Peterson said they
should not have increased the prices without coming back to the Commission for
approval. Mr. Boudreau stated they had been increased to cover increases in
expenses. He said that this year the City hoped to have the registration fee
at about $160 per team, and $140 for women's recreational teams.
MOTION by Suhrbier, seconded by Seeger, to accept the Department's staff �el
recommendation of the softbal user's fees of $160 and $140. Upon a voice vote, ��
all voting aye, Chairperson Peterson declared the motion carried unanifnously. i t'i
Park & Recreation Commission Meeting March 14, 1979 Paqe 7__,
^ Mr. 6oudreau stated that the Park & Recreation Department is working on a
�� cooperative._agreement �rith 5t. William's Church to use their softball field
three nights per week. This would take some of the pressure aff some of the City's
softball fields. This softball field woul� he used mainly for servicing the
girl's softba1l team, which had used the Junior High School grass fields befare.
St. Williams, in turn, has requested that the City put in some trash receptacles
and some satellite facilities, and maintain the area as far as cutting the grass, etc.
Mr. Kirk wanted to inform the Commission of the "Ethnic Day" that was coming
up on March 31st. He handed out some posters and pamphlers on this event. This
event wi11 be held at Parkview, with the evening ethnic dance at the Senior High
School. He also noted that the �1innesota Twins like to come to each community
every three or four years, to put on a baseball clinic. Mr. Kirk said the Twins
had contacted the Parks and Recreation Department and asked to have a clinic in
Fridley this year. He said Commons Park and the High School gymnasium was reserved
for this clinic on April 25th. .
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Mr. Kirk said there was also a new program, through the National Park and
Recreation Association, in conjuqction wi�h Burger King, that has been in operation
for a few years, but was now being promoted heavily_. This program is called "Pitch,
Hit, and Run" competition. Mr. Kirk said they have informed Burger King that the
City would like to be involved in this program, which seemed to be pretty well
organized. It is quite similar to the "Punt, Pass and Kick Program" of football.
There will be awards, and there are local, district, regional and national competition.
This program ��ill begin May 19, 1979, and the Department will be working closely
�aith the Fridley Youth Sports Association in promotin� this program. Mr. Boudreau
said that the Burger King program was not being underwritten by the State oraanizatian
in the State of Minnesota. Because of this, Mr. Boudreau didn't know how many
people in the state would be participating in the program, but that the Department
felt this was another opportunity to work with the business community, and also
provide a service.
Mr. Kirk stated that they would be having a meeting soon for a total summer
schedule of programs. Mr. Boudreau said that they have had many applicants for
the summer positions such as lifeguards, coaches, etc., and the staff was very
busy screening these applications. He said that Fridley residents still Mave
a priority on job positions available through the summer programs. The application
deadline was �1arch 2nd.
Mr. Kirk said the Department was working very closely with the '49'ers 1979
celebration, as they have done in the past. There are a number of events that
are in the complete charge of the department. There are a couple of events for
the teenagers which they were adding, one of them being similary to the TV show
"Anything Goes", competition. Also planned is an out�oor disco dance at Ploore Lake,
even if it rains: Also a tennis tournament, and the S�niorsWill have a bowling
tournament. The City Band will be playing and once again they will have an all �
star game.
5. SISTER CITY
/'1 Ms. Suhrbier stated that Tom Myhra would like to have a Commission representative
,� at his planning meeting for the Sister City project on Wednesday, 1�larch 21, at 7:3Q
P.h9. Jan Seeger volunteered to attend the meeting, representing the Commissian
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
6. .OLD BUSINESS:
March 14, 1979
Page °
MOTION by Seeger, seconded by Suhrbeir, that the Commission� does nat want
to mandate a helmet rule, except for Recreation League Hockey. Upon a voice
vote, all voting aye, Chairperson Peterson declared the motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Mech wanted to know about the possibility of having an area for mini-bike
use. Mr. Boudreau said he doubted that there would be any area for such a use
in Fridley, but that tfiere have been meetings with Anoka County, Blaine, Spring
Lake Park, Fridley and Coon Rapids, in an attempt to develop an off-road vehicle
site. They are exploring the Arsenal, Bunker Hill�, and the airport site. The
City was involved in finding a suitable spot for this type of vehicle.
7. REGULAR MEETINGS FOR 1979
Discussion ensued about the schedule for regular Parks & Recreation Commission
meetings. After much discussion, the Commission asked Mr. Boudreau to check
with City staff as to when and what time would be available for a change in the
meeting night.
MOTION by Seeger, seconded by Mech, to reinstate once a month meetings.
Upon a voice vote, ail voting aye, Chairperson Peterson declared the motion
carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Seeger, seconded by Mech to adjourn the meeting. Upon a voice
vote, all voting aye, Chairperson Peterson declared the Parks & Recreation
Commission meeting of March 14, 1979 adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
The next meeting will be held on April 23, 1979.
Respectfully submitted,
��-�"^k-- �,.s�e�
�laine �eed
i�ecordiMg Secretary
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MEMO T0: MEMBERS OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
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MEMO FROM: Robin Suhrbier, Vice Chairperson
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MEMO DATE: March 29, 1979
RE: Special Meeting to Discuss Comprehensive Development Plan
This special meeting will be held at 8:00 P.M. on 4Jednesday, April
4, 1979 in Cor�nunity Room I(upper level) of the Civic Center. I will
not be at this meeting as there is a Planning Commission meeting on the ,
same evening. Jan Seeger will be the Chairperson for this meeting.
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cc: Lynne Saba
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