Loading...
09/13/2004 - 00028728CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING —SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Kondrick called the September 13, 2004 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:10 p. m. ROLL CALL: Members Present Others Present Dave Kondrick, Edward McDonald, Tim Solberg, Dolores Varichak Jack Kirk, Director of Recreation & Natural Resources Patrick Zebro, 6589 Clover Place APPROVAL OF AUGUST 2, 2004 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. McDonald, to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2004 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. McDonald, to approve the agenda for the September 13, 2004 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that all of the summer activities ended during the last month and many of the fall activities have now started. By all accounts, the summer activities went well. Mr. Kirk also stated that a program update was included in the agenda packet for the information of the Commission members. The update identifies some of the activities completed since the last Commission meeting. Mr. Kirk stated that Moore Lake swimming beach closed for the year on August 16t". A high bacteria level caused the beach to be closed in early August, but the water quality improved so it could reopen for the one week before the closing date. We had the water tested two weeks after closing and the bacteria level was very high again. We have been unable to determine what is causing the high bacteria counts in the lake. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 13, 2004 Paqe 2 b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kondrick stated that Mr. Lindquist, Public Works Parks Division Supervisor is not at the meeting this evening, but has provided a written report of park maintenance activity during the past month. The following is Mr. Lindquist's written report: During the month of August we were very busy mowing all the park sites: cleaning buildings and grounds each day; emptying trash cans every other day; cleaned up landscape plantings at most park locations; trimmed hedges at Commons, Moore Lake park, and Summit Square park; brought the showmobile to St. Anthony and Vadnais Heights; took down the beach equipment for the season; repaired the Commons soccer/ football areas by resodding, aerating the old turf areas, and fertilizing; made repairs to irrigation systems at various parks locations; prepared for and worked the women's class D state softball tournament; made repairs to property at Highway 65 liquor store and the Central Avenue fire station; rearranged the soccer goals at the Fridley Middle School track field; did playground and park areas safety inspections; picked up litter, emptied trash cans and cleaned the restrooms at the Nature Center each day; prepared all softball game fields each day and painted all of the soccer and softball fields each week. c. Canada Goose Project Mr. Kirk stated that he has provided the Commission members with a letter he received from the Canada Goose Program. There were 77 geese taken from the Moore Lake site during this summer's round-up. Mr. Kirk stated that we would likely need to continue with this program each year if we want to keep the number of geese down at the swimming beach and picnic area of the park. Mr. Kondrick asked if the City or Mr. Kirk was getting any flak from anyone about the removal of the geese. Mr. Kirk stated no, that he had not heard any comments or concerns this year. He did state that during the 2003 round-up, the project workers ended up on some private property near Moore Lake while directing the geese into the nets. The homeowner at that property was not in favor of the round-up and contacted Mr. Kirk. The Canada Goose Program Director was notified of this concern and agreed not to go onto private property without the owner's permission. Other than that incident, there have not been any negative comments on the goose round-up at Moore Lake. d. Ruth Circle Play Equipment Arson Mr. Kirk stated that the playground equipment at Ruth Circle Park was damaged by an intentionally set fire for the second time in the past three years. He has drafted a letter to the neighborhood that asks for assistance in providing information on who might have set the fire and also asks the residents of the area to help keep a watchful eye on the park and equipment. The neighborhood crime watch block captains will be handing out this letter in the next week. e. Lions Club Community Projects Mr. Kirk stated the Fridley Lions Club had contacted him and said they have an interest in working with the City on some projects that will benefit the park system. They have a particular interest in doing a project that includes some hands-on work by the members of the Lions Club. Several years ago, the Fridley Lions built the picnic shelter by fields #5 and #6 at Community Park and they constructed the sand volleyball courts at Moore Lake Beach. They Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 13, 2004 Paqe 3 are looking into similar projects that their group may want to be involved with. They may even want to start a project yet this fall or early next spring. Mr. Kirk further stated that he provided a list of potential projects for consideration to the Lions Club. A copy of this list is in the agenda packet for tonight's meeting. The Lions Club is meeting this week and will determine what projects they want to be involved with. A representative of the Lions said that the group seemed to favor a new picnic shelter by the Horseshoe courts at Locke Park and another shelter at the Community Park ballfields. f. Letter from Fridley Historical Society Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley Historical Society held their August Fest event and old time baseball game at the Historical Society site on August 7t". The City allowed the group to use the showmobile for this event and the City band played a concert. The Historical Society sent a letter thanking the City for the use of the showmobile and they included a couple of pictures from the event. A copy of the letter is in the agenda packet for tonight's meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Minnesota Kite Society Request Mr. Kirk stated that the Minnesota Kite Society has used Commons Park the last few years for this annual "One Sky, One World" event and it has worked out very well. It is a colorful event with the various kites flying in the sky and does not keep other park visitors from using the park. The event would take place on Sunday, October 10t" from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Staff would recommend approval of this request. MOTION by Ms. Varichak, seconded by Mr. McDonald to approve the request by the Minnesota Kite Society to use Commons Park for the kite flying event on Sunday, October 10, 2004. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Fridley Dance Team — Little League Baseball Fields Use Request Mr. Kirk stated that the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services did not get enough teams for this fall baseball league, so this request for use of the fields has been withdrawn. No action is needed from the Parks and Recreation Commission. c. FYSA Park Maintenance Request Mr. Kirk stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission has received a letter from Sue Zebro, FYSA Girls Slowpitch Softball Director, regarding field maintenance and accessibility to Community Park fields 5 and 6. She is requesting that the City consider altering the park maintenance work schedule for softball field preparation in the spring and summer months. She states in her letter that often times games have had to be cancelled because the park maintenance staff goes home at 3:30 p.m. and fields cannot be prepared (due to weather) for games scheduled at 6:30 p.m. She also states in her letter that they would like to see a paved path going back to fields #5 and #6 to allow for handicapped accessibility. Mr. Pat Zebro, representing the FYSA Girls Softball, stated that he would like to start with discussing the path back to fields 5 and 6. He said that several parents in the girls softball program have expressed a concern that a handicapped accessible path is not available to the Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 13, 2004 Paqe 4 two back fields used by the youth girls program. On one occasion, he had just finished discussing the need for such a path with one of the parents and they witnessed a man on crutches trying to maneuver his way over the wet and muddy turf. They watched as he tripped and fell. He was laying down on the ground a one of his crutches was still standing upright in the mud. Some people in wheelchairs have had a very difficult time getting back to these fields to watch the games. Mr. Kirk stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission has previously discussed the need for a path back to fields 5 and 6. A couple of years back, the Commission had actually recommended a path be installed at Community Park as part of the Parks Capital Improvement Program under ADA improvements. The City Council was concerned that if a path would be installed it would have to be removed with some ballfield drainage improvements at the park, so we needed to hold off on installation of the path. Mr. Kirk stated that a path to the back two fields at Community Park is needed for accessibility and should be installed. Mr. Kirk further stated that there is an accessibility path to the main four fields at Community Park, but we do not have a path to the back fields. Mr. Kondrick stated to Mr. Zebro that the Commission is aware of the need for an accessible path and had recommended that one be installed. The City has looked at the cost for helping with the water drainage problems at that park and the cost is extremely high. Mr. Kondrick further stated that he could not promise how this would be resolved; however, it is something that the City should revisit and look at providing a path. Mr. Solberg asked if there are portable type products that could be used to provide access over turf areas or are there other alternatives to an asphalt path. Mr. Kirk stated that there is a portable accessibility path on the market, but it is more of a temporary installation and there may be a concern over long term durability. Also, a plastic path such as the one used at Moore Lake Beach on the sand is very expensive. Mr. Kondrick stated that the Commission will make sure that the path issue is revisited and looked into. Mr. Zebro stated that the other item they would like to discuss with the Commission is the field preparation needs for the girls softball program. Mr. Zebro stated that the way the letter is worded is a request for Park Maintenance staff to alter their work schedule, but he stated that maybe there is someway, other than a work schedule change, to get the fields ready for games. The biggest concern is on days where it has been raining and the rain stops at 2:30 or 3:00, and then it turns out to be a nice evening. With the maintenance workers going home at 3:30, there is not enough time to get the fields prepared and games have been cancelled. Mr. Kondrick asked how often this type of situation comes up during the season. Mr. Zebro stated that he would estimate that this happens about 3 to 5 times per year. Mr. Kirk stated that although Mr. Lindquist is not at the meeting this evening, he has discussed ballfield maintenance with him and they have talked about different working hours for the ballfield workers. Mr. Lindquist's concern with the ballfield crew working different hours than the other park maintenance workers is how they will be supervised. Mr. Zebro asked if there was a way that the FYSA coaches could have access to the field maintenance equipment at the park at around 5:00 p.m., so they could do the work necessary to get the fields ready. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 13, 2004 Paqe 5 Mr. Kirk stated that when it comes to power equipment, that could not be made available to non-employees due to liability concerns for the City. Other equipment such as hand drags and field marking equipment could possibly be made available, but there would be a concern that the fields were properly handled to avoid long term problems and sometimes expensive repairs. There have been occasions in the past that youth sport coaches have attempted to make fields playable during extremely wet conditions and have caused some significant problems due to improper methods of clearing water and draining fields. Mr. Kirk stated that to address this issue further, he would like to suggest that representatives of the girls softball program get together with Mr. Lindquist and himself to discuss the field maintenance and preparation concerns. Collectively we could identify the major concerns and look at the possibilities of what could be done to resolve them. The Commission members and Mr. Zebro thought that this would be a good approach to this concern. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Tennis/ Basketball Courts Study Mr. Kirk stated that the Commission had some very good discussion on the hard surface court areas at the August Commission meeting and requested that the item be brought back to the September meeting for further discussion. The Parks and Recreation Commission has been aware of the high cost of court repair and maintenance and has taken steps over the past several years to reduce those costs whenever possible. The recommendation to remove the basketball court at Springbrook Park and reduce the number of tennis courts at Logan and Terrace Parks from two courts to one have resulted in less dollars on court upkeep. Mr. Kirk further stated that staff has looked at the tennis and basketball courts in our parks and has made some recommendations for the Commission to consider. The staff recommended plan would reduce the number of courts and the dollars needed to replace and maintain the remaining courts. The plan still provides good placement of these facilities throughout our community. The staff recommendations for future adjustments to the tennis and basketball courts in our park system are as follows: • Remove the two north courts at Commons Park and replace with sand volleyball courts. • Remove the two courts at Craig Park and replace with a grass open play area. • Remove the two tennis courts at Briardale Park and replace with one new tennis court. • Remove the single tennis court at Springbrook Park and replace with a grass open play area. • Remove the two tennis courts at North Park Elementary School or explore turning maintenance of existing courts over to school district. • Remove the tennis court and basketball court at Woodcrest Elementary School or explore turning over the maintenance of existing courts to school district. • Remove existing tennis courts and replace with new courts at Edgewater Gardens, Madsen, and Sylvan Hills parks. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 13, 2004 Paqe 6 • Keep existing tennis courts at other park locations and provide on-going color-coating and maintenance to retain good playable surfaces. • Remove the basketball court at Oak Hill Park and replace with a grass area and picnic tables. • Remove the old basketball court surfaces and replace with a half-court asphalt pad at the following parks: Edgewater Gardens, Glencoe, Jay, Summit Square and Sylvan Hills. • Remove and replace basketball court areas at Briardale Park, Madsen Park, and Plymouth Square Park. • Keep existing basketball courts at other park locations and provide on-going asphalt sealing and/or color-coating to retain good playable surfaces. • Add a full-court basketball area to the Fridley Community Center outdoor play area. Mr. Kirk stated that the recommendations include removing 9 additional tennis courts from those currently provided in the park system. That would amount to 15 city provided courts remaining, in addition to the 13 public school courts for a total of 28 tennis courts. This would be a reduction from our high point of 40 tennis courts in our community approximately ten years ago. The recommendations would only result in a reduction of one basketball court area if a court were installed by the Fridley Community Center to replace the one being removed at Oak Hill Park. However, the smaller playing surfaces at some of the basketball courts and a cut back in color coating of surfaces will save dollars in our parks improvement budget. Mr. Kondrick asked if the School Districts have been approached about the possibility of courts being removed at their playground sites. Mr. Kirk stated that he had not talked with School Districts yet because he wanted to see if the Commission wanted to go in that direction. If this plan moves forward, he would talk with the schools about removal of the courts or as another option, the school district taking over the long-term maintenance of the court areas. Mr. Kondrick asked if all the Commission members have had a chance to review the information in the tennis and basketball court study. He also asked if anyone has any questions about the information. Mr. Solberg asked if the plan were implemented, will the quality of the existing courts improve or are we just looking at saving money through the reduction in courts. Mr. Kirk stated that the goal should be to have a reasonable number of courts city wide that we can keep in good playing condition. Mr. Solberg stated that he would agree with the reduction in courts, but let's make sure we take good care of the ones we keep. He further stated the City should take steps to keep bicycles and rollerblades off of these courts to prevent damage to the playing surface. Mr. Solberg asked if there would be communication to the various neighborhoods about any changes to the courts in the parks near their homes. He further stated that it may be important to tell residents of the proposed changes and the need for the changes. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — September 13, 2004 Paqe 7 Mr. Kondrick stated that the Commission should forward a recommended plan to the City Council. When a plan is accepted by the City Council, it may be a good topic for a future city newsletter article to inform the public. Mr. Kondrick stated that he felt the recommendations in this plan would not all happen at one time, but would happen over a period of several years. He would suggest that letters be sent out to the neighborhoods as projects occur in the parks. The letter can explain the reasons that the changes are being made. The letter can talk about the budget constraints and the goal of providing fewer, but good playing surfaces throughout our park system. It can also point out where the additional courts in our community are located. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Varichak, to approve the staff recommended plan for the tennis and basketball courts in our park system. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Ms. Varichak, seconded by Mr. McDonald, to adjourn the September 13, 2004 meeting at 8:45 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 MEETING ADJOURNED.