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PR 03/25/1968/1 � ^ MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, MARCH 25, 1968 MEMBERS PRESENT: Hughes, Cochran, Fitzpatrick MEMBERS ABSENT: Dunphy, Larson OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Kirkham, Councilmen Samuelson, Liebl, Harris; Homer Ankrum, City Manager; Shirley Behrens, Fridley Sun; Ed Braddock,Park Con- sultant; Paul Brown, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eleanor Phillips, League of tVomen Voters DISCUSSION OF PARK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM It was pointed out that the reason for the change of acquisition and development figures was due to the rise in costs since last year when the plan was formulated. Councilman Harris stated that the residents in the area on 69th Avenue, West of Univ- ersity have questioned him as to whether or not any park land is being planned for this area. Chairman Hughes answered that there are many areas such as this one that should have a park and this is the reason that a priority list was made. The areas needing parks the most will receive them first. Councilman Harris said that there is some natural land located in this area by the railroad tracks and the creek, and it was his hopes that possible future £unding could take care of this area. Councilman Liebl asked what the figure of $292,100.00 labeled Park Department Overhead, Planning, and Miscellaneous Costs would cover. Mr. Br�ddock, Park Consul- tant, said that this money would cover architectural and departmental costs in addi- tion to covering the costs of planning each development. Councilman Harris asked if any changes �ri tracts of land have been made in the 6th Edition of Draft.for Park Land Acquisition and Development Program from the pre- vious Sth Edition. Chairman Hughes said that the Commission does not recommend any changes be made at this time. Also, these tracts of land represent the priorities from the original plan. To accomplish all the acquisition and devalopment of the original plan, three million dollars would have been needed. It was asked by Councilman Harris whether or not the Council should definitely outline the plan to tfie citizens or will it be subject to change. Chairman Hughes said that the Council and Commission should not commit themselves as far as how much money will be spent in each of the areas, but they should definitely outline the pro- jects. Member Cochran stated that he felt that even the land acquisitions should be subject to change and that only the general areas should be publicized, Chairman Hughes agreed that they should commit themselves to areas and not definite land � � n � � MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 25, 1968 PAGE 2 acqui.sition sizes or exact locations. Councilman Harris suggested that they only define areas where the Park Department already owns the land which will be developed, but to not define land which will be acc{uired. Councilman Samuelson asked how the program should be presented to the public. It was the eonsensus of the Council and the Commission that professional help is needed. Councilman Harris said that they should be careful as not to bind themselves out of the perogative to change areas. Member Fitzpatrick suggested that a map be drawn showing each of the areas with the same size circle rather than defining defi- nite land parcel boundaries. It was the assumption of Councilman Liebl that this is a program for the people who live in Fridley now. He felt that if the people did pass this bond issue,.they would want to see some action within the next couple of years. Councilman Samuelson stated that this is really a catching-up program. Some of the areas have needed parks for quite some time. Councilman Harris asked how soon would money be utilized. According to Mr. Braddock, detailing the development of a park takes approximately three months. The process of acquiring land could begin immediately. The subject of obtaining federal aid was again brought up. Chairman Hughes said that action should be taken to acquire any federal funds that might be ai�ail- able to supplement.the program but they should assume that any federal money applied for now would be received quite some time from now. According to Mayor Kirkham and Mr. Ankrum, federal grants for a particular area would have to be applied for before a bond issue was voted on to make it legal. Councilman Harris suggested that the Rice Creek Basin would be an ideal area where federal aid could be utilized. Councilman Samuelson and Harris agreed that a special election should be held and that it should be as soon as possible, as early as June would be fine. Cochran said that he has mixed feelings on the scheduling of an election Member He would like to see it as soon as possible but would also like to see a large turn-out, Councilman Liebl said that June or July would be the best and he felt that the pro- gram will be passed without any trouble. The Commission agreecl that June would be I MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 25, 1968 PAGE 3 the best time to hold this election. According to Mr. Braddock, at least ten Weeks � of time is needed to adequately publicize this program. Mayor Kirkham suggested that the bonding agent could advise on the means of publicity. The date for the election I was tentatively set as June llth and the amount at $1.5 million. The Council wishes to go on record as favoring the bond referendum. They will ! . . set a definite election date within a month. Mr. Ankrum will set a date that the bonding attorney, Chairman Hughes, and Mayor Kirkham can meet to start making plans. There being no further business, the meeting was dismissed. Respectfully submitted, � ) � G�GL. -G-���✓�/ � Mary Lou Erickson, Secretary - Parks and Recreation Commission � ^ � 0 �� MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION CON�IISSION MEETING, MARCH 25, 1968 Meeting was called to order by Chairman Hughes at 10:05 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Hughes, Cochran, Fitzpatrick r"'� MEMBERS ABSENT: flunphy, Larson OTHERS PRESENT: Ed Braddock, Park Consultant Paul Brown, Director of Parks and Recreation � MINUTES, FEBRUARY 26, 1968; SPECIAL MINUTES, FEBRUARY 26, 1968 � MARCH 18, 1968 MOTION by Fitzpatrick, seconded by Cochran, that the Minutes af February 26, 1968,and the Minutes of the Special Meetings of February 26, 1968, and March 19, 1968, be approved as mailed. The Motion Carried. � LETTERS Letter from Forrest W. Wilcox - Subject: Geodesic Domes. Discussion of letter was postponed until April Meeting. Bulletin from National Recreation and Park Association - Playground Handbook. The Director plans to purchase nine handbook for use at the playgrounds this swnmer. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Subject: Summer copies of this Ralph Volkman, 525 Mill Street, was hired by the Department as Park Leadman. He will begin on April 8, 1968. SIJI�A�fER AND FALL RECREATION PROGRAM FOR 1968 The registration fees for the playgrounds of $3.00 per individual and $6.00 per family will remain the same for the coming summer. The baseball registra- tion fee was raised to $2.00 due to the cost of the equipment which is used. The program follows the plan as proposed for in the 1968 Budget. MOTION by Fitzpatrick, seconded by Cochran, that the Summer and Fall Recreation Program for.1968 be approved as presented. The Motion Carried. BEACH STTCKERS Member Cochran asked whether or not it would be best to eliminate the selling of beach stickers and apply for the County aid which is available to beaches within the County. It was pointed out by the Commission that the reason for the beach stickers is to give citizens of Fridley priority in the use of Moore Lake. Member Cochran requested that discussion of Beach Water Conditions be placed on the Agenda for the May Meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 22, 1968, at 7:30 P.M. � Respectfully submitted - �i��-1,l� (��-�" Mary L Erickson, Secretary - Parks and Recreation Commission