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PR 10/29/1973MzNUT�S OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISS�ON MEEfING, OCTOBER 29, 1973� �/�'� '� ^� � �Due to the lack o£ a quorum, the meeting was not officially called to order, but since there was a visitor present, general discussion was opened at 7:45 p.m., by � Chairman Blair. � MEMBERS PRESENT: Blair, Peterson. MEMBERS EXCUSEll: Stimmler, Caldwell, Wagar. OTHERS PRESENT; Otto Tauer, 5866 2nd Street N.E., Fridley, 55432, 566-8716, Skyline Park. Paul Bro��m, Director of Parks and Recreation. Cathie Stordahl, Secretary to the Commission. SKYLIN� PARK, � Mr. Otto Tauer was present to inform the Commissioners of the problems which he is having in relation to his property whicll is adjacent to Skyline Park. rir. Tauer is the owner of a four-plex and has expressed concern for his property and the vehicles owned by his tennants. Mr. Tauer opened his discussion by stating that the tot park was installed without a fence which has created a problem since his driveway runs along the park side of the building. He explained that he had requested the installation of a fence and A9r. Brbwn }iad taken care of his�requested by installing a sriow fence until such ti�ne as a perma�lent fence could be installed. A snow fence is only 4' high and he feels that this height is not adec�uate. Mr. Tauer displayed some rocks and a broken toy car �ahich he had picked up off L�f his drivewa.y. He stated that the toy car had punctured a car tire. Mr. 1'auer said that it was his understanding that a four foot chain link fence is to be installed, and he ilitends to demand a higher fence. Mr. Tauer further explained that D7r. Brown had informed him that according to the City Ordinance regulating the installation of fences, the maximum heighth for a-fence is seven feet. Mr. Tauer stated that he had checked with the fence companies and they do not make a seven foot fence, so he is requestiiig an eight foot fence. He didn't think that a six foot fence would take care of his problem. Mr. Tauer asked the Commissioners to put their inte�ltions in writing, so he would have a firm statement to work with. . � Mr. Tauer further explained that there was a lot of foul language used at the park, the trash barrels are being over-turned, and the slide appears to be a target for the rock throwers. He has called the parents of the youths who are abusing the facility and has even talked to Lt. Rick of the Police Department. Mr. Tauer feels that the youth need a park, but he pays.for a license to operate his four-plex and he feels that lie is entitled to some protection. Mr. Tauer stated that other neighbors don't care enough to complain becaus.e the;� do not own their homes. If the problems get too far out of hand, they'll move. He stated that he was about the only property owner in the neighborhood. Mr. Brown stated that it was the Department's intention to install a fence, but no heighth or time table has been devised. Mr. Tauer explained �hat he had already installed a 9 guage steel chain link fence on three sides of his property, and had cost ]tim almost $700.00. • Mr. Taucr referred to some previous conversation which he had had with Mr. Brown n wllere they discussed unsupervised children playing in the Park. He asked if there was some way that the parents could be forced to supervise their children while they are playing at the Park? P1r. Brown ancl the Comniissioners said that there was not. Mr. Tauer.said that if the City would write a letter warning the residents of the neighborhood to watch their children, he would personally deliver the letters. Mr. 131air stated that the City was in no position to write such a letter. � Minutes of the Parks $ Recreatxon Corrunission Meeting, Octobex 29, 1973. Page 2 SKYLINE PARK CCON`T): � Lt. Kick had suggested that the neighborhood patrol be used and that he in turn would phone the parents, according to Mr. Tauer. If this method of control�doesn't work, that the City Fvould have to take legal action. Nir. Tauer reported that Lt. Rick had called three different.parents and it seems to have helped. They aren't certain though, because since that time, school has opei�ed and perhaps the youth have less time to be out and earlier hours. Mr. Tauer wants the problems corrected before school is over in the Spring. He recomrnended the installation of a night-ivatch light. Mr. Tauer repeated his request for an eight foot fence. He said that the venetian slats would be n�ce, but would probably serve as a snow trap, so he is asking that after the chain link £ence is installed, that another length of finer mesh fencing be fastened to the chain link fence, to prevent the children from throwing rocks onto his driveway. He again asked for a written statement of the Commissioners intentions. Mr. Blair reminded I�1r. Tauer that they did not have a quorum present so they couldn't take any specific action. �Ie asked R1r. Brown to do some research on the problem and prepare a reconunendation for the November 26th meeting. Mr. Tauer thanked the Commissioners for their time, and departed. Mr. Broti.in Uriefly reported on previous�conversations with Mr. Tauer, and stated that the main purpose for the installation of the fence, was to protect the children from the driveway traffic, which the present 4' fence is doing. He stated that within time, the Department does plan to install a permanent feiice, but that in his own � opinion, the obligation of the City goes no farther than the recommended 4' lieighth. As far as the addit?onal screening attached to the fence, Mr. Brown didn't feel it ' was�necessary. A7r. Brown said that he would research some prices and report to the Coimnission. • Mr. Peterson stated that he could understand Mr. Tauer's concern, since he lives next to Locke Park. He decribed, briefly, his owri experiences. Mr. Blair said that he, too,.lives adjacent to a Park, Plaza Park, and lie felt that the only people who were having problems were bringing them on t]Zemselves. Mr. Peterson explained that from his own experiences, that he feels that Mr. Tauer has a legitimate complaint. Mr. Blair said that they would wait until the November meeting to further discuss the situation. SCORF�OARD FOR COh1MOtJS PARK � The discussion was turned to the memorandums prepared by Mr. Brown, regarding the donation of a scoreboard for the COIiUilOI15 Park, and the possible construction of a scoreboard / storage building to be Uuilt witliin the park. Soine general ciiscussion followed with the Commissioners trying to determine just where the responsibility lies.with the cost of constructing such a building. A9r. Brown said that it would service the Football Associatio�i, Hockey Association, and Babe.Ruth Association. It would aiso contain the concession stand and controls for the scoreboard, Mr. Blair asked that Dan Sullivan be invited to attend the November 26th meeting of � the Commission, to further discuss the situation. Mr. Sullivan has been appointed as the liason between the ttlree groups and t}ie City. POSSIBLE DONATION OF A BUS� Mr. Brown referred to-the possible donation of a bus Uy the Jaycees. He stated that he had done a study for the Cit� Administration, regarding costs, liabilities, etc., Minutes o£ the Parks � Recxeatian Commiss�an Meeting, October 29, 1973. Page 3 BUS �CON�T): ^ and reported back on just what the actual o�eration o£ the bus would cost the City. Mr. Brown pointed out that the monies spent annually for bus transportation are quite sizeable, and pertiaps, with the addition of this vehicle, we could both cu.t the costs of transporting individuals to events, and in addition, provide other services which we presently don't offer. Mr. Brown will report again, to the full Commission. MINI-BIKES: b1r. Blair asked is there had been any further ciiscussion regarding the mini-bike ' problem. Mr. Brown responded by saying that he had met with Bob Schroer, o�vner of Bob's Produce, and t}ie President of the Fridley Sno-Snoopers, regarding the use of some property which is located to the north of the Procluce Ranch, and that 69r. Schroer had offered the use of this property for mini-bikes and snowmobiles, mentioning that perhaps something could Ue worked out with the City regarding the taxes on said property. This is still in very preliminary stages and that nothing had been finalized. Mr. Brown will keep the Commission informed of the progress, ADJOUR(vl�iEfvT � Since the meeting could not be officially called to order, no formal motion to adjourn, was made. General discussion was ended at 8:30 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, November 26, 1973, at 7:30 p.m., in the Community Room of Fridley Civic Center. n Respectfully submitted, CATHIE STORDAHL, Secretary to the Commission. �