PR 03/04/1974/'��
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M�NUT�S OF THE R�GULAR pARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING, MARCH 4, 1974�� ;-� �_�
�� - f� ,�.
Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m., by Chairman Blair.
, MEMBERS PRESENT: Blair, Stimmler, Peterson, Wagar.
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Caldwell.
OTHERS PRESENT: Rollie Goodroad, 1821 Rice Creek Toad, 55112, 636-6421, Goodco, Inc.
Mrs._Larry Lembke, 1505 Ferndale Avenue NE, 55432, 789-5628, Homeowner.
Mrs. Roger Arel, 1521 Ferndale Avenue NE, 5�432, 781-0978, Homeowner.
Charles E. Rice, 1541 Ferndale Avenue NE, 55432, 789-5054, Homeowner.
Ken Sjodin, 8729 Central Avenue NE, 55432, 786-0600, Counselor Realty,
Urbeck Property.
Jim Langenfeld, 79 63z Way NE, 55432, 560-1969, Environmental Quality
�ontrol Commission. .
Paul Brown,.Director of Parks and Recreation:
Cathie Stordahl, Secretary to the Commission.
M I I�UTES OF THE JAiJUARY ZS, Ig%4 MEET I NG �
MOTIUN 6y Pe.telusan, Secanded by Glagcvc, xa a�prcave �he M�inc�ie� a� �he Pcvcfus and
Rec�ce,a.t,i.an C�mm.usd�.an Mee.t,i.vcg da�ed Januah.y 28, 1974. The Ma�i,an calvu:ed.
RICE CREEK ESTATES�
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Rollie Goodroad of Goodco, Inc., was present to discuss a plat he is proposing to
develop in the Benjamin Street, Rice Creek Road area. As it presently stands, the
area which has been designated as park land would be about 32 acres in size. This
acreage is slightly larger than the normal 10% of the total project which is required
to be dedicated as park land, but because of the lay of the land and the platting that
has been done, the contractor is asking the City to purchase the balance of the land.
In addition to this purchase of land, there is the possibility that the culdesac
which is located on the southerly most boundary, will have to be moved, cutting into
lots 12 and 13 (also referred to as lots 20 and 21 on earlier maps of the area). I£
the culdesac is moved, these two lots will be con$idered unbuildable, due to the
terrain, so the contractor would be asking the City to purchase these lots, also..
Mr. Blair agreed that if the culdesac has to be moved, the City Council should be
asked to purchase the two unbuildable lots.
Mr. Peterson asked what the Commission is expected to
that we should x.eport if we want a park in that area,
to purchase the additional acreage and the two lots.
act on? Mr. Blair responded
and if we do, if we're willing
Mr. Stimmler reported that this is one area which we've consistantly had a major void
in park lands. We have had monies budgeted for purchase of park property, but have
not been able to do so because of the lack of desireable land in that area. We
desperately need a park in that area, and Mr. Stimmler felt we should proceed to
do whatever is necessary. •
Mr. Goodroad was asked if he had an estimate of the cost to the City in this
transaction? Mr. Goodroad didn't have any exact figures, but with the purchase and
special assessments, it would run about $20,000 to $25,000.
Mr. Stimmler asked Mr. Bro�n for�the amount of money which had been set aside in the
Budget for purchase of land in that area? Mr. Brown reported that there was $15,000.
�inutes o� the Parks $ Recreation Commission Meeting, March 4�, 1974. • Page 2
RICE CREEK ESTATES iCON'T):
� ��(OTIUN by Glaqatc, Secanded 6
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,i
.�n xG►.e ever�t �lu�t �11e ccc.�de
�he C.i,tu u.Q.s a puncha� e�li�s
ccuvu,ed.
NORTH INNSbR�CK PARK�
elr., �a necammend �o �he
neag e,� .ea ca�ed w.i,iGu:.n R
N �a 6e de��.ana,ted fan
e,eaca.ted malun���s 12
�s cvs aatr�i o,4 �h2 na�r.Ft
Counc,i,2, �hcLt �he
n.eelz F:s.t.a,ie� , wduc
pwi.pa.a e�s , and �ha,i
l3 un6u,i.�da6.�e, �h.
�.tu. T6ie Ma�,c:.vn
Mr. Ken Sjodin was present at the meeting, representing Counselor Realty and
Bernard Urbick, 5837 Arthur Street NE, Fridley. Mr. Urbick is the owner of three
lots which are located immediately south of his home. Two lots are proposed for
private sale, and the most southerly lot needs fill and is proposed for sale to
the City. This lot is adjacent to the newly located A-frame building which was
donated to the City.
The lot is approximately 86' wide and would cost the Ca�ty a roughly estimated
$5,000.00. It would require approximately 1500 yards of fill to bring the lot up
to�the standards of the area.
Mr. Blair recommended that the Commission ask the Cit� Council to negotiate for the
purchase of this additional land. He asked Mr. Brown if it was the intent o£ the
Department to maintain a skating rink? Mr. Brown.said that it was.
n MUTION b Pe,teh.aan Secanded 6
. an � e wcc a�s e a � e n
- name �u,c� n , a�. a 'ce
� �Y�-�-
�a�� Rec�c.e.a.t�an Ca
MOORE LAKE STUDY�
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an, �a necammend �FicLi �Gie C.i,ty Counc.�
�.c,t�i,c'n Ja � nn� nuc an aT�ace.Vr,t
a� a�s.c� . e�s�s � �e c ae �ic . a�s
v�. i Ke mo�.c.an
2<s e.wted
Jim Langenfeld, a member o£ the Environmental Quality Control Commission and the
Moore Lake Study Task Force, was present to discuss Maore Lake and the progress on
the study. Mr. Langenfeld asked if the Commissioners had received copies of the
study prepared�by National Biocentric, Inc. of St. Paul, concerning Moore Lake?
The study which the Commissioners had received was concerned with Highland Lake
but was prepared by the same company. The Moore Lake report was #246, dated
August 27, 1973. Mr. Langenfeld said that he would see that the Commissioners each
receive a copy. This report is a proposed study for Anoka County lakes.
There is the possibility that some federal funds may be available for this study,
but.nothing has been finalized in respect to this.
Mr. Langenfeld asked if we were planning to proceed with our weed control £or this
Summer and Mr. Blair responded that we were.
Mr. Langenfeld explained that several well-versed individuals had been at a meeting
of the task force and after listening to their plans for a detailed study, it would
be completely impossible for a group of people to attempt such a task and have any
success which could be beneficial to solving the problems at Moore Lake. These
individuals represented the University of Minnesota and companies which deal with
studies of this type. Even if the data could be collected, it would be almost
impossible to compile it into data which could be processed and conclusions drawn.
�inute$ of the Parks � Recreation Commission Meeting, March 4, 1974. Page 3
,
MOORE LAKE �CON�T):
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Mr. Stimmler asked if Brother Sullivan had been invalved in these meetings or had
contributed anything which could benefit the City? Mr. Langenfeld said that both
Ron Burton and Brother�Sizilivan had done a lot of work in this area, but that no
conclusions had been determined.
Mr. Langenfeld reported that such things as "swimmers' itch" could be eliminated
by merely wiping oneself with a towel after getting out of the water. The fungus
would be wiped off, and in this particular case, it doesn't become a problem until
it dries on the skin. He went on to say that he had learned that ear infection
can be found in people who�swim in pools, as well as lakes. Many times it's
connected with horseplay.
Mr. Peterson asked if Mr. Langenfeld had contacted Mike 0'Bannon, Anoka County .
Commissioner, to see if he could assist with releasing funds for this project? Mr.
Langenfeld said that he would certainly check into it.
There was some discussion of the sedimentation in Locke Lake, but the majority of
the land surrounding the Lake is private property, so the City isn't directly
involved.
Mr. Wagar said that he felt we should do something to save the Lake, whether we
get assistance from the County or not. If the Lake can't be saved, the City will
have to look further into the construction of a swimming pool.
Mr. Langenfeld w�.11 check with Anoka County and report back to the Commission.
EARLY OPEN FOR MOORE LAKE�
Mr. Brown asked the Commissioners to refer to a proposed article for the Fridley
Sun which deals with the opening date for Moore Lake. He stated that the Beach
would be opening the day after School District #14 dismisses for the year, and
his question is whether the Commissioners intended for the Beach to be £ull�
staffed or just an individual on duty to have access to the phcne.
Mr. Blair said that he thought it was their intensio.n to fully staff the beach and
install the buoy lines, docks, and life guard towers. �
Mr. Brown reported that to fully staff the Beach at that early date is impossible
because our staff consists of college students who are not out of school as eaxly�
as District #14. Several of our staff inembers are even attending�college out o�
state.
Mr. Stimmler stated that we can't do half a job. I� we open�the Beach, we have to
staff it. Mr. Brown agreed. , .
They discussed th,e possibility of having High School students on duty until the
regular staff is available, but agreed that it wouldn't really be fair to hire them
for a week or two and then put them out of a job.
� Mr. Wagar stated that he'd at least like to see some buoy lines installed.
Mr. Brown said that he wante�l to know how they want the beach handled and we'd try
to hire the s�aff. Mr. Stimmler said that we should try to staff the Beach on
June lst, the day after School District #14 dismisses, and Mr. �srown will report
back.on whether or,not that can be done.
�i�utes o£ the Parks � Recreation Commission Meeting, March�4, 1974. Page 4
MINI BIKING IN FRIDLEY�
� The Cammissi.on asked if there had.been any developments in respect to mini biking in
Fridley? With Spring approaching, the problem will be increasing. Mr. Blair pointed
out that there still aren't any areas where mini bikers can ride.
Mr. Stimmler said that as far as he was concerned, mini biking doesn't fit �nto our
realm of Recreation and we don't have to provide a place for riding. �r. Peterson
concurred.
STRRTING DATE FOR PLAYGROUNDS,
Mr. Brown briefed the Commission on a request by the Playground Director, Maxine
Boone, asking to delay the opening of Playgrounds for one week. The reason for
the delay request is that the majority of the staff are college students and don't
get out of school until the week prior to the opening of Playgrounds. Each year,�
before the opening of Playgrounds, Mrs. Boone conducts a,three-day workshop £or
her staff to orientate them with the program. One of the problems which they
encounter is that not everyone on the staff is able get to the workshop so soon
after they get out of school.
The Playgrounds program is a 6 weeks program beginning one week after .Baseball ancl
ending one week before Baseball ends. Baseball is an eight weeks program. By
delaying the opening date for Playgrounds one week, both programs will end on
August 2nd.
n ht�TI�N 6y S�mm.2e�r., Secanded 6y Wagcvc, �a de,�ay �he aperu:vig da,te �an P.e.aygnauncfis
�a June 24�h, mafu:ng �he pnagnam end an Augu,a� 2nd. The Mo�',c;an ca�,�:ed.
��:���_1��!
Mr. Stimmler asked Mr. Brown if there were any changes planned fox the moxn3ng
Baseball program? Mr. Brown stated that it would be the same pxogram w�e haye had
in the past. Mr. Stimmler pointed out that over the past several years we have had
a steady decline in attendance. There were only� two Cub teams. Mx. Brown said
that it was the plan of the Department to send a flyer to tAe scRools just be£ore
Summer Registration, to arouse interest among the boys. If this effort fails to
produce a larger turnout, the plans would be to re-organize the program�fox 1975.
Mr. Brown pointed out that Baseball is played at four locations: Pexhaps the
answer to the problem would be to centralize .back at the Commons Park.
Mr. Stimmler felt that there was a leadership problem within the Baseball program.
He said that the lsaseball Director should make certain that the Coaches are doing
their jobs. � �
Little League Baseball takes a great number of the boys who would otherwise play
within the morning program.
GYMNASTICS�
� Mr. Brown briefed the Commissioners on the proposed Girls' Gymnastics program for
the ooming Summer. The program would be held at the Jr. High School. The charge
would be $10.00 per girl and the sessions would be for one houx a day, five days
• a week, for two weeks. There would be three sessions during tfie Summer.
Minutes of the Parks � Recreation Commission Meeting, March 4, 1974. Page 5
GIRLS' GYMNASTICS �CON'T):
n MOTION by S�,imm�etc. Seconded
c
'NORTH PARK�
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e
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v�t�s a�. av.cng � n�g�cam
e�c.. T e Mo�;i.an catvc,ce .—
y Counai,e a��nave
n D.vicec�an ��
�� n,c:on �Ah
Mr. iVagar asked the Commissioners to discuss the situation with the deveiopment of
North Park, He stated that the Commission has not, to date, taken an official �
stand and he felt that it �vas about time to do so. The last time the item was
discussed, , no decisions were made, pending the outcome of surveys. Now that the
City Council has taken a stand, he felt that the Commission should also be on record.
MUTION by (;,'a.Qatc. Secandecl
e
S�'.tmm.2eh., �v �.ecammend �a �he
c�cvc�, e.
Counc,t,2 �hcc,t Nah.th
DISCUSSION: Mr. 6Vagar said that it was time for a poll of feelings since the
Commission has never sat down and discussed the pros and cons of a golf course or
nature center for North Park..
Mr. Stimmler stated that he had attended the Ad Hoc Committee meeting, City Council
meetings, and other such meetings, where North Park was discussed, but in each
instance, the groups were firmly divided and nothing was accomplished.
Mr. Peterson felt that it was unfair to the Commission because of the history of the
project. People's emotions, rather than logic, are involved,
Mr. Blair asked Mr. Brown if he had seen the proposal by the Metropolitan Airport
Commission concerning the use of Janesfield for a golf course? Mr. Brown said that
he had. Mr. Blair said that it was rumored that the Blair City Council had discarded
the request, but he didn�t know if it was true.
Mr. Blair agreed that it was time for the Commission to let their wishes be known.
He said that he, personally, was in favor of a golf course, because of the proposed
shopping center which Coon Rapids will be building, directly� North of North Park,
draining into the Park, and the fact that the Fridley land which surrounds the Park
is zoned Industrial. He went on to explain that the City would be accepting a
:iability if we agree to develop a Nature Center. It's too di£ficult to get monies
within our Budget for the things we need now, without adding another expense.
Mr. Wagar said that we'd have a 120 acre zoo. He stated that he's had a tremendous
number of phone calls supporting the golf course. He felt that it is the desire of
the residents to install a golf course. �
Mr. Peterson said that he wasn't ready to take a stand. He has mixed feelings about
the development.
Gl.i.th B.Q.a„vc, S�i.mm.Ceh., and Wagan vo�',i.ng aye, and P�te�uson a6�5�'iu,n,i.n.g, �he Mo�,i.an ca�vc,i.ed.
�ADJOURI�IENT � �
Max,i,an by Pe,teh.aon, Seconded by GJagcvc, �a ad1au�cn �he mee,ii.ng a.t 9:45 p..m.
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, March 25, 1974, at 7:30 p.m., in the
Community Room of F.ridle 'vic Center.
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I�es�ect£ully submitted,
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