Minutes: Park Board; April 2010

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MINUTES
Monday, April 19, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers


Present: Ron Carlsen, Jeff Farnsworth, Fred Juergens, Jerry Krueger, Sue Merritt, Janis Ringhand, Ray Anderson & Rick Hamacher. Absent: Rich Modaff

Call to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Ringhand.

Approve the agenda on a Farnsworth/Juergens motion, unanimous

Waive the reading and approve the minutes of the March 15th meeting on a Juergens/Farnsworth motion, unanimous.

No citizen appearances.

Old Business (moved forward on agenda) – Lois & Jeri Lynn Waller were present with a plan for location of memorial benches and landscaping design from K&W Greenery (in conjunction with John Gishnock) that fits the overall landscape design. The design for benches and plantings were approved unanimously on a Juergens/Merritt motion.

No appearance for Home Talent Baseball, tabled until next meeting.

Update on ball field lights – Scott George, Water & Light Superintendent, informed Chair Ringhand that he has not heard back from the PSC regarding transferring ownership of the lights.

Discussion on parking and roadway around the ball field in lower park – Board members indicated they are not interested in changing the roadway into a walk/bike path at this time. If an actual plan for parking or widening the roadway to add a walking path comes forward they would consider it again. Concerns for those who are unable to walk very far were voiced for attendees at youth soccer and baseball games.

Chairs report on actions of City Committees and Common Council items of interest, nothing at this time.

Reports/updates for park projects/maintenance – Maintenance Director Ray Anderson inquired as to what type of signs we would like to indicate swimming in Lake Leota would not be allowed or swim at own risk. Chair Ringhand will confirm with City Administrator Wietecha that there is or is not a requirement for such signs, if signs are required the Public Works Department will be notified as to the type required. Ray reported that SOLE would like to put the Lake Leota sign on the triangle across from the original sign. Ray reported that a citizen has asked for the old bleachers that were removed from the ball diamond about 3 years ago. They have not been used and are in bad condition, Ray will determine if they have any use in the park and report back next month.

Aquatic report – Aquatics Director Rick Hamacher requested that 10 free passes be issued for season passes and swimming lessons by Aware Agency Coordinator, Julie Hermanson, passed unanimously on a Juergens/Farnsworth motion. Rick reported that the pool will need resurfacing again next year, the surface is becoming pitted and may need more work than just sandblasting and painting. Badger pool is evaluating the pool walls and should have a bid by next month. Swimming lesson & season pass sign up was held at the “Week of the Young Child”, very successful.

Landscape design – Chair Ringhand has been in contact with John Gishnock from Formecology, regarding landscaping. He has submitted a price list for different options, such as planting, riprap, herbicide, limestone walk ways, etc. Will request a bid for specific area of work to be done, a bid is required by the Antes Fund in order to approve work. Antes Fund has $2,700.00 available from last year and will have $4,670.00 available after 7-1-10.

New Business – none.

It was noted that Chair Ringhand and Board Member Farnsworth will no longer be on Park Board, the current Board members thanked and acknowledged their appreciation for the outgoing members.

Motion to adjourn by Farnsworth/Juergens at 6:50 p.m., unanimous.

Submitted by Chair Janis Ringhand.