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091305 PK AgPCITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING A. Roll Call Davis Young Farniok Westerlund Wagner Moonen Loheit E, B. Review Agenda 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of August 9, 2005(Att. #2A Draft Summary) B. Park Commission Work Session Minutes of August 23, 2005 (Att. #2B Draft Sun 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meetings B. Update on the Buckthorn Event 5. WINTER COMMUNITY SKATING PARTY EVENT 6. MOVE TO CLEAR PARKS FOUNDATION OF DEBT FOR EDDY STATION 7. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR SEPTEMBER 26 CITY COUNCIL MEETING 8. NEW BUSINESS Council Liaison: September 26: 9. ADJOURN October 24: Westerlund E, CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 7:00 P.M. • MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Farniok, Moonen, and late arrival Westerlund; City Engineer Brown; and City Council liaison Turgeon Absent: Commissioners Young and Wagner B. Review Agenda Farniok moved, Moonen seconded, approving the Agenda as submitted. Motion passed 3/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of July 12, 2005 Page 2, Reports Item B, line 1, it was Commissioner Westerlund, and not Chair Davis, who `reported that she counted approximately 168+ people... ". • Farniok moved, Moonen seconded, approving the Minutes of the July 12, 2205, Park Commission Meeting as amended. Motion passed 3/0. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were none. 4. REPORTS A. Report on City Council Meetings 4L .,4 4�.. .. «.. �^. ;.+n + ,-1 •-+ ;r ;rn to narks. He mentioned that th Brown stated that rude was nothing new �o repo, � pe. �a.,.,..� Y police and fire budget had been adopted. Turgeon stated that additional proposals for police and fire had been received by both Excelsior and Greenwood for consideration. If an agreement cannot be reached by the August 31s` deadline, Turgeon indicated that the joint powers agreement would be dissolved or reorganized. 5. REVIEW REQUEST FOR SHIRLEY RICE MEMORIAL CONCEPT PLAN Farniok introduced Rebecca Fish, from the Shorewood Garden Club, who indicated that the current estimate for rock and delivery would be approximately $300. Fish asked whether the current wood sign would remain, be replaced, or allowed to waste away. • Farniok pointed out that the rock used for the plaque must be substantial enough so that it does not disappear and that it should have a flat surface to route out for the plaque. She noted that the estimate of $900 -965 was accurate. Brown stated that the City has the option, in the case of gifted items, to restore it, though it is not guaranteed for perpetuity. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 PAGE 2 OF 2 Chair Davis pointed out that the monument sign would be more durable than the current wood sign. Farmok stated that, while the Garden Club would put together an article about Shirley Rice, they would prefer if the City take on the dedication. She indicated that the City holds the funds donated by the family for the care and maintenance of the garden which would more than cover the price of the monument. Farniok asked how to proceed. Brown stated that, since little construction would be necessary, the Garden Club could simply draw in the placement of the monument and plaque and the Park Commission could move it forward as they see fit. Moonen moved, Chair Davis seconded, to recommend that the Garden Club proceed with the installation of the memorial rock and plaque commemorating Shirley Rice. Chair Davis asked the Club to provide the Commmission with a photo or drawing of how it will look. Brown interjected that he was unsure whether the City might want to take on the dedication or not. Chair Davis suggested that the dedication should be led by those who had personal knowledge or contact with Shirley Rice or the family. Fish stated that she would mention it to the Minnesota League of Women Voters. Turgeon applauded the suggestion, as it was the league that granted the Shirley Rice award on an annual basis, and had just bestowed the last of its honors this year. Motion passed 3/0. Brown stated that he would present the Garden Club's memorial rock request at the August 22 City Council meeting. 6. PRESENTATION ON BUCKTHORN Katlic White discussed an itemized buckthorn removal plan for the Freeman Park effort to be held mid November, when most other trees have dropped their leaves. She indicated that, via a public education process, she hoped to advocate for the removal of buckthorn on individual estates, as well as Freeman Park. White suggested that groups be encouraged to register for the event, listen to a'' /z hour education or training program, and be sent out into visibly taped off areas within Freeman Park for about an hour of digging or pulling. After the buckthorn has been removed, she noted that the stumps should be sprayed with a solution of Round -up and dye to discourage new growth. Chair Davis stated that she could write a newsletter article about the upcoming event urging . middle or high school age classrooms, scouting troops, church groups, and neighborhood associations etc., to use the enclosed registration slip to register their intent. In addition, she suggested that someone be contacted to donate refreshments for the event. Saturday, November 12, 2005 was the chosen date for the fall event from 9am -12pm, cycling groups of 20 -30 through the education piece every half hour. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 PAGE 3 OF 2 Brown stated that the City would purchase 2 weed wrenches for the event and subsequent residential use. White suggested that individuals be encouraged to bring gloves, shovels, bow saws, etc. She further suggested that tree identification be done in order to educate the public of the numerous varieties of species that should exist in healthy woods. Moonen stated that, as a licensed commercial pesticide applicator, a stronger pathfinder II pesticide with blue dye has proven effective in the elimination of buckthorn. Brown indicated that, if the City wished to use a stronger solution than the round -up suggested by buckthorn busters, the City would have to contract with a licensed commercial applicator. Chair Davis stated that she would assemble the registration form and article for the newsletter, while White put together the education piece of the program. 7. DISCUSS PROJECTS TO SUBMIT TO CITY COUNCIL FOR CIP Brown reviewed a number of items for consideration for the 2006 -2010 Park Capital Improvement Program (CIP). In addition to the resurfacing of the Badger or Manor Park tennis courts, he mentioned the Badger field Football and Hockey lighting needs, drinking fountains at both the Skate Park and Freeman Park, the WEIC — Wetland Enhancement and Interpretive • Center, new surface for the older Skate Park equipment or a plaza picnic site at the park, and the matching funds proposed for the dog park. Julie Westerlund arrived at 7:58 p.m. Chair Davis asked how the City could enhance its trail system throughout the City. In addition, she asked whether a sidewalk should be constructed between fields 1 and 2 at Freeman Park to aid in the drainage problems. Brown reported that the City has been trying to solve the drainage problems with this less obtrusive approach to drainage, and has received a letter from the neighbors pleased with the results. Chair Davis stated that many items seem relevant to the Commission, including; trails, Manor Park pond, the dog park, drainage around Silverwood Park slide, and fixing the lighting situation at Badger if it appears to be hazardous though pricey. She suggested turning over both fountains to the Foundation to pursue. Westerlund stated that, during the National Night Out celebration, many of her neighbor's voiced their support of maintaining and repairing the Manor Park tennis courts. Kristi Anderson, of Community Ree Resources, interjected that the sports users in the community have voiced their concern regarding the lighting issues at Badger Park on numerous occasions. • Famiok stated that, as a safety measure, the lighting may need to be addressed. Though he attempted to estimate the costs, Brown stated that resurfacing of the tennis courts may require an investment that must be further investigated. Brown stated that he would start PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 PAGE 4 OF 2 . programming out the items for the 2006 -2010 CIP if the Commission was comfortable with the primary items. Chair Davis asked whether the surfaces of the older skate park equipment posed a safety concern. She questioned how much use the equipment was seeing. Brown stated that areas of the older surfaces have been worn through. He noted that he has seen numerous youth on the equipment almost daily. He questioned whether more should be done to the passive space at the Skate Park. Westerlund felt the City would be justified in creating something more comfortable for those coming to use or supervise use at the Skate Park anyway. Farniok suggested that some money be earmarked for the buckthorn removal program. Brown suggested that the funds for the buckthorn removal program come from the operating budget as opposed to the CIP. Chair Davis asked how more could be done with regard to trails. Turgeon stated that there is no trail planning process in place at this time, as the City Council has not stepped up to adopt a standardized process. While he felt it might be appropriate to talk about trails at a later date, Brown suggested that it follow the upcoming Council discussion over roadways. 8. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR SEPTEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 22 — Chair Davis September 26 — October 24 — Westerlund 9. NEW BUSIT ESS Westerlund reported that she had made contact with her source at MnDOT regarding funding for the WEIC (Wetland Enhancement and Interpretive Center). While MnDOT is always looking for metro projects to receive credits, he felt the $200,000 price tag for grading etc. in the feasibility study was a bit high. If on the other hand, a project which requires credits in this specific part of town comes up he would be interested in getting more information. Westerlund pointed out that, if the City chooses to use MnDOT funds, the City may be ineligible for other grant opportunities, such as those for habitat restoration. 10. ADJOURN Farniok moved, Chair Davis seconded, adjourning the Park Commission Meeting of August 9, 2005, at 8:36 p.m. • RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary 0 CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY HALL TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2005 7:00 A.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION The Park Commission began its discussion at 7:06 a.m. t �+ A. ROLL CALL Present:Chair Davis; Conunissioners Farmok, Young, Westerlund, and late arrival Wagner; and City Engineer Brown Absent: Commissioner Moonen was absent B. REVIEW AGENDA Item 2B Park Foundation report and 2C Shirley Rice Memorial Garden were added to the agenda. 2. MUSIC IN THE PARK • Farniok reported that there were approximately 100 people at the final Music in the Park series event. While there were fewer numbers present, she indicated that the band was entertaining. Overall, she felt there had been a nice variety of music over the summer. Chair Davis commented that the arboretum had learned through experience that by appealing to younger children and families, attendance increases. She questioned holding the June concert later in the month to ensure more reliable weather next year. She also commented that she had a contact with someone in an orchestra whose group performs show tunes and musical numbers. The Con nission agreed that expanding the children's programs would be a good idea. While he agreed that appealing to youth and families by adding an additional kids program was a good idea, Brown reminded the Commission of the huge draw Big Walter had earlier in the summer and suggested the Commission focus on a high quality program list. Proposed dates for 2006 included June 23, July 21, and August 18 for the adult concerts; June 14 and July 19 for the kids series with the latter held at Freeman and Manor. Young asked whether the arboretum had a traveling activities program that could be rotated to various parks over the summer as an alternative to music. In addition, he encouraged Davis to pursue an orchestral group for the adult series as an alternative for the more mature listener. Brown noted that it might behoove the Commission to reserve Big Walter for a second year as an anchor for the series, since it was so well attended and would provide continuity to the program next year. In addition, the Commission could investigate other options such as blue grass, orchestral, etc. With regard PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2005 PAGE 2 OF 2 to the children's concerts, Brown agreed that tailoring one concert to the preschool circuit and one to the slightly older hands -on age group was an interesting concept. Chair Davis asked Brown to determine whether the budget for 2006 would be the same as this year at $2,000 or be increased to $3,000. B. PARK FOUNDATION With regard to a letter from the Park Foundation which addresses old debt, Chair Davis reported that Foundation member Callies, on behalf of the Foundation, has asked the City to formally forgive the old debt for Eddy Station in order to allow the Foundation to start its fundraising efforts with a clean slate. Brown reported that the Foundation is made up of a different group of people than those who had made the original commitment to donate $10,000 annually towards Eddy Station, and it is their desire that the City allow them to move on. While the City Council forgave the debt in order to reconcile its accounts, the Council hoped the Foundation might still try to satisfy the old debt and live up to its commitment. Young commented that he could see where the enthusiasm of the current Foundation members might be sapped trying to solicit funds for old debt. He stated that he would like to see the Foundation freed of this debt and allowed to move forward in their fundraising efforts. He asked whether the Commission could make a recommendation to the City Council that they take formal action to clear the slate. Chair Davis stated that she got the feeling from the Foundation that they had learned their lesson from • that experience. Brown stated that the Commission could make a motion at its next formal meeting. H explained that there was a rather spirited discussion during the Council work session regarding drinking fountains and the Foundation's commitment to participate. Callies urged the City to resist the temptation to plug in numbers or specific dollar amounts with regard to the Foundations level of participation. Chair Davis stated that the Foundation also requested that the Commission or City provide them with information that they could use in their Apple Days booth in order to display what the City is working on with regard to parks. She suggested a display be put together containing the Manor Park water quality study, Freeman Park wetland enhancement project, and buckthorn recruitment for November. Young and Wagner volunteered to serve an hour or more in the booth if necessary during the event. In addition, she asked for volunteers to assist the Foundation with the Art Show in November, presumably early morning set -up. Farmok and Davis volunteered to assist with the Art Show. C. SHIRLEY RICE MEMORIAL GARDEN. Brown reported that the City Council had voted to approve the memorial garden proposal. Farmok stated that the garden club would move forward. Chair Davis indicated that the Foundation had requested that either the Garden Club or City maintain the plazas annual garden as well. Farmok stated that the garden club is a small group of people who would probably not be able to • accommodate the request. She suggested the Foundation plant perennials in order to eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance. PARK COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2005 PAGE 3 OF 2 Young suggested that the City or Foundation contact the nearby seniors and ask them if they'd be willing to maintain the garden. Chair Davis stated that she would contact the seniors, since she wished to discuss the buckthorn project and other items with them. 3. ADJOURNMENT The Commission adjourned their meeting at 7:55 a.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary • 0 --C-C- L3 l ac C> jt;r 45 (c C) I t U , - U- • "Bruce the Bug Guy's" ,ENTdtpvjninj rn5e.ct Zc action. f'reIrmn By Bruce Giebink, Entomologist 7-G4e Bu9 Zone, LS C 6676 Sandhill Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 780 -8216 giebink@ties2.net ENTOtaining Educational programs for schools, etc. My insect education program is specifically designed to teach students about insects (and related arthropods) in a fun and ENTOtaming way. It's a dynamic blend of Show `n Tell, storytelling, interesting facts and fun hands -on activities that include LNE critters from my arthropod zoo. Although I'm flexible and have adapted my program to many situations and audiences, a 45 -60 minute presentation to a typical class -size group (30 students or less) allows for ample interaction and hands on activities. Whenever possible, I try to leave about 10 minutes at the end of the program so students can ask questions and get "just one more" close -up look or one last touch at some of the things that interest them the most. I use an assortment of attention- getting props and images, including preserved specimens (displays) of local and exotic insects and LNE arthropods from my Critter Zoo. Other items include hand puppets, is plastic insects, tasty insect snacks, and any other appropriate items to capture the interest of my audience..... and help me emphasize an idea or concept. In short, I bring LOTS OF STUFF to my shows, including: • Beautifully displayed collections of both local and exotic (tropical rainforest) insects, • LNE arthropods (hissing cockroaches, giant millipedes, scorpions, etc.) • plastic bugs • hand puppets (sometimes giant, inflatable bugs) • Lots of BIG, attention - getting color pictures • An assortment of other, fun bug - related items • Samples of insect snacks. I also bring along a wide assortment of helpful handouts (such as coloring pictures, resource and vendor lists, instructions about how to collect, pin and preserve insects, etc.) that I provide on request. If I don't have it with me, I probably have it back at my office and will be happy to send it to you. I also enjoy answering insect or arthropod- related questions via email or phone (see above). What I need from you — I need two 8 -foot tables that I can set up in a fairly open area so the students can sit in a semi - circle (on the floor or in chairs) about 3 feet from the front of the tables. I'll also need space to move around in the audience (especially for larger groups) since the "stars" of my show require close inspection to be truly appreciated! Finally, since I tend to bring lots of STUFF: • I try to arrive 30 -40 minutes prior to the start of my prot4ram to get oriented and set up. • If available, I greatly appreciate using a lar6e, flatbed cart to transport my stuff from car to site. • If I'm scheduled to meet with a series of groups, I prefer to set up in a single location and have the students come to me. � SHORE WOOD PARKS FOUNDATION • MEMORANDUM TO: Shorewood Park Commission FROM: Board of Directors DATE: September 13, 2005 SUBJECT: Foundation's Commitment regarding Eddy Station The Shorewood Parks Foundation's purpose is "to promote the preservation, protection, improvement, establishment and enlargement of parks, trails, bikeways and open space generally for the benefit of the residents of the City of Shorewood." It is a 501(c)(3) organization set up to be a conduit for tax - deductible donations to assist the City in projects it would like to accomplish, or gifts that donors would like the City to accept. The Foundation was restructured in 2001 in order to make it more manageable (i.e., having a Board with seven to nine directors), and to focus it on raising and accepting funds. Its Board of Directors is a small group of volunteers working to the benefit of the Shorewood community. Eddy Station Commitment: When the City decided to construct Eddy Station in Freeman Park, the ® Parks Foundation committed to repay the City's Park Capital Improvement Fund $100,000 over a 10- year period. The Eddy Station improvement placed this Fund in a deficit position because the Foundation's commitment was a pledge, not money in the bank. Although, following a recommendation of the City's auditor, other monies were transferred into this Fund to eliminate the deficit, the Foundation has always remained committed to providing its full $100,000 to the Park Capital Improvement Fund for the Eddy Station project. Progress: The Foundation has sponsored an "Art for the Parks Show" on the first Saturday in November for the past three years, and is sponsoring its fourth annual show on November 5th this year. This event was started with the idea that it could become a fundraiser that would eventually raise the goal of $10,000 per year for the Eddy Station commitment. Then the Foundation could take on other fundraising activities for new projects. Over the past three years, the Foundation has been able to give the City $4,500, $5,000, and $6,000 from show proceeds. When combined with a $2,500 American Legion donation to the Foundation for Eddy Station, the Foundation has been able to provide $18,000 toward its Eddy Station commitment. Freeman Park Plaza: In May 2004, the Foundation held its first major fundraising event. It made community residents more aware of the presence of the Foundation, and identified the Freeman Park Plaza as a project where their donations would have an immediate effect. The event was a success — it generated over $7,000 in contributions and pledges. But it had a greater and unanticipated success • when a group of donors thought the Plaza would be a fitting tribute to their friend who had died recently and unexpectedly at an early age. This group's contributions totaled over $21,000. Begun late last year, completed and dedicated this spring, the Freeman Park Plaza is a $28,000 improvement that the Foundation was able to make a reality. Re: Eddy Station Commitment September 13, 2005 Page 2 • Fundraising for Success It takes time to build a presence and a track record to be successful in raising funds. This is especially the case when the organization is as small and volunteer -based as the Shorewood Parks Foundation. It is also far easier to gain community support, interest, and donations when there is a new project to be funded. It is difficult to raise much interest in funding something that has already happened or already been constructed. After four years of experience, the Board is finding this situation to be true. It has taken four years to raise less than $20,000 for Eddy Station after its constriction. The Foundation was able to raise almost $30,000 in a matter of months after the Freeman Park Plaza project took hold. A New Strategy and Commitment Although there is no contractual obligation for the Foundation to provide the City with $100,000 for Eddy Station, the Foundation maintains its commitment because it intends to honor this pledge. However, the Board believes that its limited energies and resources would yield the greatest benefit for the residents of Shorewood if it were able to make a new commitment in place of the one it has honored on Eddy Station. The Foundation's $100,000 commitment was a pledge to the City's Park Capital Improvement Fund, which the City could view as a restoration of funding for Eddy Station, or view as available for $100,000 of other improvements that the City would plan to make with its own monies placed in that Fund. This prospective approach on the Foundation's commitment would allow it to be more successful in its fundraising. Viewed in this light, the Foundation has reached almost one -half of its goal, providing the City with nearly $50,000 for park capital improvements (Eddy Station and Freeman Park Plaza). The Foundation intends to do all it can to raise funds to benefit the City's park system, and will strive to surpass $100,000 in funds it can give to the City. It will be far more successful, in both the near - term and well into the future, if the understanding of its $100,000 commitment is no longer tied to Eddy Station. With this change, the Foundation's efforts could be more effectively directed to further the projects and programs of the Park Commission and the City Council The Board's Request The Board of Directors asks the Park Commission to concur with this proposed change in the Foundation's $100,000 commitment to the City of Shorewood. We believe that this change will provide a common understanding among the Foundation, the Commission, and the City Council, and give us a much - needed fresh start to pursue donations.