051683 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD
. PARK COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 16,1983
M I N U T E S
CALL TO ORDER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
7:30 P.M.
Chairwoman Chapman called the May 16th meeting of the Park Commission to order
at 7:41. She requested that Vice - chairman Stein chair the meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Carol Chapman, Roger Stein, Launisse Cousins, Gordon
Lindstrom, Conrad Schmid (late); Council Liaison Al Leonardo;
Secretary Kathy West.
Absent: Commissioners Gary Carl (out of town), Marty Jakel.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Lindstrom moved, Stein seconded, to approve the minutes from the May 2, 1983
Park Commission meeting as written. The motion carried unanimously, 4 -0.
MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
Mr. Tom Allenburg, representing Tonka Babe Ruth, attended the meeting to discuss
use of the Babe Ruth field at Freeman Park. He noted that there had been some
damage to the infield as a result of softball practice on the baseball field and
requested some sort of agreement to limit the facilities to baseball only.
• Allenburg stated that Tonka Babe Ruth would maintain the infield and do the mow-
ing for the Freeman Babe Ruth field through July. The possibility of getting
fertilizer from the City was discussed.
The Park Commission agreed that if the Babe Ruth field is maintained as a base-
ball facility, then only baseball should be played on the field. The Commission
did not agree to give exclusive use of the field to the Tonka Babe Ruth League,
but rather priority use for scheduled hours.
Also discussed was the need for softball facilities in the area. Allenburg esti-
mated that the greatest demand for softball fields is at the girls level, grades
4 through 10.
In response to Commission inquiries regarding athletic organizations providing
facilities, Allenburg noted hesitation on the part of Tonka Babe Ruth. Because
of the poor facilities in Freeman - no bleachers, no water, etc. — interest in
investing in the park is minimal.
REPORTS:
City Council - Councilman Leonardo reported from the May 9th Council meeting
the estimates for repairing the Minnewashta Church parking lot had been dis-
cussed. Public hearings were held as follows: garage variance request on
Christmas Lake Roa d- = P.U.D. request, Shorewood Condominiums -
will vote at next meeting; garage variace request - Oak Ridge Circle - de-
nied; simple subdivision, Minnetonka Drive - approved; simple subdivision
Country Club Road - approval at a future meeting.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983 PAGE TWO
•
Leonardo noted a special zoning ordinance study session for Tuesday, May
24th and requested that the Park Commission be given the section dealing
with parking requirements in parks. Staff noted that the Commission would
receive the entire proposed ordinance. Concern was expressed over the pro -
posed signage restrictions in parks. It was suggested that general policy
statements be developed regarding use of the parks, maintenance, funding,
specific areas such as regulating the condition of the signs in the parks,
etc.
Playground Equipment Committee - Schmid reported that the designs for the play-
ground equipment portfolios would be completed within the next week. Stein
noted that picnic tables could be picked up from Baker Park Reserve.
Staff - 1983 Baseball Agreements - Chapman moved, Cousins seconded, to recom-
mend that the Council approve the 1983 Baseball Memorandum Agreements for
Tonka Babe Ruth and South Tonka Little League. The motion carried unani-
mously, 5 -0.
For informational purposes, Staff presented a memo from City Finance Director
Evelyn Beck to the City Council regarding past expenses in Manor Park.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Commission instructed staff to combine lists provided by Cousins and Stein,
and to place the item on the next agenda for discussion.
• 1983 COMMUNITY PICNIC
Schmid noted that steve Frazier would probably not be availabe to organize the
Community Picnic until summer recess. The Commission discussed the scale of the
event, suggesting that it be kept small the first year. Some of the possible
activities were discussed, including ball games, a street dance, beer garden,
races and events for children and adults, carnival type attractions, etc.
The Commission noted that the Park article, including word of the Community
Picnic, had not been included in the City Newsletter and that other means of
advertising should be considered.
August was remembered as the month chosen for the picnic.
MANOR PARK BALLFIELD VERSUS FREEMAN PARK ROAD - or - USES FOR PARK CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT FUND MONIES
Some Commissioners noted a desire to finish projects in one park before starting
in another. It was agreed that the Manor Park softball field should be completed
and the Commission discussed getting cost estimates.
Councilman Leonardo noted that the Council was concerned with the funds already
expended and why the ballfield had not been finished.
Commissioner Cousins volunteered to approach contractors who specialize in ball -
field construction for cost estimates. Staff noted that given the basic esti-
mates provided by the Public Works Department specs would need to be drawn up
and bids let out to conplete the project.
An T01TPXTMFNT
Cousins moved, Stein seconded, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously, 5 -0,
and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen West, Secretary /