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021208 PK MIN CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 7:00 P.M. MEETING 1.CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Young, Norman, Quinlan, and late arrival Hensley; Public Works Director Brown; and City Council liaison Wellens Absent: Commissioner Trent B. Review Agenda Chair Davis moved, Norman seconded, approving the Agenda as submitted. Motion passed 4/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2007 Norman moved, Young seconded, approving the Minutes of December 11, 2007, as presented. Motion passed 4/0. 3. REPORTS Commissioner Hensley arrived at 7:02 p.m. A.Report on City Council Meeting Council member Wellens indicated that two new members were appointed to the Park Commission. He noted that the Council discussed changing the number of Park Commissioners which make up the Commission but did not choose to make any changes at this time. Wellens stated that the Council looked forward to receiving requests for more bold action on behalf of the Park Commission this year. B. Report on Donation from Minnetonka Lacrosse Association Brown recognized a donation given by the Minnetonka Lacrosse Association of $750 in appreciation for field use, support by the City of Shorewood, and anticipation of field time in 2008. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 2 PAGE 2 OF Young felt this was a very generous donation based on the size of the organization. Quinlan asked what field use they’ve seen in the past and what can be expected in 2008. Kristi Anderson, of Community Rec Resources (CRR), stated that, over the past two years, Lacrosse has been played at Manor Park, though CRR anticipates moving Lacrosse back to Badger Park now that its field improvements have been completed. B.Report on Arctic Fever Event on January 19, 2008 Chair Davis stated that although frigid weather was a huge factor, attendance was high. In fact, she believed the numbers might have been overwhelming had it been a pleasant day. She was confident that going forward the City would have an even more solid plan for the future of this event and its participants. Norman concurred, stating that there was a great turnout considering the negative 15 degree weather. Wellens questioned how and whether Tonka Bay contributed to the event financially. Norman stated that Tonka Bay had a great experience as well, and paid for their own city wide activities with any residual dollars from their $500 budget used for advertising to support the entire Arctic Fever event. Chair Davis pointed out that the committee would be writing up the advertising dollars a bit differently next year and complimented Quinlan on his fabulous job recruiting many reliable volunteers for the event this year. Quinlan thanked Chair Davis, acknowledging the many wonderful recruits that participated in the event. 4. REVIEW SUMMER PROGRAMS A. Minnetonka Community Ed. Summer Activities Meg Low and Christine Best, from Minnetonka Community Education (MCE), presented their ideas for summer programs in Shorewood and asked for comment. They noted that there were 80 kids who participated in last years Tues/Thurs programs, with a waitlist, and hoped to add a Wed to the playground program, as well as, another night of T-Ball. Chair Davis asked whether they could use Manor Park for the program in order to provide activities for children on that side of town. Low was concerned whether there was adequate shelter if inclement weather occurred, and if there was water for their activities. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 3 PAGE 3 OF Brown stated that, while there was a satellite, there were no restrooms or running water. In addition, he pointed out that there was an enclosed shelter and picnic shelter as well. Young asked what the demographics were for the program last year. Low stated that the program attracted largely younger kids, of which 80-90% were Shorewood residents. But she also indicated that they divided up the age groups for various activities since there were a majority of ages. Norman stated that he had no particular objections since it was his goal to promote outdoor activity, and the Commission’s goal to promote a ‘no child left inside’ philosophy. Hensley asked if MCE was a non-profit entity as part of the school district. Low pointed out that MCE was a non-profit, fee based and levy supported program in the district. Young asked whether financial assistance was provided or offered by the district. Low stated that financial assistance information is available and offered in both the catalog and on the website. She explained that the scholarship program offers one scholarship per child per year worth $50 credit or half price towards course offerings. Hensley requested that MCE let the Commission know if it appears that there are a number of Shorewood kids that can’t participate due to money issues. He did not wish to see any kids left out that would like to participate due to the cost of the program. Best also pointed out that MCE offers a leadership training program for some of the older youth/teens to participate in, which trains and then matches teens up with volunteer services. Anderson, of CRR, interjected that, while the programs are a welcome addition to the Shorewood Park System during off–peak hours, she cautioned giving up additional field space to t-ball from 4-7pm, prime-time, at Cathcart park, when the City already has high demand for its field space by sports organizations. Anderson pointed out that, based on the Park Priority Policy, providing another night of use could be problematic, taking into consideration the equation itself as well as the prioritization level of this activity. Best stated that they used Cathcart last year on Wednesday evenings at 4:15pm, 5:15pm, and 6:15pm for their games and not only had a wait list for t-ball, which feeds into the other organizations, but also heard from parents that they wanted more and later time periods. Norman recognized that this could be problematic given the attention that had been dedicated to creating the Park Priority Policy and establishing the current relationship with PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 4 PAGE 4 OF the sports organizations. He urged MCE to enter into the process of field requests with CRR and see where that takes them. Young asked where the proposed sand volleyball program would be offered. Brown stated that both Freeman and Manor Parks have sand volleyball courts. Chair Davis reiterated her desire to offer programming beyond Freeman Park by utilizing Manor Park’s amenities. Norman moved, Hensley seconded, that the Park Commission move forward on it’s partnership with MCE to create summer programming including t-ball with the input of CRR, sand volleyball at Freeman or Manor, and an enhanced playground program at Freeman Park. Motion passed 5/0. rd B. 3 Lair Skateboarding Summer Series rd Brown stated that the 3 Lair Skateboarding Camps were slated for the weeks of June 23- rd 27 and July 28- Aug 1. In addition, Brown noted that 3 Lair wondered whether the City would like to participate in it’s Summer Series skateboard contests. Norman stated that he felt this would not be a wise investment for Shorewood, given the fact that Shorewood’s skate board park is geared towards the beginner boarder and not exhibition quality. Chair Davis concurred, pointing out that the grade of Shorewood’s facility is not competitive and typically what she has observed is that younger kids move on to more advanced parks after having started here. She believed they should give it another year to evaluate the park overall. C. Music in the Park th Chair Davis pointed out that Blues and Bar-B-Que was scheduled for Friday, July 11, with Big Walter. She noted that after having evaluated the solicitations received from artists wishing to participate in the series, Davis felt the Commission should focus on bringing in more of the children’s events to compliment their MCE partnership. Norman suggested the city connect with the library to find out where they recruit performers from for their events. Brown agreed that the City should bump up their children’s offering to at least twice during the summer. Quinlan encouraged the Commission to consider providing a children’s event on the weekend. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 5 PAGE 5 OF While acknowledging the weekend as a good opportunity, Anderson stated that they would have to consult the sports schedule or consider adding an event after most seasons have wrapped up for the spring/summer. Norman agreed a weekday, as well as, weekend offering might be beneficial. Chair Davis suggested CRR contact MCE to explain the process the City uses to request field space. If the program is growing, Davis felt CRR should sit down and tell MCE how the fee structure works and get their reaction and feedback to this. Anderson stated that she would contact MCE and explain the process. She cautioned the Commission against unraveling what has been built, if exceptions to the Policy are made and MCE becomes the only organization not paying for field space during prime-time others will begin to question the subject of equity. At $10 per player per season, Anderson could not predict MCE’s feedback. Hensley asked what the user fees cover. Brown stated that the fees barely scratch the surface of maintenance. Henley stated that while he did not wish to discourage MCE and their partnership from expanding and growing, he felt the City needed to stand by their Policy. Norman believed the proposed day camp programming could be deemed as a Park Commission initiative; whereas, the t-ball evening offering would be viewed more as something that falls under the priority planning process. Anderson concurred, acknowledging that the evening field space request somehow crosses the line of the original Park Commission initiative to create and provide programming in the parks during those hours that parks are underutilized and rises to the level of park priority management. Brown directed CRR to contact MCE, propose the fee process, get their feedback, and report back to the Commission at the next meeting. In addition, Brown stated that he would bring the priority policy back for the Commission to review at that time. 5. COMMUNITY REC YEAR-END REPORT Anderson indicated that she was available for questions with regard to the year end report. She pointed out that since the last Park Commission meeting at which time the Commission discussed action with regard to the (TFA) Football Associations failure to turn in their rosters and user fees, the Association immediately turned in the missing items. The Association apologized for their lack of response indicating that their representative had taken a short leave to resolve personal issues and the issue had fallen between the cracks. Anderson thanked the Commission for their support during the previous meeting and stated that it was CRR’s feeling that this was an isolated incident on behalf of TFA. PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 6 PAGE 6 OF In fact, Anderson reported that TFA was delighted by the completion of the Badger Park improvements and enjoyed a successful fall season. In addition to fall activities, Anderson noted that the hockey association was pleased to begin their rink use earlier than usual due to good weather conditions. Despite the relentless cold, the teams have been enjoying a long season thus far. Chair Davis complimented CRR on its ability to handle these issues and availability to share their observations with the Commission. 6. DETERMINE STATUS OF WELL AT SKATE PARK Brown reported that Council member Woodruff felt the Skate Park well should be abandoned since the advent of water main was located in close proximity to the park. Hensley moved, Norman seconded, accepting staff’s recommendation that the City obtain quotes for proper abandonment of the subject well located at the Southshore Community Park. Motion passed 4/1, Young dissenting. Young indicated that he felt the removal was unnecessarily alarmist. Brown stated that staff would obtain quotes and bring them back to the Commission. 7. APPOINT 2007 CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Norman moved, Hensley seconded, that Davis remain Chair for 2008. Motion passed 5/0. Chair Davis moved, Quinlan seconded, that Norman remain as Co-Chair for 2008. Motion passed 5/0. 8. DETERMINE LIAISON FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 25 Chair Davis volunteered to be liaison for the February 25, 2008 Council meeting 9. ADJOURN Norman moved, Young seconded, adjourning the Regular Park Commission Meeting of February 12, 2008, to Work Session at 8:08 p.m. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recorder PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 7 PAGE 7 OF