HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-08 Parks Packet t
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
r PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
• Monday, February 25, 2008 -- 6:00 p.m.
I. Call To Order
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — December 17, 2007 (1)
IV. Presentation by Alex Bildeaux of Bildeaux Services Regarding Proposed Thinning
Operation, Pine Plantation at 5502 Osgood Avenue
V. Department /Commission Liaison Reports
1. Arborist
2. Public Works Director (2)
3. Other /Commission Liaison Reports
VI. Visitors /Public Comment
This is an opportunity for• the public to addr -ess the Co» nvi 37on ivitb questions or concerns not on
the agenda. Please linrit comments to three minutes.
• VII. Public Hearings
VIII. New Business
1. City Hall Citizen's Advisory Committee (3)
2. Review of Parks Commission By -Laws (4)
3. Schedule Parks Commission Annual Meeting
4. Schedule Spring Park Walkthrough
IX. Old Business
1. Pine Plantation at 5502 Osgood Avenue — Make Recommendation (5)
2. Discussion of 2008 Park and 'Trail Projects (6)
3. 2008 Prairie Restoration at Valley View Park — Make Recommendation (7)
X. Informational
Upcoming Meetings: Monday, March 17, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Council Representative: February 26 — Commissioner Dougherty
March 25 — Commissioner Estes
XI. Adjourn
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• CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 17, 2007
L Call to Order:
{;;hair Zeuli called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dougherty,
and Estes; City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Ozzello, Arborist Widin and
Commission Liaison McCornber. Absent: c on - ii - n issioners Wagner and Nelson.
Ii. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved
to approve the Agenda. Carried 3 — 0.
111. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — November 27. 2007.: Corni Dougherty,
seconded by Commissioner ] stes, moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 3 —
0.
IV. Department/Commission Liaison Reports
1. Arborist: Arborist Widin stated that she has been working on the end of the year
reports, the annual forestry activity report, and the Tree City USA report. She reported
that she has been working on the pine plantation thinning update at 5502 Osgood
Avenue. She stated that she met with the Commodities Management Forester and met
• with logger to review the site. She stated that the logger recommended that about 30
percent be thinned out. Widin stated that the logger would also remove buckthorn and
any box elder or elm trees th a re in poor position or poor condition. She noted that if
the City decided to do the thinning, the corridor for the trail would need to be chosen.
She stated that the logger could commence the job in late February or he could wait until
next winter. She suggested a meeting with the Parks Commission and possibly the City
Council to discuss the process.
Chair Zeuli suggested a meeting on January 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. prior to the scheduled
Parks Commission meeting. Arborist Widin will contact him to see if that works with
his schedule.
Commissioner Estes questioned whether it would be wise to obtain several bids as far as
the market for the wood. Arborist Widin stated that there are not a lot of people who
would come in to utilize the wood. She stated that she can investigate that.
Chair Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to accept Arborist Widin's report.
Carried 3 — 0,
2. Public Works Director:
Chair Zeuh stated that the Public Works D irec t or wa s not present at the meeting to
provide a report. City Administrator Johnson stated that the Public Works Director
provided a short memo to the Parks Commissioners. He stated that they have been
• working on the ice rinks and are hoping to have the rinks open by the weekend.
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Parks Commission Minutes
December 17, 2007
Page 2 of 3 •
Johnson also reported that trails are plowed after the roads and access ways are cleared.
Chair Zeuli stated that they have been doing an excellent job of clearing the trails.
3. Other / Commission Liaison Reports: Commissioner Liaison McComber stated that she
received the new playground equipment catalog and that she had sonic information on
different types of elements for skateboard parks. She stated that City Administrator
Johnson will pass that information on to the Parks Commissioners.
City Administrator Johnson reported that the City received one bid on the picnic tables
from a resident. Fle stated that Council will need to award the bid to the bidder and will
need to dispose of the remaining tables in another fashion.
Commissioner Estes, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty, moved to recommend that
the picnic tables be donated to the Disabled Vets Camp on Big Marine I.,ake. Carried 3
—0.
V. Visitors /Public Comment:
Kevin Simpson, a resident of Oak Park Heights, came forward and stated that the tennis
courts at Swager Park are unusable right now and he would like the courts to be resurfaced.
City Administrator Johnson reported that the City received bids about two years ago for
reconstruction. He stated that under New Business on that evening's agenda was Capital •
Projects for 2008 and tennis courts could be discussed as part of that item. Chair Zeuli
reported that a survey was provided to residents within a one mile radius of the park and the
tennis courts did not come out as a top priority.
VI. New Business:
1. 2008 Meetinr_T Dates: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes,
moved to approve the meeting dates. Carried 3 — 0.
2. Review Handouts from the Last Meeting: Chair Zeuli stated that she reviewed the
requirements for Playful City USA and stated that the City already meets most the
requirements. She stated that the Parks Commission could be the Play Commission and
that Party in the Park could be considered the annual play day. She also noted that the
Parks Commission does conduct two park walkthroughs each year for an audit of play
equipment.
Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to recommend to
the City Council to make an application for Playful City USA designation. Carried 3 — 0.
3. Capital Projects for 2008: City Administrator Johnson stated that the total funds allotted
for budgeted projects for parks and trails in 2008 is $240,000. Mayor Beaudet came
forward and suggested the Parks Commission create a list of projects they would like to
be bid. He stated that once the bids come in, the Parks Commission may pick which
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Parks Commission Minutes
• December 17, 2007
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projects should move forward.
The Parks Corm nissioners discussed several projects that they would like the engineer to
begin work on for 2008. They compiled a prioritized list.
Chair './..,euli, seconded by Commissioner F ,'stes, moved to submit the following
prioritized list of capital projects to the council:
1. Playground Equipment at Swager Park
2. Concrete of hockey area at Brekke Park
3. Raymie Johnson Trail
4. Valley View Landscaping — replacement of railroad tie retaining wall
5. "Plan A" trail across northern border of 5502 Osgood Ave Property
to I3rekke Park
6. 'Tennis Courts
7. Skateboard Park
Carried 3 — 0.
VII. Old Business:
1. 5502 Oscrood Avenue Property — Pine Plantation Thinning Update.: Chair %euli reported
that this item was covered by Arborist Widin in her previous report.
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VIII. Informational:
1, Upcominq Meeting: Meeting with Logger, Monday, January 28, 2008 at 6 pm @ City Hall
Regular Meeting, Monday, January 28, 2008 at 6:30 pm @ City Hall
2. Council Representative: December 27 -- Wagner
January 8 and January 22 — Zeuli
IZ. Adjournment:
Chair %euli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to adjourn at 7:18 p.m.
Carried 3 — 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Thoen
Administrative Secretaiy /Deputy Clerk
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• City of Oak Park Heights
Memo
To: Parks Commission
From: Jennifer Thoen
Date: January 25, 2008
Re: City Hall Facility - Citizen Advisory Committee
At their December 27, 2007 meeting, the City Council voted and approved the
creation of a Citizen Advisory Committee for the purpose of reviewing information
related to the possible rehabilitation or replacement of the current city Hall facility.
The Committee shall be compromised of three citizen representatives, two
Councilmembers, one Planning Commissioner and one Parks Commissioner.
Generally, the primary issues to be considered by the Committee will be the
examination of City facility needs, cost- effectiveness of any construction
project, long -term building serviceability, and fiscal impacts upon the
• community. Upon review and discussion of significant information, the
Committee will be requested to make recommendations to the City Council
about the above issues so as to provide the City Council additional direction
as it looks to and considers the future.
It is anticipated that this Committee will meet several times over the next 60
days to discuss the above matters. Meetings will typically be held in the
evening, but as scheduled by the Committee once convened.
City Administrator Johnson has followed up with several individuals, who were
indicated to him as having interest in participating on the./Committee, with
information on how to submit their formal request to participate as a citizen
representative. An online form was also placed on the City web page with a
deadline of 4:30 p.m., January 11, 2008 for citizens to submit their request to
participate.
Action Reauested: Nominate and vote to recommend a Parks Commissioner to
serve upon the City Hall Facility Citizen Advisory Committee,
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City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007 •Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651) 439 -4439 • Pox (651)
439 -0574
January 16, 2008
�neQ., two a/Lit S�SS'�"1 .
MEMO
TO: City Council-Memberf
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FROM: Eric Johnson, City Ad t1� 1 B `L�r
RE: Park Commission
The Park Commission is approachinnnual meeting and we have a few
issues that that must be addressed cil.
• Current by - laws of the Com persons to serve two consecutive
terms (see Art. 3C).
• Appointments to Chairperson and Vice -Chair positions are limited.
In both of the above instances the Commission Is in conflict with the By -laws. The Council
should review the enclosed comprehensive memo as prepared by Julie Hultman and
discuss possible remedies which can include elimination of term limits, extending term
limits and possibly how officer terms are constituted.
In the past the City has had difficulty finding citizens to serve on this committee and has
likely precipitated the current situation. It should be understood that the current Park
Commissioners have served in good -faith and are seeking clarity on these issues and do
desire to be in compliance with the by -laws.
Please review the enclosed memo and we will discuss at the 1/22/08 work - session. There
are several recommendations on the last two pages of,
is packet.
f Commissioners
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PARK COMMISSION BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1 - ORIGIN AND POWERS
A. Authorization. The City is authorized and empowered to establish a Park
Commission under the provisions of Chapter 205 of the code of ordinances for
the City of Oak Park Heights.
B. *Establishment. The Park Commission was created in an advisory capacity by
action of the Oak Park Heights City Council pursuant to Chapter 205 of the code
of ordinances of the City of Oak Park Heights and to Commission Bylaws
established on June 8, 1999.
ARTICLE 2 — DUTIES AND OBJECTIVES
A. Advisory Capacity. The Park Commission is designed to serve in an advisory
capacity to the Oak Park Heights City Council.
B. Objectives. The objectives of the Park Commission are to make •
recommendations to the City Council, which will guide the development of city
parks and related services and facilities.
C. Public Hearings. The Park Commission shall hold such hearings as are
provided within the City Ordinances and shall make recommendations on same
as requested by the City Council.
D. Special Public Hearings. The Park Commission may hold such public
informational hearings as the City Council directs and may make
recommendations on same as requested by the City Council.
ARTICLE 3 — MEMBERSHIP
A. Voting Members. The Park Commission shall consist of five citizen members
who are eligible voters residing within the Oak Park Heights City limits and who
are appointed by the City Council.
" Chapter 205 of Zoning Ordinance as amended May 25, 9999.
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B. Ex- Officio Members. There shall be a City Council person designated by the
Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, to be a liaison to the Park
Commission. Such City Council person shall serve without voting power and in a
capacity as ex- officio to the Park Commission. The Mayor, with the consent of
the City Council may also appoint non - voting, ex- officio members to represent
other groups or organizations from the community.
C. Terms. The five members of the Park Commission shall be appointed by the
City Council. All such appointments shall initiate and be established by
Resolution of the City Council. The term of each member shall be for three years
with initial terms being staggered by the City Council Resolution of appointment.
Unless extended by special order of the City Council for a period of one year, no
member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the Park Commission.
D. Absenteeism. If any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetings
or a total of four meetings (or 25 percent) during the calendar year of March to
February, the Park Commission shall notify the City Council of the same with a
recommendation from the Park Commission. Park Commissioners shall notify
the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated.
E. Removal. Any member of the Park Commission may be removed at any time
by a four - fifths (415) vote of the City Council with or without cause.
• F. Compensation. Compensation of Park Commission members as selected by
the City Council shall serve without compensation except as otherwise
established by Resolution of the City Council.
G. Training. The Chairperson and the City staff shall meet with each new Park
Commissioner to explain Park Commission procedures.
H. Resignation. A member who wishes to resign shall submit a written
resignation to the Chairperson, who shall in turn forward the same to the City
Council.
I. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring within the Park Commission shall be filled for
the balance of the appointment by the City Council.
ARTICLE 4 — OFFICERS, DUTIES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. Officers. The officers of the Park Commission shall be Chairperson and V�ce-
Chairperson.
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B. Duties of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, •
appoint Park Commission members to committees, appoint Park Commission
representatives, rule on procedural questions (subject to reversal by a two- thirds
(2/3) vote of those members in attendance), meet with all newly appointed
members, exercise the same voting rights as other Park Commissioners and
carry out such other duties as are assigned by the Park Commission or by the
City Council.
C. Duties of the Vice - Chairperson. The Vice - Chairperson shall act in the
absence or inability to act of the Chairperson, and in such instances shall have
the powers and functions of the Chairperson.
D. Terms. The Park Commission officers shall be elected from among its
appointed members for the term of two years. No member shall serve as
Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson for more than two consecutive terms. The
election shall occur at the Park Commission's annual meeting.
E. Vote. Candidates for office receiving a majority vote of the entire membership
(three- fifths (315)), shall be declared duly elected.
P. Date of Office. Newly elected officers shall take office at the annual meeting in
March.
G. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in the offices of the Park Commission shall
be filled immediately by the above election procedure. •
ARTICLE 5 — MEETINGS
A. Annual Meeting. An annual organizational meeting shall be held the third
Monday in March of each year. Election of officers shall be conducted at that
time.
B. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Park Commission shall be held at
6:30 PM on the third Monday of each month in the City Flail Council Chambers.
The regular meeting date of the Park Commission may be changed by
resolution of the City Council.
C. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the
Chairperson, after consultation with City staff.
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D. Notice of Meetings. Notice in writing of all regular and special Park '
Commission meetings, setting forth the time, place and agenda of such
meetings, shall be mailed by the City staff to all Park Commission members
at least five days in advance of each meeting.
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E. Site Investigation. Prior to each meeting, all Park Commission members
shall endeavor to visit any properties to be discussed at the meeting.
F. Park Commission Representative at City Council Meetings. Each Park
Commission member shall in turn represent the Park Commission at regular City
Council meetings.
ARTICLE S -- PRE - MEETING PROCEDURES
A. Agenda. The agenda for each meeting of the Park Commission shall be
developed in writing by the City staff and shall be available at the City Hall prior
to each meeting.
B. Withdrawal. If a petitioner or applicant desires to withdraw a matter from an
agenda, such request must be submitted to the City staff in writing, and if any
public notice has been given, all persons appearing at the noticed hearing on
said petition or application shall be entitled to be heard.
• ARTICLE 7 -- PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
A. Time. The time of each public hearing shall be stated on the agenda, and no
hearing may begin before this time. Each hearing shall begin as soon as
possible after this time.
B. Presentation. if a public hearing is required for a request by a petitioner, the
petitioner or an appointed representative shall state the request, explain the
proposal and answer questions of the Park Commissioners. if no petitioner is
involved, the Chairperson or the City staff member shall explain the purpose of
the hearing. The Chairperson may impose reasonable restraint upon the number
of times one individual may speak.
C. Termination of Hearing. The Chairperson may close a public hearing after
hearing those present who care to speak, or any member may move to continue
the public hearing until a specified date. if a hearing on the petitioner's request is
closed, the Park Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council
within 30 days following the close of the hearing, if a hearing is continued,
mailed notices of the continuation may be requested by any voting member.
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ARTICLE 8 — MEETING PROCEDURES •
A. Rules of Order. Unless otherwise specifically designated, Roberts Rules of
Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the meeting procedure.
B. *Quorum. A majority of the voting membership (three - fifths (3/5)) shall
constitute a quorum for meeting purposes. Whenever there are vacancies on the
Park Commission the Commission may meet and transact business with half of
the non- vacated seats being present. Votes on issues where the commission
members are equally split will be deemed to be passed onto the City Council
without recommendation.
C. Conflict of Interest, Whenever a Park Commission member shall have a
direct or indirect personal or financial interest in an application or petition before
the Park Commission, that member shall declare such interest and excuse
himself /herself from the discussion and vote.
D. Agenda. The order of business at regular meetings generally shall be as
follows:
1. Cali to order.
2. Roll call of members.
3. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. •
4. Public hearings.
5. Informational hearings.
6. Old business.
7. New business.
8. Adjournment.
E. Appearance of Petitioner. No application or petition shall be given final
approval unless the applicant or petitioner appears personally or by
representative at the hearing called thereon, or unless he /she makes satisfactory
explanation or presentation in lieu thereof.
F. Tabling. A tabling motion, if passed, has the effect of laying a matter over until
the next regular meeting, unless otherwise specified.
G. Reports. Any matter may be tabled for a technical report or study which the
Park Commission may make or request of the petitioner, the City staff, the City
Attorney, the City Engineer or other sources. Such report shall be presented to
the City staff for forwarding to the Park Commission at least five days prior to the
meeting at which said matter will be heard again.
As amended April 27, 2004.
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1 -1. Non - Agenda Matters. No binding or final action may be taken on any matter
not on the written agenda except by unanimous vote of the members in
attendance or four - fifths (415) vote of the entire membership.
ARTICLE 9 — COMMITTEES
A. Park Commission Committees. The Park Commission may establish
committees of its own membership for a specific purpose and duration.
B. Ad Hoc Committees. The Park Commission may request that the City Council
appoint other members of the community to Ad Hoc Commission committees,
which may be created by the Park Commission for a specific purpose and
duration. At least one voting member of the Park Commission also shall be
appointed to each such committee.
ARTICLE 10 — RECORDS
A. Minutes. The City shall supply a secretary at all regular and special meetings of
the Park Commission who shall be -responsible for taking full and complete
minutes and record all such meetings. The City staff shall be responsible for
keeping a record of all Park Commission resolutions, transcriptions, minutes and
• findings.
B. Open Meetings. All meetings shall be a matter of public record.
8AParks \6y1aws.doc
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City of Oak Park .Heights
Memo
To: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
From: Julie Hultman
Date: January 4, 2008
Re: Park Commission - Annual Meeting & Commission Terms Issues
At your request, I have completed a thorough review of the term appointments for the
current Park Commissioners. Attached to this memo you will find a sheet for each
Commissioner, detailing the appointment information I was able to locate as to
appointments to the Commission, Chair and Vice Chair Officer positions and sub-
committee representation.
The information outlined on the summary sheet for each Commissioner can be found in
their respective Parr Commission file, bearing their name. I am comfortable in that the
term appointment and Officer appointment information is complete; however I cannot
assert that the information to sub - committee appointments is complete as I had to rely
on information found in our system, searching each Commissioner.
The Bylaws for the Parr Commission, which were adopted in 1999, direct: •
1. That an annual organizational meeting is held in March each vear; wherein the
election of Officers is to be conducted.
Assuming the 2 -year officer term, annual meetings with officer election should occur
every two years from 1999. This would constitute officer elections in 2001, 2003, 2005,
2007, 2009 and so on.
The unexpected departure of a Commissioner who also held an Officer position would
naturally result in an election of a replacement Officer which would not necessarily occur
at the annual meeting such as occurred in July of 2000 when Gina Zeuh was elected to
replace departing Daria Berger as Vice Chairperson.
An annual meeting was held in 2001, and both 2,002 and 2003, with different
individuals being elected as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. 2001 elections resulted
in Kevin Furlong as Chairperson and Gina Zeuli as Vice Chairperson, with terms that
should have run to March 2003. The event of a 2002 annual meeting being held re-
elected both Ifevin and Gina to the same officer positions but effectively reduced their j
previous term appointment by one year and ultimately balanced out as a 2003 annual
meeting was held and Officers elected. l
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The Annual Meeting and Office election in 2003 was the last held. At that time Gina
Zeuli was elected Chairperson and Chuck Dougherty elected Vice Chairperson. They
have been serving in such capacity since. F
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• .ri City of Oak Park Heights
2. That unless extended by special order of the City Council for a ocriod of one vear,
no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms, orr the Park
Commission.
The current Commissioners term should have or should expire as follows:
Chuck Dougherty received three full appointments from City Council with consecutive
terms having been held from January 2000 through December 31,
2008. With a term extension by special appointment from the City
council of one year, Chuck's term per the Park Commission
Bylaws should have expired December 31, 2006. Chuck remains
participant with the Commission.
Pat Estes received his first appointment from the City Council to a partial term that
expired December 31, 2006, though he has remained participant with the
Commission during 2007 and having not heard otherwise is anticipated to
continue doing so as of January 2008.
Per the Park Commission Bylaws, Mr. Estes is able to seek reappointment.
I -ie should be queried as to his desire to seek reappointment and indicate
one way or the other, preferably in writing. Depending upon his response,
reappointment (to a term period of 1/ 1/2007 to 12/31/2009) or
• Commissioner vacancy advertisement should occur.
Beth Nelson received her first appointment from the City Council to a partial term that
ended December 2005 and was reappointed to her first full term period in
2006 which expires December 31, 2008.
Randy Wagner received his first appointment from City Council to a partial term
that ended December, 2004 and was reappointed to his first full
term period in 2005, which expired December 31,2007. Having not
heard otherwise, it is anticipated that he will continue to participate
as of January, 2008.
Though Per the Park Commission Bylaws, Mr. Wagner is able to
seek reappointment. He should be queried as to his desire to seek,
reappointment and indicate one way or the other, preferably in
writing. Depending upon his response, reappointment (to a term
period of l/ 1/2008 to 12/31/2010) or Commissioner vacancy
advertisement should occur.
Gina Zeuli received her first appointment from City Council to a partial term that
expired December 2000. She has been consecutively reappointed since
and completed to full Commissioner terms of 3 years each in 2006. City
Council reappointed Gina to full 3 year term in January, 2006 resulting in
a term period ending December 31, 2008. With a terra extension by
special appointment from the City council of one year, Gina's term per the
Park Commission Bylaws should have expired December 31, 2007. Gina
remains participant with the Commission.
Page 19 of 40
City of Oak Park Heights
3. That Park Commission Officers be elected from among its appointed members for
the term of two vears, which election occurs at the annual meeting. No member
shall serve as Chairperson or Vice - Chairperson for more than two consecutive
te rms.
Gina Zeula is the current Chairperson. Through a 10 month partial term and
subsequent annual meeting elections, she has served in the role of an Officer
consecutively since June of 2007 when she was first elected Vice Chair at the time of
former Commissioner Daria Berger's departure. Gina has served as a Commission
Officer in the following capacity:
Vice Chairperson June 2000 to March 2003 2 years, 10 months
Chairperson March 2003 to March 2005 2 years
Continued as Chairperson
without formal re- election March 2005 to present (1 /08) 2 uears, 10 months ADDrox
7 years, 8 months total
Total Consecutive Officer Term Periods Broken Down By Office:
Vice Chairperson (1 partial and 1 full term,) 2 years, 10 months
Chairperson (elected and unelected capacity)
(1 full elected term) 2 years •
(I full term + 10 months) 2 years, 10 months
Chuck Doueherty is the current Vice Chairperson. Elected as Vice Chairperson at the
2003 annual meeting and having continued in capacity without formal re- election,
Chuck has served in the role of an Officer, namely as Vice Chair person, consecutively
since March of 2003.
Vice Chairperson March 2003 to March 2005 2 years
Continued as Vice Chairperson
without formal re- election March 2005 to present (1108) 2 uears, l0 months Approx
4 years, 10 months total
4. That if any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetings or a total of
four meetines for 25 percent) during the calendar vear of March to Februarv, the
Parr Commission shall notify the City Council of the same with a
recommendation from the Park Commission, Park Commissioners shall notify
the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated.
Attendance and notice of absenteeism per the bylaws has been somewhat sketchy. I I
know we have had to call periodically to check on people coming and you have addressed
the Commission on the importance of letting staff know in advance that they will not be
in attendance for quorum purposes.
Page 20 of 40
l r
• ;'' k City of Oak Park Heights
Attendance records from 2001 through 2007, reconstructed from the Minutes when
necessary, shows that we peaked in 2002 with full Commissioner attendance at
meetings 55% of the time and then dropping to below 30% in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
2006 and 2007 are our worst years for full Commissioner attendance at 9% and 8%
respectively.
Based on the Bylaws calendar of March to February, and just for the past three years,
there have been two incidents of one Commissioner absent 3 consecutive meetings and 4
incidents (4 Commissioners) where they were absent 4 or more times or greater than
25% of the periods meetings. The 2007 -2008 Park Calendar Year attendance cannot be
calculated until after the February, 2008 meeting; although presuming full attendance
for both January and February of 2008, shows that the incident of 4 meetings and /or
25% being missed has occurred by 4 of the 5 Commissioners.
In Summani:
Terms:
• Beth Nelson's team is accurately on schedule.
• Chuck Dougherty and Gina Zeuli are both currently participant an d have both
exceeded term limits established within the Park Commission Bylaws.
Based on the present Park Commission Bylaws neither Chuck Dougherty
nor Gina Zeuli would be permitted to serve as a voting member of the
• Commission.
Pat Estes has served beyond his appointed term, which expired December 31,
2006 and should be reappointed to a first full term if he so desires (1/1/07 -
12/31/09).
Randy Wagner's term expired December 31, 2007. She he so desire, he should
be reappointed to a second full term (1/l/08- 12/31/2010).
Annual Meetings & Officer Terms:
• An annual meeting should be held in 2008, electing Officers for a one year period
from the 2008 Annual Meeting date to the 2009 Annual Meeting date, at which
time Officer elections should occur as needed for departing officer members and
at the Annual Meetings held in odd numbered years when current Officer 2 -year
terms period culminate.
• Based on the present Park Commission Bylaws neither Chuck Dougherty nor
Gina Zeuli would be permitted to be elected as an Officer.
Attendance:
• Steadily declining full Commission participation at regular meetings
• Incidents of 3 consecutive meetings missed by a member and no report to City
Council or other activity of record during Park Calendar years of 2005 through
2007.
• Four of five Commissioners have had at least 1 incident where they were
absent 4 or more times or greater than 25% of the meetings held.
Page 21 of 40
PARKS COMMISSION •
Commissioner: Chuck Dougherty
12/14/99 CC appointed to 3 -year term.
➢ First Full 3 -year term. (1/1/2000 - 12/31/2002)
03/17/03 PC elected as Vice Chairperson.
First Full 2 -year Officer term (3/2003 - 3/2005)
03/25/03 CC re- appointed to second 3 -year term.
Second Full 3 year term. (1/1/2003 - 12/31/2005)
01/10/06 CC re- appointed to third 3 -year team.
➢ Third Full year term (1/2/2006 - 12/31/2008)
Commissioner Term(s) Officer Term(s)
1St Full -1/00 -12/02 (3 yrs) TV Full- 3/03 - 3/05 (V. Chair)
2nd Full -1/03 -12/05 (3 yrs) 2006 Vice Chair - unofficially
3rd Full -1/06 -12/08 (3 yrs) 2007 Vice Clrair - unofficially
Other Annointment(sl: •
➢ 2001 Hwy, 36 Partnership Study Committee Alternate
)> 2002 A.S. King Landfill (Moelter FIy Ash Site) Future Park Development Group
➢ 2006 OPH City Comprehensive Plan Update Review Committee
F
k
i
I
I I
Page 22 of 40
•
PARKS COMMISSION
Commissioner: Pat Estes
02/28/05 PC recommended appointment to complete uncompleted term of
outgoing Conunissioner Janel Belz, who did not return for term 2004-
2006.
03/08/05 CC appointed to complete 2004 -2006 term vacancy created by outgoing
Commissioner Janel Belz who opted to not seek a re2004 -2006 term re-
appointment.
➢ Partial to begin in March and end 12/31/2006.
Commissiorrer Terms) Officer Term(sl
• Partial - 3/05 -12/06 (1 yr. 10 mo.)
ist Full -
4 v-n .\ �
Other Appointments !
> w�
•
Page 23 of 40
PARKS COMMISSION •
Comm issioner; Beth Nelson
04/18/05 PC reconunended appointment to complete outgoing
Com iydssloner F s term (ending December 31, 2005),
04/26/05 CC appointed to complete unexpired term of Kevin Furlong
:�- Partial Term to begin in May and end 12/31/2005. (6 months)
01/10/06 CC Re- appointed to first full 3 -year term.
➢ First full term period (1/1/06 -- 12/31/2008)
Commissioner Term(s) Officer Termfsl
Partial - 5/05 -12/05 (6 mo.)
1 Full -1/06 -12/08 (3 yrs)
Other Appointments:
i
I
s
Page 24 of 40
•
PARKS COMMISSION
Coniniissioner: Randy Wagner
09/15/03 PC; recommended appointment to complete outgoing Commissioner
Weyer's tern (ending December 31, 2004)
09/23/03 CC appointed to complete the unfiu term of Mark Weyer who
resigned effective 07/21/03.
➢ Partial Term to begin in October and end. 12/31/2004.
01/25/2005 CC re- appointed to first full 3 -year term.
➢ First Full Term period (01/01/05 - 12/31/07)
Commissioner Term(s), Officer Term(s)
Partial -10%03 -12/04 (9 yr. 3 mo)
1St Full - 01/05 - 12/07 (3 yrs.)
Other Avnointments: n _aQn
• 1 l..x -e 1 � _
X 10
Page 25 of 40
PARKS COMMISSION •
Commissioner: Gina Bias - Zeuli
'1/26/99 CC appointed to complete unexpired term of Lynae Byrne, who moved
to City Council. F irst meeting shown in attendance is 3/99.
> Partial Commissioner Term, expiring 12/31/2000.
7/17/00 PC elected to serve as Vice Chairperson. Replacing resigned
Commissioner Berger.
➢ Partial officer term ending in 2001
2/12/01 PC recommended Re appointment to 3 year term.
➢ First Full Commissioner Term, 1/1/2001 to 12/31/2003.
04/23/01 Re- elected to serve as Vice Chairperson.
03/18/02 Re- elected to serve as Vice Chairperson.
Term noted as March 2002 to March 2004
➢ First Full 2 -year Officer Term - Vice Chair
03/17/03 Elected to serve as Chairperson (March 2003 to March 2005)
Note: 2003 7vas the correct year to hold an Annual Meeting for officer election.
Gina's Vice Chair election in 2001 should have carried up to 2003 Annual
Meeting)
➢ Second Full 2 -year Officer Term - Chair
11/25/03 CC Re- appointment to second full 3 year term. �(
Y Second Full Commissioner Term, 1/1/2004 to 12/31/2006. \
1a
01/10/06 CC Re- appointment to third full. 3 year term. Note: Using this date for nezv
term for Gina her term is n07V ending 1
➢ Third Full Commissioner Term,1 /1/2006 to 12/31/2008.
Commissioner Term(s) Officer Terms)
Partial -3/99- 12/00 q ni Partial -06/00-04/01 V. Chair
Full - 1/01 -12/03 (3 yrs) 1St Full - 4/01 - 3/02 V. Chair (Yr.1)
Full -1/04 -12/06 (3 yrs) or 12105 (2 yrs) - 3/02 - 3/03 V. Chair (Yr.2)
Full -1/06 -12/08 (3 yrs) 21A Full- 3/03 - 3/05 Chair (Yrs 1 & 2)
Other Avvointments:
i
> 1999 Strategic Planning Update Committee
➢ Hwy 6 Partnership Committee (Withdrew 10/21/02)
y txl(t.� VO -�,t� �f11�0o�1
1a - 31 . -010
Page 26 of 40
• `a City of Oak. Park Heights
FOLLOWING UP ON 2007 PARK ACTIVITY:
At their April 16, 2007 meeting, the Park Commission moved recommend continuance of
the Annual Meeting for one year and that during that time the City Council re- examine
the Park Commission Bylaws and make appropriate changes to them.
The motion made by Chair 7.euli, seconded by Vice Chair Dougherty and voted aye by
Commissioner tastes for a 3 -0 vote and carried. Commissioners Nelson and Wagner were
absent from the meeting and did not vote.
I have found no documentation that suggests that tlae City Council has re- examined the
Park Commission Bylaws or that they have made any changes to them. It would my
suggestion that the Park Commission or their City Council Liaison, on their behalf,
elaborate and relay to the City Council what changes the Commission are seeking to the
Bylaws.
The following are my suggestions for consideration:
1. Remove term limits, while continuing the 3 year term appointment process.
• In the capacity of an advisory board there is little argument for a long -term
commission member becoming overly influential in the ways of checks and
• balance for fairness.
• It is beneficial to have members with a history of activity participation to be
involved with current activities.
• Historically, members have left the Commission of their own accord for the most
part versus having to due to term limitations being imposed. It is reasonable to
expect that this type of departure would continue thereby creating change to the
overall composition of the Commission.
• stimulating interest to membership of the Commission has been challenging,
despite advertisement the Commission had a vacant seat the full year of 2004
and part of 2005.
Continuing with 3 year term appointments creates the opportunity for members
to resign at a fixed point in time versus haphazardly as well as allows for in house
tracking of citizen service to the Commission.
2. Remove Officer cumulative term limits, while continuing the 2 -year term period
for them upon election and continued re- election every two years at the Annual
Meeting or when necessitated by the departure of a Commission who is also
serving in the capacity of an Officer.
The cumulative term limits really have no bearing on influence or effect of
limiting leadership by another Commission member as long the officer
term period maintains the 2 -year election periods and elections continue to
be held at the Annual Meetings.
Page 27 of 40
City of Oak Park Heights
• Election periods create an opportunity for a change in Officer
position (eg. Current Vice Chairperson may become the
Chairperson by election).
• Elections at the Annual Meeting create an opportunity for different
members to be elected to either Officer Position or for the
Commission to affirm their desire to maintain the Officers elect as
they are for another 2 year term,
If cumulative Officer terms are kept, I would like to see the tern language in Article 4,
Section D revised to mare it clear whether the two consecutive terms permitted is 4
years total in the capacity of Chairperson for 4 years or Vice Chairperson for 4 years or a
combination of either for a total period of 4 years.
3. Change the calendar year of March to February to a January through December
calendar year, thereby keeping it in line with that of a regular fiscal year for
stipend payments and attendance calculation, and easier to monitor with
December 31 Commission term ending dates.
4. Change the Annual Meeting month from March to January to simplify the
transition of Officer election with December 31 Commission term ending dates
and the potential of a member leaving who is also an Officer.
S. Either clarify what other organisational items are to be facilitated at the Annual
Meeting beyond Officer election or direct Annual Meetings to be held every two •
years commencing in 2009. To date no other business beyond officer election has
been had at the Annual Meeting. If there is no other business, I believe it lends
confusion to elected Office terms.
b. Require that Commissioners declare their intention, in writing, to seek
reappointment to a new three year term in September, so that in the event of non -
intention, a period of transition may exist wherein vacancy is advertised,
applicants received, interviewing done and appointment made before the outgoing
Commissioner departs.
7. Clarify a more specific advanced absenteeism policy (eg. Email a specific party,
etc) and clarify what recommendation the City Council would like in the event of '
absences meeting the criteria of Article 3, Section D. For example, does the City
Council want to know when it occurs regardless of the Commission wishing any
action to be taken or otherwise?
8. Article 5, Section D Notice of Meetings: states that these are to be mailed at lest 5
days in advance of each meeting. Presently materials are hand delivered to
Commissioners the Friday preceding the meeting. Consider revising language to
preferred number of days and manner of distribution.
9. Article 5, Section F Park Commission Representative at City Council Meetings.
Consider revising the language to clarify which meeting or that all regular Council
meetings following the Park Commission meeting be attended. There is some
confusion as to what is required presently.
Page 28 of 40
To: OPH Parks Commission "J IRE
From: Kathy Widin, Arborist
Re: Pine Plantation Thinning 5502 Osgood (Update)
12/13/07
1 met with Barb Spears (commodities /management forester) and Alex Bildeaux
(logger) at the 5502 Osgood property on Mon. 12/10. We walked through the site and
Mr. Bildeaux said that probably 30% of the plantation should be thinned to improve the
site for park, tree and wildlife purposes. Thinning would remove risk trees, improve the
health and stability of remaining pines, allow for pine seedling growth, open planting
sites to increase tree and shrub diversity, as well as decrease the fire risk. He would
remove dead/dying pine, some boxelder and elm, and suppressed and crowded pine. He
would also selectively remove healthy pine to be used for furniture, lumber and pulp.
These trees would be removed from locations which would encourage better growth of
surrounding pine. As part of the thinning process he would remove some downed trees
which are leaning or poorly supported. He would also remove buckthorn and elderberry
from the area of the plantation, to allow some pine regeneration and planting of native
tree and shrub species in openings. A general corridor for the main trail through the
plantation would need to be chosen so the trail corridor could be cleared as part of the
thinning process. He and I would work together to mark trees for removal, both before he
• starts, and as they are working, to get the best results. I will do a general inventory of
trees on the site before the thinning, and then a final, more specific, inventory once the
thinning has been completed. Mr. Bildeaux can do the job in late February, if the city is
ready, or could wait until next winter. He would need a 2 -3 week period to "do the job
right" and would need a flat staging area for equipment and logs. He wondered if the
chain link fence behind the house is going to be removed, or could be removed? It would
make it a lot easier to stage and haul logs off the site that way. If the house is no longer
there, it would also facilitate storage and removal of logs. The market for pine is down,
but he said there is still a market for pine for furniture and other specialty markets. He
expected that the sale of wood from the thinning might pay for a good portion of the work
being done. He would be happy to meet with members of the Council and Parks Comm.
and staff to explain his process and what things should be considered. It might be good to
have that happen in Jan. 2008, whether or not the work is done in February 2008 or next
winter. The City will then need to decide if and when they would like to have the work
done. I will be gone 1/14 -16 but otherwise here the month of January. I would like to
know several dates/times in January when the Parks Comm. and any interested staff, and
Council or Commission members could meet with Mr. Bildeaux to discuss the project.
Page 29 of 40
1
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IC I
This Page Is Left Intentionally Blank.
•
•
Page 30 of 40
IL ti
233511ighway 36W
5t. Paul, MN 55113
•
Tel 6S1. 636.1 1
fax 651 636 1311
www.bonestroo.coan
January 16, 2008
Bonestroo
Mr. Eric Johnson
City Administrator
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd., P.O. Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 -2007
Re: 2008 Trails and Park Improvements
Conceptual Cost Estimates
BRA File No. 55 -08 -000
Dear Eric;
As directed, we have estimated the costs for various trail and park improvement projects throughout the
City of Oak Park Heights. Improvements are identified at Brekke Park, Swagger Park and Valley View Park.
A detailed description of each improvement is identified in your memo of January 7, 2008 and summarized
on the attached Preliminary Cost Estimate.
The table below summarizes the total cost for the improvements at each park. The low end of the range is
for the base improvements as identified by City Staff and the high end includes the cost of all the alternates.
The total cost range includes preliminary survey, engineering design and construction administration. (The
• attached Preliminary Cost Estimate identifies the total cost for each improvement identified at the parks.)
Park Total Cost Ranqe*
Brekke Park $184,800- $432,000
Swagger Park $100,800 - $130,800
Valley View Park $560,000- $729,600
*Soil Borings are not included in t ie estimate.
This estimate was done based on visual observations performed at each snow covered park in January 08.
Per the memo of January 7, 2008 it was requested that all trail improvements be ADA compliant. Prior to
confirmation that the trails can meet ADA standards R will be necessary to perform a preliminary survey of
the sites. It may be necessary to switchback the trails to meet ADA standards, specifically for the
improvements at Brekke Park (Identified as Project number Alternate 1 B on the attached table.)
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at (651) 604 -4788 or Dennis
Postler at (651) 604 -4815.
Sincerely,
BONE TR00
Karen S. Erickson, P.E.
St. Paul
cc: Scott Richards, City Planner St. Cloud
DMP, CWL2, GDK, File — Bonestroo Rochester
i Milwaukee
Chicago
I
qr Bonestroo
City of Oak Park Heights
2008 Trail and Park Improvements
Preliminary Cost Estimate
17- Jan -08
Estimated Engineering Estimate Total
Project Number Project Description Summary Construction Cost Fees* Cost **
Improvements at Brekke Park
1 Placement of a concrete hockey rink at Brekke Park $154,000 $30,800 $184,800
Alternate 1A Placement of a concrete pleasure rink at Brekke Park $98,000 $19,600 $117,600
Alternate 1A.1 Placement of 1/2 concrete pleasure rink at Brekke Park $54,000 $10,800 $64,800
Installation of new bituminous walkway /trail from the parking lot at
Alternate 1B Brekke Park to the south side of the Brekke Park Shelter. $27,000 $5,400 $32,400
Installation of a new 8' wide bituminous trail from Brekke Park through
the property at 5502 Osgood Ave. to a point along Osgood Ave, directly
Alternate 1C adjacent to Upper 55th Street. $81,000 $16,200 $97,200
Improvements at Swagger Park
Replacement of the tennis courts at Swagger Park, including replacement
2 of the fencing, net posts and a new practice wall. $84,000 $16,800 $100,800
Installation of a lighting system at the Tennis Courts at Swagger Park.
Alternate 2A This system would be on a timing system. $25,000 $5,000 $30,000
Improvements at Valley View Park
Installation of a bituminous trail from Valley View Park northerly to the
Project 3 intersection of Ozark Ave. and 58th Street N. $467,000 $93,400 $560,400
Installation of a bituminous trail from the intersection of Ozark Ave. and
Alternate 3A 58th Street to the Xcel Energy Fly ash trail. $74,000 $14,800 $88,800
Replacement of the retaining wall that surrounds the eastern and
CD Alternate 3B southern sides of the Valley View Park Shelter $67,000 $13,400 $80,400
co Estimated at 20% of construction cost for budgetary purposes _
o **Soil borings are not included in the estimate -4- t-
0
Cities rethinking costly, crumbling tennis courts Page 1 of 4
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tog
Powered by �.if_BkJIIIt)/
Cities rethinking costly, crumbling tennis courts
The courts are expensive to rebuild and maintain. In many metro parks, the
space is being put to other uses.
By MARY JANE SMETANKA, Star Tribune
Last update: December 28, 2007 - 12:20 AM
New tennis courts in Richfield? People would rather have walking; and bikini; trails.
• In Bloomington, disintegrating tennis courts may revert to grass. And in Minneapolis, at least 39 of the
139 outdoor tennis courts run by the Park and Recreation Board are slated to disappear.
Ironically, tennis' popularity is on the upswing. National figures show that since 2000, participation in
tennis has grown more than that of any other major sport. But dollars for replacing cracked and
crumbling public tennis courts are not keeping pace.
Many of today's asphalt courts that are cracked and pitted and need replacement were built during tennis'
heyday in the 1970s, when American tennis stars like Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert boosted the
sport's popularity.
Minneapolis is "significantly overbuilt in tennis courts," said Michael Schmidt, general manager for the
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
In the 1970s, he said, "Virtually everybody who could scrape together enough money to buy a racquet
thought they would play the game the rest of their lives.
"Park and recreation groups all over the country took advantage by building as many tennis courts as
they could. No thought was given to what will happen 25 years later when they reach the end of their
•
m Page 33 of 40
Cities rethinking costly, crumbling tennis courts Page 2 of 4
•
functional life and need to be redone."
Matter of money, priorities
Not every city is reevaluating its commitment to tennis courts.
In Edina, where high school tennis teams perennially compete for state titles, residents rank tennis courts
in the top third of recreation needs, above swimming pools, ice rinks, off -leash dog parks and the senior
center.
In Plymouth, participation in tennis leagues and lessons increased by one - quarter between 2006 and
2007. The city is keeping all 24 of its courts and redoing them one by one.
But in cities where there are lots of old tennis courts and w_,b�!,re park and recreation- budgets are pinched,
replacing asphalt tennis courts at a cost of anywhere fro $45,000 to $150,000 a pair 's being carefully
evaluated.
Bloomington is deciding what to do with its roughly 50 outdoor tennis courts on a case -by -case basis.
Almost all of them were built 25 to 30 years ago. While some only need resurfacing, others need to be •
replaced, said Randy Quale, parks and recreation manager.
It's a matter of money and priorities, Quale said. Replacing tennis courts is expensive, he said, and there
are new demands for different park facilities, such as disc golf courses, skate parks and fields for
lacrosse.
"Tennis is not dying," Quale said. "In recent years, we're starting to see an uptick in tennis participation.
But I don't anticipate it will get anywhere near the popularity of the 1970s."
In the city's Southglen Playground, one of two tennis courts has been replaced by a basketball court.
Courts in other parks may be taken out and replaced with grass.
When Richfield asked residents which park and recreation facilities the city needed more of, walking
and biking trails were the big favorites. Just one in six residents called adding tennis courts "very
important." Softball fields, ice rinks, basketball courts and soccer fields also ranked above tennis, which
finished last among the citizen priorities.
City Recreation Services Director Jim Topitzhofer said Richfield evaluates its 28 courts yearly and is
•
m Page 34 of 40
Cities rethinking costly, crumbling tennis courts Page 3 of 4
•
considering retrofitting a tennis court that's not heavily used into a free skateboard park with low ramps.
But the city also has restored some tennis courts. Topitzhofer said he knows of at least three Richfield
parks where the tennis courts are busy every night as long as the weather is warm. While the city survey
is one measure of priorities, he said, his department also wants to promote tennis and get more kids
playing, especially minority youth.
"One reason why there is changing participation in tennis may be that our demographic makeup is much
different than it was in the 1960s and'70s," he said.
Minneapolis' Schmidt echoes that sentiment. New immigrants are pressing the park system for better
facilities in sports that have rarely been played before in Minnesota, like cricket. And many city
residents come from cultures with no background in tennis.
That doesn't mean the Park Board won't continue to invest in tennis courts, Schmidt said. But tight
budgets mean it has to be careful where the money goes, and he said some tennis courts could be
returned to grass for soccer or lacrosse fields.
• The emphasis will be on quality, not quantity, Schmidt said.
"While it's disappointing if you can't get on a court because it's busy, it's more disappointing if a court is
not maintained and not usable," he said. "Maybe you'll have to go nine blocks instead of four, but when
you get there, you'll know it's playable."
Minneapolis has saved and replaced some public courts with the aid of Ellen Doll, a lifelong tennis
enthusiast who saved city courts in her Kenwood neighborhood with a grassroots fundraising campaign.
Doll then founded the all - volunteer "Support the Courts" group to raise money to redo tennis courts in
needy city neighborhoods. The group is raising $500,000 to replace 14 courts at Webber, Powderhorn
and Pershing parks in Minneapolis. Those courts are used both by children's programs and high school
tennis teams.
"Our city was built on the prospect that there was green space within six blocks of each house," Doll
said. "I love the idea that kids can have a safe place to play.... They can develop a lifestyle and activities
and attitudes that last all their life."
The U.S. Tennis Association (US'I'A) also is pushing to get more kids involved in park -based tennis
programs. Though the USTA has been promoting news that more than 25 million Americans play tennis
•
in Page 35 of 40
r
Cities rethinking costly, crumbling tennis courts Page 4 of 4
•
and the number is growing all the time, tennis players tend to be older and richer than most public park
Users.
To develop a tennis - playing population that is younger and more diverse, the USTA is beginning a new
group- instruction program that will run much like soccer leagues, letting little kids learn the game using
miniature courts, nets and racquets and foam balls that will make the game easier to learn.
"We hope this will be the answer to growing the game," said Marcia Bach, USTA's national park and
recreation coordinator based in Bloomington. "It's not easy when you're 4 feet tall at the baseline and
trying to hit a net that's over your eyeballs."
Mary Jane Smetanka • 612 - 673 -7380
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m Page 36 of 40
Jennifer Thoen
0 0m: Eric Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:28 AM OW-4 �1'0 f P 7
To: Jennifer Thoen
Subject: FW: Prairie Restoration W Park - Management for 2008
For parks commission agenda
Thanks
eric
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: K.D. Widin [mailto:kdwidin @comcast.net)
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:21 AM
To: Eric Johnson; Tom Ozzello; Judy Holst
Subject: Prairie Restoration VV Park - Management for 2008
Eric, Tom, Judy -
I have a proposal from Prairie Restorations, Inc. regarding management activities for the
VV Park prairie restoration in 2008. They are recommending a controlled burn in the
spring and integrated plant management during the summer (selective removal of woody
vegetation, spot treating weeds, etc.). The cost is $2,850. plus tax. The prairie has
not received much management in the last few years and there are some weed pockets.
History of management: dormant mow (spring 2005), controlled burn (fall 2003), controlled
burn (spring 2001). Overall, the quality of the restoration is still pretty good, with
many flower and grass species represented. They would probably run the fire also over the
SW knoll which was not seeded, but where there are existing prairie remnant plant species.
W e prairie needs continual management to protect its quality. I recommend that the city
ave the work done.
Which budget might the funds come out of? We can discuss at Staff meeting today also.
Kathy Widin
OPH Arborist
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Prairie C)
Restorations, lnc.N
Y
P.O. Box 95 - Scandia, MN 55073 •
October 2 2007 Office: 651-433-1435 Fax: 651 - 433 -1436
Kathy Widin
134516 Street N
Stillwater MN 55082
Dear Kathy:
Prairie Restorations, Inc. thanks you for your continued dedication to the - restoration
and maintenance of native plant communities that provide natural beauty and wildlife habitat.
For•30 years, PRI has remained true to our mission. by providing unsurpassed. ecological
restoration and land management services - using. the highest quality products. _ - g
Qd t o......
ensure that your native landscape - reaches its ftill aesthetic and ecological potential. Using
our proven tools and techniques, PRI looks forward to working with you to fulfill your land
management needs in 2008.
We would like to offer you the following land management prescription. We pride
ourselves in providing services that are ecologically sound, cost efficient and appropriate to
y9ur native landscape.' Our•recommendations for the upcoming growing season are:
CONTROLLED BURNING is a - valuable management tool that enhances native plant
communities. Our managers are trained to use this vitally-important procedure, which no
oth6i service can replicate. Fire-dependent native species respond favorably to the effects
of fire, while undesirable exotics do not.
• INTEGRATED PLANT MANAGEMENT during the growing season is vliiil to the health
and §iability of all natural areas, inciluding turf grass, pasture, forest and prairie. Our land
managers have-the expertise-and tools to make effective use of procedures that will
eradwate unwanted species --- using.hands-on manual or mechanical. cuttings and spot
If you would like-iis to irnplemedtbe services recommended above, sigh the enclosed
cofifr4ct and ietUfn' it the envelope. provided. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitatejo call.me at Cell .612-7230255 or Office 651-277-7503.
Si cerely,
S - kora
y
. M. dgemo;lt
toordbiit&
Brihgjngpqoplei Oth6ew-ith.,,the land 99 , of 4 Q.
• (KEEP THIS COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS)
PRAIRIE RESTORATIONS; INC.
2008 MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT SERVICES: SEASON COST
DORMANT MOW N/A $0.00 plus tax
CONTROLLED BURN Spring $1,100.00 plus tax
INTEGRATED PLANT MANAGEMENT* Growing Season $1,750.00 plus tax
TOTAL $2,850.00 plus tax
* This work is offered on a time and materials basis, you pay only for the work completed and its associated costs
based on the enclosed billing rates list.
Project /client name: OkK
Address: Kathy Widin 1345 6th Street N
Stillwater MN 55082 (6.S0 4m - q4 3q
C,� , f o P� : I �k t G s Diu.• P,�t�.�1�a., N.
• P.o. B p ,c ao QQ �
O s.1L 1 (�' t!ttw44�f - VAN SSOS.Z ".2007
2007 PRAIRIE MANAGEMENT BILLING RATES,
Prices Subject to change in 2008
Labor Costs: $58 /hr. (including travel time one way only)
Travel Mileage: (Travel mileage one way only)
$0.44 /mile - light duty
$0.70 /mile - trucks /trailer /w /equip.
Equipment Costs: $12 /hr. - Small power equipment use
$40 /hr. Large tractor /mower use
$25 /hr. ATV use
Material Costs:
Herbicides: Garlon 3A® - $1.00 /oz
Garlon 40 - $1.15 /oz
Rodeo® - $0.50 /oz
Roundup® - $0.50 /oz
• TranslineO - $3.30/oz
Vanquish® - $1.00 /oz
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