Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/1996 - Joint with CC

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Discussion ensued pertaining to some of RYAA's scheduling and the reasoning for not planning Saturday games if possible. It appears people want their children to have things to do on the weeknights to keep them busy - not on the weekend. Weekends are more for "getting away". Also mentioned was the added number of children the finished school addition may add. Mr. Boos offered that the RYAA has done some restructuring so maybe the reporting of issues, etc., to the Commission, may be better. One of the issues has been if the youth association has adequate representation. Dave Baack, RYAA President, continued that the organization has changed its by-laws in the past months. They have added commissioners - Commissioner of Baseball, Commissioner of Softball, etc. The commissioners are voting members of the Board of Directors. We feel it will relieve a lot of headaches and allow for better communication. Mayor Hardin complimented RYAA on the idea. He then asked how it is proposed that the figures for the added amount of children be derived. Commissioner Ostrum suggested a survey. Margaret Connolly, resident, inquired if there is a plan to add three more soccer fields. Mr. Boos responded that an additional set of goals was added in 1995, plus one more in Emerald Pond Park. With the two additions in 1995, the need is not as dramatic for soccer fields according to player numbers. He offered that this will all be reviewed when planning Alpine Park also. He added that particular requests/needs have to be brought to the Commission or Council's attention. Mr. Droegemueller, RYAA, expressed his appreciation at being invited to the meeting with the Commission last week and that he feels good communication is being developed with the Park and Recreation Commission. He would still like to see a voting seat designated to RYAA, even though the organization has set up the commissioners, etc. Communication has a tendency to break down. From October to February, it's easy to talk, but during the busy sports times, to facilitate better communication between our organization and the City, it would be better to have a seat on the Park and Recreation Commission; if not a voting seat, at least an advisory one. This is not to say that the Park and Recreation Commission does not have our best interest in mind. Over the last couple months, my perceptive has changed about the Commission. I also have changed from October when I came and "ranted and raved" but still feel very strongly about representation of our organization on the Park Commission. Our organization is one of the primary users of the parks in the City of Ramsey. If we were not here, you would have to supply services to the youth that we provide. Mayor Hardin commented that there has been discussion about increasing the number of persons serving on the Commission. Mr. Schroeder explained that the ordinance allows up to nine on the boards/commissions, and the Park and Recreation Commission currently has seven. Councilmember Beyer expressed agreement with increasing the number of members on the Commission. Councilmember Zimmerman agreed that it sounds like a good idea and would allow for more representation. Vice-Chair Cook stated he would prefer a liaison or ex-officio member to present information He feels that if RYAA has a member appointed, there would be that same request from other groups. City Council/Park & Recreation Commission/February 8, 1996 Page 8 of 15