Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/09/1996

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A resident asked if the tennis court will be lighted. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated it will not and he would not recommend security lighting since there is enough residual lighting from homes. Case #2: DISCUSS OLD SCHOOL HOUSE Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos reported the City Council has worked out a plan to restore the old school house west of Highway 47 and north of County Road #116 in conjunction with the bank on the adjoining property. The intent is to use funding from a Historical Gant and CDBG funds to renovate the building and then lease it out. As part of the project, a service road will be constructed behind the school from the bank to the SuperAmerica gas station which will result in the need to remove at least one large white oak tree. Commissioner Skinner asked if the proposal is to split the building and renovate one-half into an historical City Hall and the other half into a school. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated he is not aware of this type of proposal and believes the intent is to restore the building to its original state, perhaps with a display of historical photos and descriptions, and then rent it out. Commissioner Johns expressed an interest in keeping the oak tree. A discussion ensued regarding the possibility of an alternate route to save the oak tree. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos explained it is not possible to relocate the service road to the other side of the tree because it would be too close to the wetland. He advised this was precipitated due to the plans of Anoka County and Mn/DOT to improve the intersection on County Road #116 and construct medians. Chair Cook inquired regarding the possibility of a median cut. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos explained this is not possible due to safety issues. He encouraged Park Commissioners to provide comment to the City Council. Motion by Commissioner Ostrum and seconded by Commissioner Johns to recormnend the City Council require park dedication to be satisfied by improvements to the old school house grounds that benefit pedestrians or visitors to the site and to maximize tree preservation with regard to the construction of the service road. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Ostrum, Johns, Asfahl, LaMere and Skinner. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Droegemueller. Case #3: RECEIVE LAWFUL GAMBLING IMPROVEMENT FUND PROPOSAL Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted that no proposals were received earlier this year for the Lawful Gambling Improvement Fund; however, a proposal was received this past week from Anoka Senior High School students and their Coordinator, Rich Kujawa, to plant landscaping along an outfield fence at Central Park. Park and Recreation Commission/May 9, 1996 Page 3 of 6