Minutes - Council - 06/28/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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other parks games are able to be played in are River's Bend and Titterude. River's Bend started out with nice grass; however, the weeds and. sand bm'rs have taken over that park too. He .also'reiterated that the back stops are not high enough. Mr. Baack informed CounCil that the RYAA has a policy that no child will be turned away because they cannot afford.to pay the fee to participate in sports.. He expressed concern that RYAA will soon have to mrn children away because there are no fields to play on. He added that Mr. Boos and his two-person crew are doing a remarkable job with what they have, but it's not enough. 'He presented a copy of the. 1990 CORE (Commission on Reform and Efficiency) Report and explained some of the numbers, He felt that according to the numbers, either the CitYof Ramsey is remarkably efficient when it comes to parks or there is not enough moiaey being spent.on them. He summarized what RYAA would like to see happen, as follows '(not in order of priority). 1) .Hire additional~ full-time employees to better maintain the parks we already have. 2) Install proper fencing on all ball fields to protect the players and fans. 3) Add bleachers on fields 5, 6, and 7 in Central Park. 4) Have the satellites emptied before they are full. 5) Keep the pay phone in Central Park in good working condition,, 6) Fix' the field lights that are not working. 7) Install street lamps by all fields in Central Park. 8) Install lights on all fields in Central Park. 9) Install temporary outfield fencing on fields 1, 2, 6 and 7 similar to what's on fields 3 and 4. 10) When needed, construct new fields on land adjacent to Central Park so all of the games for all age groups can be held in, one location. 11) ImProve the area betWeen fields 5 and 6 that is designated as a football field so it can be used aS either a footbalL or soccer field. 12) Add a paVed path from the parking'lots to the fields so that handicapped fans in wheelchairs can enjoy watching the games also. 13) Construct a new concession stand in the commons area between fields 1, 2, 3 and 4. 14)' Install electrical outlets to allow for the use of the batting machines. 15) Install a drinking fountain in the commons area between fields 1, 2, 3 and 4. He added that he had just been to the City of Lexington and complimented that city on it's beautifully maintained park. Mr. Baack stated that RYAA looks forward to working with Council a,nd Staff to improve Ramsey's parks. Jim Moldenhauer complimented the City with regard to the improvements at the River's Bend Park, such as the fishing pier, etc. Mr. Moldenhauer stated' he coaches the children, aged 10 and under, for the Anoka Junior Soccer Association. There were 11 teams last year and 16 this year; 10 boy teams and six girl teams. Out of the 259 soccer players, 156 (60%) are from Ramsey. For the first game of the season, the field at River's Bend Park was not mowed or marked. The President of the Anoka Soccer Association ended up marking the field. He stated that although Mark Boos is very cooperative, the grass and maintenance does not get done often enough. Mr. Moldenhauer stated that soccer is the fastest growing sport and he is exPecting 20 teams next year, therefore, he would like to have two more soccer fields available. City Administrator Schroeder stated that he would be unable to address every comment made by the RYAA representatives this evening but suggested there are opportunities to improve this situation. Some.of the requests made this evening are not possible to take care of in any reasonable time frame. A few more playing fields by 1996 is probably possible; however, for the present, there may be an opportunity to make better use of the fields that already exist. He invited RYAA to the Park and Recreation meeting in August when the park development budget is discussed. He informed RYAA that there are funds available through the charitable gambling monies. This is a cost-share program and matches can be made in cash or labor. With regard to the condition of the fields at Ramsey Elementary, since the City became aware of the school's desire to expand, Staff has not been anxious to put any infrastructure improvements in that area. The City also does not have an agreement with the school district that gives the City any rights for improvements. Regarding maintenance needs, Council recently started discussions about staffing and programming for the future. There will be some improvement in providing services in the next year, City Council/June 28, 1994 Page 7 of 10