Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/10/2008

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Lorrie advised that they do intend to place more caches throughout the other parks in Ramsey. Chairperson Johns was glad that they introduced this into the system in Ramsey and thought it was fun to see how it works in action. Parks Supervisor Riverblood thanked the group for their time and effort in organizing this project. Hans advised that they would like to make this a yearly report, coming back to the Commission for a brief update on the purple martin project. Mrs. Max questioned if the group visits schools to make this presentation. Hans advised that there is a group out there that does something similar to that, educating people . at bird stores, but stated that he would be interested in presenting this at schools. Mrs. Max commented that if they share this information with kids they would be willing to help out. She explained that by educating kids they become the biggest supporters. Commissioner Erickson thought that the presentation should be made to the Commission in April, when the meetings are still on QCTV and could reach more people. Commissioner Backous thought it would be nice to install a metal sign educating people in the park. Commissioner Hanson agreed that if there were a sign explaining the purpose of the house people might be less likely to vandalize the bird house. Case #2: New Restroom Facility at Emerald Pond Park Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised the purpose of this case was to discuss the building as it is wrapped up. He explained that this project had been in the five year capital improvement program for the past ten years. He advised that in 2007 the project was carried over as details were worked out. He reported that the project would be completed under the $35,000 budget that had originally been planned. He stated that the drinking fountain with the pet water is still to be completed. He advised that the CIP shows the same type of restroom being installed every other year at a different park in the city. He advised that the next park would be Rivers Bend Park and it would be scheduled for 2009. This project was authorized in 2007 and completed in 2008. He advised that there is a magnetic timer on the doors that lock at 10:00 P.M. and open again at 6:00 A.M. He advised that the building is insulated and they plan to winterize it in November and then open it again when the frost leaves the ground in the spring. Commissioner Barr questioned if they could use the magnetic locks system at Central Park also. Parks Super visor Riverblood explained that it would cost about $1,000 per door to install that type of system in an existing door. Park and Recreation Commission/July 10, 2008 Page 5 of8