Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2009

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Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that this was the initial site that considered, and thought it would be the good location. He stated that the Youth First site would also be an area they could look at and utilize for relatively little funds, Chairperson Johns stated that when she lived in Minneapolis she noticed that residents are willing to drive a distance to gain garden space. She was in favor ofthe project Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that next step in this process would be to bring this item forward to the City COlLl1cil for further discussion and to determine if they also share interest in the project. . COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT . Update on Stolm Water Outlet and Trail to the Mississippi Civil Engineer Linton advised that bids were receivedon Tuesday, and the finaL bid came in at llalfthe engineer's estimate, He advised that it.is a very competitive bidding season right now and thought there was the potential to gain good prices on the Sunfi.sh Lake Park project. He advised that out ofthe 50 plans sent out the City received 24 bids back ranging from close to the estimate mld ending at half that amount. He was hopingto get started on the project before the Christmas holiday but advised that they may need to wait until the tirst ofthe year. He explained thatthey would come back to the project in the spring when the ground thaws to put the trail in. . Update on [ce Skating season and amen,dedhours Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that there have been a number of dicey Decembers in the past, but reported that the ice is in good shape, and staff members are working round the clock to make ice. He reported that the start time would be amended from 9 a.m. to 10 a.111. cmSaturdays and holiday breaks, as there was little usage during that time of the day. He advised that the time could be pushed back another hour if needed next year. Chairperson J ohus commented that would be a good time for adults to go skating ifthere is little usage by children. . Improvements to Ramsey ElementaryWmming House Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that during the previous year the City had made improvements to the wam1ing house at Central Park - with positive feedback, and explained that they would begin similar work on the warming house at Ramsey Elementary. He reported that during the last winter over 5,000 residents had used that particular ice rink. . J anumy agenda