Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 12/11/2008

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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 of the project. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that next step in this process would be to bring this item forward to the City Council for further discussion and to determine if they also share interest in the project. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT . Update on Storm Water Outlet and Trail to the Mississippi Civil Engineer Linton advised that bids were received on Tuesday, and the final bid came in at half the 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 Sunfish Lake Park project. He advised that out of the 50 plans sent out the City received 24 bids back ranging from close to the estimate and ending at halfthat amount. He was hoping to get started on the project before the Christmas holiday but advised that they may need to wait until the first of the year. He explained that they would come back to the project in the spring when the ground thaws to put the trail in. . Update on Ice Skating season and amended hours 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.m. on Saturdays 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 Johns commented that would be a good time for adults to go skating if there is little usage by children. . Improvements to Ramsey Elementary Warming House Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that during the previous year the City had made improvements to the warming 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. . January agenda Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that the load is presently light for the January meeting, and thought that the Commission could possibly review the plans developed by Civil Engineer Linton for the storm water project. Park and RecreationCommissionlDecember 11, 2008 Page 11 of 13