Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/12/2015

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5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Recommend Certain 2015 Parks Capital Improvements Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood presented the capital improvement projects that are ready to move forward in 2015 including monuments for The Draw and Elmcrest Park, a drinking fountain with pet station and mister for Woodland Green, and a trail connection along Trott Brook from Variolite to Brookfield. He recommended that the Commission move forward these projects to the City Council. Chairperson Bennett stated that it is great to see that the Commission is in a place to move forward on these items. Motion by Commissioner Mobry, seconded by Commissioner Trappen, to recommend City Council approval of the Parks Capital Improvements consisting of the monuments for The Draw and Elmcrest Park, the drinking fountain for Woodland Green Park, and the Trott Brook Trail connection; consistent with the 2015 Capital Improvement Plan. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bennett, Commissioners Mobry, Trappen, Chubb, and Fyten. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Barr. 6. COMMISSION / STAFF INPUT 6.01: Commission / Staff Input Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood referenced the Mississippi Skyway, noting that there had been technical difficulties at the last meeting and therefore he was unable to play the video clip that was partnered with the Federal grant application, noting that the City requested $550,000. He played the video clip for the Commission. Chairperson Bennett commended Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood for his efforts on the video and stated that he is excited for the project to begin. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that he was also excited by the proposed pedestrian bridge and connectivity that it will provide. He advised of funds already received for the project from other agencies— adding that the video is available on the City website for viewing. Riverblood mentioned that the skating season is now complete with the onset of the warm weather. He recapped the skating season, noting that 5,281 persons were counted using the rinks during the 2014 winter season during the staffed times. He also reported that the City was able to replace the chairs that had served their useful life at the parks center building. He advised that parks and facilities are available for rental use, and encouraged interested residents to contact Mary Jo Warner at City Hall, adding that she is doing an outstanding job of administrating the program. He stated that Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) has reported that their Park and Recreation Commission /March 12, 2015 Page 2 of 3