Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/2018

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working with one or two professors on the schematic design. The purpose of this case is to get Commission direction to proceed however staff may need to, or have opportunity to, for that schematic design level for Lake Itasca Greenway. Mr. Riverblood asked for feedback from the Commission to avoid misunderstanding or misinformation on what the Greenway is and where it could be. A schematic design -level plan will fill in the gaps, depending on what is received from the University of Minnesota project. Chair Bennett confirmed it would be wonderful to work with the Resilient Communities group to move this along and encouraged a greater level of detail on the Greenway project. Commissioner Andrusko concurred that a greater level of detail would be helpful, both to the Commission as well as the City Council who requested it during the previous discussion of the potential at Lake Itasca Greenway project. Mr. Riverblood added that if the staff is able to get the schematic design so the goals are clear, staff will bring it back to the Park and Rec Commission, for recommendation that the Council adopt it as a formalized plan. If that can be accomplished before the completion of the Comp Plan, it can be inserted into that. As the Commission knows, the Comp Plan is gold. If a formalized plan is included, it will chart the course. The current landowner is willing to convey the Greenway. But if he/she sells to another group, it could become smaller parcels, and it would be more difficult, along with changes of land use. Adopting this plan as soon as possible would be very helpful. Motion by Commissioner Bayer, seconded by Commissioner Andrusko, to approve the Lake Itasca Greenway as a priority for planning purposes, and develop schematic design -level plans. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett, Commissioners Bayer, Andrusko, Leistico, and Trappen. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Sis and Commissioner Tchuinkwa. 6. CONIlVIISSION/STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted he generally provides an update on the skating season at the January Park and Rec Commission meeting. He reported that hockey rink usage is down significantly due to the cold weather. Also important to note, is the slight downward trend the past couple years in ice skating. In past years, staff tried building a casual rink at Bear Park, which was discontinued due to lack of usage. Residents expressed some desire for it this year, it was opened, and a trailcam was installed about a week ago. In the past week, 22 folks have skated. Staff will continue to evaluate the usage alongside the labor and cost of installing that ice, but it probably does not look too promising in future years, as there is a significant amount of time and resources required. Mr. Riverblood also noted that staff has finalized the concerts for the 2018 season. 7. ADJOURNMENT Park and Recreation Commission/January 11, 2018 Page 4 of 5