Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/11/2018

Home

Mr. Riverblood moved on to discuss football field enhancements near the end zones. Drain tile would be installed, with soil over the top, followed by turf/sod restoration. The Athletic Association has ranked this as one of their top 2 projects as part of the CIP. Mr. Riverblood described the need for some type of lighting in the Amphitheatre. Staff is unsure what the best solution is. It might be theater seating -type lighting versus overhead lighting. Mr. Riverblood reviewed a new project that has been generated from resident requests. The aeration of Sunfish Lake as well as the pond at The Draw. Both have naturally occurring populations of catchable size panfish. Both bodies of water are susceptible to winter kill, and the aeration would prevent that winter kill and would maintain fishable conditions for the many young people taking advantage of both locations. Aeration would prevent winter kill, but if it is not done, dead fish would be apparent all over both bodies of water in the spring following winters, when this may occur. Commissioner Sis asked about the body of water at The Draw. Mr. Riverblood explained it is about 6.5 feet deep. Chair Bennett added he saw several kids catching fish during the concert series this summer. Commissioner Sis asked whether aeration would do anything to help the natural vegetation currently growing in the bodies of water. Mr. Riverblood explained it will likely help, but may not eliminate the algae. He noted the City is working with Dr. John Sullivan, with the University of Minnesota, where all elements of the water quality are being examined. Chair Bennett thanked Mr. Riverblood, noting there are a lot of projects included in the plan. Mr. Riverblood noted the City Council be considering the CIP on November 14, 2017. It would be appropriate, if the Commission desires, to make a recommendation that it is a good plan to be adopted. Motion by Commissioner Sis, seconded by Commissioner Leistico, to recommend the 2018 — 2027 Parks Capital Improvement Plan to City Council as recommended in the presentation. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett, Commissioners Sis, Leistico, Bayer, and Tchuinkwa. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Trappen. 5.6 Recommend Cash Contribution Rates for Park Dedication and Trail Fees for 2018 Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood recalled he has previously discussed in tonight's meeting where Park Dedication fees come from and the methodology for the application of Park Dedication and Trail Fees. The proposal under consideration includes fairly modest increases. He noted there is a demand that outstrips the City's funding ability, which is Park and Recreation Commission/November 9, 2017 Page 9 of 12