Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/12/2023

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Barten, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Sis and Walker. Abstain: Commissioners Leistico and Loss. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Consider Removal Without Replacement of the Flintwood Terrace Boardwalk Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the purpose of this case is to determine the disposition of a small 300-foot boardwalk which was constructed over the winter of 2004/2005. The boardwalk was well received and fulfilled the purpose of allowing people to enjoy the wetland. He stated that over the past few years the ice has shifted the boardwalk and broken it up. He provided photos showing the condition in disrepair. He stated that staff asked a contractor for the cost for disposal, which would be $12,000 and with replacement, would be over$100,000. He noted that the boardwalk could be removed at this time and rather than replacement, and potentially a similar amount of funds could be better used on another boardwalk project. He stated that staff recommends removal of the boardwalk. Chair Bennett confirmed that there is existing trail which the boardwalk juts off and therefore removal of the boardwalk will not create a trail gap. He asked if there is a way to prevent this situation from happening again on future boardwalk projects. Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that a floating boardwalk system may move with the ice, but this system was within the mud and therefore the boardwalk could not move with the ice. He stated that the issue they encountered with a floating boardwalk was straight-line winds actually over-turning the boardwalk. Commissioner Loss asked the original cost of construction for the boardwalk. Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that he is unsure of that cost but noted it would have been much lower because of the decreased material and labor costs at the time. Commissioner Olson commented that because of safety this needs to be removed. Chair Bennett agreed that the boardwalk is in such a state of disrepair that it needs to be removed. He commented that there could be alternative solutions if they want to do something in the future. Commissioner Leistico agreed the boardwalk should be removed and that it would not be the best use of resources to replace it. She asked if resident feedback has been received on the potential removal. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the neighborhood has enjoyed the boardwalk and the swing that existed. He noted that there were numerous issues with vandalism of the swing. He stated that staff had put trail closed signs at the entrance to the boardwalk because of the poor condition and those would often be removed and thrown into the wetland. Park and Recreation Commission/January 12, 2023 Page 2 of 4