Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/12/1998

Home

Mr. Lacey reported they have also done a lot of edging and crack filling on the trails. He commented on the problems being experienced with willows growing up through the blacktop and methods that can be used to eliminate this problem after-the-fact and also prior to construction of the trail. Mr. Lacey advised that this year the stafftook on maintenance of the cemetery and, with the help of the football boosters and boy scouts, did a lot of cleaning and maintenance. Mr. Kapler advised of vandalism to the Emerald Pond Park sprinkler heads and asked if this year saw more or less vandalism. Mr. Lacey stated he believes vandalism is about 30% higher and is park specific, especially toward Emerald Pond Park. He stated this is an on-going problem with some parks. Commissioner Droegemueller. asked if vandalism is also age-specific. Mr. Lacey stated he could not say for sure but believes it is a matter of pre-driving age people. Mr. Kapler commented on the use of volunteer help and explained that even if they are utilized, there is an incredible amount of effort from staff to direct those people and assure the project is well coordinated. He stated that Mr. Lacey has done a very good job in that regard. Mr. Lacey stated it does take a lot of work ahead of time to assure the project is properly planned as well as cleanup work atter the project. He noted the Highway 10 planting project done several years ago was a very successful volunteer project. Commissioner Droegemueller inquired regarding the newly hired park staffperson. Mr. Kapler stated the staff person being added next week is to replace an employee who was promoted. In January, an additional staff person will be hired and used between the Parks and Street Departments. Commissioner Droegemueller noted the City park staff is at the same level as several years ago prior to the opening of several large parks. He stated the current staff is doing a great job and inquired regarding when that level will need to be increased to assure adequate maintenance. He stated that he feels the City needs to start looking at a larger park staff to assure the projects are well managed and completed. Acting Chairperson Johns noted the survey results indicating they want to see more park development which, after development, results in more maintenance work. Mr. Kapler agreed that the park maintenance issue needs to occur before the park is developed to assure it can be adequately handled and prevent the park from becoming a detriment and liability. Commissioner Droegemueller stated he is involved with another group that has a park staff of just under 40 people yet the City of Ramsey has a staff level of three to four. Commissioner Ostmm stated the Council is proposing an additional staff person for 1999 which is encouraging. Mr. Kapler reviewed how personnel requests are being handled. Commissioner LaMere recognized Jim Lacey and Mark Boos for the great job they did in 1998. Park and Recreation Commission/November 12, 1998 Page 5 of 7