Agenda - Public Works Committee - 05/15/2007

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Motion carried. V oting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson and Dehen. Voting No: None. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Case #1: Summary for 2006 - 2007 Snow Removal Season Consensus of the Committee was to forward this case to the full Council at a regular City Council meeting. Case #2: Review 2006 - 2007 Skating Season ParkslUtilities Supervisor Riverblood stated the purpose of this case is to review the past winter's skating season and to address how this activity relates to other winter maintenance activities like snow removal. Each December when the weather turns cold enough, staff begins flooding the ice rinks 'round-the-clock' with the goal of opening the primary skating facilities the Friday that begins winter break for the school districts. The season typically goes from mid December through mid-February. Mr. Riverblood stated this past winter, in addition to the facilities at Central Park and Ramsey Elementary, there was also ice made at Rivers Bend and Bear Parks. Rink Attendants logged 2,571 visitors at Central Park and 2,268 at the School, with the season running from December 22nd, t6 February 28th. There was a fairly diverse group of users and informal games with coach practices Monday through Thursday. The numbers of users and the amount of days closed due to unfavorable weather were very similar to past ye;:lrs. Mr. Riverblood provided a video presentation informing residents about the skating facilities in the City of Ramsey. ParkslUtilities Supervisor Riverblood stated he would like discussion with the Committee regarding long-term things that may need to be considered in providing skating for the young people in Ramsey. The existing warming house that is located at the elementary school facility was constructed with donated labor in 1977. It has done its job, but it is dark and cold, and the electricity cannot keep up when it is too cold. It is his understanding that School District #11 may be considering the space where the warming house and the hockey rinks are located for parking in the long term. The west end of Alpine Park has been discussed for ice skating should it need to be moved from the elementary school in the future. ParkslUtilities Supervisor Riverblood stated the 2008 roller sports facility had been projected to occur in the Town Center area, but they may need to look to an interim space with a modular component in a park that mayor may not be relocated to Town Center Park in the future. The Park Commission has done a good job of digging into the planning process of this, and has suggested if they do an interim skate park location they will need to be careful, as they may meet with opposition if they try to take it out of that neighborhood and move it to Town Center. They may want to consider a permanent feature within the park that is not of a grand scale. Chairperson Elvig suggested a future case include a discussion of park advisors with hands on experience and ideas that could be appointed to assist the Park Board with the planning for the skate park and other athletics. Public Works Committee I April 17, 2007 Page 2 of 18