HomeMy Public PortalAboutP&RAC Minutes 1997 03/10PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES -March 10,1997
I. ROLL CALL AND CALL TO ORDER
Chair Grote called the meeting to order at 5:10pm. Committee members
Kirk Hall, Scotty Davenport were present. Dennis Coyle was absent. Chair de-
clared there was a quorum. Also present was Director Peckham, Gary Shimun,
Andy Locke, Dave Faurot, Joey Pietri and Chuck Davis.
II. NEW BUSINESS
Chair Grote started discussion on the nomination of Dave Faurot for the
open position on the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Chair Grote made a motion that city council approve the appointment of Dave
Faurot to the Parks and Recreation Committee. Hall seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
Chair Grote began discussion on the memo written by Director Peckham.
Hall informed the committee he invited Shimun to discuss concerns about the
completion the parks and recreation master plan. A general discussion began
with the following topics:
• How Is The Master Plan Going To Be Accomplished
Chair Grote expressed concerns that it will be difficult to complete the
plan with the current way city staff is assigned duties. Concerns were expressed
about who to call when a project needs done, the maintenance and capital im-
provements will not be accomplished and who is doing what part of the master
plan. Shimun responded that if you have concerns about who to call, call him.
• Consolidation Of The Parks And Recreation Departments Into One De-
partment
Chair Grote voiced her support for a single department to oversee both
parks and recreation both as a matter of convenience to the public and because
the Master Plan objectives don't get the attention they deserve with the responsi-
bilities so spread out. She suggested the committee discuss the topic at the first
opportune moment so the committee could make a recommendation to Council
prior to setting next year's budget.
Locke informed the committee that the comprehensive plan projects out 20 years
and a copy of the Downtown Master Plan be given to members for discussion.
The committee informed Locke that there are several park projects/concerns that
need to be included: Art Roberts Park Rehab, no right-of-way access between
Mill Park and the Sports Marina, May Hardware Marina and the Sports Marina
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encroaching on each other and a walkway built between Art Roberts Park and
Legacy park.
A motion was made by Hall to Planning and Zoning Commission in their
consideration of the Downtown Master Plan the following topics that are im-
portant to the parks in the area:
1. Rehabilitation of Art Roberts Park, page 10 of the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan.
2. Preservation of lake view between the Sports Marina and Mill Park
3. Parks and Recreation be included in Downtown Master Plan, Objective 1,
item 10.
4. Current distance be maintained between Marinas to minimize encroach-
ment on parks.
5. City actively plan for bicycle parking facilities in the downtown business
district.
Davenport seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Pietri discussed the idea of an amphitheater to perform plays, concerts
and other activities. Grote informed Pietri there is a natural area at Riverfront
Park to build an amphitheater but there is no money. Hall mentioned that when
the snow leaves that the folk festival committee should take a look at Art Roberts
Park as a short term solution.
Davis discussed the idea of a fishing pond south of Riverfront Park on
Judd DeBoer's property. Davis informed the committee he would like a letter of
support for his idea. The committee agreed that it was a good idea and in-
structed the director to type the letter.
III. OLD BUSINESS
Chair Grote informed the committee that The Star News would be doing
the ice break-up contest due to fact there are no plans for Riverfront Park or cost
projections for softball fields.
Hall discussed the bike master plan. He brought up two points for discus-
sion: the priority if the cost come in over bid/under bid and signing of the
pathways.
Chair Grote made a motion to city council that they take the following ac-
tions:
1. A move that the Council ensure that the proposed bicycle/pedestrian
pathway from 1st street to Deinhard, following the old railroad right of
way, will be completed. When bids for the proposed bicycle/pedestrian
pathways are reviewed, if sufficient funds are available, the work on the
old railroad right of way should be the first item started and completed, If
the bids exceed the funds available, the railroad right of way should be
given first priority for completion with overages to be borne by other parts
of the project.
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2. A move that the Council direct the City Manager to purchase and install
bicycle route signs for use by this summer. These signs should be used to
direct bicycle traffic to safer streets. For example, signs could direct riders
form Highway 55, at the Lardo bridge, to turn onto Mather then onto For-
est. Another example would be signage to direct riders coming from the
State Park onto Ruby. Specific routings would be determined by a com-
mittee composed of one member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee, one member of the Transportation Advisory Committee and
city employees designated by the City Manager.
Hall seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
IV. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 21 at 5:OOpm. The
agenda for the meeting includes the bike path master plan, park maintenance,
budget discussion and the parks and recreation master plan.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Grote moved to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. Davenport seconded and the
motion carried.
Tomi Gr
Chair
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