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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20131120 YCRM Minutes ROSEMOUNT YOUTH COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS November 20, 2013 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Rosemount Youth Commission was held on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 3:46 p.m. in Room 221 at the Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount. Chairperson Alex called the meeting to order with Youth Commissioners Corrigan, Dennis, Munson, Narloch, Neuens, Norder, Oliphant, Schalliol, Simmering, Wick, and Wuellner attending. City Council Members Shoe-Corrigan and Weisensel, Staff Liaison Foster, Parks and Recreation Director Schultz, Jeanne Schwartz (RAAC), John Loch (RAAC) and Recording Secretary Harrington were also present. Youth Commissioners Eichten, Mohamed, and Nelson were absent. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO AGENDA None Motion by Alex. Second by Neuens. Motion to Adopt the Agenda. Ayes: 12 Nays: 0. Absent: 3. Motion carried. AUDIENCE INPUT None CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Alex. Second by Narloch. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. a.Minutes of October 23, 2013 Youth Commission Meeting Ayes: 12 Nays: 0. Absent: 3. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS 5.a. Tree Lighting Event Commissioner Schalliol reported that the Rosemount High School Band is lined up and has been practicing for the event. Mr. Loch confirmed the Rosemount High School Chamber Choir will sing upon the lighting of the tree. Loch also reviewed an alternative plan, which includes leaving the front doors of the Steeple Center open to view the tree lighting and having space set up inside for the entertainment and refreshments, since the weather predictions indicate it may be too cold to hold the event outside. Commissioners are to arrive and meet in the gathering area of the Steeple Center prior to the event. Commissioner Norder reported that she is working on the script. Ms. Schwartz presented the volunteer sign-up sheet and asked that the Commissioners review it for accuracy so other volunteers can be contacted if necessary. In addition to the cookies and apple cider, Jimmy Johns will provide 1 samples. Reminder: please wear Youth Commission shirt and lanyard. Posters not already distributed will be following this meeting. Countdown to Tree Lighting as follows: 5:45 p.m. Band will play 6:00 p.m. Welcome by Commissioner Norder Speaker Deb McConnell (Medi-CAR) Comments and countdown by Mayor Droste Choir to sing upon tree lighting Thank you to Sponsors by Commissioner Norder 6:20 p.m. Santa’s arrival 5.b. Swing Dancing Event Mr. Loch and Ms. Schwartz presented swing dance posters for review and updated the Commission on status of the event. Instructor has not yet been selected; all other arrangements such as room reservation and band have been confirmed for January 23, 2014. RAAC will attend the December meeting to distribute posters to be hung around Rosemount. RAAC will need volunteers to sell concessions at the event. NEW BUSINESS 6.a. Parks and Recreation Update Parks and Recreation Director Schultz explained the responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Department including: park development and redevelopment; rental coordination; recreation programs; solid waste coordination and licensing; recycling and facility operations which include Community Center, Steeple Center, Family Resource Center, and park shelters. He then gave a presentation on recent Parks and Recreation projects that are scheduled, underway, or completed. UMore Ball fields – two new baseball fields are already in use, and three more will be added at a future date. Erickson Park Shelter Improvements – updates are being made to improve the functionality of the shelter which is used every weekend April through September. Hwy 3 Underpass – now complete connecting schools, parks, and Community Center for pedestrians in a safe and efficient manner. Central Park Splash Pad – design will include a sun shelter, fire-pit, and oval skating track the current hockey rinks will be moved to Jaycee Park and Bloomfield Park. Erickson Park Tennis Courts- ground work has been completed for four courts and a small parking area, cost savings in base work will allow the city to include lighting. An additional four courts will be added at a later date which will create a premier site for tournaments. Senior Housing and Activity Center – will be connected to the Steeple Center, expecting a spring ground breaking. YMCA – and the city are working to add a facility similar to the one in Eagan with work out areas, a track, gyms, food court, and possibly an aquatic center . 2 Neighborhood Improvements - benches and landscaping are being added throughout city providing a rest area for residents while walking, designed to complement each area. Flint Hills Recreation Complex – designed to house seven oversized green fields suitable for soccer or lacrosse. Three fields have been seeded and will open in the spring of 2015. Steeple Center – sound and lighting updates, suitable for concerts and theatrical performances, have been made. Jaycee Park - new playground equipment, as well as a boulder wall that doubles as a seating area, has been installed to replace out of date equipment. Director Schultz reviewed a potential project which would involve adding outdoor exercise areas within the city. The equipment is built for outdoor use, and can withstand winter weather conditions. The idea is to provide low impact exercise equipment that would be beneficial to the entire community regardless of age. One option includes a soccer circuit training course that may possibly be located near the Ames Soccer Complex at DCTC. Many other types of outdoor exercise equipment could potentially be added at other parks in the city. Director Schultz asked for opinions regarding this type of equipment. The overall consensus from the group was positive and indicated they would use this type of equipment if it was available. Commissioner Schalliol liked the possibility of installing single pieces of equipment in intervals along walking trails. Director Schultz then displayed the three Splash Pad designs that were also presented to the City Council. 1.Irish Labyrinth (stones in middle with shamrock shaped water, river type area) 2.Limerick Path (phrases etched into concrete, natural stonework and landscaping) 3.Tree roots (tree root pillars, wood benches, boulders, natural resources feel) The Youth Commissioners liked various parts of each design, as did the City Council. The final plan will include features from each. A natural resources type playground will be added to the north of the splash pad at some point. The area used for rides during Leprechaun Days will remain about the same, just reconfigured. The addition of hard surface pads including electrical for vendors will also help create a more useful, year-round area. Council Member Shoe-Corrigan wanted the Youth Commission to know the addition of the bonfire pit was taken directly from ideas generated at a previous Youth Commission meeting. The Commissioners thanked Director Schultz for the presentation. 6.b. Roundtable Discussion Council Member Shoe-Corrigan suggested the Youth Commission participate in a mock goal setting session in January to mirror the goal setting the City Council does each year. Council member Weisensel gave the Commissioners the three areas to think about when contemplating goals for Rosemount – Live – Manage – Grow. Commissioner discussion included another thank you to Director Schultz for updating the group. Commissioner Jackson liked seeing what is happening with our city parks. Commissioners Narloch and Oliphant have both recently been involved in food drives to benefit the Family Resource Center. 3 Commissioners Munson and Wuellner brought up community and church groups and events that are supportive and fun for youth, such as confirmation retreats and super fans. Commissioner Simmering expressed his excitement for the upcoming Tree Lighting. Foster commented on the support and generosity displayed by RAAC in helping the Youth Commission sponsor events. This has allowed the Commission to be more active and visible in our community. Commissioner Dennis is working on a joint school project between Rosemount High School and Inver Hills Community College and chose the topic of internet safety. He will be working with Chief Werner. Council Member Weisensel requested that he present the project to the Commission when it is completed. Commissioner Corrigan requested the Commission support the Rosemount Marching Band for their commitment; to which Council Member Weisensel reported the City Council recently gave them a commendation. Commissioner Wick noted that in his studies of the 1800s he can see that current youth enjoy many more freedoms, including education. Commissioner Norder wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Council Member Weisensel reported on his recent trip to Seattle, WA for a National League of Cities conference that includes four days of intense seminars with council members, mayors, and staff from around the country. Some of the topics included youth activities and how some believe local officials do a better job than federal officials. He encouraged the youth to explore and enjoy communities when they have the opportunity to travel, including participating in local activities and trying local food. Commissioner Alex reiterated his view that the Youth Commission support causes that touch our community, such as new fundraiser to benefit the typhoon victims in the Philippines, started by a family with connections to the area. REPORTS 7.a. Commission Member Reports None. 7.b. Next Meeting Date The next meeting of the Youth Commission is scheduled for December 18, 2013 at 3:45 p.m. at Rosemount Fire Station I. A tour of the fire station will be held before the meeting at 3:15 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, it was moved by Alex and seconded by Wick that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Jean Harrington Recording Secretary 4