HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-27-14PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
January 27, 2014
Regular Meeting
DRAFT
Members Present: Maureen Bartz, Mike Eliason, Barb Farrell
Members Absent: JoAnne Cope, Jason Eisold
Staff Present: Dan Schultz, Director of Parks and Recreation and Sonja Honl, Recording Secretary
Student Volunteers: None
Others Present: None
1. CALL TO ORDER: Eliason called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2013 MEETING MINUTES: MOTION by Farrell to approve the
minutes of the December 16, 2013 meeting. SECOND by Bartz. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Motion passed.
4. AUDIENCE INPUT: None
5. DISCUSSION (Response to Audience Input): None
6. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Splash Pad Project — Central Park Improvements Phase 1— Schultz reviewed plans for the splash pad
and pointed out the different kinds of water features and where they could be installed, where the drains
would be, seating areas, etc. Eliason asked if the splash pad would be running during Leprechaun Days.
Per Schultz we don't know yet, but staff will be meeting with the Leprechaun Days and Halloween
Committees and the Rosemount Area Arts Council regarding the impact of the splash pad on their
activities. Bartz asked about lighting and if we could install colored lights at the site. Schultz said that the
site could be lit at night and we could look into the options for colored lighting. Schultz explained that the
water features available through Vortex can easily be removed and exchanged/replaced with different
water features. This would allow us to vary the location and variety of features and keep the splash pad
interesting. Engraving phrases in the concrete was discussed, and Schultz provided a list of some play -
themed quotes. The Commission liked the quote by Roald Dahl, "Life is more fun if you play games."
They asked how much it would cost to engrave these phrases. They would prefer to spend funds on water
features instead. Schultz also mentioned that we are working to include "dry paths" in the design which
would allow a parent to get to a child without getting drenched. Bartz asked if we were considering water
guns. Twice at another splash pad she's seen kids who needed stitches because they were accidently hit
with the a gun. Schultz told the Commission that he would be bringing information on water conservation
options to next month's meeting.
b. Review of Field Use Priority — We recently had a request from one of our user groups to change the
way we prioritize annual use of fields for tournaments. Schultz provided a copy of the Outdoor
Facilities page from our Fee Resolution and reviewed the park facility priority use list. Currently, groups
that have a weekend tournament one year have priority for that weekend the following year. Staff will
be meeting with user groups to discuss this further and get their feedback. As much as possible, we
want to be sure that if a group books a weekend, they are using the fields. If they're not, they need to
look at why the tournament isn't going and find the niche for the age group they're trying to attract.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Director's Report - The Parks Improvement Fund Balance as of December 31, 2013 was $407,749.28.
Dedication fees of $3,400 were received. There was interest of $17.32. There were expenditures of
$8,852.99 for recording fees for Prestwick Park, and the Erickson Park Tennis Courts, and for development
signs for the Flint Hills Athletic Fields and UMore Ball Fields sites.
Bartz asked if there was a way the City could notify parents when we have open gym times for days when
school is closed - maybe a mass e-mail and also post it on our website. Other places do it and it's helpful for
parents.
8. ADJOURNMENT - MOTION by Farrell to adjourn the meeting. SECOND by Bartz. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0
Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Sonja Honl, Parks and Recreation Secretary
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