HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-30CITY OF LAKEVILLE
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes for September 30, 2009
ITEM 1 Call to order
The meeting was called to order in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
ITEM 2 Roll call of members
Present: Tom Goodwin, Bob Boerschel, Judy Hayes, Scott Kelly, Jeanne Peterson
Absent: Howard Lovelace, Pat Messinger
Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Steve Michaud, Recording Secretary Patty Ruedy
ITEM 3 Approval of the August 19, 2009 meeting minutes
The August 19, 2009 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee meeting minutes were
approved as presented.
ITEM 4 Citizen comments
There were no citizens present.
ITEM 5 Staff reports and summary of current projects
Staff referred to September 30, 2009 Narrative and informed the committee members of the status of
the following projects: Installation of the irrigation system at North Park is nearly complete. Contract for
the construction of Fieldstone Park has been awarded; construction will begin the week of October 5.
Grading has been done on the parking lot off Judicial Road in Murphy Hanrehan Park; City staff is not
involved with the project and is not sure what the timeline for completion is. Upgrades to a soccer field
at North Park have been completed.
ITEM 6 Presentation by Lakeville Lacrosse Association
Presentation by Lee Petersen and Scott Scheer. From 2006 -2009, Lakeville Lacrosse has grown over
40 %. They project 35% growth every year for the next five years, and they project 5 -6 levels will be
added in the next two years. The association has been very successful and currently Lakeville is the
only Lacrosse Association in Minnesota with a spring in -house program. Problems that need to be
addressed are lack of fields (especially for practices) and having to play most of their games "away"
due to their needing two fields simultaneously to host league games.
Steve Michaud explained the history and growth of sports associations within Lakeville. He also
explained how a bond referendum scheduled for 2008 did not happen due to the economy. Also,
starting in 2009, the major athletic associations were required to pay a fee of $2.50 per participant to
the City. In 2010, an additional $2.50 per participant will be added, bringing the total to $5 per
participant in each association to help cover operational costs to the City.
Possible options for the City may be contacting Farmington, Apple Valley and Rosemount regarding
fields at certain parks they are currently utilizing, getting creative by scheduling rinks with boards and
certain neighborhood parks for 3 and 4 grade practices, and possible access to a field at the new
Fieldstone Park. Steve Michaud suggested the Lakeville Lacrosse Association take the following steps:
send a specific field needs assessment to the Parks & Recreation Department as soon as possible,
better communication (especially scheduling field times with Lakeville school district teams),
addressing the school board with their needs, getting information out to the public, and showing
strong commitments by their organization.
ITEM 7 Presentation by Mark Schiffman — Embrace Open Space
Mr. Schiffman presented a PowerPoint showing the many benefits to preserving open space within a
community.
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee Meeting Minutes, September 30, 2009 Page 2
ITEM 8 Warminghouse proposal for the 2009 -2010 season
Staff reviewed details of the proposed warminghouse closures. Hayes had a question regarding the
savings to the City budget on this plan. Staff stated each site cost approximately $7,000 for a total
savings of 5 x $7,000 = $35,000. Closing rinks will likely cause increased use of existing rinks. Hayes
also commented on the current parking issues at Dakota Heights Park. Overflow parking at the
elementary school creates a dangerous situation for kids crossing 175 Boerschel questioned the
possibility of citizens /groups that may offer to pay expenses associated with keeping a rink open.
Staff responded that it might be possible if they agree to pay 100% of the expenses associated with
that site.
The committee was very concerned about the difficulty of reopening these sites in the future if they
are closed. Staff agreed that it would be difficult to re -open these sites in the near future because of
the economy. Goodwin was concerned about the effect of eliminating recreational facilities will have.
It may become a self - fulfilling prophesy. For example, he has casually observed that use of the
Orchard Lake Beach has declined since the elimination of lifeguards.
Motion made by B. Boerschel, seconded by ]. Peterson to support the temporary closure of the
rinks as recommended by staff.
Ayes -2: Boerschel, Peterson Nays -3: Goodwin, Hayes, Kelly
Motion failed.
Committee discussion concentrated on the closure of recreational facilities and the effect it will have
on citizens. They all expressed their displeasure on the closure, but supported the process and
methodology used by staff to develop recommendations on meeting serious budget issues faced by
the City.
ITEM 9 Unfinished business
There were no items to discuss.
ITEM 10 New business
Patty informed the group of some changes happening regarding streamlining Parks Department
monthly information to Council. Also, she asked the committee if they would like to receive their
Parks packet via email /PDF. Boerschel questioned whether they could bring their laptops - -Yes, Cable
Department will ensure power strips are available in case members' laptop batteries do not have
enough power. Consensus by the committee was yes on the distribution of Parks packets vial email.
Members may want to print certain information at home or will contact Patty if they need a hard copy
made for them for the meeting. Committee members also asked whether Patty could send out
meeting invites through Outlook for those members who use it - -Yes. Members also agreed to contact
Patty and Steve if they were not able to attend a Parks Committee meeting.
ITEM 11 Announcements
The next Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee meeting is scheduled for October 14,
2009 at 6:00 p.m. (City Hall Council Chambers).
ITEM 12 Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Res ul ly sub
Patty Rued , Recording Secr
ry
ATTEST
Tom Goodwin, Chair