ITEM: ____ Minutes- [Enter Sponsor Name Here]
Title
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 28, 2012 PARK BOARD MINUTES
UNAPPROVED
CITY OF BLAINE
PARK ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
7:00 p.m.
The Blaine Park Advisory Board met in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Tuesday, August 28, 2012.
1. Chair Walthour called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioners Bird, Das, Langenfeld, Leathers, Markle, and Chair Walthour.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Jim Kappelhoff, Park and Recreation Director and Cathy Ekstrand, Deputy Clerk.
2012 Park Board Adjourns Sine Die.
2.1 Administration of Oaths of Office to Dave Schwarz.
Dave Schwarz was administered the oath of office by Deputy Clerk Cathy Ekstrand.
2.2 Resumption of adjourned meeting.
3. Roll Call of 2012 Park Board.
Members Present: Commissioners Bird, Das, Langenfeld, Leathers, Markle, Schwarz and Chair Walthour.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Jim Kappelhoff, Park and Recreation Director and Cathy Ekstrand, Deputy Clerk.
4. Approval of Minutes
4.1 APPROVAL OF JULY 24, 2012 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Chair Walthour requested the following corrections:
Page 1, section 1, change to "Vice Chair Bird called the meeting to order
"
Page 8, section 7, change to "Vice Chair Bird adjourned the meeting
"
Motion by Commissioner Bird to approve the minutes of July 24, 2012 as amended. Motion seconded by Commissioner Langenfeld. Motion approved unanimously.
5. Open Forum for Citizen Input
Stephen Klein of 9030 Jefferson Street stated that he has been a Blaine resident since 1993 and built his home here in 1996. He reported being a proud member of the community. He explained that he raised two children who participated in many activities at various facilities. He noted that in his neighborhood is a facility, which he has observed deteriorating over the past five years. He noted that the tennis and basketball courts in Aurelia Park at 91st and Jefferson Street have deteriorated to the point that they are not listed in the tennis courts in Blaine brochure or inventory of Aurelia Park amenities or Park programs inventory in Blaine. He noted that by removing the tennis courts at Aurelia Park staff is acknowledging the issue. He added that this is a loss to his community. He stated that the courts were used regularly when they were maintained. He noted that many hockey players choose tennis in the off season and used these courts. He continued that the City offered tennis lessons at Aurelia Park for several years. He pointed out that as the courts have deteriorated this has ceased to happen. He reported calling city staff a year ago to ask if they were aware of the court conditions. He commented that a few weeks later he received a return call saying that the City would be demolishing the courts soon. He reported that as he saw no action happening on this he got in touch with staff a few weeks ago. He reported being told that there is no apparent plan and the courts are not listed in the Capital Improvement budget. He added that staff offered to check into the situation. He stated that a head maintenance department member called him to say there would be heavy equipment taking the tennis courts down. He asked the maintenance staff if there was a plan for replacement of the facility, money to replace the courts, a timeframe for action or a plan to talk to the neighbors. He noted that the reply was no to all questions. He indicated that he has letters from neighbors who also support replacing the courts. He stated that the area is an embarrassment in its current condition. He commented that he welcomes the courts being taken down due to this. He asked that the tennis courts and basketball hoops be replaced as the community does not want to lose outlets for recreational participation. He added that he has been happy with the facilities in the city for over 35 years and asked that this facility be addressed.
Chair Walthour asked how many people use the facility. He asked if a petition could be prepared.
Mr. Klein reported that when the facility was maintained it was used regularly and he had to wait to use a court. He added that in the terrible condition currently the basketball courts are still used nightly. He clarified that the tennis court is no longer listed which makes it hard to judge how many would use it. He stated that one of the posts is at a 45 degree angle.
Chair Walthour asked how far the closest tennis court is. He asked about courts at Westwood.
Mr. Klein stated that he met with the school principal today on this topic. He reported being told the courts are padlocked and not available unless prearranged with the school for a special event. He added that the tennis courts are in a more private area and could be vandalized. He is not aware of other courts in a three mile radius.
Commissioner Markle reported visiting the court today and found it in poor condition. He reported that fencing is good. One of the nets is unusable. The court surface is cracked and has been repaired over time. He commented that the heavy green surface is coming off in pieces. He agreed that the court is in poor condition. He added that he drives by the area frequently and there are always kids at this facility. He noted that the courts are owned by the park and he previously had believed they were owned by the school due to its location. He reported seeing continued use of these basketball courts. He reviewed that the court surface needs to be addressed and the post footing needs attention.
Chair Walthour referred to pictures of the tennis court showing the deteriorated surface. He commented on the poor condition of the courts. He recommended that something be done due to its condition.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff agreed that something needs to be done. He stated that parks supervisor, Marc Shippee, is aware that this park is an eyesore. It is slated for court excavation before October 1. He stated that there is significant field maintenance occurring with baseball ending. He noted that the Aurelia Park project will be moved up on the list. He reported that the court surface will be removed. He commented that the soils under the tennis courts are poor which is causing the problem, not the court age. He noted that poor soils also caused problems at Deacons Park. He commented that this is seen in the bending poles. He added that the court has been resurfaced maybe 20 years ago. He commented that the basketball court will likely be salvaged. He reported the fence enclosure is in good condition and part will be removed to gain access with the equipment. He noted they will measure the depth of the peat and determine soil types. The engineering department will address what soil correction would be needed. He offered to then report back to the Board with the findings and to discuss replacing the tennis court. He reviewed that to replace the soils would cost between $16,000 to $20,000. He noted that to replace the courts without soil correction would cost around $12,000.
Chair Walthour asked about the time frame needed to replace the courts not including time for soil correction.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reported that it would take around six weeks.
Commissioner Bird added that he spoke to Mr. Klein in the past week. He also visited the courts. He stated that he is not in favor of removing amenities. He is in favor of keeping the basketball hoops up for the time being as they decide. He supported testing the soil. He confirmed that replacing the court is not in the CIP. He recommended notifying residents with a mailing to make them aware of their plans or posting the plans at the park to communicate that there will be demolition of the court. He reported going by the park where he saw around eight kids using the court. He noted that it is a beautiful park in a nice neighborhood. He asked staff if Westwood would consider opening the tennis courts for use.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reported that there have been vandalism issues in the past and Westwood is not willing to leave the courts unlocked, as they want to protect their new courts.
Commissioner Bird asked staff if there has been vandalism at Aurelia Park tennis courts also or if it was isolated to Westwood.
Park and Recreation Director Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff replied that he would need to research this. He noted that there has been vandalism in general at Aurelia Park.
Commissioner Bird thanked Mr. Klein for bringing this to their attention. He added that it is a beautiful park.
Mr. Klein asked that the neighborhood be kept aware as they have a neighborhood watch that could be involved. He offered that residents could visit with the police department or Parks. He added that he is aware of a fire in the softball complex area but is not aware of vandalism at the courts at Aurelia. He thanked the Board for their attention to his concern.
Chair Walthour added that at times it takes longer than expected for government to act. He noted that the Board is very reactive to the community and would like to keep their amenities in the best shape possible.
6. New Business
6.1 Recommendation of revised 2012-2016 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Park Development Funds Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reviewed the background of the recommendation of revised 2012-2016 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Park Development Funds. At the October 2011 Park Board meeting the Board recommended the 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plan for Park Funds. However, since that time, recent and major park projects have emerged that will affect the Park Fund. City staff has now determined the funding strategies with City Council approval to finance these projects with consideration to the impact on the Park Fund. The major projects that have precipitated updating the CIP are the Aquatore Park Field #1 Relocation as a result of the Fogerty Curling Rink Expansion and the purchase of 38 acres of parkland east of Lexington Avenue for a large City athletic complex. The Aquatore Park Field #1 Relocation project is estimated at $390,000 and the Lexington Athletic Complex is estimated at $3,100,000. Two sources of funding will be used to offset the costs of these projects and are reflected in the attached and updated CIP. 1. Capital Improvement Fund (CIF): This fund can be used at the discretion of the City Council to provide monies to city-wide projects that enhance or benefit the community. The amount of $1,900,000 will be transferred to the Park Fund from the CIF. This transfer will not be repaid from the Park Fund. 2. Utility Fund: This is borrowed money from the water utility fund and will be repaid from the Park Fund in annual payments according to the Finance Department's recommendation as indicated in the CIP. In 2013, the amount of $1,246,000 will be transferred to the Park Fund. Considering these new funding sources, the CIP becomes more complex, yet because of its flexibility it allows us to accomplish these major worthwhile projects and continue with our other recommended park developments. Most of the plan elements that follow will remain the same but some changes occur and the two major projects have been added. Plan elements: 1. Carry over projects. · We have no carry over projects from the previous year. 2. Shifting existing projects, amending projects or removing projects. Projects may be programmed for a different year by either moving them forward or back in the plan or the CIP is amended to accommodate a project reprioritization. · The new park West of Harpers Street is recommended to be moved out to 2017 due to the delay in land development. · The new park South of 113th Avenue is recommended to be removed as planning staff does not see this development within the next 10 years. · London Park Playground was scheduled to be replaced in the CIP for 2012 at an estimated cost of $50,000. This is in accordance to the staff recommended policy of new equipment installation every 15 years. The amount appropriated is based on the size of the park. It recommended to be moved to 2013, as replacement playgrounds have been set in low priority due to budget reduction measures approved by City Council. Playgrounds are inspected and maintained every year by trained Park Maintenance Staff. · The Jim Peterson Athletic Complex Hockey Rink and Lights are recommended to be moved from 2014 to 2015 since we are seeing a decline in our other outdoor skating facilities except Happy Acres Park. The Jim Peterson Athletic Complex Park Building is recommended by staff to be built before (2014) the rink and lights because of its year-round use potential in recreation programs and classes. · Staff is recommending that the Jim Peterson Athletic Complex Skateboard Park project be removed at this time from the CIP as requests and need for a large skateboard park have diminished the past five years. The Baseball Complex Skateboard Park adequately facilitates the activity at this time. · Staff is recommending the Dog Park project be removed at this time due to the potential of relocating it with the Lexington Athletic Complex construction. · Staff is recommending the Airport Park Restroom Building be removed at this time as restroom needs are adequately being met through portable use and other priorities are more worthy to the community. 3. Prioritizing new or proposed projects. New projects come up through staff, board members, council members and residents. · Legacy Creek Park has become a priority project for 2012 as this residential development continues to see growth and is an adjoining park to Savanna Grove. The Park Board observed the location during this year's June tour. The amount has gone from $175,000 to $200,000 to allow for increased costs of playground equipment and bituminous for trails. · Park Security Lights installed at two (2) parks per year. This is a reduction from three (3) lights per year. The most active parks now have security lights. Staff is recommending to continue park security lighting but on a less urgent pace. · The Lexington Athletic Complex is a new project that will begin this year and carry through to 2014. The City purchased 38 acres of parkland from Paxmar Development. Estimated cost is $3.1 million for development. Funding sources have been explained above. Due to the increase in youth sports and the need for additional play fields, this project is moving forward as a high priority. · The Lakeside Commons Park Parking Lot Improvement (1.5 acre) project was scheduled for 2012 however, City Council wanted to continue with the temporary overflow parking lot for another year. It has now been moved to 2013 as the Park Board has indicated this as an asset to the park's function. · Aquatore Park Field #1 Relocation project was a direct result of the Fogerty Curling Rink expansion and is currently in progress. City staff, Park Board and City Council feel this field is a necessity to be replaced as indicated in field usage statistics presented by staff. |
|
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reviewed a chart of 2012 to 2016 Capital Improvement Plan for Park funds, which was created along with the finance department. He reviewed that in 2012 the beginning balance was $518,539. He reviewed revenues of Park Dedication fees totalling $400, 000, interest earnings of $12,000, and Capital Improvement Fund bringing in $1.2 million. He reviewed the total revenues of $1.6 million. He explained 2012 expenditures of Aquatore Park field replacement at $390,000, security lighting for $6,000, Legacy Creek Park at $200,000, and Lexington Athletic Complex for $1 million this year. He summarized that this year's total expenditures are 1.6 million dollars. The fund reserve increases by $16,000 from the beginning balance to a total of $534,539.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reviewed the 2013 budget. He reported that there will be repayment of the utility fund for $24,920. He reviewed 2013 projects of Lakeside Commons Park parking lot, security lighting, Happy Acres Park playground, London Park playground and $1.5 million for the Lexington Athletic Complex. Total expenditures are around 1.8 million dollars. The fund reserve balance is $430,000 with a fund balance total of $965,000.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reported that in 2014 to 2016 they start seeing the utility funds being paid back. He commented in 2014 there is a $200,000 payment, in 2015 there is a $200,000 payment, and in 2016 there is a $195,000 payment. He noted that beyond 2016 the CIP balance appears to continue to be lower. He mentioned that this plan had to be changed to make it work which is why it is being brought before the Board for recommendation to Council.
Chair Walthour commented that residents may not understand what is involved in staff working to keep Blaine up to the standards that have been established. He noted that there are top quality parks and facilities. He explained that earlier they heard about a facility, which was deteriorating and needed to be addressed. He commented that he has not seen the fund balance be this low. He commented that it takes preparation to maintain the amenities they have. He requested that spending even for smaller items be carefully monitored.
Commissioner Das asked whether the maintenance fund and park dedication fees are estimates.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that Blaine is a top community for housing starts and is anticipated to have over 300 housing starts this year. He noted that this is where the park dedication fee figures are from.
Commissioner Das asked whether there is interest paid on the utility funds that have been borrowed.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reported it is his understanding that the utility funds were borrowed without interest. He offered to check on this.
Commissioner Bird asked how long it will take to pay the utility funds off.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff replied that it will take six years.
Commissioner Bird asked about repayment with Fogerty Arena for moving the field to make way for the Curling Arena, as he does not see this indicated. He asked if there is an agreement.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that at a workshop meeting with City Council it was discussed that $175,000 would be repaid after four years. He noted that this has not been written up at this point.
Chair Walthour asked if this would be in a lump sum payment for the entire project.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff replied that it will not be just one payment but would be made in payments.
Commissioner Bird confirmed that the 2013 CIP, which goes to 2017, should indicate half of the cost of the field beginning to be repaid.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff reported that there is no written agreement drawn up at this point but this is the understanding.
Commissioner Bird confirmed that the balance is lower than he has seen and he finds it concerning.
Chair Walthour commented that he is glad builders are interested in Blaine. He reiterated that funds will need to be watched carefully.
Commissioner Leathers asked about partial repayment of the utility funds for around $200,000 each year for six years until 2019. He commented that repayment of the CIF and utility funds are a benefit and appreciates this arrangement with Council and the residents. He added that the balance is low although agrees that the money is intended to be used. He commented that there is a $162,000 fund balance in 2016 but repayment of the utility fund is $200,000. He commented that this is assuming many things with the economy, community growth and unforeseen maintenance issues, which may arise. He explained that this CIP was approved five years ago when many of the current projects were not in the plans. He asked that other spending be looked at. He noted that there are $325,000 in revenues and $350,000 in expenditures outside of the Lexington Athletic Complex. He stated that the balance needs to be addressed for 2016. He added that there are many projects coming up. He suggested looking at these projects and pushing them out further to keep the balance higher.
Chair Walthour asked about the 2016 utility fund payment and the balance.
Commissioner Bird clarified that it is 2017 that is the concern.
Commissioner Leathers agreed that 2017 is the concern, as the year will be started off with $162,000. He stated that he cannot support his budget and would not find it agreeable for a business to operate in this manner.
Commissioner Markle thanked staff, Council and the community for the utility funds for their projects. He asked about the Lakeside Commons Parking lot, which is proposed for 2013. He asked if the retail center has a purchase agreement.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that there is no retail center agreement. He noted that Council has reviewed this and agreed to a temporary parking lot for 2012 resulting in it continuing in the plans for 2013. He noted that an agreement had been in place but it was not acted upon.
Commissioner Markle asked that the flexibility of the parking lot be kept in the plan, as there is a definite need. He recommended leaving this in for 2013. He commented for this fall there is a plan to finish Legacy Creek Park. He asked if additional funds will be spent for the parkway.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that no additional cost is anticipated for the parkway. He added that a curb cut was recommended and does not believe that costs for this will be passed on from the developer. He noted that there will be a temporary trail connecting the parkway to the park. He added that there is typically a 10 percent contingency, which created a soft fund of $20,000. He noted that this could be added in in case of an overrun on the estimate. He noted that there is not a bid from the contractor at this point.
Commissioner Markle confirmed that there is no timeframe planned for the roadway.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff noted that the Legacy Creek Park Development has plans to sell and complete their current addition before moving north to this addition. He confirmed that the development is around half-way completed.
Commissioner Markle reviewed that there are options to move items around such as the two playgrounds, the lighting, the hockey rink and the rink lights, and Glen Meadows. He suggested moving some of the items around to increase the end balance. He suggested looking at 2013 more closely. He offered to support the general plan for the short term but has concerns about it for the long term.
Commissioner Langenfeld commented that he finds the balance to be low. He asked if the plan is approved today would it be removed from the CIP discussion later on in the year.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that in September and October the CIP discussion will continue.
Chair Walthour noted that the CIP can change as it is discussed over time. He agreed that their Board is conservative in spending. He added that they have a dutiful obligation to provide the residents with the best facilities they can provide. He noted that projects that are brought before them may need to be turned down due to their limited budget. He noted that the CIP is very fluid and good recommendations have been given. He noted that he can support the CIP as it stands based on this and they will continue to review it.
Commissioner Das asked staff about the Capitol Improvement Fund allocations. He expressed concern that the fund will have a reflection of this.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff confirmed that these allocations are in the fund.
Commissioner Das asked for next year if projects will be removed from the CIP fund if this plan is approved.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff confirmed that the funding for next year will remain the same. He commented that in 2012 he doubts that all of the $1 million funding will be spent and the money will remain available for them to spend next year.
Commissioner Leathers asked for better prioritizing. He commented that he has three recommendations to support the CIP. He commented that Happy Acres Park and London Park playgrounds need replacement and suggested moving them to 2014 to extend their use for a year. He added that this gives them time to determine what effect theirs partners will have, specifically Fogerty Arena. He noted that this gives them $150,000, which creates a more reasonable balance. This helps with understanding their revenue sources for an additional year. He commented that the Jim Peterson Park building is a need but could be pushed to 2015 so they have this time to look at revenues. He added that this could be added back based on how their funds are doing. He suggested removing the rink lights and moving them to 2017 when that is planned. He stated that this would leave an ending balance that would allow them to pay their note and creates fiscal balance.
Motion by Commissioner Leathers to recommend to the City Council to move the Happy Acres Park and London Park playgrounds to 2014, move the Jim Peterson Park building to 2015 and remove the rink lights from the 2012 to 2016 Capital Improvement Plan and adopt the revised 2012 to 2016 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Commissioner Bird asked about Glenn Meadows.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the development is by Lexington and 109th. He noted that the Planning Department has been comfortable with moving this to 2016 and may be okay in moving it to 2017. He added that this has been in the plan for a long time and may not happen. He stated that there is no movement in this development, there has been no interest, no platting, and it may not happen for a few years.
Commissioner Bird commented that he is not supportive of moving out the playground replacements. He suggested that by moving $175,000 for the Glenn Meadows Park, which may not happen, and moving it to the 2017 plan or beyond would replace the additional items and help make the utilities fund payment. He asked staff about the safety of delaying the replacement of the playground equipment.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that the replacement is an easy process and they continue to repair it. He noted that maintenance could continue doing this for another year.
Commissioner Leathers noted that there are many projects being planned. He suggested asking park maintenance if the playgrounds can wait until 2014. He noted that they can review the CIP in the next few months. He noted that as the playgrounds already exist and are functioning he would prefer to develop the Lexington Athletic Complex. He suggested moving the Glenn Meadows project to 2016, which would make him comfortable leaving the Jim Peterson Athletic Complex until 2015.
Chair Walthour added that Commissioner Bird has a workable solution. He noted that in two months they will review the CIP. He asked if the motion will be supported or whether the changes proposed by Commissioner Bird will be considered.
Commissioner Markle confirmed that Commissioner Leathers agreed to move both playground back a year, move the park building back a year and move the rink lights back two years. He noted Commissioner Bird would like to leave the playgrounds in 2013, and move Glenn Meadows to 2017. He asked Commissioner Bird if he had a recommendation regarding the Jim Peterson Park project.
Commissioner Bird suggested leaving the plans intact except to move Glenn Meadows into 2017 and revisit the entire CIP plans in September and October. He commented that he was focused on making the balance higher so the utility fund could be met in 2017.
Commissioner Markle added that he can support moving the playgrounds back a year and move Glenn Meadows back a year and improve their 2016 funds. He recommended reprioritizing at a later time. He asked that the playgrounds continue to be monitored. He proposed moving the two playgrounds and move Glenn Meadows with the understanding that they will continue to review the plans.
Commissioner Leathers withdrew his motion.
Motion by Commissioner Markle to recommend to the City Council the 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plan as described today with the following changes; both playgrounds at Happy Acres and London Park move to the 2014 plan and Glenn Meadows Park money move to 2017 or the future as determined later. Motion seconded by Commissioner Das.
Commissioner Langenfeld confirmed that there is no adjustment on the Jim Peterson park issue in the motion.
Commissioner Markle confirmed that there is no change for the Jim Peterson Park. .
Motion approved 6-1 (Commissioner Bird).
Commissioner Leathers asked that staff confirm the playgrounds are safe to wait another year before being replaced.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that staff includes certified playground inspectors who check equipment twice a year. H noted that they will replace anything that is found unsafe.
Motion approved unanimously.
6.2 Van Buren Park Feature
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff presented a background and summary of Van Buren Park Feature. He added that this is the 39th park narrative.
In the mid 1970's, a large dairy farm consisting of over 300 acres and known as Cloverleaf Creamery Farms, was sold to Good Value Homes. As a result, the City of Blaine received four parcels of park land through park dedication. The City obtained the first parcel of 11.8 acres in 1977 and is known as Cloverleaf Park today. In the same year, a .20 acre parcel was added at the south end of the park for a 140' trail easement to 96th Lane, which was completed in 2006. Another 2.74 parcel was dedicated by the developer in 1979. This land was located to the southeast of Cloverleaf Park and today is a mini-park named Van Buren.
Van Buren Park is located in the southwest portion of the city on Cloverleaf Parkway west of Van Buren Street and is between two neighborhood parks, Cloverleaf and Sunnyside. Residential, single family homes border on the north and east of the park while multi-family housing is to the south and west.
Three entrances gain access into Van Buren Park. They are Cloverleaf Parkway on the south, 95th Lane to the north, and a paved walkway from Jackson Street on the west.
Records indicated that the first development of the park was in the early 1980's with a playground, sandbox, small picnic area with grill and a grass surface volleyball court. It was not until 1999 that new amenities were proposed for Van Buren Park. A playground committee was formed from residents around the park to determine what park features should be included. They came up with a unique plan of four separate active areas of play equipment. Beginning in a linear pattern from north to south in the park, Areas 1 and 2 would have equipment appropriate for ages 2 to 5, and Areas 3 and 4 for ages 5 to 12. The Park Board reviewed the neighborhood proposal and recommended that Areas 1 and 2 be combined to leave space for basketball and funnel courts. These courts then could be used for teens to adults making the park's active areas attractive to all age groups. The neighborhood committee agreed and the rest is park history. In appreciation, it should be stated that the Spring Lake Park Hockey Association donated $5,000 to these park improvements.
6.3 Other
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff commented that there will be a Park Board meeting in September but first World Fest takes place on September 15th. It is from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Town Square Park. He noted that this is a great event for all ages. He added that there is good entertainment. He noted that Aquatore Park Field #1 has the field area cleared out which is approximately 2-1/2 acres. He commented that they are submitting the drainage plan to the Coon Creek Watershed District. He noted that when this is complete they will request bids for field construction. He noted that soil is added so over the winter it will compress and be ready for spring grading. He noted that playground equipment for Legacy Creek Park was approved by Council and they are waiting on the grading plan approval by Coon Creek Watershed District. He commented that they hope to get the playground installed in late September or October. He commented that the Lexington Athletic Complex had RFPs due today and some consultants brought them in right before the 4:30 pm deadline. He added that there are five bids, which staff will review and bring next month. He commented that the Town Square Park War Memorial project by Eagle Scout Austin Swenson is completed. He commented that it looks professional. He noted that it was done in one weekend. He added that public works helped with the bricks on the side and digging it out.
Chair Walthour thanked David Knapp for filling in as Commissioner for the months that he did. He thanked him for his guidance and being a mentor. He welcomed Commissioner Schwarz to the Park Advisory Board.
7. Old Business
None.
8. Adjournment
Commissioner Leathers motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Schwarz second the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
Chair Walthour adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Bostrom
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the August 28, 2012 Park Board Minutes.