06-27-85 Parks Advisory Committee Minutes4b
June 27, 1985
PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
7:30 P.M.
Chairman Manning, DPW Hammer, and Parks Superintendent Drent in attendance.
Also present were Kathy Walker, Charlene O'Neil, Chuck O'Neil,Bruce Booby, Tami
Holmes, Lee Smith, Larry Schulz, Ed Arneson, Bob Foley, and Roger Hopkins of
the Daily Interlake.
FVCC PROPOSAL - Chairman Manning brought the Committee up to date on
the proposal and the concerns of the City. The greatest concern is the terms
of the interlocal agreement. The possibility of deeding the acreage to the
City is negative because of the wider "community" of the whole valley.
Discussion included concern for a lack of future control, the possibility of
buying 5 acres or so north of the College in exchange for the College fields,
the possibility of using the FVCC land for Babe Ruth and rugby and soccer
rather than for the Lakers, that in turn might cause problems with bicycles
on Hwy 93, the FVCC position against advertising signs along the fence (which
is $7,000.00 per year income for the Lakers), and the size of the investment
needed at FVCC vs. that needed for the Begg proposal.
BEGG PROPOSAL - C. Manning presented the June 24 letter from Jerry Begg
offering 7 acres as a donation adjacent to Begg Park (South Meadows)-, which
is already City owned. Using the same system of scoring criteria as was
used on the other proposals this parcel came out quite high. Parks Supt.
Drent presented a layout of the Begg proposal. The suggestion was made of
asking for an option on approximately 10 more acres from Begg. This Committee
voiced an interest in having Babe Ruth close by. The point was made that
with Begg Park adjacent there would be a place for picnics and for children
to play, while children running around the FVCC.campus could cause problems.
Discussion of the water quality of Ashley Creek at that point and the odor
of the W.W.T.P. DPW Hammer indicated that there were plans to do something
about the odor and it should show marked improvement. He also indicated
that there is a possibility of upgrading Ashley Creek rather than upgrading
the discharge from the W.W.T.P. Discussion of a mini -Woodland, type park
with a gazebo and flower gardens and an ice rink. Services available across the road.
The time frame of both of the above proposals was discussed. The interlocal
agreement is the only thing the College needs, and Begg would give the go-ahead
as soon as the City indicates acceptance and plans.
C. Manning made a plea for man -power and dollar cooperation from the
residents of the City to do what is needed to help all groups. Someone questioned
if there would be as much donated business help available for the FVCC land
as for the Begg proposal.
C. Manning gave update on sale of Griffin Field: No bids came in. The
City will negotiate with any willing buyer. We are in the top three sites
the Post Office is considering so that may still be an option.
The Committee recommendation to Council: The Begg Proposal. The only
drawback is the odor from the W.W.T.P. DPW indicated that the City could
provide equipment for leveling and work that needed to be done, and that
there are probably volunteer contractors available also. The Committee also
asked that the City pursue the extra acreage idea with Begg.
PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
June 27, 1985
Page 2
O'NEIL PROPOSAL FOR ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL PARK LANDS - Kathy Walker
of Century-21 presented the proposal. The O'Neils are willing to discuss
a trade for other City -owned land if capital is short. This would provide
a possible corridor between Dry Bridge Park and Conrad Park along the stream.
Discussion of useability, cost, trade being the only realistic way to look
at this, cash in lieu of parkland is the only cash coming in (for improvements
and purchase only). C. Manning will present this to Council. If a trade
can be worked out with the O'Neils then the City should pursue it. An inventory
or lands available for trade should be presented to Council.
DISTRICT NO. 5 LAND SWAP - C. Manning presented the School District's
proposal. Discussion included relocation of 4 Girl's Softball fields to the
7 acres, concern about loss of green/open area. Bruce Booby presented drawings
and school plans for expansion and resulting plans for adjacent park lands.
Ball fields built by Pee Wee's and until there are alternate fields that
could be a problem. Having two fields together is very nice - suggestion
of a backstop on the corner of the soccer field. Discussion of problems
with scheduling. Discussion'of possible location's for 1 or 2 Pee Wee fields
at underused park areas. Swap is land for land and not value for value.
Discussion of who would pay for new improvements for Pee Wee fields. The
consensus was that the School District should help some with this. School
District would maintain by cutting the grass, etc., but does not want the
responsibility of the infield. Discussion of how Girl's Softball is going
1611- to put new facilities together. Parents are squarely behind it. School
District should put in for backstops and fences or the City will have to.
Expenditures other than labor should be footed by the School District.
C. Manning asked to bring before Council : How can we utilize school
lands more for the betterment of the community?
RUGBY/SOCCER - Looking for property to develop. Not many funds but alot
of donated labor. Basically need 75 x 150 yards with the potential of growing
decent. grass. Lawrence Park possibility - mulch, manpower available. Biggest
problem would be keeping vehicles out once the work was done. F.V.C.C. land
discussed as possible site but lack of water could be a problem. W.W.T.P.
injection site south of town a good possibility. Distance from town no problem,
City cannot inject for 4 - 5 years at least. County might help. The Rugby/
Soccer organizations are to look at the different sites and direct a proposal
to Pieter Drent.
TENNIS NEEDS - Tami Holmes presented need for more surfaced tennis courts.
Good courts are almost constantly scheduled. Private facilities are being
used to take care of the need. Discussion of surfacing: (1) asphalt for
recreation and beginners, (2) plexi-paved surface needed to make courts accept-
able for serious players. Tournament complex is needed with protection and
control. Golf Course is the only feasible place right now. Discussion of
what hurts tennis courts, turnstyles, cost of surfacing, scheduling, cleaning
and maintenance of courts. Square footage need is not great, City could
grade and pave, association could get donations of other improvements and
any additional surfacing. The Golf Association is the first place to consider
because of the security factor. If the Tennis Association will raise the
money for improvements and come to the Council and ask for land the City
PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
June 27, 1985
Page 3
will find it.
Parks Superintendent Drent, Councilman Manning, Gary Rose of School
District 5, and the Tennis Association are to meet to discuss problems,
upkeep, and scheduling.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
ajg
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