City of
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
July 27, 2009
Present: Commissioners Eggers, Gardiner, Lewis, Noraas, Rosenthal; City Council Liaison Silbiger; Director Robertson; Superintendents Dials and Gies
Absent: None
Gardiner called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at Council Chambers,
Study Session – June 15, 2009
Under “Other Business,” Eggers said Noraas was not a “liaison” to the Forest Lands Commission but a regular voting member.
MOTION Rosenthal moved to approve the minutes as amended. Lewis seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
Regular Meeting – June 22, 2009
MOTION Eggers moved to approve the minutes as written. Noraas seconded the motion.
The vote was: 5 yes – 0 no
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Open Forum
Terrence Stenson,
Hal Cloer,
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ROTARY CLUB RUN REQUEST
Dials said the Rotary Club requested the use of portions of
Event organizer Rob Skinner said the Rotary Club hoped to draw 150-200 runners and that event proceeds—matched by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—would be used for polio eradication. He described the race route and reviewed the amplification request, stating that it would be needed from approximately 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. He said club members would be on hand to monitor runners and ensure that they stayed on course.
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners spoke of relocating the amplification to the bandshell area and limiting the period of amplification to the 1.5 hours stipulated by Parks policy. They asked that organizers direct runners to the suggested alternate route, rather than the creek trail, to avoid disturbing other park patrons.
MOTION Eggers moved to approve the Rotary Club special event request, with the stipulation that the run start and finish at the bandshell in
5 yes – 0 no
Gies reported that previous commission feedback regarding the
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioners reviewed and discussed the revised version of the park entrance sign and requested additional changes. They asked Onkka to make the creek a lighter blue; to remove the “Emerald Jewel” reference, replace it with “
NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL LIAISON PRESENTATION ON VALUES, VISION, AND GOALS
Robertson said council developed a presentation to share with all the commissions, advisory boards, and social service organizations in
Council Liaison Silbiger reviewed the presentation with the commission, stating that council worked on developing one- and two-year goals with a focus on sustainability in six principle areas. He said the commission and citizens were invited to provide feedback—online or via City Hall—by September 20.
Commissioners agreed to provide feedback individually rather than as a commission.
UPPER DUCK POND DISCUSSION
Gies reported on a recent outbreak of duck weed in the upper duck pond that covered the surface of the water. He said duck weed is a native plant that can be transported by waterfowl from pond to pond and is the smallest flowering plant. He said the reduced duck population could have contributed to the problem, as ducks normally eat duck weed. He suggested using mechanical controls rather than chemicals to eliminate the problem. Mechanical controls suggested included an aerator, which would provide some open water and replenish the oxygen depleted by duck weed.
Gies said the irrigation pump station building at the pond was completed and electricity was running to the site. He said the main line for TID water was in place and the special fitting for the pump and filters for the connection had been built. He said a few items remained for completion and staff hoped to test the new pumps in late August and conclude the season using TID water.
SUB-COMMITTEE and STAFF REPORTS
Robertson said his vacation was scheduled from Thursday, July 30, to Friday, August 21. He said Gies would serve as interim director in his absence.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioners discussed whether to place Stenson’s item on a future agenda. Robertson reported meeting with Stenson in the recent past and notifying him that he was not allowed to enter the creek—other than at the two authorized entrance points of the reservoir and the children’s wading area—or to build small dams. He said Stenson undertook the project based on his own science and did not need the commission’s endorsement. He said Stenson asked that the commission read through the packet of information he distributed at the meeting.
UPCOMING MEETING DATES and PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT– By consensus, with no further business, Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Dyssegard,