Vice-Chairperson Jennifer Young, John Dupont, Lucy Hicks, Charty Oliver, Bryan Sykora, Hans Larson, Council Liaison Jon Monson, Staff Dana Young

Chairperson Woody Woodburn, John Flynn, Jean Midthun

The Committee approved the March 3, 2004 minutes on a motion by Charty Oliver, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried.

Lucy Hicks presented an update on the Foundation / Donations Subcommittee’s report on the donation wish list. She stated that the Subcommittee had come up with the following list of items that could be donated to the City:

• Benches
• Docks
• Playground Equipment
• Diving Boards
• Slides
• Blow-up Tramps (floating)
• Additional Sand

Jennifer Young stated that blow-up tramps would likely be a liability issue since lifeguards would be unable to see around the tramps to keep an eye on swimmers. Further discussion was held on the possible liability issues concerning the installation of diving boards at the beaches. Dana Young stated that the City’s insurance carrier would not be particularly enthusiastic about installing diving boards due to the significant amount of injuries resulting from their use.

It was recommended that each Committee member should review each of his or her assigned parks and beaches over the next month or so to add to the wish list.

John Dupont presented a memo on the Foundation / Donations Subcommittee’s research on creating or affiliating with Foundations that would enable the City to receive tax-free donations towards the purchase of items on the wish list. The memo discussed two primary options, which included:

• The City creating its own foundation, which would required incorporation, establishing by-laws and filing for 501 C3 status.
• Affiliation with an existing foundation such as the Minneapolis Foundation, the St. Paul Foundation or the Minnesota Foundation

Discussion was held on the possible advantages and disadvantages of the City creating its own foundation versus establishing an affiliation with an existing foundation. Dana Young offered to look into the advantages and disadvantages of both options and report back to the Park Committee.

Jennifer Young stated that Tonka United is interested in using a portion of Thorpe Park for soccer practice. She stated that they would like permission to mark out 2-3 soccer fields, each approximately 55’ x 45’ in size, and would provide soccer goals for each field. Discussion was held regarding the impact that these fields would have on the resident’s use of the park and whether the fields would adversely effect the use of the ballfields. Jennifer Young stated that Tonka United would like to use these soccer fields Monday – Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. through July.

The Committee supported Tonka United’s proposal and encouraged Jennifer Young to find out the practice schedule for baseball teams at Thorpe Park and verify that the proposed locations do not take up an inordinate amount of space at the park or conflict with the ballfields. The Committee decided to postpone the purchase of soccer goals at this time since Tonka United appears willing to provide soccer goals at Thorpe Park.

Dana Young presented the following bids for a new dock at Linwood Beach:

It was the consensus of the Committee that they preferred a wood-style Crepeau Dock that would be similar in look and design to the many Crepeau Docks located throughout Linwood. Various members of the Committee stated that the purchase of a Crepeau Dock would not exceed the $3,000.00 budget earmarked for this purchase, would be superior in terms of durability and ease of installation/removal to the current wooden dock at Linwood Beach, and would be more aesthetically pleasing than an aluminum dock or roll-in dock.

The Committee recommended that Hans Larson and Jennifer Young assist City staff in the selection of an appropriate dock for Linwood Beach on a motion by Lucy Hicks, seconded by John Dupont. Motion declared carried.

Discussion on 2004 Park Committee Goals & Objectives was postponed until a future meeting.

Lucy Hicks stated that she had talked to Chairperson Woody Woodburn about holding a Park Committee mixer to provide the opportunity for each member to get to know each other a little bit better. The Committee felt this was an excellent idea and asked Lucy Hicks to confirm a date and time with Woody Woodburn.

The Committee decided to reschedule the next Park Committee for April 28^th at 6:00 p.m. to conduct a tour of beach and park facilities.

John Dupont stated that the annual Arbor Day Celebration would be held at noon on May 2^nd. The ceremony will include the planting of a willow tree on the west side of the pond. Both Lucy Hicks and Bryan Sykora offered to help with the ceremony.

Motion to adjourn by Charty Oliver, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Park Committee will be held on April 28^th.