PARK COMMITTEE MEETING
November 3, 2004
Minutes
Chairman Woody Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Woody Woodburn, Jennifer Young, Bryan Sykora, John Dupont, Hans Larson, Charty Oliver, Lucy Hicks, John Flynn, Council Liaison Jon Monson, Administrator Dana Young
Jean Midthun
The Committee approved the October 6, 2004 minutes on a motion by Hans Larson, seconded by John Dupont. Motion declared carried.
Robert Lawson, with the Minnesota Community Foundation, was present to discuss the benefits of forming a Community Funds Program. He stated that residents within the City of Deephaven could establish a Community Fund that must be separate and distinct from the City and its affiliated organizations. With the use of endowment funds, the Deephaven Community Fund could provide grants to other 501c3 organizations, municipalities or churches. He stated that a local board of directors is appointed that recommend grants back to the City or Park Committee to assist with the purchase of park equipment and projects. He added that the most important function for the board of directors is fundraising. Without raising sufficient funds, establishing a Community Fund is pointless.
He stated that there are a number of distinct benefits to joining with the Minnesota Community Foundation rather than establishing your own separate local foundation. First, the Minnesota Community Foundation is already qualified as a 501c3. Second, the Foundation is able to command better rates through its investment pool. Third, the Foundation takes care of all legal and tax filings. Fourth, the Foundation is more experienced with gifting receipts. Fifth, the Foundation is able to provide quarterly statements and summaries of fund performance. And sixth, the Foundation is currently affiliated with 33 other Community Foundations around the state.
Robert Lawson stated that the Foundation provides an annual endowment of 5% back to the Community Fund and charges 1.37% in management and investment fees. The Committee thanked Mr. Lawson for his presentation.
Chairman Woodburn noted that Tim Summer and Reid Ringstead were not present to discuss their proposal to install a Frisbee golf course at Thorpe Park. Bryan Sykora presented a packet of information on disc golf that recommended 9-10 acres for a 9-hole course and 12 acres for an 18-hole course. He noted that the City of Plymouth has two Frisbee golf courses, both of which he has heard are very popular.
Chairman Woodburn asked each member his or her opinion on installing a Frisbee golf course at Thorpe Park. It was the unanimous opinion of Committee members that Thorpe Park was not large enough to accommodate Frisbee golf and that there were too many other conflicting uses at the park to safely support this activity. Chairman Woodburn asked City Staff to send Tim Summer and Reid Ringstead a letter thanking them for their interest and informing them that the Park Committee does not support their proposal at this time.
Chairman Woodburn stated that he has not heard from Phil Rock, who had offered to install a skate park at Thorpe Park. Chairman Woodburn noted that the Committee evidenced little support for this project at their last meeting and stated that he would inform Phil Rock of this fact.
The Committee noted that the Village Hall warming house looked much improved after it had been re-sided and painted by the City crew. John Flynn stated that he and some volunteers would be installing five windows at the Thorpe Warming House this Saturday. He also stated that he is intending to meet with Public Works Supervisor Jerry Hudlow on November 4th to discuss a number of issues including:
¨ the possibility of expanding the open rink at Village Hall Park
¨ relocating the entranceway to the hockey rink at Thorpe Park
¨ correcting some problems with the height of the hockey boards at Thorpe Park.
John Flynn distributed a flyer that provided information on the purchase of the Zamboni and on the skating party/open house on December 18th. It was recommended that this flyer be included in the January 1st City Newsletter.
Discussion was held regarding plans for converting the park dedicated property surrounding the paddle tennis courts into a city park and on concerns expressed by Clm. Kim Crockett on cars parking on this property. Jennifer Young noted that most of the cars parked on this property are there to use the LRT Trail. She stated that very few cars are parked there to use the park and ride.
Chairman Woodburn asked how the Committee would like to proceed with a plan for this park and for discussing options on its use. Jon Monson stated that there is a need for trailer parking at this site and the City in fact receives credit from the LMCD for providing boat parking at this site. He stated that the main problem with this property is that it is an eyesore. He recommended continuing screening around the corner to screen the site from public view.
The Committee recommended reviewing a site plan on this property at next month’s meeting in order to begin planning for a potential use for this site.
Chairman Woodburn stated that at his last appearance before the City Council, he was challenged by the Council to organize an annual community event. The Community developed the following list of possible events for future consideration:
Chili Open Family Run / Marathon
Frisbee golf on the lake Croquet Tournament
Relay race in Thorpe Pond Street Dance
Ice Cream Social Fishing Tournament
In-line Skating Softball Tournament
Broomball Tournament Field Hockey Tournament
Chairman Woodburn asked if each member had the opportunity to view Pump Park. Brief discussion was held on the proposal to meet with Thomas Kemmetmueller to discuss joint improvements at Pump Park to assist with the improvement of the park and to assist Mr. Kemmetmueller with the development of an outside studio for his photography business.
The Committee approved the recommendations submitted by Top Notch Treecare on the improvement to the Thorpe Park trees on a motion by Hans Larson, seconded by John Flynn. Motion declared carried.
Chairman Woodburn asked the Committee to consider options for the East Tennis Courts at Thorpe Park for next month’s meeting.
Motion to adjourn by Hans Larson, seconded by Woody Woodburn. Motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Park Committee will be held on December 1, 2004.