Chairperson Woody Woodburn, John Dupont, John Flynn, Lucy Hicks, Charty Oliver, Jennifer Young, Bryan Sykora, Council Liaison Jon Monson, Staff Dana Young

Hans Larson, Jean Midthun

The Committee approved the February 4, 2004 minutes on a motion by Jennifer Young, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried.

John Dupont stated that Arbor Day is scheduled for Friday, April 30^th and proposed that the annual Arbor Day Celebration for the City of Deephaven be held on Sunday, May 2^nd. Discussion was held on where to hold the Celebration and the type of tree to plant. John Dupont stated that he would meet with Dana Young to determine the location and type of tree on March 12^th.

Dana Young provided a brief overview on the sources of funding for City parks, beaches and trails. These funding sources included the Park Improvement Fund, the Capital Improvement Fund, Parks & Recreation Department and the Public Works Department

The Committee reviewed two possible surveys for inclusion in the April Newsletter. The Committee favored using the survey that had been prepared by John Flynn which requested feedback on a wider range of park issues than just on the Thorpe tennis court. The Committee further recommended that Question #4 on Mr. Flynn’s survey should also incorporate some of the survey information proposed by City Staff that more specifically addresses options on the repair of the Thorpe Park tennis courts.

Following the Committee’s review, Woody Woodburn suggested that he, John Flynn and Dana Young will work on developing a final version of the survey and will send a copy to each member via e-mail for further comments. Dana Young stated that the final version of the survey would need to be completed within the next two weeks in order for it to be included in the April Newsletter.

Discussion on 2004 Park Committee Goals & Objectives was postponed until next month.

John Flynn provided an overview of a packet of information that he had prepared for each Park Committee member. The packet included information on park assets, the park adoption list, and gift/donation information. The Committee thanked Mr. Flynn for his time and efforts in compiling such a valuable document.

Woody Woodburn stated that he had been invited to attend a meeting with representatives of the Boat Committee and Task Force on February 11^th to contribute to discussions on a long-range park vision. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to coordinate discussions on any joint projects that could potentially benefit or impact marinas and parks. He stated that Bob Voyles, Chairperson of the Boat Committee, is requesting Park Committee input on any common issues on the Deephaven Beach area that could potentially effect both the Boat and Park Committees. Brief discussion was held on preliminary plans for the possible reconfiguration of St. Louis Bay docks.

Jon Monson stated that he had read several e-mails concerning proposals on a long-range planning effort that would include all parks, beaches, marinas and other recreational areas in Deephaven. He stated that the cost to pull together such a master plan has been estimated from $30,000 - $70,000 and added that he felt it unlikely that the City Council would support such an expense.

Woody Woodburn asked if any members would be interested in meeting with the Boat Committee to continue discussions on joint interests at Deephaven Beach. Bryan Sykora, Charty Oliver and Jennifer Young volunteered to join Woody Woodburn in future discussions with the Boat Committee.

Lucy Hicks provided the following update on the recommendations developed by the subcommittee on park related donations:

Existing asset list checked park by park –

• Check off each item on list and is it in good shape/needs repair
• Add missing items to the list
• Put together thorough wish list, park by park

Develop process for –

• Estate planning
• Research forms to be used
• Evaluation committee
• Establish clear criteria for "gifts"
• Identify approval or rejection steps and timeline
• Payment / collection process
• Recognition alternatives such as plaques, signs, city hall plaques, naming rights, etc.
• Actual/practical list of items to procure in order of need

Communicate to residents in quarterly newsletter, separate letter

• Tax implications
• List of potential items needed to be donated

The Committee decided that each member should verify the condition of the existing equipment in each of their assigned parks and develop a wish list of any other items that should be added to their park. A subcommittee consisting of John Dupont, John Flynn, Bryan Sykora and Lucy Hicks will be assigned the task of reviewing future donation requests, contacting cities on how they provide for donations and determine potential locations for donated benches.

John Flynn presented a proposal on Neighborhood Softball World Championships in which neighborhoods would compete in a summer softball tournament. He stated that information on this program would be provided in the April Newsletter. The Committee recommended proceeding with the Neighborhood Softball World Championship program on a motion by Charty Oliver, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried.

John Flynn recommended that the Committee start the planning process for the 2005 budget in May.

Woody Woodburn stated that he would like to take some time at the next Park Committee meeting to discuss each member’s personal goals on parks in order to develop a consensus on Committee goals and objectives.

Motion to adjourn by John Dupont, seconded by Lucy Hicks. Motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m. The next meeting of the Park Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2004.