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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRBMINUTES011409WUP Parks and Recreation Board JANUARY 14, 2009 6:00 PM CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM TYPE OF MEETING Special Meeting CHAIR Russ Schulze NOTE TAKER Mardi Turner ATTENDEES Russ Schulze, Janine Schueppert, Mardi Turner, Tim O'Connor, Brian Fiegel, Charles May, Helen Talianchich, Dave Agerton, Robert Schultz, Joni Fichter Michael Ross, Jeff Garber (PGAL), Phat Nguyen (PGAL), Susan Ohsfeldt, Guy VISITORS Cooke (Tellepsen), Corey Englade (Tellepsen), Thomas Pielech, Don Aubin, Hope Northrup, Lisa Berman, Bob Kelly (Mayor), Michael Talianchich (Council), Ramsay Elder, David Cole, Dick Yehle, Tina Dessemond, Wayne Knupp I. Call to Order: The special meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm by Chairman Russ Schulze. Russ explained that this special meeting was called in order to present the final recommended conceptual layout for the Recreation Center with concerned citizens. II. Presentation of Proposed Site Layout - Jeff Gerber - PGAL Jeff presented "base option 3" which puts the pool at the north end of the site. This location is far removed from possible pollution from Bellaire Boulevard and puts the building off the foul line of the baseball field. He then presented "option 4" which includes a larger set back from the property lines of the neighbors on Ruskin and establishes a park-like zone between the neighbors' property lines and the pool and building. This layout is closer to Colonial Park in atmosphere. It also moves the parking lot noise and light farther away from the neighbors. We will not be able to have an entry off Westpoint until we purchase the two properties that are under consideration. Tim indicated that TriSports is amendable to one or both baseball fields being 180 foot fields instead of 200 feet, and reminded us that the entire pool complex needs to be secured. Helen asked if the city-owned lot on Community could be incorporated into the plan. III. Citizen Comments Susan Ohsfeldt: Expressed concern about the playground being too close to the foul line area. She was also concerned about the amount of parking available. If it is insufficient, it would negatively impact the neighbors on Cason and Westpoint. Michael Talianchich: Suggested that we put the Rec Center building elements over the pool, rather than side by side. He felt this approach would save money and provide more green space. Bob Kelly: Stated that Michael's plans for the proposed structure had been received this morning and that he has asked Jeff Gerber to look at them and to "crunch the numbers". Jeff Gerber: Commented that going taller is generally more expensive, but he working on defining the costs for this proposal. He mentioned that there might be a problem with the 35 foot height restriction. Tom Pielich: Said he thinks that "option 4" is a great plan. He suggested using shorter lights in the parking lot, like those that are being installed around the city. He also said that he didn't think the entrance on Bellaire is a big issue. Don Aubin: Said he is okay with "option 4". He thanked us for moving the batting cages to the southwest corner and asked if we could add some more trees along the property line (Ruskin) to alleviate light pollution. Tim O'Connor: Said that the lighting technology available now is much better and that we can effectively control the light pollution. Wayne Knupp: Likes the new plan, particularly the entrance on Bellaire. He expects increased traffic and asked that we keep at least one entrance on Bellaire and implement a 20 mile per hour speed limit around the park. David Cole: Is concerned about increased traffic. He also said that the two lots on Westpoint have lots of trees that would have to come down if that area was dedicated to parking. He suggested that it might be preferable to move the playground over to that side. Jeff Gerber: Said that they have met with the urban forester and have identified which trees on those two lots should be saved. They are working on a detailed budget including landscaping. Frank Griffin: Thanked us for our responsiveness. Ramsay Elder: Said that the voters thought they were getting two full sized baseball fields. Russ Schulze: Responded that we have been talking to TriSports and they have approved the configuration of the baseball fields. David Cole: Asked if TriSports is paying for any of the development? Tim O'Connor: Briefly explained the relationship between the City and TriSports. He indicated that they do service and maintain the fields. Joni Fichter: Explained that West U Little League and the other organizations that make up TriSports are big contributors to Friends of West U Parks. She also said that in most cities the city owns and funds and runs the playing fields. Helen Talianchich: Asked how much green space would be gained if the Rec Center building were placed over the pool? Janine Schueppert: Made a motion that we recommend that City Council proceed with option 4. The motion was unanimously approved. IV. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on February 4, 2009 at 6:30 pm. Tim said that the interest group members have agreed to poll the other neighbors and explain the development plan to them. X. Naming Rights Policy Tim distributed information on naming rights that had been gathered by staff. Robert agreed to assist in the development of a policy for review by the Board. XI. Staff Reports Tim distributed his report and indicated that he will be sending us copies of his weekly reports via e-mail from now on. He said that he had responded to the mother who expressed concern about the new treehouse structure at Whitt Johnson Park, but had not received a response from her. XII. Board Reports: none XIII. New Business Dave made a motion to hold a workshop with the Ruskin neighbors to present the new recommended layout for the Recreation Center facilities. It was agreed that a special meeting would be called for January 14. XIV. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on February 4, 2009 at 6:30 pm. A special meeting will be held January 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm.