02-18-14 Jt Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 6 Councilmember Holmes stated that the tennis courts need to be properly maintained or they should be removed. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained that the City does have a resurfacing schedule for the tennis courts and that Floral, Royal Hills, and Hazelnut are all in need of reconstruction. She reported that the PTRC will be in contact with the neighborhoods before action is taken on the tennis courts. Councilmember McClung explained that he lived across the street from Royal Hills Park. He encouraged the PTRC to speak with a wide variety of residents in order to ensure that all voices are heard before decisions are made regarding the future of City parks. Mayor Grant agreed and stated that the City of Arden Hills population is aging. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson understood it would be important to gather a mix of input and to evaluate the information long-term before proposing changes to any City park. Mayor Grant requested further information on the proposed enhancements for Freeway Park. Nancy O'Malley, PTRC Member, explained that the proposed enhancements to Freeway Park were brought to the Council last year and were put in the CIP for 2015. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson discussed the proposed enhancements to Freeway Park and estimated that the cost for the improvements would be between $50 - $60,000 depending on the scope of improvements. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the new parking lot expense. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that the parking lot enhancements would improve access to the park while also offering parking for ice skating three months out of the year. John Van Valkenburg, Chair of the PTRC, discussed the health concerns of PTRC Member Don Messerly. Mr. Trites explained that the PTRC was considering the possibility of converting a large portion of existing free space at Lindey's park into a prairie area. The possible implementation date would be the summer of 2014. He reported that Don Messerly has been researching and exploring the topic for awhile. The disadvantages and advantages were being reviewed along with the cost to implement and maintain the prairie grasses. He stated that resident input would also be gathered regarding the possible conversion. Ms. O'Malley commented that five of the six neighboring properties supported the proposed prairie grass conversion. She indicated that a number of cities were converting open spaces to prairie grass for cost saving measures. Mayor Grant recommended that additional input be sought from the community.