09-19-23 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 5 of 7 Committee Member Rogers commented that there would probably need to be City approval for a structure and the Lions Club is a potential funding source. Committee Member Edgar commented on the potential location options and recommends that the One Unit Playground Area would be a much better location. Chair Hinton asked that further research, budgets and options. Committee Member Seemann agreed to head this endeavor. Committee Member Olson offered to use her experienced network to assist in Little Library Production, if needed. E. Park Improvements Plan Recreation Supervisor Johnson shared the plan as information for the Committee. Committee Member Olson raised the question about the Hazelnut Parking Lot portion of the Plan (p. 3), her understanding was that it would happen sooner, asking if there was a change to the timeline or agreement complications with the adjacent church. Council Member Rousseau offered that Mayor Grant and Council Member Holden were tasked with reaching out to the church and to come to an agreement about the shared parking lot. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Perry Park – Bathroom Locks Recreation Supervisor Johnson requested discussion and action on the item. Committee Member Poelzer moved that the PTRC recommend to the Council approve the amount of $3,897.91 for purchase and installation of automatic locks for the Perry Park bathrooms. Reserving the final decision on operational hours to be resolved between City staff and PTRC. Committee Member Kelliher seconded the motion to discuss the pros and cons. Recreation Supervisor Johnson relayed the cons of the proposed locks being maintenance of the interior of the bathrooms by public works staff. Increase in staffing. Also open for vandalism and potential for further vandalism should the locks malfunction. Pros include public building should be available for the public. Committee Member Poelzer recognized that this change is scary and it is easy to think of the negatives but the benefits outweigh the potential problems and costs. Also, the additions to the dog park will increase traffic and the portable facilities will not be adequate. Families may be more likely to use the playground knowing that bathrooms are available as opposed to the current portable facility. Advise to start slow with timing and hours and increase if needed. Committee Member Kelliher asked if it is possible to get a usage report from this type of lock. Recreation Supervisor Johnson replied that this is a basic type of lock, with a timer only. Discussion ensued about having the usage data would help us to minimize the staff costs. Committee Member Poelzer revealed a new community run Facebook page for the Perry Dog Park that will be another way to utilize the Facebook page for surveys. Council Member Olson asked if the Arden Hills Foundation has been considered as an avenue to use for the upfront costs.