MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007

KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER, 111 S. GEYER ROAD, ROOM 202

MEETING MINUTES

7:03 P.M.

In attendance:  Gerry Biedenstein, Bob Sears, Linda Fenton, Boyd Wietecter, Nick Ohlman, Jerry Grunzinger, Rich Etzkorn, Betsy Wendell, Katie Burckhalter, Curt Carron, Murray Pounds

I.                   CITIZEN COMMENTS 

Alan Hopefl, 12 Orchard Way, discussed dog park concerns.

Kathy Paulsen, 402 Frieda, discussed dog park concerns.

John Burns, 1881 Charmwood Court, reported on Meramec River Recreation Association activities

Jim Vykopel, 111 N. Ballas Road, spoke in favor of a dog park

1I.        APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 18, 2006 BOARD MINUTES

A motion made by Betsy Wendell to approve the December 18, 2007 minutes, seconded by Nick Ohlman. All approved.  Motion passed.

III.             OLD BUSINESS

            A    SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

                Implementation Committee

Jerry Grunzinger reported on progress of the Central Ridge project in Kirkwood Park.  Gerry Biedenstein reported on development of plans to improve the water tower parking lots.  Plans will be reviewed again on February 1, 2007.  Photos documenting construction progress through January 19, 2007 were circulated.

Dog Park Committee

A two-hour committee meeting was held on Thursday, January 18, 2007.  Bob Sears reported people were at the meeting who spoke both for and against the development of a dog park.  There was some discussion whether enough land is available in the park system to dedicate to such use and how widespread the support is among residents.  Discussion was held regarding restricting such a facility to residents only.  Discussion was held regarding the validity of the 2001 survey given its age and how the topic was worded.  Linda Fenton is concerned with environmental impact.  Pet waste in Phase 2 storm water city like Kirkwood predicates compliance with regulations.  Another subcommittee meeting will be scheduled before the next Park Board meeting.  Linda Fenton will e-mail EPA guidelines to interested Park Board members.

Bike Route Committee

The committee met with Great Rivers Greenway District staff and their engineers regarding connections from Grants Trail to the Meramec River Greenway Trail in Greentree Park. The committee discussed routes and methods of connecting the two trail systems. Next meeting will be February 5, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. Jerry DeWulf and Jim Summa attended and will serve on the subcommittee as members at large.

Greentree Park Restoration Committee   

Linda Fenton will make a 10-minute presentation to Open Space Council to promote project and potential partnering resources in late February.

B.  PARK SITE SCORING MODEL

A copy of the revised scoring model was included in the packet.  Among the changes that were made were to incorporate a matrix that rewards points based on size of property and distance from existing park properties and/or major barriers.  Point awards for many other aspects of the model were also evaluated and in some cases changed.

A motion was made by Rich Etzkorn to accept the model as presented with the addition of language, which permits flexibility, seconded by Betsy Wendell.

All approved.  Motion passed.

IV.              NEW BUSINESS

A.  DIRTBURNERS REMOTE CONTROL CAR REQUEST

The leadership of the Dirtburners has requested the opportunity to address the Board regarding the continued development of the drivers’ stand, including the accessible ramps.Their organization is planning to conduct a national level event in July, and wish to make the Board aware of that opportunity.  The pre-race is the 1^st weekend in July. The board and Dirtburners discussed trailers, tents, RV’s, parking, electric underground 100 to 200A service upgrade, widening roadway as they are related to the operation and the event. The Dirtburners will provide additional information to staff.

B.     URBAN FORESTRY COMMISSION LIAISON

Murray Pounds reported Curt Carron has served as the city staff liaison to the Urban Forestry Commission since the inception of the commission. This assignment has become more time intensive, especially as the new tree ordinance for the city is being developed. All this comes at a time when Curt’s responsibilities with his primary job intensify. The commitment of Curt’s time to a function that is not critically related to the parks and recreation mission has been questioned in recent times. 

A motion was made by Rich Etzkorn to request Curt Carron, Park Superintendent, be released from responsibility as Kirkwood Urban Forestry Commission liaison, Seconded by Betsy Wendell.  All approved. Motion passed.

            C.   TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO PART TIME SALARY ACCOUNT

Because of extended use of part time rangers throughout the year, staff requested a transfer of funds from the full time account, 201-5101-451-1101 to the part time salary account, 201-5101-451-1102. Transfer of $7,000 should be more than an adequate amount to cover the cost already incurred, plus potential use through the end of the fiscal year.

A motion made by Bob Sears to transfer $7,000 from the full time account, 201-501-451-1101 to the part time salary account, 201-5101-451-1102, seconded by Jerry Grunzinger.  All approved.  Motion passed.

D.     MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Curt Carron reported maintenance information.  Aquatic center winter cleanup is underway.  Storm cleanup took 57 man-hours.  One tree was lost due to storm damage. Eighteen man hours dedicated to snow removal.

Roofing work has been completed for the Emmenegger Shelter, and maintenance staff is working on the interpretive display area.

A water main break on Geyer Road caused high levels of chlorinated water to enter Walker Lake, resulting in an extensive trout kill.

Two maintenance staff members are attending the annual park maintenance school in Oglesbay, West Virginia.  The entire maintenance staff is scheduled to attend a daylong seminar at Meramec Community College at the end of month.

The Superintendent of Parks will attend Arborist Training beginning February 7, 2007.  The budgeting process is fairly complete.  Background checks on final Senior Park Ranger candidates are being conducted.  The position should be filled by early February.

V.        DIRECTOR’S REPORT

On February 1, 2007, City Council members will decide on accepting Quinette Cemetery into the park system.  Meacham Park Homecoming has submitted their request for the 2007 event.  The Missouri Parks and Recreation annual conference will be in Springfield March 6 - 9.  Board members are invited to attend if they wish.  Grant’s Trail construction is close to complete.  

Submittals for reimbursement from the Municipal Park Grant Council for the construction of Walker Park are being prepared.  Officially there has been no word on Monfort Park construction grant request, but will not be funded. PDS is working to finalize construction documents for Monfort Park.

VI.              ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Boyd Wietecter to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 p.m., seconded by Rich Etzkorn.  All approved.  Motion passed.