MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007

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

7:05 P.M. 

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

Excused:  Boyd Wietecter

PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PARK FUND BUDGET

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008

Murray Pounds reported a notification for the public hearing for the Park Fund budget for Fiscal year 2007-2008 was put in the St. Louis Countian on February 6, 2007 and the Webster/Kirkwood Times on February 9, 2007.

The budget was reviewed by the Kirkwood Finance Department before the 1^st of the year.

Gerry Biedenstein asked if anyone in attendance had any questions or comments regarding the proposed budget.

Linda Fenton asked why Quinette was not included in the budget.  Murray Pounds explained Quinette was not included because the property had not been accepted as a park at the time the budget was being prepared. Linda Fenton also inquired about the water and electric cost not being included in the Kirkwood Park operating budget for 2007-2008.  Jerry Grunzinger explained the electric and water costs for Kirkwood Park, Fillmore Park, McEntee Park, Monfort Park, Mitchell Park and Fireman’s Park is included in the cost center 5101-6202.  There were no further comments or questions.

The proposed budget for 2007-08 will be considered at the next board meeting in March.

I.                   CITIZEN COMMENTS 

Alan Hopefl, 12 Orchard Way, discussed concerns about giving up Kirkwood park space for a dog park and suggested the Kirkwood Dog Park Association might find private land for the dog park. Mr. Hopefl gave all members in attendance a memo with his comments on a dog park proposal.

Kathy Paulson, 402 Frieda, discussed dog park concerns and was in agreement with Alan Hopefl.  Kathy Paulson said the Park Board might consider having a waiting list or to be considered list for the next Park Master Plan. This way an organization such as the Kirkwood Dog Park Association could be put on a list and then considered for the future Park Master Plan.

1I.        APPROVAL OF JANUARY 22, 2007 BOARD MINUTES

A motion made by Rich Etzkorn to approve the January 22, 2007 minutes, seconded by Nick Ohlman. All approved.  Motion passed.

III.             OLD BUSINESS

            A    SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

                Implementation Committee

Murray Pounds reported on construction progress. The contractor is still hoping for completion in early June.  Construction was delayed for two weeks due to weather and other issues.  Murray said a construction meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2007 and he would keep everyone informed of the progress. William Tao and Associates has developed a preliminary design for replacement and rehabilitation of the water tower parking lots in Kirkwood Park.

Discussion was held regarding the playground equipment at Kirkwood Park.  Murray asked the board for input about the possible replacement of the playground equipment. The current budget for the project includes new safety surface and rehabilitation of existing equipment but not total replacement.  A review of the playground equipment by staff indicates the board should discuss replacing both the playground equipment and safety surface. The cost to replace the playground equipment would be around $200,000. Curt Carron stated he no longer is able to get structural parts for the playground equipment and 13-15 years is pretty much the lifespan of this type of equipment. Curt said if the board did decide on new playground equipment to purchase only the very best.

Jerry Grunzinger said the board could reassess the Master Plan depending on changing needs.  Rich Etzkorn said the board should reflect the costs of playground equipment in the capital budget. Katie Burckhalter said she definitely would be in favor of replacing the playground equipment and safety surface. Linda Fenton discussed the safety material. 

Trail Committee

Murray Pounds reported on the progress of the planning for the connection between Grant and Meramec trails. Murray attended a meeting with representatives from Burlington Northern Santa Fee railroad, MODOT and Great Rivers Greenway. Drawings were circulated to board members in attendance showing an alternative to connect the two trail via Dee Koestering Park. Gerry Biedenstein said including at large members Gerry DeWulf and Jim Summa is very important and the discussion has been good.

Dog Park Committee

A meeting will be held on Saturday, March 3rd ^at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is to look at potential places in and outside of the park where a dog park could be located. No commitments have been made to any group that a dog park will be built on any site. All board members are welcome to participate in the tour, estimated to take about two hours. The intent of the meeting will be allow board members to view various sites in the park system.  Another meeting will be held on March 12 at 4:00 pm. at the community center to discuss findings from the March 3 meeting.

Greentree Park Restoration Committee   

Linda Fenton will make a 10-minute presentation to the Open Space Council to promote project and potential partnering resources tomorrow, February 27, 2007.

IV.              NEW BUSINESS

Motion was made by Linda Fenton to amend the Park Fund Capital Budget heading showing the year 2011/2022 to 2011/2012, seconded by Bob Sears.  All approved.

A.  APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH WILLIAM TAO & ASSOCIATES FOR CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

Motion was made by Jerry Grunzinger to award an additional amount of $5,400.00 for developing construction documents and some construction administration work to William  & Tao and Associates, seconded by Nick Ohlman. All approved.  Motion passed.  The money will be appropriated from the park fund reserves to account 201-5101-452-7509, Project PF0601.

B.  APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL FEES FOR CENTRAL RIDGE PROJECT

Planning Design Studios made a request for additional fees for the ongoing development of plans for the Central Ridge project. 

Following discussion, a motion was made by Nick Ohlman to approve an additional amount of $3,600.00 be authorized for Planning Design Studio’s services, seconded by Betsy Wendell. All approved.  Motion passed. The $3,600 will be transferred from the park fund reserves to account 201-5101-452-7509, Project PF0601.

C.  MAINTENANCE UPDATE

            Curt Carron, Park Superintendent gave the maintenance update.

            Curt handed out a copy of the Memo to Murray Pounds regarding the FEMA Storm Cleanup Totals to all board members. Curt also handed out a copy of the memo given to Murray Pounds regarding the Mowing Bid for 2007.

The cost proposal was submitted, reviewed and approved by Kim Butts, Director of Purchasing for consistency with contract terms. Curt’s recommendation was  the park board approve the mowing bid at the March 19^th meeting.

Curt reported there has been a settlement in a 3+year Workers Comp claim involving an employee who no longer works for the City. The Weekly Wrapup (internal newsletter) reports a $26,350 cost attributed to Parks as of 2/7/07. Curt was unable to ascertain prior to this meeting how that disposition would affect future budgeting strategy.

Curt sent seven members of the maintenance staff to the February MPRA/STCC training day at Meramec. The all-day workshop was geared around building health, safety and maintenance issues.  The cost was $15/person with lunch.

To date, the parks department has used 117 tons of salt this season compared to 15 tons for the entire 2005/06 winter season. Parks and Recreation transfer funds back to Public Works as payment for the material.  Current salt/ton costs are just under $35/ton.

Operations Division has identified, verified and removed 30-35 dead hazardous trees from the 2 miles of interior trails at Emmeneger Nature Park.  Most of the trees were felled and left on the forest floor.  Where trees bordered or crossed paths, trees will either be removed or re-positioned for aesthetic reasons.  The trees ranged from 4”-30” diameter and were site review inspected by the park superintendent and the MDC Urban Forester from Powder Valley Nature Center.

Restroom stalls have been removed from the riverside comfort station at Greentree Park. The metal stalls were rusted badly and unsightly.  They will be replaced with a solid plastic variety in the same configuration.  Installation is planned in-house prior to the opening of the restrooms this spring.

A spring volunteer day has been scheduled for Sat. March 17 from 9am-noon.  Participants will be removing pre-cut bush honeysuckle from the south and southwest sides of Kirkwood Park. The staff will chip and haul off the material.  This will practically complete a full first-round eradication process started 3 years ago.  Follow-up events will strive to eradicate future sprout growth.

D.      OTHER MATTERS

Murray Pounds said there has been no contact with The Dirtburners

Mike Brown sent a letter to Gerry Biedenstein regarding Curt Carron and his release from responsibility as the Kirkwood Urban Forestry Commission liaison due to the time involved.  

V.        DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Murray Pounds discussed the YMCA and their Easter Egg Hunt, which will be held on March 31, 2007 at Walkers Park.  Murray said they have done this in the past and there was no problem.  There was a discussion on how the YMCA does use the park for their Boot Camp.  Murray said he would look into this and see if the YMCA was overusing the park.

Murray informed the board members Jason Valvero is going to the MPRA conference in Springfield on March 6 through March 9. 

The search for a Head Park Ranger is starting over. 

VI.   ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS REAL ESTATE AND PERSONNEL MATTERS

A motion made to close session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss real estate and personnel matters made by Jerry Grunzinger, seconded by Bob Sears.  Roll call as follows:

Gerry Biedenstein-yea 
Bob Sears-year                       
Linda Fenton-yea
Jerry Grunzinger-yea                
Rich Etzkorn-yea                     
Nick Ohlman-yea
Katie Burckhalter-yea              
Betsy Wendell-yea

Motion passed 8-0

A motion made to return to open session at 8:55 p.m. 

Roll call as follows:

Gerry Biedenstein-yea 
Bob Sears-yea                       
Linda Fenton-yea
Jerry Grunzinger-yea                
Rich Etzkorn-yea                     
Nick Ohlman-yea
Katie Burckhalter-yea              
Betsy Wendell-yea

Motion passed 8-0

VII.    ADJOURNMENT           

A motion made to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. made by Bob Sears, seconded by Rich Etzkorn.  All approved.  Motion passed.