MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

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

MEETING MINUTES

7:07 P.M.

In attendance:  Gerry Biedenstein, Jerry Grunzinger, Linda Fenton, Boyd Wietecter, Nick Ohlman,  Katie Burckhalter, Curt Carron, Murray Pounds

Excused:  Bob Sears, Rich Etzkorn, Betsy Wendell

I.                   CITIZEN COMMENTS 

Alan Hopefl, 12 Orchard Way, discussed the e-mail to Murray Pounds concerning his comments on an Off-Leash Dog Park in Emmenegger Nature Park. The e-mail had information regarding the lease agreement with the MDC. A copy of the e-mail was handed out to all members of the Kirkwood Park Board in attendance.

Don Forester, 588 W. Monroe, discussed the possible location of a proposed dog park across from his home in Kirkwood Park. Mr. Forester wanted to go on record as being against this location.

Harold Whitfield, 578 W Monroe, discussed the Dog Park proposed location in Kirkwood Park.  Mr. Whitfield wanted to go on record as being against this location.

Kathy Paulson, 401 Frieda, discussed concerns about Emmenegger Park and dogs off-leash.  Mrs. Paulson suggested the abandoned water treatment plant as a location for the proposed dog park.

Lisa Short, 439 Burns, President of the Dog Park Association

Lisa Short wanted everyone to know the Dog Park Association has not officially said anything about any location for the dog park. Lisa Short said she was opposed to banning any dog with a leash in the parks. 

1I.        APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 26, 2007 BOARD MINUTES

A motion made by Nick Ohlman to approve the amended February 26, 2007 minutes, seconded by Katie Burckhalter. Motion approved.  Motion passed.

Abstained:  Boyd Wietecter

III.             OLD BUSINESS

            A    SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

                Implementation Committee

Jerry Grunzinger reported a meeting was held last week and safety surfacing material and playground equipment was discussed. Curt Carron performed an audit on both units, outdated, accessibility, overall review of peripheral and circulation in the area.  Murray Pounds will get information from the designer of Phase I and Phase II and present findings at the next board meeting. Murray will set up a meeting in early April.  Katie Burckhalter is assisting with the playground review and plans on visiting some other playground sites to research playground equipment, child play, child/parent attitudes.  Murray has a meeting with a playground manufacturer and planning and designers on Thursday of this week.

Thursday, March 22^nd Murray will meet with William Tao and Associates to finalize the construction documents for the water tower parking lots.

Over the last week all structural steel for the central concession stand/restroom has been completed and the installation of trusses and metal roof for the restroom portion is complete.  The roofing system for the concession stand is close to completion as well.  Masonry work on the restroom portion of the building is also moving forward.  Much of the structural steel for the Scout comfort station has been set, as has the steel for the Scout Shelter.  At the community center parking lot, the removal of the final section of existing parking lot and sidewalk has been completed and the new pavers have been placed from the edge of the parking lot to the bridge.  Murray said he has some concerns with the completion of the Scout Shelter and telephone calls will be made this week to persons planning on using the Scout Shelter in early June to make them aware of the situation.   The landscape plans have been delivered.

Trail Committee

Boyd Wietecter discussed a meeting held that reviewed proposals to take the trail down to the Meramec River.  Koestering Park was reviewed for viability as a connection in the Marshall Road area.  Alternatives routes through the park have been requested from GRG to lessen the impact of the trail.  The committee is waiting for a report from GRG’s engineers.  The proposed biking, hiking trail is grade friendly and would be maintained at a slope of 5% or less.  There will be training on April 2, 2007 on operation of the restrooms at the Grant’s Trail trailhead.  Those restrooms should be open once the training is complete.

Dog Park Committee

Katie Burckhalter reported the committee is waiting for more information from staff, and is concerned about the environmental issues of a dog park.  There are four possible sites for consideration, below the dam in Kirkwood Park, the abandoned Water Plant property, the northwest corner of Greentree Park, and the former pool site in Emmenegger Park. There has been no commitment to any site at this time.  Full evaluation is still yet to be undertaken.

Greentree Park Restoration Committee   

Linda Fenton and Murray Pounds addressed the Open Space Council to promote the project and potential partnering resources on February 27, 2007.  There was a great deal of interest.  Linda Fenton said Greentree Park restoration was one of nine sites the Open Space Council will support through its “OWLS” grant program. The program will function very much like the Clean Stream operation, and could involve honeysuckle removal in the proposed project. Curt Carron and Murray Pounds are meeting with Ameren representatives on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 to discuss stewardship, partnership opportunities, and upcoming work in Greentree Park 

IV.              NEW BUSINESS

Budget hearing reviewed

A.  APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2007-08 PARK FUND BUDGETS

Motion was made by Boyd Wietecter to approve the budget as submitted, seconded by Nick Ohlman. All approved. Motion passed.

The budget includes a 3 ½% salary increase for park employees.

Linda Fenton brought up the question of whether an update to the parks and recreation survey should be added to the budget.  No motion on this discussion.

B.  APPROVAL OF RE-APPROPRIATIONS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2006-07

A motion was made by Jerry Grunzinger to approve the Re-Appropriations presented by staff for Fiscal Year 2006-2007, seconded by Linda Fenton. All approved.  Motion passed. 

C.     APPROVAL OF MOWING CONTRACT WITH OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS

A motion was made by Katie Burckhalter to approve the contract with Outdoor Solutions for mowing outlying parks, seconded by Nick Ohlman.  All approved.  Motion passed.

D.    MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Curt Carron, Park Superintendent gave the maintenance report.

The first Volunteer Day of 2007 was held on March 17.  Approximately sixteen volunteers and six staff were on hand to begin removing the cut brush honeysuckle from the woods behind the pistol range and Pioneer buildings.  The brush was cut and treated during the week of March 12 by the park division. The event ran from 9am until 12 noon. The small turnout was attributed to St. Patrick’s Day festivities, spring breaks and a cloudy day with snow flurries.  The next event will be held as a follow-up to this event on April 14, 2007.

The floor for the interpretive shelter at Emmenegger Park has been poured and the area surrounding it restored. The topographical relief model will be installed onto the pad sometime in late March/early April. A key for the message center will be turned over to the Powder Valley volunteers who have posted display and information on the board for the past five years.

The fixture and power have been restored to the small electric pedestal which serves Diamond 6.  The pedestal which is used to power pitching machines for team practices is rented through our league coordinator. The upgrade includes GFCI protection and weather resistant housing. At this time 3 - 4 teams have requested use of the pedestal this season.

Work began today on the set for the spring youth theater performance of Annie.  The set which was moved here from CBCHS will be erected by staff from Kirkwood and Crestwood and prepared for the show by the cast and parents.

Spring activities have begun towards season opening activities.  Ball field preparation has begun, tables will be going out into the parks soon, facilities will have power and water restored by the end of the month, cleanup of leaves and winter debris will be taking place.  The picnic season officially opens April 14, and softball will get started weather permitting on April 9.

E.     OTHER MATTERS

V.        DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Murray Pounds reported the department is getting close to hiring a senior ranger.  It has been narrowed down to two applicants and hopefully the senior ranger will be hired by mid April. 

Murray had a discussion with the Dirtburners and they have scaled back on some of their requests. The Dirtburners will have two trailers in July and will call with more details.

Murray reported he is attempting to connect with the YMCA’s director to discuss Walker Park and the YMCA’s usage. 

The end of the Parks Department fiscal year is March 31, 2007.  Murray reported the Parks Department financials are in good shape.

The theater is being re-carpeted and the restrooms in the community center are going to be renovated. A major project for repair/replacement of the community center roof is underway. The cost for the roof repair will be about $350,000. The department is getting ready for the opening of the aquatic center.  The department is going to have an Adults Only Egg Hunt in cooperation with Shrewsbury and Webster Groves. This event will be held at Blackburn Park on March 31^st.

VI.   ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Katie Burckhalter to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m., seconded by Boyd Wietecter. All approved.  Motion passed.