MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007

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

MEETING MINUTES

7:05 P.M.

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

Excused:  Katie Burckhalter

I.                   CITIZEN COMMENTS 

No comments

1I.        APPROVAL OF MARCH 19, 2007 BOARD MINUTES

A motion made by Boyd Wietecter to approve the amended March 19, 2007 minutes, seconded by Nick Ohlman.  Bob Sears abstained, all other members approved.  Motion passed.

III.             OLD BUSINESS

            A    SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

                Implementation Committee

Murray Pounds reported on the Central Ridge project. A construction schedule was handed out to the board members.  The current contract calls for completion by June 8, 2007.  The board reviewed pictures taken showing some of the construction work, concession area, Scout Shelter and bleacher area.  The current list of change orders was reviewed.  Murray reported the construction crew size has been increased.

Jerry Grunzinger and his children, Katie Burckhalter and her grandson, and Gerry Biedenstein went to Forest Park, Tilles Park and DesPeres to observe the playground equipment and surfacing material. Jerry Grunzinger said the children liked Forest Park the best. Gerry Biedenstein said looking at the different park equipment was very helpful. The committee will look through playground equipment catalogs and offer suggestions to the design team to be included in the playground design for Kirkwood Park.

Trail Committee

Murray Pounds reported the signage for Grants Trail and Meramec River Greenway Trail has been completed by GRG’s contractor. Murray reported the drinking fountain for Grants Trail is not operational as yet but expects it to be working sometime this week. Curt Carron reported the restrooms are not open and have not been turned over to the parks department yet by the contractors. They will be turned over after the training which should be sometime this week.  The trail is getting constant use.

Dog Park Committee

Murray reported he is continuing the research on the Dog Park proposal and related issues.

Greentree Park Restoration Committee   

Linda Fenton said there is a possibility of 30 or more potential partners who can contribute to the prairie/wetlands project.  Murray and Curt had a meeting with Ameren’s representatives on March 21^st at the park and discussed stewardship, partnership opportunities, and upcoming work in Greentree Park.  Murray and Curt were very pleased with their meeting with Ameren and the actions Ameren is proposing for Greentree Park to cut back vegetation under the power lines.

Finance Committee

No report by committee members.  Murray Pounds reviewed the end of the year statement for the park fund that was included in the packet. This is preliminary, un-audited report that will likely be revised before the books are closed for the year.

IV.              NEW BUSINESS

A.  REQUEST FOR QUINETTE CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS

Murray reported he had two recent inquiries from people interested in seeing some improvements made in the Quinette Cemetery property.  The first request is reflected in the letter from Cliff Zell, which discusses the potential to develop paths in the cemetery.  The second request came via phone from Keith Rawlings, and covered placing an arched metal sign, similar to the one in Walker Park at the entrance to Quinette. Currently there is a little less than $14,000 in capital funding available in the city’s capital accounts designated for use at the cemetery. Discussion as to whether or not to pursue use of this funding at this time would be appropriate. 

B.  APPROVAL FUNDING FOR QUINETTE CEMETERY      MAINTENANCE

A motion was made by Bob Sears to establish accounts 201-5101-452.61.15 with $1,300.00 and 201-5101-452.51-09 with $150.00, seconded by Jerry Grunzinger. All approved.  Motion passed.

There was a discussion concerning the $50,000 donation given the city as port of the agreement when Quinette was acquired by the city.  Direction was requested by staff whether it should be put in a separate fund or the general park revenue fund. Rich Etzkorn said we would be able to account for all the money for Quinette even if the money was put in the park revenue fund. Discussion followed.  Bob Sears suggested the board think about what account they want to put the donation in and discuss it further at the next park board meeting.

C.     MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Curt Carron, Park Superintendent gave the maintenance report.

Immediately following the opening of the new fiscal year, the Parks Dept. began incorporating materials into infields and shooting grades to level fields. Fields were laid out, buildup of excess dirt at the infield edge removed, infields rolled and outfields seeded.  Due to heavy rain the parks department began working fields on Monday the 16^th, one week after fields opened officially for play.

The Parks Department drilled holes along the sidelines at Greentree Park football/lacrosse/soccer field in an effort to help drain the compacted sideline areas.

All the beds, edged walks were cleaned up.  Debris was picked up on the grounds following a couple of heavy wind days.  The mowing contractor helped out by piling up the debris as they made as they made their first cut in all parks.

The Greentree Park restroom has fresh paint, fixtures, stalls and floor paint. The metal stalls were replaced with solid plastic stalls to eliminate the rusting of steel walls.

The picnic tables were rehabbed over the winter and went out into the parks in preparation for the season opening on April 14^th.  The restrooms at Greentree, Kirkwood Lions Pavilion, Emmenegger and Meacham Memorial park are all open.

The parks department broke set from the spring youth theater production of Annie.  The set was dismantled, parted out and either thrown out or returned to CBC.  Jim Wilkerson did another outstanding job constructing the set.

The Grants Trailhead area was detailed all the way to the interstate right of way fence.  The site is walked daily to remove debris, check for damage, and soon to open the restroom facility hopefully.

A slide bed in Kirkwood park play area was damaged and has to be replaced. 

The cost will be $1,800 to replace the entire hood, bed and support system.

The following items have been initially addressed:

Walker Park hour’s signage has been received and installed.

Mowing contract is under way

Gateway Goose Control contract is under way.

Armor vests for 3-4 rangers will be fitted and ordered on the April 20^th.

Steel picnic table frames have been sent out to bid.

D.    OTHER MATTERS  

Jerry Grunzinger discussed emergency procedures for the parks and recreation department.  Murray is going to check on emergency procedures.

Murray told board members that personnel in the office has access to an emergency button and has been informed on how to call the police department.

The honeysuckle removal was canceled on Saturday, April 14^th due to rain and cold temperatures.

Gerry Biedenstein discussed the lights at the tennis courts.  Gerry reported he has passed the tennis courts at 9:15 p.m. and the lights are all on and no one is playing.  Murray said he would check on the usage of the courts at night.

V.        DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Murray Pounds reported the Dirtburners have not established additional contact regarding their upcoming races in late June and early July.

The American in Bloom judges will be in Kirkwood on June 26 and 27 to complete their judging responsibilities.

The Greentree Festival was discussed.  Murray reported the Parks Department should have the new head ranger hired by next week.  Murray reported the competition pool at the aquatic center is getting painted.  Another large project underway is the replacement of the roof at the community center.

VI.   ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Bob Sears to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m., seconded by Rich Etzkorn. All approved.  Motion passed.