City Council

The City of Columbia City In Columbia County on the Columbia River PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2017 - 5:00 P.M. 1840 SECOND STREET, COLUMBIA CITY, OR 97018 Present: Sally Ann Marson, Chair (by phone) Nell Harrison, Committee Member Jack Hruska, Committee Member Dede Covert, DAR Multnomah Chapter Leahnette Rivers, City Administrator/Recorder Ruth Rose Richardson and Pixie Parks: Dede Covert, who serves on the Parks Committee of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Multnomah Chapter, was introduced. Members discussed the history of the DAR Parks and their maintenance, the current condition of the parks, the current partnership between the City and the DAR, and where we should go from here. It was determined that the DAR and the City should develop and agree upon a master plan for each of the parks. Meanwhile, the following priorities were identified:
Provide a seasonal porta-potty. The northeast corner of the lower section of Ruth Rose Richardson Park was identified as a potential location. Parks Committee Members will visit the site on Friday at 10 am to consider the placement of the porta-potty.
Plant a few shade trees in Pixie Park.
Fix the guardrail and steps in Pixie Park (potential Eagle Scout project).
Design and construct an irrigation system in Pixie Park and replace the lawn (potential Eagle Scout project).
In Ruth Rose Richardson Park, repair some of the irrigation system sections that are connected to the new irrigation system controller and add new landscaping within those areas. Dede will present this list of priorities to the DAR for their approval. Leahnette noted that the gate is now locked along the Highway, and signage has been installed that directs visitors to Pacific Street to follow signage for parking and access. She said a handicapped parking space needs to be added on Mattie Street near the shortest access point to the park. Committee Members agreed that this year's Memorial Day program should be similar to last year's. Leahnette will begin making the necessary arrangements. 1 Datis Park: Leahnette explained that one of the two firs in the park has a crack on the river side of it, which is weeping pitch. She said Lorin Fielding, a Certified Arborist, has indicated that the tree is not hazardous or sick - it is just injured and attempting to heal itself. She said he does not think the injury warrants the removal of the tree. However, she said David Greenleaf, also a Certified Arborist, is recommending removal of the fir, as well as the fir next to it (if one is removed, the other must also be removed because they protect each other). He is also recommending some of the weight be removed from the oak. She said Paul from Paul's Tree Service, who has 30 years of experience but is not a Certified Arborist, has recommended some of the wind sail be removed from each of the firs and some of the weight be removed from the oak. Leahnette invited members to visit the site and take a look at the two fir trees and the oak tree. Members will meet in the park at 10 am on Friday, January 27. Tree seedlings: Leahnette reported that the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District did not end up providing seedlings and planting crew as originally thought last fall. She will check with them to find out if this next season will be an option. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m. 2