Parks and Public Works Committee

Meeting Notes from Parks Committee Meeting May 8th, 2017 Meeting called to order 4:05 PM at city hall. Present were Galen Seipel, Hank Zwart. The committee did a tour of 13 parks to determine what if any actions were needed. Hank lead the tour and Galen drove. Motion made to adjourn and passed at 5:55 PM. Highway 10 and High School Property. On the way to the skate park, Hank showed us all the grass propriety the city maintains along Hwy 10 and around the high school. This was acres and acres of land. All were covered with dandelions and the budget does not exist to spray for weeds and dandelions if the city has to spray the areas along road ways and parks. Skate Park The skate park looked good, with no dandelions and no trash. The ramps were in good shape and no apparent need for repair work. Several new ramps were added by volunteers and the asphalt look good since it was blacked topped just two years ago. Sunset Park Bad case of dandelions. The park has two picnic tables in good shape. All swings looked good. Three actions were identified: 1. Fill in the pits under the swings 2. The net on the basketball hoop was badly damaged and should be replaced 3. Trim low hanging branches on trees so adult as not scraped in the face when walking underneath and allow for more sunshine on the grass. Shane Park Circle This park was in good shape. It was overgrown with dandelions. This park had 3 actions identified. 1. Paint new picnic table 2. Fill in pits under swings 3. Add 1-2 trees McGee Walking Path The public works did a great job cutting back the trees and brush from the walking path. This eliminate neighbors from placing trimming and trash in the woods. The following action was identified. 1. Remove two dead trees West Entrance to McGee Park The neighbors have done a great job reinforcing the bank and stopping any erosion. However due to the steep bank any walking path down the embankments would cost prohibitive. Therefore no recommended actions. Veteran’s Park Veteran’s park appeared to be in good shape. No special actions. However the land next to veteran’s park on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi would be a great future project. 1. Hank Agreed to look up who owns the property. Freedom Park Freedom Park was in good shape. However the dandelions were out of control. Hank informed us they prefer not to use pesticides. Hank has been working closely with them. The pavilion water problem was fixed. Hank is also working with F.P. on wall and gravel fill. The recommended actions are:  1. Fixed sprinkler water line leak under asphalt walk. Walk bubbling up, needs to be dug up. 2. Put concrete pads under benches. Jacques Boat Launch New concrete pads are working great. 1. The dock has a couple of sinking floats at the end that should be replaced. 2. The asphalt is breaking up on the area close to the dock. Repair or replace. 3. 2020 state rates no longer apply. Park by Jacques Landing The park by Jacques landing is full of dandelions. One picnic table. 1. Add a couple more picnic tables. Riverwalk The riverbank is need of weed trimming and new rip rap by the storm drain. The weeds grow out of control and look terrible according to Hank. Recommended actions were: 1. Cut weeds/ round up this summer before they get tall 2. New Rip Rap by storm drain 3. Fix railing on (two spots) along red wall. 4. Work with Jayne on Dock vs steps. Mercord Park The park was in very good shape. Picnic tables were there, trash cans, etc…. Dandelions and weeds were not a problem. Recommended action: 1. Cut trees along on river edge, blocking view. City Park This park was in very good shape with support from the Lion’s club. A porta-potti was added. In addition the Lion’s club will be adding a picnic table and drinking fountain with support from the city. Actions were: 1. Hook up water fountain 2. Help place picnic table 3. Assess tennis court fence? Repair or replace? 4. Volley ball net?