Call to Order: 6:32 pm by Council President Paul
Sawyer. Quorum present. P. Sawyer notes that we will move
presentations to the top of the agenda.
Presentation/Discussion
– Conway Park Planning (Sanneh Foundation) – Tony Sanneh provides a
presentation on their current activities. They are having good success and
would like to grow. Parking is an issue
for the site. Additionally, field space is a problem due to grass being worn
down. Putting in artificial turf has
been mentioned as an option which they are looking into. Finally, the gym is often packed due to
soccer, basketball and volleyball. They have bids that would require raising
from $3.5 to $8 million, depending on what is done. The higher estimate includes adding a dome.
He also discusses other repurposed uses as well as generally upgrading the
building. He concludes by noting that they feel like they are part of the
community, that they are improving the community and are looking to improve the
facilities and their use. The domed area would be close to the building and one
diagram places it as an anchor at the SE corner of the property between the
library and the rec center. Questions regarding proposals and ideas: The Sanneh Foundation is reaching out to the
Somali community, they are desirous of being participants in the parks system
and work to stay within or under their fee structure with much of the other
programming being free or low cost (with plenty of waived fees), the Sanneh
Foundation has a site management agreement with 2 meetings per year with the
Parks Department to address concerns and monitor adherence to their programming
proposal. B. Leach adds that the
operating hours are greater than they had been and, anecdotally, the
participation of children in the programming has increased. She has also not
heard any complaints about the youth activities at the Center. She also provides an
overview of the process that was used to work with Parks and Rec to develop an
RFP submission and selection process.
A community member inquires about the soccer field at
Highwood Hills and monies that have been dedicated to improving it and if those
improvements can be finished. S. Ali
explains the negative affect that transportation plays in getting the Somali
youth population at Highwood Hills to Conway to participate in activities. He notes that he hopes the soccer field
updates will be completed this upcoming summer.
T. Sanneh discusses their engagement activities this past summer and
their efforts to work on transportation.
They have also reached out to social workers to increase trust with the
Somali community. E. Thompson from Parks
notes that he will try to get the D1 board an update but he does know that the
water lines were installed and some of the top soil was moved to the archery
range on DNR property. He also notes
that the transportation issue is on the radar of the Met Council and is being
looked at for correction.
S. Johnson recommends a letter to city and state officials
with the board’s request to get the Highwood soccer field finished. J. Prince notes that she is very supportive
of upgrading the field. B. Watkins inquires if the school district is a barrier
to overcome. S. Ali notes that the field belongs to the city.
Financial Reports
– Motion
by T. Mohr. Second by M. Barrett to approve
the annual Charitable Organization report for the Attorney General. Passed on
voice vote.
Budget - We had a general discussion of the budget and its current uncertainties, but Sawyer notes we need an approval of a budget to enter the new year, noting we will vote on an
amended budget at the January meeting. Motion by T.
Mohr. Seconded by J. Clark to approve
the draft 2016 budget as presented. Passed
on voice Vote.
Workplan – Motion by M.
Barrett. Second by T. Mohr to approve
the workplan. Passed on voice vote.
Appointment of Board
Members - Myra Smiley announces her interest in filling a board vacancy and
discusses herself and motivation for involvement. Bonnie Watkins announces her interest in
filling a board seat and discusses her motivation. Zander Danielson Sellie discusses his
interest in filling a board seat and motivation. Motion
by M. Barrett. Second J. Clark to
appoint Myra Smiley, Bonnie Watkins and Zander Danielson Sellie to fill board
vacancies. Passed on voice vote. Subsequent appointment via email of Abdi
Nour Barkat to fill final board vacancy.
Honor Roll
Nominations – Motion by P. Fuehrer to nominate Clara Ware, Andrew Parker and
Tom Mohr as our Honor Roll Awardees this year. Seconded by M. Barrett. Passes
on voice vote.
Dialogues and other
Staff Updates – B. Leach notes that the dialogues have completed and
provides updates on recent activities as well as a January 23rd
Action Forum that is being planned for next steps.
P. Sawyer provides additional updates – the D1 Community
Plan has been submitted to the city and staff comments have been received. The
Gateway Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement is being finalized and the Station Area Plans have been adopted by the city.
Two Land Use proposals for Old Hudson have been
received.
B. Leach reminds everyone that I-94 will be worked on for
two years between Century and West 7th beginning next year. R.
Limbag asks about getting “Nice Ride” biking to the area. B. Leach notes that Nice Ride has said we do
not have the biking density but there has been an “Orange Bike” program that
took place in the Afton View area.
P. Sawyer thanks everyone for attending and adjourns the
meeting at 8:13 pm.
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