HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 [04] Apr 17ST. JOSEPH PARKS COMMISSION MEETING
April 17, 1980
A special meeting of the St. Joe Park Board was held April 17, 1980. The
meeting was called to order by President Ray Brandenburger with the following
members in attendance: Jerry Rennie, Dick Taufen, Bill Lorentz, Dave Keller,
and Council liason Bud Reber.
Bill Lorentz proposed that a 25 yard pistol range be located at the northeast
corner of Millstream Park, north of the gravel pit, with all shooting taking
place to the north. This would provide a place for both police practice and
others who ask where they can practice pistol shooting. At the present time
there is no such place available. Bud Reber pointed out that several people
have spoken to him very negatively about any firing of firearms in the park.
It was noted that this area is well away from any normal park recreational
activities, and that the range would be banked for safety. Safety regulations
and permission to use should also be included in the city park ordinance
currently being worked on. After more discussion a motion was made by Bill
Lorentz, seconded by Dick Taufen, to recommend that the City Council approve
the pistol range. Motion passed.
Discussion concerning the Park Board membership followed. Ray Brandenburger
reported that Harvey Notch has resigned and that he also intends to resign as
President but would consider possible remaining as a member. Several other
members said that they have been members for years and intend to resign as
soon as new members can be found. It was pointed out that the Park Board has
been completely voluntary,-and while many members have spent a lot of time
and sometimes personal money, appreciation for that time, and consideration
on some decisions directly affecting the Park Board, have been poorly handled
in the past. Jerry Rennie suggested that the Park Board be disolved and these
functions be incorporated with, and taken over by the Recreation Association.
Bud Reber said this could happen in the future. It was also noted that no
women have been Park Board members and an attempt should be made to have
women members on the Park Board. Dick Taufen moved that the City Clerk adver-
tise in the Hitching Post to try and get volunteers to serve on the Park Board.
Interested people would contact the City Clerk. Motion seconded by Bill Lorentz.
Motion passed.
The LAWCON Grant application was discussed next. Items discussed included:
1. An underground cable from the power pole on Highway 52 to the softball
diamonds in Millstream Park.
2. An engineer's drawing of everything underground in Millstream Park.
3. To develop the access crossing over Watab Creek on the south side of
County 75 to gain access to Millstream Park.
4. To develop the underpass crossing and nature trail from the underpass
to the bridge.
5. To up-grade and re-surface the existing nature trails at Millstream
Park.
6. To purchase or provide access to Morningside Park.
7. To develop areas in Morningside Park to include jogging trails, cross
country and other winter activity trails, primative camping and tenting,
picnic area, and general landscaping to include erosion control and
the planting of shrubs and trees.
8. To provide weed control for all parks.
9. To landscape Centenial Park hill to provide a level area for game
activities, and to install a chain link fence on the east side of the
park to provide safety for children from the heavily used road adjacent
to the park.
10. To landscape the baseball park so it can be mowed and properly maintained.
After discussion of these., .primary items for the grant application were as
follows:
1. The access crossing from the south side of the highway to Millstream
Park to include the underpass and nature trail to the bridge. Esti-
mated cost - $13,500.
2. The Centennial Park leveling and fence. Estimated cost - $5,100.
3. The landscaping of the baseball park grounds.
4. Weed control for all parks estimated cost - $5,000.
5. The Morningside Park access, the development of trails, tenting, camping
and picnic areas, and erosion control.
Discussion followed on the completion of the current Millstream Park Grant. The
current balance of 3-24-80 was $3,873.73. There is an outstanding bill of $850
for the dredging of the ditch. A motion was made by Bill Lorentz to have Myron
Felix level the parking lot at the picnic area. Motion seconded by Dick Taufen.
Motion passed. Motion made by Bill Lorentz to have Dick or his maintenance
people haul several loads of granite to improve the campsite. Seconded by
Jerry Rennie. Motion passed. Motion made by Bill Lorentz that Myron Felix also
grade the nature trails. Motion seconded by Dave Keller. Motion passed.
Discussion followed concerning the dirt piles, leveling, etc. around the fishing
hole. Bill Lorentz reported he is working on volunteer help to get that done
and hopefully to also have the sand bar dredged out of the fishing hole and used
along the side as beach sand.
Motion made by Dave Keller, seconded by Dick Taufen to adjourn meeting. Meeting
adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Dave Keller
Acting Secretary