MINUTES OF HIGHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING
April 5, 2007
Members of the Highland District Council Board met at the
1. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the
2. Community Organizer Report
Community Organizer Gayle Summers reported that a training program related to the large STAR grant program would be held on April 11 at the Phalen Park Golf Course. Small grants were voted on a few weeks ago. There were no grants for Ward 3.
Gayle also reported that Board Member Kelly Pierce had a baby girl, Madeline Marissa, on March 13.
Gayle also reported that there was a recent burglary on Wordsworth, and an apparent increase in predatory burglaries, especially with elderly victims.
3. Horace Mann Playground
Jim Litwin, the new principal at
Mr. Litwin described efforts to communicate with neighbors concerning the project, including the distribution of flyers providing information, a survey of staff and neighbors, and a recent meeting.
Dennis Merley, HGRA Baseball Commissioner, spoke to the effect the 2007 work on the playground would have on HGRA’s summer baseball program, which is scheduled for May 1 through July 27. He expressed some frustration about the fact that HGRA was not informed until very recently that the work on the playground would make baseball fields used in prior years unavailable for 2007. He indicated that the program already had lost four fields, two at Groveland, one at the
Several neighbors expressed concerns regarding the retention of an adult-sized basketball hoop as part of the playground. Mr. Litwin confirmed that the plan called for retaining an existing basketball hoop, but relocating it locking it or removing it after hours. Several neighbors indicated that they were skeptical that these changes would address their concerns regarding late night vandalism, noise, and littering. Neighbors also expressed concerns that plans to blacktop an area from
A number of neighbors also expressed concerns about changes in the plans for the playground from the design contained set forth in materials that were presented as part of the STAR grant approval process and questioned whether there was appropriate neighborhood engagement in light of the plan modifications made after the grant was approved. Stephanie Hawkinson, of the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, indicated that the basketball hoop was included in plans originally reviewed by the City, and that the City believes it is bound by its October 2006 contract with the School District, and would be in default if it did not follow through if the School District met its part of the contract. She indicated that the City always bases its approval on preliminary designs, and that fleshed out plans often make changes from these preliminary designs. From the City’s standpoint the issue is whether the plans have changed “significantly” from what was contemplated in the approved preliminary plans, or whether then changes were within the scope of typical changes as a project is finalized. She indicated that the City does not believe the changes were significant based on that standard.
No action was sought from the Council, which has no jurisdiction over the project. President Peter Armstrong indicated that the Council was pleased to be able to provide a forum for interested parties to discuss their concerns, and asked them to take the discussion into account in connection with future actions regarding the project.
4. Community Forum
Council member Gary Marx presented a petition signed by 500 persons who were residents of the
Gary then revised his motion, and, after second, the Council resolved that it acknowledges the many and significant contributions that Bobby Cotie has made at Highland National Golf Course on behalf of Highland residents and their children.
5. Ford Task Force
Council member Bill Klein, a co-chair of the City’s Ford Site Planning Task Force, provided a brief update of the Task Force’s progress to date, which included several meetings of the Task force beginning in February, a public meeting held on March 20, and a tour of the facility. He reminded the Council that Ford Motor Company owned the site and ultimately had the power to sell it to any buyer of its choosing. The City has a role because of the present zoning situation. The current industrial zoning of the site prohibits many uses that would enhance the value of the property, so any developer will likely ask the City to rezone the property. The Task Force’s role is to work with City staff and consultants retained by the City to evaluate potential redevelopment scenarios, narrowing these to from three to five by the end of June this year and ultimately to one by sometime in 2008 in connection with the City’s consideration of zoning changes.
Bill indicated that the public was welcome to attend and observe Task Force meetings, which are scheduled for
6. Community Development Committee
Committee Chair Angie Kline reported that the Community Development Committee had not met since its February meeting. There likely will be a meeting in the near term to consider some remodeling that Life Time Fitness proposes for its
7. Transportation Committee
Committee Chair John Goering reported that the Transportation Committee was still waiting for the City’s Department of Public Works to present a slightly redesigned plan for the intersection of
Council Member Ana Maes asked about the possibility of a left turn arrow at the intersection of
8. Community Services Committee
In the absence of Committee Chair Jenny Winkelman, Layne Carver reported that the Committee last met on March 12, at which time Tim Gerlach of the American Lung Association discussed issues related to the use of ethanol-based fuels, including E85. The Committee also discussed the City’s Park Dedication Ordinance, which was recently passed by the City Council.
The Committee also met with the Environmental Committee of the Macalester Groveland Community Council to exchange ideas and discuss cooperation on programs of mutual interests.
9.
Shawn Bartsh reported that Highland Fest is scheduled for July 20 through July 22.
10. Treasurer’s Report
John Goering distributed the Council’s financial report as of
11. President’s Report
President Peter Armstrong reported that the annual meeting was scheduled for Thursday, April 12, at which time odd-numbered grid representative positions and two at-large positions would be up for election. Peter also indicated that the Council would be sponsoring a meeting for residents of grids adjacent to the Ford Site to provide them with an opportunity for input on redevelopment options apart from the Task Force’s public meetings. Finally Peter indicated that the District Plan was proceeding at the City Council, which was expected to approve the summary in the near future.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
William D. Klein
Secretary