Open Space Residents Meeting

Last week we had our open space resident's meeting. During this meeting we discussed the timeline of events, what the city has done or has committed to do, what the city has not committed to do yet, our need to develop our own "Open Space Vision", the Tree Commission project in April 2010, and the importance of the upcoming city elections.

Timeline of events:

• 8/4/09 - our petition outlining 19 issues was presented to city council.
• 8/14/09 - a letter from the city was received indicating they would meet with us.
• 8/27/09 - meeting with the city administrator and director of public works where a detailed list of 42 issues was presented with 79 pictures illustrating problems

What the city has done/committed to do:

1. Ithica Park - fix turf issues, install playground (BONUS!), replace dead trees, extend sidewalks
2. Chamberry Park/Detention basin - permanently fix flooding (requires city council approval due to the funding)
3. Argo Circle Park - install sidewalk, add access to playground
4. 11800 N. Open Space - fix sod in several areas, add crosswalk for Cyprus and 6150 W.
5. various areas - replace dead/inappropriate trees, add curb ramps to access trails, install park benches (BONUS!), more attention to sod issues

What the city has NOT committed to do now:

• install pavilions
• install sod east of Highland Hills trail (behind Athena and Jupiter Circle) - a previous city council ruling has already been made
• extend trails - Cyprus to Lausanne, Fish Pond Trail (west of substation), extend power line trail (north of substation)
• fix the Highland Hills entry sign (this is residents responsibility - bids are currently being acquired)

Our Open Space Vision:

• Several items were discussed and input was given. Some of this information will be taken to the Planning Commission to allow us to provide input on the parks prioritization task they are working on. Other items were discussed and ways that we can accomplish achieving our open space vision. Brett B. shared with us a power point presentation of our "Open Space Vision".

Tree Commission:

• 55 trees will be planted along 11800 North. This project will require 2 eagle scout candidated, multiple volunteers, and some help from the city public works department. A detailed power point of the trees to be planted was shared. Also, a few suggestions for additional trees and placement in the neighborhood was discussed.

City Elections:

• Hot issues are open space management/development and ridding of, fiscal conservatism, and downtown development.
• make sure to study the issues and get out and vote! Our area will be directly affected by the decisions that the city council and mayoral candidates make. Early voting begins October 20th (beat the crowds), general election day is November 3rd. What vision do you want to see your open space and city take?