August 23, 2005 Mr. Judd Rietkerk Project Planning and Construction Management Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)
Mr. Rietkerk, No doubt you are preparing a response to my previous request for information relating to the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) formed to study the proposed De La Salle athletic field expansion. The amount of information requested was perhaps too detailed and extensive for a timely response, so I'd like to pare down my request for information to the following: WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR APPEAL OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE APPOINTED CAC? This appeal request is based on the following: STAFFS FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES as set out in MPRB's Master Planning Policies Page 3-34: G. "The method by which citzens are involved in advising the Board should be designed with input from the affected citizens themselves;" and, As designed by Staff the STRUCTURE OF THE CAC DOES NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS set out in MPRB Ord. 99-101, PB11-1: "The citizen advisory committee shall be balanced and representative of the interests impacted by the proposed park facility construction or redevelopment." and, in Master Planning Policies Page 3-35: G.4 "Its (CAC) makeup should represent citywide interests, and it should maintain a broad, historical perspective ..." It is clear from spoken and written submissions to the Board of Commissioners that there was interest expressed by organizations representing: 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL INTERESTS (Nicollet Island is located in areas covered by the Critical Area Act and the area concerned contains open green space), 2 - HISTORICAL INTERESTS (The Island is located in local, state and federally-designated Historical Districts and was central to the designation of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District), 3 - RECREATIONAL INTERESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND PASSIVE USE (area population figures support this use: biking, running, walking, birding, etc.) and, 4 - HUMAN RIGHTS/SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE INTERESTS (as an entity owned by the Catholic Diocese of St. Paul, there are inherent conflicts concerning legal rights that must be addressed). While Staff identified for CAC representation two interest groups (1 - Football and 2 - Soccer), none of the four interests groups identified in the preceding paragraph were designated for participation, even though they clearly identified their positions as significant stakeholders to the Board and staff prior to the CAC being designed. I'm certain that you wish to ensure the integrity of and respect for this CAC process as much as I. Structuring a valid representation according to the Board's own policies and Ordinances can protect against the kind of challenges that could undermine the credibility, timeframe and outcome of this project. Therefore, I'll be looking forward to your prompt response on ways to remedy the situation that I've identified above. As noted in last week's request, in the interest of speeding this entire process forward, an email response is sufficient form of reply to my simple, single question. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Christine Viken REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
