ITEM 3.3A Parks 4.16.2019 MinutesITEM 3.3A
OTSEGO PARKS AND RECREATION
Prairie Center
April 16, 2019
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Chair Angie Dehn called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Chair Angie Dehn; Commissioners: Derrick Stark, Angela Hilde, Kitty Baltos
Travis Rittenbach, and Matt Killam.
Absent: Commissioners: Jim Breitbach and Doug Cassady.
City Council: Mayor Jessica Stockamp and City Council member Tina Goede.
Staff: Ross Demant, Parks and Recreation Director, Dan Licht, City Planner, Pat
Launderville Park Maintenance Lead, Nick Jacobs, Park Maintenance II, Cl Huettle,
Parks Maintenance I and Connie Schwecke, Administrative Assistant.
1. Open Forum.
Jane Adamski, 12892 96 St NE Otsego stated she was really excited to hear the city
was in the planning process of building pickle ball courts in the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan. Ms. Adamski asked the commissioners to view her handout regarding
information about pickle ball and the benefits of playing. Commissioner Baltos asked if
she knew how many pickle ball courts were in St Michael. Ms. Adamski stated at least 7
courts and that there were at least 15-20 very active players in her group. She assured
the commissioners if 3 or more courts were added to Prairie Park, they would be heavily
used.
Diane Von Arx- Anderson, 7192 Queens Ct, Otsego greeted the commissioners and also
stated she was excited to be a part of this planning process to build a pickle ball
complex here at Prairie Park. Ms. Von Arx- Anderson explained the condition of the
courts at Kittredge parks and stated it was confusing to have the multi -use tennis lines
and pickle ball lines marked on the same court and that the courts most likely needed
to be resurfaced and no pet signage should be added. Ms. Von Arx-Anderson did
question the schedule and Parks and Recreation Director, Demant explained the master
plan schedule and that the building of these courts is viewed as a priority.
Jack Lorge, 19490 Lowell St NW, Elk River discussed that playing pickle ball is a great
opportunity to socialize and develop friendships and a sense of community. Mr. Lorge
also stated that even a few years is a long time to wait for courts to be built and would
hope the city would consider his request of building at least three to four courts here in
Otsego.
Mutz Kampson, 7939 Pinnacla Ave, Otsego requested to build at least 3-4 courts and
asked if the city would allow the senior's input on the plans for the pickle ball courts.
Parks and Recreation Director Demant said yes, community input and feedback are
important in this master plan process.
Sharyn Mayer, 8353 Pakington Ave, Otsego. Ms. Mayer discussed her daily visits to
Prairie Park Dog Park and her personal story regarding her dog Charlie and friend
Cocoa. Ms. Mayer requested the important need for an addition of a small dog park
area either adjacent or within the Prairie Park Dog Park.
2. Consider Agenda Approval.
Commissioner Baltos motioned to approve the agenda. Seconded by
Commissioner Hilde. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Consider Meeting Minutes.
3.1 March 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Commissioner Stark motioned to recommend to the City Council to
approve the regular meeting minutes as written. Seconded by Chair
Dehn. All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Unfinished Business.
4.1 Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Review
Gabrielle Grinde from HKGI presented a draft of the Otsego Parks and Recreation
System Master Plan and after the review asked commissioners for their feedback.
Commissioner Baltos stated that this was a well done comprehensive plan and
questioned if there were camping opportunities especially for people using the
Mississippi River Trail. (MRT) Ms. Grinde stated it was a good question and that Wright
County would be a good resource. Parks and Recreation Director Demant said that with
the construction and road improvements on County Road 39, the proposed temporary
MRT trail will be relocated to Harding Ave in Monticello to 85 Ave south to 80 Ave to
Kadler Ave.
Commissioner Hilde questioned the river landings for canoeists to have access to get
supplies at stores.
Parks and Recreation Director Demant stated the landing at Carricks Waterfront Park
was ideal for canoes and it would be the closest landing in proximity to have access to
supplies. Commissioner Hilde recommended a box at the landing to allow people to lock
up valuables.
Commissioner Baltos also asked about mountain biking opportunities but did
understand limits in Otsego's topography. Ms. Grinde stated and Mr. Demant agreed
that bump tracks are a popular trend in the parks. Chair Dehn added that City of
Plymouth has a plastic bump track but has seen concrete tracks as well.
Commissioner Stark questioned the priority of the short and long term schedule of park
projects in the master plan. Parks and Recreation Director Demant stated that the city
would use the master plan as a guide in the Capital Improvement Plan process when
looking at the priority of each project. Mr. Demant added when implementing future
projects that the city would be cognizant of future expansion options.
Chair Dehn stated that the community understands phasing in expansion projects.
Mayor Stockamp was concerned with the specific timeline in the Master Plan of 5 and
10 years to complete projects and the commissioners agreed to change wording and
take out specific years.
Commissioner Killam questioned if a disc golf course was a priority in the master plan.
Mayor Stockamp reviewed past discussions with Wright County and stated that Otsego
Regional Park might be a better fit for a disc golf course.
Ms. Grinde thanked the commissioners and requested them to contact the Parks and
Recreation Director Demant if they wanted any other changes to the master plan.
5. New Business.
6. Parks and Recreation Director Update.
Parks and Recreation Director Demant discussed the Egg Hunt and after discussion, a
park tour is planned for the May 21 Commission Meeting. The commissioners were
asked to meet at Central Park in Maple Grove at 6:OOpm.
7. City Council Reports.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp gave an update to the commissioners.
8. Adjourn.
Commissioner Stark motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Rittenbach. All in favor. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:44P.M.
Written by Connie Schwecke, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant