11-09-11 PRITEM 3_7
OTSEGO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO CITY HALL
November 9, 2011
7:00 PM
Call to Order. Chair Mike Brumm called the meeting to order at 7I
Roll Call: Chair Mike Brumm; Vice Chair Krista Beans Commission Members; Rose
Cassady, Kathy Roberts, Susan Krekelberg, Peter Torresani, Jim Kjendle, Triste
Freeburg and Charles VonBerg.
City Council; Mayor Jessica Stockamp and Councilmember Doug Schroeder.
City Staff; Brad Belair, Public Works Supervisor, Sandy Lindenfelser, Special Licensing
and Daniel Licht, City Planner.
1. Open Forum:
1.1 Rudy Thibodeau
Rudy Thibodeau, former owner of Fun City approached the Parks and Recreation
Commission regarding the City acquiring the batting cages at Fun City. This has been
added as Item 5.2. on the agenda.
2. Consider Agenda Approval.
Chair Brumm requested to add Item 5.2. Godfather's Batting Cages.
Commissioner Kjendle motioned to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by
Commissioner Roberts. All in favor. Motion carried
3. Consider the Following Minutes:
3.1. October 12, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Commissioner Torresani motioned to approve the minutes as written.
Seconded by Commissioner Freeburg. All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Unfinished Business:
4.1. Otsego —Little League Proposal
Mr. Randy Welch is looking for the Parks and Recreation Commission's support in
starting an Otsego Little League organization that will allow the use of the ball fields in
Prairie Park for practices and games in Otsego. Mr. Welch said that this league involves
both softball and baseball for boys and girl ages five (5) to thirteen (13) noting this
could bring the community together and also bring revenue to the City. Commissioner
Torresani noted with organizations that are already using the ball fields there would not
be enough time slots for Little League use. After discussion, it was noted that there are
other ball fields at neighborhood parks within the City of Otsego that could be utilized
for practices as long as there are no requirements or regulations on the types of fields
at this time. Mr. Welch said that at this time, he is just looking to put the program into
place and then go from there noting that he has a lot of support from Otsego residents.
Commissioner Cassady asked if he would need something from the Parks and
Recreation Commission in order to start this program. City Planner Licht said to get the
organization set up and the structure in place. Once this has been done, City staff can
work with Commissioner Torresani to see how many slots are available and can also
talk to Otsego Elementary to see what needs to be done to improve those fields to
make them usable for this too. Mayor Stockamp noted if Mr. Welch has any paper work
in place it should be coordinated with City staff.
4.2. Prairie Park shelter modifications
City Planner Licht noted that the shelter is in the process of being painted at this time.
Commissioner Kjendle brought up the idea of purchasing canvas as a wind block, it's
cheaper, comes it comes in different colors. It was also noted that canvas can be put
up and taken down as needed; this would cut down on the possibility of vandalism.
After discussion it was decided to bring this up again at the Parks and Recreation
meeting in March of 2012.
5. New Business.
5.1. Mississippi River Trail Bikeway
City Planner Licht presented the report from City staff. Commissioners brought up that
this would be a great way to promote our City parks since many are close to this route
and would be a place for bikers to stop and rest. Minnesota Department of
Transportation is asking for cities to adopt a resolution of support for the MRT as being
one of the host cities.
Commissioner Torresani motioned to recommend that City Council adopt a
resolution of initial support for the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway. Seconded
by Commissioner Roberts. All in favor. Motion carried.
5.2. Godfather's Batting Cages.
The Commissioners discussed the posible purchase of the batting cages from Mr. Rudy
Thibodeau but it was decided that this would not work for the City of Otsego. City
Planner Licht will contact Mr. Thibedeau regarding the Parks and Recreation
Commission's decision. The Commission said to express its appreciation for Mr.
Thibodeau's offer.
6. Park Maintenance Update.
Public Works Supervisor Belair said that the posts are in around the tennis courts at
Frankfort Park with the fencing installation to be completed the middle of next week. A
cleaning product has been ordered to clean the rust problem on the splash pad, noting
the intention is to have it cleaned and then to recommend having it sealed.
Commissioner Roberts questioned the cost of the chemical to clean the rust. Public
Works Supervisor Belair stated that it would be eighty dollars ($80.00) per gallon and it
would require twenty five (25) to thirty (30) gallons to clean that area. They are looking
into options to treat the water as to not run into this problem again. Public Works
Supervisor Belair updated the commission on the mowing of a buffer area around
Zimmer Park and Beaudry Meadow Park. The intention is to spray that area for weeds
and have natural growth without noxious weeds. Public Works Supervisor Belair
updated the Commissioners about the three (3) new weather sirens recently installed in
the City of Otsego noting their locations as one behind the City Hall building, one at the
west waste water treatment plant and the one at the Quaday Avenue NE and Parrish
Avenue lift station as being replaced. After the installation and testing were completed,
It was found that two (2) of them had failed and needed reprogramming. Once
reprogramming has been completed, they will again be tested.
7 Pride in Our Parks Update.
7010 Participant updates.
City Planner Licht said that City staff has sent out letters to the current Pride in our
Parks members asking them to update their applications so to better monitor their
progress.
8. City Council Reports.
Councilmember Schroeder reminded the Parks and Recreation Commission about the
open house that is scheduled on Monday, November 14, 2011 located upstairs at the
Public Works building. City Council is looking for feedback on the Ove (5) different
logos to choose from for the new City logo and also feedback on a new website.
Councilmember Schroeder noted that the City Council is still working on the 2012
budget. Mayor Stockamp said that City staff has submitted a grant for a bike path to
be located along 70th Street NE in the Duerr Creek neighborhood. Mayor Stockamp
noted that a local Boy Scout presented the City with his presentation and a signed
petition requesting this path for the safety of residents along that busy stretch of road.
City Planner Licht said that the City of Albertville also provided a letter of support for
the grant application.
9. Subcommittees.
CIA All SportsLCommissioner Torresani).
No Items.
b Pumpkin Patch (Commissioner Roberts).
Commissioner Roberts gave an update on Pumpkin Patch Day noting that it was a good
turnout and that no pumpkins were left. It was brought up that they would like to have
more enter and exit signs for next year's event and the possibility of handing out tickets
that will be used to receive their pumpkins was also discussed.
c Santa Darr —Commissioner Cassadv�.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
1. Consider purchasing photo backdrop.
Commissioners Cassady and Freeburg presented photos to of backdrops for the other
Commissioners to look over and select one to purchase for Santa Day. After discussion,
it was decided that Commissioner Cassady would contact photographer Sandy to see
where she purchases her backdrops from or if she would allow the Parks and
Recreation commission to borrow one for the Santa Day event.
d. Egg Hunt — (Chair Brumm).
Saturday, March 31, 2012
i. Consider purchasing bunny costume.
Chair Brumm will purchase a bunny costume for the Egg Hung event.
10. Adjourn by 10 PM.
Commissioner Cassady motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by
Commissioner Torresani. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:38PM
Written by Sandy Lindenfelser, Special Licensing