2025.04.15 Park and Recreation Meeting MinutesOTSEGO PARKS AND RECREATION
Prairie Center
April 15, 2025
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Chair Kitty Baltos called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Chair Kitty Baltos. Commissioners: Angie Dehn, Stephanie McCool, Matt Danzl,
and Jessica Schaffer.
Absent: Commissioner Norman Witteborg, Kurt Baldry and Joe Tyberghein.
City Council: Council Members Michelle Lund and Corey Tanner.
Staff: Nick Jacobs, Parks and Recreation Director and Connie Schwecke, Recreation
Supervisor.
1.Open Forum.
Jeanne Kolles 8925 Mason Ave; requested that windscreens be installed at the
pickleball courts, additional lighting be added, and more courts be constructed.
Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs stated that the windscreens would be
installed soon, but recent weather conditions had delayed the process. Mr. Jacobs
also discussed the Prairie Park Master Plan, which includes plans for additional
pickleball courts.
2.Consider Agenda Approval.
Commissioner Dehn motioned to approve the agenda. Seconded by
Commissioner Schaffer. All in favor. Motion carried.
3.Consider Meeting Minutes.
3.1 March 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
Commissioner Danzl motioned to recommend to the City Council to
approve the March 18 meeting minutes as written. Seconded by
Commissioner McCool. All in favor. Motion carried.
4.Unfinished Business.
4.1. Lily Pond Park Renovation.
Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs introduced Hannah Schmitz from HKGi, who
presented the memo. Following the presentation, commissioners requested
additional information on the expected lifespan and maintenance needs of the
proposed wood play structures. They also expressed interest in including a dedicated
preschool play area, a nature play area, and a Gaga ball court.
For the upcoming neighborhood meeting, commissioners requested that existing site
maps and precedent images be provided, using stickers and other visual design
elements to aid in community engagement. The Commissioners also requested that
survey questions be prepared for community members to complete during the
meeting.
Commissioner Dehn motioned to recommend to the City Council
approval to facilitate the neighborhood meeting during the July Parks
and Recreation Commission meeting onsite at Lily Pond Park. Seconded
by Commissioner Schaffer. All in favor. Motion carried.
5.New Business.
5.1 5.1 Highlands of River Pointe (NRMP).
Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs introduced Alex Roth and Laura Domyancich-
Lee from Friends of the Mississippi, who presented the memo. Following the
presentation, commissioners expressed their appreciation for the ongoing
partnership and thanked the Friends of the Mississippi for their dedication and
collaboration.
Commissioner Danzl inquired about the floodplain map shown during the
presentation and asked if a more current version could be provided. Director
Jacobs echoed the appreciation for the partnership and emphasized the
importance of continued collaboration as the city works with the Friends of the
Mississippi to develop a long-term maintenance plan. He welcomed the Friends'
support for as long as needed.
Commissioner McCool motioned to recommend to the City Council to
adopt the Highlands of River Pointe Natural Resources Management Plan
as written and presented by Friends of the Mississippi River. Seconded by
Commissioner Dehn. All in favor. Motion carried.
6.Parks and Recreation Update.
Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs presented the parks update and the Prairie Park
Master Plan phase 1 update. Recreation Supervisor Schwecke presented the recreation
update.
7.City Council Reports.
City Council Member Lund presented the City Council Report.
8.Adjourn.
Commissioner Schaffer motioned to adjourn. Seconded by
Commissioner Danzl. All in favor. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:37
P.M.
Written by Connie Schwecke, Recreation Supervisor