02-11-04 PROTSEGO PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 11, 2004
Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Roll Call:
Park & Recreation Commission: Chair Pauline Nelson, Peter Torresani, Mike Brumm, Aaron Stritesky-Alt.,
Kathy Roberts -Alt, Mark Thorsted arrived at 7:12, Terry Long arrived at 7: 10
Counsel members: CM Scharber, CM Struthers
Staff.. None Present
Approval of the February 11, 2004 Agenda — Additional agenda item 9a -Park Issues and 9b -Trees, added to
discuss. C. Torresani made motion to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by C. Brumm. 7-0
Approval of January 14, 2003 Minutes — C. Torresani, seconded by C.Brumm. 7-0
Community Education — Charlie Blesener and Carole McNaughton-Commers from Community Education ISD
#728 were guest speaker. Mr. Blesener and Ms. McNaughton-Commers presented a proposal for recreation
programming for the summer of 2004. The proposal was based on direction given to them from Park and Rec.
commissioners at the January 14, 2004 meeting. The proposal as prepared was intended to be a menu from which
the commission could choose, based on community interest and budget. It was discussed that additional direction
would be needed to finalize the events. Ms. McNaughton-Commers will confirm with the City of Rogers and Elk
River which days they committed to for the events in the park in order to prevent duplication among communities.
Other discussion was about confirming whether Rain Hold would be feasible or not. Inquiry with Mike Robertson
will be made. Commissioners agreed to confirm which events would take place and where by March 15, 2004.
Finalized copy goes to print on March 17, 2004. Then to be distributed to community.
Rogers Baseball Association—Lincoln Caldon was present and advised commissioners that there were enough kids
for at least four ball teams and his intent is to form Otsego teams that would be separate from Rogers. Mr. Caldon
requested use of the ball fields at Prairie Park for games and practice. Mr. Caldon was advised by commissioners
that the ball fields would not be ready for games until 2005. He then requested use of the inner fields for practice
for the smaller kids that can not hit to the outer areas where new grass would be. C. Nelson advised him that she
would ask Mike Robertson if that would be a possibility and then let him know. Commissioner's requested his
feedback as he was involved in baseball, as to what would be need for community parks in the future. Mr. Caldon
responded that he would like to see at least I full size (2 acres) baseball field in the area.
Lilypond Park — Lilypond Park plan was reviewed and discussed. Commissioner's discussed if there should be
any changes to the plan or if it should remain the same. It was decided that it should remain the same. New
commissioners need a copy of the Otsego Bid Tabulation. C. Nelson will request this from Mike Robertson.
Park Updates -Otsego Preserve Park was discussed. Commissioners will be discussing this new park again in the
near future. C. Torresani requested that Damon Farber bring a list of his concerns with Prairie Park and School
Knoll Park to compare with what Commissioners have. C. Nelson will ask Mike Robertson to request this.
Ice Rink Update C. Torresani reported that interest had sort of died out. Staff was not showing up and in the
future if we have Community Ed provide services this could be one that would be administered by their staff. C.
Torresani will provide a synopsis of what worked and what did not work for future.
Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan — Commissioners have decided to pursue a Comprehensive Plan for
Otsego's Park and Recreation. Separate meetings will most likely be needed. It will include explanation of Park
and Recreation Board member's duties and goals for the board to accomplish, input will be provided by Council
and City Administration. Both short range and long range goals will be included.
Park Trees- CM Struthers would like to see contact made with Wright Co. Soil and Water for bundles of bare root
trees and thought that by partnering Wright Co. Soil and Water with a local public group such as Lions or Church
would be good for public relations and another event that could happen at Prairie Park. Possibilities for the bare
root trees include planting along 0' Dean or at the parks etc. The public group would do the planting and
maintenance of these new trees. C. Nelson said she would contact Wright Co. Soil and Water for further
information.
City Update — CM. Scharber and CM Struthers updated Commissioners on Council Actions.
Ad6ournment — C. Thorsted, seconded by C. Long. 9:45pm 7-0