04-14-04 PROTSEGO PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
April 14, 2004 - 7:00 PM
1. Call to order.
p. M.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00
Roll Call:
Park & Recreation Commission: Chair Pauline Nelson, Rose
Cassady, Peter Torresani, Jessica Stockamp, Kathy Roberts,
Mark Thorsted, Aaron Stritesky, and Mike Brumm.
Absent: Terry Long.
Councilmembers: CM Struthers.
Staff: City Administrator Mike Robertson and City Planner
Dan Licht.
Election of Secretar - Peter Torresani was chosen Secretary
by acclamation.
Approval of March 10, 2004 Minutes - Commissioner Torresani,
seconded by Commissioner Stockamp, moved to approve the
February 11, 2004 minutes as amended. Carried 7-0.
New Angels Flying Club - Mike Gregerson of the New Angels
Flying Club was present to make a request for site in Otsego
for the club to fly its radio controlled airplanes. The
club is losing their current site in Ramsey. He noted that
the club would construct all necessary equipment, that all
club members carry insurance, and that airplane motors are
under 90 decibels in sound, which is the level of the
average lawn mower. He stated the club would need a minimum
of 20 acres in order to have a good buffer from surrounding
properties.
Commissioners stated that there was no available site in
Otsego now. They said that either the future West Otsego
community park or the future Public Works facility site
might be suitable, but that the City might not have those
sites for a few years. They said they would keep their
request in mind. Commissioners also suggested the Club put
on a demonstration at the Otsego Festival.
Park Plan Update - City Planner Dan Licht updated
Commissioners on the City's Comprehensive Plan update and
the Park Plan update that will be a part of that effort. He
discussed the current guidelines in the Park Plan which
govern the location and types of parks. He indicated that
the Park Plan update would take place once the Comp Plan
update is finished, which is expected to be sometime this
summer.
Commissioners suggested that the update include creating
more links and loops between City trails, a man made
swimming lake, and non -leash dog parks.
Park Construction Review - Commissioners had the following
suggestions for dealing with park problems.
Horseshoe Pits - Order a wood back stop to contain errant
horseshoes.
Volleyball Courts - Remove the wood boundary and replace
with fiber. Move the trees further away.
Sliding Hill - Move the sliding hill closer to the parking
lot.
Low Spot - Add dirt to build up the low spot to prevent the
path from flooding.
Ball Fields - Put up a fence on the short ball field. Put
snow fence around the new fields this year to keep people
off the new grass. Allow people to use the old fields for
practice once the snow fence is up protecting the new
fields. Have the City Engineer survey the drainage around
the ball fields to see if the drainage ditches could be
moved or filled to create more useable land.
Loose Footing - Has been fixed by contractor.
Drinking Fountain - Will be fixed by contractor.
Park Shelter - Commissioners asked that the picnic tables be
cleaned and that cost estimates be obtained on adding a
false roof or netting (to keep birds out), painting the
metal, and adding grills, a kitchen, and bathrooms.
Commissioners also discussed whether a reservation system
should be set up for use of the park shelter and whether the
reservations should be done by the Park Commission.
Easter Egg Hunt - Commissioner Stockamp noted the Easter Egg
hunt was very successful with over 500 kids in attendance
but that she could have used more volunteer help.
Commissioners discussed changes for next year and which
local organizations (girl scouts, Jaycees) could be asked
for volunteer help.
Community Center - Commissioners agreed the tour of the
Becker Community Center would take place at their next
meeting on Wednesday, May 12, 2004. Robertson said he would
arrange the River Rider bus for the tour.
City Update - CM Struthers and Administrator Robertson
updated Commissioners on Council actions.
Adjournment - Commissioner Stockamp, seconded by
Commissioner Cassady, moved to adjourn at 9:40 p.m. Carried
6-0.
Michael Robertson, City Administrator