06-09-04 PROTSEGO PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
June 9, 2004 - 7:00 PM
1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 7:00
p.m.
Roll Call:
Park & Recreation Commission: Chair Pauline Nelson, Rose
Cassady, Mike Brumm, Peter Torresani, Jessica Stockamp, Mark
Thorsted, and Kathy Roberts.
Absent: Aaron Stritesky and Terry Long.
Councilmembers: CM Scharber and CM Struthers.
Staff: City Administrator Mike Robertson.
Amproval of April 14, 2004 Minutes - Commissioner Brumm,
seconded by Commissioner Torresani, moved to approve the
April 14, 2004 minutes. Carried 7-0.
AD-oroval of May 12, 2004 Minutes - Commissioner Brumm,
seconded by Commissioner Torresani, moved to approve the May
12, 2004 minutes. Carried 7-0.
Community Center Tour - Commissioners discussed the tour of
the Becker Community Center. They feel they picked up a lot
of good information about a Community Center. They noted
that the big draws in Becker were items that the community
did not have such as a fitness center. Several
commissioners were surprised to find out that the swimming
pool was a money loser. They noted that some items that had
been big draws when the Community Center opened were not
draws any more. Commissioners discussed current Otsego
community needs. The top three were considered recreational
needs, meeting rooms, and a senior center.
Commissioners asked about timing for constructing a
community center. Administrator Robertson noted that the
Council had established a Community Center fee as part of
the Park & Trail fee. A developer has promised a
contribution toward a community center but not until after a
few years of development (profits). This should build up a
nice fund in several years. He indicated that to begin
construction before then the City would have to borrow the
money.
Future Recreation Events - Commissioners were in consensus
that they could not do the Haunted House this year and that
unless some other civic group took it over it should be
discontinued. Administrator Robertson said he would contact
the Otsego Jaycees and the Otsego Women of Today to see if
they were interested in doing the Haunted House.
Commissioner discussed doing a Fall event such as a hayride
and/or pumpkin carving event. This item will be discussed
at the next meeting.
Park Imiorovements - Administrator Robertson said the Council
approved the Park Commission's recommendations for changes
in the parks. Robertson stated the changes would be done by
either the City maintenance crews or by the Lily Pond Park
construction contractor.
Park Shelter Reservations - Commissioners were in consensus
that they would like a reservation system for use of the
Park Shelter in Prairie Park. There was considerable
discussion of how such a system would work. Commissioners
asked that this be given to the City Council for
consideration, with the idea that any system for
reservations would inevitably be modified by experience.
Other Items - Commissioner suggested that the porta-potties
could be improved with hand sanitizers.
Citv UiDdate - CM Scharber and Administrator Robertson
updated Commissioners on Council actions. Commissioners
discussed the changes to the parks that the Council ordered.
Adjournment - Commissioner Torresani, seconded by
Commissioner Brumm, moved to adjourn at 8:47 p.m. Carried
Z*7-0.
Michael Ro�6e�rtson, City Administrator