07-13-05 PRCITY OF OTSEGO
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 13, 2005 7:00 PM
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at
7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Commissioners: Chair Aaron Stritesky,
Rose Cassady, Mike Drumm, Virginia Duran, Peter
Torresani, and Russ Langer. Kathy Roberts arrived
at 7:10 p.m.
Councilmembers: Jessica Stockamp and Mark Thorsted.
Staff: City Administrator Mike Robertson and City
Planner Dan Licht.
Agenda Approval: Chris Wilson's park was added to
the agenda. Commissioner Torresani, seconded by
Commissioner Cassady, moved to approve the agenda
as amended. Carried 6-0.
Approval of minutes from June 8, 2005 meeting:
Commissioner Duran, seconded by Commissioner Drumm,
moved to approve the minutes as presented. Carried
6-0.
Commissioner Roberts arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Future Park Needs: City Planner Licht reviewed
possible designs for Beaudry Meadows, Otsego
Preserve, and Kittredge Crossing parks.
Administrator Robertson noted that Three Rivers
Soccer Association president Steve Zobek was
present and asked him for comments. Zobek stated
there was a need for additional soccer fields and
said it was a good thing to spread soccer fields
around the City among several parks. He said the
average soccer field required about 2-1/2 acres.
He said that ideally the Association would like 40
acres so that they can construct a lot of fields
and hold tournaments. Other discussion was to see
if two ball fields could be added to Otsego
Preserve Park.
Kadler Landing Area - Dan Licht discussed the
possibilities for an enhanced park area at the boat
landing at the north end of Kadler Avenue, showing
pictures he had taken on vacation of a similar
park. He indicated that the site of the old clock
shop in the NE corner of County 42 and Highway 101
would also be a possibility for an enhanced boat
landing.
Chris Wilson Park: Chris Wilson said she wanted to
explore selling her land at the NE corner of 85
Street and Odean Avenue to the City for a park.
She indicated she would like a wildlife park that
was left in a natural state. She stated nothing
could be done until 2009 because it was under a RIM
easement. She also mentioned having an artist
development or retirement home adjacent to the park
on her land.
The Commission indicated interest, but noted that
they would also like to have play equipment in the
area. Administrator Robertson said that the
stormwater ponds on the site would effect what
could be done. He said he would have the City
Planner and City Engineer look at the site and lay
out some possibilities, especially if park
equipment could fit south of the storm ponds and
then leave the area north as natural as possible.
Adopt -A -Park: Commissioners asked that the Council
discuss having an adopt -a -park program.
Councilmembers Stockamp and Thorsted said they
would discuss it at the next Council meeting.
Budget: Administrator Robertson and Commissioners
reviewed the budget, discussing the expenditures
for City recreation events so far in 2005. He
indicated that the Commission had budgeted $21,000
for recreation in 2005. Commissioners agreed to
discuss the budget further in October when Carole
of Community Education was present to review
expenditures for the summer programs. Robertson
was asked to find out the cost of new signs for
Prairie Park, including installing a new one at the
west entrance to the park.
Festival Update: Commissioners reviewed the Otsego
Festival plans. Commissioner Roberts provided
information on possible wind screens for the park
shelter. This item will be placed on the next
Council agenda for discussion.
City Update: Councilmembers Stockamp and Thorsted
updated the Commissioners on City actions and
activities.
Adjournment: Commissioner Duran, seconded by
Commissioner Langer, moved to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.
Carried 7-0.
AM icZhae 1
City Administrator