04-16-96 PRApril 16, 1996 Meetuig
Parks and Recreation Commission
Bill Olson, Teri Kohler, Tom Constant, Jeff Barthled, Darlene Solberg, Tom Baillargeon
Council Rep. Ron Black Recreation Coordinator, Jeff Asfahl Landscape Architect, Merlin Otto
1. Chair Baillargeon called the meeting to order.
2. Minutes were approved by motion from Jeff Bartheld, seconded by Bill Olson
3. Open Forum Bill Olson noticed that the sliding hill was blocking the view of the play area and
wondered if the hill could be move. It was suggested that he talk to Dave Chase about this idea
and report back to the'P?,C.
4. City Council Nothing
5. Jeff Bartheld met with the Historical Society to discuss the possibility of restoring the old city
building. Also discussed was the possibility of moving the building to Otsego Prairie Park The
HS was very interested in this project but lacked the ability. Tom Constant volunteered to draw
die prints that are needed for this project. The prints will show a site plan and a concept of the
original building. Further discussed was the opportunity of displaying the history of Otsego at the
Appreciation Day, July 13. The HS is having a Heritage Day October 6, and with that project
they are not able to help but would in the future. They likewise would enjoy any help that the PRC
could lend for their event. Jeff will coordinate information from the HS to the PRC.
6. Recreation Subcommittee And Jeff Asfahl reported that the Easter egg hunt and basket making
event was a huge event and very successfiil. Ron Black, Teri Kohler and Debbie Carron were on
hand to help. There was seventy participates for the basket workshop and one hundred and fifty
for the egg hunt The Sub committee reported that the event was very well prepared. Tom
Baillargeon made a motion to hold the event again in 1997, Seconded by .Teri Kohler. Carried.
The Bike Rodeo is scheduled for May 11. Volunteers are needed for this event All is in place.
Safety Camp is going forward as planed and will report next meeting.
Ride the Rec. Bus is being worked on now and Jeff is looking for some outside support for this
program Jeff or the subcommittee will keep the FRC informed at future meetings
Jeff Asfahl would like more information on the Appreciation Day event. He will be meeting with
the subcommittee soon to work together on the event. Where Jeff Bartheld works where a truck
and trailer are painted for the DARE program. This could be available for the event. Bill Olson
made a. motion to reserve the truck for our event. Tom Constant Seconded, passed.
May 30, 1996 is the Recreation Coordinator's annual meeting. Jeff invited all to attend if
possible.
Recreation subcommittee is also looking into the gun safety program Pam Black is going to meet
with the subcommittee for the program Subcommittee will also meet to plan the events for the
Appreciation Day, July 13.
Tee ball is moving forward registration is May 18, with the program starting June 17th and
running seven weeks.
The hayride is October 26th and the subcommittee will start soon on planing for the event
likewise.
Merlin Otto reported that the city staff is hauling the ag-lime and estimates that the lime could be
in place in about two weeks. Seeding will start with seeding a cover crop for the ball fields until
fall when rain is more likely and grass seeding will be completed. He is also waiting on soil tests
to be returned from the UofM. The wooded area and play areas will get the grass seed when
weather permits. Tom A. with the help of Dave Chase has located a drill to seed and irrigation
equipment that could be use this summer.
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Because of the cold spring the work day planed for April was changed to May 4. Play equipment
will be completed, more Fi-Bar will be added, tables and grills will be put out and start of the
volley ball courts and the horse shoe pits will begin. All are invited Other discussion was about
having the maintenance staff haul in the class five for the new trails. Merlin will talk to Dave
Chase about this.
ISTEA 1998 Nothing to report
ISTEA 1996 Merlin explained the options available for the school link trail. All options
available will require a land acquisition. A meeting is trying to be set with John Lefebvre to
purchase land that will be needed for this trail. The land acquisition will need to be completed by
July 1, 1996.
Trail Plan; Merlin reviewed the Comprehensive Plan for the information on updating the Trail
Way Plan. The format he offered to begin was :1. modify the goals and policies, 2. establish
performance criteria, 3. identify travel corridors, 4. evaluate and select route alternatives, S.
select appropriate design treatments, 6. evaluate plan using performance criteria and 7. develop
implementations. The PRC will work on the first three next meeting. Merlin will approach
Phyllis Cokley for the supplies that will be needed.
CIF Otsego Park; Discussion was centered around 1997. Possible improvements included
drinking fountain, water, site plan for picnic shelter, more signs, bulletin board, more grant
options, tot lot, soccer goals, fencing, tournaments, more ag-lime, mower, seal coating of trails,
and fertilizer and herbicide for weed control.
Appreciation Day; Jeff Bartheld has talked to some friends with displays of historic farm
displays. If approved some displays could be rope making, horses pulling the hay wagon and
kiddie tractor pull. Darlene would like to see a new tee shirt for Otsego. The Hot" for the event
will be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Others can also displayed upon approval. The Rec subcommittee
will meet to organize the games. Tom B. will contact the Otsego Lions about a food stand Other
thoughts included volley ball tournament and a horse shoe tournament Gould a pork chop stand
be done? Next meeting will explore advertising. JefBartheld will draw a site plan and display
list for the city council.
Pay Bills Nothing
Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,`
Thomas Baillargeon, Chair