05-14-96 PRCITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING TN
THE CITY OF OTSEGO, COUNTY OF WRIGHT, STATE OF M ,VNESOTA
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 14, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT
Tom Baillargeon (Chair)
Jeff Bartheld
Debbie Carron
Tom Constant
Teri Kohler
Darlene Solberg
7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting Follows:
GUESTS
Joy Swenson (Heritage Preservation)
Larry Fournier (Council Member)
Merlin Otto
Jeff Asfahl
Vern Heidner
1. CHAIRMAN TOM BAffJ ARGEON WILL CALL MEETING TO ORDER-
Tom
RDERTom Baillargeon called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. REVIEW OF THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 16, 1996 My TING.
Jeff moved to accept the minutes Darlene seconded the motion.
3. OPEN FORUM
Joy Swenson, chair of the Heritage Preservation Commission spoke to the Park Commission to
explain what the Heritage is and does. The Heritage Commission is not a Historical Society.
One of the differences is that they do not collect historical items except those that contain
information concerting Otsego such as photos and manuscripts. They are always looking for that
kind of information. Joy said the Otsego Cemetery is one the most important areas in the City.
She explained that the LaPlant house is a possible historical building.
The Commission will do a Heritage Day celebration again. Elk River is having a Heritage
Festival on August 10 & 11. The Otsego Heritage Pres. Comm. would like to have a float in their
parade.
The original Township Hall was discussed. Joy informed us that the Chatum Township Hall is
on display at the Buffalo Historical Society. It is in nearly the original shape and was very
similar to ours.
4. CITY COUNCIL
Tarry reported that he and Merlin met with John and Kevin Lefebvre to discuss acquisition of
their property for a bike trail. Larry suggested that perhaps the City would be willing to forgive
the deferred interest on the assessments for title to the bike path. That suggestion was acceptable
to the owners.
This purchase would allow the trail to enter the Otsego Elementary School east of their nature
education area. Vern Heidner is in favor of using the field road as the bike trail to the school and
suggested the property should be designated as city property.
Jeff B. made a motion seconded by Darlene to recommend to the City Council that we are in
favor of approving the purchasing and funding by forgiveness of the Lefebrve property and not
considering the acreage as Park development.
5. OLD CITY HALL.
A sub -committee consisting of Jeff Bartheld, Tom Constant and Debbie Carron has been
originated to check out the possibility of rejuvenation.
6. 12ECREATION COORDINATOR/PJ,ANiNG SUB-�COMIvin
Jeff Asphal submitted his annual report and informed us that Michelle Bergh is now a full time
employee of Area Rec.
Jeff suggested that we use Elk River's field guides as examples to set up our ball field policies.
The planning sub -committee will meet with Jeff on May 29th to discuss appreciation and park
promotion day.
Jeff reported that 20 children participated in the Bike rodeo.
Otsego Lions contributed $200 towards bus transportation for summer activities at Otsego Prairie
ParkI l
Appreciation Day - Jeff B reported that aprox. 30 exhibitors have shown interest in
participating-
The
we draft a letter to
The Bank of Elk River has donated $100 towards expenses. Leroy suggested
the Knights of Columbus of St. Michael and Albertville and ask for help. We will try to
reimburse people who are donating time and resources.
Merlin will check on sign ordinances and having some made. Jeff B. offered to make signs.
Area Recreation will handle games. They will be old fashioned such as three legged races.
We will have horseshoe and volley ball tournaments, petting farm, hay rides, antique cars and
tractors rope makers, pottery makers etc.
Jeff A will talk to Elle River about donating entertainment.
We will get on City Council agenda to seek approval of a lunch wagon.
7. MERLIN OTTO
ISTEA Grants - to keep on schedule:
1. land acquisition must be completed by July 1. (Ibis time frame is feasible.)
2. project must be approved (changes in route)
Prairie Park - seeding had to be scheduled because of weather.
Duane will seal picnic tables, set up trash cans etc.
CIP Otsego prairie Park - at our next meeting we will look at our bike trailway plans and goals.
Do they need to be modified? If not how can we make them work?
we will also look at our Capital Improvement Plan for 1997.
S. PAY BULLS
No new bills
9. OTHER ITEMS OF CONCERN
None
10. ADJOURN
Jeff B. motioned to adjourn Darlene seconded the motion.
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