08-11-10 PRITEM 3_1
CITY OF OTSEGO
Park & Recreation Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2010
7:00 P.M.
Roll Call: Park & Recreation Chair Susan Krekelberg,
Commissioners Kathy Roberts, Rose Cassady, Duane Lauseng,
Krista Bean, Mike Brumm. Peter Torresani arrived at 7:02.
City Staff: City Administrator Michael Robertson and Public
Works Supervisor Brad Belair.
1. Chair Krekelberg called the meeting to order at 7:00
p.m.
2. July 14, 2010 Park & Recreation Commission Minutes.
Councilmember Cassady, seconded by Chair Krekelberg, moved to
approve the agenda as amended. Carried 6-0.
3. Open Forum
Joel Hokestrom of Youth Baseball was present to donate $500
from Youth Baseball to the City for use of the ball fields in
Prairie Park. He also stated that if the City did not
receive the grant they were seeking from the Minnesota Twins
to construct fences on the two ball fields that didn't have
them that Youth Baseball would donate $5,000 toward fence
construction. Chair Krekelberg thanked him for the donation.
4. Proposed Park at 8600 Odean Avenue
Chris Wilson of 8600 Odean Avenue stated she wished to sell
some of her land at the corner of Odean Avenue and 85`h Street
to the City for a park. She said that the land has been
under a RIM easement from the State that has expired. She
thought it would make a good passive park with walking
trails. The land has a lot of wildlife, particularly by
Hall's Pond. She said she has cut trails through the area
and invited Commissioners to use the trails to look at the
land. She has also tried to seed wildflowers to beautify the
area.
There was discussion of how the Park Commission would like to
diversify City parks and that this might be a good addition.
The Commission asked that this be on next months' agenda and
that staff clarify exactly how much land is proposed to be
donated and look at possible options for use.
5. Unfinished Business -Field Usage Fees
Administrator Robertson said that staff has started to look
into this issue. They will examine what fees other cities
charge and if any extras are provided for the fees. There
was discussion of whether the Park & Recreation Commission
agreed with charging fees or whether field usage should be
free to all.
6. Update on Frankfort Park
Public Works Supervisor Belair updated Commissioners on the
park, saying that the volunteer effort was a big success with
about 30 people turning out and several hundred kids playing
on the equipment afterward. He said that the subgrade has
bubbled up in places under where the tennis court will be
constructed. He is going to remove some of the subgrade and
try and get the area dried out. If the area is dry and
stable by September 1St he will pave it. Otherwise it's
better to let the area settle over the winter and finish the
work next year. There was discussion over some maintenance
items along with the remaining work to be done.
Commissioners said they would contact Belair directly with
any concerns.
Administrator Robertson reviewed the budget for the park.
There was discussion regarding the classification of some of
the expenses.
7. Update on Council Actions
Administrator Robertson reviewed the Minnesota Twins fence
grant application and trail construction at Otsego Elementary
School. Robertson said there would be display space for the
Commission at the Otsego Festival. The Commission said that
it would like the map that was in the City newsletter to be
available as well as a postcard with the upcoming dates for
City events. Chair Krekelberg will get a price on the
postcard and call Robertson.
8. Subcommittee Updates
Chair Krekelberg suggested that staff obtain a schedule from
Community Ed because they when they were setting up for their
penny carnival the sprinklers came on. Public Works
Supervisor Belair said that in order to adequately water all
of the ball fields that the sprinklers run three times a day.
Pumpkin Day and Santa Day were discussed.
9. Splash Pad Update
Commissioners discussed the possibility of a splash pad being
constructed in Prairie Park. Commissioner Brumm said that
saw about 50 people using the one in downtown Elk River on a
recent Tuesday afternoon. Administrator Robertson said that
staff would provide pictures and locations of a variety of
splash parks around the metro area. Commissioners could then
view the parks to get a sense of the variety of options
available.
10. Adjournment
Chair Krekelberg, seconded by Commissioner Cassady moved to
adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Carried 7-0.
Michael Robertson
City Administrator