02-10-10 PRITEM 3--1
OTSEGO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
7:00 PM
1. Chair Krekelberg will call the meeting to order.
Chair Susan Krekelberg called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Roll Call: Chair Susan Krekelberg; Commissioners: Mike Brumm, Peter Torresani, Duane
Lauseng, Kathy Roberts and Kayla Block-Torgerson; Absent: Vice Chair Krista Bean and
Commissioner Rose Cassady; City Council: Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Staff. Brad Belair, Public
Works Supervisor, and Sandy Lindenfelser, Special Licensing; City Planner, Dan Licht.
2. Consider agenda approval.
Chair Susan Krekelberg requested to add 4.1 Community Ed
Chair Susan Krekelberg requested to add 8.2 No Smoking in City Parks
Chair Susan Krekelberg motioned to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by
Commissioner Peter Torresani. All in favor. Motion passed.
3. Consider the following minutes:
3.1. January 10, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Chair Krekelberg requested Item 9.2 change to The Commission is to prioritize these projects
after City Staff brings back additional information.
Commissioner Kayla Block-Torgerson motioned to approve the minutes as amended.
Seconded by Chair Susan Krekelberg. All in favor. Motion passed.
4. Open Forum:
4.1 Community Ed
Charlie Blesner of Community Ed gave an explanation of the 2009 Otsego Recreation activities
and registration. Handouts were given listing each activity and noting how often it was offered,
held and how many participated. A list noting the number of registrations from surrounding
cities was given also noting the number of cancelled Otsego Recreation Classes. Mr. Blesner
noted that beginning in 2010, Roger's recreation is going to be charging a higher fee for non
residents. Chair Krekelberg inquired whether there is a way to let residents know if the same
recreation class is offered in another city if the program offered here is cancelled. Mr. Blesner
noted that this is not something they routinely do, but merging of programs if cancelled classes
can be combined. Kristy Waite of Community Ed gave an overview of the spring/summer
programs 2010 along with a handout listing these programs. Ms. Waite noted that there is not
much offered for middle school age students. Commissioner Torresani stated that this is a tough
age group noting that they most likely participate in school offered sports. Commission
discussed the different programs that could be offered for middle school age children such as
golf, tennis, lacrosse etc. which could also include an adult neighborhood softball league with a
fall tournament. Mayor Stockamp requested having the entertainment in the park to begin in
June since other activities are already in progress. Attendance may increase being the people
already there may wander over. Ms. Waite stated that Community Ed is very open to scheduling
desired times and dates were discussed but noted not to start evening entertainment before school
is out for the summer. Commissioner Torresani requested to work with city staff in reserving
and posting tennis court times, once given to city staff, they will give them to Public Works
Supervisor Brad Belair for posting. Commission discussed field availability and scheduling.
Mr. Blesner of Community Ed gave an explanation of how they deal with the scheduling of
fields. Brochures about recreation programs will be handed out at the Egg Hunt with additional
advertising at the Energy Expo. An explanation was given on marketing expenses.
5. Unfinished Business.
5.1. Frankfort Park Update
City Planner Dan Licht reviewed the February 12th memo regarding plans and specs and the
project budget. Chair Susan Krekelberg asked whether moving trees would help cut down on
costs. Public Works Supervisor Brad Belair explained that they are working with Midwest
Landscaping in Otsego. Commissioner Torresani requested they use native trees if possible.
Public Works Supervision gave an explanation as to the location of the port -a -potty.
Ken Grieshaber of SRF gave an overview of the changes to Frankfurt Park noting that a future
ice rink is feasible. Commission discussed tennis courts. Mr. Belair explained that subsoil
testing will need to be done but in the mean time bids should be collected to see if they fit into
the budget.
Commissioner Peter Torresani Motion to have the Council go ahead and get bids.
Seconded by Commissioner Kathy Roberts. All in favor. Motion passed
6. Public Works Update.
Public Works Supervisor Brad Belair gave an explanation of the City's Ordinance on shoveling
sidewalks and of path maintenance in the parks. Mr. Belair noted that there has been winter
usage in Beaudry Park and of the sliding hill in Prairie Park. Commission discussed the location
and safety of sidewalks. Public Works Supervisor Belair gave an explanation about the
difference between paths, sidewalks and curbs.
7. Pride in our Parks
Commission members discussed the possible projects available for volunteers. Public Works
Supervisor Brad Belair explained that most of the volunteer projects available are seasonal. Mr.
Belair noted that Girl Scouts, Women of Today and the birdhouse project are continuous but
those projects available that may be volunteered for on a temporary basis could turn into a
regular item. Mr. Belair noted that Public Works employees will not have a problem coming up
with a list of projects to do. Public Works Supervisor will check with City Clerk Tami Loff to
find original contracts for Pride in our Parks to see when their term ends.
8. New Business.
8.1. Rain Gardens in City Parks
Commission members discussed the possibility of rain gardens in the City Parks as an alternate
way to use rainwater runoff. Public Works Supervisor Brad Belair stated that this would be a
perfect opportunity for Prairie Park, noting the standing water there. City Planner Dan Licht
explained the City's educational requirements and that the Park and Recreation Commission
should work with the City Engineer on this, noting the money could come from other sources
and not from Park and Rec. Chair Krekelberg requested this be published in the Otsego View
and also some information put out at the Egg Hunt. Rain gardens will be discussed again at
future Park and Recreation meetings.
8.2. No Smoking in Parks
Commission members discussed No Smoking in the Parks.
9. Update on City Council actions by Mayor Stockamp.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp gave an update on the empty Council seat stating that the Council could
not come up with a unanimous decision therefore they are leaving it up to City residents to elect
a Council member at a November special election.
10. Subcommittees
a. All Sports (Commissioner Torresam
Commissioner Torresani will get what information Charlie Blesner of Community Education
needs and will contact Colleen with Community Ed.
b. Community Ed/Ids 728 (Commissioner Bean).
The 2009 Community Ed bill will be available for the March 2010 meeting.
c. Communication (Commissioner Krekelberg).
d. Pumpkin Patch (Commissioner Roberts)
e. Santa Dayy — (Commissioner Cassady)
£ Egg Hunt — (Commissioner Brumm)
Commissioner Torresani noted that Women of Today are donating a girl's youth bike and are
also making the bins for the drawings. It was noted that Target will also donate bikes. Mayor
Jessica Stockamp will order bags thru Oriental Trading. Mayor Stockamp will also check with
the boyscouts to see if they will come to help out at this event. Commissioner Kathy Roberts
will check with Teensy the Clown, but noted that it is difficult to find a second clown for the
event.
11. Adiourn by 10 PM.
Commissioner Kayla Block-Torgerson motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Peter Torresani. All in favor. Adjourned at 9:35PM
Written by Sandy Lindenfelser, Special Licensing