03-12-03 PROTSEGO PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 12, 2003 - 7:00 PM
1. Call to order.
Chair Jeff Bartheld called the meeting
to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call:
Park & Recreation Commission: Jeff Bartheld, Terry Long,
Jim Gaikowski, Mark Thorsted, Pauline Nelson, and Peter
Torresani.
Absent: Jessica Stockamp and Rose Cassady.
Councilmembers: CM Jerry Struthers.
Staff: City Administrator Mike Robertson
Approval of Agenda - Chair Bartheld added 6.B., Youth
Membership. Commissioner Long, seconded by Commissioner
Nelson, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Carried 6-
0.
Approval of February 11, 2003 Minutes - Commissioner Long,
seconded by Commission Torresani, moved to approve the
February 11, 2003 minutes. Carried 6-0.
Review of Park Construction Bids - Commissioners reviewed
the park construction bids. Administrator Robertson
indicated that the City had approximately $1,250,000 in park
funds available and that the low bid was $1,410,000.
Commissioners designated approximately $250,000 of line
items that could be removed from the bids. Chair Bartheld
asked Administrator Robertson to present to the City Council
two concepts.
A) That after removal of $250,000 in line items that
the Council allow all three parks to be constructed, that
irrigation be added to all three parks, and that the City
cover additional costs with a temporary loan that would be
paid back from park funds generated by new development in
the next two years; or,
B) That the Council delay the implementation of Lily
Pond Park for a year or two since the new development on
that side of the City can be expected to generate enough
park funds to pay for the park.
Park & Recreation Commission, March 12, 2003 Page 2
Commissioner Long presented a petition with 143 signatures
of people who stated that they would use a skate park. His
daughter had gathered the signatures at grades 7-10 at St.
Michael -Albertville school where she attends. Commissioner
Long noted that since there was interest in a skate park
that the City should try to fulfill it.
There was discussion of the size of ramps at the skate park.
Robertson stated that if the ramps were under 3 feet high
the City's insurer would not charge any additional
insurance. If the ramps were over 3 feet high and there was
an attendant on site, the insurer would charge an additional
$2,000 a year for liability coverage. If the ramps were
higher than 3 feet and there was no attendant on site, the
insurer would not provide any coverage.
City Update - Administrator Robertson and Councilmember
Struthers updated Commissioners on the Arbor Creek
development, MNDOT plans for Highway 101 and I-94,
Waterfront East plans, and the City's budget situation.
Haunted House - Chair Bartheld said that he had nothing to
report on the Haunted House.
Youth Membership - Commissioners suggested that the criteria
for youth membership include both boys and girls, age 14 or
so, willingness to attend and speak out at Park Commission
meetings, an Otsego resident with a good GPA, and taking a
government class. Chair Bartheld said he had contacted the
schools but had not been able to set up a meeting yet to
discuss this proposal.
Adjournment - Commissioner Torresani, seconded by
Commissioner Nelson, moved to adjourn at9:23 p.m. Carried
6-0.
Michael Robertson, City Administrator