7.a Draft minutes of the 4-1-2019 PRC meetingCity of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
Monday, April 1, 2019
Members Present: Terry Gorham (Chair), Dustin Hegland (Vice Chair), Carol Schwinghammer,
Cami Van Abel, Greg Zauner, and Patti Ray (City Council Representative)
Staff Present: Judi Negus (Office Assistant) and Adam Hawkinson (Director of Public Works)
Chair Gorham called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM
Cycling Scandia Representative Janie O'Connor of 14682 Oakhill informed of a bicycle tour
scheduled for June 1, 2019. Registration opened today with seven participants already
registered. There will be two tours planned. One tour will start at 9:30 a.m. and the other tour
will start at 1:30 p.m. Participation is limited to twelve for each of the tours.
Dan and Jean Manthey of 14633 Old Marine Trail approached the Committee and asked for
consideration of a dog park in Scandia. The Mantheys suggested the Committee consider Hay
Lake park as the location of a fenced in dog park.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to approve the agenda. The motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hegland, to approve the March 4, 2019 minutes. The motion
carried 5-0.
RFPnRTC
Chair Report
Gorham informed Corey Roberts of The Minnesotan donated $500 towards support of the
Wojtowicz Skate Park in follow-up to this year's Vinterfest. Scot Taylor, of Meister's Bar and Grill,
approached the Committee to offer a donation of $544 as well. Taylor suggested the Committee
organize future Vinterfest events and would like to see more events added to Vinterfest.
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to recommend accepting the donations by City
Council resolution. The motion carried 5-0.
Gorham provided a written report. Gorham informed he would know by the May 6, 2019 meeting
whether or not the DNR grant for Lilleskogen was approved. Gorham has met with a
representative from the Forest Lake YMCA and will be meeting with Bob Wolf of Wild River
Fitness to share recreation interest survey results and to consider offering programs based on
the results. Gorham shared the Scandia Heritage Alliance is planning a public meeting on May 30
to gather ideas for the relocation of the water tower barn building. Gorham has asked the
Scandia Heritage Alliance to attend the May 6 PRC meeting to provide plans for the public
meeting.
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City Administrator Report
Committee members reviewed the written report provided by Administrator Soltis. Bolton &
Menk and MN DNR held a public open house on the preliminary design of the Gateway Trail on
March 19. Both parties are working with Washington County Public Works on modification of
the plans that would provide for realignment of Oakhill Road. Legislative bills have been
introduced to provide funding for the Gateway Trail extension and to modify language to the
metropolitan agricultural preserve requirements that would potentially accelerate the timeline
for this portion of the Gateway Trail.
City staff submitted an application for the 2019 Active Living Equipment Partner Project through
the Statewide Healthy Improvement Partnership on behalf of Cycling Scandia. Notice for results
of the grant application is scheduled for April 12. Equipment proposed in the grant include bike
racks, a fixit station, timed door locks for the warming house, and printed maps. To date, there
has not been discussion at the Council on a proposal to utilize the interior warming house as a
gathering place for cyclists. The Committee will need to propose to City Council
recommendations for use of the warming house.
Financial reports provided by Soltis were reviewed by the Committee.
Public Works Director Report
Hawkinson shared three quotes for skate park equipment replacement and recommended the
Committee consider American Ramps' quote of $20,014.70. Committee members questioned if
the 20 -year warranty would still be offered if City staff would complete the installation.
Motion by Gorham, seconded by Zauner, to recommend the purchase of the skate park
equipment from American Ramps contingent on confirmation of a 20 -year warranty if self -
installed and to recommend reallocation in the budget for additional funding. The motion
carried 5-0.
Hawkinson informed whether or not the SHIP grant submitted by the City on behalf of Cycling
Scandia is approved, the Committee needs to consider expenses incurred by opening the
warming house for public use. There would be a cost for cleaning the warming house, daily
checks by staff, and extra paper and cleaning products, in addition to security camera installation
and running cable to the warming house to allow remote locking/unlocking.
Hawkinson is requesting City Council approval to hire a part-time seasonal maintenance worker.
OLD BUSINESS
Capital Planning for 2019
Gorham provided a written report on progress on the proposed capital improvement plans for
2019.
Skate Park and T -Ball Field: Plans for the path to the t -ball field are moving forward.
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Rink expansion: Hawkinson will provide a drawing of the location of the sewer under the
proposed expansion.
Settlers Monument: Adjacent property owner Dan Lee has confirmed the requested trees have
been trimmed and a light has been installed on the flagpole by Helke's Tree Service.
Water Fountain and Sun Barriers at the Lions Park: Hawkinson suggested the Washington County
Historical Society needs to resolve the unknown well/holding tank issue that has been identified
in the past. Once resolved, the City can propose an agreement with the Historical Society for
installation of a water fountain at Hay Lake.
Hawkinson provided the Committee with quotes for the installation of wind/sun barriers at Hay
Lake park. The Committee will continue to pursue the installation and determine how many, if
any, shades would be installed.
Wayne Erickson Ball Field: Hawkinson is obtaining bids for concrete work expected to be
completed in September or October when the ball season ends.
Lilleskogen: Regardless of a grant, there is funding to begin invasive eradication. Friends of
Scandia Parks and Trails would be a good resource to drive this effort. Hawkinson provided
environmental grant information for consideration as well. Schwinghammer agreed to look into
the grant opportunity.
Bone Lake Path: Ray reported Bone Lake Association enthusiasm for volunteering efforts at Bone
Lake park. Ray and other members of the association have walked the current path. Committee
members agreed a site visit would be beneficial to determine volunteer needs and scheduled a
tentative date of April 12, 2019 at 6 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
Butterfly Garden Updates — Sonia Borg
Borg informed due to the quality of soil in the center area of the butterfly garden, some of the
plants are not thriving. The Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails would provide funding for the
replacement of soil and established plants this spring. Once the Friends have a labor plan in place,
soil would be delivered and moved by volunteers. These plans for replacement are consistent
with the recently approved Volunteer Agreement with the Friends. Hawkinson advised a
Washington County permit would be required if any work is to be done in the right of way.
Hawkinson also reminded Staff is responsible for mowing the butterfly garden this spring.
Lilleskogen Story Park — Patti Ray
Ray shared Scandia Elementary School's support of a proposed "progressive story" activity at
Lilleskogen. Ray offered to be responsible for taking the lead on this project. Approximately four
to six stands would be placed throughout the park with a progressive story written and illustrated
by Scandia Elementary students. Ray informed the stands would cost $114.99 each and are made
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of rust resistant aluminum, in either black or silver. Hawkinson recommended cement footings
not be used to support the stands and informed there are no regulations for footings in wetland
areas. Gorham suggested shifting of funds in the budget to support this project.
Committee members agreed to include a site visit at Lilleskogen on April 12, prior to Bone Lake
site visit, for further consideration of the "progressive story" proposal.
Preliminary Park Budget Planning
Budget planning will be postponed until a future meeting.
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The proposed agenda for the Monday, May 6, 2019 meeting:
1. Capital Planning
2. Yoga Program Proposal
3. YMCA and/or Wild River Fitness Programs
4. Scandia Heritage Alliance Update -Sue Rodsjo
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judi Negus
Office Assistant