5.a) Chair reportPRC Chair report – for August 5, 2019
Antique Plow Donation and site recommendation
Mayor Maefsky asked us to consider a donation of an antique plow, estimated to be from the late
1800’s, by John Westphal of 14641 Oakhill Road. Mr. Westphal was unable to add additional historical
info, stating the plow had been on his property undetermined time.
The PRC should consider whether to accept the donation and make a recommendation where to place
it, either at Lilleskogen or another park property. Should this include signage or other historical
reference?
City Council meeting June 18
I gave a verbal report of the July 1 PRC meeting at the July 16 city council meeting. No actions were
sought from the council; however these were included as FYI:
• The Friends of Scandia Parks and trials have expressed on-going concerns with the long-term
viability of the butterfly garden. No action is recommended at this time. The PRC has
recommended to wait and see regarding the upcoming habitat improvements at the park.
• Expect a proposal for the Story boards and the agreement with WCHS well agreement at the
next council work session.
• The new skateboard ramps are being assembled, hopefully ready by early August
• The proposal to remove several trees near the community center is tabled, pending
recommendations for the community center.
• There are 12 registrations for the summer Arts in Action program
• Planning is underway for Vinterfest and the pickleball tourney at Taco Daze.
Taco Daze Pickleball Tourney
Necessary administrative documents were filed with the Lions for the September 7 event. Event
information and registration forms are now available on the city website.
Conversation with John Olinger, City Administrator at Lindstrom
I contacted Mr. Olinger to gather ideas on the Gaga pit and their programming.
Gaga Pit
There is a Gaga pit at the middle school. It is used by the kids and their physical education programs.
Mr. Olinger was skeptical that a Gaga pit away from a school (or anywhere where kids gather on a
regular basis) would be utilized to any degree.
Running / walking club
The club was started by Mr. Olinger over 10 years ago. They had a once-a-week time to meet; the group
is more runners than walkers, however both meet at the same start point. They combine a ‘talking-
speed’ pace with a coffee gathering after the run (an EDA opportunity). It is as much of a social group as
it is fitness group. The group runs on established routes on the trails and low traffic roads. Key to
success is finding someone to own the club, especially in its first couple of years. After it is established,
that key leader is less important.
In general, any community group needs to have a committed community member to drive it, whether it
is e.g., running / walking, photography, pickleball, or bridge. It must revolve around someone.
Observations
During the conversation, John offered up a couple of nuggets:
Regarding demographics, Lindstrom has a similar issue to Scandia, with a high number of seniors.
Programs, tax issues (i.e., bond issues for construction) need to be focused on that demographic for
success. He sited the successful bond used to build the new community center. Much of the marketing
focus for the bond was on the seniors.
For each / any program, it is the ‘social place to come together’ that drives success and benefits the
person that organizes it as well as those that participate, and thus the community. While he population
density is different in Lindstrom (city densities and small lots) vs. the rural character of Scandia,
residents still need the places and opportunities for events that bring them together.