02-04-08 Minutes-revised
Minutes
Scandia Park and Recreation Committee
February 4, 2008
Members present:
Karen Schik, Alex Bildeaux, Mike Goeken, Edward Ruf, Joan
Benner, Matt Rasmussen, Dan Skupien, and Tom Triplett
Guests:
Anne Hurlburt, Jason Husveth, Marty McKelvey
Resignation. Karen announced that Dave Smith has resigned as both a member and
chair of the committee for health reasons. As vice-chair, she convened the meeting at
7pm.
Lilleskogen park plan. Jason Husveth of Critical Connections gave a brief update on
Lilleskogen planning. The committee again revisited the lighting issue without reaching
any conclusions and set the matter for continuing discussion. It was moved and
seconded that the plan be approved, that it be submitted to the Watershed District, and if
approved by them that the plan be then submitted to the City Council at the March 18
meeting. Approved unanimously.
Agenda approval. The agenda was approved as distributed. The January 7 minutes
were approved with the addition of a reference to the discussion of lighting at Lilleskogen
Park. Upon motion and second, the minutes were approved as amended unanimously.
Elections were held for committee officers. Karen was elected chair and Alex vice-chair.
Members agreed that the committee would continue with the “rotating secretary” model
now in use.
Fundraising. The informal “fundraising subcommittee” (Karen, Joan, Edward, and Tom)
was approved unanimously upon motion and second as an official subcommittee of the
committee. Members of the subcommittee reported on progress to date with Karen
reporting on possible environment-related sources and Joan saying progress is being
made to partner with the school on some funding ideas. Tom reported on his plans to
meet with the mayor and Mike Harnetty re the “Friends of Scandia Parks” fundraising
idea. He also noted that the St Croix Valley Community Foundation has an interest in
meeting with us soon Karen will prepare the Conservation Partners Grant application,
due by March 31. We will seek City Council approval at March 18 meeting, if the
Lilleskogen plan is accepted.
Summer rec program. Marty McKelvey distributed a draft summer rec program
schedule. Members suggested some minor possible changes, and Marty will report
back at the next meeting. All agreed that publicity should start as quickly as possible.
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The Garden Workshop is set for March 29. Edward will assist with publicity. Marty will
present any other committee assistance needs at the next meeting.
Open Gym. Mike reported on the very successful “open gym” program. Average
attendance was 35-40 persons each Saturday. Several positive comments were
received from attendees. Members agreed this should be continued next year and that
more committee members should be encouraged to volunteer their time. There was
brief discussion about expanding the program, and it was agreed that we need to begin
planning earlier in the fall if we want to do that and raise funding ($150 per session).
Vintervest. Dan, Alex and others reported on the successful February 2 Vintervest
event. About 60-80 people attended. Alex’ son’s broken arm was the only “casualty”
(Alex noted he’s recovering rapidly). The committee expressed its appreciation for the
volunteers at the event and for Edward’s work on publicity. There was brief discussion
on how to improve in 2009, and no specific ideas were suggested. All agreed that
having the food for sale was a bonus.
City CIP. Mike and Anne reported on the city’s Capital Improvements Plan. Anne
distributed the draft CIP which indicates a total of $185,000 to be allocated over three
years for Lilleskogen and Wind in the Pines parks. Possible future support for new parks
and improvement of the Hay Lake/Lions park was also noted.
Comprehensive Plan. Karen updated members on the comprehensive planning process
and opportunities for PRC participation. The plan’s “open space plan” would be an
especially useful item for committee input. Committee members were asked to review
the open space plan for future discussion.
Upcoming meetings. Anne noted that the September meeting should be moved to
September 8 to reflect the Labor Day holiday.
Agenda items suggested for the next meeting include: Lilleskogen planning, volunteer
work days for the committee, the garden show and summer rec schedule, fundraising,
the open space plan, and long-term goals for PRC (about which Karen offered to
distribute some draft ideas).
The meeting was adjourned at 9pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Tom Triplett (“rotating secretary” for the meeting)