7.a PRC 03-02-2020 Minutes DRAFT
City of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
Monday, March 2, 2020
Members Present: Terry Gorham (Chair), Dustin Hegland (Vice Chair), Carol Schwinghammer, Greg Zauner
and Patti Ray (City Council Representative).
Members Absent: Cami Van Abel
Staff Present: Ken Cammilleri (City Administrator), Adam Hawkinson (Public Works Director) and Brenda
“Bee” Stignani (Office Assistant) plus 4 guests
PUBLIC FORUM
Janie O’Conner informed the Parks and Recreation Committee about the events planned at the Gateway to
Scandia Day at the Capital on March 16, 2020.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Gorham requested a change in the agenda to reorder item 7. A. and 7. F. be addressed after item 4. A. and
before item 5. A.
Motion by Zauner, seconded by Schwinghammer, to approve the amended agenda. The motion carried
4-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to approve the February 3, 2020 minutes. The motion carried
4-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Bird Migration Project Proposal
Olivia Nienaber presented to the PRC a proposal and provided a written summary to support her 4-H OWL
Bird Migration Project. Hawkinson requested the planting of trees and bushes project aspect be delayed
until August or September as the city would be required to commit more resources of time and materials
to maintain the plants as they establish themselves over the summer season. Nienaber elaborated that the
project must be completed in time to present her final project at the Washington County Fair and therefore
must be completed by the last day in May. Hawkinson suggested other sources for trees and the city’s
access to mulch materials could reduce the amount needed for this project. Nienaber explained the
importance of purchasing from local businesses and the need for the city’s order to be included for volume
pricing. Schwinghammer asked if it would be possible to plant only one site for the purposes of the county
fair deadlines, but to commit to planting the remaining three sites later in the year. Nienaber pointed out
the burden of duplicating the organization of resources and volunteers is defeating of the purpose besides
the need for the volume pricing in the spring event. Gorham asked if Nienaber would commit to
volunteering follow up oversight of the project areas, and Nienaber agreed as she is able. Ray pointed out
that Lilleskogen Park has heavy tree cover that would not be ideal for this project. Zauner suggested the
public land on Olgilvie Avenue and Hawkinson suggested the public area near the 201 fields as alternative
sites to consider. Hegland brought up Wind-in-the Pines and Cammilleri Bone Lake Park. Further discussion
revealed the distance to provide water until the plants were established, and the financial impact of the
time of the Public Works Department was prohibitive to these sites. Gorham emphasized visibility for
residents to benefit be included as a factor the final selection. Hegland asked if two sites could be
established on Olgilvie Avenue. Further discussion followed, where all present agreed that two sites on
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Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
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the Community Center grounds and one behind the Annex building were the best options after Nienaber
explained that ten sites in her project was her goal, but not a requirement. Further discussion conc luded
that staff would make a final selection of the actual items to plant at a later point, but the committee
supported the concept of the project and would seek to fund a portion of Nienaber’s request and all of her
other requests including assistance in promoting the events and providing space for the bird house building
aspect of the project.
Motion by Gorham, seconded by Zauner, to provide up to $1,400 for supplies for the Bird Migration
Project and assist in promoting the event as requested. The motion carried 4-0.
Invasive Removal Grant Proposal from Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails
Karen Schik presented on behalf of FSPT a proposal to collaborate with Great River Greening and the SNA
program of the DNR and provided a written summary.
Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hegland, to provide $2,000 and a letter of support to include with the
grant submission. The motion carried 4-0.
REPORTS
Chair Report
Chair Gorham stated that his report was oral by his comments and clarifications with the two project
proposals just presented. Gorham also sent a letter out on behalf of the SPRC to legislatures in support of
the Gateway Trails.
Public Works Director Report
Hawkinson provided a written report.
• Lilleskogen Park – Prairie Restoration plans a spring burn when the snow is gone followed by
chemically treating (Canary Reed Grass) and if the weather is dry enough, this two-step process will
be repeated this fall and spring 2021 before replanting. Hawkinson will search for another bridge
option which is ADA compliant.
• Warming House – Hegland requested staff investigate the possibility of installing the auto locks on
the rink-side exterior doors. Hawkinson reported when the city provides push shovels for the rink
attendants, they push the snow off to the side of the rink but fail to throw the snow over the rails
and completely off of the ice. This caused Public Works extra time and repairs during rink
maintenance. Staff will address this with the Lead Rink Attendant to train next season’s Rink
Attendants.
• Bone Lake – Hawkinson reported the bench has arrived, and Hegland requested a list be started for
locations in need of benches. Starting with Lilleskogen Park and the warming house.
Staff Report
Stignani provided a written report.
• Summer Parks and Recreation Summer program – staff identified Arts in Action Camp as the only
program to offer in the summer. Gorham will post in NextDoor on his own account, informal times
that he and or some other PickleBall players will meet up on the courts and offer demonstrations in
an effort to entice new players to the sport.
• Staff to include Operational Calendar on the agenda for subsequent SPRC meetings.
Motion by Zauner, seconded by Gorham, to approve the Arts in Action Camp on August 10 -14, 2020
through Festival Theater. The motion carried 4-0.
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OLD BUSINESS
Warming House – Vending Machines
Schwinghammer provided an oral report. Bernick’s in Dresser has not responded yet to her inquiry. Aspen
Vending has also been contacted. Other discussion followed with other suggestions for Schwinghammer to
follow up with the goal finalizing plans in time for the winter 2020-21 season.
NEW BUSINESS
Review Park & Recreation By-Laws
• Zauner noted that in the Duties and Functions, secondary function table approved by the City Council
on June 19, 2012 included Special Event collaborating with Gammelgarden Museum on the Scandia
Community Market. This is an event which is run by the group, Scandia Farmers Market after initial
support by SPRC.
• Gorham clarified that Section 5 Meetings, subsection E Minutes of the Meeting specifies that a motion
to approve the minutes from the meeting prior is not necessary, unless there is an objection after the
chair calls for additions or corrections. If there are no additions or corrections, the minutes shall stand
approved. If there is an objection, the SPRC shall vote upon the addition or corrections.
Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hegland, to strike “Collaborate with Gammelgarden Museum on the Scandia
Community Market” from the secondary functions section of the City of Scandia Parks & Recreation
Committee Bylaws. The motion carried 4-0.
Election of SPRC 2020 Chair and Vice Chair Officers
Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hegland, to recommend Gorham as the SPRC Chair for the period March 2020
to February 2021. The motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Schwinghammer, to recommend Zauner as the SPRC Vice-Chair for the
period March 2020 to February 2021. The motion carried 4-0.
Park Signage
Hawkinson provided a written report. Committee discussion narrowed the parameters of the new signs to be
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic rather than wood. Staff will prepare a new quote with this material to
include instillation costs.
Expand Lilleskogen Storyboards
Ray requested the City of Scandia purchase two additional posts and picture stands for the Lilleskogen’s Story
Path to accommodate a larger number of children’s projects and fill in the longer stretch on the north side of
the path. Hawkinson stated the cost of the first posts were approximately $180.
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to purchase two additional story board stands for Lilleskogen’s Story
Path. The motion carried 4-0.
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The proposed agenda for the Monday, April 6, 2020 meeting:
1. Warming House Vending Machines
2. SPRC Budget
3. Signage
4. Bone Lake Park
5. Warming House Winter Usage
6. Vinterfest
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant/Parks and Recreation Coordinator