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8.a PRC 08-03-2020 Draft Minutes City of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Monday, August 3, 2020 A meeting of the Scandia Parks & Recreation Committee was held on the above date with modifications. Due to the health advisory issued by the State regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, to avoid public gatherings and limit social contact, the meeting was conducted over an electronic platform. All Committee members and staff who joined the meeting remotely could hear each other and contribute to discussions. City Administrator Cammilleri was present in the Council Chambers. Cammilleri was the presenter and displayed the meeting materials for participants to view on their remote screens. The following were participants to the meeting: Committee members Greg Zauner (Vice Chair), Carol Schwinghammer, Dustin Hegland and Cami Van Abel and Patti Ray (City Council Representative). Staff members Ken Cammilleri (City Administrator), Adam Hawkinson (Director of Public Works) and Brenda “Bee” Stignani (Office Assistant). Absent: Terry Gorham (Chair) PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments APPROVAL OF AGENDA Zauner requested changing agenda items 6 e., 6 f., and 6 g. to be addressed before 6 a. to accommodate Ray’s schedule. Motion by Hegland, seconded by Van Able, to approve the agenda as amended. Roll call vote: Hegland - yes, Van Able – yes, Schwinghammer – yes, Zauner – yes, Gorham – yes. The motion carried 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chair Zauner called for any additions or corrections to the July 6, 2020 minutes. No additions or corrections were submitted. The minutes stand approved. REPORTS Chair Report Chair Gorham provided a written report. Public Works Director Report Hawkinson provided a written report. Cammilleri added that Deep Roots Winery has approached PW for an in-kind exchange of grading work on their property for gardening work at the Community Center. This will be proposed to the City Council for consideration. Hawkinson prepared a draft of the form to be used for volunteers to use the watering trailer and equipment. PRC members suggested adding a specific time to return the trailer, instructions on the city website with contact information and clarified that office staff will monitor the reservation process. OLD BUSINESS Midco Event – Ray reported that this will be Wednesday, September 16, 2020. The Parks & Recreations part is Lilleskogen’s Computer Stories and assistance on site 5-7 p.m. to pass out boxed dinners. Staff will inquire if Internet Action Committee Members will assist. Suggestions of computer story themes from the children submitting entries for the 8 stands focused describing favorite YouTube channels or favorite on-line games. PRC recommends soliciting entries from 3rd-6th grade students at Midco anticipates activities from noon to 7 p.m. with voting and prizes with other activities. Lilleskogen Children’s Story Path Update: August 3, 2020 Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Page 2 of 3 Ray reported that only 6 honey sticks have been awarded for completion of the questionnaire for the short story Early to Bed, Late to Rise by Debra Mitts-Smith, there are two more weeks to promote – suggested to hang posters in town. Gammelgarden has indicated they would like to post the story when it is taken down from Lilleskogen, and are encouraging Mitts-Smith to self-publish the book and they would sell it in their gift shop. Zauner suggested asking if Mitts-Smith would consider writing another short story that would highlight Vinterfest. Ray will follow up. Bone Lake Bench: Bone Lake Association requests installing their memorial bench at the Moody Lake Inlet instead of the approved place on the path. After discussing the ownership of the land options, the ordinance requirements and other site options, the PRC decided that the best location would be the old boat landing. Motion by Hegland, Schwinghammer seconded, to change the location of the memorial bench to the old boat landing. Motion passed 4-0 Vinterfest: Zauner questioned the committee if Vinterfest planning should proceed or be changed considering the health pandemic. Zauner has contacted some past Vinterfest participants; Corey Roberts would like PRC to delay making a final decision until closer to the event, Cloggers are not currently practicing and would not know if anyone would be available to preform even if all outdoors, and the Kubb club has not even considered their options for meeting or not. Cammilleri stated the concern is that last year’s incredible participation, and success, could be damaging to Vinterfest in future years if 2021 is started and must be cut back due to the pandemic. PRC members, and participants, potentially could put a lot of time and effort into an event that seems likely to be cancelled if health concerns continue. Zauner requested each committee member to state their current opinion on Vinterfest. Heglund: have it, do what we can, plan what we can outside only. Schwinghammer: Skip it all together – or only consider outdoor activities. Van Able: move forward with planning in September and October, then decide for sure in October if Vinterfest is completely cancelled, or if some version is reasonable. Zauner: Plan for outdoor activities only. Further discussion continued, Zauner agreed that Vinterfest 2020 increased indoor activities and the concern to host outdoor activities only would be disappointing. Cammilleri suggested PRC consider focusing on Taco Daze instead of Vinterfest this year, something at Lilleskogen or partnering with Gammelgarden or with Washington County Historical Society at Hay Lake Park. Zauner concluded that the PRC is divided on recommendations to move forward with Vinterfest planning or not, and Cammilleri stated that presenting to City Council that the advisory board is divided is valid since the council will make the final decision if Scandia hosts any, or what form, of Vinterfest 2021. Ice Rink Advertisement: Hawkinson outlined the history of Ice Rink and Ball Field advertisements, and the need to change to a more formal application process. Hawkinson presented options and suggestions for an application. Input from the committee included instructions that artwork on signs would be a company’s logo, and or additional material used on other advertisement including contact information and location. Word “Donation” to be replaced with “participation fee” that is stated that it goes to support Scandia Parks. Playground Community Input Update: Van Able provided a written report. Hawkinson commented that he has been in contact with Game Time Cares, and he will send Van Able his information, however, it is too late to submit applications for grants for 2021. Cammilleri commented that it is important to include in costs the company’s installation fee, even when using volunteers for the project for them to assist in assembly and emphasized the importance of August 3, 2020 Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Page 3 of 3 neighborhood participation. Phases of installation of equipment can also be suggested to the community if the city is only able to commit funds in phases, with the overall goal to have all sites have multiple age targeted equipment (i.e. Tot Lot, Elementary & Middle School sections.” Schwinghammer added to consider equipment that allows senior citizens to participate with children or without as well. Van Able commented on including the hidden cost of taking down and disposing of current playground equipment, even if the city decides to hold on to some of this equipment for a time. At the Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Field, the playground equipment is in Washington County’s road right of way, but if they choose to vacate the property to the city, there is a cost involved to consider. Van Able will work with Gorham to put together a community wide survey that will be presented to the PRC at a future date for consideration before it goes public. Walk in the Park: Tabled for when Chair Gorham returns. NEW BUSINESS None AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING The proposed agenda for the Monday, September 7, 2020 meeting: 1. Develop long-term park planning plan 2. Trail Extension to Ozark Ave N 3. CLFLWSD Collaboration with Bone Lake Park – Ray 4. Vinterfest 5. Playground Update 6. Ice Rink Ball Field Advertisement Forms Update 7. Midco Event 8. Walk in the Park ADJOURNMENT Motion by Hegland, seconded by VanAble, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant/Parks and Recreation Coordinator