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8.a PRC 05-03-2021 Minutes DRAFT City of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Monday, May 3, 2021 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 the presenter and displayed the meeting materials for participants to view remotely. The following were participants to the meeting: Committee members Terry Gorham (Chair), Greg Zauner (Vice Chair), Dustin Hegland, and Patti Ray (City Council Representative). Absent: Emmy Lundeen and Cami Van Able. Staff members Ken Cammilleri (City Administrator) and Brenda “Bee” Stignani (Office Assistant). Guests Ann Rinkenberger and Karen Schik attended. The meeting was called to order 7:12 p.m., a quorum was present. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments APPROVAL OF AGENDA Gorham requested to move item 7. a. before the Reports section and remove item 7. e. completely. Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to approve the agenda as amended. Roll call vote, the motion carried 3-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Gorham called for any additions or corrections to the March 1, 2021 minutes. No additions or corrections were submitted. The minutes stand approved. NEW BUSINESS Green Futures Program Cammilleri presented the concept of the Green Futures Program. It is a grant from Tree Trusts where they supply technical support and volunteers to plant trees while the City would commit to maintaining and watering a minimum of 50 mature trees (approximately 10 ft until well established (2–3-year commitment.) Cammilleri outlined a few potential locations for trees: neighborhoods and streets where trees are missing and residents might provide watering, or Orwell Ave parks or Hay Lake Park with commitments from organizations or residents to assist with watering. Schik questioned if the City would have the ability to select tree species; as native species are less likely to need as much care. Rinkenberger stated that each of the new gardens at Hay Lake Park and Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Field used one full load of water from the City’s water trailer. Public Works estimated that three loads would be necessary to adequately water 50 trees. Staff directed to collect more information for consideration including if there is a choice about species selected and the source of the trees. REPORTS Chair Report Chair Gorham provided a written a report. Staff Report Stignani provided a written report on the Open Eye Theater Driveway Tour. Discussion included possible hosting sites and choosing between a private show and one that allows OET to “pass the hat” for donations with the City committing to making a donation if the minimum amount is not met by audience members. Committee members concluded the best option is to host on Taco Daze on the first weekend after Labor Day and pay in full, or request Scandia Marine Lions to split the fee. Ray will bring this request to the Lions’ board meeting. Hegland May 3, 2021 Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Page 2 of 3 suggested the site to be the pleasure rink area at the Community Center while Zauner suggested asking the Lions to erect a canopy tent in case of inclement weather. Motion by Gorham, seconded by Hegland, to use up to $400 of Park funds to support the Open Eye Theater at Taco Daze in September, 2021. Roll call vote, motion carried 3-0. OLD BUSINESS Marine Community Library Proposal Update Ray reported that the Marine Community Library board is very receptive to the feedback from the PRC regarding a mobile children’s library to be located in Lilleskogen Park. The MCL board intends to select Trail Sign Replacement Wind in the Pines Staff still needs to locate who printed the signs that have been damaged. Playground Equipment Replacement Sub-Committee Update Van Able provided a written report. PRC Operational Calendar The April 2021 PRC Operating Calendar indicates Park Capital Planning and finalizing Summer Program Planning are to be addressed. Gorham called for any input on additional summer programing options. Ray volunteered to inquire if Ann Rinkenberger would consider resuming some art or crafts program. Zauner will follow up with the Ironhorse Railroad Park in Lindstrom to investigate the possibility of a Scandia Group Trip as a one-day activity to offer area residents. Ray volunteered to contact a local artist who might be interested in teaching a once-a-week class for a 4-week series to children and another who has been teaching knot tying skills at the elementary school. Gorham requested committee members seek out other options to bring to the next meeting for consideration. Options need to have a “champion” who has volunteered to coordinate and suggested only subjects that are covered under the City’s current insurance liability policy. Possible ideas: crafts, teach your skills (like baking, knitting or crocheting,) gardening and seed banks. Staff will post on social media to ask area residents for input. NEW BUSINESS Park Plan Requests for Proposals Cammilleri presented the draft Park Plan Requests for Proposals and highlighted that this committee can scale back the scope of the project. Cammilleri recommends considering only updating sections of the 2006 Park Plan; perhaps the Village Center, Bone Lake and Hay Lake Park. Staff will add to the next meeting’s Dropbox this proposal, Gorham’s comments in feedback and the 2006 Park Plan so it is accessible to everyone. Orwell Ave Lots Concept Ideas Staff will launch the resident survey for naming the newest park and soliciting feedback on how to use this land. The survey will indicate that picnic tables and a rustic walking trail are required, but public input is requested for other options. Discussion included suggesting as choices: picnic pavilion, softball field, educational signage, restoring as prairie, planting apple trees (annual harvest to donate to an organization), or other suggestion to be added by respondents. Gorham and Ray will assist staff in composing the survey. Arts in Action Program Date, August 2, 2021 Staff has Festival Theater’s COVID Business Plan and they have confirmed the week of August 2nd is ideal. Motion by Hegland, seconded by Zauner, to recommend to City Council hosting Festival Theater’s Arts in Action program the week of August 2, 2021. Roll call vote, motion carried 3-0 May 3, 2021 Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Page 3 of 3 New Story Contest Ray presented the flyer for the new story contest, If You Were Mayor For a Day. Contest ends May 21, 2021 with winners to be announced May 28, 2021 with the only prize to be accompanying Mayor Maefsky for one day. Ray requests all committee members consider future story contest ideas to be considered. Lilleskogen Benches Ray was contacted by a resident who regularly walks the park at lunchtime with a request for adding park benches. Ray recommends compiling a package for purchasing a Memorial Bench to be donated to Lilleskogen Park. Four benches with plaques, replacing the existing wooden bench and adding one each on the north, east and south ends of the park along the path. Staff to investigate the cost of the bench, an individual plaque and a concrete pad for installation. Mosquito Control Cammilleri reported the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District treated the grounds surrounding the Community Center recently. Cammilleri will request additional service at Lilleskogen Park and Bone Lake Park if they have not already treated these sites. AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING The proposed agenda for the Monday, June 7, 2021 meeting: 1. Open Eye Theater Puppet Show 2. Marine Community Library Proposal Update 3. Playground Update 4. Lilleskogen Bench 5. Midco Event ADJOURNMENT Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hegland, to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote, the motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant/Parks and Recreation Coordinator