7.b) Staff Report-Vinterfest�3
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Date of Meeting: July 1, 2013
To: Park and Recreation Committee
From: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
Re: Vinterfest
Agenda Item #: 7.b)
Background:
The Parks and Recreation Committee has identified Vinterfest as one of its priorities for 2013.
Although February 2014 is still many months away, the PRC may want to begin preparing and
making plans now, particularly if any changes will be made.
City staff began a new feature on the City's website in June to get feedback from the public.
Each month a question will be posed for the public to vote on. For June the questions was: The
Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee identified their top three priorities for 2013 as: the
Restoration of Lilleskogen Park, Developing Park System Signage Guidelines, and expanding
Vinterfest offerings. What would you like to see the Parks and Recreation Committee focus on in
2014? Vote for your preference below. And the options and vote totals (as of 6/25/13):
1- Lilleskogen Park Restoration
9- Expanded Programming During Vinterfest
5- Gateway Trail Extension through William O'Brien State Park to the village center
2- Additional/different summer rec program offerings
0- Additional/different winter rec program offerings
1- Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and William O'Brien State Park
0- Sidewalk Installation from Community Center to South Ball Field
0- Sidewalk Installation from OIinda Lane to Wayne Erickson Ball Field
1- Secure signage for bike routes identified in 2011 Master Trail Plan
3- Renovations at Log House Landing
While staff does not claim the poll to have been scientific standards, the committee may wish to
consider that a majority of those who voted wanted to see expanded programming during
Vinterfest.
Issue:
Should the PRC do anything different for Vinterfest next year?
Proposal Details:
As mentioned at the last meeting, Bolton and Menk has agreed to donate $100 to sponsor the
snow sculpture contest. Last year the judges commented that it was difficult to equally judge
those sculptures that were completed entirely by youth and those that received help from an
adult. With Bolton and Menk's contribution the PRC should consider having to categories to
judge -Kids Only and Family sculptures. The prize money could be structured the same as in
previous years for each class: 1St place -$25, 2"a place -$15, and 3`a place -$10.
New in 2013 were the Pleasant Valley Cloggers. Staff received positive feedback from their
performance and would recommend they be asked to return in 2014.
Additional items mentioned at the March 4th Committee meeting: (1) exclude City staff,
committee members, Council members and immediate family members from participating in any
contests to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The chili contest was of particular concern. (2)
define age categories for snow sculpture contest. (3) offer cross country ski races or other adult
outdoor activities. (4) block road for sledding.
Fiscal Impact:
The proposed 2014 budget include $75 for advertising for Vinterfest and $100 for misc. supplies.
The committee could reallocate these funds or would need to seek alternative funding for any
additional expenses.
Recommendation:
The committee should identify any changes they would like to see for 2014 Vinterfest at this
meeting so that preparations can begin this fall.