10-01-07 Minutes Scandia Park and Recreation Committee
Minutes
Monday October 1,2007, 7 pm
Members Present: Dave Smith, Karen Schik, Alex Bildeaux, Mike Goeken, Matt Rasmussen,
Dan Skupien.
Absent: None
Guests: Anne Hurlburt, Marty McKelvey
1. Review and approve PRC Minutes of Sept 12, 2007. MSP: Mike/Karen
2. Scandia Comprehensive Plan Update
Karen: There is no update because the committee has not met since the last PRC meeting on
9/12.
3. Wind in the Pines Update
Karen & Dave met with Jay Riggs at WIP on 9/28 to evaluate the site for possible funding
from the Washington Conservation District for construction of the new trail segment. Jay
concluded that the project does not meet their funding requirements because it's not directly
related to an erosion issue. Next step: Jay suggested the committed look to the DNR Parks
& Trails grants and similar programs.
Karen reported that Great River Greening is scheduled to begin work on the trail repair
sections sometime in late Oct, depending on weather.
GRG suggested that the cost of a new trail construction might be reduced if PRC committee
provided some assistance, and they would be willing to work with the cmte. Karen
suggested that the committee should provide assistance so that we have the skills to do
repairs in the future.
4. Draft RFP for wetland restoration at Lilleskogen.
Karen presented a draft RFP to the committee for review and discussion. Alex suggested that
the wetland will need some excavating to retain the open water. Other discussion centered on
the timeline—the due date for the RFP will be pushed back to Nov 14 to allow 4 wks for
submissions. The final completion date was pushed back to Jan 25. Next steps: Anne will
make few minor changes to formatting and put on council agenda for Oct 16 meeting. If
approved, she will email directly to 3 or 4 firms.
5. How best to use existing P&R money, $42,000.
The Lilleskogen plan is expected to cost around $l OK. Anne reported that the 42K is a
dedicated fund that is only for park development. It will not go away at the end of the year,
but will not be added to unless a new housing development generates park dedication fees.
Some funding needs were discussed at the June meeting re: capital improvements. Some
discussion ensued that committee members would like to see tax money be set aside every
year for Parks, and not be dependent on development for funding.
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6. 2007 Recreation program report.
Marty presented her annual report of programs, attendance & funds. In comparison with
2006, the program had a net profit of about $1,800 (versus a deficit in '06 of nearly $2K).
Most of the youth programs were well attended and very successful, based on survey results.
Next step: The committee will review the information presented and have suggestions for
the summer 08 plans at the next meeting. One idea was to have more back-to-back morning
& afternoon sessions, so kids could go all day.
Only one of the new adult programs offered was successfully launched. Speculation about
why the others didn't work were cost, inadequate population base, different demographics of
Scandia's adult population from other areas (more independent, commuting people, etc.).
Suggestions for 08 were to try a 3-part garden show in March/April, each session 2 weeks
apart. "Spring into Gardening". One idea was to have free speakers from groups like the
Watershed district, Conservation District, DNR, etc. Next step: Alex will assist Marty with
arrangements for spring program.
7. Winter Party plans
Marty suggested maybe the winter party could be at Lakamaga—she has a great relationship
with the group and they were interested in more partnering opportunities. They have a
beautiful lodge. Outdoor activities might include ice fishing, skating, sleigh ride, snowshoes,
kicksleds, dog sleds. Hot chocolate & snacks. Ann suggested maybe Lion's could do a food
wagon. Marty suggested getting people like Ann Bancroft to attend and do a program. Dan
suggested having vendors (Yule Marknod) to sell specific winter related crafts (wool
sweaters etc). The group seemed to feel this would require too much organization, but all the
ideas presented need to be discussed first with Lakamaga. A date of Sat Feb 2 was proposed,
which seems to have the fewest conflicts with other winter events. Next step: Marty will
meet with Lakamaga folks to discuss all the options and how they would want to do things.
8. Other winter rec plans
Marty plans to organize skating lessons again. Participants will register through the city, not
Community Ed.
Dave suggested having a day for Scandia Trollhaugen far tubing. Can reserve a hill for 3
hours for 20 or more people. $11 each, $5 for under age 5. Trollhaugen would do
reservations. Someone suggested it might be more appropriate to have the event at Eco
Bakken, the local tubing place. Others felt that operation was not as user friendly or as safe.
The tow rope is difficult to use for small people and destroys mitts and the tubing is less
controlled. We chose a date of Sat, December 29, 1-4 pm. Next step: Dave will find out
more about arrange and get details to Anne. Put on council agenda for Oct 16.
9. Next Meeting November 5, 2007.
10. Meeting adjourned. MSP Alex/Karen
Submitted by Karen Schik
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