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12-05-05 Minutes � � � New Scandia Township Park and Recreation Committee Minutes Monday, December 5, 2005 7:00-10:00 p.m. Members present: Deb Campobasso,Jan Hogle, Gary Hogle, Lori Gordon, Dan Skupien, Julie White, Dave Smith, Ron Couture, Sarah Kilgriff Members absent: None Guests: Karen Shick, Kelley Blomberg (Country Messenger), Steve Bakken 1. New Committee members introductions. • Dave Smith, Ron Couture, Sarah Kilgriff welcomed to committee. Members introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds and interest in the committee. 2. Committee Overview & History • Brief overview presented to new members on committee history, membership expansion, and comp plan development. First comp plan draft was distributed to committee members for review. 3. Review and approve November Minutes. • Committee reviewed minutes from November. Minutes were approved,pending addition of Ray Richardson's name as donor of the "skating carpet"between the skating rink and warming house. Noted that Dolores should be asked to send a thank you note for the donation. 4. Development Review. • Members reviewed concept map for Merthan/Segelstrom development at Oakhill and 199th. Lori summarized our site visit of the property,noting we should at least consider an 35' easement for an 8-10 ft state or local trail to connect to the Gateway trail, expected to run to the west of the property. Possibility of an alternate plan for the Gateway trail should also be considered near this property in case the anticipated Gateway trail agreement with William O'Brien is unsuccessful. • Lori noted the disparity in value between donating land vs. cash. • Lori stressed communicating to buyers and residents the existence and intended public use of the proposed easement to avoid misunderstanding, should a trail easement be approved. • Gary reminded the committee of the need to gain access to the landlocked township land along the north boundary of the Merthan property. Members discussed recommending a non-paved, limited use trail for such access,noting environmental concerns and steep terrain, and uncertainty of access via another property in the future. • Lori presented a draft of a recommendation for the Town Board. Motion was approved to present the recommendation to the Planning Commission and the Town Board. 5. Community AcNvities Proposal Review. • The committee reviewed a proposal from Marty Mckelvey for community activities that was presented to the Town Board in November. Details of the plan were discussed and the committee took turns stating personal recommendations. • Several members noted that the Activities Proposal suggested a multi-stage approach best served by a different timeline than outlined by the proposal document. � - ' • • Committee members agreed that the proposal argued for further discussion about the need for a program director. Such a position would first need to be defined by scope and responsibilities, along with definition of roles and responsibilities of park committee and future subcommittee members. • Committee members noted that the Activities Proposal document presented concepts and ideas previously discussed by the committee, especially within the framework of the comp plan survey and analysis. The committee agreed the comp plan be reviewed for inclusion of these priorities. • The committee approved a motion to present a recommendation to the Town Board that would request a part time park and rec program coordinator position. If approved by the Town Board,the committee will draft a job description by the end of January to allow solicitation of qualified candidates, and try to hire by March. 6. Recreation Programs. • Scandia Skates. Deb presented her skating program and discussed current plans and details. Lori suggested flipping the hockey/pleasure schedule on Friday to accommodate the skating program schedule. Motion was approved to send the skating program to the Town Board for approval. • The committee discussed scheduling conflicts between pleasure use of the rink vs. hockey skating, the inferior quality of the pleasure rink, and concern that hockey can only be played on the enclosed rink. Steve Bakken, Scandia resident, sta.ted frustration with hockey ice schedule time and his inability to use the rink because of the predominance and timing of scheduled time on the rink. • Communiry Skating Parry. Deb reported that the pastor from Elim Church agreed to use of the church hill for sledding. Discussed activities, food,program costs, and a possible method of recording attendance to the event by using a guest book, coupons, or a type of raffle ticket. Motion was approved to request$650 from the Town Board for the Skating Party to cover expenses. 7. Skating Facility Safety and Maintenance Recommendations. • Maintenance: Deb presented a draft of maintenance issues for presentation to the Town Board. Members discussed means of keeping the ice longer during late winter thaws. • Zamboni suggestions: Post set hours for Zamboni maintenance so rink users can plan usage. An ice edger owned by the township should be used in conjunction with the Zamboni. More than one trained Zamboni operator is needed in case the current operator is unavailable. • Snow removal possibility.• Deb mentioned that an area business (Polaris)has offered some area rinks use of a 4 wheeler(ATV)to remove snow from the rink. The committee agreed to investigate. • Rink liability and safety: Discussed problems such as screws and sharp edges along the boards. The committee agreed to recommend these be fixed immediately. The committee agreed that the League of Minnesota Cities safety procedures or similar document should be adopted far use with our rink. • Communications: An answering machine is needed for rink schedule and closures. General policies, hours, announcements, and guidelines for closures should be posted. • The committee approved a motion to present Skating Facility recommendations to the Town Board. 8. Comprehensive Plan Update. Tabled to next meeting, January 2. 9. Old/New Business Committee Bylaws approval tabled to next meeting, January 2. 10. Additions to the Agenda None.