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08.a 03.13.2023 PRC Minutes DRAFT City of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Monday, March 13, 2023 A meeting of the Scandia Parks & Recreation Committee was held on the above date at the Community Center and Zoom. Attended by Terry Gorham (Chair), Greg Zauner (Vice-Chair), Tom Hinz, Kimberly Johnson, Heather Benson (Council Representative,) and Charles Fischer (Public Works Director). Absent: Dustin Hegland. Gorham called the meeting to order, a quorum was present. PUBLIC FORUM None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Gorham requested amending the agenda to move item 7.b, Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails to follow item 4.a, Approval of the Minutes in the interest of the guests present for this agenda item. Motion to approve the agenda as amended by Zauner, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Gorham called for any additions or corrections to the February 6, 2023 minutes. No additions or corrections were submitted. The minutes stand approved. NEW BUSINESS Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails Gorham invited Karen Schick and Lisa Philippi to update PRC members on some activities of the Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails. Schick reported meeting Gorham and Zauner onsite last year at the two parcels of park land on Orwell Ave to discuss possibilities of collaboration. The Friends group then worked on the SE parcel to remove and treat invasive woody species with no future plans other than to help keep the invasives under control. On the NE parcel, Liten Park, the Friends would like the PRC to prepare a proposal for a moderate enhancement. They would like to evaluate the area in the next few months to prepare this proposal with the goal to establish more pollinator species in Liten Park. This would likely be accomplished by spot spraying weeds, burning, and seeding native plants over a multiple year process. This proposal will include ideas for funding sources, including a modest amount of matching funds by Scandia. Gorham asked the Friends to reach out to get on the agenda again when they are ready to bring forth the proposal, likely later in the summer. Fischer presented the portion of the PW Report summarizing the action required at Liten Park in 2023 as a condition of the tax forfeit to parkland process. PW recommends a maintained, mowed grass path to fulfil the trail requirement and will notify Schick when the proposed trail is marked for feedback prior to installation. Schick clarified that the goal on Orwell Avenue is to provide habitat for native pollinators and not development as a destination in Scandia, although including Liten Park on a bike route recommendation would be appropriate. Schick reported a contractor has been hired to begin removing invasive species in Wind in the Pines this fall with grant funding received. Gorham questioned if the Friends have considered other projects in the Village center parks. Schick confirmed Friends continuing to maintain the butterfly garden at Lilleskogen, but are also limited by resources even though they do consider other projects. Fischer updated Schick on the status of the restoration process at Lilleskogen as the grant has ended while PW continues to maintain the park. REPORTS Chair Report March 13, 2023, Special Meeting Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Page 2 of 3 Midco Day is Wednesday, August 23rd. Gorham will coordinate this event with Farmers Market and Midco with Patti Ray’s assistance. A resident approached Gorham, asking the PRC to consider installing a horseshoe pit on a park property, as it is a low expense and easily removed if it’s not used. Public Works Report Fischer provided a written report. Fischer pointed out if Hay Lake Park’s sign is not in Washington County’s Right of Way, it could be built up a little with plantings to make it more visible. Staff Report Stignani provided a written report announcing the April 29th booking of the StarWatch Party. Zauner summarized the process of the scheduling and rescheduling the StarWatch Party over the last two years. OLD BUSINESS MSA Update Gorham reported that staff is waiting for a new draft after reporting to MSA all of the comments and feedback from PRC. All PRC members will have an opportunity to review the next draft at a future before any draft is presented to City Council. No predicted timeline at this point. Fundraising for Parks Gorham called for ideas to fundraise for the parks. Johnson recommended a successful fundraiser event by Chisago City incorporating the choral group, Unexpected Company. The choral group preformed at an indoor venue serving food and beverages. Johnson suggested considering Rustic Roots. Johnson will continue to explore the possibility for park fundraising indoors. Benson asked for a Community Center playground build update as there will be a park event opening to consider collaborating with a fundraising event. Fischer reported the equipment is scheduled to be delivered in May with installation mid to late May. Fischer would like have the park open by early June. An event could be later in July. Benson will investigate park dedication events and consider including a fundraising component. Lilleskogen’s Children’s Story Path Update Council approved installing a Little Library. The “Library Maker” is a snowbird, and is due to return to Minnesota this month. He will make a little water tower barn. Fischer will choose the exact location after the snow melts, next to the pavement for ADA accessibility. Gorham reported on changing out the Penguin stories, but no evidence of a lot of activity of other visitors. Zauner is considering some possible improvements to the stands, working with Fischer. Gorham requested Hinz to contact the school to communicate with students while still in school for internet story contest (August) and for special stories for the Swedish visitors to with the Sister City event (September.) Earth Day Activities Benson presented ideas for birdfeeders. Discussion concluded to host a pine cone, peanut butter & bird seed project for kids at the pavilion at Hay Lake from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22nd. Plan for 100 birdfeeders and advertise “while supplies last.” Serve hot cocoa in anticipation of potentially cold temperatures. PW could bring the city’s fire rings. March 13, 2023, Special Meeting Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Page 3 of 3 Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hinz to allocated up to $250 from the Parks General Operating Fund for PRC to sponsor the First Annual Earth Day activity at Hay Lake Park to make pinecone bird feeders. Motion carried unanimously. Park Ambassadors’ Reports Gorham called for any member for any reports, no comments PRC Operational Calendar Summer Recreation Program Arts in the Park, Tai Chi class starts May 3rd. NEW BUSINESS Elections: Chair & Vice-Chair Zauner nominated Gorham to be the 2023 PRC Chair. Gorham accepted. Motion by Zauner, seconded by Hinz, to recommend to Council Gorham to be the 2023 Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Chair. Motion passed unanimously. Gorham nominated Zauner to be the 2023 Vice-Chair. Zauner accepted. Motion by Gorham, seconded b y Hinz, to recommend to Council Zauner to be the 2023 Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Vice-Chair. Motion passed unanimously. Outings Coordinator Johnson reported that the organization Sierra Club offers a training class to become an Outings Coordinator for their organization. Johnson will pursue this when her schedule allows and encourages other PRC members or community members to consider taking the class also. July PRC Meeting Date July 3rd is the first Monday in July. Gorham led the discussion to consider if PRC members would be present, or a different day would be requested to have a quorum. Discussion concluded July 6th is preferred to hold the July PRC meeting. AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING The proposed agenda for Monday, April 3, 2023: 1. MSA Update 2. Fundraising for Parks (formerly Park Events) 3. Outings Coordinator 4. Earth Day Activity 5. Children’s Story Path 6. Park Ambassador Reports 7. Operational Calendar 8. By-Laws ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting by Zauner, seconded by Hinz. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant/Parks and Recreation Coordinator