7.d 2023 PRC Annual Report
City of Scandia
Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission
2023 Annual Report
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
The Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee is comprised of five citizen representatives who
meet on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Scandia Community Center.
The Council Liaison to the Committee was Patti Ray Heather Benson.
The City Staff Liaisons were Kyle Morell, City Administrator, Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office
Assistant, and Charles Fischer, Public Works Director.
Ordinance No. 160, Amending Ordinance 91, Subdivision 3:
There is established a Park and Recreation Advisory Commission for the City to act in an advisory
capacity to the Council in all matters relating to a park and recreation program in the City. The Park
and Recreation Advisory Committee consists of five members appointed by the Council for
staggered terms of five years, expiring on February 28th of each year. The Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee are appointed by the Commission from among
the members of the Commission, subject to approval by the Council, for a term of one year. The
Committee shall adopt its own rules and procedures with the approval of the Council.
Bylaws (adopted February 21, 2017, Amended August 16, 2022)
Section 1. Name. The name of this Committee is the Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee,
hereinafter called the SPRC.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of the SPRC is to advise the Scandia City Council on all
matters relating to a park and recreation program in the city, as described in Attachment A,
Duties and Functions of the Scandia Park and Recreation Committee, approved by the City
Council on February 20, 2007 and as may be amended by the Council from time to time.
Section 3. Membership. The SPRC is made up of Scandia residents or individuals from
neighboring communities, with a majority being Scandia residents, appointed by the City
Council according to the requirements of the City’s Code of Ordinances, chapter §30.08,
Advisory Committees and Commissions.
Section 4. Officers and Duties. The SPRC shall have a chair and vice-chair. The term of office
shall be one year. Election of officers will be held at the first meeting of March of each year.
Appointment of the chair and vice chair is subject to approval by the City Council. The duties of
the officers and members are as follows:
A. Chair
1. The chair shall organize, convene and chair all meetings of the SPRC.
2. The chair will set and prepare the agendas for meetings.
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3. The chair will lead the development of a committee work plan, implementation of
the long-range plan and list of annual priorities for approval by the Committee and
by the City Council.
4. With the consent of the members and subject to approval by the City Council, the
chair may create subcommittees and appoint SPRC members to those
subcommittees.
5. The chair shall act as liaison between the City Council and the SPRC, reporting to the
Council on activities as needed (quarterly, bimonthly etc.).
6. The chair shall coordinate the need for staff support of the SPRC with the City
Administrator.
7. The chair shall represent the Committee as needed in dealings with outside agencies
and organizations on matters pertaining to Park and Recreation activities.
B. Vice-Chair
1. The vice-chair shall act as an aide to the chair in fulfilling his/her duties as chair.
2. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair shall assume the duties of the chair.
C. General Membership Responsibilities. All SPRC Members are responsible to:
1. Attend and participate in regular and special meetings in order to carry out the
mission and duties of the committee;
2. Express oneself, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with tact,
diplomacy and good judgment;
3. Establish and maintain effective public relations when representing the Committee;
4. Have an understanding that they represent all Scandia residents and make
recommendations on their behalf, to the best of their ability; and
5. Participate in any subcommittees to which they may be appointed.
6. If a member fails to attend meetings, fails to fulfill their responsibilities, or violates
these bylaws, the SPRC may recommend that the City Council replace the member.
Section 5. Meetings.
A. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings will be held on the first Monday of each calendar
month at 7:00 p.m. Any regular meeting falling upon a holiday shall be held on the next
following Thursday at the same time and place, unless otherwise determined by a
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majority vote of the SPRC. Meetings shall be held at the Scandia Community Center,
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14727 209 Street North, unless notice of the alternate location is given to the
members and the public at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
B. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Committee may be called at any time by the
chair or the vice-chair, in the chair's absence with 72 hours advance notice to the public
and to members.
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C. Quorum/ Voting. A majority of the number of officially appointed members shall
constitute a quorum. A majority of the entire membership shall decide all issues.
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Conduct of meetings shall be based on Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10
Edition.
D. Public meetings. Except as otherwise provided in the open meeting law, all SPRC
meetings, including special or sub-committee meetings, shall be open to the public.
Public notice of meetings shall be given by posting committee agendas at the
Community Center at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
E. Minutes of meetings. Minutes of each SPRC meeting shall be prepared by the City Clerk
or his/her designee and delivered to each member of the SPRC within 14 days of each
meeting. At the next regular meeting following such delivery, Chair shall call for any
additions or corrections. If there is no objection to a proposed addition or correction, it
may be made without a vote of the SPRC. If there is an objection, the SPRC shall vote
upon the addition or corrections. If there are no additions or corrections, the minutes
shall stand approved.
Section 6. Order of Business.
A. Order established. Each regular meeting of the SPRC shall convene at
the time and place appointed. SPRC business shall be conducted in the following order:
1. Call to Order
2. Public Forum
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve Minutes
5. Reports
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8.Items for next agenda
9. Adjournment.
B. Varying order. The order of business may be varied by the presiding officer.
C. Agenda. The clerk shall prepare an agenda of business for each regular
SPRC meeting and file a copy in the office of the clerk not later than three calendar days
before the meeting. The agenda shall be prepared in accordance with the order of business
and copies shall be delivered to each SPRC member and posted at the community center as
far in advance of the meeting as time for preparation will permit. No item of business shall
be considered unless it appears on the agenda for the meeting or is approved for addition
to the agenda by a majority vote of the SPRC members present.
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D. Agenda materials. The clerk shall see that at least one copy of printed
materials relating to agenda items is available to the public in the meeting room while the
SPRC considers their subject matter. The agenda items shall not be considered unless this
provision is complied with. This section does not apply to materials that are classified as
other than public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or materials from
closed meetings.
Section 7. Amendments. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the SPRC by
a majority vote of the membership, provided that notice of the amendment has been given to
all members in writing one regular meeting prior to the meeting at which the amendment will
be voted. These bylaws and amendments thereto are subject to approval by the City Council.
ATTACHMENT A
Duties and Functions (amended April 21, 2020)
The Parks and Recreation Committee, as with all advisory committees established by the
Council, serves in an advisory capacity only. The Committee has no authority to act on its own,
to expend City funds, or to obligate the City in any way. All activities or expenditures require
prior approval by the City Council. Staff will attend Committee meetings, provide information
and assist with coordination between the Council and the Committee. The Committee exercises
no authority over staff.
The Parks and Recreation Committee may wish to appoint subcommittees from time to time.
Creation of subcommittees with members other than the Council-appointed committee
members will require approval by the City Council.
The primary functions of the Parks and Recreation Committee are:
Function Role/ Responsibility
Long-range planning
Participate in developing the parks, trails, open space and
recreation element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Participate in additional planning projects stemming from
the plan (i.e. trail planning projects).
Park development
Create master plans for all City parks and open spaces,
subject to review and approval by the City Council.
Plan and execute park development projects if approved by
the Council.
Capital improvement
Committee representatives participate in the capital
planning
improvements programming process.
Make recommendations on expenditures from the Park
Development Fund (park dedication fees).
Review and comment on all improvements to City parks and
open spaces.
Review of development
Review and comment on major subdivision applications for
plans
conformance with the parks plan.
Make recommendations concerning dedication of land or
cash in lieu for new developments.
Coordination with other
Monitor activities of other park and recreation agencies
parks agencies
(Washington County, State of Minnesota) affecting Scandia.
Make recommendations to ensure coordination and
cooperation with their plans and programs.
The secondary functions of the Parks and Recreation Committee are:
Function Role/ Responsibility
Recreation programs
Review and comment on programs developed by the
recreation coordinator.
Receive and review a report from the recreation
coordinator at the end of the season, and make
recommendations to the Council for any changes.
Suggest new recreation programs for consideration by the
Council.
Special events
Make recommendations for the City’s participation in the
annual Taco Daze celebration.
Plan and execute the Vinterfest event with Council
approval.
Facility operations
Review and comment on proposed changes in operating
maintenance and use
policy or procedures as requested by the Council.
policies
Recommend new policies and procedures to the Council.
Annual budget
Review and comment on the draft parks budget prior to
adoption by the City Council.
2022 2023 Committee Members
Committee members who served during 2022 2023:
Committee Member Appointed Term Expired/Expires
Terry Gorham, Chair March 2016 Feb. 28, 2026
Dustin Hegland March 2016 Feb. 28, 2024
Thomas Hinz March 2022 Feb. 28, 2027
Greg Zauner, Vice Chair February 2019 Feb. 28, 2024
Kimberly Johnson January 2022 Feb. 28, 2026
2022 2023 Accomplishments:
Parks
Contracted with MSA to update the Scandia Parks and Trails Plan Presented to Council the
final 2023 Parks, Recreation, Open Space Master Plan prepared by MSA and amendments to
the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
Removed some invasive plant species at the southern park on Orwell Avenue with members
of Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails
Hosted the Scandia Farmer’s Market at the Community Center
Sub-Committee on Playground Equipment Replacement presented recommendation to City
Council to replace and upgrade the playground at the Community Center, Webber
Recreation contracted for this project. Preparation began in September with the removal of
the old equipment and concrete path installations.
Received a $10,000 donation from the Scandia-Marine Lions and secured a $3,500 grant for
the new playground from Midco
Support the efforts of the Scandia Heritage Alliance (SHA) for placement of the water tower
barn and additional community amenities at the south ballfield. Including assisting the SHA
to partner with the City for additional planning, funding and possible development of
community center connecting trails around, and possibly a boardwalk across the wetland
areas adjacent to the site.
Determined a water fountain at Hay Lake Park is not financially reasonable for installation
and maintenance at this time. Archeological surveys are cost prohibitive to consider a
possible connection with Washington County Historical Society’s Hay Lake School Museum’s
well.
Hosted a Grand Opening event at the new playground at the Community Center.
Hosted an Earth Day Activity Event at Hay Lake Park
Hay Lake
Installed park sign
Lilleskogen Park
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A well-attended 3 4th annual community event, sponsored by Midco, continued to raise
awareness of the park and the Children’s Story Path. Food and beverages were provided. A
contest was held to choose the best stories on the path.
Finalized Installed Lilleskogen Park sign
Continued the Children’s Story Board program with contests throughout the year
Dala Horse Tomte Story Contest with Ice Sculpture collaboration with Scandia Elementary
School Scandia Sister City Council and Gammelgarden
Kindness Story Project in connection with the City’s 1,000 Acts of Kindness Project
A group of volunteers from the Forest Lake Football team helped pick up down trees and
brush. The wood was hauled near the walking path. Public Works staff chipped brush and
placed it on the trail.
Launched a Memorial Bench program with the first bench installed in honor of Vernon
Jellum. Concrete pads installed for all 6 benches, two more Memorial benches are in process
in honor of the Welch Family and, Jim Mendoza, and Reuben & June Schalander were installed.
Including the existing bench honoring Vernon Jellum, two more concrete pads remain for future
donations.
Installed a Little Library Water Tower Barn replica donated by Dale Hanka in association
with the Marine Community Library.
Liten Park
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Installed a park and mown walking path with a seasonal park bench.
Collaborated with the Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails for park development.
Summer Recreation Programming
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Hosted the 4 Arts in Action summer program; 12 students put together 1 original play and
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1 original dance.
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TACO DAZE
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Sponsored the 5 6 Annual World-Famous Pickleball Tournament. The event had 20 local
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participants from Scandia, Marine, and Forest Lake. 12 teams participate and 9 teams
turned away after the brackets all filled. Participation fee reduced to $20 per team.
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Wojtowicz Skating Park
Dasher Board advertisement agreements increased to include Energy Management Electric, Midco,
Security State Agency and Security State Bank of Marine
Expanded the bicycling season hours of the warming house to 7a.m. – 7 p.m. while continuing to be
open to the public during the winter months when staffed by Ice Rink Attendants.
Replaced the rink boards as part of the Capital Improvement Plan
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Winter Recreation Programming
Art in Action Camps
o June
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o August
The Parks and Recreation Committee offered three skating classes for the 2022 Winter
Recreation: season. Bus transportation resumed. Due to poor ice conditions, all classes met
twice and received prorated discounts.
Learn to Skate (Beginner) 8 6 registrations
Learn to Skate (Advanced) 10 6 registrations
Learn to Skate (Hockey Skills) 2 Registrations
Pleasure Skating 6 registrations
Tai Chi for Health I by Bill Jabas – 15 participants for a class May - July
Vinterfest
Vinterfest 2022 2023 Button Donations $241.35
Added Vinterbean Contest
2023 2024 Calendar:
January Vinterfest, Draft Annual Report and , Membership Review, Review 2024
Approved Capital Funding Plan
February Vinterfest Recap, Review and Approve Annual Report, Earth Day Activity
Ideas, Review Operating Calendar, Preliminary Summer Recreation Programs
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March Vinterfest Recap, Election of Chair and Vice Chair; Review By-Laws, Duties and
Functions; Updates to the Master Plans for all City Parks and Open Spaces,
Earth Day Activity & Summer Program Planning
April Review Park Capital Improvements Plan; Planning for Budget (Fund 404);
Preliminary 2025 Park Capital Improvement Plans Earth Day Activity &
Summer Program Planning
May 2025 Park Capital Planning; Earth Day Activity Recap Finalize Summer
Programming
June 2025 Park Capital Plan Recommendation Planning for Taco Daze-Pickleball;
Park Capital Plan Final
July Preliminary Review 2026 Capital Planning Capital Plan for 2025; Taco-Daze &
Pickleball Planning
August Taco Daze & Pickleball Final; Vinterfest Preliminary Planning
September Execute Taco Daze & Pickleball EventActivities; Finalize Capital Planning;
Vinterfest Planning, Winter Recreation Programs
October Taco Daze Recap; Winter Recreation Programs; Vinterfest Planning; Update
Master Parks Plan
November Vinterfest Planning & Initiate Button Contest
December Vinterfest Planning & Button Contest Judging
2023 2024 Goals and Projects:
Park and Recreation Planning
Continue to reach out to local businesses and develop additional funding and donation
opportunities
In collaboration with Scandia Elementary, explore a DNR “School Forest” at Lilleskogen
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Sponsor the 6 7 Annual Taco Daze Pickleball tournament
Sponsor the 2024 2024 Vinterfest event
At Lilleskogen Park
o Continue the Children’s Story Path displays throughout the year.
o Plan another community picnic and Internet story contest for August with Midco
o Support Marine Community Library’s efforts to install a Little Library stand
Review and present to Park Plan to City Council, establishing a long-term plan for Scandia’s
parks and trails. Make updates and amendments to the Parks and Trails section of the 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
Programming
Offer winter skating programs, similar to past years
Offer Tai Chi classes
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Offer summer Programs of Art in Action
Park Improvements
Complete installation and Grand Opening Community Event for the new playground equipment
at the Community Center Park
Develop walking trails on the east side of Tomteskogen Park (formerly Bone Lake Park) with
volunteers from The Bone Lake Association, re-wood chip west side of the park, invite residents
to make Tomtes to be hidden in the park, and explore options for north-end walk wetland
walkway to connect east and west paths. Meet with members of the Forest Lake Comfort Lake
Watershed District and the Bone Lake Association to discuss possible future plans and ideas for
on-going collaboration.
Continue planning and pursue funding for a pavilion at Lilleskogen Park and re-wood chip the
trails with volunteer efforts.
Investigate signage to Hay Lake Park
Complete the requirements for Liten park. These include signage, a picnic table or bench, and
minimum walking access.
Continue supporting the efforts of the Scandia Heritage Society for placement of the water
tower at the south ballfield and further development of the central community center area
Continue collaboration with the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails to the Liten Park invasive
species removal
Market the advertising options for Wayne Erickson and Wojtowicz parks
Support a booth at the 2023 2024 Farmers Market for community engagement with Parks and
Recreation Committee projects.