3-4-13 MinutesCity of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
March 4, 2013
Members Present: Greg Zauner (Chair), Matt Rasmussen (Vice -Chair), Mike White, Pam Arnold,
Alex Bildeaux, Dan Lee (City Council Representative)
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Kristina Handt (City Administrator), Tim Kieffer (Maintenance Superintendent) and
Judi Negus (Office Assistant)
Chair Zauner called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM
Ross Brunfelt stated that he would like the City to consider vacating the parcel between his property
and Greg Benson's property. Brunfelt explained that this parcel has been used for many years for
parking. The parcel allows up to three cars to be parked and helps reduce the parking on the street.
Brunfelt also stated that this parcel is used to access septic. Brunfelt shared concern regarding the
lack of parking in town. Brunfelt stated he intends to present a signed petition to the City Council
and hopes to retain parking rights.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Zauner recommended adding signage discussion under Old Business. Handt offered to bring a draft
recommendation to the April 1 meeting as Handt and Arnold are continuing to work on the
guidelines. Arnold recommended adding Parks and Recreation logo to the Committee's agenda.
Motion by White, seconded by Rasmussen, to place these items on the April 1 agenda. The
motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by White, seconded by Rasmussen, to approve the February 4, 2013, minutes. The
motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS
Chair's Report
Zauner reported the City Council accepted Zauner as Chair and Rasmussen as Vice -Chair of the PRC
as recommended by the Committee.
Staff Reports
Handt reported she included a budget expenditure handout in the meeting packets as requested by the
Committee at last month's meeting. Handt explained that if an expense exceeds a line item in excess
of $1,000, the City Council has to approve where the funds would come from.
Rasmussen reported on the 2013 Pleasure Skating program. Rasmussen informed that class
enrollment was lower than in past years and that three of the six classes did not have satisfactory
skating conditions. Rasmussen shared the biggest complaint from participants and parents was the
quality of the ice. Arnold suggested conducting a survey to determine why enrollment was down.
Arnold also suggested the availability of scholarship money for participants.
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Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
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OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business for discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
Lilleskogen Park Additions for 2013
Handt encouraged the Committee to clarify what the plans are for Lilleskogen for 2013. Handt also
suggested the Committee determine the order of priorities for Lilleskogen Park and the need to
present a clear plan to the City Council.
Arnold suggested a capital campaign to raise money to pay for some of the expenses. Arnold agreed
to meet with a consultant for capital campaign development.
Kieffer recommended lighting for a picnic shelter to deter vandalism. Arnold questioned if there is a
natural way to rid of canary grass and recommended a biological solution. Kieffer stated the need for
elevations and a site survey. Arnold wanted to ensure that the Committee takes into consideration
wheelchair accessibility in the planning process.
The Committee identified what needs to be done at Lilleskogen Park and then determined the
following sequence of priorities:
Maintenance Plan (ongoing)
Phase 1: site survey, plan fundraising (capital campaign), clear the grass, earthwork, dig out the lake,
clear trees
Phase 2: utilities (water/electricity), revegitation, biological remedies/aliopathic grasses
Phase 3: boardwalk, bike rack, benches, signs, picnic shelter, butterfly garden, toilets/composting,
drinking fountain
Phase 4: open-air classroom, lighting
Phase 5: parking lot
Motion by White, seconded by Bildeaux, to accept the sequence of events. The motion carried
5-0.
PRC takeover of Skating Rink from City Maintenance Staff
White suggested the Committee have a larger share in determining how the rink is run. Rasmussen
stated he felt the rink should have been flooded more often and shoveled. Handt stated the ice rink
condition was not affected until after the Zamboni broke down. Handt informed the Zamboni broke
down close to the end of the skating season and determined it would be more cost effective to have
our maintenance staff responsible for repairs. Handt shared that although the ice may not have been
of the same quality, the rink was safe to skate on and continued to be used.
Vinterfest 2013 Recap and Plans for 2014
Handt recommended the Committee exclude City employees, City Council members, Committee
members and their family members from participating in future contests as it is a conflict of interest.
Zauner recommended we clarify the snow sculpture contest to define the age of participants. Arnold
suggested we establish different age categories for the participants. Zauner recommended we start
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Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
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planning for Vinterfest in June or July. Arnold suggested offering cross country ski races and other
adult outdoor activities. Bildeaux recommended a road block for the sledding hill.
Summer Recreation Programs
Negus handed out the Summer 2013 Recreation Programs flyer and explained it will be distributed
the end of March in the City's spring newsletter. Negus also reported that most of the programs
through Camp Lakamaga will remain the same as last year and Camp Lakamaga will continue to
receive 80% of the registration fees.
Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride
Handt reported that we are on track to have approximately 2,000 riders come through Scandia on
April 28 and will be using the Community Center as a rest stop. The Farmers Market will be
promoting their vendors and handing out information. Arnold suggested handing out coupons for
deals at the Farmers Market. The Ironman Bike Ride will be on the March 19 City Council agenda
for approval of a special event permit.
Committee Priorities
Handt asked the Committee to identify its priorities for 2013 and define its short- and long-term
goals. Handt suggested if the public were to be involved in establishing priorities, they might have a
vested interest and offer support of the Committee's goals.
The Committee determined Lilleskogan and signage were priorities for 2013. Motion by White,
seconded by Rasmussen, to approve the priorities. Zauner made a motion to amend the
priorities to include Vinterfest, seconded by Bildeaux. The motion carried 4-0. White opposed.
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The Committee recommended the following limited items for the April 1, 2013, PRC meeting:
Ironman Bike Ride
Garbage at Log House
Lilleskogan Priorities
Signage
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by White, seconded by Rasmussen, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried
5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judi Negus
Office Assistant